- Habil Seronei Chelulei Cheison won the overall award at the Jamhuri Diaspora Awards for his impact on Kenyans
- Through the WIDU.africa organisation, Habil has seen over 40 projects funded with over KSh 21 million in direct investment that created over 250 sustainable jobs
- The Kenyan doctor and researcher’s company is in a consortium that won KSh 830m to convert mushrooms to healthy proteins
Germany: A Kenyan scientist identified as Habil Seronei Chelulei Cheison has won the overall award of the Jamhuri Diaspora Awards.
Source: Facebook
How is GIZ’s WIDU Africa helping small businesses?
Habil was awarded for his efforts in helping small businesses back at home and he did that through the GIZ programme called WIDU.africa. The latter provides up to €2500 to entrepreneurs in five African countries, including Kenya.
“I somehow happened on the programme by accident and finding it a game-changer, decided to take it upon myself to publicise it,” he said.
For WIDU.africa, a diasporan from any of the participating nine countries (Germany, Netherlands, Belgium, France, Switzerland, Austria, Denmark, Norway and Sweden) invites an entrepreneur back home.
“I noted that although the programme was aimed at “family and friends”, the reality is that most people in need are not in the named countries,” he said.
“So, I used my goodwill in the diaspora to lobby. Consequently, over 40 projects have been funded with over KSh 21 million in direct investment that created over 250 sustainable jobs,” he added.
How did WIDU.africa help widow using goat poop to hatch eggs?
Inspiring stories from WIDU include Joyline Chelangat Kirui of Kamorir in Bomet county who used goat manure to hatch chicks. A widow, she had no hope. But a friend who knows me (and whom I have never met) notified me of her story.
“We mobilised the diaspora community, got a “donor” to invite her to WIDU.africa and set her up. She received a brand new automatic incubator from WIDU, 25 starter stock of layers, 500 eggs to start off and full solar installation at her home,” said a proud Habil.
“She is set! I could talk of all the others that fill me with incredible joy. People I have never met but whose lives were changed by WIDU completely!,” he added.
As an emigrant, and a businessman serving the science community, Habil left the private sector two years ago and instead of looking for another job, he dared at self-employment.
Starting Sinonin Biotech (yes, the name is an import from Nandi County!), they have grown through leaps and bounds to currently gross over €200k annually.
“We serve a niche in the pet food arena demand for alternative proteins and flavour. Call it “Roiko for cats and dogs,” he said.
How much did Habil’s consortium win?
Apart form helping small businesses, the Kenyan doctor and researcher’s company is in a consortium that won KSh 830m to convert mushrooms to healthy proteins.
Habil intimated to TUKO.co.ke that the consortium includes 12 companies drawn from Germany, Spain, Livia, and Denmark.
Habil’s company based in Germany is tasked with extracting mycoprotein and nuHtrients from mycelia biomass and conducting a safety assessment.
The project ZEST is a major contributor to protein security, and Sinonin Biotech is charged with leading the product prototypes and proof of concept, an award of over 600k€.
“As a result, I opened one position for one intern, a graduate of Strathmore University, who is currently in his third month since emigrating to Germany. I expect the intern to grow into a substantive ‘Project Manager’,” he said.
“We are super excited about our contribution to the innovation space in the EU and hope that one day Kenya shall offer us the opportunity to help upskill our relevant businesses,” he added.
The awards are given to the members of the Kenyan Diaspora for their impact, and Habil told TUKO.co.ke that it was a great honour to receive the award.
Kenyan Woman Makes up to KSh 400k in 6 Weeks from Mushrooms
In another story, Wangari, the chief executive officer (CEO) of Farmer on Fire Global Consultancy, gained recognition as a trailblazer in making agriculture attractive.
She has been educating Kenyans on social media platforms on how they can grow different crops amid scarce jobs.
The chief executive officer (CEO) of Farmer on Fire Global Consultancy was the winner of the 2023 Global Citizen Prize.
Source: TUKO.co.ke
This post was originally published on here
