The Sanara Journey

How it works

Four pillars. One program.

No Gatekeepers, No Fixed Starting Point

The creative path is not fixed, and Sanara is not built like a curriculum. You might come in for financing, then stay for the training. Or join a workshop first, then apply for a loan when your business is ready. The four pillars below are available in whatever order makes sense for where you are right now.

Skilling for Work

Practical training, not theory

Baraza Media Lab coordinates Sanara’s skilling activities, working with specialist partners across various arts. The focus is on market-relevant skills: music, photography, film, fashion, animation, comedy, content creation, and more.

The hubs provide physical spaces where you can access equipment, attend workshops, and connect with other creatives in your field.

See Opportunities

Access to Finance

Capital that works for creative businesses

HEVA Fund’s Ota product line is built differently, with repayment structures that account for the realities of creative production, irregular income, project cycles, seasonal revenue.

Three loan products are available to eligible creatives:

  • Ota Kopa (Up to KSh 999,999)
    For immediate operational needs equipment, inventory, or cash flow.
  • Ota Kopa+ (KSh 1M – KSh 4.9M)
    For businesses ready to grow their production or reach new markets.
  • Ota Growth (Up to KSh 20M)
    For established creative enterprises scaling nationally or internationally.

All Ota loans are HEVA Fund products, available at 9% interest to qualifying applicants.

Learn More

Business Development

The systems that make creative work sustainable

SNDBX-Ubuntu leads this pillar, providing practical support for the business side of creative work. That includes one-on-one mentorship from industry practitioners, financial management coaching, and help navigating the steps from informal operation to a registered, bankable business.

The goal is not to change how you work. It is to give you the systems to run what you have already built more effectively.

Creative Ecosystems & Cultural Infrastructure

Strengthening the foundations of Kenya's creative economy.

Led by GoDown Arts Centre, this pillar strengthens the cultural infrastructure, institutions and partnerships that support creative work across Kenya. By working with county governments and ecosystem partners, Sanara is helping build stronger local creative economies where creatives have access to supportive environments, opportunities and networks.

Alongside this, the program advocates for fairer industry standards and safer working environments.