"Skill Up transformed my life completely. I was struggling with unemployment when I joined the program. Dr. Regina taught me how to turn my passion for cooking into a real business. Today, I run a successful catering company serving corporate clients across Nairobi, and I've created jobs for 5 other women in my community."
Empowering Africa's Next
Generation of Entrepreneurs
Join the Skill Up Mentorship Program — a free, hands-on initiative by Dr. Regina Kingori and RWK Africa transforming cottage industry skills into thriving businesses across Kenya since 2021.
5,000+
Individuals Trained
1,000+
Businesses Launched
60%
Women & Youth
2021
Founded
Businesses Started
1,000+ Entrepreneurs
Program Cost
FREE
2021
Founded
1,000+
Active Small Businesses
About the Program
Bridging the Gap Between Unemployment & Self-Employment
The Skill Up Mentorship Program is a transformative free CSR initiative by RWK Africa, founded by Dr. Regina Wanja Kingori. The program gives ordinary Kenyans extraordinary skills — providing hands-on, practical training in cottage industry production so anyone can start and grow a real business.
Since its launch in 2021, the program has trained over 5,000 individuals across Kenya — from Nairobi to Muranga, Thika to Turkana — and helped ignite more than 1,000 active small-scale enterprises. Over 60% of all beneficiaries are women and youth.
The program is co-sponsored by RWK Africa and West Mill Concrete as part of their shared social responsibility commitment.
Skills We Train
🧼 Soap & Detergents
🎂 Baking & Confectionery
🥛 Yoghurt & Maziwa Mala
💆 Body & Hair Care
🥜 Peanut Butter & Sauces
🌿 Charcoal Briquettes
🐄 Animal Feeds
👟 Shoe Polish
🔥 Eco-Jikos
"Sometimes life does not steal your dream. It simply dims it. My work is to help you reignite it."
— Dr. Regina Kingori, CPA(K)Meet the Founder
Dr. Regina Wanja Kingori — The Founder of Skill Up
In 2017, Regina Kingori left her job, took a leap of faith, and started RWK & Associates CPA-K from a shared office in Thika — with just one client, one task, and one spark of belief. That humble beginning grew into one of Kenya's most recognized accounting and advisory firms, employing 20+ professionals and training over 30,000 individuals across Kenya.
The idea for Skill Up was born from her own experience rebuilding after a setback — she wanted a way to give ordinary Kenyans, especially women and youth, the same chance she had fought for. In 2021, she launched the Skill Up Mentorship Program as RWK Africa's flagship CSR initiative.
Her work earned her an Honorary Doctorate from Masterminds Business School, Dubai — awarded specifically for her community empowerment work through Skill Up. She is also an author, speaker, and founder of MyAccurate Books, accounting software built for Kenyan SMEs.
CPA(K) — ICPAK
MBA — JKUAT
Exec MBA — Dubai
Honorary Doctorate
DBA Candidate — USIU
INAA Member
KEPSA
OWIT
KNCCI
Dr. Kingori's Ventures
Our Purpose
Vision, Mission & Values
Everything we do is guided by a singular belief: that every Kenyan deserves the skills and support to build something of their own.
Our Vision
To create a self-reliant community of entrepreneurs across Africa — transforming simple cottage industry skills into sustainable businesses that drive economic growth and community transformation.
Our Mission
To nurture successful entrepreneurs by equipping individuals with the knowledge, resources, and practical skills necessary to start, grow, and sustain thriving businesses in Kenya and beyond.
Our Impact
Numbers That Tell a
Real Story
5,000+
Individuals Trained Across Kenya
1,000+
Small Businesses Launched
60%
Women & Youth Beneficiaries
200+
BIP Program Graduates
Real Stories
What Our Alumni Say
"Before Skill Up, I was just surviving day to day selling vegetables on the street. The program gave me the knowledge and confidence to formalize my business. I now have a proper shop, keep financial records, and employ two young people. Dr. Regina didn't just teach me business skills — she taught me to dream bigger."
"The Skill Up Program opened my eyes to possibilities I never imagined. I learned soap-making and business management, and now I supply products to retailers across three counties. What started as a small home-based operation has grown into a brand that employs 8 people. Dr. Regina's mentorship changed everything."
"I came to Skill Up with just an idea and no business knowledge. Dr. Regina's training gave me the tools to start my own fashion business. Two years later, I have a boutique in Westlands, work with international designers, and mentor other young entrepreneurs. The program didn't just teach me business — it built my confidence."
"As a single mother, I thought entrepreneurship was impossible. Skill Up proved me wrong. I learned bakery skills and business management, and now my cakes are sold in hotels across the city. I've built a sustainable income and can provide for my children. Dr. Regina showed me that with the right training, anything is possible."
"Skill Up didn't just give me skills — it gave me a network. I started with making jewelry from recycled materials, and now I export to European markets. The business mentorship and connections I gained through the program opened doors I never knew existed. Today, I employ 12 artisans and support their families."
Next Level
Business Incubation
Program (BIP)
Fueling Growth Beyond the Basics. Our BIP is a structured, high-impact follow-up for Skill Up graduates ready to scale their ventures into resilient, sustainable businesses.
📊
Business Planning
Craft detailed, practical business models and strategic growth plans tailored for real-world success in the Kenyan market.
💰
Financial Management
Learn budgeting, record-keeping, and financial planning essentials to keep your business financially healthy and investor-ready.
🧠
Product Development
Enhance product quality and packaging, and get expert support for KEBS certification to access larger markets.
📣
Marketing & Branding
Build a strong brand identity and market your products effectively — online and offline — to reach more customers.
🤝
Access to Funding
Get connected to microfinance institutions, investors, and grant opportunities designed for growing SMEs in Kenya.
⚖️
Compliance & Mentorship
Receive expert mentorship and guidance on legal, tax, and regulatory compliance so your business operates on solid ground.
In the Field
Moments That Matter
A glimpse into the real, vibrant work of our trainers, mentors, and entrepreneurs making an impact across Kenya.
What's On
Upcoming Events
Join our upcoming training events and workshops designed to educate, inspire, and connect entrepreneurs across Kenya.
May 13, 2026 · 10:00 AM
BIP Training
SkillUp BIP Class
Learn how to effectively market your business online from industry experts. Perfect for entrepreneurs looking to expand their digital presence and sales channels.
Register Now
May 24, 2026 · 10:00 AM
Main Training
SkillUp Main Event
Learn rich cottage industry skills from our certified and experienced trainers. Take your skills to the next level and learn how to build a real income from them.
Register Now
Coming Soon
County Outreach
SkillUp to the Counties
We're taking Skill Up beyond Nairobi. Attend our county-level outreach training and learn how to get started in the cottage industry wherever you are in Kenya.
Register Interest
March 2026
BIP Accelerator
Sales Accelerator Program
The Skill-Up Business Incubation Sales Accelerator Program — a targeted workshop to supercharge the sales and revenue growth of BIP graduates.
Learn More
March 21, 2026
Agribusiness
Skill Up Agribusiness Training
A specialised training in agribusiness skills — from animal feeds to value-added agricultural products. Build a sustainable income from Kenya's most reliable sector.
Register Now
Ongoing Intake
Open Application
Join the Next Cohort
Applications are always open for passionate entrepreneurs. Fill in our free online application and we'll reach out when the next cohort begins near you.
Apply FreeHow to Join
Your Journey Starts Here
No prior business experience needed. No cost. No barriers. We find the most passionate people ready to build something real — and we equip them to do exactly that.
1
Submit Your Application
Complete our simple online application form with your details and what you'd like to build.
2
Selection
Successful candidates receive an acceptance email with full program details and dates.
3
Onboarding & Orientation
Attend orientation and get introduced to your trainers, cohort, and the journey ahead.
4
Train, Build & Grow
Participate in hands-on training sessions, mentorship, and eventually — launch your business.
Program Details
Duration6 Months (Part-time)
Weekly Commitment4–6 Hours / Week
FormatBlended (Online & In-Person)
LocationsNairobi, Thika & Counties
Who Can ApplyAny Kenyan 18+
Program Cost100% FREE 🎉
Apply Now — It's Completely Free
Program Manager: Madeline Atamba · Contact: skillupmentorship@gmail.com
Partners, Co-Sponsors & Affiliations
Get In Touch
We'd Love to Hear From You
Have questions about the program? Want to partner with us? Looking to bring Skill Up to your county? Our team is here to help.
Address
83, Westlands Road, Nairobi, Kenya
Phone / WhatsApp
Program Manager
Madeline Atamba