Empowering
Vocational Talent.
|
Starbornlab Kenya is a social enterprise creating employment, visibility, and digital opportunities for artisans and innovators from Vocational Training Centers.
Transforming Vocational Talent
We harness the power of digital tools, community-driven initiatives, and partnerships to empower skilled graduates from Vocational Training Centers across rural and peri-urban Kenya.
Our Mission
To unlock the potential of vocational skills graduates by connecting them with opportunities for employment, entrepreneurship, and digital transformation.
Our Vision
To develop an ecosystem where skills meet opportunity through technology, mentorship, and partnerships.
Core Values
Meet theFounder
Esalako Hillary
Founder
Esalako Hillary is a Mandela Washington Fellowship alumnus and visionary changemaker who has trained over 30,000 youth across East Africa through the Google Digital Skills Program.
A licensed insurance professional, digital strategist, and community leader, Hillary brings together experience from banking, digital innovation, and grassroots community development.
He is the founder of multiple impact-driven ventures and a champion for inclusive economic growth through vocational skills. Hillary believes that by creating systems that support artisans, Kenya can reduce unemployment and build an economy of skilled doers.
Meet the Team
Behind every initiative and every success story are dedicated individuals committed to our mission of transforming lives through innovation.
Esalako Hillary
Transformational leader with an unwavering passion for empowering East African youth through innovative vocational skills training and cutting-edge digital transformation initiatives.
Isaac Mayodi
Brilliant technical mastermind who architects and develops Starbornlab's robust technological infrastructure, ensuring seamless digital experiences and scalable solutions.
Vanessa
Dynamic operations powerhouse who orchestrates daily business activities while driving strategic digital marketing campaigns that amplify our brand presence across multiple platforms.
Kennedy
Dedicated mobility expert who ensures our bike-sharing fleet remains in pristine condition, meticulously maintaining and servicing every bicycle to guarantee safe and reliable transportation for our community.
Derrick
Artistic storyteller who captures compelling visual narratives, creating stunning photography and imagery that brings our brand to life across websites, marketing materials, and digital platforms.
Find Your Skilled Artisan
Connect with vetted and talented vocational graduates ready to bring their expertise to your projects.
Grace Mbugua
Plumber
Nairobi
Experienced plumber known for quick and reliable service. Specializes in leak detection and pipe installation.
Daniel Kimani
Welder
Nakuru
Certified welder with expertise in metal fabrication and structural repairs for various projects.
Jacob Murimi
Carpenter
Kisumu
Creative carpenter specializing in custom furniture design and intricate woodwork for homes and offices.
Peter Otieno
Electrician
Mombasa
Highly skilled electrician providing safe and efficient electrical installations, repairs, and maintenance.
John Kamau
Motor Vehicle Mechanic
Nairobi
Expert mechanic capable of diagnosing and fixing complex vehicle issues for various makes and models.
Our Initiatives
Handiey.com
Hire Skilled Artisans with Confidence
Handiey.com is a digital marketplace that connects skilled graduates from VTCs with real-time job opportunities in plumbing, welding, carpentry, construction, electrical works, motor vehicle mechanics and other trades. We're building trust between clients and professionals while ensuring that artisans grow their careers through verified work.
We also work with landlords and property managers to provide reliable maintenance and repair services for rental houses, offering a dependable workforce for tenant-related fixes.
Impact: Empowering artisans to grow their businesses while ensuring clients access quality, vetted professionals.
ValveCycle
Ride for Change
ValveCycle is a bicycle rental and mobility initiative that promotes eco-friendly transport, fitness, and adventure in rural Kenya. Originally launched in Mbale during the COVID-19 pandemic, we have reintroduced a broader and more adventurous ValveCycle, promoting cycling as a lifestyle solution for a healthier, greener, and more connected society. Through our bikes, we target to offer:
Impact: Healthy living, green transport, and community bonding through cycling.
Digital Marketing
Website Development & Brand Strategy
We provide cutting-edge digital marketing, brand strategy, and web development services for schools, small businesses, NGOs, and community organizations. We help our clients grow online so they can grow in the real world.
Our Services Include:
Impact: Helping local brands reach their audiences and thrive in the digital economy.
What Our Community Says
Real stories from artisans, businesses, and partners who have experienced the transformative power of our initiatives.
"Handiey.com has completely transformed my plumbing business! Before joining the platform, I struggled to find consistent work. Now I receive 3-4 job requests every week. The verification process gave my clients confidence, and I've been able to expand my services to three counties. Asante sana Starbornlab!"
"ValveCycle introduced me to a healthier lifestyle and opened up new opportunities! I now lead cycling tours around Eldoret, showing visitors our beautiful landscapes. The bikes are well-maintained, and the community we've built is amazing. It's more than transport - it's brought our community together for fitness and adventure."
"Starbornlab Kenya designed our school's website and managed our social media campaigns. The results were incredible! Our enrollment increased by 40% after parents could easily find information about our programs online. Their team understood our local context and created content that resonated with our community. Highly recommended!"
Ready to join our growing community of successful artisans and businesses?
Making aDifference
Digital skills across Kenya, Uganda, and Rwanda
Working through Handiey.com platform
Through ValveCycle initiatives
Websites and campaigns completed
Join OurMission
Partner with Us
Work with county governments, NGOs, TVET institutions, and financial institutions to create sustainable employment pathways.
Join Our Network
Are you a vocational graduate? Register with us to be listed on Handiey.com or participate in our programs.
Support Our Work
Support our mission through donations, sponsorship, or volunteering your professional services.
Common Questions
Find answers to the most frequently asked questions about our mission, initiatives, and how you can get involved.
Visit Starbornlab Kenya
Find us at our main office!
Coordinates: 0.080972, 34.722056