MKU Enterprise Academy Identifies, Nurtures and Grows Young Entrepreneurs in East Africa as a critical step to break the poverty cycle among communities. The MKU Enterprise Academy was established by Mount Kenya University and is operated by Equip Africa Institute, the executive arm of Mount Kenya University. In 2014 the university committed Ksh 40 Million over 5 years to catalyse and support enterprise development and complement East Africa governments’ effort of fostering entrepreneurship and job creation among youth. Last year, 9 MKU Alumni underwent the academy’s residential business apprenticeship program for a period of 12 weeks (3months) and were awarded ksh 800,000 each to start and grow their businesses. The 9 are now enterprising Kenyans contributing to economic development and creating jobs. This year, the academy intends to recruit 15 participants who will undergo a rigorous 12 week residential business apprenticeship programme from May – July 2015. The participants will receive practical business training; social skills development and mentorship support from a team of industry professionals. At the end of the 12 weeks (3 months), participants are expected to develop viable business plans and models for the East African Market. The Apprentice graduation in July, will see 10 most promising business ideas awarded between ksh 300,000- 800,000 based on the viability of their business plans and be mentored over a period of one year.