GEN began operating in Kenya in 2008 when it partnered with Junior Achievement - Kenya to inaugurate the annual national Global Entrepreneurship Week campaign. The campaign was an immediate success by celebrating the successes and impact of Kenya's entrepreneurs, breaking down cultural barriers, and expanding the number of people who at some point in their life might consider trying their hand at becoming an entrepreneur.
In 2015, GEN co-organized the Global Entrepreneurship Summit in Nairobi, Kenya in partnership with the U.S. government. The event featured U.S. President Barack Obama and Kenya President Uhuru Kenyatta. At the GES, GEN announced that had unleashed $100 million to support entrepreneurs around the world through a public private consortium known as the Spark Initiative.
GEN has also helped leaders of Kenya's government, corporations and educational institutions to identify and crowdsource best-in-class policies and programs that help entrepreneurs thrive. GEN's helps to smooth the path to market for founder teams and provide entrepreneurs at all stages with the support necessary to reach the next level.
Through participation in virtual platforms and live events, including the Global Entrepreneurship Congress (GEC) and GEC+ series, the annual Startup Nations Summit, and annual meetings of its global communities, GEN connects Kenya's entrepreneurs and ecosystem leaders across the globe. GEN's platform makes it easier for anyone, anywhere to start and scale a business.