Digital Skills Training

Bridging the Digital Divide for Kenya’s Circular Economy

We don’t just give artisans a marketplace; we give them the tools to master it.

At Kupya, we believe that technology is only as powerful as the people who use it. While our platform opens the door to global markets, our Digital Empowerment Program ensures that every artisan can walk through it with confidence.

In strategic collaboration with the Enkare Oltau Foundation, we act as the bridge between informal craftsmanship and the digital economy. While Kupya provides the robust online infrastructure, the Foundation drives our on-the-ground mobilization, ensuring that even the most marginalized creators in Kenya’s informal settlements have access to opportunity.

Our program combines high-tech access with high-touch mentorship:

• Mobilization: Identifying talented upcyclers within the community.
• Education: Hands-on workshops that demystify digital tools.
• Integration: Seamless onboarding to the Kupya marketplace.

The Kupya Artisan Digital Training Program

Empowering Creators. Digitizing Craft. Scaling Impact.

Duration: 12 Weeks (Per Cohort) Format: Hybrid (In-person Workshops + Virtual Mentorship)

Our 12-week accelerator is designed to take artisans from informal production to digital professionalism. We move beyond basic skills, diving deep into branding, finance, and the digital tools necessary to thrive in the modern creator economy.

Phase 1: Identity & The Digital Foundation (Weeks 1-4)

Focus: Establishing a professional digital presence and defining the brand voice.

• Week 1: Digital Citizenship & Online Safety
  • Introduction to the digital economy: How e-commerce works.
  • Cybersecurity Basics: Protecting accounts, recognizing scams, and safe password management.
  • Setting up professional emails and digital profiles.
• Week 2: Branding & Identity
  • Moving beyond a “seller” to a “brand.”
  • Defining visual identity (logos, color palettes) using simple mobile tools.
  • Crafting a unique value proposition: “Why buy your upcycled product?”
• Week 3: The Art of Storytelling
  • Eco-Narratives: How to articulate the journey from “Waste to Wealth.”
  • Writing compelling product descriptions (Copywriting basics).
  • Structuring stories that connect emotionally with global buyers.
• Week 4: Mobile Product Photography
  • Lighting, angles, and composition using a smartphone.
  • Editing photos for a professional “e-commerce look.”
  • Video basics: Filming “Behind the Scenes” clips.

Phase 2: Content, Visibility & Growth (Weeks 5-8)

Focus: Mastering content creation and driving traffic.

• Week 5: Content Creation Tools
  • Graphic Design for Non-Designers: Mastering Canva for social posts.
  • Video Editing: Using CapCut to create engaging Reels and TikToks.
  • Content Calendars: Planning posts for consistency.
• Week 6: Social Media Algorithms & Strategy
  • Understanding Instagram, TikTok, and Facebook for business.
  • Hashtag strategies and SEO (Search Engine Optimization) to get found.
  • Redirecting traffic: How to convert social likes into Kupya store visits.
• Week 7: Data Analytics & Insights
  • “Listening” to the numbers: Understanding Views, Clicks, and Conversion Rates.
  • Using data to decide which products to make more of.
  • A/B testing: Trying different images to see what sells.
• Week 8: Customer Experience (CX) in the Digital Age
  • Managing DMs and inquiries professionally.
  • Handling reviews and feedback to build trust.
  • Digital tools for customer relationship management (CRM).

Phase 3: Business Acumen & Operations (Weeks 9-12)

Focus: Financial health, logistics, and scaling.

• Week 9: Digital Finance & Mobile Money
  • Separating personal and business finances.
  • Digital Bookkeeping: Using apps (like Kyte or simple Excel) to track sales and expenses.
  • Secure payment processing and managing cash flow via mobile money.
• Week 10: Pricing & Unit Economics
  • Costing for Profit: Calculating labor, materials, waste, and platform fees.
  • Understanding margins: Wholesale vs. Retail pricing.
  • Inventory management: Preventing stock-outs and dead stock.
• Week 11: Logistics & Packaging
  • Eco-friendly packaging standards for export.
  • Understanding delivery logistics and “last-mile” fulfillment apps.
  • Quality control for international markets.
• Week 12: Capstone Project & Pitch
  • The Launch: Artisans must execute a full digital campaign for a new product line.
  • Graduation Showcase: A pitch session to potential bulk buyers or partners.
  • Certification from Kupya & Enkare Oltau Foundation.

The Kupya Upcycle Festival

Quarterly • In-Person • 100% Sustainable

Where Digital Skills Meet Physical Community.

The Kupya Upcycle Festival is our signature quarterly event—a vibrant, open-air marketplace that brings the Kupya digital platform to life. Held four times a year, this festival serves as the grand finale for our training cohorts, bridging the gap between our artisans and the eco-conscious community of Nairobi.