In the heart of Eldoret, famously known as the “Home of Champions,” a different kind of race is taking shape: the race for digital innovation and entrepreneurship. Kikao64 has emerged as one of the city’s most inspiring creative and business hubs, offering more than just office space for startups, freelancers, athletes, and entrepreneurs.
Located inside a carefully restored heritage building in Eldoret CBD, Kikao64 blends historic charm with modern functionality, including some of the fastest and most reliable internet services in Kenya. The non-profit innovation hub also stands out for its strong commitment to sustainability, operating entirely on solar energy while incorporating eco-friendly interior designs made from reclaimed timber, recycled materials, and repurposed fabrics.
From flexible hot desks and private offices to creative event spaces and networking opportunities, Kikao64, a name inspired by the Swahili phrase meaning “a place of coming together”, provides a vibrant environment where people can work, collaborate, and turn ideas into reality.
A little bit of background information here.
For many people, Eldoret is a slow town. Many years ago, someone I used to know referred to it as “a village with big shops.” Those words hurt me deep in my soul (Eldoret is my home). Popularly known as the city of champions, Eldoret is a laid-back agricultural town approximately 322 km from Nairobi, Kenya.
Initially established as a settler farm, “Farm 64” or “Sisibo” to locals, Eldoret town has steadily grown into a commercial hub in the North Rift region, connecting the west and the north to agribusiness, universities, and a thriving arts and athletics culture district. It’s no surprise that organizations like Kikao64 are taking a worthwhile leap to pioneer innovative workspaces in the region.
Let me be honest: my visit to Kikao64 was partly emotional. See, I have been part of the gig industry for close to 8 years, and coincidentally, it all began in Eldoret Town. So, what was my first impression? Well, I’d hate to be casual about this, but it was mind-blowing! There’s definitely something here for the growing digital nomad/work-from-home community in Eldoret and its environs. What’s more interesting is that they source all their material from local enterprises like Unity Makers.
Kikao64 owners went full throttle with this one. For starters, it’s impossible to ignore its distinctive architecture, serene working environment, simplistic, eco-sophisticated designed spaces, and the innovative ideas behind its co-working arrangements. With woody tones and tribal art, a Google-like feel hypothetically puts one foot in San Francisco and the other deep in the African Savana underneath an Acacia tree. It’s nothing you will find anywhere in the country – more like iconic new-age ideas stirred in a pot of brilliance.
So, what’s Kikao64 all about?
I had a lengthy chat with their community manager, who filled me in on the details. In a nutshell, Kikao64 is a hybrid co-working space. It was developed to provide startups, young professionals, entrepreneurs, and students with conducive workspaces and opportunities to meet like-minded individuals. It also offers access to investors, industry experts, legal, tax, and accounting services, as well as grant opportunities with companies such as Advance Consulting, all of which are provided free to members.
The founders chose Eldoret town in response to its growing community of digital nomads, university students, freelancers, and digital creatives who lacked a space to explore their skills. One of its founders, who has a background in education and regional history, felt Kikao64 had an opportunity to nurture innovative ideas, readership, research, advanced tech, and informational communities to spur growth and cultivate a new crop of talent from the Northrift region.
What resources do they offer?
Apart from offering free Wi-Fi, serene working spaces, and opportunities to meet, greet, and mingle with innovative minds, Kikao64 has a bookshop, library, café, multi-faceted working and meeting spaces, and facilities for small groups, individuals, and corporations. The spaces are segmented based on user experience, a section for everyone. It’s more than a conventional innovation hub or a playful workplace library.
Hot Desks: Kikao64 offers hot desks for on-demand access to their shared spaces, with Wi-Fi, charging docks, desk lamps, and standing desks.
Dedicated Desks: With the dedicated desk subscription, members can access the common areas, Wi-Fi, printing, and parking. This subscription also offers four hours of access to meeting rooms and facilities.
Meeting Rooms: Ideal for four individuals and accommodating up to 8, this space is well-suited for small meetings and is equipped with HDMI cables, Flip charts, printing services, and whiteboards.
Private/Lettable offices are ideal for individuals seeking a dedicated space to focus and work with small teams. These sections are furnished (complete with shelves, three desks, and a whiteboard), soundproofed, and draped for privacy.
Outdoor lounge: Perhaps my favorite spot, this is great for innovative conversations, mini-events, and talks. It’s furnished with eco-friendly recycled wood, an organic garden, and calm, mellow, outdoorsy vibes, perfect for yoga, meditation, casual meetups, and brainstorming innovative ideas.
Kikao64 Perks for Northrift Innovators
Kikao64 has set up monthly Fireside chats (TED-style talks) for entrepreneurs, students, and creatives to share, brainstorm, and generate ideas. These monthly sessions will feature guest speakers from leading key industries who will engage members in worthwhile, transformative, and educational discussions.
Members can access free literature from an in-house library across various genres, including African literature, DIY, fiction, and non-fiction. They also get access to printing services, a modern café, and soundproofed talk booths for long phone calls (a wholesome experience).
Kikao64 offers fast, reliable, uninterrupted Wi-Fi and power for members working long hours on dedicated projects.
Pros
- In minimalist architectural design, considerable effort was devoted to creating an atmosphere that champions innovation, focus, and creativity.
- Fast, reliable internet speeds are ideal for research, presentations, conferencing, and events.
- Motivated, helpful, and informed staff.
- Free legal, accounting, tax, and grant opportunities for members.
- 100 clean, pandemic-friendly workspaces, segmented for different working styles.
- Eco-friendly, quiet, serene spaces with indoor and outdoor spaces ideal for focus.
- State-of-the-art workstations and, more importantly, standing desk provisions.
- A wide variety of literature from the library
- Access point for investors, young professionals, and entrepreneurs.
- Promotes local enterprises.
Cons
- It might be a little pricey for young professionals, local entrepreneurs, startups with tight budgets, students, and novice freelancers.
My Take
There’s no doubt that Kikao64 offers a unique, innovative working atmosphere in a region that’s been technologically marginalized. It’s an innovation hub I’ll keep frequenting, with more perks, especially for a gig-culture professional like myself. Eldoret is ripe with creatives and digital innovators who can benefit from access to grants and free legal, accounting, and tax services that Kikao64 offers to members through its partnerships.
About the Author
Charles Sifwabi is a Kenyan freelance writer, journalist, and digital content creator known for his engaging storytelling and deep understanding of Kenyan lifestyle, travel, and automotive culture. As a contributor to ReachTheDodo, he has built a reputation for producing informative, reader-friendly articles that blend practical insights with compelling narratives.
His work spans a wide range of topics, including automotive reviews, tech, and travel guides highlighting destinations across Kenya, such as Kilifi and Eldoret. Charles also covers entertainment, fashion, and celebrity news, showcasing his versatility as a lifestyle writer with a strong connection to contemporary Kenyan culture.