Our Story
A Vision Born from Passion
E-CATS was founded by Romano Iluku, driven by a deep passion for education and transformation. Romano believes that we are all called for a purpose in our existence, and his desire to learn, love, and serve humanity led him to create an organization that would empower communities to transform their own societies.
The organization aims to reduce poverty, hunger, and inequality among vulnerable populations in Kenya's urban poor/informal settlements and rural homes. This is achieved through fostering basic entrepreneurial skills and offering micro loans/grants to boost existing small businesses or help start new ones.
"Communities where every person lives with dignity, peace, and economic opportunity — empowered to shape their own future and sustain their environment."
The Pilot Project: Proof of Concept
In our pilot project, young mothers were carefully selected and trained on basic business skills. After completing the training, they were given grants for their small businesses. The results exceeded expectations.
The pilot project has benefited over 100 families from two major informal settlements in Nairobi. The families thrived in their businesses, and by growing and improving their trades, they are now able to:
Scaling Up: Our Vision for Greater Impact
The intention for scaling up is to see more vulnerable and poor populations benefit from the Startup Business Fund (SBF), increasing reach and impact in the community.
Families will be supported with entrepreneurial or basic business skills training with one year of mentoring and monitoring before continuing independently.
Beneficiaries receive grants of up to USD 300 to either start or boost small businesses such as groceries, fruit and vegetable vending, and crafts.
Pay It Forward Model
Families graduating from the program pay forward to help the next family with startup contribution, making the project more sustainable.
Our Philosophy
"Give a man a fish and you feed him for a day; teach a man to fish and you feed him for a lifetime"
Why E-CATS is Uniquely Positioned
Grassroots Connection
We operate on the ground with direct links to recipients in Kenya's informal settlements and rural areas
Passionate Team
Diverse young professionals bringing experience in accounting, finance, community development, and entrepreneurship
Transparency & Accountability
Committed to transparency with recipients, development partners, and donors
