What FABLAB WINAM does

FabLab Winam is a non-profit community innovation hub and digital fabrication laboratory located in Kisumu, Kenya, operating as part of a global network of 2,000+ Fab Labs across 100+ countries. Founded in 2018 by Martin Oloo, the organization serves the Lake Basin Region of Western Kenya, an area with limited industrial alternatives, and targets underserved segments including children and youth, women and girls, Jua Kali artisans, students, and startups. Its core technology portfolio includes computer-controlled fabrication equipment (3D printing, CNC routing, laser cutting, PCB production, vinyl cutting, embroidery) and has developed IoT-enabled physical products such as a Smart Medical Waste Bin, a Smart Irrigation System, the Kinetic Seat (with Toyota Foundation), and Taka/Mzigo Bikes.

The business model is hybrid and grant-dependent, combining six revenue streams: monthly membership subscriptions (1,000-10,000 KES, ~$8-$78), training and education programs (FabKids, Fab Design Academy, KIEP-SKIES Tech Bootcamp, SHE-Builds, E-STEM), fee-for-service fabrication, e-commerce product sales through FabShop and Exclusapp, tool rental and co-working space, and donations/grants from Toyota Foundation, World Bank (KIEP-SKIES), GIZ, and individual donors. Go-to-market is community-led and event-driven, with outreach to 65+ schools, Masinde Muliro University, and Kisumu County Government, supplemented by workshops and bootcamps. Programs are largely sponsored or subsidized, with documented outcomes including 90% KIEP-SKIES placement rates and 70%+ girls overcoming STEM aversion.

The organization operates with ~20 staff and 50+ volunteers from a single headquarters at Ogango, Along Kibos Rd, Kisumu, and is governed by a board led by Chairman Andrew Lamb. Strategic priorities evidenced in the data include scaling IoT product development (medical waste, agriculture, mobility), deepening institutional partnerships (Toyota, World Bank, GIZ), and building the Exclusapp marketplace to expand Jua Kali artisans' commercial reach.

Name

FABLAB WINAM

Legal name

FabLab Winam

Website

https://fablabwinam.org

Company type

Private

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

11–50 employees

Short description

FabLab Winam is a non-profit community maker space in Kisumu, Kenya, offering digital fabrication services, STEM education, and IoT prototypes to youth, women, Jua Kali artisans, schools, and hospitals across the Lake Basin Region.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Digital Fabrication and STEM Education Services

NAICS

Computer and Electronic Product Manufacturing (334), Printing and Related Support Activities (323), Household and Institutional Furniture Manufacturing (33712), Graphic Design Services (541430)

SIC

Printed Circuit Boards (3672)

akta.pro primary industry

Makerspace, Innovation Lab & Fab Lab Operations (Tools, Safety, Programming) (EDAEAGAI)

akta.pro secondary industries

Makerspaces & Fab Labs (Open Build Studios) (EDAMADAC), 3D Printing, CAD & Digital Fabrication Programs (EDAMADAH), STEM, Digital Literacy & Maker Education Nonprofits (BPAGADAG), PCB, Prototyping Boards & Etching Supplies Retail (CRACAKAF)

Keywords

• Digital fabrication services
• STEM education programs
• Maker space access
• 3D printing services
• Prototyping services

Headquarters

HQ city

Kisumu

HQ country

Kenya

HQ region

Africa

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2B and B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Technology or R&D, Infrastructure, Marketing or Sales, Others

Revenue model

1. Membership Fees: Monthly membership plans ranging from basic (1,000 KES) to premium (10,000 KES) providing graduated access to fabrication tools and workspace. Members receive discounts on training and priority access to events.
2. Training and Education Programs: Revenue from FabKids (STEM for kids), Fab Design Academy (CAD/CAM training), Fab ICT (computer classes), tech bootcamps (cybersecurity, data analytics), and Fab Internships. Programs range from holiday workshops to 5-month Fab Academy diploma.
3. Fabrication Services: Fee-for-service prototyping and manufacturing including 3D printing, CNC fabrication, laser cutting, PCB production, branding, vinyl cutting, and customized furniture. Charges based on machining/printing time or project scope.
4. Product Sales: E-commerce sales of branded products, wooden products from SHE-Builds program, custom furniture, wall hangings, clocks, and 3D printed items through the online shop.
5. Tool Rental and Co-working Space: Rental of fabrication equipment (vinyl cutter, 3D printers, laser cutter) and workshop space rental for entrepreneurs and businesses.
6. Donations and Grants: Funding from partnerships with Toyota Foundation, World Bank (KIEP-SKIES), GIZ, and individual donations for specific programs (education, infrastructure, inclusivity, girls in STEM).

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion3 records

Distribution channels5 records

Marketing channels6 records

Core offering

FabLab Winam operates a community-driven maker space in Kisumu, Kenya, providing digital fabrication services (3D printing, CNC routing, laser cutting, PCB production, vinyl cutting, branding, and customized furniture) alongside a portfolio of STEM and skills education programs (FabKids, Fab Design Academy, KIEP-SKIES Tech Bootcamp, ESTEM, SHE-Builds, ABLE, Fab ICT). The organization generates revenue through monthly memberships, fee-for-service prototyping and fabrication, program tuition, e-commerce product sales, and grants from partners such as Toyota Foundation, World Bank, and GIZ.

Product overview

Fablab Winam is a community-driven maker space and digital fabrication laboratory in Kisumu, Kenya, operating as part of a global network of over 2000 labs. The organization offers a portfolio of fabrication services including 3D printing, CNC machining, laser cutting, PCB production, and vinyl cutting, complemented by a comprehensive suite of STEM education programs (FabKids, Fab Design Academy, KIEP-SKIES Tech Bootcamp, ESTEM, SHE-Builds, ABLE) and e-commerce platforms (Exclusapp marketplace, FabShop). Products developed include IoT-enabled solutions (Smart Bin, Smart Irrigation System), adaptive seating (Kinetic Seat with Toyota), and waste collection bikes (Taka/Mzigo Bikes). The maker space provides membership access to equipment and prototyping services for entrepreneurs, artisans, and innovators across Kenya's Lake Basin Region.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• SHE-builds: Female-focused skill empowerment program building capacity of females 16 years and above with hands-on manufacturing skills for financial independence
• FabKids
• Fab Design Academy
• KIEP-SKIES Tech Bootcamp
• Exclusapp
• E-STEM (ESTEM)
• ABLE
• FabGraphics
• Jua Kali Plus

Products and services

• 3D Printing Services On-site 3D printing service using commercial-grade 3D printers with PLA and ABS filaments for rapid prototyping, custom parts, and artistic creations. Engaged in ongoing research to utilize recycled plastic. Targets entrepreneurs, designers, artisans, and innovators needing rapid prototyping.
• CNC Fabrication CNC Router service for precision cutting and shaping of wood, plastic, and metal, inclusive of design and machining. Connected to a network of CNC metal fabricators with lathes and mills. Serves furniture makers, artisans, and manufacturers needing precision components.
• Laser Cutting Laser cutting and engraving service for wood, plastic, leather, and other materials with high accuracy and precision. On-site design team available for artwork generation. Serves designers, branding clients, and product developers.
• PCB Production PCB milling and etching service for single and double-sided prints on copper boards. Includes PCB design and assembly with tracks of various sizes, drilling, and board outline cutting with minimal distortion. Serves electronics developers, engineers, and inventors.
• Branding Services Creative and innovative branding solutions including flyers, roll-up banners, business cards, logos, letterheads, signage, light boxes, and direction boards using state-of-the-art machinery. Serves individuals, small businesses, and organizations needing branding and print materials.
• Customized Furniture Production (Fab Furniture) Digital production line for customized furniture creation using CAD and digital fabrication techniques. Interactive process between consumer and fabricator for design customization enhances creativity and efficiency. Serves residential and commercial customers seeking customized furniture.
• Vinyl Cutting Vinyl cutter service producing custom sticker cutouts used for branding and personal use applications. Serves branding clients, event organizers, and individuals needing custom decals and stickers.
• Computer Aided Design (CAD) Electrical and mechanical design services for machines and structures, including simulations, prototyping, and product development support. Enables organizations and individuals to engage in product development with increased efficiency. Serves engineers, inventors, and product developers.
• Product and Project Development Product development service covering industrial, health, and agriculture sectors through research, design, prototyping, and testing. Provides local-based solutions for local problems. Serves entrepreneurs, organizations, and innovators needing end-to-end product development support.
• FabKids STEM program for children during holidays and after school, introducing STEM at an early age through creative workshops, robotics, coding, Arduino, Scratch programming, web development, and problem-solving through making. Targets underserved children ages 5-18.
• Fab Design Academy Digital fabrication course covering 2D/3D CAD/CAM using SolidWorks, 3D printing, computer-controlled cutting and machining. Supports Jua Kali artisans in redesigning and improving product quality. Serves local makers, artisans, and students seeking practical fabrication skills.
• SHE-Builds Female-focused skill empowerment program building capacity of females 16 years and above with hands-on manufacturing skills for financial independence and participation in the Jua Kali industry. Targets women in rural and underserved areas.
• ESTEM (E-STEM) Environmental STEM program for girls providing interactive green kits with solar components and IoT devices. Reached over 30 schools with hands-on practical activities in renewable energy. Over 70% of girls who initially feared STEM now actively engaging.
• ABLE (Asset-Based Learning Environment) Global collaborative STEM learning community for middle and secondary school students, enabling collaboration with peers globally on STEM projects and content through digital materials. Part of the Fab Lab network's educational initiatives.
• Fab ICT Computer classes with curriculum curated from real-world practical needs, equipping learners with relevant ICT skills for career and professional development. Targets students and adults seeking digital literacy.
• KIEP-SKIES Tech Bootcamp World Bank-sponsored tech bootcamp focusing on Cybersecurity and Data Analytics, run jointly with KIEP and E4Impact. Target population of 75% women to 25% men, with 90% of attendees securing internships and jobs. Includes hands-on experience, mentorship, and practical projects. Targets adults from marginalized communities seeking tech careers.

Quantifiable outcome

• Over 70% of girls who initially feared STEM subjects now actively engaging in STEM after E-STEM program
• +4 more outcomes

Named customers6 records

Segments6 records

Ideal customer profiles4 records

Technology focussed Yes

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature5 records

Partnerships

13 partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• Toyota Foundation / ToyotacoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2024Collaboration on the Fablabable Toyota Kinetic Seat project exploring innovative seating design. Combined engineering, ergonomics, and maker-space prototyping to create an adaptive seat that dynamically responds to user movement.
• KIEP-SKIEScoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerJoint program with E4Impact delivering rapid tech skills to adults to increase employability and entrepreneurship in cybersecurity and data analytics.
• E4ImpactcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartner in KIEP-SKIES bootcamp program for tech skills training in cybersecurity and data analytics.
• ExclusappcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerE-commerce marketplace platform for Jua Kali artisans to market locally manufactured products. Platform connects artisans with clients to grow small businesses.
• FabGraphicsminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorBusiness support partner providing branding services including flyers, business cards, logos, signage, and promotional materials.
• MtalaminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartnership for delivery of Taka/Mzigo Bikes - innovative waste collection bicycles to communities.
• Fab Lat KidsminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerInternational partnership for Global Kids Day activities connecting FabLabs from Mexico, Japan, Brazil for cultural, educational, and technological activities.
• Field ReadyminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartner in Innovation Manufacturing in Africa (IMA) project strengthening hardware maker innovation ecosystems.
• Countrywide HubsminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartner organization in the FabLab Winam ecosystem supporting innovation and entrepreneurship.
• Kisumu County GovernmentminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerLocal government partnership supporting community innovation and maker space operations in Kisumu.
• Masinde Muliro UniversityminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorUniversity outreach program for Mechatronics and Renewable Energy training at the university campus.
• Lake Basin Innovation and Investment WeeksminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartnership for kids Hackathon events and innovation competitions.
• FabAcademycoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerGlobal Fab Academy program providing 5-month part-time digital fabrication diploma. Students learn project development, CAD/CAM, electronics, programming, 3D printing, CNC machining, and integration techniques.

Scale indicators9 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Broad incumbents

• African Leadership University (ALX): ALX is a pan-African higher-education and skills-training institution operating across multiple African countries, including tech-focused programs. It is comparable as a broader incumbent delivering employer-linked skills training across the continent, though at much larger scale and without the maker-space/fabrication focus.
• Andela: Andela is a large-scale African tech talent training and outsourcing company operating across multiple countries. It is comparable as a provider of structured, employer-linked technology training for African youth, a market segment FabLab Winam's KIEP-SKIES bootcamp also targets, but at meaningfully greater scale.
• Field Ready: Field Ready is a nonprofit that uses digital fabrication and maker approaches to produce humanitarian aid supplies and is an explicit FabLab Winam partner in the Innovation Manufacturing in Africa (IMA) project. It is comparable as a peer operating at the intersection of digital fabrication and international development.
• Fab Foundation: Fab Foundation operates the global Fab Lab network of 2,000+ labs that FabLab Winam belongs to. It is comparable as the umbrella organization setting standards, providing equipment access, and enabling the cross-lab knowledge sharing that underpins FabLab Winam's model.

Emerging players

• Moringa School: Moringa School is a Nairobi-based coding and digital skills bootcamp that trains African youth for software careers. It overlaps with FabLab Winam's Fab ICT, KIEP-SKIES bootcamp, and Fab Design Academy in delivering outcome-oriented tech skills training in Kenya, though without the hardware/fabrication component.

Direct peers

• Gearbox: Gearbox is a Kenya-based innovation and prototyping hub that provides makerspace access, training, and entrepreneurship support. It is a direct regional peer running a comparable mix of fabrication services, training programs, and SME incubation in the Kenyan market.
• iHub: iHub is a Nairobi-based technology innovation hub and co-working space supporting startups, developers, and researchers in Kenya. It is comparable as a Kenya-rooted community innovation hub offering workspace, training, and entrepreneurship support, though focused on software/digital rather than physical fabrication.
• FabLab Nairobi: FabLab Nairobi is a sister Fab Lab in Kenya that shares the same digital fabrication equipment base, Fab Academy curriculum, and global network affiliation. It is a direct peer offering substantially the same services—3D printing, CNC, laser cutting, electronics, and training—to a Kenyan audience.

Regional players

• Buni Innovation Hub: Buni Innovation Hub is a Tanzanian community innovation and co-working space supporting entrepreneurs, technologists, and creatives in East Africa. It is comparable as a regional East African innovation hub with similar programs, but primarily serves Tanzania rather than Kenya.
• FabLab Kampala: FabLab Kampala is a Ugandan Fab Lab in the same global network, providing digital fabrication tools, training, and entrepreneurship support in East Africa. It is comparable as a network peer offering the same equipment and curriculum, but operating in a different national market.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat4 records

Key risks7 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Instagraminstagram.com/fablabwinam_kenya
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/fablab-winam

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles7 records

Subsidiaries3 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about FABLAB WINAM