The Kenya Community Development Foundation (KCDF) has awarded Sh31.5 million to seven youth-led enterprises and community organisations developing innovative solutions to some of Kenya’s most pressing environmental challenges.
The funding marks the conclusion of the third edition of the Young Environmentalist Innovation Challenge (YEIC), a flagship initiative launched by KCDF in 2023 to identify, nurture and scale innovative environmental solutions led by young Kenyans.
The seven winning innovations were selected from more than 700 applications submitted from across the country.
KCDF said the finalists underwent a rigorous evaluation process that considered innovation, potential impact, sustainability and scalability.
Over the past three years, the programme has supported 24 projects focused on environmental conservation, climate resilience, sustainable resource management and circular economy solutions.
KCDF Executive Director Grace Maingi said the programme demonstrates the potential of young people to develop practical responses to environmental problems while creating employment and economic opportunities.
“The solutions we need, for waste, for clean energy, for the trees we have lost, for the soils our farmers depend on, will only come from people willing to sit at the same table, share resources, share risk, and share credit,” Maingi said.
She said the organisation was celebrating young innovators whose ideas had developed into enterprises addressing waste, energy, agriculture and conservation challenges across the country.
The seven winners are drawn from different counties and are developing solutions targeting a range of environmental and social challenges.
Twende Green Ecocycle from Mombasa County is transforming marine plastic waste into durable and affordable school furniture, while Fibertext Green Paper Ltd from Bungoma County is converting discarded banana stems and fibres into biodegradable paper packaging.
Queening Afrika from Nairobi is turning discarded synthetic hair into handbags, home décor products and other environmentally friendly items.
In Murang’a County, Bio Regen is producing organic ACT probiotic fertiliser aimed at promoting sustainable agriculture.
Ecobora from Kajiado County is developing solar cooking technologies designed to reduce dependence on conventional fuels.
Ecobuild from Siaya County is converting hazardous mining waste into eco-bricks for affordable housing, while Majik Water Technologies from Murang’a is harnessing atmospheric moisture to produce clean and safe drinking water.
Collectively, the projects address critical challenges including waste management, water scarcity, sustainable farming, clean energy, affordable housing and the transition to a circular economy.
The event also marked the launch of the next phase of the programme under a new identity, the Young Innovators Challenge (YIC).
KCDF and the I&M Foundation said the rebranding reflects an expanded vision that will support youth-led innovations beyond environmental conservation to cover wider social, economic and development challenges.
The initiative will provide emerging innovators with
funding, mentorship, professional networks and opportunities to scale their ideas
into sustainable ventures.
I&M Bank Interim CEO Kihara Maina said financial institutions have a responsibility to help create conditions in which communities and businesses can thrive.
“At I&M Bank and through the Foundation, we believe a financial institution’s responsibility extends beyond financing transactions,” Maina said.
KCDF Board Vice Chair Gordon Odundo said the partnership between the community foundation and I&M Foundation would expand opportunities for young innovators.
