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The Kenya Community Development Foundation (KCDF) awarded a cumulative KES 23,950,000 to five community youth organizations on Tuesday to support their innovative ideas towards environmental sustainability and conservation. This funding is part of KCDF’s Young Environmentalist Innovative Challenge (YEIC), which aims to develop action-oriented young individuals and youth-led organizations committed to conserving the environment.
The finalists of the inaugural challenge, launched in 2023, were honored at this event, which also saw the launch of the second edition. The winners included Inua DamSite from Nyandarua County, EcoRich Solutions and Placom Manufacturers from Nairobi County, and Farmer Lifeline Technologies and Fruity Schools Africa from Kiambu County.
This year’s edition seeks to award three young individual environmental champions with grants of up to KES 1.5 million and six organizations with grants of up to KES 5 million each for implementing their unique environment conservation-based ideas.
YEIC, an environmental innovation fund established by KCDF with support from Mackenzie Scott, bolsters innovative ideas and solutions that promote environmental conservation, sustainable resource management, and community resilience. KCDF has partnered with the National Environment Trust Fund (NetFund), Green Generation Initiative (GGI), and the Kenya Private Sector Alliance (KEPSA) to identify top unique ideas through this initiative.
The ceremony, attended by youth representatives, the private sector, environmental champions, advocates, and enthusiasts, underscored the significance of environmental conservation in addressing pressing global issues such as drought and climate change. It also highlighted the role of digital technology in enhancing efforts to protect the environment.
Speaking during the event, Chief Guest Mr. Kihara Maina, Regional CEO of I&M Group PLC, commended KCDF for its commitment to supporting youth innovations. He emphasized the government’s role as an enabler, suggesting that some investments are challenging for individuals to undertake alone. Mr. Maina proposed using taxes to support youth-driven innovations, noting that sustainability hinges on profitability, which can then fund transformative innovations.
“Our commitment is to lead change through shared value, with significant allocation towards environmental conservation, education, skills training, and economic empowerment. I applaud the YEIC competition for its eye-opening impact and hope the second iteration will scale up in both quality and reach, engaging diverse partners in addressing environmental challenges,” said Mr. Maina.
KCDF Executive Director Ms. Grace Maingi emphasized the importance of fostering and advancing innovation within the development sector alongside efforts to control carbon emissions. “We aim to empower young people by recognizing their potential through the Young Environmentalist Innovation Challenge. As we launch the second call for applicants, we have extended support eligibility to individuals aged 15 to 35, offering grants of up to five million shillings.”
“Central to our mission is fostering sustainable change for sustainable development. To achieve this, we are committed to placing technology at the forefront. Our theme, ‘Green and Coded,’ underscores our focus on innovative waste management solutions and digital transformations poised to drive future progress,” said Ms. Maingi.
Elizabeth Wathuti, Founder of Green Generation Initiative (GGI), remarked that the YEIC challenge arrived at a pivotal moment, serving as an empowering platform for Kenya’s youth amidst formidable competition for resources dominated by larger organizations. “We stand at a crucial crossroads where every decision made will shape the legacy we leave for future generations. This challenge presents us with a unique opportunity to tap into the local ingenuity and passion of young people, enabling them to lead in safeguarding their environment,” she concluded.
Applications for the 2024 edition of the Young Environmentalist Innovation Challenge are open on the KCDF website: www.kcdf.or.ke