The Kenya Community Development Foundation (KCDF) has awarded 10 community organisations and two individuals cumulative grants of Kenya Shillings fifty-three million to support their innovative ideas on environmental sustainability and conservation. The awardees are the finalists of the second edition of the Young Environmentalist Innovation Challenge (YEIC), an initiative by KCDF that aims to support young action-oriented individuals and youth-led organisations committed to environmental conservation and supported by philanthropic funders.
The successful organisations and individuals include MOMA Renewable Energy (Kisii), Vermi-Farm Initiative Limited (Meru), M-taka Waste Solutions Limited (Kisumu), Eco Nasi Limited (Machakos), Timao Group (Nairobi), Megagas Alternative Energy Enterprise LTD (Nairobi), Pollen Patrollers Limited (Kiambu), Zalika Greentech Limited (Nairobi), Adumu Limited (Nairobi) and CropScan Smart Farming Technologies (Nairobi), Erick Sankale Olkiado and Nthuku Mumo Osoro.
The finalists emerged on top after an intensive vetting process by a team of judges, who reviewed over 400 applications submitted after the launch of the second edition of YEIC in June 2024.
The finalists, who are youth-led organisations and individuals, presented innovative ideas on clean energy alternatives such as bioethanol and plastic-to-gas technologies, smart agriculture using the Internet of Things and artificial intelligence, circular economy models like biodegradable leather and recycled construction materials, climate technologies such as forest monitoring sensors, biogas storage, and democratized carbon credit platforms.
These solutions demonstrate environmental impact and have strong potential for scalability, community engagement, and economic empowerment, confirming the importance of youth-led innovation in advancing Kenya’s green transition. The financial support from KCDF will help them play a crucial role in advancing green and digital transformation in the country.
During the event, KCDF also launched the third edition of YEIC under the theme, “Scaling Innovations for Environmental Impact.” This year’s challenge focuses on elevating proven solutions that have demonstrated success at the community level and where innovators are ready to expand their reach and deepen their impact. The challenge will prioritise innovations that address pressing environmental issues such as climate resilience, sustainable agriculture, circular economy, renewable energy, and ecosystem restoration.
It is championed by youths between the age bracket of 15 and35 years. The event was graced by Dr. Tonny K. Omwansa, Chief Executive Officer, Kenya National Innovation Agency as the Chief Guest.
Applications for the 2025 edition of the Young Environmentalist Innovation Challenge are open on the KCDF website: www.kcdf.or.ke
