In a bold step towards advancing Kenya’s green future, the Kenya Community Development Foundation (KCDF) has awarded KSh 53 million in grants to 10 community organizations and two individual innovators driving cutting-edge environmental solutions. The recipients are winners of the second edition of the Young Environmentalist Innovation Challenge (YEIC), an initiative designed to nurture and scale youth-led ideas for sustainability and conservation.
This year’s awardees include a vibrant mix of organizations from across the country, such as MOMA Renewable Energy (Kisii), Vermi-Farm Initiative (Meru), M-taka Solutions (Kisumu), Eco Nasi (Machakos), and Mega Gas Alternative Energy (Nairobi). Also honored were individual innovators Erick Sankale Olkiado and Nthuku Mumo , whose groundbreaking concepts stood out among more than 400 applications received since the challenge launched in June 2024.
The innovations span diverse fields from clean energy technologies like bioethanol production and plastic-to-gas conversion, to smart farming powered by artificial intelligence, biodegradable leather production, forest monitoring sensors, and circular economy models for recycling construction materials. Each project demonstrates not only environmental impact but also strong potential for scalability, community engagement, and job creation.
KCDF’s funding aims to enable these young innovators to move from concept to community-wide implementation, contributing significantly to Kenya’s green and digital transformation. As KCDF CEO Janet Mawiyoo noted during the awards ceremony, “Youth-led innovation is not just about ideas it’s about real solutions that improve lives, restore ecosystems, and inspire action.”
The event also marked the launch of the third edition of YEIC under the theme “Scaling Innovations for Environmental Impact.” This next phase will focus on proven solutions ready for expansion, with priority given to projects tackling climate resilience, renewable energy, sustainable agriculture, circular economy practices, and ecosystem restoration. Youth between the ages of 15 and 35 are encouraged to apply, with submissions open via the KCDF website.
Gracing the occasion as Chief Guest was Dr. Tonny K. Omwansa, PhD , CEO of the Kenya National Innovation Agency (KeNIA) , who hailed the initiative as a model for harnessing young talent to address pressing environmental challenges.
With such strong backing and a clear focus on innovation, KCDF is not only empowering Kenya’s young environmentalists but also shaping a greener, more sustainable future for all. These grants are more than just financial aid; they are a lifeline for ideas that can transform communities, revive ecosystems, and create green jobs. They are a rallying call to every young Kenyan with a dream for a cleaner planet: your time is now. The seeds of change have been planted, and with the right support, they will grow into forests of hope and action.