Panellists in a discussion during the Launch of the 3rd Young Environmentalist Innovation Challenge, August 14, 2025. (Photo: Tracy Muthoni)
The Kenya Community Development Foundation (KCDF) has awarded Sh53 million in grants to 10 community organisations and two individuals for their innovative ideas on environmental sustainability and conservation.
The award ceremony for the second edition of the Young Environmentalist Innovation Challenge (YEIC) was held at the Serena Hotel, Nairobi.
The initiative supports young, action-oriented individuals and youth-led organisations committed to environmental conservation, with funding from philanthropic partners.
The recipients 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), CropScan Smart Farming Technologies (Nairobi), Erick Sankale Olkiado and Nthuku Mumo Osoro.
The winners were selected after an intensive vetting process by a panel of judges who reviewed over 400 applications submitted after the launch of the challenge in June 2024.
The innovations presented covered clean energy alternatives such as bioethanol and plastic-to-gas technologies, smart agriculture using the Internet of Things and artificial intelligence, biodegradable leather, recycled construction materials, forest monitoring sensors, biogas storage, and democratized carbon credit platforms.
According to KCDF, these solutions demonstrate significant environmental impact and potential for scalability. They also show strong community engagement and the ability to create jobs.
“The financial support from KCDF will help them play a crucial role in advancing green and digital transformation in the country,” the foundation said in a statement.
During the event, KCDF launched the third edition of YEIC under the theme, Scaling Innovations for Environmental Impact. The 2025 challenge will focus on proven solutions that have succeeded at the community level and are ready to expand.
This year’s challenge will prioritise innovations addressing pressing environmental issues such as climate resilience, sustainable agriculture, circular economy, renewable energy, and ecosystem restoration. It targets youth aged between 15 and 35 years.
Chief Guest Dr. Tonny K. Omwansa, CEO of the Kenya National Innovation Agency, commended the finalists for their role in shaping the country’s environmental future. He noted the importance of youth-led initiatives in tackling climate change and promoting sustainable development.
KCDF said the entries reflect the creativity and determination of young Kenyans to contribute to the country’s green transition. “These young innovators are proof that solutions to our most pressing environmental challenges can come from within our communities,” the organisation said.
Applications for the 2025 edition of the Young Environmentalist Innovation Challenge are now open through the KCDF website, www.kcdf.or.ke.
The Kenya Community Development Foundation awards for the 2nd edition of the Young Environmentalist Innovation Challenge, August 14, 2025. (Photo: Tracy Muthoni)
