KCDF AWARDS KES 23.95 MILLION TO YOUTH ORGANIZATIONS FOR ENVIRONMENTAL INNOVATION.

BY NJOKI KARANJA 


 The Kenya Community Development Foundation (KCDF) has awarded KES 23,950,000 to five youth organizations to support innovative environmental conservation projects. This marks the culmination of the inaugural Young Environmentalist Innovative Challenge (YEIC), launched in 2023. The winning organizations, recognized for their forward-thinking approaches, include Inua DamSite (Nyandarua County), EcoRich Solutions and Placom Manufacturers (Nairobi County), and Farmer Lifeline Technologies and Fruity Schools Africa (Kiambu County).
During the award ceremony, KCDF also launched the second edition of the YEIC, aiming to award three individual environment champions with grants of up to KES 1.5 million each and six organizations with grants of up to KES 5 million each. This initiative, supported by philanthropist Mackenzie Scott, seeks to promote environmental conservation, sustainable resource management, and community resilience.

KCDF awards a cheque of KES 23,950,000 to the finalist of the Young Environmentalist Innovative Challenge. 

The event gathered youth representatives, private sector leaders, environmental advocates, and enthusiasts to highlight the importance of environmental conservation in tackling global issues such as drought and climate change. The role of digital technology in enhancing conservation efforts was also emphasized.



Chief Guest Mr. Kihara Maina, Regional CEO of I&M Group PLC, praised KCDF's commitment to youth innovation. He stressed the government's role in supporting these initiatives through taxation policies and highlighted the importance of sustainability and profitability in driving transformative innovations.



"Our commitment is to lead change through shared value, with significant investments in environmental conservation, education, skills training, and economic empowerment. The YEIC competition has made a remarkable impact, and I look forward to its growth in quality and reach, engaging diverse partners to address environmental challenges," Mr. Maina said.


Grace Maingi (R) KCDF  Executive Director and Kihara Maina (L), Regional Chief Executive Officer, I&M Group PLC during the launch of the 2nd Young Environmentalist Innovation Challenge. 


KCDF Executive Director Ms. Grace Maingi emphasized the foundation's mission to foster innovation within the development sector and support sustainable change. "We aim to empower young people through the Young Environmentalist Innovation Challenge. As we launch the second call for applicants, we extend support eligibility to individuals aged 15 to 35, offering grants of up to five million shillings. Our theme, 'Green and Coded,' focuses on innovative waste management solutions and digital transformations poised to drive future progress," Ms. Maingi stated.



Elizabeth Wathuti, Founder of the Green Generation Initiative (GGI), highlighted the YEIC challenge as a critical platform for empowering Kenya's youth amid competition for resources. "We stand at a crucial crossroads where every decision shapes the legacy for future generations. This challenge allows us to harness local ingenuity and passion, enabling young people to lead in safeguarding their environment," she concluded.




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