Environmentalists urged to create more innovations to mitigate climate change

The Kenya Community Development Foundation (KCDF) has called for younger environmentalists to create more innovations to mitigate climate change.

KCDF Executive Director Grace Maingi stressed the importance of fostering and advancing innovation within the development sector during the launch of the second Young Environmentalist Innovative Challenge (YEIC).

“We aim to empower young people by recognizing their potential through the challenge," Maing said.

She further added that they had extended support eligibility to individuals aged 15 to 35, offering grants of up to five million shillings.

"Three individuals will get grants of up to Sh1.5 million each and six organizations with grants of up to Sh5 million each," she said.

Speaking during the launch Chief Guest, Regional CEO of I&M Group PLC Kihara Maina commended KCDF for its commitment to supporting youth innovations and also emphasized the government's role as an enabler.

"Some investments are challenging for individuals to undertake alone hence a significant allocation towards environmental conservation, education, and skills training is in place," he said.

KCDF Board Director Gordon Odundo who was also in attendance challenged the youth to take the lead in conserving the environment by thinking boldly, acting courageously and collaborating generously.

"Your creativity and determination show that there is no limit to what we can achieve," he said.

“The young people you are the leaders of today and tomorrow.”

Founder of Green Generation Initiative (GGI), Elizabeth Wathuti highlighted the challenge's timing and its empowering platform for Kenya's youth.

"This challenge presents a unique opportunity to tap into the passion of young people, enabling them to lead in safeguarding their environment,” she concluded.

The inaugural challenge, that was launched in 2023, has seen Inua Damsite from Nyandarua County, EcoRich Solutions and Placom Manufacturers from Nairobi County, and Farmer Lifeline Technologies and Fruity Schools Africa from Kiambu County emerge as winners.