Erick Sankale Olkiado one of the awardees getting awarded for his prototype app LaGrange that will help users earn and access carbon credits.
The Kenya Community Development Foundation (KCDF) has awarded a total of KSh 53 million to 10 community organisations and two individuals, recognizing their innovative ideas in environmental sustainability and conservation.
The awards honor the finalists from the second edition of YEIC (2024) and were presented during the launch of the third edition on 14 August 2025 at Serena Hotel, Nairobi.
The Young Environmentalist Innovation Challenge (YEIC), established by KCDF in 2023, nurtures young, action-oriented individuals committed to environmental conservation.
The initiative supports projects that advance sustainable resource management, climate resilience, and the integration of environmental values in local communities.
“It started with a dream, a dream about how we can inspire young people, give them the space and the resources they need to innovate on issues that not only address the environment but also strengthen communities,” said Grace Maingi, Executive Director of KCDF.
Over 400 applications were received for the second edition, and the finalists were carefully selected by a panel of judges.
The projects demonstrate both environmental and socio-economic impact, offering innovative solutions in clean energy, smart agriculture, circular economy, and climate resilience.
Joshua Anampiu, Quality Assurance and M&E Manager at NETFUND and one of the judges, noted:
“We looked at projects that are addressing environmental challenges, especially those leveraging technology. We considered innovation, sustainability, return on investment, teamwork, scalability, impact, and go-to-market strategy, all the key factors you would use when starting a business.”
The awardees of the second edition are:
- 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
- Nthuku Mumo Osoro
These initiatives provide communities with renewable alternatives, enhance resource efficiency, create employment, and bolster resilience against climate change and environmental degradation.
This year, YEIC lowered the minimum age of awardees to 15, responding to feedback from younger innovators who had previously been excluded from funding opportunities.
KCDF also plans to launch an Academy of Innovators to mentor promising applicants who do not win awards, linking them to further support and networks.
“This journey has been made possible because of a lot of work that has been done by my exceptional team, the funders who have been able to put money towards this, and everyone of you who has attended each launch and has challenged us,” said Maingi, highlighting the collaborative effort behind YEIC.
Looking ahead, the Academy of Innovators aims to strengthen Kenya’s youth-led environmental ecosystem, offering mentorship, training, and linkages to funding and partnership opportunities.
KCDF seeks to ensure that promising ideas continue to thrive beyond the competition, contributing to the nation’s broader green transition goals.
The third edition of YEIC, themed “Scaling Innovations for Environmental Impact,” will focus on supporting proven solutions ready to expand their reach and deepen their impact.
The 2025 edition prioritizes projects in climate resilience, sustainable agriculture, circular economy, renewable energy, and ecosystem restoration, targeting youth aged 15–35.
Applications for the 2025 edition of YEIC are now open at www.kcdf.or.ke.
Innovators aged 15–35 with projects demonstrating environmental impact, scalability, and community engagement are encouraged to apply.
About KCDF
The Kenya Community Development Foundation (KCDF) is a leading Kenyan grant-making and philanthropic institution committed to promoting sustainable community development.
Since its inception in 1999, KCDF has supported initiatives that empower communities, strengthen local capacities, and enhance citizen participation in governance and development.
The foundation focuses on sectors such as education, health, environmental conservation, and civic engagement, working closely with civil society, government, and private partners to create lasting, positive change across Kenya
