Ms. Grace Maingi, KCDF Executive Director, and Dr. Tonny Omwansa, CEO, Kenya National Innovation Agency, shake hands during the launch of the third edition of the Young Environmentalist Innovation Challenge in Nairobi.
Kenya Community Development Foundation (KCDF) Executive Director, Grace Maingi, has underscored the organisation’s commitment to giving young people more space and resources to innovate on climate and community challenges.
Speaking on Thursday August 14, evening during the launch of the third edition of the Young Environmentalist Innovation Challenge (YEIC) at Serena Hotel, Nairobi, Maingi said the initiative had grown from a simple dream into a platform that now nurtures practical solutions to pressing environmental issues.
“This started off with a dream about how we can be able to inspire young people, how we can give them the space and resources they need to innovate on issues that not only address the environment but also address community issues. From that dream, the reality has grown into what we see today,” Maingi said.
The YEIC was first launched in 2023. It identifies and supports youth-led ideas that advance sustainable resource management, climate resilience, and environmental values in communities.
Since inception, KCDF has recognised community organisations and individuals for their innovations.
In the 2024 edition alone, KSh 53 million was awarded to 10 organisations and two individuals.
Maingi noted that such milestones have only been possible because of the dedication of KCDF’s team, funders, and partners.
She encouraged those present to continue challenging the foundation to do better.
“This journey has been made possible because of a lot of work that has been done by my exceptional team, the funders who have put money towards this, and each and every one of you who have attended each launch and challenged us to improve,” she said.
A key change in this year’s edition is the lowering of the eligibility age to 15 years, a move Maingi said was inspired by feedback from young people.
“Young people told us, ‘You say you want to work with us, but for those of us who are 15 or 16, where do we get funding to innovate?’ We asked ourselves difficult questions on how to handle parental consent, safeguarding, and the responsibility of giving a 15-year-old KSh 1.5 million. But if KCDF doesn’t start, who will?” she posed.
The Executive Director also revealed that KCDF is considering establishing an academy to support young innovators who may not receive funding through the challenge.
The idea, she said, was first suggested by a partner organisation and remains alive within KCDF.
“One of our partners challenged us, asking what happens to those who apply but don’t win. Why not put them into an academy and link them with others who want to work with them? That dream is still alive, and it is something we want to pursue,” she said.
Beyond the innovation challenge, Maingi stressed the importance of community-led development and philanthropy.
She said KCDF was keen on creating an enabling environment that allows communities to flourish and remain resilient in the face of challenges.
“What does community philanthropy look like in practice? How do we ensure that we remain community-focused and centric? These are the kinds of conversations we want to have with you,” she told participants.
She also invited guests to support KCDF’s education programme, which seeks to raise KSh 80 million to help learners transition to secondary school, tertiary institutions, and universities.
“We have learners we really want to take through the education journey. So I hope you came with your checkbooks, because this is a cause that needs all of us,” Maingi said.
The YEIC has grown into a flagship initiative for KCDF, reflecting how philanthropy and community partnerships can fuel innovation.
By lowering the entry age and expanding opportunities, the foundation hopes to inspire even younger generations to step forward with climate solutions.
