KCDF launches Young Environmentalist Innovation Challenge

Nairobi, Kenya July 7... The Kenya Community Development Foundation (KCDF) launches Young Environmentalist Innovative Challenge (YEIC), an environmental innovation fund that aims at developing action-oriented young individuals committed to conservation of the environment.

YEIC is an environmental innovation fund established by KCDF through the generous gift of Mackenzie Scott to support innovative ideas and solutions that promote environmental conservation sustainable resource management, and community resilience in addition KCDF has partnered with the National Environment Trust Fund (NetFund) and Green Generation Initiative.

Speaking during the event, Chief Guest Mr. Samson Toniok CEO, National Environment TrustFund (NetFund) applauded the initiative as timely when the world today is faced by unprecedented environmental crisis including the global phenomena of climate change, pollution and biodiversity loss.

“The effects of these global challenges remain stark realities in our day-to-day lives such as frequent droughts, rising waters, extreme weather and flash floods that continue to take the toll on Kenyans and their livelihoods. For this reason, I would like to applaud KCDF for this noble initiative and encourage you continue fostering partnerships for future and continued success of this challenge. "He said.

In a ceremony that brought together, youth representatives, the private sector, environment champions, advocates and enthusiasts, the event highlighted the importance of conserving the environment as part of the efforts to mitigate the current global challenges like drought and climate change.

KCDF Executive Director highlighted the need to embrace and promote innovation in the development sector.

"When you give organizations unrestricted funding, innovation comes about people are able to take the money where it is most needed. One of the key innovations we came up with is YEIC, that challenges the youth and youth organizations to come up with environmental solutions that would advance livelihoods and education." said Ms. Grace Maingi.

Gordon Odundo, a Board Director at KCDF challenged the youth to take lead in conserving the environment. “The youth, this environment is your future, you need to protect it, look after it and participate in the good work of preserving it.” Odundo said.

Finalists of the challenge will be awarded in two categories; the first category will see three young environment champions awarded a grant of between Ksh. 800,000 to Ksh. 1,500,000, while the second category will have six organizations awarded a grant of between 3,000,000 to Ksh.5,000,000 each implementing their unique environment conservation-based ideas.