The Kenya Community Development Foundation (KCDF), in partnership with I&M Foundation, invites Kenyan youth to apply for the Young Environmentalist Innovation Challenge 2026. This initiative supports youth-led environmental innovations that address sustainability challenges and contribute to Kenya’s green transition.
Application Deadline:
31 August 2026.
Tell Me About the Opportunity:
The Young Innovators Challenge (YIC) Round 4, organized by KCDF in partnership with I&M Foundation, supports youth‑led environmental and sustainability innovations in Kenya. Formerly known as the Young Environmentalist Innovation Challenge (YEIC), this round focuses on “Co‑Designing for Cool Planet”, empowering young people to develop, test, and scale solutions that contribute to Kenya’s green transition.
Which Sectors are Eligible?
Innovations addressing:
- Renewable energy
- Climate‑smart agriculture
- Circular economy
- Waste management
- Ecosystem restoration
- Environmental technologies
Type:
Innovation challenge — grants + technical support.
Who can Apply?
Applicants must:
- Be youth aged 15–35 years residing in Kenya.
- Submit as individuals or youth‑led organizations.
- Ensure actions are implemented in Kenya.
Award Categories:
- Category 1: Individual Innovators
- Grant: Up to KES 1,500,000
- Eligibility: Youth (15–35) with tested impactful environmental innovations.
- Category 2: Youth‑led Organizations
- Grant: Up to KES 5,000,000
- Eligibility: Registered organizations/companies with scalable sustainable solutions.
How are Applicants Selected?
Evaluation criteria include:
- Relevance & innovation of the solution.
- Youth leadership & community impact.
- Sustainability, scalability & replicability.
- Co‑design & stakeholder engagement.
- Contribution to program outcomes (youth leadership, adoption of sustainable practices, livelihoods, resilience).
Which Countries Are Eligible?
Kenya only.
Where will the Opportunity be Taken?
Projects must be implemented in Kenya, with site visits and reviews conducted locally.
How Many Opportunities?
16 innovators supported — 10 youth‑led organizations and 6 individual innovators.
What is the Benefit of the Opportunity?
- Grant funding (KES 1.5M–5M).
- Technical support to strengthen enterprises.
- Mentorship and business development support.
- Strategic partnerships and networking.
- Opportunities to scale sustainable solutions.
How Long Will the Support Last?
Application cycle July–January 2027, with project support continuing beyond award notification.
Key Dates:
- 31 July 2026 — Applications open
- 19 Aug 2026 — Information session
- 31 Aug 2026 — Applications close
- Dec 2026 — Review & site visits
- Jan 2027 — Notification of awards
How to Apply:
- Complete the technical application form.
- Submit a high‑level budget.
- Provide supporting documents (videos, pictures).
- Applications can be completed offline and uploaded via the submission link.
Visit the Application Webpage for Details
