Application Deadline: 31st August 2026
Applications are now open for the 2026 Kenya Community Development Foundation (KCDF) Young Innovation Challenge. Through strategic partnerships, KCDF has expanded the programme’s reach, enabling more innovators to access critical funding and technical support. In 2026, we are pleased to partner with I&M Foundation to implement the Young Innovators Challenge (YIC). While the name has evolved to reflect a broader innovation agenda, the Challenge remains committed to supporting youth-led solutions that address sustainable development challenges.
By combining resources and expertise, KCDF and I&M Foundation aim to award a total of 16 innovators (10 organisations and 6 Individuals) in this edition, seeking to strengthen their enterprises and accelerate scalable solutions that contribute to Kenya’s green transition. The finalists will be unveiled in 2027.
Awards Categories
Category 1: To award six Young Innovators
Grant Amount: Up to KES 1,500,000
Eligibility: Individual youth (aged 15–35) with tested and impactful environmental innovations. (i.e an Individual or a group of individuals not formally registered)
Category 2: To award 10 Youth-led Organisations
Grant Amount: Up to KES 5,000,000
Eligibility: Registered youth-led organisations/companies with scalable sustainable solutions. (i.e Civil Society organisations, Company Limited with shares, Company limited by Guarantee e.t.c)
Timelines
Applications Open: 31st July 2026
Applications Close: 31st August 2026
Information Session: 19th August 2026 @10.00 am
Review & Site Visits: By December 2026
Notification of Awards: By January 2027
Only innovators residing in Kenya and whose actions are implemented in Kenya are eligible to apply
How to Apply
All applications must be submitted via the links provided below:
You will need to submit:
A technical application
A high-level budget
Any supporting documents, such as videos or pictures
