Kenya Climate Innovation Center (KCIC)

Even the hardest-working engines need time to cool! As we approach the end of another transformative year, the KCIC team took a well-deserved pause to reconnect, reflect on our journey, and chart the way forward. This year, our team has worked tirelessly on our mission of catalyzing innovative climate solutions and supporting green enterprises across the region. The team took the opportunity to unwind, celebrate shared achievements, learn from challenges, and align on a shared vision for the road ahead. With 2025 around the corner, we’re thrilled to announce that KCIC 4.0, our new Strategic Plan for 2025–2030, will take effect. The strategy is currently at advanced stages of development. Here’s to a future of greater innovation, stronger partnerships, and a greener planet! 

Another green arrow to our quiver! We are delighted to share that KCIC was named the Green Economy Champion of the Year at the recently held ASSEK Innovation Awards 2024! KCIC also emerged first runners up in the Sustainability and Impact category. This latest addition to our basket of accolades is a testament to the incredible work of our team, partners, and the inspiring enterprises we support. The milestone reaffirms our commitment to advancing climate innovation, empowering startups and SMEs in building sustainable solutions, and driving the transition to a green, circular economy. #GreenEconomyChampion #ASSEKAwards2024 #InnovationForImpact #Sustainability #TeamKCIC #ClimateAction Mercy Kimalat Joseph Murabula Ernest Chitechi Felix Mwaki

We're delighted to see the impactful insights from the Estonian Cleantech Association’s recent roadshow in Nairobi. Kenya’s dynamic cleantech ecosystem and its pioneering role in sustainable solutions touching sectors such as e-mobility and energy make it an ideal partner for global collaborations like this one. At Kenya Climate Innovation Center (KCIC), we’re proud partners on the Green Bridges Project, connecting the Estonian and Kenyan startup ecosystems to drive sustainable development through innovative climate solutions and business models. Seeing the potential of shared innovation in action has been inspiring! A big thank you to all the startups and stakeholders who showcased their incredible work, and to our partners for the invaluable knowledge exchange. Together, we’re creating opportunities for public-private partnerships, innovative climate technologies and international market expansion. Special gratitude to Estonian Centre for International Development (ESTDEV) for supporting this impactful journey- together, we’re building a sustainable future! #GreenBridges #CleantechCollaboration #KenyaInnovation #Sustainability #GlobalPartnerships #EcosystemBuilding

We’re thrilled to announce that KCIC has emerged finalist in the ASSEK Innovation Awards 2024 in two categories: 🏆 Green Economy Champion of the Year 🏆 Corporate Innovation Centre of the Year The Association of Startup and SMEs Enablers of Kenya (ASSEK) is an association that brings together and represents the interests of organizations supporting the development and growth of startups and SMEs. This recognition reflects our commitment to fostering innovation, driving climate action, and empowering startups and SMEs to build sustainable solutions for Kenya and beyond. 🌱🚀 Now, we need YOUR support! 🗳️ Voting is open until 10:00 AM on December 4th. You can cast your vote through this link: https://lnkd.in/dhS67ijY Thank you for being part of our journey to champion a greener, innovative future. Together, we can continue creating impact! 💚 #ASSEKAwards2024 #InnovationForImpact #GreenEconomy #StartupSupport #Sustainability

Reflecting on the BDCG Symposium 2024 Last week, KCIC participated at the BDCG Inclusive Market Systems Symposium in Mombasa—a gathering of thought leaders, development practitioners, policymakers, academia, and the private sector. Together, we delved into the transformative potential of Market Systems Development (MSD) in fostering inclusive growth and resilience across Africa. The conversations were inspiring and action-oriented, reaffirming the power of collaboration in driving impactful change. KCIC Corporate Services Manager, Ernest Chitechi, championed insights on Climate Resilience and Regenerative Agriculture, highlighting KCIC's role in equipping communities to adapt to climate challenges while creating sustainable livelihoods. Meanwhile, our CEO, Joseph Murabula, unpacked strategies for scaling inclusive growth through Innovative Financing Models, shedding light on opportunities to empower local innovators and enterprises. These discussions were not just about diagnosing challenges but about co-creating actionable solutions to shape resilient, inclusive economies. At KCIC, we are driven by the belief that true impact lies in unlocking the potential of local innovations and empowering people to thrive. As we reflect, one thing is clear: partnerships and shared expertise are the backbone of sustainable progress. We are proud to be part of a movement that is committed to transforming market systems to create resilient futures for all. Thank you, BDCG Network, for this incredible platform. Let’s keep the momentum going. Together, we can drive the change Africa needs. #MarketSystemsDevelopment #ClimateInnovation #InclusiveEconomies #BDCGConference2024 #Sustainability Micro Enterprise Support Programme Trust (MESPT) Denmark in Kenya Christine Mbaabu, CPA-K, MAPPM Julius Gichana

Excited to be in Cape Town for the AfricArena Grand Summit, Africa's premier hybrid tech innovation event! This eighth edition of the Africa Tour Summit brings together startups, investors, and ecosystem leaders to celebrate the remarkable progress of African tech and innovation. I will be joining a distinguished panel discussion on "Decarbonizing the Economy: Pathways to a Sustainable Future." We'll be exploring some critical topics, including: 1️⃣ Aligning global decarbonization trends with Africa’s unique needs. 2️⃣ Funding pathways for decarbonization, from impact investors to international climate funds. 3️⃣ How circular economy principles—reducing waste, recycling, and resource efficiency—can shape a more sustainable future. This event is more than a summit—it's a movement showcasing Africa's innovative talent and commitment to solving global challenges. I look forward to learning, sharing insights, and championing solutions that can drive sustainable transformation across the continent. Team KCIC is ready to connect and collaborate to accelerate Africa’s journey to a greener, more prosperous future. Let's link up! #AfricArena2024 #AfricanInnovation #Decarbonization #Sustainability #CircularEconomy #TechForGood #AfricaRising

KCIC, under the #SWIFT Program, recently concluded a one week Investor Readiness Bootcamp aimed at equipping entrepreneurs in the #wastemanagement sector with the tools and knowledge necessary to navigate the investment landscape. The bootcamp, which brought together 56 enterprises, provided an in-depth focus on critical areas such as: ✅ Financial Management & Forecasting ✅ Investment Packaging & Structuring ✅ Financial Modeling ✅ Circular Economy Principles (in partnership with Circular Innovation Hub) ✅ Gender Mainstreaming, Safeguarding & Decent Jobs Creation ✅ Brand Image & Positioning The sessions were facilitated by KCIC’s team of experts and industry consultants, including Circular Innovation Hub, ensuring that participants received comprehensive and actionable insights for scaling their businesses. The highlight of the Bootcamp was an elevator pitch competition, where 22 enterprises had the opportunity to present their investment cases before a panel of five judges. In a highly competitive session, Maqor Brands Africa Limited emerged as the winner, taking home Ksh. 250,000 grant. Mega Gas Alternative Energy was awarded Ksh. 150,000 as the first runner-up, while Philmafaith General Enterprise Ltd received Ksh. 100,000 in third position. Judge Damaris Ochieng praised the participants, stating, “The confidence in delivery and the passion displayed by the entrepreneurs were truly commendable. It’s evident they have a deep understanding of their businesses.” Felix Mwaki, KCIC’s Director of Enterprise Support and Investment, highlighted the importance of catalyzing opportunities in the waste management sector to attract investors. “We need many more catalyzers in this sector to open up opportunities for investors. At KCIC, we are deepening our engagement in financing and transitioning to more impact investment,” he remarked. The Investor Readiness Bootcamp is a testament to KCIC’s commitment to building resilient, investor-ready enterprises capable of driving substantial economic, social, and environmental impact. Joseph Murabula Jabez Mutune Tobias Belle, MPRSK Joel Owuor Emmanuel Mwendwa stellamaris kiminza Martin Irungu MBA, CIFA Loum Janani, MGE IKEA Foundation

Earlier today, we convened key stakeholders to discuss pathways for implementing Kenya’s EPR regulations. The discussions highlighted both opportunities and challenges in driving Kenya toward a circular economy and green future. Some key highlights: 1️⃣ Multistakeholder Collaboration is Key: Successful implementation of EPR demands collective action. Stakeholders must come together to have practical and constructive conversations about how to adapt the regulations to Kenya’s unique realities. 2️⃣ EPR is Not a Magic Bullet: While EPR regulations are a critical step toward achieving a circular and green economy, they are not a cure-all. Significant effort is required to operationalize the framework effectively and tackle Kenya’s broader waste management challenges. 3️⃣ Opportunities for Enterprises and Job Creation: EPR creates fertile ground for entrepreneurship and innovation in waste management. The framework presents vast opportunities for businesses and job creation, particularly in recycling, product design, and circular value chains. 4️⃣ Consumer Responsibility Matters: EPR doesn’t absolve consumers of their role. Instead, it emphasizes their active participation in responsible waste management and circular practices. Achieving circularity requires everyone to contribute. 5️⃣ Beyond Financial Incentives – Behavior Change is Critical: Kenya’s experience with the plastic bag ban showed that financial incentives alone aren’t enough. Building a culture of circularity requires education and consistent public engagement to drive lasting behavior change. 6️⃣ Capacity Building and Awareness Creation: From regulators like NEMA to PROs, producers, importers, and the general public, capacity building and awareness creation are paramount to ensuring EPR implementation is effective and inclusive. 7️⃣ Speak the People’s Language: "Majukumu ya Ziada ya Mzalishaji" (Extended Producer Responsibility). It resonates deeply when we communicate in language everyone understands. Simplicity and clarity in messaging are essential to avoid alienating communities. 9️⃣ Incentivizing SMEs and Startups: EPR compliance shouldn’t favor only large businesses. Startups, SMEs, and waste workers must be supported through incentives and capacity-building programs to thrive in this evolving sector. 🔟 Leveraging Technology and Innovation: EPR opens doors to tech-driven solutions, such as blockchain, digital waste management systems, and other innovations that can transform how waste is tracked, collected, and processed. KEPRO Kenya James Odongo Sarah Njau Joseph Oliech Joseph Murabula IKEA Foundation Patrick Obonyo Msc, MBA Felix Mwaki Vincent Ogaya Jabez Mutune #EPRKenya #CircularEconomy #Sustainability #Innovation #WasteManagement #Collaboration

Happening now! Join the conversation on the recently gazetted Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) Regulations as we delve into the pathways for implementation and the implications of these new regulations Livestream via https://lnkd.in/dPcPDg46

Join us live for the discussion currently underway