Kenyan youth are taking the lead in developing innovations that address the intersection of climate change and sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR). Fourteen young innovators from diverse counties across Kenya participated in the 2024 UNFPA “Let’s Hack Climate Change” Hacklab challenge, demonstrating the ingenuity of youth in tackling pressing global challenges.
The Hacklab, organized by the UNFPA East and Southern Africa Regional Office and funded by the African Development Bank’s Africa Climate Change Fund, aimed to nurture solutions that bolster the resilience of communities facing climate-induced challenges. The selected 14 finalists showcased innovations ranging from disaster notification systems and menstrual hygiene solutions to platforms for girls with disabilities to access SRHR information.
To prepare for the final pitch event, the innovators underwent a two-week intensive boot camp facilitated by Nailab, a Kenyan startup incubator, with support from Deutsche Stiftung Weltbevölkerung (DSW) Kenya. The training covered business strategy, product development, and insights into the impact of climate change on SRHR.
On November 4, 2024, two standout innovations were awarded $5,000 in seed funding each to further develop their solutions. EcoPrints, a social enterprise utilizing 3D printing to recycle plastic waste into visual aids for SRHR education, impressed with its eco-friendly approach that addresses waste management and improves learning experiences for young people. Signvrse, an AI-powered platform employing sign language avatars to empower deaf individuals with access to SRHR information and services, bridged critical gaps in communication for deaf women and girls. These two innovators represented Kenya at the regional UNFPA Hacklab Pitch Competition on the sidelines of the YouthConnekt Africa Summit in Kigali, Rwanda, held from November 8-10, 2024.
The regional pitch competition brought together top innovators from Kenya, Mozambique, Madagascar, and South Sudan. Kenyan innovator Gabriel Waingo, the founder of EcoPrints, emerged as a winner alongside Mozambique’s Marta Vânia Uetela. His innovation stood out for its potential to revolutionize waste management while addressing educational needs in SRHR.
Kenya’s 14 Hacklab finalists exemplified creativity and determination in addressing a wide range of challenges exacerbated by climate change. Notable innovations included Mamacare, an app by Audilia Muchisu from Turkana County to improve maternal healthcare access in rural areas; Sauti Salama, a digital platform founded by Malkia John to bring services closer to survivors of gender-based violence; and Kibera Pads, Anne Agar’s initiative producing biodegradable menstrual products to ensure girls in informal settlements never miss school due to their menstrual cycle.
