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Better Cities Challenge

Image of Better Cities Challenge participants posing with their certificates

Empowering Youth to Transform Nairobi

The Better Cities Challenge was a dynamic programme that mobilised young people to create social enterprises addressing the critical challenges of urban life in Kenya. By aligning with three key United Nations Sustainable Development Goals—Clean Water and Sanitation (Goal 6), Clean Energy (Goal 7), and Sustainable Cities and Communities (Goal 11)—the challenge empowered innovative thinkers to build sustainable, community-driven solutions for Kenya’s urban environments.

The Programme at a Glance

Purpose:

  • To scaffold youth-led innovation in Kenyan cities by developing solutions that improve urban infrastructure, promote clean energy, and enhance community resilience.

  • Themes:
    1. Clean Water and Sanitation: Addressing the need for safe, reliable water and sanitation systems.
    2. Clean Energy: Encouraging the adoption of renewable energy sources to reduce carbon emissions.
    3. Sustainable Cities and Communities: Enhancing urban living conditions through innovative social enterprises.
  • Target Group:
    Young innovators aged 18 to 35, passionate about driving change in urban settings.

     

The Journey: From Ideas to Impact

  1. Online Hackathon:
    • Pre-Selection: 25 promising youth submitted ideas in an online hackathon.
    • Finalists: 16 participants (11 females and 5 males) were selected for the next stage.
  2. Boot Camp:
    • Duration: An intensive boot camp brought together the selected innovators.
    • Focus: Participants honed their ideas, collaborated in teams, and received guidance from industry experts.
  3. Incubation & Mentorship:
    • Post-Boot Camp: The top three teams received further support through incubation and mentorship, culminating in March 2021.

The Results: 

Through collaboration and creative problem-solving, the Better Cities Challenge resulted in the co-creation of three promising social ventures:

  • E-safiri:
    Developed electric charging stations for two- and three-wheelers, promoting e-mobility in Kenya’s transport sector and reducing carbon emissions.
  • Casa:
    Leveraged ultra-thin wall technology to upgrade slum housing, providing more sustainable and affordable living conditions.
  • Ufanisi Power:
    Designed a hybrid solar-powered system to provide clean energy solutions for homes and small businesses

 

Gallery

A facilitator speaking during one of the session as the participant listen in
A facilitator speaking during one of the session
A facilitator speaking during one of the session
A facilitator speaking during one of the session
A participant explaining her team_s idea during the Better Cities Challenge as a facilitator listens in
A participant explaining her team_s idea during the Better Cities Challenge
A participant explaining her team_s idea during the Better Cities Challenge
A participant explaining her team_s idea during the Better Cities Challenge
A participant explaining her team_s idea during the Better Cities Challenge
A participant explaining her team_s idea during the Better Cities Challenge
A participant explaining her team_s idea during the Better Cities Challenge
A participant of the Better Cities Challenge boot camp explaining a point as the rest of the participants listen
A participant writing on a sticky note mounted on an idea board while her two other team mates look on, during the Better Cities Challenge boot camp
Better Cities Challenge participants listening to team pitch their idea(
Participant of the Better Cities Challenge boot camp discussing during a brainstorming session
Participants and trainers during the Better Cities Challenge check in session
Participants pose for a photo after completion of team formation exercise
Team Usalama wa Kijinsia member explaining her team_s idea during the Better Cities Challenge
Zuhura Innovations Africa Community Manager Intern giving a speech during the Better Cities Challenge boot camp

Get In Touch With Us

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Email: info@zuhura-africa.com

Phone: +254 (0)752 808808

ZUHURA AFRICA
PO Box 25375-00603
NAIROBI, KENYA