3 Kenyans Win Ksh36 Million at COP27

Winners at the Youth Adapt Awards pose for a photo at the COP27 in Egypt organised by the African Development Bank (AfDB)
Winners at the Youth Adapt Awards pose for a photo at the COP27 in Egypt organised by the African Development Bank (AfDB)
AfDB

Three Kenyans received Ksh36 million for their unique innovations aimed at offering solutions towards climate change during the COP27 in Sharm el-Sheikh, Egypt. 

Robin Ndungu, Esther Kimani and Maryanna Gichanga each bagged Ksh12 million (US$100,000) and were part of 20 winners of the Youth Adapt Awards organised by the African Development Bank (AfDB) and the Global Center on Adaptation. 

The three youths also received a 12-month business accelerator program to help their businesses scale up. 

From left to right: Esther Kimani, Robin Ndungu, and Maryanna Gichanga.
From left to right: Esther Kimani, Robin Ndungu, and Maryanna Gichanga.
Nation

According to AfDB president Akinwumi Adesina, the challenge titled 'Africa Adaptation Acceleration Program' offered a global platform for such businesses to expand while also networking with like-minded entrepreneurs. 

"We want to use our Youth Entrepreneurship Fund to start an acceleration program that will continue to make these businesses grow,” Adesina stated. 

Ndungu's innovation entailed the use of artificial intelligence to help smallholder fish farmers scale their businesses.

Kimani's project created eco-friendly fertilisers in a bid to weed out synthetic ones and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. 

Gichanga, on the other hand, developed ideas to help farmers prepare better during a full calendar year. This involved analysing water deficit, studying unpredictable weather patterns and also offering solutions for plant and soil diseases. 

During the Award ceremony, the AfDB president was impressed by nine-year-old Karen Wanjiru, Kenya's youngest delegate at COP27.

Adesina hailed Wanjiru's business plan of making biodegradable bottles to the point of promising to fund the entire project. 

Kenyans are part of the campaign against the effects of climate in the continent at COP27. Among those who have spoken at the global platform include Rahmina Paulette, Jennifer Kibon, and young activist Elizabeth Wathuti.

Entrance at the COP27 venue.
Entrance at the COP27 venue.
The Standard