In collaboration with Safaricom, MK-Africa challenged Kenya’s youth to create robust solutions to address any SDGs through digital technology’s sustainable, scalable and ethical use. The company conducted an SDGs design challenge with undergraduate university students selected from across Kenya. The objective of the Challenge was to highlight the talent embedded within the country’s institutions of higher learning and provide a platform for SDGs innovation in alignment with Safaricom’s goals, with the company providing nominal funding towards a project concept. MK-Africa provided pro-bono sustainability training and coaching to the participants, guiding them in creating and developing their projects. This 12-week program culminated in an award ceremony on 31st August 2023.   Thirty-four participants made it to the final event, which featured remarks from the CEO of MK-Africa, Muthoni Kanyana, and Safaricom Senior Manager of Sustainability, Evelyne Serro.

Each finalist presented their project idea before a panel of judges during this exciting event, which included music and entertainment from the MC. Microsoft Senior Cloud Security Advocate Ms. Joylynn Kirui gave the keynote address, expressing gratitude to the participants while noting the impressive use of AI technology in addressing the SDGs. After the keynote speech, the Chief Judge awarded all participants certificates before announcing the top three winners. Gladys Mwende, aged 22, a student at the Technical University of Mombasa, emerged third with her presentation of the GreenTech Collectors Project, which aims to achieve SDG 13 through digital waste management. Also in second place was 23-year-old Collins Nyakoe of Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology with GreenLead Project, aiming to achieve SDG 13 by promoting climate financing among tree-planters. The best presentation belonged to 22-year-old Ian Nyongesa from the Technical University of Kenya (TUK) with EduYetu, an educational application aiming to achieve SDG 4.

All the contestants received certificates of participation. Safaricom will continue to mentor the three winners through their Tech for Development (T4D) team and include them in various events, including the upcoming Safaricom hackathon. We at MK-Africa wish them every success as we continue to coach and develop the young innovators through the #MyLIttleBigThing community activities.