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Year: 2023

Year: 2023

MArket Assessment Women and Youth IOMe
Marketing

Bridging the Gap: A Market Assessment of Economic Opportunities for Youth and Women in Mombasa

An ICHA team drawn from Policy & Advocacy, Climate, Data and CVA units conducted a thorough market assessment activity supported by the FSPI (French Solidarity Fund Project Initiative project) in Mombasa to identify employment and entrepreneurship opportunities for young people and women in the industrial, informal, and formal sectors. This assessment was necessary due to the limited access to capital and education often faced by these groups, which hinders their economic growth and development.   The team focused on evaluating existing industries and identifying opportunities for new industries, assessing micro-enterprises and small businesses, and identifying job opportunities in established industries. The team identified a range of opportunities in all three sectors that could be tapped to promote economic growth and development in the region.     They also identified several challenges that must be addressed. These include limited access to finance and markets, inadequate knowledge, and a lack of business and professional skills among young people and women. To address these challenges, the Kenya Red Cross Society’s Innovation Unit plans to continue and upscale training and support programs that will help young people and women develop the necessary skills to succeed in business.   The training programs will focus on financial management, marketing, and business planning, which will be designed to enable participants to access capital and markets. Additionally, the Society plans to work with local partners to establish business incubation centres, providing mentorship and coaching to young people and women entrepreneurs.   The market assessment report will guide the steps needed to create economic opportunities for young people and women in the region. With the support of local partners and the community, the Kenya Red Cross Society aims to create a sustainable environment for economic growth and development. This effort is expected to improve the lives of young people and women in the area, promoting financial independence and gender equality.   In conclusion, the market assessment report generated from this activity provides insights into the economic opportunities available to young people and women in Mombasa. The report also highlights the challenges that must be addressed to enable them to take advantage of these opportunities.      

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KRCS and Airbus Foundation IOMe
Development

KRCS and Airbus Foundation Projects Transforming Communities in Nairobi and Mombasa Counties

ICHA’s Innovation team had the pleasure of hosting the Airbus Foundation Response Coordinator, Ms. Sophie, in Nairobi and Mombasa Counties, where they took her to visit different project implementation sites. This visit aimed to showcase the progress and impact of various projects and to strategize on the partnership engagement.  In Nairobi, the team visited three schools that had the Plasma water units installed; St. Catherine Primary, Nairobi South Primary, and Gatoto Primary. During the visit, the headteachers of the schools gave their timely feedback on their experiences using the water purification systems and gave some recommendations on how the project could be sustainable moving forward. The WASH department and Plasma Waters technician were also present during the visit, providing technical support and addressing any issues that arose.  In Mombasa County, Ms. Sophie was updated on the Airbus Foundation Discovery Space (AFDS) project and the Mombasa county branch projects focusing on Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR), such as the URCBP project. The teams discussed overall partnership engagements, geared towards environmental conservation and capacity building within specific thematic areas such as Knowledge Management, Blue, and Green Economies.  During the URCBP site visit, the project team and the Community Disaster Management Committee had further discussions on how to rehabilitate and enhance overall mangrove conservation and restoration efforts. The mangroves play a crucial role in coastal protection, and their conservation and restoration are critical for the well-being of communities living in the area.  The partnership between KRCS and Airbus Foundation has had a huge impact, with several projects being implemented to address various challenges facing communities in Nairobi and Mombasa counties. The Plasma Water units in schools have provided clean and safe drinking water to school-going children, reducing waterborne diseases. The Airbus Foundation Discovery Space has provided a platform for students to learn about science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM), contributing to the development of future leaders and innovators. The DRR projects in Mombasa County have enhanced the resilience of communities to disasters, reducing the impact of disasters on their livelihoods.  Moving forward, the partnership between KRCS and Airbus Foundation will focus on sustainability and capacity building within specific thematic areas such as Knowledge Management, Blue, and Green Economies. This approach will ensure that projects are implemented sustainably, enhancing the well-being of communities while protecting the environment. 

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Empowering WOmen Digital StoryTelling IOMe
Development

Empowering Women Through Digital Literacy Programs

This year’s International Women’s Day theme, DigitALL: Innovation and technology for gender equality, acknowledges the critical role of digital literacy in advancing economic growth and development while championing the advancement of transformative technology and digital education for women and girls.   In line with this theme, the Kenya Red Cross Innovation Unit has implemented a series of programs to promote technical, professional, and digital literacy training that specifically impacts women. These programs aim to empower women with the digital skills necessary to take advantage of digital opportunities and, in turn, grow their businesses and impact their communities positively.     One of the programs involved training over 50 women in digital marketing, website development, and Google business account management, facilitated by Ajira Digital trainers from Mombasa, Tana River, and Nairobi Counties. The focus of the program was to equip the women with digital skills that would help them increase their online presence, attract more customers, and ultimately grow their businesses.   The second program involved training 15 women on hardware repair and maintenance, facilitated by N-tech Solutions from Mombasa. This program aimed to provide women with the skills necessary to repair and maintain computers, which is crucial in running businesses in the digital age.   The third program facilitated by Tech-Kidz Africa involved training 11 women in coding skills applicable to the humanitarian sector. The program aimed to equip the women with coding skills that would enhance their employability and enable them to contribute to the humanitarian sector.   Lastly, the Kenya Red Cross Innovation Unit partnered with the UCRBP program in Mombasa and Nairobi Counties to train 20 women in mapping and how to access a geographical location in the event of a disaster assessment, utilizing an open-source app. The program aimed to enhance the women’s knowledge and skills in responding to emergencies, thereby increasing their preparedness and effectiveness in crises.   All these programs were designed to be practical and hands-on, with a focus on equipping women with the necessary skills to apply their knowledge in real-life situations. By empowering women with digital skills, the Innovation Unit is not only improving their lives but also those of their families and communities. The acquired digital skills will enable these women to leverage opportunities presented by the digital age, leading to economic growth and development in their respective communities.   Digital literacy is an essential aspect of economic growth and development, and it is crucial to equip women and girls with the necessary skills to take advantage of digital opportunities.    

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Development

KRCS and the French Embassy partner to promote youth empowerment in Mombasa County

Empowering youth with practical skills has become a vital component in the efforts to address the high rate of unemployment and poverty in many African communities. In Mombasa County, the Kenya Red Cross Society’s Innovation Unit, under the FSPI project and in partnership with the French Embassy, organized an Artistic Wednesday Session at the I.O.Me 001 Innovation hub, with a focus on beadwork. The workshop aimed to provide the youth with practical skills in beadwork, a craft that has a rich cultural heritage in many African communities, and can provide economic opportunities while helping to preserve traditional cultural practices.   The workshop brought together a group of enthusiastic youths who were eager to learn and improve their skills. The facilitators for the session were two experienced beadwork artists within Mombasa County who have worked on past projects and are currently monetizing their skills.   The workshop began with an introduction by the facilitators, who explained the significance of beadwork in their community. The participants were then shown a range of beadwork tools and materials, including threads and beads of various colours and sizes. The facilitators enlightened the participants on how to identify the right beads for a particular design, how to thread the beads, and how to create patterns and shapes using different stitching techniques.   As the workshop progressed, the participants grew more confident in their abilities and began to experiment with different beadwork designs. They also encouraged the participants to explore their unique styles and to find inspiration in their cultural heritage.   At the end of the session, the participants displayed their finished beadwork pieces, especially bracelets. They also shared their experiences and the challenges they had overcome in the process. The workshop also provided them with practical skills in beadwork, as well as an appreciation for the cultural and artistic significance of the craft.   The participants will go through a second session and get linked to hotels and resorts in Mombasa County, where they will be allocated platforms to showcase their products for sale. This will be a good opportunity for them to boost their self-employability.   With more workshops like this, the youth can become more self-reliant, contribute to the growth of their communities, and improve their overall well-being. 

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Digital Storytelling and reflective practice IOMe
Training

Digital Storytelling and Reflective Practice

In today’s fast-paced world, an online presence is essential for success in creative business. This is especially true for those who want to reach new clients and audiences through the internet.   IOMe005 recently conducted a seven-week program that trained participants to create their personal documentation websites. The program formed four teams that were assigned to design, document, and create learning kits for children with different challenges, including physical disabilities, hyposensitivity, cerebral palsy, and autism. The 41 participants worked on their websites while learning valuable lessons about team dynamics and how to overcome challenges while working in teams.  Through the training program, learners take photos and record videos of the process while working on projects. After working on certain tasks, learners are encouraged to reflect and write down their experiences. This type of documentation is critical in identifying learning gaps for individual participants and planning to address those gaps. Skills such as design, digital fabrication, photography, drawing and painting, and sculpture can all be documented using this approach.  In conclusion, the digital storytelling and reflective practice training program provides participants with valuable skills that can help them succeed in the creative business world. The program enables learners to document their experiences and showcase their skills to potential employers and customers, while also identifying areas where they can improve. Overall, this program is an excellent opportunity for anyone looking to enhance their digital skills and showcase their creativity. 

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Ajira Training IOMe
Training

Ajira Digital Training, Data Entry & Data management Module

The Ajira Digital Training Program recently conducted a Data Entry and Data Management Module training session on the 16th and 17th of March 2023 at the IOMe005 Innovation Lab. The training was conducted by eMobilis and aimed to equip 43 young people from Hindi with the skills and knowledge required to excel in online work.   The program began by introducing participants to the benefits of online work, tips for success, job categories available, payment methods, and how to create winning proposals. Participants were also taught the importance of data management in today’s world and gained a comprehensive understanding of key terms such as annotations and cleaning processes. These skills are essential for working in job roles such as data processors or analysts, making the training relevant and valuable for the participants’ future careers.   Furthermore, the program introduced various platforms that facilitate streamlined practices when dealing with clients, which will help the participants to work more efficiently and effectively.   In addition to developing core competencies, the training also covered cross-cutting topics such as soft skills and image editing skills.   In conclusion, the Ajira Digital Training Program’s Data Entry and Data Management Module training session was a valuable opportunity for young people from Hindi to gain the skills and knowledge required to succeed in online work. The program’s comprehensive approach, covering core competencies, cross-cutting topics, and practical applications, ensured that participants left the training better equipped for the challenges and opportunities of online work.       Data Entry & Data Management Physical Mentorship  Following a two-day introduction to the Ajira training module at IOMe005 Innovation Lab on the 16th and 17th, participants were enrolled in a long-term mentorship program. This program paired mentees with mentors to provide more in-depth training on the module’s content.  The physical mentorship program took place on the 29th and 30th of March 2023 at the Lab. During the program, participants were introduced to the roles of mentors and mentees, best practices for mentorship sessions, netiquette skills, and platforms for submitting mentorship assignments.   It is important to note that all participants will be required to complete the mentorship program virtually. This approach ensures that participants continue to benefit from the program’s content, despite being unable to meet in person. The virtual aspect of the program also provides an opportunity for participants to develop skills in remote collaboration and communication, which are valuable skills in today’s digital age.   Overall, the mentorship program is an excellent opportunity for participants to build on the knowledge and skills gained during the initial training. The program’s emphasis on best practices, netiquette skills, and virtual collaboration will equip participants with valuable skills for their future careers in online work.             

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ThinkBricks IOMe
Creative App

Think-Bricks STEM Kids Event

STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering) education is a crucial part of modern education, focusing on providing children with practical knowledge and problem-solving skills. To support this initiative, I.O.Me005 organized a ThinkBricks STEM Kids Event in Lamu on March 4th, 2023. Twenty children between the ages of 8 and 12 were given hands-on guidance on how to use Think Bricks to build adaptable housing structures that can change based on contextual and environmental dynamics.  Think Bricks are similar to Lego bricks and were designed by Dorrit, a master’s student from Delft University of Technology, during her one-and-a-half-month attachment at the lab. These bricks are made from wood fabricated by a CNC machine and are easy to snap together with pencils to create a variety of structures.  During the workshop, the children used the Think Bricks to build mobile houses, with cardboard being used for the walls and roofs, and pencils used as skeletons and chassis for the automobile. Each group presented their movable house to the rest of the participants at the end of the event, with the houses being judged based on creativity, functionality, and overall design.  The children were proud of their creations and were able to work together in small groups, learn effective communication, and come up with unique designs for their movable houses. The event helped promote creativity and encouraged imagination in the children, leaving them with valuable experiences and skills for the future. 

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Digitalization IOMe
Training

ESO Digitalization Training

The Association of Startup and SMEs Enablers of Kenya (ASSEK) is actively promoting networking among its members to become the driving force for entrepreneurial economic breakthroughs in Kenya. As a member of ASSEK, I.O.Me254 participated in a digitalization training ON aimed at capacity-building entrepreneur support organizations (ESOs) to enhance their service delivery through digitization of their systems and processes.  The training covered various thematic areas, including Digital Business Model and Strategy, Digital Finance Management and Strategy, Digital Marketing Leadership and Strategy, Digitization of M&E, and Digital Fundraising. The ESO leaders were encouraged to develop a working business model canvas through a deeper understanding of their target customer segment using a human-centred design approach.  Digitalization of ESO processes was highly encouraged, and this included financial management. ESO leaders were urged to invest in financial management tools and not just accounting tools. Various common financial tools were discussed, ranging from Microsoft Excel to more comprehensive tools such as Xero and SAP B1.  Digital marketing was also covered in detail, and the main objectives of investing in digital marketing for ESOs were highlighted.   In conclusion, the digital transformation of ESOs is no longer an option but a necessary step to be taken. The initial investment can be relatively high but when done appropriately, return on investment is guaranteed. Strategic partnerships can be a cost-effective approach to steadily build towards digital transformation and growth of these organizations. ASSEK’s digitalization training provides a comprehensive guide for ESOs to enhance their service delivery through the digitization of their systems and processes. 

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Development

Lamu County Government Showcases Swahili Culture with CNC-Milled Mashrabia Wall Partitions

The Lamu County Government has recently introduced CNC-milled Mashrabia wall partitions in their offices to promote the local culture and traditional designs of Swahili artefacts. These lattice-work patterns have been an integral part of Swahili culture for centuries and are known for their geometric shapes and repetitive patterns, creating a mesmerizing interplay of light and shadow.   The CNC milling technology provided by I.O.Me 005 Innovation Lab has revolutionized the way these patterns are produced, making it possible to create even more intricate designs at a faster rate. By incorporating traditional symbols and motifs into the Mashrabia designs, I.O.Me 005 has been able to create customizable wall partitions that are not only aesthetically pleasing but also represent the local culture, reflecting the unique cultural heritage of the Swahili people.  CNC milling technology can achieve a high level of precision, resulting in a flawless finished product. This is particularly important in the case of Mashrabia patterns, which often feature complex interlocking shapes and motifs. The Lamu County Government’s use of CNC-milled Mashrabia patterns in their offices is a significant step towards promoting local culture and Swahili artefacts. This initiative is a way of preserving the heritage of the Swahili people and showcasing it to the world. The introduction of CNC milling technology not only improves the commercial supply of these artefacts but also provides employment opportunities for those interested in art through the final polishing and marketing of the products. 

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Training

Fabrication of Wooden Certificates

When one receives an award or a gift, it makes them feel that their work is valued and that their employer is fully aware of their individual as well as team efforts and accomplishments That’s what Trufoods were looking to achieve and we stepped in to make it happen through a unique way of presenting certificates of dedication for the team. From a draft certificate design they had prepared, we analyzed it and brainstormed on how to recreate it uniquely and innovatively. A team of Innovators and staff came up with an idea of a digitally fabricated wooden certificate inspired by one of our innovators, Mohamed Arafat’s wall decorative piece. A rapid design and prototyping was done on 3mm plywood to illustrate the idea to the customer using a Laser Engraving Machine. The Final product was to be made using a composition of different types of wood – Mvule and Ebony (Mkulu) as well as some metallic rings. The production process started with cutting the main body certificate from the mvule on CNC Machine, then fitting in the Mkulu & brass rings. As is the norm at the lab, the finishing process of any product is a communal bonding moment for everyone where music, dancing, and jokes are always served in unregulated proportions. A total of 41 Certificates were produced. The Certificated are also supplied with stands that make them easy to be strategically placed on one’s desk.    

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