Innovation For Humanity Foundation Launches First Community Cohort for Local Problem Solvers
IFHF launches first community problem-solvers cohort in Nairobi's informal settlements.
The Innovation For Humanity Foundation (IFHF) has begun its first community problem-solvers cohort in Nairobi's informal settlements, bringing together 25 young innovators to work on local solutions for waste management and water access.
The 12-week cohort, funded through local partnerships and in-kind support from Nairobi County stakeholders, will focus on hands-on learning, peer exchange, and field testing simple technologies. Participants were chosen through a local call for applications and include community health volunteers, youth group leaders, and recent university graduates.
During the inaugural session held at a community hall in Kibera last week, facilitators emphasized a practical approach: "This isn't about developing prototypes on paper — it's about improving everyday life in places where services are limited," said a programme lead.
Participants were introduced to basic design thinking, community engagement methods, and simple data collection tools to assess needs and test solutions. The cohort will meet weekly for workshops, field visits, and reflection sessions.
Community members will be invited to share feedback at public feedback forums midway through the programme, ensuring the cohort's work remains grounded in real neighborhood needs. "We are glad to see young people stepping forward to work on issues that matter to us — clean streets, better water points, improved sanitation," said one local resident at the launch.
The Foundation plans to document and share learnings from this cohort with local partners such as community groups and county officials to inform future programmes. This approach aligns with IFHF's mission to support locally relevant solutions built with community participation.