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Author: Derrick

Author: Derrick

Development

Innovation Talks – Innovation and Humanitarian Response

During a powerful session hosted at I.O.Me001 Social Innovation Centre in Mombasa, Professor Bailey Briscoe Jones of the University of Texas – Austin shared insights that challenged and inspired. With his background in Humanitarian Product Development as well as his collaboration with the International Federation of the Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies(IFRC), Prof. Jones spoke about what it truly means to innovate for impact. Prof. Jones emphasized that effective solutions in humanitarian contexts must scale down – not up – to meet individual human needs. Big ideas, he reminded us, only matter if they make life better for families and communities on the ground. At the heart of his talk was a strong call for Human-Centered Design (HCD) – a philosophy that puts real people, not just theoretical models, at the center of the creative process. He outlined five key principles for effective humanitarian innovation: Direct engagement with those affected Securing community acceptance Developing quickly Testing and iterating Implementation   For both I.O.Me 001 in Mombasa and I.O.Me 005 in Lamu, this session served as a timely reminder that our work must remain grounded in lived experience if it is to create lasting, meaningful change.

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Development

Pwani Edtech Summit 2025

At the Pwani EdTech Summit 2025, I.O.Me254 brought innovation to the forefront – demonstrating the value of creating contextual teaching and learning aids using locally available tools and creativity. The session also addressed how powerful collaboration has been in supporting innovators to get more ideas that meet unique local needs. From 3D-printed learning aids to locally made water filters crafted from wood in Lamu, our presentation highlighted solutions that serve learners at all levels including children with learning disabilities.  The labs continue to be a stepping stone towards facilitating the realization of a more inclusive, accessible, and meaningful educational experience for all learners. Whether it’s supporting children with disabilities or enhancing learning for early learners, our mission across I.O.Me001 in Mombasa and I.O.Me005 in Lamu remains rooted in community driven impact. The Summit was a reminder that when education meets innovation, and when technology is guided by empathy, the possibilities for positive change are endless.

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STEM

S.T.E.A.M Squad: Create, Build, Explore!

Over 50 bright young minds lit up the I.O.Me001 Social Innovation Hub in Mombasa during an unforgettable STEAM event hosted by the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) at I.O.Me001 Social Innovation Hub, Mombasa. The room was crackling with curiosity and creativity as children explored everything from circuit boards to virtual reality, diving headfirst into hands-on activities that challenged their thinking and sparked their imaginations. But this wasn’t just about fun tech experiments — it was about asking big questions, solving real-world problems, and nurturing the innovators of tomorrow. This energy wasn’t just felt in Mombasa. The ripple effects of events like these echo across all I.O.Me254 spaces. As we continue bridging creativity with technology and purpose, it’s clear that when young people are given tools and the space to explore, they don’t just participate – they lead. And that’s exactly the future we’re working to build.

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Development

Celebrating International Women’s Day 2025

Celebrating International Women’s Day! Invest in Women: Accelerate Progress! During this year’s International Women’s Day, I.O.Me254 brought together voices, stories, and sisterhood under the global theme: Invest in Women: Accelerate Progress. Across our spaces, the day was filled with powerful conversations that stirred reflection, sparked new ideas, and reminded us of the strength in community.  There was laughter, connection, and a shared energy that could only come from women showing up for one another.What truly stood out was the collective intention to build and grow together. At both I.O.Me001 in Mombasa and I.O.Me005 in Lamu, participants forged new networks and fresh collaborations began to take root. International Women’s Day 2025 was a reminder that investing in women means investing in sustainable change. Progress moves faster when we move together.

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Marketing

Women Social Entrepreneurship Institute Phase 2 of 2025

The Women Social Entrepreneurship Institute (WSEI) continues to uplift informal entrepreneurs, helping them grow into impactful business leaders. Following a successful pilot in Mombasa, Phase Two of WSEI launched in April 2025 through a partnership between the French Red Cross, Kenya Red Cross Society, and ICC Merchants of Peace Foundation. This six-month phase is supporting 25 early-stage female founders in the green and circular economies across Kenya’s Coastal region. The program includes training in entrepreneurship basics, human- centered design, financial literacy, digital skills, mental health, and more. A key milestone was the Mid-Program Pitch Competition on June 26, 2025, held at the I.O.Me Fablab in Mombasa. Entrepreneurs received valuable feedback from distinguished ecosystem players, including Dr. Tayba Hatimy of Baus Taka, Biabu Shaffie from YEPI, and Vincent Mutisya of Sieg Strategy Group, boosting their confidence and investor readiness.  As the program progresses, the focus will shift to advisory support and real-world business exposure.

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Development

Innovation Visit – Kakuma Refugee Camp

Earlier this May 2025, I.O.Me254 organized a needs assessment tour joined by students from Kenya and the University of Texas – Austin, on a meaningful 5-day visit to Kakuma Refugee Camp and Kalobeyei settlement in Turkana County.  Together with humanitarian workers, youth, and local entrepreneurs, they interacted with community members within the camp, listening and learning. From damaged water infrastructure to salty boreholes and rising wastewater, it became clear just how much residents are working with limited resources.  But even in the middle of these challenges, there was a great sense of resilience, determination, creativity and hope. Now, those conversations and insights are helping shape new ideas back at our hubs in Mombasa (I.O.Me001) and Lamu (I.O.Me005) and the University of Texas in Austin.  Teams are exploring simple, community-led solutions for clean water and sanitation, better ways to manage waste, and tech skills programs that include youth and women in displaced settings. Innovation doesn’t have to be big or complicated – it just has to be thoughtful, useful, accessible and built together with the people it’s meant for. 

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Development

KEFRI Exhibition 2025

At Lamu, I.O.Me005, under the Kenya Red Cross Society Lamu Branch, recently participated in a vibrant exhibition hosted by KEFRI — one that brought our innovation lab’s work into the spotlight. From youth-led solutions to community-driven prototypes, we proudly showcased how technology and creativity are transforming lives in Lamu.  The event drew a diverse group of stakeholders including NYS, Kenya Prisons, NRT, Save Lamu, Action Life, Wetlands International, Cooperative Bank, and a host of students and fellow innovators. The exhibition looked past what we’ve built – it relayed the story behind why we build. Each product displayed carried a story of purpose and potential, designed with and for the youth of Lamu. With every conversation sparked and connection made, it became clear that innovation thrives when the community is involved. As I.O.Me005 continues to grow, this event affirmed that we’re not only building tools – we’re building futures.

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Marketing

IEEE Africa Entrepreneurship Summit 2025

At the recent IEEE Africa Entrepreneurship Summit in Rwanda, ICHA proudly had a seat at the table – represented through the Kenya Red Cross Society by Umi Sora, one of our very own Innovation Champions. Umi Sora shared heartfelt insights under the theme “Purpose Before Profit”, reflecting on how the Innovation Department helped shape what is now the I.O.Me254 Innovation Centres. Her message was clear: Innovation at the grassroots level can spark powerful change. From Mombasa to Lamu, I.O.Me254 continues to build on that foundation – offering programs that equip youth and women with practical, future-ready skills. Through incubations, mentorship, and initiatives like the Women Social Entrepreneurship Institute, we’re showing that humanitarian work goes beyond relief. It’s about empowering communities to thrive, using innovation and bold ideas to create a better, more inclusive future. Because in our world, doing business with purpose makes all the difference.

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Development

Plastics and Face-Masks into Products

Who knew a plastic shredder and a plastic injection molding machine could turn into the ultimate sustainability sidekicks? Recently, makers jumped into action, learning how these magic contraptions transform discarded plastic into reusable materials. They got hands-on, learned the ropes, and, of course, nailed the safety rules like professionals. To add some warm spices into the mix, on Valentines Day we had our youth members creating personalized upcycled gifts out of Manila paper, cardboard boxes and plastic bottles. This exercise was more than a rapid making of presents; it was about demonstrating that true love lies in the thought and effort put into a gift. We got kids into the mix, from Hindi Drama Club, to make sturdy boards out of expired face-masks from the Coronavirus pandemic era. In demonstrating that creativity isn’t confined to the stage but rather it can be a powerful tool for real-world change, they transformed what was a symbol of the past pandemic into a beacon of sustainable innovation. The youth reminded each other that the most meaningful expressions of affection are often born from the heart, fueled by a spark of creativity and a willingness to see potential in the readily available materials around us.

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STEM

Bridging The Digital Divide

Bridging The Digital Divide! Technology doesn’t have to be intimidating: at least not when I.O.Me254 is accessible! The entry point to using the lab’s digital fabrication machines is to start with the basics and fundamentals of computer systems. This year, we started things off with a dynamic “Introduction to Computer Literacy” training for new lab members. The session welcomed a group of enthusiastic learners who we’re ready to tackle the digital world head-on. With hands-on exercises, participants learned about computers and how technology could open new opportunities in their lives. The training focused on building confidence with computers while mastering practical skills in Microsoft Office. Participants explored everything from basic typing techniques to formatting documents like professionals.What initially felt like uncharted territory quickly became familiar ground. As learners gained confidence, there were smiles of accomplishment, moments of discovery, and a collective sense of “I’ve got this!” When the training completed, participants were ready to take on challenges with new found self-assurance. Participants left the training with skills to enhance their academic pursuits, boost their productivity, and engage more in the digital world. Here at I.O.Me 254, we believe that digital literacy is the key to leveling the playing field. By breaking down barriers to technology, we’re helping our communities unlock potential they didn’t even know they had.

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