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IOMe News

IOMe News

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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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

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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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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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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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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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

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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Digital Fabrication

CAD – CAM Software and CNC Workshops

Within the bustling confines of the innovation lab, remarkable transformations have been unfolding. Kenyan youths, driven by a desire to contribute positively to their community, immersed themselves in projects that transcended digital fabrication. They delved into the nuanced art of finishing touches, understanding that true innovation lies in the details. Participants delved into digital product modeling with SolidWorks and VCarve programs. These young minds began to bridge the gap between abstract concepts and real-world applications. Additionally, students were exposed to another type of digital product modeling software by the name of Aspire, and this was the 15th lot of students being trained through peer-to-peer mentorship. These trainings have been part of a series of initiations into the language of innovation, where ideas take tangible form in the digital sphere. This project became a crucible for skill development, a testament to the power of hands-on learning. Working shoulder-to-shoulder with experienced staff at the lab, the young innovators gained invaluable experience on digital fabrication. They poured their hearts into every step, demonstrating a dedication that spoke volumes about their commitment to building a tech-savvy community. The fruits of their labor stand as a powerful symbol of their hard work and a compelling call to action. It serves as a reminder that investing in youth development, providing them with the tools and opportunities to thrive, is more than a social imperative; it is a catalyst for community growth.

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Achievements

I.O.Me 254 Fab Women

I.O.Me 254 Fab Women We have initiated a dynamic program to address the education-industry relationship, through its Fab Women program.The event was celebrated on February 11th 2025, coinciding with the International Day for Women and Girls in Science-to entail a day of inspiration and exploration for university students in STEAM fields. Participants encountered inspiring I.O.Me254 experiences via interactive sessions and hands-on experiences, allowing them to explore contemporary projects, opportunities, and available resources within the innovation ecosystem. It also shone light on the importance of STEAM education and emphasized I.O.Me254’s commitment to nurturing creativity, diversity, and technology. By including these talented young women in the program,the initiative aims to take its place in empowering the next generation of scientists and leaders in technology, which is widely seen as a necessary feature to ensure that they will have every possible tool and support on which to build their success. I.O.Me254, which has initiated a dynamic program to address the education-industry relationship, through its Fab Women program. The event was celebrated on February 11th, coinciding with the International Day for Women and Girls in Science – to entail a day of inspiration and exploration for university students in STEAM fields. Participants encountered inspiring I.O.Me254 experiences via interactive sessions and hands-on experiences, allowing them to explore contemporary projects, opportunities, and available resources within the innovation ecosystem. Here’s to building bridges and breaking barriers in a trailblazing innovation landscape!

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