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Category: Marketing

Category: Marketing

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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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

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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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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Marketing

Photography – There is More to A Snap

Photography is about capturing moments, telling stories, and making memories stick. It’s about capturing that feeling, that moment,that motion that would be lost if not caught and savored. In our recent session, we got down to the basics,but with a twist. First, we took a close look at the camera—understanding all the important parts including the lens and the camera body. It’s like getting to know the ins and outs of your new favorite gadget before you start using it. Plus, we made sure everyone felt like a pro by learning how to handle the equipment like it was an extension of themselves. No awkward fumbles here!Let’s face it: every photo is a little piece of art (or at least, it’s trying to be). Whether it’s a portrait that speaks volumes, a landscape that takes your breath away, or a snapshot of life’s little candid moments, each shot has a tale to tell. We also dabbled in the magic of perspective— how shifting your angle or focus can turn a “meh” shot into something you’ll want to frame. Suddenly,everything around you looks like it’s straight out of a photo-shoot, and it’s all about how you see it.The big takeaway? Photography is all about seeing the world with fresh eyes. You don’t need to wait for the perfect moment; sometimes, all it takes is a little creative twist to turn the ordinary into extraordinary. We encouraged everyone to experiment—whether it was with their angle, their focus, or looking for the beauty in the overlooked moments. Once you start seeing through the lens, you’ll never look at the world the same way again. Who knew everyday scenes could become such masterpieces?

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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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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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