On September 6, 2024, EmpServe Kenya in collaboration with the Kenya Ministry of ICT and Digital Economy, launched Kenya’s First Social Innovation Eco-Village (SIEVE) Masterplan in a colourful event. The flagship project spearheaded by Empower and Serve (EmpServe), marked a significant milestone with the launch of its masterplan. This initiative dubbed “Africa’s Most Sustainable Village” is the region’s first eco-village located in Kajiado County, poised to become an icon of transformative sustainable programming. It is designed to foster community-driven sustainable development and provide a replicable model of sustainable development.
The event attracted key stakeholders from key sectors including local leaders, and partners invested in the transformative potential of the eco-village. Professionals from all walks of life in the non- profit space, civil society, private players, entrepreneurs to government representatives all convened to unveil this visionary project. The SIEVE project is not just a development project but a social catalyst that aims to address pressing challenges in the region, such as limited access to essential resources, climate resilience, and economic development. Kajiado’s harsh climate has posed numerous challenges to its inhabitants, but the resilience of the community is seen as the driving force behind this innovation.
Social Innovation Eco Village Enduata (SIEVE) Project Overview
✅ Social Innovation Eco Village Enduata (SIEVE) is a sustainable, community-driven development project situated on 10 Acres of land in Enduata Village-Kajiado Kenya.
✅ The project is designed to bridge infrastructural barriers while serving as a dynamic economic hub. By fostering an environment conducive to innovation and economic growth, we aim to empower our young people, enabling them to take action towards community reformation.
✅ SIEVE includes a training & research center, co-working spaces , eco-friendly agricultural spaces, renewable energy facilities, start-up business incubators, and residential units aimed at empowering local communities and promoting sustainable innovation.
Employment and Education Impact:
✅ SIEVE is expected to generate over 10,000 jobs upon completion, particularly in agriculture, entreprenurial training, digital and technology sectors.
✅ More than 5000 individuals are projected to benefit annually from the education and training programs, contributing to Kenya’s and Africa’s pool of socially conscious entrepreneurs and eco-innovators.
The SIEVE project is built around five core components, each designed to foster sustainability and innovation. The LEARN component includes training spaces, a resource center, conference areas, and offices, all aimed at providing education and capacity-building opportunities for the local community. The EARN component focuses on economic empowerment, offering coworking spaces, economic hubs, and workshops to support entrepreneurship and skill development.
At the heart of the project lies the IMPACT component, which includes research facilities dedicated to livestock, ASAL (Arid and Semi-Arid Lands) issues, and innovation. These facilities will allow for in-depth studies on environmental, climate, and cultural learning topics, providing a platform for innovative solutions that address local challenges.
The LIVE component is focused on creating comfortable and sustainable living spaces through accommodation that supports those involved in the project. Lastly, the SUSTAIN component highlights the importance of environmental stewardship by integrating a demo farm, greenhouse, cultural spaces, water and energy management systems, and health services, all aimed at promoting long-term sustainability.
SIEVE Masterplan includes a robust sustainability strategy to ensure the longevity of the project. From eco-friendly construction to sustainable waste management practices, the project is committed to maintaining its green footprint while addressing the economic needs of the community. The milestones in the project are right on track including eco-fencing already completed. Hamed Hafez, a key partner in this endeavor, remarked:
“Our role is to collaborate and power all these activities with renewable energy, ensuring we stay totally off the grid and maintain a negative carbon footprint. Imagine how many villages we can transform together if we work collectively on this amazing mission of having sustainable Eco-Villages where people are free to innovate, educate, and learn.”
Rallying Call for Support
At the launch, community involvement was emphasized as the cornerstone of the project. Samuel Lasiti, the project advisor, noted, “We are putting the community at the center of every phase.” This participatory approach ensures that the solutions are tailored to local needs, making the project a model for sustainability that can be replicated across Kenya and beyond.
The project aims to create a sustainable future for Kajiado County through the promotion of eco-friendly businesses, sustainable tourism, and social innovation. It’s more than just a village; it’s a blueprint for community empowerment and environmental conservation, representing a bold step towards achieving Kenya’s sustainability goals.
Martin, the Executive Director of Empower and Serve Kenya, emphasized the importance of innovation and collaboration in transforming local communities: “Research and innovation remain critical for turning whatever challenges we have into opportunities. Here we have a good thing going; let us give it all our support.” Martin Irungu closed by underscoring the power of synergy highlighting that the success of this initiative hinges on collective efforts from partners, donors, and the community.
Other speakers followed suit with a rallying call for support. Prof. Maina Mwangi, Director, Innovations Incubation and University Industry Linkages at Kenyatta University noted that the grassroots innovation stage is often fraught with high risks of failure. “Without steadfast support, these ideas may never see the light of day. We must connect these institutions to the resources they need.”
You can support the Social Innovation Eco-Village by donating through this link:https://www.globalgiving.org/projects/help-build-innovation-eco-village-in-rural-kenya/
