Be Green
Across Kenya, young innovators are transforming bold, sustainable ideas into real businesses. Yet without access to funding, mentorship, and practical tools, many promising ventures struggle to grow. To close this gap, the Institute of Design and Innovation (IDI), UNICEF, and the Kenya Girl Guides Association launched the BeGreen Africa Design Sprint, a program helping young entrepreneurs move from early concepts to market-ready solutions.
IDI's Role & Contribution
IDI served as the design and innovation partner—applying our design sprint methodology, mentoring co-creation, and integrating foundational financial literacy.
"Rather than relying on theory, entrepreneurs engaged in collective problem-solving, testing assumptions, sharing peer critiques, and co-evolving stronger solutions together."
The Problem
Three interlocking failures created a system where continuity of care was structurally impossible.
Fragmented care
Entrepreneurs advanced faster through hands-on sessions and real-world case studies than with theory alone. This experiential learning ensured skills were internalized through action.
Lost record continuity
By integrating early training in financial modeling and budgeting, we reinforced building from the bottom up—ensuring every business had a strong financial backbone.
Invisible complications
Regular pitching sessions and peer reviews embedded the principle of co-creation. These moments sharpened ideas, boosted confidence, and highlighted collective intelligence.
Our Approach
A structured, collaborative design methodology implemented across six sequential stages.
Scouting & Mobilization
Identifying and onboarding youth green innovators from 10+ counties across Kenya.
Experiential Workshops
Immersive 'learning-by-doing' sessions using real-world green business cases.
Financial Design
Co-designing financial models and budgeting frameworks for early-stage ventures.
Peer Review & Sprints
Collective pitching, critique loops, and iterations of prototypes.
Market Connection
Preparing ventures for ecosystem linkages, funding, and launch.
Outputs & Results
Measurable outcomes achieved through the programme's core activities.
Green ventures launched within 24 months
Counties represented across Kenya
Core design principles shaped success
Measuring Success
With the right tools, collaboration, and design-driven thinking, this new generation is proving that sustainable business is not just possible, it's already taking shape. These aren't just good ideas on paper. They're real ventures, built by young people who understand their communities and are creating solutions that work.
Partners
As we work to scale health systems across Africa, we are proud to partner with leading national and global organizations.
![UNICEF](\"/static/images/partners/unicef.1404fd075ce7.webp\")
![IDI](\"/static/images/partners/regional-center.7ba9c9722489.webp\")
![Transboundary Data Flows - UNEP, GIZ, Action Lab](\"/static/images/case-studies/data_flows_main.243ed6d365dc.webp\")
![SpaceAI (Dairy Digitisation & Cooperative Enablement)](\"/static/images/case-studies/dairy_digitisation_main.c5cf334d09a8.webp\")