Awards & Gala 2024
Nairobi Climate Network is excited to host a Climate Awards & Gala 2024, celebrating Kenya's leading climate innovators and organisations.
The inaugural NCN Climate Awards was a celebration of innovation, resilience, and leadership, bringing together Kenya's climate champions to shine a light on transformative solutions for a sustainable future. With over 90 nominations, 23 inspiring finalists, over 7,300 votes, and 6 incredible winners, the Awards proved that the climate community is a powerful force when united.
This milestone event marked a turning point in spotlighting individuals and organisations that are leading the way in climate action. Recognising the breadth of climate solutions and innovation within the Kenyan ecosystem, the awards aim to build credibility and provide exposure to individuals and organisations, bring attention and focus onto African innovators, and to ultimately feed into larger global prizes such as The Earthshot Prize and Fin-Earth. Mark Napier, CEO of FSD Africa, and one of the judges emphasised:
"It's all about visibility for entrepreneurs and young companies who need it. It's also about showcasing business models to the wider market that investors can support. I think that's a really important role that organisations like NCN and these Awards are playing."
As we reflect on the Awards, we take a moment to celebrate these extraordinary winners who are pushing boundaries and pioneering transformative solutions:
NCN Climate Awards 2024 Winners
Pioneering Climate Innovator
ROAM Electric
ROAM Electric is revolutionising Africa's mobility sector by designing and developing electric motorcycles and buses tailored for emerging markets, starting in Kenya. Their innovations are not only reducing urban emissions but also creating green jobs through their local manufacturing plant. By fostering sustainable economic growth and financial value for users, ROAM Electric is lighting the way for Africa’s electric revolution.
visit ROAM Electric
Inspiring Climate Leader
Nelly Gesare Oteki, Founder of GreenThing Kenya
Nelly Gesare is a beacon of sustainable living. Through GreenThing Kenya, she champions green consumption with eco-friendly personal care products and non-toxic cleaning solutions, while raising awareness on the importance of sustainability. Her vision and leadership continue to inspire communities and catalyse change locally and globally.
Nelly Gesare Oteki
Community Climate Champion
Justdiggit
Justdiggit is regreening Africa, one hectare at a time. With over 300,000 hectares restored, 9 million trees brought back, and a grassroots movement engaging 350 million farmers, they exemplify the power of community-driven climate action. Their Women Enterprise Project in Kenya empowers Maasai women with opportunities to lead income-generating and land restoration initiatives, showcasing the potential of collective efforts in combating climate challenges.
visit Justdiggit
Network Community Contributor
Cecilia Wandiga
Cecilia is the Executive Director at the Centre for Science and Technology Innovations (CSTI), where she is leading the way in applied science, bridging eco-chemical innovation with the circular economy for sustainable development in construction, chemicals & waste, water, aquaculture, and agriculture across Sub-Saharan Africa.
Within the Nairobi Climate Network, Cecilia has been an incredible force, actively contributing to discussion groups, sharing valuable resources, and ensuring members have access to the latest opportunities in the climate space. Her unwavering support and knowledge-sharing have helped build a strong, collaborative community that drives positive climate action.
Cecilia Wandiga
Visionary Climate Investor
Africa Climate Ventures
ACV is building a portfolio of climate-smart businesses, bridging investment gaps, and scaling innovations across Africa. With a strategic focus on Technology Transfer to Africa, Scaling Out Successes Across Africa, and Adding Carbon Revenues to Business Models, ACV is building a portfolio of climate-smart businesses. Their investments include KOKO Networks, Carbon Valley, and Safi Organics. With an ambitious goal to launch and scale 15 climate-positive ventures within the next four years, ACV is setting the standard for visionary climate investing.
visit Africa Climate Ventures
Global Climate Ambassador
Mr. Green Africa
Through a tech-driven plastics collection model, Mr. Green Africa has integrated informal waste workers into the formal economy, creating sustainable income opportunities while tackling post-consumer plastic waste. Their leadership in waste management is putting Africa at the forefront of scalable, innovative circular economy climate solutions.
visit Mr. Green Africa"I had the privilege of judging the Awards, and at the World Resources Institute, where we work extensively to support enterprises, I understand how challenging this work can be. I was looking for enterprises demonstrating innovation in the sustainability space—whether in technology, nature-based solutions, or green business services—something truly cutting-edge. I sought initiatives with the potential to scale, to inspire others, and not be the sole 'unicorn in the forest. Sustainability was key—ideas with staying power that could thrive 10, 15, even 20 years into the future. Lastly, I looked for projects with significant job multiplier potential, creating value chains that generate widespread employment opportunities." Rebekah Shirley, Deputy Director for Africa at the World Resources Institute
"This was an excellent ceremony, and awards like these are so important. They incentivise institutions, corporates, groups, and individuals doing incredible work—often not yet profitable or commercial. The NCN Awards spotlight their efforts, creating opportunities for them to connect with new partners, collaborate on initiatives, and attract potential investors and funders. It's a powerful platform to amplify their impact and ensure their contributions are recognised and supported." Dorothy Maseke, Head of the African Natural Capital Alliance
"The Nairobi Climate Network is a platform that allows people to find each other, connect with each other, and find ways that they can collaborate. And we all need that. We all need a network of other entrepreneurs, a network of capital, a network of technical capabilities, and a network that is able to influence policy to facilitate progress. And that's the heart of what NCN does.” Edwin Macharia, Founder AXUM
Over the coming year, NCN will be championing these trailblazing winners by amplifying their impactful work across all our channels and facilitating introductions to potential partners and investors. If you’re interested in collaborating or supporting any of these remarkable organisations/individuals, please reach out to [email protected] - we’ll be delighted to make an introduction.
We extend our deepest gratitude to all participants and finalists for making the NCN Climate Awards 2024 a resounding success. A special thank you to FSD Africa for their invaluable support in championing Kenya’s climate leadership.