Google to Hold Impact Challenge In Kenya

Google is giving $2 million (Sh200m) funding to Kenyan non-profits and social enterprises that are using technology to improve society on a local or national level.

Google is also rolling out the African Google Impact Challenge (GIC) in Nigeria and South Africa, bringing the total grant offered in the three countries to USD 6 million.

According to Charles Murito, the Country Manager of Google Kenya, “We believe technology can help local and national organizations to better reach their goals and solve some of the continent’s most pressing challenges, and we are eager to back people who are using technology in new ways to make a positive difference in their communities.”

“We also want to highlight the healthy state of social enterprise in Kenya, Nigeria and South Africa today, and encourage non-profits to consider how technology and innovation can help them reach their goals,” he added.

Also See: Nigeria To Host First Google Impact Challenge In Africa

The public will vote for the idea they believe has the most potential, and the judges will select 3 more winners after hearing in-person pitches from a set of finalists. The winner will receive cash as well as access to guidance, technical assistance and mentorship from Google, which they are free to take up should they so choose.

GIC comes out of the Google4Nigeria event held in July 2017, where Google.org announced that it is investing USD 20 million in non-profits working across the continent over the next five years.

Since 2013, Google has run 18 GICs in 15 countries, received more than 10,000 nonprofit applications, made 370 Grants and involved more than 2000 Googlers.

The judges include Manu Chandaria, Caroline Mutoko, Amb Tegla Loroupe, Tabitha Karanja, Janet Mawiyoo, Salim Mohammed as well as Charles Murito.