Welcome to the latest issue of Community Pulse. This edition focuses on how communities are putting locally led solutions into practice across Kenya. We share stories from the coastal region on climate action and livelihoods, updates from regional visits as the new coordination structure takes shape, and spotlight members supporting young women through skills and empowerment. We also bring you news on community voices in food systems and new opportunities to support your work.

Building resilience through local solutions

On Kenya’s coastal region, community-based organizations are responding to climate challenges with practical, locally driven solutions. Youth-led initiatives are turning waste into income through recycling, upcycling, and waste-to-energy projects that create jobs and reduce pollution. This work is strengthening livelihoods while addressing environmental pressures. It shows how grassroots action is building climate resilience in real, tangible ways. Read more.

Connecting leadership, action, and community impact

During visits to Kisumu, Nairobi, and Mombasa, the Alliance began implementing its new regional coordination structure, with the Lead engaging member regions to initiate elections and formalize representation. Alongside these engagements, members showcased impactful work across climate action, youth skills development, entrepreneurship, job creation, and gender equality. These visits created space to strengthen coordination while highlighting how community-based organizations are already driving practical, locally led solutions.

Teenage Mums Empowerment: Supporting young mothers to build independent futures

Teenage Mums Empowerment (TME) is based in Dandora, Nairobi, working with teenage mothers, school dropout girls, survivors of gender-based violence, and young refugee girls aged 14 to 21. Operating in a community facing significant socio-economic challenges, TME provides vocational skills training alongside awareness on the root causes of teenage pregnancy, supporting young women to lead healthier and more independent lives. Through its empowerment programs, participants gain practical skills, confidence, and pathways to sustainable livelihoods. Read more.

Tuungane: Empowering Young Women Through Skills and Sport Initiative

This initiative equips young women with practical skills in tailoring and design while integrating life skills and mental health support into its programs. Through a unique approach that combines skills training with sports-based engagement, participants build confidence, communication, and decision-making abilities. Many young women progress from having no prior experience to producing their own garments, gaining both technical skills and a sense of independence. The program continues to expand its reach, creating opportunities for more young women to access training, build livelihoods, and shape their futures. Read more.

Communities Call for Greater Inclusion in Food Systems

Civil society groups are calling for stronger inclusion of communities and small producers in shaping Africa’s food systems. They emphasize that local knowledge and leadership must guide how solutions are designed and implemented. The call highlights the role of community-based organizations in building more resilient and sustainable livelihoods. Read more.

• Grant Alert: Code for Africa is offering $3,000 AI Sandbox Seed Grants to civil society and human rights organizations in West and East Africa. Selected organizations will receive six months of funding and technical mentorship to develop AI tools addressing misinformation, hate speech, and digital surveillance. Deadline: March 30, 2026
• Call for Applications: The WE Empower UN SDG Challenge is supporting women social entrepreneurs with a minimum of three years of operation who are advancing the Sustainable Development Goals. Selected leaders will receive award travel and training opportunities. Priority is given to scalable, community-driven impact initiatives. Deadline: March 8, 2026
• Funding Opportunity: CcHUB and the Mastercard Foundation are offering up to $100,000 in equity-free funding for Nigerian EdTech startups focused on inclusive learning solutions, including for girls, learners with disabilities, and internally displaced populations. The program includes 18 months of incubation and mentorship. Deadline: April 10, 2026