Maarifa Kona
Working with innovators in rural communities to build innovative solutions
The Ask
Help us impart design thinking skills to innovators in rural Marsabit and Garissa and support them in developing practical solutions and new ideas to prepare for and manage drought.
The Observation
Maarifa Kona recognised the need for long-term, locally developed responses to drought. The initiative supported innovators in Marsabit and Garissa to identify community challenges and develop practical solutions that could strengthen resilience and create sustainable sources of income.
The Process
MADE conducted two parallel design thinking training sessions in Garissa and Marsabit. UX consultants supported innovators through user research, defining problems, generating ideas, prototyping, testing and pitching to potential investors.
The UX support process continued over seven months.
The Outcome
Eleven innovations began the process. Four innovators advanced to incubation with the Adeso, iHub and Mastercard Foundation (AIM) Consortium that established the Maarifa Kona Initiative.
