IKEA Foundation has awarded BOMA, a Kenya and US-based non-profit, a grant of $10.1 million to support the organization’s innovative approach to alleviating poverty in regions severely impacted by climate change.

‘We are excited to be partnering with BOMA to establish green enterprises in Kenya,’ said Per Heggenes, CEO of IKEA Foundation. ‘By working together with BOMA to scale their innovative approach to helping vulnerable communities withstand climate change and build their own resilience, we can lift more people out of poverty and also protect our planet.’

BOMA’s new initiative, Livelihoods and Inclusion for Transformation in Kenya (LIFT), funded by this grant will catalyse opportunities for 15,600 people living in extreme poverty. It will focus particularly on women, youth, refugees, and displaced people, supporting them to launch and build 3,650 environmentally friendly enterprises in Samburu and Turkana counties. The program will be implemented in partnership with Smart Regional Consultants Danish Church Aid, Kenya, and respective county governments and local community organizations. It is ultimately expected to benefit more than 93,000 people in Northern Kenya over two years.