When people talk about innovation, the first thought often goes to new apps, digital tools, or the next big tech idea. When young people look for jobs , they desperately look for employment.

But at System Changer Network (SCN) Kenya, we believe innovation and job opportunities go far deeper. And there are many more “hidden“ opportunities!

It’s not just what you build, which courses you do or what employee you want to become— it‘s at least equally important HOW innovative you think, especially if traditional jobs are rare.

It’s not only about technology or job offers— it’s about mindset.

The way how you ask determines what kind of answers you get! It’s a journey away from desperate employment seeking to different income generating ideas.

Rethinking Innovation in Vulnerable Communities

While working with vulnerable communities across Kenya, we as SCN Kenya (the System Changer Network Kenya is an independent, trust based organization of 7 local NGOs, focusing on holistic system change and partnering across all sectors) have made innovation and social entrepreneurial thinking to one of our central focus areas.

We collaborate and meet with universities, colleges, NGOs, and youth groups. One obvious learning keeps coming up:

The real challenge in our communities isn’t access to devices or a lack of digital literacy.

Even in remote or low-income areas, people know about tools like ChatGPT — and many learn quickly how to use them.

Of course, not everyone has the right devices, but that’s a challenge we can manage.

The deeper barrier lies elsewhere.

The real challenge is a matter of mindset — how we frame questions, the depth of our imagination, and how we connect what we already know to solve real problems.

From Curiosity to Creation or how eggs and ChatGTP link to reach other

At SCN Kenya, we run AI and innovation trainings focused not only on technical use but on mindset-opening.

Participants learn how to write effective prompts, explore new perspectives, and test creative ideas that could become income-generating activities or community solutions.

To optimize your thinking — and your prompts — it’s all about asking differently.

Don’t ask, “How can I become an egg seller?”

or “How can I find someone to employ me?”

Instead, explore broader possibilities.

We sometimes start with something simple — like high heels — and explore how they could inspire new business models to make more health happen.

Or we take something ordinary — like eggs — and brainstorm twenty different ways they could create income with only a small starting capital.

Because innovation isn’t about waiting for funding or employment.

It’s about learning to see different opportunities and to see them differently — and daring to test them.

Innovation Is a Mindset, Not an App

This is the spirit behind SCN Kenya’s work: helping people unlock creativity, connect existing knowledge, and act systemically.

We believe innovation happens when curiosity meets courage — and when ideas are shared across communities, disciplines, and generations.

Kenya’s next big transformation might not come from an app or a start-up hub.

It might come from some people in Bungoma or Kagamega who start to ask simply a better question — and build something new from what’s already there.

Join Our Online Courses

If you’re curious to learn how to think like an innovator — and use AI as a creative partner — join our new SCN Kenya Online Course on Innovation & AI Thinking.

Our course combines hands-on practice, real-world examples, and a mindset shift that helps you see problems as possibilities.

Whether you’re a student, a youth leader, or part of an NGO, this is your space to learn, share, and build new ideas for impact.

📩 Interested?

Reach out to us to join the next training cohort and be part of shaping the next generation of system thinkers.

System Changer Network (SCN) Kenya – Locally rooted. Boldly systemic. Business-minded for change.

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