Three inspiring initiatives from Kenya, Pakistan and Ecuador have been selected as finalists for the IHS Alumni Impact Award 2026!
The IHS Alumni Impact Award celebrates alumni who are turning their knowledge and experience into meaningful change in cities and communities around the world. Established in 2012, the award showcases and supports urban initiatives that have a positive impact on local communities.
Following the evaluation of this year's entries by the expert jury and IHS Alumni Board, as well as adding up the public voting results, three initiatives have been selected as finalists (if you wish to see all the entries, here's an overview). The three finalists reflect the diversity and ambition of the IHS alumni community. Their initiatives demonstrate how urban change can begin with local communities and be driven by practical, inclusive solutions. From community-led climate adaptation in Homa Bay, to family-led action for cleaner air in Ecuador, and youth empowerment through public sports infrastructure in Pakistan, the finalists are putting urban development knowledge into practice and creating tangible impact in their communities.
Meet the finalists
Fredrick Onyango Warega and Rex Otieno Omondi – Kenya
People’s Adaptation – Local Physical and Land Use Development Plan for Homa Bay Municipality 2025–2035
Fredrick Onyango Warega and Rex Otieno Omondi’s initiative places communities at the centre of climate-resilient urban planning in Homa Bay Municipality, Kenya.
The People’s Adaptation approach combines statutory urban planning with deep community participation. Rather than treating residents as passive beneficiaries, the initiative engages communities as co-creators through household enumeration, mapping, consultation, validation and the prioritisation of climate adaptation needs.
The resulting plan addresses challenges including flooding, drought, inadequate water and sanitation, vulnerable settlements, insecure housing, environmental degradation and infrastructure gaps. By bringing community-generated evidence into formal planning, the initiative aims to ensure that the priorities of vulnerable communities — including women, youth and residents of informal settlements — help shape future development and investment in Homa Bay.
Tannya Pico Parra – The Netherlands/Ecuador
Ecuador’s Family-led Clean Air Observatory – Pacha Ayllu (Families of Nature)
Tannya Pico Parra’s Pacha Ayllu initiative brings families together to become active guardians of air quality in Ecuador.
As a family-led grassroots collective, Pacha Ayllu translates technical information about air pollution into accessible and practical knowledge. Through workshops, creative storytelling and interactive activities, families learn how to respond to air-quality challenges and protect children and other vulnerable groups.
The initiative also works with families to host low-cost air-quality sensors, turning environmental monitoring into a participatory learning experience. By combining community engagement, accessible information and local data, Pacha Ayllu aims to empower families to take action towards cleaner and healthier environments.
Muhammad Khizer Afzaal Chaudhary – Pakistan
Urban Youth Sports Inclusion Initiative: Transforming Public Spaces into Community Assets
Muhammad Khizer Afzaal Chaudhary’s Urban Youth Sports Inclusion Initiative uses public sports infrastructure as a platform for youth development, social inclusion and community wellbeing in Punjab, Pakistan.
The initiative responds to barriers faced by young people — particularly women, girls and youth from underserved urban communities — in accessing safe, inclusive and affordable opportunities for recreation and personal development.
Working through a network of more than 600 public sports facilities across Punjab, the initiative expands access to sports and recreation, supports athlete development through scholarships and training opportunities, organises community sporting events and strengthens partnerships with local stakeholders.
A key element is the establishment of Pakistan’s first provincial Sports Endowment Fund, creating a sustainable financing mechanism to support opportunities for young people. By transforming underutilised public sports facilities into active community assets, the initiative demonstrates how public space can contribute to healthier, more inclusive and more connected communities.
The three finalists will be celebrated at the IHS Alumni Impact Award 2026 final event in Rotterdam on the 9th of October, where the winner will be announced.