GIA II commenced in 2013/2014 financial year with support from Swedish International Development Cooperation. The total project cost was KES 62,905,000 or SEK 5million. This phase was unique in that it focused on identifying and awarding innovative ideas and projects that contribute to environmental management, income generation and job creation. This phase had four thematic areas of water, energy, agribusiness and resource based waste management. The target categories were expanded to include primary schools, secondary schools, community based organizations (CBOs), individuals, micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) and green villages. In addition to recognition and upscaling, the components of incubation and commercialization were included in the award.

Two major activities were undertaken:

• Selection of best practices at the county and national level
• Awarding of best practices in environmental management

A panel of 24 judges was recruited and used to evaluate the submitted entries and out of this exercise, 24 winners were selected and awarded on September 2, 2014.

Out of the 24 winning projects, 6 entered the incubation programme while 16 received financial support for upscaling the initiatives. The incubation dashboard contains details of the sponsorships and linkages received by the GIA II beneficiaries, a result of efficient marketing activities by the Department. Success stories of these projects were documented in the Best Practice Magazine with 2500 copies produced and distributed to stakeholders and members of the public during events.

The GIA II produced some of the most promising projects, some of which have won international awards and received investment from various sponsors. For example, Magiro Hydro Electricity Ltd. received Follow on Capital from investors worth KES 57,437,500 in form of equity (7,437,500) and a grant (50,000,000).