Top 8 Youth Run Community Organisations in Kenya

“Good habits formed at youth make all the difference.” — Aristotle “The surest way to corrupt a youth is to instruct him to hold in higher esteem those who think alike than those who think differently.” ― Friedrich Nietzsche. Okay that’s enough with the brainy quotes, we have our own heroes and no, they are not politicians or preachers (pun). They are young citizens daring to think differently to change lives and situations around them. They are the real leaders of today. Whether taking care of disabled kids or saving wildlife, today we compile some of the youth run organizations helping ease life in our communities.

1. The Action Foundation Started four years ago by Maria Omare, then a 2nd year student of Foods, Nutrition and Dietetics, The Action Foundation (TAF) keeps changing lives and opening doors of possibilities to disabled children in Kibera slums everyday. The organisation, funded and run by volunteers and well wishers provides health services including physiotherapy, nutritional care and medical services to children with special needs. For more information about The Action Foundation, visit their website www.theactionfoundationkenya.org

2. The Urban Hope Project Concerned by a myriad of sometimes hopeless situations the youth go through, Moses Bantu, then studying Social Work in the UK started this project to try to tackle the growing need for counselling, coaching, positive relationships, education, job creation and basic needs in Kenya’s urban settlements through barrier free care and religious guidance. Their work involves home visits, youth activity organization and facilitation, career guidance, counselling and imparting holistic guidance and approaches for life through mentorship and religious guidance. They rely on friends, volunteers and well wishers to make all this possible. For further inquiries, check them out at http://urbanhopeproject.org/

3. Positive Action Kenya This NGO started by 3 young innovative and good-hearted youth, PAK is a base for individuals and corporate organizations to better the lives of the youth through CSR projects. They come up with CSR projects that target the youth with an aim to be a medium that influences the youth to make critical, careful and concise decisions on issues surrounding their lives. They specialize in giving Back to the Community, empowering the youth, environmental conservation, undertaking research and providing advocacy. Check them out at http://www.positiveactionkenya.org/

4. Colour My World Kenya This youth run organisation is mainly for children and adolescents. Their first campaign dubbed “Colour My World As I Fight Cancer” is aimed at raising awareness on pediatric cancer. They try to help children fighting pediatric cancer to be able to grow socially, spiritually and intellectually during their stay at different hospitals and palliative care centers. Follow their activities at https://www.facebook.com/colourmyworldkenya/info

5. An Honest Intention This organization run by a team of young professionals is all about education. Disappointed by the literacy levels of around 30% of Kenyans and the quality of education received, they set out to do something as they believe that the empowerment of the mind, academically or otherwise, is key in the achievement of the benefits of sustainable development in society. They therefore focus on education of underprivileged children between the ages of 11 - 16 through provision of learning material and advocating for quality education and healthy learning environment. Follow their cause at http://www.honestintention.org/

6. Kuna Vijana Founded in 2008 by the then very young Evans Muriu, Kuna Vijana is driven by great passion, enthusiasm and confidence in the youth. Their aim is to change the image the society has towards the youths. They do this through various ways including teaching life skills and promoting creativity, career enhancements, promoting HIV/AIDS awareness and protection programs and many more. One of their initiatives is include “WANADAMU” which seeks to create an online database of willing blood donors in Kenya who will be contacted in an event their blood group is needed urgently by someone. Follow their cause and find more information at http://kunavijana.org/

7. Hands Off Our Elephants This organisation that has been causing ripples recently is crazy about wild animals and especially elephants. They do campaigns and try to create awareness about elephant poaching by holding different events and demonstrations. You can join their cause through their Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/HandsOffOurElephants/info

8. Rotaract Club Of Muthaiga Sponsored by the Rotary Club of Muthaiga, The Rotaract Club Of Muthaiga brings together people aged 18-30 to organize service activities, develop leadership and professional skills, and have fun. It was founded in 1999 and boasts of a diverse membership of both young professionals and students all promising and with a passion for service. The club is divided into four avenues of service: Professional and Leadership development, Club Service, International Service and Community Service. Check them out at https://www.facebook.com/groups/14397127068/