Jambo and
Karibu Kenya!
Dear friends,
As Project Director of Yetu Initiative, I am inspired by our work to improve livelihoods and the quality of life in Kenyan communities. Yetu means “ours” in Kiswahili and is a philosophy meaning “these are our concerns, these are our solutions, and these are our contributions.”
Yetu, supported by AKF USA and USAID, has worked with civil society organizations (CSOs) for over seven years to advance the principles of self-reliance and locally sustained development. We are also spearheading the formation of Local Development Organizations (LDOs) that promote inclusive, sustainable, and community-driven development at the county and grassroots levels. LDOs provides a platform for meaningful engagement with the county government, private sector, and other development stakeholders.
Since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, we began training CSOs to supplement government efforts to reduce the spread of COVID-19 and mitigate the pandemic’s economic impact in their communities. While the pandemic impacted some of our in-person activities and prompted us to explore virtual ways of connecting, we remain focused on achieving our main objective—to improve the quality of life and share hope for a better future in Kenya.
We are thankful for your continued support and for joining us on this journey.
Asante!
Irene Gathinji
Project Director
Yetu Initiative
Kenya at a Glance
above sea level is Mount Kenya, the highest point in Kenya
are under 25 years of age
in Kenya is used for agricultural purposes
In 2020, AKF supported
furthering civil society
with education programming
for early childhood development and community gathering
The Home Stretch
Korogocho, loosely translated as “crowded shoulder by shoulder,” is Kenya’s fourth largest informal settlement. 26 families who were living in Korogocho now have the opportunity to move into new, safe homes with help from the Commonwealth Housing Group.
AKF and USAID’s Yetu Initiative supports Kenyan community organizations with practical guidance on how to raise resources locally. Participating in a Yetu Initiative program equipped the Commonwealth Housing Group to launch a Brick Drive campaign, raising more than $44,000 USD (4.8 million Kenyan Shillings) to start building homes for the 26 families on a two-acre stretch of land.
The Home Stretch
Korogocho, loosely translated as “crowded shoulder by shoulder,” is Kenya’s fourth largest informal settlement. 26 families who were living in Korogocho now have the opportunity to move into new, safe homes with help from the Commonwealth Housing Group.
AKF and USAID’s Yetu Initiative supports Kenyan community organizations with practical guidance on how to raise resources locally. Participating in a Yetu Initiative program equipped the Commonwealth Housing Group to launch a Brick Drive campaign, raising more than $44,000 USD (4.8 million Kenyan Shillings) to start building homes for the 26 families on a two-acre stretch of land.
Supporter Reflection
Hakim Kassam
“I am extremely supportive of the work that AKF does for the many communities they help. In a recent visit to Kenya and Tanzania I got to see the impact the Foundation has at the grass roots level and it is extremely humbling to see. I plan on continuing my support toward AKF.”
Local Flavor: Kenya
Githeri
Githeri, also called muthere or mutheri, is a traditional Kenyan dish made from corn and beans. A staple dish of the Gikuyu, Meru, Mbeere, and Embu people in Kenya’s Central and Eastern provinces, Githeri is also popular at boarding schools around the country.
Try the recipe from Immaculate Bites and post a photo of your meal on social media using #AKFVirtualVoyage.
Local Flavor: Kenya
Githeri
Githeri, also called muthere or mutheri, is a traditional Kenyan dish made from corn and beans. A staple dish of the Gikuyu, Meru, Mbeere, and Embu people in Kenya’s Central and Eastern provinces, Githeri is also popular at boarding schools around the country.
Try the recipe from Immaculate Bites and post a photo of your meal on social media using #AKFVirtualVoyage.
The Backseat
Night-Time Tales:
Share it Fair
What’s growing on Mama K’s farm?
Watch Share it Fair on Night-Time Tales to find out! AKF helped make Night-time Tales to encourage kids in Kenya to love reading.
You can also read Share it Fair to your family, or have them read to you.
Explore the Virtual Voyage with activities made just for kids.
Download our activity pack below to learn more about the Kyrgyz Republic, Tajikistan, Pakistan, and Kenya!
Share the Journey
Post about your Virtual Voyage experience using #AKFVirtualVoyage on social media.
Give now.
Your support is needed now more than ever.
For decades, your generosity has contributed to AKF’s wide range of development activities around the world. With your help, we can continue this critical work during a time when the world needs us the most.
Give monthly to join iHope, a community of donors committed to sustaining AKF’s work today and in the future.
Or make a one-time gift to support our work now.
AKF USA is a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization. Your donations are tax-deductible to the extent allowable by law.
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Transformational Sponsors
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Frito Lay
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