Illustration of Mountain and Yurts representing Kyrgyz Republic. Links to Kyrgyz Republic stop
Illustration of Mountain representing Tajikistan. Links to Tajikistan stop
Illustration of Mountain representing Pakistan. Links to Pakistan stop
Illustration of trees and traditional houses representing Kenya. Links to Kenya stop

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! 

portrait of Irene Gathinji

Irene Gathinji

Project Director
Yetu Initiative

Kenya at a Glance

5,199meters

above sea level is Mount Kenya, the highest point in Kenya

58%of Kenyans

are under 25 years of age

48%of land

in Kenya is used for agricultural purposes

In 2020, AKF supported

2,800organizations

furthering civil society

25,000learners

with education programming

187spaces

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 portrait

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. 

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