Our Story
A family-driven initiative born from the belief that every young person deserves the opportunity to thrive.
From Challenge to Change
Nyakundi Foundation is a family-driven initiative born from the belief that every young person, regardless of their background, deserves the opportunity to thrive. Founded by the Nyakundi family and rooted in Kisii County, Kenya, the Foundation emerged from a deeply personal conviction: that giving back to the community is not just a responsibility, but a legacy worth building.
In many rural communities across Kenya, young people face a stark choice — migrate to urban centres in search of opportunity or remain behind with limited access to education, technology, and economic participation. Nyakundi Foundation was established to change that narrative.
Through our innovative Community Resource Centre (CRC) model, we provide one-stop hubs where youth activities are coordinated for the youth, by the youth. Each CRC will integrate education, sport, technology, financial literacy, and environmental conservation under one roof — proving that young people don't have to leave their communities to build meaningful, productive lives.
Our approach is grounded in facilitation rather than prescription. We empower young people to conceptualise their own programs, identify their own challenges, and build their own solutions. We provide the tools, training, partnerships, and infrastructure — they provide the vision, energy, and commitment to transform their communities from the inside out.
"I not only want to give back to the society that has taken care of me, but also to bequeath to my children the culture of charity."Kefa Nyakundi, Managing Trustee
Our Vision
A caring, flourishing and resilient society where everyone's potential is optimized.
Our Mission
Connecting young people to each other and empowering them to be global change agents through local initiatives.
Our Tagline
Be the Change. Shape the Future.
Our Core Values
Dignity
We treat each person, irrespective of their age, gender, ethnicity, religion, or physical disposition equitably, with respect and fairness.
Integrity
All our interactions with beneficiaries, staff, partners and other stakeholders are guided by the highest ethical and moral standards.
Society
Each person strives to find and support a purpose that supersedes personal desire, "making a difference" in society and leaving it a better place.
Collaboration
We work through pooling of skills, resources, knowledge and networks to create sufficient capacity to solve significant challenges facing society.
Philosophy & History
"Kutoa ni moyo, usambe ni utajiri"
You don't give from treasure but from the heart.
The Nyakundi Foundation was founded in 2020 by the Nyakundi family, motivated by the desire to share lessons learned through the challenges they have endured in life. This experiential approach enables the trustees to connect with beneficiaries at a deeply personal level.
The Foundation was formally incorporated through the Ministry of Lands in August 2021 and is a registered non-profit organisation in Kenya. What began as ad-hoc donations of reading books, sanitary pads, and community mental health awareness programs is now evolving into a structured model for youth empowerment. The Foundation has acquired land for two Community Resource Centres in Kisii and Nyamira counties and is actively fundraising for construction, while already delivering programs through community-based campaigns and partnerships including the European Business Institute (EBI).
Our Trustees
Kefa Nyakundi
Managing TrusteeA Chartered Banker and Financial & Risk Management Consultant with extensive experience in project development, training and capacity building, and fundraising. Kefa brings expertise in creating income-generating programs and developing literacy initiatives to support youth empowerment.
Hellen Wangechi
Trustee — Mental Health & WellnessA practicing mental health professional and founder of Taji Wellness Centre. Hellen's expertise in counselling, organisational psychology, and life skills development enables the Foundation to support youth mental health and emotional wellbeing.
Jacqueline Nyarieko
Trustee — Youth & EnvironmentA graduate of International Relations and a budding entrepreneur with a strong passion for youth empowerment and environmental conservation. Jacqueline brings fresh perspective and deep commitment to the Foundation's environmental stewardship programs.