welcome to kageno
murakaza neza
who we are
Kageno means A Place of Hope, in Luo, a Kenyan dialect. We founded Kageno on this guiding principle. Our mission is to transform impoverished communities into places of hope and opportunity. Since 2003, we’ve impacted thousands of lives by breaking cycles of poverty, allowing healthier, more sustainable communities to emerge.
Our three Kageno programs operating in Africa address the diversified needs of each community. Kageno is a big picture non-profit, with boots on the ground able to provide the infrastructure, resources, and knowledge needed to develop education initiatives, stronger infrastructures for community health, diversified economies, and a healthier environment.
We’ve impacted thousands of people, and with your support, we can continue to do so.
our impact at a glance
we address the individualized needs of each village
what we do
our 360°approach
The Kageno Model
OUR MISSION
Is to transform Impoverished communities into places of hope and opportunity.
rooted in partnership
Our model is rooted in partnership. We provide the infrastructure, resources, and experts needed for each village to develop healthcare, education, conservation, and income generating businesses. These program areas support families through their entire life. Villagers are an integral part of our model, their participation and employment in our programs directly impacts the revitalization of their communities.
our four program areas
HEALTHCARE
EDUCATION
INCOME GENERATION
CONSERVATION
WE HAVE DIRECTLY IMPROVED THE LIVES OF OVER 25,000 PEOPLE
WHERE WE WORK
kenya & rwanda
who we help
In 2003, we went to Rusinga Island, Kenya. At the time, the community had no access to modern healthcare, treatments, or vaccines. What we witnessed in medical needs just scratched the surface. Our grassroots organization was born out of wanting to help this village. We defined our model and proved our methodologies on Rusinga Island. The success of our first project allowed us to replicate our efforts with the launch of Kageno Mfangano in Kenya and Banda Village in Rwanda. All of these communities have suffered from the crippling effects of disease, malnutrition, extreme poverty, lack of education, lack of access to clean water, and all had rapidly deteriorating ecosystems.
With your help, we can continue to affect positive change in these communities.
hear from the people we are helping
A Kageno Success Story: Meet Aminadab
My name is Aminadab and Kageno changed my life. Ten years ago, when Kageno came to our village, my daughters were able to go to the Kageno Nursery School and eat healthy food.
One of my daughters, Anuarita, is disabled. Kageno helped pay for her medical treatments and health insurance and now she attends a special school in Gatagara. She is in Primary Four and she can read and walk with crutches on her own! Kageno knew health care fees and schooling was not enough to change our lives so helped us again.
They encouraged us to start farming and provide us with education and means to be successful. Last season we harvested 1,000 pounds of corn! We also bought a cow and some goats. Without Kageno, I don’t know if my family would have survived. I will always be grateful.
Video narrated by Dylan McDermott
Learn more about Kageno at kageno.org
A Kageno Success Story: Meet Beatrice
I am Beatrice Ouma. I am a teacher at the Kageno school on Mfangano Island in Kenya.
Kageno hired me in 2012 and I have tried my best, working diligently to ensure maximum benefit to the school children. I gave up my studies when I got married, but I recently registered for school and will pursue my ambition to qualify as an Early Childhood Development Educator.
My job at the Kageno school is extremely important to my small family, because my husband is a fisherman and fishing is unpredictable. We are able to budget our money so as to live within our means and provide for our two children.
Thanks to Kageno we have a regular income we can rely on.
Learn more about Kageno at Kageno.org
My name is Damaris I am 74 years old, I sell casava to the Kageno school and use the money to raise my four orphaned grandchildren. My main source of income comes from weaving and repairing baskets, a skill I learned in Kageno’s craft program. It is a skill that suits me, as I do not like to be idle.
My baskets are high quality and sell quickly in the town center. I also receive large orders from stores who resell them. Kageno helped me with a microloan to buy materials, which helped me to fill large orders and make a profit. I am grateful to Kageno for teaching me a skill and offering support.
Video Narrated by Drena De Niro
Learn more about Kageno at kageno.org
My name is Beata. 8 years ago my husband was killed in a driving accident. I was lost. I was responsible for three babies and had never completed my own education. I did not know what would happen next or what I would have to do to survive. Kageno helped me get death benefits, which helped me to control my life.
I sent my children to school and made the decision to return to my own studies. It was hard being in a classroom with teenagers. My family and friends mocked me saying I should leave my studies and see to my children. I followed my conscience and stayed. I made myself excel at school. I would make my children proud. I graduated top of my class and got a job at Kageno as a healthcare worker.
I bought a house for my family. Eventually I bought land to farm. I own three cows. Two of them are with poorer families to our mutual benefit. I opened a shop at the Banda trading center. It is very successful. I saw the need for more reliable transportation services. I got a bank loan and started a motorcycle taxi business!
My children are well fed and educated. I have recently become a village leader. I am so proud to help develop and contribute to my beautiful country. I hope to continue at university to study rural development. My thanks to Kageno are uncountable. Kageno ‘’Yo karama’’ meaning to live longer and ever!
Video narrated by Maggie Q
Learn more about Kageno at kageno.org
HOW CAN YOU HELP?
support kageno worldwide
GIVE TO KAGENO
We appreciate your support!
Click on each image to learn first hand how Kageno has drastically improved their lives and their community
