About PaaMoja Initiative
PaaMoja Initiative is a community-based organization founded in 2013 in the Mathare Valley, Nairobi. Our name is a deliberate play on the Swahili word ‘Pamoja’ (together), with ‘Paa’ symbolizing a roof or the act of flying. PaaMoja means ‘Fly together under one roof,’ representing our commitment to providing a nurturing umbrella under which underserved youth can access skills, resources, and opportunities to transform their lives.
Growing up in Mathare — one of Kenya’s largest informal settlements, where around 500,000 people live in less than one square mile — Titus witnessed firsthand the challenges of poverty, limited opportunity, and systemic neglect. But he also saw something else: resilience, creativity, and an unshakeable sense of community. Out of that experience, PaaMoja Initiative was formed as a community-based organization that gives youth in Mathare Informal Settlements and other Nairobi’s underserved communities an opportunity to achieve their greatest leadership and livelihood potential. We equip these youth with life skills, resources, and most importantly, the opportunity to design and execute programs to give back to their community. We believe that every individual can be a leader, and that in the process of becoming a leader, one must follow and learn – hence our mantra – Follow. Learn. Lead.
“The people who understand a community best are the ones who live in it.” – Titus Kuria (Founder)
What We Stand For
Mission
To foster equitable and sustainable community development in Kenya by empowering underserved children, youth, and families through gender-inclusive, participatory approaches. We advance child rights, comprehensive sexual and reproductive health education, leadership development, and essential life skills, strengthening community resilience, agency, and well-being.
Vision
Thriving underserved communities in Kenya, where empowered individuals lead, contribute, and participate in positive change, shaping healthier and more inclusive communities.
Values
- Community Participation – We believe real change happens when communities lead and own the process.
- Inclusivity & Fairness – We strive to ensure all voices are heard, regardless of gender, age, or background.
- Accountability & Transparency – We commit to ethical conduct and responsible stewardship of resources.
- Commitment & Dedication – We go the extra mile to serve Kenya’s children, adolescents, and families.
- Philanthropy – We put community needs first, fostering collective well-being for current and future generations.
- Safeguarding – We model behaviors and actions that protect the rights of children, youth, and vulnerable populations. We have a zero-tolerance policy against exploitation, child trafficking, abuse, etc.
Key Milestones
2013
PaaMoja Established
Titus Kuria establishes PaaMoja Initiative in Mathare Valley, Nairobi.
2,000+
2 RUKA!
Have participated in 2 RUKA! conferences and empowered over 2,000 youth from underserved communities in Nairobi, providing training, mentorship, and seed funding for social impact projects.
9
Programs Expand
DIYEP, Watoto Paamoja, RUKA!, Adole Chat!, Sekete, iBase, Self-Defense, Better Me, and, Consultancy.
4
Collaborations
PaaMoja is currently collaborating with four various local and international organizations to enhance community development.
What We Do
Nine community-driven programs equipping residents of Mathare Valley with life skills, leadership, health, and economic empowerment.
Be Part of the Change
Partner with Us
Volunteer with Us
Give your time and skills to Mathare’s youth. Every hour makes a difference.
Meet the PaaMoja Family
Jesse Jacktone
Jesse Jacktone is a passionate social entrepreneur and community development practitioner committed to creating sustainable solutions for underprivileged communities.
Doreen Njora
Doreen is a recent graduate of the University of Nairobi, holding a Bachelor’s degree in Social Work. She is also an alumna of Daraja Girls.
Emmanuel Otieno
CommUNICATIONS & Marketing
Emmanuel Otieno leads the communications and marketing strategy at PaaMoja Initiative, focusing on driving social impact through grassroots leadership and strategic storytelling.
Stories of Impact
“PaaMoja gave me a platform to grow as a leader. Through RUKA!, I learned that I have the power to change my community — starting with myself.” Youth Participant
RUKA! Program, Mathare Valley
From Our Blog
Building Safer Communities: Inside PaaMoja’s Self-Defense Training
Ready to Make a Difference in Mathare?
Every contribution — your time, money, or skills — directly impacts thousands of lives in Nairobi’s Mathare Valley.
PaaMoja
#FollowLearnLead
Mathare Valley, Nairobi, Kenya
info@paamoja.org