The Story Behind PaaMoja

How a community in Mathare became a movement — and why it matters.

Empowering Underserved Communities

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.

Meet the PaaMoja Family

A passionate team of community leaders, educators, and change-makers — all rooted in Mathare Valley.

Jesse Jacktone

Programs Coordinator

Jesse Jacktone is a passionate social entrepreneur and community development practitioner committed to creating sustainable solutions for underprivileged communities.

Doreen Njora

Monitoring & Evaluation

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.