In the 1970s, drought and violence forced residents in the Turkana region of Kenya to flee to refugee camps on the outskirts of Kitale town. When these camps were abruptly closed by the government, residents - with no resources and no formal education - had nowhere to go and no choice but to remain in the refugee camps. Over time, conditions deteriorated and the Kipsongo Slum was born.
Today, the Kipsongo Slum has some of the worst living conditions in Africa. The majority of children in the slum are severely malnourished, housing conditions are deplorable, and very few residents have access to quality healthcare, education or employment opportunities. The Kipsongo Project was founded in order to alleviate some of these challenges and to help empower residents of the Kipsongo Slum.
Our Mission
The Kipsongo Project is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization working to improve the lives of those living in Kipsongo Slum in western Kenya by equipping them with the tools they need to lift themselves out of poverty. Rather than giving handouts, we believe in providing community members the tools they need to earn an income and to contribute to their community in a positive way. Whether it be by helping to connect artisans to the global market so they can sell their goods, or by providing microloans to enable recipients to start a business of their choice, the project simply provides the tools needed to help the tremendously talented community it works in to reach its full potential.
Jewelers and microloan recipients enjoying a day at The Kipsongo Project's office, named "Krystina's Workshop" after the Project's co-founder, Krystina Finn.