Welcome to Kibagare Community

Join Us in the Nilinde Nijijenge Project

Kibagare

Kibagare, located on the outskirts of Nairobi, is home to 27,000 people living without access to clean water or sanitation. Originally settled by former plantation workers in 1972, the slum now occupies a narrow strip of land where poverty, unemployment, and hardships persist. Substance abuse, crime, and prostitution are common as families struggle to survive.

At the heart of Kibagare is St. Martin’s School, working hand in hand with the Nilinde Nijijenge project to address these pressing challenges. Life here is especially hard for children, many of whom lack access to basic needs like shelter, food, healthcare, and education.

The local economy depends on casual labor, but the impact of COVID-19 and a worsening drought has left many without jobs and basic necessities. Prices are rising due to global insecurities, worsening the situation for families already on the edge.

Together, St. Martin’s and the community are committed to driving sustainable change through a variety of life-changing projects and initiatives. We invite you to explore our efforts and see how you can be part of this journey. WELCOME TO KIBAGARE!!

Here is a video of the Kibagare Slum

Highly Vulnerable
Moderate Vulnerable
Least Vulnerable

Cooperative Groups: Empowering Change from Within

Caregivers

During weekly meetings, caregiver groups participate in a merry-go-round savings system and receive training to overcome a poverty mindset. The goal is to help members get creative and start small income-generating activities instead of relying on casual labor. Trainings cover entrepreneurship, positive parenting, financial literacy, succession planning, and voluntary savings and loaning. Members are also connected to microfinance institutions, enabling them to access loans and invest in their futures.

Substance Abuse Recovery

We offer group counselling sessions on the effects of drugs and substance abuse, helping members recognize the impact of negative peer influence. To keep them engaged and build new skills, they are trained in detergent making and other entrepreneurship skills. Trainings also include positive parenting, financial literacy, and voluntary savings to help them build more stable, productive lives.

People Living with HIV

This group meets weekly for psychological support provided by a community mentor mother and counsellor. They receive training on reducing stigma, disclosure, and the importance of cervical cancer screening. The program also empowers them with entrepreneurship skills, helping them overcome a poverty mindset and start small businesses for sustainable living. Topics include financial literacy, succession planning, and voluntary savings and loaning to secure their families' futures.

Our Community Groups: Empowering Through Unity

Msamaria Mwema

A group of women who unite to support each other’s businesses and families.

Blessed Group

Men and women practicing voluntary savings and loaning (VSL) to grow their businesses and meet family needs.

Charity Group

A women’s group focused on table banking to provide financial support for their families.

Young Mothers

Mothers and pregnant women aged 15-24, working together for mutual support.

Hope Group

Women engaged in menial jobs and small businesses to sustain their livelihoods.

Tujiamini Group

Entrepreneurs involved in small businesses and farming.

Imani Group

A group of women selling food products and farming to provide for their families.

Male Champions

A group of men offering each other economic support and empowerment.

Smart Ladies Group

Women using VSL to boost their businesses and support their families.

Change Agents Group

Former illicit alcohol sellers who have transitioned to running legitimate small businesses..

Women of Virtue Group

Women running small businesses and using VSL to grow and sustain them.

Upendo Support Group

Families living with HIV who provide each other with psychosocial support.

Morning Star Youth Group

A group focused on rehabilitating youth recovering from drug addiction.

Wema Group

A collective of individuals running small businesses to support their livelihoods.

Here is a video of the members of the different groups.