Grassroots Trust for Community Organization in Kenya

Grassroots Trust for Community Organization in Kenya Grassroots Trust for Community Organizations in Kenya (GRATCO-K) is a non-profit making organization The trust’s other mandates include:

1.

Grassroots Trust for Community Organizations in Kenya (GRATCO-K) is an NGO, working in the Human Rights Sector. It works with the urban and rural poor through their respective organizations. A Survey conducted in Kisumu in 2009 that sought to establish the reasons for high poverty levels amongst communities despite the availability of natural and state resources, cited lack of structures for engag

ement, inadequate capacity to initiate and implement projects and inability to monitor resource allocations and use by both state and non-state actors. This survey informed the establishment and the mandate of Grassroots Trust. The Trust was later registered in 2010 with its mandate premised on the belief that community organizing facilitates the building of a critical mass-based peoples’organizations with structures for good governance that become vehicles for actions, empowerment, articulation of issues, engagement and participation in building and management of an equitable, just, inclusive and peaceful society. Supporting efforts aimed at enhancing capacity of leaders and members of grassroots Organizations

2. Strengthening governance structures of fledging Community Based Civil Society Organizations and

3. Creating inter-organizations linkages to catalyze development processes at the grassroots level.

Investing in communities starts with investing in people. At Grassroots Trust, we are dedicated to nurturing young leade...
22/06/2026

Investing in communities starts with investing in people.

At Grassroots Trust, we are dedicated to nurturing young leaders and creating opportunities for youth to engage in community organizing and social change.

Today, our Coordinator held a progress briefing with our two interns, who shared insights from their ongoing fieldwork. Their research focuses on how community organizing can help reduce crime rates and identify practical solutions for creating safer, more empowered communities.

By involving young people in real community issues, we are building their skills and confidence while preparing the next generation of changemakers, advocates, and leaders.

Sustainable change occurs when communities, and the young people within them are empowered to lead it.

Why Muhoroni?When conversations began around establishing an ICT Resource Centre, one question kept coming up:Why Muhoro...
17/06/2026

Why Muhoroni?

When conversations began around establishing an ICT Resource Centre, one question kept coming up:

Why Muhoroni?

According to community organizers who have worked in the area for years, the answer lies in both the challenges and the untapped potential that exist within the community.

Muhoroni is home to a diverse population and serves as an economic hub supported by several major industries that provide employment and business opportunities to local residents. Yet despite its strategic importance, many community members, particularly women and young people, continue to face barriers in accessing information, digital tools, and opportunities that are increasingly shaping today's world.

For many residents, access to technology remains limited. This affects not only communication but also access to information on government programs, development initiatives, education opportunities, and economic empowerment.

The proposed ICT Resource Centre seeks to change that.

The vision goes beyond computers and internet connectivity. It is about creating a space where young people can acquire digital skills, where women entrepreneurs can learn how to market their products online, and where residents can access information that enables them to participate more effectively in community development and public decision-making processes.

Community organizers believe that improved access to information can strengthen public participation, enhance networking and collaboration, and create stronger linkages between citizens, institutions, and opportunities.

The centre will also serve as a platform for learning, innovation, and community engagement, ensuring that residents are not merely recipients of development but active participants in shaping it.

Muhoroni was not chosen by chance.

It was chosen because of its people, its potential, and the belief that when communities are equipped with the right tools and information, they are better positioned to drive their own development.

As Grassroots Trust prepares to roll out this initiative, the goal remains clear: to bridge the digital divide, unlock opportunities, and ensure that no community is left behind in an increasingly connected world.

Because development begins with access. And access creates opportunity.

What happens when a community comes together to invest in its future? On June 7, 2026, community members, leaders, and ...
08/06/2026

What happens when a community comes together to invest in its future?

On June 7, 2026, community members, leaders, and representatives from eight different groups gathered in Muhoroni for a fundraising event aimed at supporting the establishment of an ICT Resource Center in Muhoroni.

The event featured GRATCO Coordinator, Mr. Lawrence Apiyo, who shared the vision behind the resource centers and the transformative opportunities they will create for young people, women, entrepreneurs, and learners within the community.

These centers represent more than just buildings; they symbolize access to information, digital skills, innovation, learning, and opportunity. They are a step toward ensuring that communities are not left behind in an increasingly digital world.

To promote community ownership and sustainability, a fundraising committee will be established, with registered members receiving priority in the process.

The energy, commitment, and collective spirit demonstrated during the fundraising event reaffirmed a simple truth: sustainable development is strongest when communities take ownership of the change they want to see.

Together, we are building more than resource centers, we are building opportunities, empowerment, and a stronger future for our communities.

Harnessing culture in social movement building and enterprise development is crucial for economic empowerment among civi...
05/06/2026

Harnessing culture in social movement building and enterprise development is crucial for economic empowerment among civil actors.

This thought-provoking question anchored a convening back in 2025 facilitated by INUKA's Martin Mwangi, Eunice Wanjiku, and Joan Achieng in collaboration with Grassroots Trust. Nearly 50 community organizers and civil society actors gathered to advance community well-being, strengthen citizen participation, and amplify grassroots voices.

A key lesson emerged: communities are unique, and so are their challenges. Effective solutions must be grounded in local realities rather than broad assumptions. Understanding context is essential for meaningful and sustainable change.

The discussions explored critical questions facing communities today:

● How do we hold leaders accountable?
● How can communities build sustainable enterprises that strengthen civic engagement and influence governance?
● How do we protect and reclaim civic spaces for free expression and democratic participation?

Participants reflected on the growing challenges facing social movements, emphasizing the need for decentralized, participatory leadership models rooted in collective action. Social movements thrive when those most affected by issues lead the way in shaping solutions.

A powerful contribution from Joseph Kibore reminded us that dignity must come before development. His call for intergenerational dialogue, youth voter mobilization, and addressing historical injustices resonated strongly.

The conversation also highlighted enterprise development as a pathway to community empowerment. Participants proposed practical, community-led initiatives such as waste management, composting, youth-led recycling enterprises, and enhancing skills in resource mobilization.

These ideas reflect a commitment to building sustainable, inclusive, and community-owned local economies.

As discussions concluded, one message stood out: meaningful change begins at the grassroots. When communities organize, participate, and work collectively, they become powerful agents of transformation.

The journey continues.

The future is built when communities come together. Join us on 7th June 2026 at Muhoroni Railways Ground as we raise fun...
03/06/2026

The future is built when communities come together.

Join us on 7th June 2026 at Muhoroni Railways Ground as we raise funds to establish ICT hubs in Muhoroni. This initiative aims to create opportunities for young people, women, entrepreneurs, and learners to thrive in the digital age.

📍 Muhoroni Railways Ground
🕛 12:00 PM – 4:30 PM

Together, we can bridge the digital divide, empower communities, and create lasting impact.

Channel your contributions to MPesa Paybill 880100 Account: PAYGRATCO

Your support today can unlock opportunities for generations to come.

Happy Madaraka Day, Kenya! 🇰🇪Today, we commemorate the day Kenya attained internal self-rule and celebrate 63 years of p...
01/06/2026

Happy Madaraka Day, Kenya! 🇰🇪

Today, we commemorate the day Kenya attained internal self-rule and celebrate 63 years of progress, resilience, and nationhood.

As we reflect on this milestone, we are reminded that true freedom is about empowering communities to participate in decisions that affect their lives, access opportunities, and shape their own future.

At Grassroots Trust, we remain committed to strengthening citizen participation, promoting accountability, advancing housing rights, and empowering communities through technology and leadership.

Together, let us continue building a Kenya where every voice matters.

Our hearts are deeply saddened beyond words.We stand with the school, the grieving families, friends, and the entire com...
29/05/2026

Our hearts are deeply saddened beyond words.

We stand with the school, the grieving families, friends, and the entire community during this painful time.

May comfort, strength, and peace find you all as you navigate this unimaginable loss. 🕊️🤍

Eid Mubarak to our Muslim brothers and sisters 🌙✨Wishing you joy, blessings, and memorable moments with the people you l...
27/05/2026

Eid Mubarak to our Muslim brothers and sisters 🌙✨

Wishing you joy, blessings, and memorable moments with the people you love most.

As families and communities come together to celebrate, may this season remind us of the beauty of sharing, kindness, and unity.

Something impactful is coming this June 7th. Join Grassroots Trust as we come together to build opportunities, empower c...
25/05/2026

Something impactful is coming this June 7th.

Join Grassroots Trust as we come together to build opportunities, empower communities, and support the establishment of TWO ICT hubs in Obunga and Muhoroni.

All roads lead to Muhoroni Railways Ground from 12:00 Noon to 4:30 PM for an afternoon focused on purpose, community, and impact. Lawrence Apiyo will be the guest of honour at this fundraising event.

Save the date. Tell a friend. Be part of the change.

Communities grow stronger when individuals are informed, organized, and empowered to engage in decisions that impact the...
25/05/2026

Communities grow stronger when individuals are informed, organized, and empowered to engage in decisions that impact their lives.

At Grassroots Trust, we hold the belief that development should occur with communities, not just for them.

Public participation is not merely a constitutional requirement; it is a vital tool that enables citizens to influence policies, voice concerns, and demand accountability.

As the conversation surrounding the Finance Bill 2026 draws to a close today at 5 PM, the importance of public participation is more pronounced than ever.

Key concerns being raised include:
• Taxed M-Pesa transaction fees
• Increase in the cost of sanitary towels
• Increase in rental income tax from 7.5% to 10%
• 16% VAT on digital transactions

These discussions are not confined to boardrooms; they have a direct impact on households, women, youth, small businesses, tenants, and vulnerable communities.

As an organization dedicated to empowering communities and amplifying citizen voices, we encourage the public to actively participate and submit their views before the deadline.

You can share your views digitally through:
📧 [email protected]
📧 [email protected]

When communities express their opinions, policies become more inclusive, responsive, and centered around the people.

Address

P. O. Box 101
Kisumu
40100

Telephone

+254 741404761

Website

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