Manyatta Africa

28/07/2026

Strong organizations don't happen by chance, they are intentionally built.

At Manyatta Africa, we take pride in walking alongside emerging community organizations, helping them grow from promising ideas into resilient, impactful institutions. We are today privileged to welcome Al-Ihsaan Foundation into this growing family of organizations we have mentored and strengthened through institutional capacity development.

Through a series of intensive training and mentorship sessions facilitated by our Executive Director, Mr. Nicholas Songora, HSC, the Al-Ihsaan team shall enhance its capacity in leadership, governance, management, strategic communication, strengthening organizational policies and systems laying a stronger foundation for Community mobilization and organizing for sustainable community impact.

Over the years, Manyatta Africa has supported several grassroots organizations that have since evolved into fully-fledged, credible, and impactful institutions serving communities across the Coast region. We are confident that Al-Ihsaan Foundation is on the same promising path.

We hereby invite development partners, philanthropists, government agencies, foundations, corporate institutions, and individuals to join us in investing in Al-Ihsaan Foundation and other promising community-led organizations. By strengthening local institutions, we create lasting change, empower young leaders, and build communities that can solve their own challenges. When we build institutions, we multiply impact. When we empower local organizations, we transform generations.

Together, let's nurture the next generation of strong, accountable, and sustainable community institutions.


Segal Family Foundation Ford Foundation ForumCiv Eastern & Southern Africa Friedrich-Ebert-Stiftung Kenya Office Embassy of Sweden in Nairobi Anika Community Hub Africa Uncensored Aga Khan Foundation African Union Amnesty International Kenya The Goldin Institute

28/07/2026

If you missed our official letters and memorandum on the Mombasa County Creative Economy Taskforce report Validation Exercise, here's your opportunity to catch up.

Watch this English overview featuring our Executive Director, Mr. Nicholas Songora, HSC, as he shares key insights, recommendations and reflections on shaping a stronger, more inclusive and future-ready creative economy for Mombasa.

The future of Mombasa's creative sector will be defined by the decisions we make today. Together, let's build a sustainable, impactful and responsive roadmap that empowers every creative to thrive.


County Government Of Mombasa Abdulswamad Shariff Nassir Mombasa Sub County Administration ForumCiv Eastern & Southern Africa Embassy of Sweden in Nairobi Uraia Segal Family Foundation Ford Foundation Siasa Place African Union Africa Uncensored

28/07/2026

Thanks for being a top engager and making it onto my weekly engagement list! 🎉 Prince Cloudy de Sultan, Jaymo De Yuppie, Muga Afford, Sadi Stwo

24/07/2026

ADVISORY LETTER TO H.E. THE GOVERNOR OF MOMBASA COUNTY

Today, Manyatta Africa formally submitted an advisory letter to His Excellency Abdulswamad Shariff Nassir, EGH, Governor of County Government Of Mombasa regarding the Mombasa County Creative Economy Taskforce and the forthcoming final Creative Economy report.

The letter was presented in the public interest and builds on our active participation in the Creative Economy Validation Forum that happened yesterday at Swahili Pot Amphitheatre Hall, where we also submitted a comprehensive memorandum containing policy recommendations to strengthen the final report.

Our advisory acknowledges the County Government's initiative in establishing the Taskforce while highlighting the importance of ensuring that the final report is inclusive, evidence-based, adequately resourced and responsive to the diverse voices of creatives across Mombasa County.

The Creative Economy has the potential to transform livelihoods, create decent jobs, preserve our rich cultural heritage, stimulate innovation and position Mombasa as a leading creative hub in Kenya and the region. For that reason, we believe that the process and the final report are matters of legitimate public interest deserving transparency, accountability and continued public dialogue.

As an organisation committed to governance, public participation, Peace building and sustainable development, Manyatta Africa will continue to provide constructive policy recommendations and work collaboratively with all stakeholders to strengthen the creative economy for the benefit of present and future generations.

The advisory letter is attached for public information and constructive engagement. We welcome respectful discussion and diverse perspectives from creatives, policymakers and members of the public.

ForumCiv Eastern & Southern Africa Siasa Place Africa Uncensored National Cohesion and Integration Commission Mombasa Sub County Administration Uraia Anika Community Hub Songoliz Tv Ministry of Interior and National Administration

24/07/2026

The Creative Economy is more than entertainment, it is an economic engine for Mombasa. When we talk about the creative economy, we are talking about jobs, entrepreneurship, tourism, innovation, cultural heritage and opportunities for thousands of young people across our county.

From musicians, filmmakers and visual artists to fashion designers, digital content creators, photographers, craftspeople, cultural practitioners and community creatives, the creative sector has the potential to become one of Mombasa's strongest drivers of inclusive economic growth.

As Manyatta Africa, we believe that a successful Creative Economy Framework should be:
- Inclusive of creatives from all six sub-counties.
- Evidence-based and responsive to the needs of the sector.
- Backed by sustainable investment and partnerships.
- Focused on empowering grassroots talent alongside established creative industries.

The conversations started through the Mombasa County Creative Economy Taskforce should now inspire long-term collaboration between government, creatives, academia, the private sector and development partners.

Together, we can build a creative ecosystem that creates opportunities, preserves our rich cultural heritage and positions Mombasa as Kenya's leading coastal creative economy hub.

The future of Mombasa is creative, and that future belongs to all of us.
ForumCiv Eastern & Southern Africa Anika Community Hub County Government Of Mombasa

23/07/2026

Today, Manyatta Africa proudly participated in the Mombasa County Creative Economy Taskforce Report Validation Forum, reaffirming our commitment to advancing a vibrant, inclusive and sustainable creative economy for our county.

During the forum, and on behalf of Manyatta Africa, our Executive Director, Mr. Nicholas Songora, HSC, presented a memorandum, highlighting key recommendations on governance, financing, public participation, research, innovation and institutional strengthening to ensure that the final Creative Economy Report serves as a transformative roadmap for Mombasa.

We commend the County Government Of Mombasa and the Mombasa County Creative Economy Taskforce for convening this important validation process and creating a platform for stakeholder engagement. We also acknowledge the dedication and resilience of the Taskforce members throughout this journey.

At Manyatta Africa, we believe that the creative economy is more than arts and culture, it is a powerful driver of employment, entrepreneurship, innovation, tourism, cultural preservation and inclusive economic growth. We remain committed to working collaboratively with government, creatives, development partners and the private sector to unlock the full potential of Mombasa's creative ecosystem.

Together, let's build a Creative Mombasa that inspires, innovates and creates opportunities for all.

22/07/2026

https://youtu.be/bNAhUkefOpE?si=bUERo8FvxW4gmDfw

Manyatta Africa Executive Director Nicholas Songora Odoll, HSC, del...

22/07/2026

Today, Manyatta Africa formally submitted an official letter to the Chairperson of the Mombasa County Creative Economy Taskforce ahead of the validation of the Draft Creative Economy Taskforce Report, scheduled for tomorrow at Swahili Pot Hub.

In the letter, we commend the County Government Of Mombasa and the Taskforce for undertaking this important assignment while respectfully sharing our expectations for a validation process that is participatory, transparent and implementation-focused.

We believe that the success of Mombasa's creative economy will depend not only on the quality of the final report but also on clear implementation mechanisms, accountability, sustained stakeholder engagement and meaningful inclusion of grassroots creatives across all wards and communities.

As Manyatta Africa, we remain committed to contributing to policies and partnerships that strengthen the creative sector and expand opportunities for artists, creatives and cultural practitioners throughout Mombasa County.

We look forward to engaging constructively during the validation forum and to supporting the successful implementation of the final recommendations.

A call for all creatives from the 6 Sub-Counties of Mombasa. Let us join and make a credible voice.

19/07/2026

Manyatta Africa was proud to be part of the planning and hosting team for the Voter Registration and Civic Education Football Tournament at Bomani Grounds, Likoni Sub-County in Mombasa on Thursday 16th July 2026,

We extend our sincere appreciation to Siasa Place for convening this impactful initiative and creating a platform that brought together youth, community members, civil society organizations, and other stakeholders to promote voter registration, civic education, and active citizen participation.

Beyond the matches, the event fostered meaningful dialogue on strengthening democratic participation and provided an opportunity for local community-based organizations to connect, share experiences, and explore opportunities for institutional capacity strengthening and collaboration.

We thank Siasa Place, our fellow organizing partners, participating teams, volunteers, and everyone who contributed to the success of the tournament. Together, we continue to harness the power of sports to inspire informed, peaceful, and active citizenship.

17/07/2026

COURTESY CALL TO THE COUNTY COMMISSIONER, MOMBASA COUNTY

In line with the standard administrative procedures under our NACOSTI- approved research, Manyatta Africa Executive Director, and Ms Pinar Sahin, the Master's student researcher, paid a courtesy call to the County Commissioner, to officially introduce the research mission.

The meeting provided an opportunity to brief the County Commissioner under the Ministry of Interior and National Administration on the study, "Community Trust in Disaster Risk Messaging through Participatory Creative Communication,"and to discuss its relevance in strengthening community resilience through participatory approaches.

Manyatta Africa values collaboration with government institutions, academia, and local communities in promoting ethical, evidence-based research that contributes to informed programming and sustainable development.

We appreciate the County Commissioner's warm reception and look forward to conducting this research in close collaboration with local stakeholders while adhering to all applicable research and ethical requirements.