Mukuru Slums Development Project

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Mukuru Slums Development Project

Empowering the most vulnerable people to break the cycle of poverty by creating opportunities MSDP programmes have been in operation for more than 10 years now.

Mukuru Slums Development Project (MSDP) is a registered NGO operating within Mukuru slums and the adjoining areas. It intervenes through various initiatives and programmes in assisting poor and vulnerable residents, in improving and empowering their lifestyles. Principle Objective The main objective of MSDP is to provide holistic and integrated care with the view of reducing poverty amongst the in

habitants of Mukuru slums and other informal settlements, by focusing on the basic physical, emotional, psychological and spiritual well being. As an organization MSDP believes in holistic development of the human person. We believe that we have a sacrosanct duty to empower disadvantaged communities with skills and capacity to be in charge of their own development. Enabling people to realize their full potential and access to essential services is fundamental to human dignity and development. This main objective is realized through the following programmes:

1) Youth empowerment & Rehabilitation

The Department Children and Youth unites several projects which are described in the following. Mukuru Sports Association (MUSA) - “nurturing talent and youth empowerment”
Youth between 10 and 30 years are trained in football, acrobatic, dance and drama. MUSA offers sports, education support, medical assistance, apprenticeship and related activities for the youth of Mukuru as tools for empowerment and nurturing talents. Currently the senior men and senior ladies football teams are playing in the Provincial League and the artists perform at shows. All the MUSA members are drawn from Rueben, Lunga Lunga, Fuata, Nyayo, Kisii and Kayaba villages in Mukuru. The over 200 participants attend training every evening after school and over the weekends and are coached by qualified instructors. Halfway House - “rescue, rehabilitation and reintegration of at risk boys in Mukuru and its adjoning areas”
Halfway House is a rehabilitation center for at risk boys of age 8-16 years. Twice a year 30 boys are offered a six month full residence rehabilitation program. Most of the boys choose life on the streets mostly due to poverty and domestic violence. We believe, that the best place for children to live is their home with their own parents. Through psycho social and financial support parents and child are enabled to solve their conflicts and develop realistic plans for the future of the child. Peer Education
20 MUSA members are trained as peer educators on HIV and Aids, drugs and substance abuse, hygiene, health and first aid. Together with the coaches the peer educators organize group discussions with their teams, awareness campaigns and other community engagements. 200 children and youth from MUSA attend MUSA peer education activities.

2) Vocational Skills Training

MUST (Mukuru Skills Training Centre, founded 2003) provides a range of courses in hairdressing and beauty, plumbing and masonry, hotel and catering management, early childhood education & fashion and design. The trainees gain practical, theoretical knowledge and life skills. This aims to create employment opportunities for youth from the urban informal settlements. The center is registered for NITA & KNEC exams and records an employment rate of 95% after graduation.

3) Access to Education

Our education programme aims to improve access and learning outcomes for quality basic education. We are working with the Primary Schools in the urban informal settlements to strengthen the management und enhance quality of teaching. Through Community Conversation groups we ensure the girl child education is supported by the families, communities and schools to realize retention and children to grow up in a child friendly environment.

4) Livelihoods

Under the livelihood programme we provide psychosocial support, business training and business start up capital. We work with our participants towards developing individual sustainable income opportunities for households in the informal settlements. For sustainability we facilitate GSL (group saving and loaning) formations to serve as a social safety net for the entrepreneurs.

26/03/2026

Strengthening community voices for action on Gender-Based Violence
Mukuru Slums Development Projects had the opportunity to hold a community Policy Dialogue (PD) engagement, bringing together community leaders and champions for a meaningful discussion on addressing GBV and Femicide in Kenya. The session created a platform to reflect, share insights, and strengthen collective commitment toward protecting women and girls.
As part of this effort, we shared a simplified and summarized version of the Technical Working Group report on Gender-Based Violence (GBV), designed to make critical information more accessible at the grassroots level. This tool will support awareness creation, empower community champions, and strengthen advocacy for more effective response systems.
Together, we continue to push for informed communities, accountable systems, and justice for survivors.

Groots Kenya Community Education and Empowerment Centre Hakimani of Lodwar,
Dreikönigsaktion der Katholischen Jungschar horizont3000 French Embassy in Kenya and Somalia LVCT Kenya Technical University of Kenya Concern Worldwide Newlife Mwangaza Rehabilitation Centre Mukuru Promotion Centre Standard Digital

24/03/2026

Strengthening Partnerships for Greater Impact
Last week, Slums Development Projects had the privilege of hosting the Health team for an engagement under the , focused on advancing mental health support for teen mothers.
The engagement brought together teams from both organizations across programs, finance, M&E, and leadership, creating a valuable space to reflect on our strengths and identify areas for growth. These conversations are key to building stronger systems that support effective, sustainable programming.
At Slums Development Projects, we believe that meaningful impact starts with intentional partnerships and continuous learning. By strengthening our institutional capacity, we are better positioned to deliver holistic support to teen mums and create lasting change in our communities. We remain committed to creating safe spaces and inclusive programs that empower vulnerable young mothers to thrive and build brighter futures.
We look forward to this partnership and the positive impact it will bring to our communities.

LVCT Kenya horizont3000 Dreikönigsaktion der Katholischen Jungschar French Embassy in Kenya and Somalia

11/03/2026

📱✨ Safer digital spaces for women and girls.

🌍 This week, as we marked celebrations at Alliance Française de Nairobi, partners, youth, policymakers and civil society organisations came together to address the growing challenge of Technology-Facilitated Gender-Based Violence (TFGBV).

🇫🇷 reaffirms its commitment to working alongside 🇰🇪 to ensure that digital progress translates into empowerment — not violence.

As digital access expands rapidly in Kenya, discussions highlighted how online harassment, sextortion and AI-generated deepfakes are increasingly impacting women and girls — and the urgent need for collective action.

🎤 MSDP Kenya took part of the event featured a dynamic panel moderated by artist and influencer Maandy Kabaya, bringing together leading voices in the fight against digital gender-based violence:
• Carol Werunga, Senior Programme Manager at Urgent Action Fund Africa
• Fridah Wawira, Executive Director at Coalition on Violence Against Women
• Tom Osborn, CEO and Co-founder of Shamiri Institute

Their insights underscored the importance of stronger protections, accountability mechanisms, and survivor-centred support systems.

French Embassy in Kenya and Somalia horizont3000 Dreikönigsaktion der Katholischen Jungschar HAART Kenya Concern Worldwide Pulse Kenya VOA Swahili Weza Care Solutions

This initiative will strengthen feminist civil society organisations working to combat online violence and ensure safer digital spaces for women and girls.

18/02/2026

DALMA (Daraja La Mafanikio) is a web-based platform dedicated to empowering TVET graduates from Kenya’s informal settlements through employability and entrepreneurship training, mentorship, and direct job linkages. Whether you are looking to secure meaningful employment, grow your business, or recruit the right talent efficiently, DALMA is your trusted partner in building sustainable futures. Visit https://darajalamafanikio.org/
to get started and be part of a movement that is transforming lives and strengthening Kenya’s workforce. horizont3000 Skills Initiative for Africa Mukuru Skills Training Center - MUST Technical University of Kenya French Embassy in Kenya and Somalia Dreikönigsaktion der Katholischen Jungschar Mukuru Promotion Centre

03/02/2026

Mukuru Skills Training Center - MUST
From section of Hair dressing students are already into their Practical Classes.
Learning straw setting on natural hair to achieve defined long-lasting Curly this goes beyond theory! Our practical classes equip trainees with real-world skills Intake Ongoing Join US
We Build skills. Gain confidence. Get job-ready. horizont3000 Dreikönigsaktion der Katholischen Jungschar Madini Youth Foundation French Embassy in Kenya and Somalia Skills Initiative for Africa Newlife Mwangaza Rehabilitation Centre

26/01/2026

Enrollment at Mukuru Skills Training Center - MUST Plumbing students doing Practical Classes
Learning plumbing goes beyond theory! Our practical classes equip trainees with real-world skills in pipe fitting, leak repairs and safety practices. Intake ongoing Join US
We Build skills. Gain confidence. Get job-ready.
horizont3000 Dreikönigsaktion der Katholischen Jungschar French Embassy in Kenya and Somalia Madini Youth Foundation Skills Initiative for Africa Newlife Mwangaza Rehabilitation Centre Technical University of Kenya

20/01/2026

On 13th January 2026, MSDP had the pleasure of hosting the KfW–SIFA delegation and DALMA Partners for a productive learning and engagement visit. The visit provided an opportunity to showcase our work, share project progress with partners, and demonstrate the DALMA digital platform, highlighting how it connects TVET graduates, and employers to meaningful opportunities. The meeting reinforced the strength of our partnerships and our shared commitment to inclusive skills development and employment creation. We appreciate the continued support and collaboration as we work towards sustainable impact in Mukuru and beyond Skills Initiative for Africa Technical University of Kenya Dreikönigsaktion der Katholischen Jungschar French Embassy in Kenya and Somalia horizont3000 Madini Youth Foundation

19/01/2026

Building Climate-Resilient Teams
MSDP staffs on 16th/01/2026 attending training on Climate Adaptation Training, strengthening skills to respond to climate risks, promote sustainability, and protect vulnerable communities.
Together, we’re preparing for a more resilient future. The training was conducted by TI Laura from horizont3000
horizont3000 Dreikönigsaktion der Katholischen Jungschar Madini Youth Foundation French Embassy in Kenya and Somalia Newlife Mwangaza Rehabilitation Centre Mukuru Promotion Centre

12/01/2026

Are you looking to gain hands-on skills that can help you secure employment or start your own business?
Our Vocational Skills Training Courses are now open for registration! Why Join Us?
* Practical, hands-on training
* Experienced instructors
* Affordable fees
* Certification and NITA Exams upon completion
* Attachment Madini Youth Foundation Skills Initiative for Africa Newlife Mwangaza Rehabilitation Centre Dreikönigsaktion der Katholischen Jungschar Mukuru Skills Training Center - MUST horizont3000 French Embassy in Kenya and Somalia

10/01/2026

In case you missed Sr Barbara mass the YouTube link you can watch

Enjoy the videos and music you love, upload original content, and share it all with friends, family, and the world on YouTube.

05/01/2026

It is with deep sorrow that we announce passing of one MSDP founder Sr. Barbara Dooley, a devoted Sister of Mercy, who died on the 24th of December, 2025 after a short illness in the United Kingdom.

Sr. Barbara faithfully served the Mukuru community in Nairobi, Kenya through her work at the Social Office based at St. Catherine’s Primary School, under MSDP Kenya and Mukuru Promotion Centre (MPC)
Throughout her years of service, she demonstrated unwavering commitment to social welfare, compassion for the most vulnerable individuals, and tireless dedication to uplifting children and families living in dire circumstances. Her ministry was marked by humility, kindness, and a deep sense of Mercy, leaving a lasting impact on the lives of many of the vulnerable residents within the Mukuru community and its environs.

Sr. Barbara’s body will be received from the mortuary on Monday, 26th January 2026, at 5:00 p.m. and proceed to St. Joseph’s Convent, located on Argyle Rd, West Cliff, Whitby, (YO21 HTS), in the United Kingdom. A Holy Mass for the repose of her soul will be celebrated on Tuesday, 27th January 2026, at 11:00 a.m., at St. Hilda’s Catholic Church, 1Walker St, Whitby (YO21 1QT), in the United Kingdom. We invite all Sisters, colleagues, friends, and members of the community whose lives were touched by Sr. Barbara’s service to join us in prayer and fellowship as we give thanks for her life and commend her soul to the loving mercy of God.

In Nairobi, the Mukuru community and entire MPC fraternity will have a memorial mass on Friday 9th January 2026 starting at 2:00 p.m. at Our Lady Queen of Peace, South B. This will give a chance for those she worked with and for, to come together in remembrance and prayer. Dreikönigsaktion der Katholischen Jungschar horizont3000 Madini Youth Foundation Newlife Mwangaza Rehabilitation Centre Mukuru Slums Development Project

May her soul rest in eternal peace.

31/12/2025

🎉 Happy New Year from MSDP! 🎉

A new year brings renewed hope and fresh opportunities to make a difference. As we begin this journey together, we thank our communities, partners, donors, volunteers, and staff for their continued trust and support.

In the year ahead, MSDP remains committed to empowering children and youth, strengthening livelihoods, promoting protection, and building resilient communities.

✨ May this New Year bring peace, progress, and shared success to us all. Happy New Year! ✨ Dreikönigsaktion der Katholischen Jungschar horizont3000 French Embassy in Kenya and Somalia Skills Initiative for Africa Madini Youth Foundation BrighterMonday Kenya Technical University of Kenya VOA Swahili Concern Worldwide HAART Kenya Weza Care Solutions Newlife Mwangaza Rehabilitation Centre

Address

Mchumbi Road
Nairobi

Telephone

+2547016598791

Website

http://mukuruprojects.org/

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