For over two decades, CFK Africa (Carolina for Kibera) has been at the forefront of tackling the deep-rooted challenges of extreme poverty in Kenya’s informal settlements.
Through a combination of public health interventions, educational initiatives, and youth empowerment programs, CFK Africa has not only transformed lives but also given hope to communities often overlooked by mainstream development programs.
At the helm of this ambitious vision is Jeffrey Okoro, the Executive Director of CFK Africa, whose leadership has guided the organization through 23 years of meaningful impact in Kibera and beyond.
Okoro, who has seen first-hand the complex issues facing marginalized communities, believes in a multi-pronged approach to alleviating poverty, one that emphasizes education, health, and dignified employment as critical pillars for sustainable development.
The heart of CFK Africa’s work lies in its health programs.
Kibera, one of Nairobi’s largest informal settlements, is notorious for overcrowding, inadequate infrastructure, and limited access to basic services, including healthcare.
In response, CFK has built a strong medical infrastructure, operating three healthcare facilities that serve as lifelines for thousands of Kibera residents.
These include Tabitha Medical Clinic, which provides primary care, and Tabitha Maternity Home, a specialized facility offering maternal and prenatal care.
“Our health services address the most pressing needs of the community, from maternal care to basic health support,” Okoro explains.
CFK conducting a campaign for a cleaner Environment in Kibera Slum and it’s environs.
Additionally, CFK Africa has been a driving force behind youth health and wellness programs, providing scholarships to over 80 academically gifted but economically disadvantaged students.
The organization partners with 47 schools across Kibera to ensure that young people not only attend school but are supported through every stage of their education.
Education remains one of the most powerful tools in combating poverty, and CFK Africa recognizes the importance of creating opportunities for young people.
Okoro emphasizes that, “Education is not just about staying in school but about ensuring young people transition into adulthood with the skills and confidence to succeed.”
Additionally,CFK Africa runs the *Best Schools Initiative, which helps youth stay in school, with a focus on supporting teen mothers.Funzo Program also provides funding for Teen Moms which is a standout effort, offering scholarships, mentorship, and safe spaces for young mothers to return to school.
By providing these resources, CFK works to prevent the high dropout rates among teen mothers, who often face societal stigma and limited access to education.
The organization uses sports as a platform to engage youth, drawing them in with activities they enjoy while embedding values that promote health, discipline, and teamwork.
The road to dignified employment in Kibera can be long and challenging. Many young people face an uphill battle in finding jobs due to limited access to networks, education, and resources.
CFK Africa’s response has been the TechCraft Project, which focuses on providing young people with alternative pathways to employment, particularly in the growing digital economy.
Okoro elaborates, “The current education system doesn’t always equip young people with the skills needed for today’s job market. We’re looking at tech and crafts as potential sectors where young people can earn a dignified income.”
The TechCraft Project not only trains young people in digital skills, such as online freelancing, but also partners with local artisans in Kibera’s Jua Kali sector to provide hands-on training in trades like carpentry, metalwork, and tailoring.
In partnership with Population Council Kenya, CFK pioneered a program that provided a platform for girls to express themselves, receive mentorship, and learn about reproductive health rights.
This program has since evolved into the Girls Empowerment Project, which addresses issues like teen pregnancy and access to education.”We have long understood that adolescent girls face unique challenges, particularly in informal settlements,” Okoro notes.
The Girls Empowerment Project integrates educational support, reproductive health services, and community engagement, ensuring that young girls are empowered to make informed decisions about their futures.
The organization works closely with a community advisory board, ensuring that all interventions are contextually relevant and sustainable. “We don’t just focus on interventions; we focus on learning what works, how it works, and how we can make it better,” Okoro reflects.
Through this approach, CFK Africa has managed to stay at the cutting edge of community development, consistently refining its programs to meet the dynamic needs of Kibera’s residents.“The challenges are vast, but the opportunities are even greater,” he asserts.
“By continuing to provide access to education, healthcare, and employment, we are building a foundation for a future where young people in Kibera and beyond can thrive.”Okoro remains optimistic about the potential for change in Kibera and other informal settlements.
