Get to Know Us
About United Kenya Rising
Who we are
We are United Kenya Rising (UKR), a community-driven non-profit organization working to empower vulnerable families in Kenya to rise with dignity and hope. We work closely with families in Kakamega and Vihiga counties through our Family Care Model, supporting them over a three-year journey toward self-reliance. Our work focuses on five key pillars: Education, Livelihoods, Health, Dignified Homes, and Agriculture. We believe lasting change happens when communities are equipped, supported, and empowered to transform their own lives.
Our Core Values
Intergrity
Integrity is the foundation of United Kenya Rising. We act with honesty, transparency, and accountability in all we do, building trust with our communities, partners, and stakeholders. We are committed to ethical leadership and responsible stewardship of the resources entrusted to us.
Collaboration
We believe lasting impact is achieved through working together. United Kenya Rising values teamwork, partnerships, and diverse perspectives in pursuit of shared goals. By collaborating with others, we strengthen our reach and maximize our collective impact.
Community Service
We exist to serve. United Kenya Rising is committed to uplifting communities through humble, selfless service that respects the dignity of every individual. By responding to real needs and working alongside communities, we help create a more just and equitable society.
Excellence
We are committed to excellence in everything we do. United Kenya Rising strives for high standards, continuous improvement, and meaningful results in our programs and operations. Through innovation and dedication, we aim to deliver lasting and measurable impact.
Compassion
Compassion shapes how we engage with people. We lead with love, empathy, and respect, recognizing both the challenges people face and the potential they hold. Our goal is to create supportive spaces where individuals feel valued, understood, and empowered.
Our Achievement
Total Number of People Reached
Total Number of Families served
Education Scholarships
Dignified Homes Projects
Our Journey
A Look Back at Our History and Growth
Since our start in 2002, we’ve been committed to serving our community with a variety of programs. Our mission has evolved, reflecting the changing needs of those we serve. We’ve expanded our services over the years, adapting and improving to fulfill our core values. Today, we continue to innovate and grow, building on the foundation we’ve set.
2002 – Feeding Program
Originated in Kakamega as a free meals program for vulnerable children, led by the United Society of Friends Women of Kakamega (USFW-Kakamega).
2007 – Charitable Children’s Institution (CCI)
Expanded beyond feeding to include education support and care for vulnerable children through both Institution-Based Care and Home-Based Care. • Approach: supporting one child per family, ensuring targeted impact while maintaining family ties.
2018–2020 – Reintegration Efforts
Began transitioning children from institutional care back into family and community-based settings, aligning with Kenya’s evolving care reform agenda.
2021 – Family Care Program Implementation
Introduced the Family Care Program with five thematic areas: • Education • Livelihoods • Agriculture • Dignified Homes • Health Focus shifted from supporting one child per family to supporting the entire family unit.
2024 – Zoning Approach
Adopted a community cluster/zoning system to strengthen peer support and accountability. • Families now graduate from the program after 3 years of collaboration, marking a sustainable transition to self-reliance.
2025 – Enacted as an NGO
Officially registered and recognized as United Kenya Rising (UKR), a community-driven nonprofit organization dedicated to strengthening families and communities in Kakamega and Vihiga counties.