We empower Nairobi children living in poverty to transform their lives through education and support, leading to employment.
Naomi Kamanda was the first employee of Ngong Road Children’s Foundation (NRCF), and like all other NRCF employees, she began her work with the organization as a volunteer.
Naomi was born in Nairobi and lived in Kibera (the largest slum in Nairobi) for most of her childhood. Her mother is a seamstress and her father works in the electronics field, primarily for a company in Tanzania. She has four brothers and is now 26 years old.
[Read more…]On Ngong Road a city moves—matatus and motorbikes, students and shopkeepers, the everyday rhythm of a Tuesday morning in a city of six million. Everywhere in that city abuzz you find potential and opportunity searching for each other. For twenty years now, bringing them together has been our core mission at Friends of Ngong Road.
Earlier this month, I had the privilege of seeing that work up close alongside travel companions Leslie, Anne, Naomi, and Keith. What we found was momentum: in the way our team moves, in the way our students carry themselves, and in our 2026 pilot program, which launched 100 new students into our community this year alone.
We felt that the momentum most around shared tables. On Saturday evening, nearly forty staff, board members, and volunteers gathered for a 20th anniversary dinner. The celebration continued cheerfully, even after a local power outage kept us in the dark for more than hour!
From there, the week shifted into our primary programming:
The week was a whirlwind of activity across Nairobi and beyond. While Leslie and Naomi traveled to Lake Naivasha for a post-secondary student camp, Keith worked with our team on critical technology improvements. Anne spent valuable time with case managers and leadership to ensure our operations remain student-focused.
These efforts are backed by the incredible data from our April impact update:
Our work does not happen in isolation. We were graciously hosted by partners across Nairobi, including the KCB Foundation, the Kenya Community Development Foundation, CFK Africa, and Kenya Works.
During our meetings, including a session with our new Nairobi fundraising hire, Emily, we focused on one central question: What does it take to close the gap between potential and opportunity at scale for another twenty years?
I returned home reflecting on the faces of our students, alumni, and team. I saw determination, resilience, and a quiet confidence that what we are building together actually works.
Deep thanks go to Kelvin and the entire NRCF staff, our boards, our volunteers, and every donor who made this trip possible.
Watch the video of our time in Kenya below, and read our full April impact update at impact.ngongroad.org.
Thank you for being a Friend,
Dan
President
Friends of Ngong Road
2026 marks the beginning of our 20th Anniversary. We’re kicking off a year of celebrating on April 23, 2026, in collaboration with our partners at Arrow Giving Foundation.
Save the date—April 23, 2026—as we celebrate two decades of partnering with students and families in Nairobi to unlock opportunity through education. Today, our alumni are working, leading, supporting their families, and shaping their communities.
Gather for Impact
Celebrating 20 Years of Friends of Ngong Road
April 23, 5 PM – 7 PM
Maison Margaux
Free to attend and complimentary valet.
Registration opens March 9th—more information to come.
2025: A year of growth and momentum
Thanks to you and our global community of supporters, 2025 was a year of inspiring hope and sparking brighter futures. As our 2025 Outcomes Report shows, your generosity is changing lives.
Because of you, we began 2026 by onboarding 100 new students and have already welcomed the first 50 children in January, with another 50 onboarding in April. Thanks to you and hundreds of supporters, last December, you helped make this possible by giving $293,589. Thank you.
Our team in Kenya wanted to say thank you personally. We invite you to watch this short message of gratitude from the staff and students — the very ones your support impacts.
Program Highlight
Every Saturday, students spend the day engaging in fun activities, sharing laughter, and enjoying a delicious meal. Moments like these remind us of the power of community and the impact of education and support. Each Saturday is an opportunity for our students to learn, play, and thrive. Take a moment to enjoy watching kids being kids.
At Ngong Road Children’s Foundation (NRCF), education is a long-term commitment. A student’s journey with us spans 8 to 12 years, supporting them from primary school through to employment. We don’t just pay school fees; we provide a holistic support system designed to foster self-reliance and career readiness.
A Strong Foundation (Primary & Junior Secondary)
The journey begins with enrollment, where students receive full uniforms, shoes, and textbooks. But the real growth happens outside the classroom. On Saturdays, students attend enrichment programs that include nutritional support, library activities, and coding bootcamps to reinforce their learning. As they transition into Junior Secondary School (Grades 7–9), we align with the Competency-Based Education (CBE) system, helping students discover their unique talents early on.
When students enter Senior Secondary School, they typically transition to boarding schools. We ensure they have everything they need—from mattresses to personal items—so they can focus on their studies. During school breaks, we host camps focused on mental health, drug abuse awareness, and career training to build resilience for the real world.
After high school, the focus shifts to “Job Readiness.” To qualify for post-secondary scholarships, students must demonstrate commitment by completing a mandatory 3-month short course. Our support continues even after graduation through our Alumni Network, which offers apprenticeships and specialized training programs like Techmates (digital marketing and software development) to ensure our graduates are ready for the job market.
From Grade 2 to their first job, our mission is simple: to raise a self-driven generation capable of solving problems and succeeding in the modern workforce.