The need for survival led him to engage in casual jobs to earn a living, at local building sites (mjengo) as a helper, as a tout, at car washes as an attendant and as a casual laborer in small restaurants within Nairobi city. Pamoja changed my Life Skills and Development The need for survival led him to engage in casual jobs to earn a living, at local building sites (mjengo) as a helper, as a tout at the local matatu industry (plying Kahawa West –Nairobi City route), at car washes as an attendant and as a casual laborer in small restaurants within Nairobi city. It is from such engagement that he developed a passion for cooking through his experiences in working at hotels and eateries though his financial and social circumstances however could not allow him to act beyond his desired goal to be a chef.Samuel learnt about the skills for jobs sponsorship through an advert that was forwarded online by a close relative. After application he was lucky to be on-boarded under the Novice Cohort-I category at NITA-Kisumu to pursue a short-term course in food and beverage production between January–April 2022. The training offered Sam practical and theoretical skills in food and beverage production that has equipped him with a range of knowledge and understanding, skills and techniques, personal qualities and attributes essential for successful performance in the food service industry. Samuel also benefited from Soft skills and career readiness training that prepared him not only to think creatively and acquire basics skills in entrepreneurship, but also promoted his overall future career performance, career advancement and retention. In April 2022 Sam successfully sat for his NITA grade III government trade test examinations. Through the project’s skills matching approach Samuel eventually managed to secure a placement opportunity at EKA hotel in Nairobi as an intern assisting in food production department. The internship position offers a small monthly stipend which he partly uses to cater for his daily needs, and support his family whenever possible. The hotel management recently approached him with an offer for employment. “My self-esteem is over the roof. I remain grateful for the support I’ve received from Pamoja for transformation that has offered me this new lease of life. My parents and family are also happy and encouraged with my performance. My supervisor is also happy with my work which has motivated me to commence setting some money aside that will help me sponsor myself for NITA grade II government trade test. My dream is to become a professional chef in a five-star hotel and support my family. From now on my life can never be viewed with the same lens again. I encourage my fellow youth to never give up in life, to look out for and explore all available avenues to take up skills training and to always work hard.” Says Samuel Ochieng." Samuel Ochieng or Sam, as he is often referred has experienced a fair share of struggles throughout a better part of his life. Through much effort, Sam managed to complete his secondary education in 2018 that came by with much support from the local CDF’s bursary funding. His family could however not afford to support his college education for lack of money and competing family demands. For 4 years, he struggled to make ends meet and alleviate the challenges of his life. More Stories Skills Development Turning the Tides through Development Cooperation Read More Peace and Governance Turning Pain into Peace Read More Skills and Development Hillary Kawa Sore Read More Skills and Development My Move to start own business ignited by Pamoja skills training Read More Skills and Development Pamoja changed my Life Read More Skills and Development Reconnecting to my business dream through development partnership Read More

Pamela Adhiambo is a 23-year-old lady, a dancer by passion, and a volunteer instructor in the hair dressing and beauty therapy department at YMCA-Kisumu. My Hope to be Great is Revived Skills and Development “This opportunity helped me to channel my dream by focusing my attention on completing my studies. While this is a certificate course, I find it covering almost half of what we learn at the university. I love the practical bit and I am inspired to continue to grade II and beyond in the future. This will give me an upper hand to become an examiner for technical training. I am also encouraged to finish my degree. I now have the confidence and determined to resume my fourth year studies with the small savings from freelancing and a token of appreciation from the YMCA. Having the two levels of training will increase my experience and chances in the job market and, overall, in the beauty industry. The knowledge and network gained from Up-skillers BFM training has increased my client base and inspired me to follow through on my passion of becoming a great cosmetologist and examiner instructor. I appreciate the opportunity; the scholarship has put me a step closer to my dream. I promise to keep impacting others too. Learning that both the trainees and other instructors appreciate my work gives me hope that I am on the right track to achieving my goal.” Pamela Adhiambo is a 23-year-old lady, a dancer by passion, and a volunteer instructor in the hair dressing and beauty therapy department at YMCA-Kisumu. She describes herself as a makeup artist and nail technician, work that she does on a free-lance basis. The desire to grow her passion and work with young people for empowerment led her to seek an opportunity to serve as a volunteer instructor with the YMCA-Kisumu. She previously served as volunteer at EXELL School of Beauty Therapy and Institute of Certified Studies (ICS). Pamela is also a third-year student at Masinde Muliro University of Technology, undertaking a Bachelor of Technology in Cosmetology. A course she enrolled in 2017 but has deferred due to a lack of school fees on numerous occasions As the first born in a family of four, Pamela describes her family background as complicated and is passionate about cutting her own space to become a great person in society. She previously attempted several job applications but has not been successful. Some of which she missed out on because of lack of academic transcripts. She has not been able to access her transcripts because she has not paid the required school fees. It is at her disposal as a volunteer instructor and trainer in dance at YMCA that she learnt about the S4J Partial Scholarship early this year (2022) and went ahead to apply as an up-skiller during the period May–July 2022 intake. Having qualified and enrolled in the programme, Pamela is among the 77 up-skillers spread across 5 learning institutions who sat for NITA Grade Test III assessment in July 2022. The S4J project supports upskillers by paying their exam fees and offering 3-day training on business, finance, and soft skills to help them improve their business practices. More Stories Skills Development Turning the Tides through Development Cooperation Read More Peace and Governance Turning Pain into Peace Read More Skills and Development Hillary Kawa Sore Read More Skills and Development My Move to start own business ignited by Pamoja skills training Read More Skills and Development Pamoja changed my Life Read More Skills and Development Reconnecting to my business dream through development partnership Read More

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< Back Civil Peace Service (CPS) : P4T Empower Kisumu Youth to Drive Accountability and Improve Service Delivery Location Kisumu County Location Peace and Governance In a powerful display of youth leadership and advocacy, Pamoja, in collaboration with GIZ-CPS, hosted a dynamic Youth Sensitization Forum on Accountability & Service Delivery at Mills View Hotel, Kisumu County. The activity brought together young leaders from across the region, united by a shared vision of driving positive change through non-violent action and meaningful engagement. The forum served as a platform for participants to explore innovative ways to demand accountability from duty-bearers and improve governance and service delivery within their communities. With energy and determination, these young changemakers crafted actionable strategies aimed at fostering sustainable development in Kisumu County. Empowering Youth Voices The day was filled with thoughtful discussions, interactive sessions, and collaborative brainstorming, all centered around empowering young people to take an active role in shaping their future. Key themes that emerged included: 🔹 Active Participation in Decision-Making: Young leaders emphasized the importance of being included in decision-making processes at both local and county levels. By amplifying their voices, they aim to ensure policies reflect the needs and aspirations of the community. 🔹 Proactive Dialogue with Leaders: Participants recognized the power of constructive dialogue as a tool for holding leaders accountable. They committed to engaging duty-bearers regularly, advocating for transparency and responsiveness in governance. 🔹 Sustainable Solutions for Better Services: From healthcare to education and infrastructure, the youth identified priority areas where urgent improvements are needed. They proposed practical, long-term solutions designed to enhance service delivery and improve quality of life for residents. A Model for Youth-Led Transformation This forum exemplifies what happens when young people come together with purpose and passion. It showcased the potential of youth-led initiatives to drive transformative change, proving that the next generation is not only ready but eager to lead the charge toward a more accountable and equitable society. “The energy here today is palpable,” said one participant. “We’re not just talking about problems—we’re creating real solutions. This is how we rise.” Swipe through our photo gallery to witness the vibrant energy, creative ideas, and unwavering commitment of these young leaders in action. Their enthusiasm is infectious, and their resolve unshakable. For media inquiries or further information, please contact: info@pamoja-transformation.org Pamoja Communication Team Kisumu, County Empowering the Deaf Community for Peace and Inclusive Governance in Kisumu Ahead of 2027 Elections View Project Kisumu County From Advocacy to Action: German Head of Development Cooperation Visits Pamoja for Transformation in Kisumu View Project Nairobi Investing in Peace: Building Inclusive, Resilient Communities Ahead of Kenya’s 2027 General Election View Project Nairobi County Advancing Peace and Cohesion Through Strategic Partnerships View Project Anchor 1 Previous Next

< Back Skills and Enterprise Development (SED Main) Location Location Skills and Enterprise Development The project focuses on empowering women and youth by providing them with the necessary skills, networks, capital, and self-confidence to establish and run sustainable, income-earning businesses. The strategy employed by the project aims to address poverty reduction through the strengthening of two types of businesses: Community Saving and Investment Groups: These groups operate small businesses at a subsistence level, enabling their members to meet their basic needs. By supporting these groups, the project aims to enhance their business skills, financial literacy, and access to capital. This assistance allows them to improve their businesses' profitability and sustainability. Disadvantaged Entrepreneurs: The project also targets disadvantaged entrepreneurs who run small market-driven, growth-oriented businesses. By providing them with the necessary support, including training, mentoring, access to capital, and market linkages. Overall, the project's two-fold strategy of supporting community saving and investment groups and disadvantaged entrepreneurs aligns with the goal of poverty reduction by providing opportunities for sustainable income generation, employment creation and economic empowerment for women and youth. Kisumu, County Empowering the Deaf Community for Peace and Inclusive Governance in Kisumu Ahead of 2027 Elections View Project Kisumu County From Advocacy to Action: German Head of Development Cooperation Visits Pamoja for Transformation in Kisumu View Project Nairobi Investing in Peace: Building Inclusive, Resilient Communities Ahead of Kenya’s 2027 General Election View Project Nairobi County Advancing Peace and Cohesion Through Strategic Partnerships View Project Anchor 1 Previous Next

Pamoja for Transformation empowers youth, women and men to solve problems in their communities related to violence, security and poverty. We help transform institutions and communities to move from crisis and poverty to peace and prosperity across Kenya. Measuring Results A Learning Organization As a learning organization, Pamoja is keen to find out precisely what impact its projects have. This enables Pamoja to learn from success and failure, plan future projects better and show accountability to the communities it serves as well as to partners and donors. Pamoja learns from its daily work in different ways, for instance by regular review and reflection forums to assess what went well and what could be done better. Over the past years, Pamoja has built a monitoring and results measurement (MRM) system into all its projects. This system measures qualitative and quantitative indicators, covering outputs, outcomes, impact, partners and efficiency. Pamoja received technical support and advise to develop a MRM framework from external MRM advisors. Pamoja has worked towards aligning its MRM framework to global good-practice standards , such as the Donor Committee on Enterprise Development (DCED) Standards. Choosing meaningful indicators Due to the complexity and multi-faceted nature of our operating environment of conflict and development needs, we use a dynamic and flexible framework for capturing results. We use a Mixed-Method Approa ch to monitor and evaluate peace and development programming, collecting and analysing quantitative and qualitative information and data. To this end, we select meaningful indicators and analyse numerical data, but also social impact and the “human element”, such as changes in knowledge, behavior and attitude . We also record how our programs have removed barriers to enable a shift in behaviour to take place. Our result frameworks are continuously improved and fine-tuned to adapt to the changing dynamics. Data collection tools we use include surveys, observations, focus groups, in-depth interviews, case studies, videos and audios and story-telling. To ensure lasting gains we continuously develop the capacity to build our learning systems. Once an evaluation has been completed, we use the findings to improve the assessed project and future activities. Whenever appropriate, the findings are disseminated among partner organizations and relevant actors so as to contribute to the policy development thinking and best practice design.

< Back Kenya Electoral Conflicts Mitigation & Civic/Voter Education Support Program(ECCES) Location Location Peace and Governance Kenya Electoral Conflicts Mitigation & Civic/Voter Education Support (ECCES) Program ensures resilience of vulnerable populations and environments is improved, civil society, women and youth successfully participate in democratic processes, lead voter/civic education and implement local strategies to mitigate and respond to electoral violence. The program secures the safety and security of all citizens, safeguarding their human rights, and deepening the inclusion of traditionally marginalized groups e.g. women, youth, and people with disabilities Kisumu, County Empowering the Deaf Community for Peace and Inclusive Governance in Kisumu Ahead of 2027 Elections View Project Kisumu County From Advocacy to Action: German Head of Development Cooperation Visits Pamoja for Transformation in Kisumu View Project Nairobi Investing in Peace: Building Inclusive, Resilient Communities Ahead of Kenya’s 2027 General Election View Project Nairobi County Advancing Peace and Cohesion Through Strategic Partnerships View Project Anchor 1 Previous Next

< Back Bungoma and Kisumu Youth Advocacy Champions Drive Dialogue for Improved Public Sanitation and Security Location Kisumu and Bungoma Counties Location Peace and Governance Bungoma County – May 28, 2025 Markets and urban centers require strong leadership to address challenges affecting traders and consumers. Key amenities such as dumping sites, public toilets, and sanitation facilities are critical for public health, yet many growing towns still lack them. To tackle this, Bungoma Youth Advocacy Champions on Governance, with support from P4T under the GIZ-CPS Project, facilitated a dialogue between County Duty Bearers and Business Community Leaders from Cheptais and Malakisi markets in Cheptais and Sirisia Sub-Counties. The meeting, held at Sirigreen Villa & Resort, aimed to assess the state of business environments and identify urgent solutions for improving sanitation services. Key attendees included: Mr. Nicholas Kiboi (Chief Officer, Environment, Climate Change & Tourism) Director of Trade, Energy, and Markets County Public Health Office representatives The discussion highlighted gaps in sanitation infrastructure and emphasized the need for immediate action to enhance hygiene and market conditions. Kisumu County Takes Steps to Enhance Security Lighting Kisumu County – May 29, 2025 In related initiative, a youth-led service delivery dialogue in Kisumu County was held at Pinecone Hotel, the forum brought together stakeholders including: County Departments of Energy, Transport & Infrastructure Sub-County Administrators (Kisumu Central & Kisumu East) Kenya Power & Lighting Company (KPLC) Western Chapter CSOs, Traders, Pamoja Accountability Advocates, and Women & Youth Representatives The dialogue focused on the non-functional street lighting system in key markets and roads, which has raised security concerns. Stakeholders committed to: Restoring and maintaining streetlights Enhancing community vigilance to prevent vandalism Strengthening governance and public participation in service delivery Both engagements underscore the power of collaborative governance in addressing pressing urban challenges. By fostering accountability and community involvement, these initiatives pave the way for sustainable improvements in sanitation, security, and overall service delivery. #P4TImpact #YouthAdvocacy #ServiceDelivery For more updates, stay tuned to our news section! Kisumu, County Empowering the Deaf Community for Peace and Inclusive Governance in Kisumu Ahead of 2027 Elections View Project Kisumu County From Advocacy to Action: German Head of Development Cooperation Visits Pamoja for Transformation in Kisumu View Project Nairobi Investing in Peace: Building Inclusive, Resilient Communities Ahead of Kenya’s 2027 General Election View Project Nairobi County Advancing Peace and Cohesion Through Strategic Partnerships View Project Anchor 1 Previous Next

< Back Outcome Harvest for the Enhancing Youth and Women Access to Land for Sustainable Economic Development in Western Kenya Location Kakamega County Location Climate Resilience and Peace and Governance Kakamega County, KENYA P4T, in collaboration with Community Change Agents (CCAs/FSCs) under GFA, hosted a landmark Close-Out Outcome Harvest Meeting for the GIZ Agri-jobs 4 Youth project. The event celebrated a transformative milestone in the fight for equitable land access and agricultural empowerment across Western Kenya. The primary goal of the project was to improve women and youth access to land for agricultural production. Through a combination of intergenerational dialogues, sensitization forums, and paralegal clinics, the initiative has successfully dismantled long-standing cultural and systemic barriers. Breaking Cultural Barriers for Women and Youth Historically, deeply rooted cultural norms have prevented young people and women from fully owning, inheriting, or controlling land, severely limiting their participation in agriculture. This project has directly challenged and shifted these dynamics. Through targeted community dialogues across the five project counties— Kisumu, Kakamega, Vihiga, Siaya, and Bungoma —the project has empowered women to access land for both household consumption and commercial sale. Furthermore, over 100 youths have successfully gained secure land access by signing formal lease agreements. The ripple effect has been profound: landowners are now highly sensitized and have actively begun the process of formalizing land succession, as well as transitioning to formal, legally binding land leases. The Power of Intergenerational Dialogue The success of this initiative is largely attributed to the project’s intergenerational dialogue approach. By bringing older landowners and young, aspiring farmers to the same table, P4T and its partners have fostered mutual understanding and trust. This approach has created a strong foundation for better land tenure security and promoted community-driven solutions. Already, a significant number of farmers and landowners have taken proactive steps to formalize land lease agreements, paving the way for more equitable and sustainable agricultural growth in the region. Shifting the Focus to the Soil With the critical hurdle of land access overcome, the project’s focus has now shifted to the soil. Secured land has unlocked new economic opportunities, with youth, women, and landowners actively partnering to venture into lucrative agribusiness value chains. Beneficiaries are now engaging in: 🥛 Dairy Farming 🥬 African Leafy Vegetables (ALVs) 🐟 Aquaculture 🫘 Soybean Production 🐔 Poultry Keeping A Sustainable Future The close-out outcome harvest meeting was not just a celebration of past successes but a launchpad for the future. By empowering youth and women with secure land tenure and agricultural knowledge, the GIZ Agri-jobs 4 Youth project has laid the groundwork for long-term food security, poverty reduction, and robust economic growth in Western Kenya. P4T extends its deepest gratitude to GIZ , GFA , the Community Change Agents (CCAs/FSCs) , and the resilient communities of Western Kenya for their unwavering commitment to this transformative journey. Together, we are not just growing crops; we are cultivating a more equitable and prosperous future. Kisumu, County Empowering the Deaf Community for Peace and Inclusive Governance in Kisumu Ahead of 2027 Elections View Project Kisumu County From Advocacy to Action: German Head of Development Cooperation Visits Pamoja for Transformation in Kisumu View Project Nairobi Investing in Peace: Building Inclusive, Resilient Communities Ahead of Kenya’s 2027 General Election View Project Nairobi County Advancing Peace and Cohesion Through Strategic Partnerships View Project Anchor 1 Previous Next

Agricultural Land Lease Agreement Form This land lease agreement form is designed to: Facilitate execution and provide security to all parties in a land lease engagement in an effective manner for all genders, including young men, women, and youth groups. Be used for a new lease or an amendment to an existing agreement, applicable to both public or privately owned land. Clearly state the details of land being leased and the terms and conditions of leasing, which may include land management practices. Be endorsed and witnessed by a Local Government Administrator and relevant stakeholders, including groups and spouses where applicable. This form is to be filled in triplicate, with one copy to be retained by the lessor, one by the lessee, and one by the endorsing Government Officer. Click to Download Form

Acerca de STRATEGIC PLAN Pamoja For Transformation 2019 - 2023 Strategic Plan DOWNLOAD

< Back Advancing Access to Land for Youth and Women in Siaya County Location Siaya County Location Climate and Peace and Governance Pamoja for Transformation , with support from GIZ through the Agri-Jobs 4 Youth (AJ4Y) project and in partnership with GFA Consulting Group , recently hosted a transformative field visit to North Gem and Alego Usonga sub-counties in Siaya County . The visit provided the GFA team with a first-hand opportunity to witness the tangible progress being made in improving access to land for youth and women for agricultural production. Bridging the Gap Between Policy and Practice The field visit highlighted how collaborative engagement with farmers, landowners, and local community structures is successfully translating dialogue and legal awareness into practical pathways for secure land access. These pathways include: Formal land leasing agreements that provide youth and women with secure tenure for agricultural activities Family-level processes around land ownership and succession that promote intergenerational equity Community-driven solutions that respect cultural contexts while advancing gender equality and youth inclusion From Dialogue to Action By working directly with stakeholders at the grassroots level, Pamoja for Transformation is ensuring that conversations about land rights move beyond theory into actionable outcomes. The visit demonstrated how increased legal awareness, combined with sustained dialogue among community members, is opening doors for young people and women to access one of the most critical resources for agricultural productivity: land . Creating Opportunities Through Secure Access Secure land access is more than just a legal right—it's a gateway to economic empowerment, food security, and sustainable livelihoods. Through the Agri-Jobs 4 Youth project, P4T is helping to create an environment where youth and women can: ✅ Engage in productive agriculture with confidence. ✅ Invest in long-term farming enterprises. ✅ Build resilience against economic shocks ✅ Contribute to household and community food security Our Commitment Pamoja for Transformation remains committed to advancing inclusive land governance and ensuring that youth and women have equitable access to productive resources. Together with our partners GIZ and GFA Consulting Group, we continue to bridge the gap between policy and practice, turning dialogue into access and access into opportunity. From dialogue to access, and from access to opportunity. Kisumu, County Empowering the Deaf Community for Peace and Inclusive Governance in Kisumu Ahead of 2027 Elections View Project Kisumu County From Advocacy to Action: German Head of Development Cooperation Visits Pamoja for Transformation in Kisumu View Project Nairobi Investing in Peace: Building Inclusive, Resilient Communities Ahead of Kenya’s 2027 General Election View Project Nairobi County Advancing Peace and Cohesion Through Strategic Partnerships View Project Anchor 1 Previous Next