People change the world, and every life counts.
Build Lives CBO is a non-profit, non-governmental community organization working in Dagoretti South, Nairobi — and beyond.
Our story
Build Lives began its work in 2019 in Dagoretti South Constituency, Nairobi, with a simple conviction: a child’s postcode should never decide their future. Since then, our programmes have reached more than 2,500 children across 12 schools in three counties — paying school fees, serving daily lunches, planting thousands of trees and mentoring young leaders.
We continuously work towards changing educational narratives, one child at a time. We track the individual progress of every child we support and tailor-make our help — because each child’s circumstances, talents and dreams are their own.
Beyond direct support, we address the systemic barriers that keep children out of education — advocating for policy reforms, especially in the allocation of school slots, so marginalized children get the same chances to join higher learning as their counterparts.
To reduce children’s disparities in access to quality education, and realize a society where children from rural and marginalized areas are empowered to take leadership roles that can shape their future and that of others.
A responsive approach to transform the life of the child — through school fees and tuition support, lunch programme support, leadership training, soft skills, environmental training, and partnerships.
Our values
One child at a time
Our support is customized to each child’s circumstances, career projection and value to society — never one-size-fits-all.
Community-led
We are from this community and we work in it every day, alongside schools, parents and local partners.
Safe spaces
We create safe, customized spaces that unleash each child’s full potential — so they can fly to their highest possible limit.
Fairness for all
Balanced access to quality education for every child, irrespective of socio-economic status, culture, tribe, race or religion.
What we are working towards
Balanced access to quality education for all children — irrespective of socio-economic status, culture, tribe, race or religion.
- Provide support and safe spaces for children to access quality education in Kenya, in partnership with all relevant role-players.
- Advocate for institutional and policy reforms that bridge the gap between marginalized children and their counterparts in education access and leadership.
The people behind Build Lives
Build Lives is run by a small team of volunteers and community members in Nairobi. Want to meet us? Get in touch — karibu.
Join the cause. Make a difference.
Every life counts. Your gift keeps a child learning, fed and hopeful — right here in our community.