The USK Foundation recently engaged in a strategic consultative meeting with Mr. Kefa Omanga, the Director of Donor Coordination at the Nairobi City County Government.
As the lead for external partnerships in Kenya’s capital, Mr. Omanga is central to Governor Sakaja Johnson’s vision of transforming Nairobi into a “City of Order, Dignity, Hope, and Opportunity for all.” The meeting focused on how the United Ancient Indigenous Enlightened Nations (UAN) framework can support Nairobi’s urban development goals, particularly in ensuring that the city’s rapid growth remains inclusive of marginalized and indigenous voices.
Key synergy areas discussed include:
- Inclusive Urban Governance: Aligning USK’s mission with Nairobi’s commitment to the Open Government Partnership (OGP), specifically focusing on the 2025–2027 Action Plan to enhance the representation of marginalized groups in decision-making processes.
- Youth & Women Empowerment in Informal Settlements: Integrating UAN’s traditional empowerment models with Nairobi’s 2024 Youth Policy to provide digital literacy and sustainable livelihood programs for youth in low-income neighborhoods and informal settlements.
- Education and Cultural Heritage: Building on Mr. Omanga’s extensive work in donor-led educational initiatives to advocate for the integration of indigenous knowledge and ancient wisdom within the county’s early childhood development and vocational training centers.
- Climate Resilience & Green Spaces: Collaborative advocacy for sustainable, nature-based solutions to environmental protection, bridging modern urban planning with the indigenous ecological knowledge championed by the USK Foundation.
With our regional office based in Nairobi, the USK Foundation is uniquely positioned to serve as a bridge between international development partners and the grassroots indigenous communities residing within the county. By collaborating with the office of Director Kefa Omanga, we are ensuring that our USD 10 million annual budget effectively supports the 2010 Constitution’s recognition of culture as the foundation of the nation, even within the heart of its most modern metropolis.
Together, we are creating a blueprint for a modern African city that honors its ancient roots while building a dignified future for all its citizens.
