Reflections From My Recent Visit to Nairobi

A group of approximately 30 diverse professionals pose for a group photo in a modern conference room in Nairobi. The participants are dressed in business and traditional attire, representing international development, global leadership, and collaborative networking in an office setting.

For over 60 years, the Ford Foundation has supported ideas, individuals, and institutions in East Africa as a part of our commitment to locally grounded, globally connected philanthropy. My recent visit to our regional office in Nairobi was a powerful reminder that philanthropy is at its best when it steps back to let local expertise lead. Thank you to our regional director, Margaret Mliwa, and her exceptional team for such a welcoming and insightful experience in Nairobi, and to our grantees and partners who are working to strengthen civic space and defend human rights.

The Pillars of Democracy

Our visit began with a series of high-level dialogues with Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi and Principal Secretary Dr. Korir Sing’Oei, where we discussed the vital necessity of protecting civic space and the importance of strong democratic institutions. Kenya’s leadership on the global stage is significant, and Ford is proud to work alongside Kenyan leaders to ensure that growth is both inclusive and accountable.

A man and woman in professional attire shake hands in front of flags at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. This image highlights international diplomacy, strategic partnerships, and global leadership during a high-level official visit.
A high-level diplomatic meeting in a formal boardroom. A group of diverse professionals in business attire are seated around a long mahogany table, engaged in a discussion with a government official.

Justice as a Cornerstone

It was a distinct honor to visit the Supreme Court of Kenya and to meet with the Honourable Lady Justice Martha Koome, Chief Justice of Kenya; the Honourable Lady Justice Njoki Ndung’u; and Hon. Winfridah Mokaya, Chief Registrar of the Judiciary, during my visit to Nairobi. Our conversation served as a powerful reminder of the judiciary’s role as a cornerstone of democracy and rule of law. At the Ford Foundation, we have long valued our history of partnership with Kenya’s independent judiciary to ensure justice is accessible to all.

Five women in business attire engage in a formal meeting, seated in a plush office setting with a floral centerpiece. This image illustrates international cooperation, diplomatic dialogue, and professional female leadership during a strategic visit to Nairobi.

The Future of Civil Society

I joined a vibrant intergenerational dialogue with leaders who are redefining how movements organize and collaborate in the digital age. It was inspiring to hear from Nerima Wako, Maurice Otieno, Caroline Gaita, and Davis Malombe, who are all finding new ways to bridge traditional advocacy with the energy of the next generation. They are doing this by forging cross-sector alliances between technology, media, and grassroots organizing to ensure every citizen has a voice in governance.

Close-up of a blonde woman with glasses in a black blouse clapping during an event. This image captures professional networking and engagement during a leadership visit to Nairobi, highlighting collaborative atmosphere and community support in an international business setting.

Supporting Social Justice Leaders

I heard from a group of social justice leaders whom Ford has been honored to support in their work to protect human rights and strengthen the resilience of their communities. Flavia Mwangovya, Kamau Ngugi, Nora Mbagathi, and Ford Global Fellow Mercy Mutemi are advancing creative, collective solutions to keep democratic spaces vibrant and open. We talked about how they are protecting civil liberties and using technology to expand civic participation.

Five professionals, including four women in business attire, participate in a panel discussion at the Ford Foundation in Nairobi. Seated in modern, colorful armchairs, they engage in a strategic dialogue about international development, philanthropy, and community leadership.

Visit to Mathare

My visit to Mathare offered a firsthand look at the power of local organizing and the impact of community-led models. I met with our grantee partner Coalition for Grassroots Human Rights Defenders (CGHRDs) to learn how their work at the local level is shaping national progress, including advocating for gender justice and the #EndFemicideKE movement and ensuring that community voices are central to policy discussions on safety and service delivery. These leaders are showing that when we invest in the resilience of community institutions, we strengthen the foundation of the entire country.

A group of women, including international leaders and local community members, engage in a warm greeting outdoors. This candid moment highlights grassroots community engagement, global philanthropy, and social impact during a professional field visit to Nairobi, Kenya.
A group of approximately 20 community members and international leaders sit in a circle for a grassroots meeting in a purple-walled community center. This image highlights social impact, community-led development, and collaborative empowerment initiatives in Nairobi, Kenya.