Young Key Foundation (YKF) is a grassroots nonprofit organization passionately committed to improving the lives of vulnerable children and youth across Kenya. Founded on the principles of equity, dignity, and community-led development, YKF provides comprehensive support through initiatives in health, education, child protection, and emergency humanitarian response.
We understand that lasting change begins within communities. That’s why our approach is deeply collaborative—we partner with local leaders, caregivers, schools, healthcare providers, and government institutions to tailor our programs to the unique needs of each region.
Whether we’re helping girls escape early marriage, advocating for an end to female genital mutilation (FGM), or providing clean water and nutrition in drought-affected areas, our goal is always the same: to empower children to thrive and become changemakers in their own lives.
YKF is especially focused on reaching marginalized populations—those living in rural, nomadic, refugee, and impoverished settings—where services are often limited or non-existent. We work to dismantle the barriers that prevent children from accessing their basic rights and potential.
With a growing presence in several counties across Kenya, YKF is building a future where every child, regardless of their background, has access to health, safety, learning, and opportunity. Our work is guided by compassion, fueled by innovation, and sustained by the unwavering belief that empowered children create resilient communities.
In Kenya, thousands of children face staggering barriers that prevent them from realizing their potential. Over 250,000 children under the age of 10 live and work on the streets. Many are orphaned, displaced, or victims of neglect and abuse. Nearly 45% of Kenyan children live below the poverty line, with little to no access to healthcare, education, or proper nutrition.
Diseases stemming from poor sanitation—such as diarrhea and pneumonia—remain the leading causes of death among children under five. Girls, particularly in remote and nomadic communities, are often pulled from school and subjected to early marriage or female genital mutilation (FGM), robbing them of their childhoods and futures.
These issues are deeply rooted in systemic inequality, climate change, conflict, and cultural practices. Without intervention, vulnerable children fall into cycles of trauma, exploitation, and poverty that can last generations.
Young Key Foundation exists to disrupt this cycle—to bring hope, healing, and opportunity where it's needed most.
From early childhood development centers to safe return-to-school campaigns, we create pathways for children to access and complete quality education. We supply learning materials, train teachers, and advocate for inclusive education systems.
We work with community health volunteers and clinics to provide immunizations, nutrition, reproductive health education, and treatment for preventable diseases. Our mobile outreach services ensure that even remote communities receive essential healthcare.
When crises hit—such as floods, famine, or conflict—we provide immediate assistance including food, hygiene kits, shelter, and trauma counseling to children and families affected. We are a first responder for children fleeing violence and abuse.
OWe empower girls and educate communities through advocacy, school clubs, and mentorship. We work with elders, religious leaders, and youth ambassadors to end FGM using culturally respectful yet firm messaging and protection networks.
Our child protection programs offer legal aid, safe shelters, psychosocial support, and reintegration for survivors of abuse, trafficking, and neglect. We also conduct community dialogues to shift harmful social norms.
At Young Key Foundation, we believe in creating a world where everyone has access to basic necessities, education, and healthcare. Through our initiatives, we aim to uplift communities, empower individuals, and bring sustainable change for a brighter future.
