As global shifts impact international aid, a community-based education initiative in Kilgoris, Narok county, is turning inward for support.
The Kilgoris Project (TKP), which has supported education in the Trans Mara region since 1999, is now focusing on local fundraising and partnerships to sustain its operations.
The organisation, originally founded by American couple Jon and Caren McCormack from Los Altos, California, has helped establish six primary schools in the area.
Executive director David Lemiso said the decision follows a noticeable reduction in foreign funding, particularly from the United States.
“With US support dwindling, we’ve had to rethink our approach. We’re going back to our communities—building support through local fundraising and partnerships,” Lemiso told journalists during a visit to Intimigom Comprehensive Primary School.
He emphasised the need for self-reliance through homegrown initiatives such as harambees (community fundraisers), calling on Kenyans to step in and support vulnerable children.
“Our culture encourages giving. Even small contributions can make a difference in the life of a child,” he said.
The shift in strategy has also drawn interest from local partners. Paul Kamau, a representative of Finaltus, a Nairobi-based investment advisory firm, joined a delegation to assess ongoing TKP projects and explore ways to support them.
Kamau echoed the sentiment that reduced foreign aid should inspire Kenyan institutions and individuals to contribute more to community development.
“This is a wake-up call. We shouldn’t rely so heavily on foreign donors. Local businesses and philanthropists must step up,” he said.
During the visit, the team donated sanitary pads to adolescent girls at the school in recognition of Menstrual Health Day, with Kamau saying the importance of maintaining student dignity.
“Education goes beyond books. It’s also about health, nutrition, and self-esteem. TKP’s model addresses all of that, which is why we believe in partnering with them,” he added.
Lemiso highlighted the collaborative effort between TKP, local communities and government agencies, saying that more than 2,000 children benefit from the project’s integrated approach to education.
“Our partnership with the government allows us to provide free meals, medical care and clean water across the six schools we run,” he said.
