Bungoma Governor Ken Lusaka, EU Ambassador to Kenya Henriette Geiger, Deputy Chief of Staff for Delivery and Government Efficiency Eliud Owalo, Kirinyaga governor Anne Waiguru and Vihiga governor Wilbur Otichillo during the launch of the Eliud Owalo Foundation strategic plan/HANDOUTThe Eliud Owalo Foundation has unveiled a Sh14.31 billion strategic plan aimed at empowering marginalised and vulnerable communities across Kenya.
The plan was announced at a high-profile event at Emara Ole Sereni in Nairobi, where national leaders, diplomats and development partners pledged support for what they described as a timely intervention.
Deputy Chief of Staff for Delivery and Government Efficiency Eliud Owalo, the founder of the organisation, said the plan is built on the conviction that Kenya’s youth population can either transform the country or overwhelm it.
“If we harness this energy, Kenya wins. If we neglect it, we all lose,” Owalo said.
He stressed that the foundation’s work is intended to help
turn the youth bulge from a source of anxiety into a source of national
strength.
The plan focuses on five main areas. These are education, health, youth empowerment, women’s economic advancement, and environment and climate action.
Each area is tied to specific programmes that range from scholarship support and ICT lab construction to medical outreaches, water projects and women’s financial inclusion.
Owalo said the foundation’s approach is about long-term sustainability.
It includes building school infrastructure, equipping digital hubs, sponsoring sports teams, supporting women’s SACCOs, and organising free medical camps in underserved regions.
He said these interventions are designed to address gaps that limit opportunity for young people and women, especially in rural and informal settlements.
EU Ambassador to Kenya Henriette Geiger, who served as the guest of honour, endorsed the foundation’s vision.
She said the European Union supports the initiative because it aligns with shared goals on gender equality, youth empowerment and inclusive economic growth.
“This is not charity; it’s partnership for progress,” she said. She noted that the EU is keen to support Kenyan-led solutions that offer practical and scalable change.
The event drew a wide range of leaders from government, development organisations and the private sector.
Those present included governors Anne Waiguru of Kirinyaga, Ken Lusaka of Bungoma and Wilber Otichilo of Vihiga. Former governors James Ongwae and Jack Ranguma also attended, along with former Cabinet Secretary Raphael Tuju, UN-Habitat envoy Susan Nakhumicha, and Principal Secretaries Rebecca Ombam and Ismail Madey.
KNUT Secretary General Collins Oyuu represented the education sector.
Corporate leaders such as Joseph Ogutu of the Mpesa Foundation, Shafana Rajani-Kanani of the Aga Khan Development Network, Bernard Osoro of Cooperative Bank and Nation Media Group CEO Geoffrey Odundo were also present.
Owalo called for more collaboration, especially in ICT innovation.
“With your partnership, let us use the disruptive power of ICT to make it the goose that lays the golden eggs,” he said.
The foundation’s Board of Trustees includes prominent figures from public service, business and civil society. Among them are Chris Mensah, Justice Joyce Aluoch, Dr Esther Koimett, Dr Mary Okelo, Ambassador Raychelle Omamo, Engineer Jude Loveday, Ambassador Philip Thigo, Angela Wamola, Phylis Wakiaga, Prof Hazel Miseda-Mumbo, Ambassador Peter Oginga Ogego, Ambassador Michael Oyugi, Humphrey Kayange, Ronnie Owino, Dr Joseph Masiga and Nahashon Oluoch.
During the launch, the foundation outlined several achievements already recorded.
These include more than 2,300 medical check-ups across rural communities, Sh3.6 million invested in women’s capacity building, and seed capital of Sh1 million each to 29 SACCOs. The education programme has mobilised Sh35 million for scholarships and school infrastructure, with additional tuition support for needy students.
In support of youth development, the foundation has sponsored tournaments, donated sports equipment, and handed Gor Mahia FC a new Sh23 million bus.
It has also funded driving courses for 1,000 young people from Kibra, aimed at improving their employability.
