About POAK - Poverty Africa Kenya | Our Story, Team & Leadership

Our story

POAK, short for Poverty Africa Kenya, was founded on 7 December 1997 by a group of community leaders who saw the need to address poverty where they lived.

What began as a grassroots initiative has grown into an organisation working with communities across eight counties in Kenya. Our approach has stayed grounded in a simple principle: lasting change begins when communities help shape their own future.

Over the years, POAK has worked with more than 5,000 Kenyans across over 120 communities, through work in youth digital skills, women's economic empowerment, maternal and child health, mental health and community development.

Est. 1997 More than 28 years working alongside Kenyan communities.

A message from our co-founder

"When we started POAK in 1997, we had a simple belief: that poverty is not inevitable, but a challenge that can be overcome when communities come together. Today, after 28 years, I am prouder than ever of what we've built together. We've seen women start businesses, young people find meaningful work, mothers get access to healthcare, and communities take ownership of their own development. Our work is far from done, but every day we renew our commitment to a Kenya free from poverty."

Muhindi Vugutza

Co-founder

Mission & vision

Our mission

To help end poverty in Kenya, and to bring every part of society into that work, so that living standards rise for Kenyans everywhere.

Our vision

A Kenya free from poverty, where everyone has an equal chance to thrive, and where communities lead their own sustainable development.

Core values

Equity & inclusion

Every Kenyan deserves an equal chance, regardless of background.
Community empowerment

We put communities at the centre of the work we do.
Integrity & accountability

We hold ourselves to transparency and account for what we do.
Partnership & collaboration

We work alongside government, NGOs, partners and communities to make change last.
Sustainability

We look for solutions that keep benefiting communities after we're gone.
Innovation & learning

We keep learning, adapting and improving how we deliver our programmes.

Board of directors

Our board provides strategic leadership, oversight and accountability.

Senior Counsel Stephen Ligunya

Board Chairperson

Dr. Bernard Omwenga

Vice Chairperson

Mr. Nahashon Njoroge

Financial Expert / Advisor

Our team

The people working to turn our mission into action.

Luke Alela

Executive Director

Sheilla Muhindi

Programs Manager

Eng. Edwin Liyai

Community Engineer

Fidel Maina

Head of Monitoring & Evaluation

Marvin Kabuka

Field Programs Coordinator

Samuel Otia

IT and Digital Marketing

Our journey

For more than 28 years, POAK has worked alongside communities to create opportunities and respond to changing needs. Our journey has included growth, transition and renewal, always grounded in community development.

1997

The beginning

POAK was founded on 7 December 1997, with a commitment to addressing poverty and supporting underserved communities.
1999

Supporting families

In its early years, POAK supported families through in-kind donations while building relationships within the community.
2000

Growing into the community

POAK extended its work beyond its initial activities, with a stronger focus on community development and local capacity.
2001

Expanding our reach

The organisation expanded its work to additional communities and counties, strengthening its presence across Kenya.
2006

Improving learning spaces

POAK supported classroom renovation aimed at creating better learning environments for children.
2006–2025

A period of transition

POAK went through a period of dormancy as the organisation underwent significant changes before beginning a new chapter.
2026

A new chapter

POAK returned with renewed energy and a broader focus on the changing needs of communities across Kenya.