CFK Africa, a leading international nonprofit organisation focused on youth empowerment in Kenya’s informal settlements, will host its annual community awards celebration on August 9 in Kibera, Nairobi. The event aims to spotlight individuals and groups driving positive change in some of the country’s most underserved areas.
Held in Kenya’s largest informal settlement, Kibera, the awards are among the few celebrations of this kind in slum communities, offering recognition to everyday heroes who are helping uplift their neighbourhoods. This year’s event will also commemorate a major sporting achievement: the Kibera Soccer Women FC will be honoured for winning the FKF Women’s Cup Finals, a milestone that marks a proud moment for youth in the slum.
“Despite having limited resources, members of our community continue to demonstrate leadership, resilience, and an unwavering commitment to improving the lives of others,” said Jeffrey Okoro, Executive Director of CFK Africa. “Our awards are an opportunity to celebrate the unsung heroes who make a difference every day.”
The awards are rooted in CFK Africa’s model of community-led development, with nominations and selections driven entirely by residents. Honorees are selected based on how well they embody the organisation’s core values: impact, innovation, leadership, sustainability, inclusivity, resilience, and community coaching. The celebration aims to promote CFK Africa’s mission of empowering youth through initiatives in healthcare, sports, leadership training, and girls’ empowerment.
Among the most anticipated moments of this year’s event is the recognition of Kibera Soccer Women FC, CFK Africa’s professional women’s team. Their recent triumph in the national tournament not only brought pride to Kibera but also showcased the immense talent that exists in informal settlements. Beyond the field, many players are also mentors in CFK’s girls’ empowerment programs, serving as role models for younger girls in the community.
“This victory is more than just a win on the pitch,” Okoro said. “It’s a testament to what can happen when youth—especially young women—are given opportunities and support to thrive. It reflects the spirit of community-led change that CFK Africa stands for.”
The event promises to be a lively and emotional celebration of resilience, talent, and grassroots leadership. It also reflects a growing shift in how development is approached in Kenya’s informal settlements—by investing in local capacity and championing community voices.
Founded in 2001, CFK Africa improves public health and economic outcomes in Kenya’s informal settlements through integrated health services and youth leadership programs. The nonprofit works in direct partnership with community members, using a participatory approach to create a sustainable impact. After two decades in Kibera, CFK Africa has expanded to 25 settlements across eight counties, including Nairobi, Mombasa, Kisumu, Kiambu, Machakos, Kajiado, Kilifi, and Nakuru.
