Since 1986
In 2026, AVSI Foundation marks 40 years of presence in Kenya.
Over four decades, AVSI has worked alongside communities, institutions, donors, and local organizations to expand opportunities in education, livelihoods, agriculture, urban development, humanitarian response, child protection, and youth development.
Forty years of presence in Kenya means countless faces, relationships, and shared stories. On the occasion of the anniversary celebration we present six stories that highlight some of the areas of intervention that have shaped AVSI’s work in the country. A journey through time that bears witness to the change generated together with the people and communities encountered along the way.
40 years with people, building tomorrow together
EP 2 | AGRICULTURE
Through practical training and support to his cooperative, Elijah Muirigi improved milk production and reduced costs on his dairy farm in Meru. Today, he manages eight cows and works with fellow farmers to share knowledge and invest together.
Story available from 30th October 2026
EP 3 | THE PEOPLE BEHIND THE MISSION
Romana Koech began accompanying 67 children in Kibera in 1997. Over nearly three decades with AVSI, she has worked with families, colleagues and partners across Kenya, helping the organisation grow while maintaining personal attention to the people it supports.
Story available from 2nd November 2026
EP 4 | EDUCATION IN EMERGENCY
Story available from 6th November 2026
EP 5 | VOCATIONAL TRAINING AND JOB CREATION
After studying automotive engineering at St. Kizito Vocational Training Institute, Mornica Ouru Awiti became a mechanic at Jim Cab. Her income helps support her siblings’ education, and she continues developing her skills with the goal of opening her own garage.
Story available from 9th November 2026
EP 6 | SUSTAINABLE CITIES
Geofrey Otieno began collecting waste from households in Korogocho. Today, he is part of an association of 22 community organisations managing a shared recycling facility to improve waste recovery, strengthen waste pickers’ incomes and create local opportunities.
Story available from 11th November 2026
The event
The anniversary event will take place on Friday, 13th November 2026, from 9:00 AM to 2:00 PM at Little Prince School, in Kibera, Nairobi. The Little Prince School represents one of AVSI Kenya’s longest-standing commitments to education and community development. Since 2000, the school has supported the education of approximately 400 vulnerable children annually while also serving as a centre for trainings on key areas such as teacher trainings, positive parenting, health management, economic empowerment, and mindset development. The event brings together approximately 200 participants, including key stakeholders, implementing partners, donors, government representatives, community members, beneficiaries, and collaborators who continue to contribute to AVSI’s work in Kenya.
The Agenda
9:00 am - 10:00 am: Arrivals and Exhibition
10.00 am - 10.05 am: Introduction and welcome by Antony Maina, Principal, Little Prince School
10:05 am – 10:35 am: Holy Mass, Monsignor Luciano Labanca, Secretary to the Nunciature
10:35 am – 11:00 am: Entertainment
11:00 am – 11:10 am: AVSI: From 40 Years of Experience to the Future
11:10 am – 12:10 pm: Panel Discussion: Working with Informal Settlements in Kenya: Reflections on Long-term Urban Transformation, Gabrielle Tardivo, Focal point Sustainable cities
12:10 pm – 12:45 pm: Speech by Guests and end with guest of Honour Guest of Honor: H.E Vincenzo Del Monaco, Ambassador of Italy to Kenya (TBC)
12.45 pm – 1:00 pm: Anniversary moment
1:00 pm – 2:00 pm: Networking Lunch
