I am so thankful to be able to share a non-profit that completely has my heart and soul. After my first trip to Kenya, I was told about an NGO (non-profit in Kenya) with the name Taa Basamu (smile in Swahili); I was instantly interested and wanted to be a part of the ground level efforts.

My friend, Eddy, started Taa Basamu in 2021; I learned about it in 2023 and in the spring of 2025, Friends of Taa Basamu was born in the United States as a 501c3 to fundraise for Taa Basamu.

Eddy saw a need in his community and wanted to help bring smiles to vulnerable children living in the slum of Kibera in Nairobi.

He wanted to be able to provide a quality education for the kids through sponsorships, make sure they had a meal on the table, and give them life experiences they wouldn’t normally have the opportunity for. He started out just doing some food donations to the families-nothing regular, just when he could afford it. He was able to get clothing and uniform donations. He would gather the kids and play games and provide a snack for them. They were always grateful for what Taa Basamu was able to do. In January 2024, the first kid was finally sponsored.

As of November 2025, there are 7 kids sponsored, 14 families being fed, and the 22 kids involved in the program have been on 2 educational field trips: Nairobi National Museum and Nairobi National Park Safari Walk.

Families are being provided with a monthly supplement of food to make sure they do not go to bed hungry or wonder when they might get their next meal. Taa Basamu is making sure these kids have a future….nourished and educated…experiencing life outside their current circumstances. They are giving inspiration and hope from leaders that have overcome their own situations living in Kibera.

If you would like more information or if you would like to donate, please check out their website Friends of TaaBasamu. This will tell you more about Kibera and the programs that Taa Basamu is offering.