Transforming Children Health in Nairobi with Seed Grant

At the beginning of 2023, Antony Koskey and Conscious Kenya launched The Thriving Health Feeding Project to alleviate the severe hunger affecting over 200 children in Mukuru Sinai, a village within Nairobi’s Viwandani area. This informal settlement, nestled in the city’s industrial zone, is home to families grappling with immense economic challenges. For many, providing enough food for their children is a daily struggle, leading to widespread malnutrition, weakened immune systems, stunted growth, and a host of health issues among the young.

The project focused on children aged 2-18, who, due to hunger, often found it impossible to attend school or concentrate on their studies. Hunger sapped their energy, motivation, and ability to learn, impeding their physical, emotional, and mental development. 

The Thriving Health Feeding Project’s first objective was to find a nutritious and reliable food source to nourish these children. After careful consideration, they chose porridge flour rich in zinc, iron, magnesium, protein, fiber, and B vitamins—essential nutrients for child development. This locally produced porridge, readily available near Mukuru Sinai, became the cornerstone of their feeding program.

The seed grant from The Pollination Project (TPP) proved to be a game-changer. It enabled the project to expand its reach dramatically. In February 2023, the project served approximately 250 children daily. By December, that number had grown to over 1,500 children age 2-18, thanks to the TPP grant and support from other donors.

The reliability of the feeding project soon caught the attention of community-based schools, many of which had a significant number of food-insecure students. Though unable to provide daily meals for all these children, the project supplied packets of porridge flour and sugar, allowing schools to prepare hot meals. This initiative ensured that students received the energy and nutritional boost needed to continue their education.

By the end of 2023, the Thriving Health Feeding Project had successfully provided many children with nutritious porridge meals, significantly improving their health and educational outcomes.

Looking ahead, Conscious Kenya plans to build strategic partnerships with local businesses, corporations, government agencies, and other NGOs to expand the reach and impact of the feeding project. The project also plans to optimize operational efficiency by streamlining operations and maximizing resource allocation. 

Antony Koskey

Antony Kiprotich Koskey is the founder and CEO of Conscious Kenya, a local NGO based in Nairobi tasked with creating sustainable projects towards peace, livelihoods and the environment. 

Antony’s journey with Conscious Kenya began with a realization: worry and complacency change nothing. He resolved to train his mind to solve problems and forge ahead, no matter the obstacles. This mindset has driven him to establish a non-profit that addresses multiple issues holistically, significantly improving the lives of at-risk communities in Kenya’s informal settlements. Antony looks to the future with optimism, eager to see how many more lives can be transformed through his work with Conscious Kenya.

“I am very grateful to have worked with TPP on our project. The awarded grant was a great example of how international collaboration can bring about effective community development that has a transformative impact on our society. Working with TPP has been a transformative experience for Conscious Kenya.

The application process with TPP was not only seamless but also enriching. The grants team demonstrated a genuine interest in understanding our organization’s mission, goals, and the communities we serve. Through the application process, we honed our storytelling skills, articulating our vision with clarity and passion. Moreover, TPP’s support went beyond just financial assistance; it provided valuable resources, guidance, and networking opportunities. Interacting with other grantees within the TPP network allowed us to learn from their experiences, and share best practices. Through this partnership, we learned the importance of strategic philanthropy, effective communication, and the power of collective action in creating sustainable change. We are immensely grateful to TPP for your trust in our vision and your commitment to making a difference in the world.”