Our story
A teacher who believed every Kenyan child deserved a desk.
Stella Kathambi spent 40 years teaching, mentoring, and quietly paying school fees for children whose families couldn't. The foundation continues that work — formally, and at scale.
Mission
To unlock the potential of every Kenyan child through education and dignity.
We provide scholarships, mentorship and wraparound community support to children and youth who would otherwise be locked out of school. Our work is rooted in Stella's conviction that learning is the most powerful intervention a community can make.
Vision
A Kenya where no child's future is decided by their postcode.
We see a generation of confident young Kenyans — leading classrooms, hospitals, farms, and parliaments — because someone believed in them when it mattered most.
Timeline
A life — and a foundation — built decade by decade.
Stella Kathambi born in Meru County, Kenya.
Begins teaching in rural primary schools, pioneering reading clubs for girls.
Establishes informal scholarship circle for orphaned children in her village.
The Stella Kathambi Foundation is formally registered.
Cross 200 scholars supported across 12 counties.
Our values
How we work.
Dignity first
Scholars are partners, not beneficiaries. We build with them, never around them.
Radical transparency
Every shilling is tracked, audited and reported back to donors and communities.
Patient impact
We measure success in graduations, careers, and generations — not press releases.
Join the mission
Three ways to change a young Kenyan life today.
Whether you're a student, a corporate partner, or a generous donor — your next step is right here.