Philanthropy in Kenya has undergone a major transformation, shifting from traditional one-off donations to a more structured, accountable, and sustainable approach.
In a recent episode of the Safaricom podcast, Henry Kilonzo, Senior Manager, Foundations Programme at Safaricom PLC, shared his insights on how philanthropy in Kenya has evolved over the years.
With extensive experience in corporate philanthropy and community development, Kilonzo reflected on the sector’s transition from short-term relief to long-term impact.
From Feel-Good Giving to Sustainable Impact
For many years, philanthropy in Kenya was largely charity-driven, with individuals and organizations donating to meet immediate needs. Kilonzo refers to this as “feel-good philanthropy”—a model where donors would give, feel satisfied with their contribution, and move on, without necessarily following up to assess the long-term impact.
“People used to give without necessarily expecting follow-ups or measuring impact. It was about identifying a need, addressing it, and walking away,” Kilonzo explained.
However, philanthropy has now shifted towards a more strategic and measurable approach, where donors track impact, ensure accountability, and address the root causes of social challenges rather than simply treating symptoms.
Measurable Impact and Accountability
One other key shift in Kenyan philanthropic landscape has been the increased focus on tracking and measuring impact. Organizations are no longer just giving; they are also evaluating how their contributions change lives and improve communities.
“Referencing Safaricom contribution in reducing maternal mortality rate in Lamu, we have seen tangible results where our efforts have led to a reduction from 676 deaths per 100,000 live births to a significant 350 deaths per 100,000 live births,” says Kilonzo.
This shift from merely counting donations (outputs) to measuring real social change (outcomes) is redefining how philanthropy is practiced in Kenya.
Simplifying Philanthropy: Making It Accessible to All
Another key transformation has been the move towards simplifying philanthropic processes, particularly for grassroots communities. In the past, applying for funding required extensive paperwork, making it difficult for small organizations to access support.
Many donors and corporate foundations recognized this challenge and introduced more inclusive and flexible application processes. “Now, communities can apply for funding with minimal paperwork and in various formats—handwritten, typed, or even photocopied. Language barrier is also no longer an issue as applicants can apply directly if we don’t fully understand their proposals,” Kilonzo explains.
This accessibility ensures that more community-driven initiatives receive the support they need, making philanthropy more effective and community-led.
Technology’s Shaping Modern Philanthropy
Technology has also become a game-changer in Kenyan philanthropic space. Digital platforms now allow communities, individuals, and corporations to mobilize resources quickly and transparently.
“Today, we are witnessing how Gen Z and Millennials leverage digital tools for fundraising. They can create a cause, mobilize support, collect donations, and track how funds are utilized—all through technology,” says Kilonzo.
Beyond fundraising, technology is also enhancing transparency and efficiency in philanthropy. Real-time monitoring and reporting tools enable donors to track how their contributions are being used, ensuring greater accountability and trust in the sector.
Strategic Partnerships
Another major evolution in Kenyan philanthropy is the shift towards collaboration. In the past, donors often worked in isolation, but today, strategic partnerships between corporates, governments, NGOs, and communities are becoming the norm.
“No one is an island,” says Kilonzo. “The community itself must be a key stakeholder in any project. It’s not just about giving; it’s about working together to address the root causes of social challenges.”
By forming partnerships, organizations have been able to leverage expertise, resources, and networks to maximize impact. This has ensured that philanthropic efforts are not only sustainable but also deeply embedded within the communities they serve.
The insights shared in the Safaricom podcast highlighted how philanthropy in Kenya has moved beyond just charity to an impact-driven sector. As philanthropy continues to mature, the emphasis is on adapting to the changes that come with it
