Jackline Saleiyan, OGW, a Young African Leaders Initiative (YALI) alumna and founder of the social enterprise A Pack A Month (APAM). /PHOTO; Jackline Saleiyan.
As Kenya and the United States marked 60 years of diplomatic partnership, a young philanthropist from Kajiado County brought a grassroots perspective to the celebrations.
Jackline Saleiyan, OGW, a Young African Leaders Initiative (YALI) alumna and founder of the social enterprise A Pack A Month (APAM), joined leaders, alumni, and innovators at the U.S.–Kenya @60 Pamoja Fair at Ole Sereni Hotel in Nairobi on 26th September 2025.
The event, themed “U.S.–Kenya @60: A Legacy of Partnership — Inspiring the Future,” reflected on six decades of bilateral achievements while spotlighting youth-led contributions to Kenya’s development.
A Grassroots Philanthropist
Jackline, celebrated as a youth philanthropist, has become a beacon of hope
in Kajiado and beyond.
Through APAM, she has led the distribution of over 69,000 sanitary pads, empowered adolescent mothers with economic skills, and pioneered Kenya’s first youth-led free daycare center for survivors of defilement.
Her philanthropy extends beyond charity; it is rooted in a belief that dignity, education, and economic empowerment are the pillars of sustainable development.
Her initiatives have shown how solutions designed and led by young people can be scaled to meet pressing community needs, offering a model of grassroots innovation that speaks to both local realities and global priorities.
Recognition and Awards
Jackline’s impact has earned her national and international recognition, including:
- Order of the Grand Warrior of Kenya (OGW) – State Award (2024)
- Trailblazer Award (2024) – Government of Kenya
- Chandaria Foundation Community Service Award (2024) – Global Peace Foundation
- 2nd Runner-Up, Utumishi Bora Awards (2024) – Kenya Christian Professionals Forum
- Top 50 African Women in Development (2024)
- Mwanamke Bomba Recognition
- Kajiado County Gender Equality and Women Empowerment Champion (2024)
- Priceless Project Recognition Award (2023, USA)
- UN Summit of the Future Speaker (2024)
These recognitions, coupled with her status as a YALI alumna, have positioned Jackline among Africa’s most influential young women in development.
They also affirm the growing importance of youth philanthropy in advancing Kenya’s development goals and strengthening international partnerships.
Why Her Role Matters
Jackline’s participation at U.S.–Kenya @60 highlighted the vital role of county-level youth leaders in
shaping global conversations.
While government and institutional partnerships define much of the U.S.–Kenya relationship, it is grassroots changemakers like her who ensure that the benefits of cooperation reach the most vulnerable.
Her story illustrates how the voices of young people at the county level can add depth and authenticity to national dialogue, ensuring that development efforts are not abstract but grounded in lived realities.
Looking Ahead
Reflecting on her participation, Jackline emphasized the importance of partnerships that elevate youth voices:
“U.S.–Kenya @60 is not just about the past — it is about reimagining the next 60 years. For young philanthropists in counties like Kajiado, this is an opportunity to connect grassroots innovation with global collaboration.”
Her vision includes forging strategic partnerships, scaling grassroots solutions, and ensuring that youth philanthropists are recognized as equal partners in development.
Inspiring the Future
The story of Jackline Saleiyan underscores the larger message of U.S.–Kenya @60: that the future of this partnership lies not only in policy and diplomacy, but in the youth, communities, and grassroots leaders who translate cooperation into impact.
