Church’s giving machines empower local charities in Nairobi

Local charities in Nairobi have received a significant boost as The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints distributed funds collected through its Giving Machine kiosks at Sarit City Center.

The kiosks at Sarit City Center are part of the Church’s global Light the World initiative, launched in 2017 and active in 21 countries across six continents.

This innovative program allows communities to engage in charitable giving in a direct, transparent, and measurable way, turning everyday generosity into real-world impact.

Held on February 18, 2026, the event highlighted the power of collective giving and showed how even small contributions can have a tangible impact when coordinated through organized community initiatives.

According to Darius Mobe, head of the Nairobi City Committee, the campaign managed to raise 50 million U.S. dollars globally across 21 countries and six continents.

“One hundred percent of all donations collected go directly to the NGOs participating, while the Church covers all operational expenses. We hope these funds will touch lives and support vital community programs,” he said.

Representatives from organizations including Africa Girls Hope Foundation, Church World Service, Girl Aid Foundation, iDE Global, Rahma Worldwide, and Kenya Red Cross attended the luncheon, along with Sarit City Center staff and Church leaders who organized the 2025 Giving Machine campaign.

The initiative provided donors with the opportunity to contribute directly to local nonprofits, turning simple acts of generosity into measurable community impact.

The recipient organizations shared how the donations would enhance their operations.

Daniel Mucho of Africa Girls Hope Foundation noted that the support would help vulnerable children:

“This support gives us the means to bring hope to the kids we assist, allowing us to expand our programs and reach more children in need. We continue to pray that God expands this work.”

For iDE Global, the event marked the first time participating in the Giving Machines initiative.

Geoffrey Nuamota explained, “While this is our first time in the Light the World Giving Machines, the Church has long supported our global initiatives. These contributions help us reach communities that would otherwise be left behind. We sincerely thank you for making this possible.”

The Kenya Red Cross highlighted measurable outcomes from previous campaigns.

Dr. Vinod Guptan reported that last year, funds enabled the organization to assist 70 schools with safety measures, provide hot meals to nearly 300 street families, distribute food hampers to settlements, and offer counseling for families recovering from post-disaster trauma.

“These funds translate into tangible support for some of the most vulnerable in our communities,” he said.

Keziah Kabuto of Sarit City Center congratulated the participating NGOs and encouraged them to make the most of the donations.

“Go out there and make a difference in your communities. It has been our honor to support this initiative and partner with the Church in bringing hope to so many people,” she said.

Finally, Elder George Munene, an Area Seventy, framed the Giving Machines as part of the Church’s wider charitable efforts.

“This is just a seed you’ve received. Like the mustard seed in the Bible, it will grow into a great tree, benefitting communities far and wide. The work you do with these funds will multiply in impact, helping more people across Nairobi and beyond,” he said.

By turning small, individual donations into collective action, the program highlights how local engagement can drive real change.

Through initiatives like these, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints demonstrates that well-structured charitable programs can empower local nonprofits, strengthen community resilience, and create opportunities for the most vulnerable populations to thrive.

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