Mathare Roots Youth Group is a non-governmental, non-religious, non-political, community based organization that was established on the 19th March, 2006 by a group of young men and Mathare Roots Youth Group is a non-governmental, non-religious, non-political, community based organization that was established on the 19th March, 2006 by a group of young men and women of the

Mathare slums and its environs. Initially, it started with a group of 15 members – with a ratio of 1 boy to one 1 girl. Now, it has 24 registered members and the number is still swelling, with more and more young people getting interested in how we function and the activities we do. The name ‘Roots’ came from the fact that we’ve emerged from the Mathare Slums,

where most of us were born and raised, hence we know all the struggles of the residents and we would like to try and bring “good fruits” from the slum, which would paint a better picture of our community – from Roots to Fruits! We pride ourselves on vast experience in community development and individual growth related issues, acquired from long-term involvement in other community groups based in and out of the Mathare Slums.

The group is still young, but the spirits are very high amongst the members, resulting in gross and positive popularity in the slum and its environs. The group holds meetings from 1:00pm – 3:00pm every Sunday at our small office, where we discuss on various issues affecting the community.  

Our vision is to see the number of HIV/AIDS and drug abuse related infected and affected young people in Mathare consistently and continuously reduced.

Our main objective of establishing the youth group was to change the day to day negative lifestyle of the young people who live within the sprawling slums of Mathare Valley and its neighborhoods, by creating effective awareness, via our activities, about HIV/AIDS, Drug abuse and their interrelatedness; thus improving the living and knowledge standards of Mathare residents.

Currently, we have 24 registered members, both boys and girls. We are looking for a target of 40 members before the end of this calendar. All members are entitled to group benefits and responsibilities equally, regardless of age, tribe, religion, or gender.

Currently, we have 25 registered members, both boys and girls. We are looking for a target of 40 members before the end of this calendar. All members are entitled to group benefits and responsibilities equally, regardless of age, tribe, religion, or gender