Kijiji Cha Upendo (“Village of Love” in Swahili) has been working in Kibera since 2010. Kibera is the largest informal settlement in Africa and one of the poorest areas in Kenya.

• In Kenya, threats like HIV/AIDS, poverty and conflict have left up to three million children orphaned and vulnerable. 

• In Kibera, thousands of these children lack loving families, regular meals and the chance to go to school.

• They risk drug use, HIV and other illnesses, teen pregnancy, gangs and prostitution.

Kijiji Cha Upendo’s unique response to orphaned and vulnerable children leverages a strength of East African culture. Kenyan women, often with children of their own, will take in orphaned children and provide for them as best they can. “Kijiji” supports these expanded family units through a five-pillar approach outlined below, creating resilient, empowered women and children who become productive and responsible citizens. 

As of 2026, Kijiji Cha Upendo supports 150 families and more than 700 children. You are part of this amazing story through your donations to Village of Love Canada.

• Explore the five pillars of Kijiji Cha Upendo’s holistic development approach. 

• Read stories of how women and children lean into, and benefit from, the development work. 

• Learn more about Kibera and how Kijiji Cha Upendo works in this challenging yet vibrant community.