On September 13, 2024, at the vibrant Senses Hub in Westlands, Nairobi, Relinked Group hosted the Fourth Edition of the Relinked Social Impact in Action Forum. This edition provided an invaluable opportunity for connection, belonging, and the forging of partnerships that promise long-term, meaningful engagement. Attendees from diverse sectors explored innovative partnerships, shared insights, and built collective strategies to scale social impact. The atmosphere was one of collaboration and vision, as participants were inspired and empowered with new techniques, tools, ideas, and connections that will continue to drive change in their respective spheres of influence.
Organized under the theme: Impact at Scale: Navigating Pathways, Insights, Enablers, and Barriers, the forum explored ways of empowering change-makers, social purpose leaders, and organizations to pursue a lasting change in society by taking a deep dive into available pathways, emerging insights, perspectives, enablers, and barriers to impact at scale. It offered an ideal platform for leveraging collective wisdom, creativity, and energy across sectors. It allowed participants to rethink their systems, pursue structural change, and consider the broader social context in which their organizations operate.
A plenary session on the topic: Collaborating for scale; how to leverage collective efforts and partnerships across different sectors and actors to lead impact at scale, by Vincent Odhiambo, Regional Director of Ashoka East Africa:
Drawing from his rich experience in social entrepreneurship, he explored why collaboration is essential and how it can lead to large-scale, systemic change.
Collaboration vs. Cooperation vs. Competition: While collaboration requires deep integration, cooperation involves working together more loosely, and competition often pits actors against each other for resources or recognition.
The Challenges of Collaboration: Vincent addressed the question: Why is it so hard for people to collaborate? Some of the barriers include:
- Trust issues – A lack of trust between parties can limit collaboration.
- Expert syndrome – Organizations feel overly protective of their expertise.
- The Silo Effect – Comfort in isolated environments prevents broader connection.
- Big brother syndrome – Dominant actors overpower smaller ones in partnerships.
- Worldview and Cultural Differences – Varying perspectives and norms create friction.
- Bureaucracy – Organizational red tape slows down collaboration efforts.
He emphasized, “You cannot change the world if you think you can do it by yourself.” Collaboration breaks down silos, connects dots, and builds solutions that address root causes rather than just symptoms.
Necessities for Successful Collaboration: For collaboration to work, several elements are crucial:
- Shared value and a common mission – Partners need unified goals.
- A mindset shift – Toward collective success over individual gain.
- Clearly defining roles – Understanding how each partner will collaborate.
- Sophisticated teamwork – To manage complex challenges effectively.
Takeaway Message: The most profound takeaway from the session was that systemic challenges require systemic solutions. Collaborative leadership, rooted in empathy and justice, is key to breaking down barriers. As Vincent said, “Collaboration is just one step away” – the willingness to connect, share, and act together will ultimately lead to lasting social impact.
A panel session on Planning for Impact at Scale; Systems Innovation and Technology as an Enabler of Impact at Scale, featured Steve Njenga and Monicah Muhoya, and was moderated by Alex Oburu:
Alex Oburu, a communications expert and Innovation & Technology Relationship Coordinator at Nairobits Trust, had a sit down with Monicah Muhoya, Founder of Heels4Pads Foundation & SisterSpeaks Global Ventures, and Steve Njenga, CEO of MoFund Africa, for a panel discussion at the Relinked Social Impact in Action Forum.
The discussions highlighted the power of partnerships and leveraging local knowledge for effective change. Both Steve and Monica emphasized that African organizations must take ownership of their initiatives and collaborate with funders and philanthropists to drive systemic impact.
Monica, who runs three organizations, highlighted her work in empowering women and girls. SisterSpeaks Global focuses on women’s empowerment, Heels4Pads Foundation raises awareness about mental health and menstrual health, and K1K3 HMO Lab tackles issues like Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) in Africa. Her initiatives aim to address gender-related challenges while creating impactful and sustainable solutions.
Steve explained that MoFund Africa was created to help African organizations overcome challenges in sustainability, with 97% struggling to survive beyond two years. The organization provides capacity-building, connects nonprofits to funders, and uses AI technology to measure impact. Steve’s experience in the development sector revealed that many African organizations face difficulties in raising funds and collaborating effectively, which MoFund Africa aims to address by helping these organizations develop stronger internal systems.
Both speakers stressed the importance of collaboration and system innovation, with Monica emphasizing the role of data-driven decision-making and technology in bringing about change, including her efforts to tackle period poverty through smart pad dispensers and community engagement. Steve on the other hand noted that planning for impact requires a mindset shift, and system change thinking is crucial to addressing interconnected issues like poverty, education, and health.
Overall, the session emphasized the need for inclusive collaboration, system-change thinking, and innovative approaches to solving challenges faced by African organizations and communities.
The Impact in Action Segment of the forum showcased and amplified the incredible work done by different organizations and change makers who attended the event:
This was an important segment of the program, which featured various individuals and organizations present, where they got to talk about their Stories of Change and impact, affirming their theory of change, and sharing their journeys towards impact at scale. It was also a chance for them to examine their track record, theory of change, and some of the changes their interventions have brought about, and define what they want to grow into next.
Speaking on behalf of the Kenya Education Fund was the Country Director, Mr. Francis Ng’ang’a, who talked about the dedication of the organization to providing high school scholarships to financially challenged students in Kenya. Their mission is to give access to quality education and keep students in school, addressing root causes of poverty, gender-based violence, and injustice.
Here are some key points about KEF
- Scholarships: KEF has provided over 4,000 scholarships to students across Kenya.
- Transition Rate: They have a 98% transition rate from high school to university, compared to the national average of 32%. They also ensure the students settle well on campus through another one-year post-high school scholarship.
- Inclusivity: KEF serves all people regardless of religion, race, ethnicity, or gender.
KEF doesn’t just provide scholarships; they offer comprehensive support including mentorship, career guidance, and life skills training. This holistic approach ensures students are well-prepared for life beyond school.
Ms. Ireneous Kombe, the Kenya Country Director of the International Solidarity Foundation, represented the organization and made a presentation on what they do.
ISF operates in Kenya to end female genital mutilation and domestic violence, as well as to promote women’s work and livelihood. Their goal is to empower women in their communities by reducing violence and improving their economic well-being. The organization has projects in Kisii and Nyamira counties, where in addition to fighting FGM and GBV, it is empowering women by creating sustainable income opportunities and helping them to build better futures.
By working closely with local communities, ISF has fostered a supportive environment for women’s rights. They have conducted awareness campaigns and educational programs to change attitudes toward harmful practices and promote gender equality.
LVCT Health, a prominent Kenyan non-governmental organization focusing on reducing new HIV infections and increasing equitable access to quality health services through innovative, integrated, and high-impact programs, was also represented at the forum by Ms. Portia Kienja and Mr. Joseph Baraza.
Portia Kienja is a Hotline Psychologist, a Digital Health champion working with LVCT Health in their One2one Youth digital platform; a place for all young people in Kenya to get accurate information on everything related to Sexual and Reproductive Health (SRH), issues of Gender-Based Violence (GBV), and HIV/AIDS.
At the forum, Portia spoke on behalf of LVCT Health, highlighting their 20+ journey and impact, fighting the HIV epidemic, and now providing a range of health services beyond HIV testing and counseling, including tackling gender-based violence, empowering adolescent girls and young women, and providing sexual and reproductive health services to key populations across 34 counties in Kenya.
Joseph Baraza, a dedicated advocate for inclusivity in healthcare, currently serving as LVCT Health’s Disability Program Officer, discussed the impact of his work that focuses on integrating disability services into mainstream health programs, ensuring that the needs of persons with disabilities are met with dignity and respect. His work encompasses a range of activities, from policy advocacy and community outreach to training healthcare providers on disability-inclusive practices.
He shared about the work he does, especially for the deaf community, and emphasized the importance of making healthcare systems more accessible, affordable, and acceptable for everyone, including those with disabilities. In addition to his role at LVCT Health, Joseph is an active participant in national and international forums on disability rights and health. He is passionate about empowering individuals with disabilities and promoting their full participation in society.
Gloria Omuya represented Tailored for Education, a non-profit organization dedicated to increasing school enrollment and creating economic opportunities by providing locally made school uniforms to vulnerable children.
In Kenya, they have made a significant impact by distributing over 66,000 uniforms. This initiative addresses several challenges, such as high dropout rates and low secondary school enrollment, by partnering with local organizations to ensure comprehensive support for students. Tailored for Education not only helps children stay in school but also supports local economies by employing local tailors to make the uniforms. This approach ensures sustainability and community involvement, making a lasting impact on education and economic development.
The Dignitas Project in Kenya was represented at the forum by their interim CEO Mr. Steve Kariithi, and June Omune, their Grants and Partnerships Manager.
Speaking on behalf of the Dignitas Project June Omune, spoke about the impact story of the organization, and its mission to empower educators, enhance school leadership, and improve learning outcomes for students, particularly in urban informal settlements around Nairobi and other regions.
To this end Dignitas has collaborated with over 200 school leaders, positively impacting around 32,000 students. The organization provides continuous professional development for teachers and instructional leaders, focusing on classroom culture, learner engagement, and instructional leadership.
Generation Kenya, part of a global nonprofit network that aims to support people in achieving economic mobility and a better life through meaningful careers, was represented at the forum by their Head of Business Development and Innovation, Sam Mwakio Ngale. He spoke about how Generation Kenya is passionate about employability and focuses on placing youth into meaningful and decent jobs.
They follow a seven-step methodology, with one step being providing jobs to youth. To achieve this, they reach out to employers who ideally provide them with job opportunities. The youth they train are between the ages of 18 and 35, and the training programs vary in duration, ranging from four to twelve weeks. They offer programs in digital customer service, retail and restaurant (specifically in fast-moving consumer goods), distributed sales, freelancing, and skill trades in the textile industry.
In addition to training, they also provide mentorship to the youth, pairing them with industry-related mentors. Generation Kenya focuses on three pillars: depth, breadth, and durability. They have already trained over 30,000 youth, with 85% of them being placed into meaningful jobs. Their goal is to train an additional 30,000 by 2030. They collaborate with employers to address the challenge of finding people with the right skills for available jobs. The ultimate aim of this initiative is to ensure that learners consistently secure good jobs.
The Mwananchi Health Watch Initiative (MHWI) was represented by Happiness Munyithya, an educationalist and health enthusiast, who spoke about how MHWI is working to significantly improve healthcare in Kenya.
With programs such as the Health Centers Quality Assessment Program (HCQAP), the Health Education Program (HEP), and the Mwananchi Assistance Program (MAP), the organization seeks to empower consumers with the resources and tools needed to navigate the healthcare system, advocate for their rights and ensure they receive fair treatment while accessing healthcare services.
Capacity 1st’s Mark Kanyi also shared how as a social enterprise, they enable their clients to unleash their full potential and drive sustainable change by leveraging on research and technology, advocacy efforts, and adoption of scalable and sustainable partnership models,
Gratitude to our partners, speakers, facilitators, and moderators.
We are proud to highlight MoFund Africa’s invaluable partnership during the forum. As a key sponsor, MoFund Africa demonstrated its commitment to empowering social enterprises and driving sustainable development across the continent.
Through their support, we were able to bring together changemakers from various sectors to explore innovative solutions for scaling social impact. This collaboration underscores our shared vision of creating a more inclusive and thriving Africa by fostering meaningful connections and opportunities for growth.
We extend our heartfelt gratitude to MoFund Africa for their continued dedication to social impact and for being a driving force behind the success of this forum. We are also grateful to Mr. Steve Njenga, MoFund Africa’s CEO, for his invaluable insights, contribution, and participation as a panelist in the session that discussed Planning for Impact at Scale; Systems innovation and technology as an enabler of impact at scale.
We sincerely appreciate Monicah Muhoya’s insightful contributions as a panelist in the forum. Her expertise and thoughtful perspectives on Planning for Impact at Scale; Systems innovation and technology as an enabler of impact at scale enriched the discussion and inspired us to think critically about driving social impact and explore new approaches of driving social change.
We thank Vincent Odhiambo, Regional Director, Ashoka East Africa, for sharing his knowledge and helping us reflect on how partnerships can drive lasting impact. His insightful session on “Collaborating for Scale: How to Leverage Collective Efforts and Partnerships Across Different Sectors and Actors to Lead Impact at Scale” resonated deeply with attendees, offering valuable perspectives on building trust, open communication, and co-creation in successful collaborations.
Alex Oburu‘s expert moderation ensured a lively and productive exchange of ideas and fostered a highly insightful panel session, guiding key discussions with Monicah Muhoya and Steve Njenga.
Mike Okello was outstanding as the emcee of the forum, employing his professionalism and energy to successfully guide the sessions to the end.
Kevin Keitan, the proprietor of Keitan Safaris, and part of Relinked Network, punctuated the forum with creative and exciting ice-breakers that helped maintain the rhythm of the sessions. Kevin is an experienced team-building professional, and travel agent, leading a socially responsible safari company that provides unique and tailored safari options for both international and local clients.
The forum was hosted at the Senses Hub, and participants received a great reception from the team led by the Hub Manager, Celestine Ndinda. Senses Hub is a collaborative space in Nairobi, Kenya, serving as an events and co-working space, an Assistive Technology Hub offering cutting-edge assistive products that cater to various requirements; from intuitive communication aids to revolutionary mobility devices designed to empower individuals and enhance their quality of life, and a centralized distribution point for assistive devices that are often hard to find in many parts of Africa. The hub offers a space where people can come and explore their creativity with the help of modern technology and also fosters a sense of community among visually impaired individuals, their families, and allies.
At Relinked Group, we are committed to ecosystem thinking by fostering cross-sector collaboration through initiatives like this forum, as well as through training, professional development, community service, leadership opportunities, and climate action programs. We connect individuals and organizations across various sectors, uplift innovative efforts, and amplify the work of change-makers driving tangible, widespread impact, from grassroots movements to national and global initiatives.
Our platform seeks to be the epicenter of collaborative efforts that can accelerate progress toward sustainable development goals, foster inclusive growth, and cultivate regenerative practices that nurture both people and the planet. This is your platform to connect, learn, and pursue purposeful collaboration and access the insights and relationships you need to unlock new opportunities for business and social impact.
We continue to develop a vibrant social impact ecosystem of interconnected organizations, institutions, initiatives, and individuals creating a positive social impact. We will follow through with our primary objective of convening a diverse array of stakeholders, including individual leaders, policy leaders, social innovators, entrepreneurs, change catalysts, and community advocates, to explore, ideate, and co-create solutions that will address the pressing global challenges of our time, for posterity.
