About the Jiinue Initiative
Our Story
Njiwa Jiinue Initiative is a flagship community empowerment programme based in Tharaka Nithi County, Kenya. Founded in 2018 under the patronage of H.E. Mrs. Margaret Muthomi, the initiative was conceived as a direct response to the deeply rooted socioeconomic challenges facing the county's most vulnerable populations: women, youth, children with special needs, and persons with disabilities.
The name Jiinue, meaning "empower yourself" in Kiswahili, captures the spirit at the heart of everything we do. Rather than delivering services in a top-down manner, we equip people with the tools, knowledge, and networks they need to take ownership of their own futures.
The initiative is anchored in Kenya's national frameworks, including the Governor's Manifesto, the National Gender Policy, the Health Act 2017, Kenya Vision 2030, the Big Four Agenda, and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.
Vision
To build a healthy, educated, and resilient community for a stronger generation.
Mission
To empower women and young people towards economic, political, and social transformation; to improve health outcomes; and to advance the welfare of children with special needs through strategic partnerships and sustainable, evidence-based initiatives.
Values
- Inclusivity: Every programme is designed to reach those most often left behind.
- Community-centred action: We work with communities, not merely for them.
- Partnership: Sustainable change requires collaboration across sectors.
- Accountability: Our programmes are grounded in real data and national frameworks.
- Dignity: In every intervention, we uphold the dignity of every individual we serve.
H.E. Mrs. Margaret Muthomi
H.E. Mrs. Margaret Muthomi is the First Lady of Tharaka Nithi County and the founding patron of the Njiwa Jiinue Initiative. Her leadership has been the driving force behind the programme since its establishment in 2018. Under her stewardship, the initiative has grown from a county-level advocacy effort into a multi-pronged community transformation programme, touching thousands of lives across health, education, economic empowerment, and social inclusion. Her commitment to leaving no one behind, including persons with disabilities and children with special needs, continues to define the initiative's values and its direction.
Alignment with National Frameworks
The Jiinue Initiative operates in alignment with: the Governor's Manifesto and County Strategic Framework (2018–2022); the National First Lady's Strategic Framework; the National Gender Policy; the Health Act 2017; Kenya Vision 2030; the Big Four Agenda; and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.