The Government of Japan has been providing funds to non-profit organizations such as Self Help groups, CBOs, NGOs, Schools, Medical Institutions and County Governments through the Grant Assistance for Grassroots Human Security Projects (GGP) since 1989.

On 8^th February 2017, five Grant Contracts for GGP were signed by H.E. Mr. Toshitsugu Uesawa, the Ambassador of Japan to Kenya and the representatives of five grantee organizations at the Embassy in Nairobi. The total amount of the four projects is more than USD 394,980 (approx. Kshs 37.7 Million).

1. The Project for the Construction of a Physiotherapy Facility and Improvement of the Pavement for Pupils with Cerebral Palsy in Kwanjora Special School (Nyandarua County)

Kwanjora Special School was awarded USD 55,598 towards construction of a physiotherapy facility, purchase of physiotherapy equipment, as well as the rehabilitation and construction of pavement in the school compound. Kwanjora Special School is a public primary boarding school for children with cerebral palsy. The absence of an equipped physiotherapy room is a big challenge for the school and the children. It is extremely important for children with cerebral palsy to develop their joints and muscles when they are still young because it becomes more difficult to develop the muscles in later stages of life. Therefore, the purpose of this project is to create an environment where children with cerebral palsy can receive the needed physiotherapy treatment. 

2. The Project for the Rehabilitation of Street-children through Organic Farming (Kiambu County)

Moyo Children Center was awarded USD 74,605 to construct a new Rehabilitation Home for drug- addicted street-children from Thika and surrounding areas. Moyo Children Center (MCC) has been working with street-children in Thika since 1999, providing a safe place for children to sleep and financing their education. The new facility will enable MCC to rehabilitate drug-addicted street-children by providing them with a safe, secluded environment where they can receive individualized attention and learn employable life-skills.

3. The Project for the Improvement of Educational and Hygienic Environment at Matisi Primary School (Trans Nzoia County)

Matisi Primary School was awarded USD 84,890 to construct three toilet blocks, renovate 34 classrooms, install two water tanks, construct a fence, and purchase 300 desks. Currently the school has only 12 toilets for the 2,584 pupils, during breaks the toilets are overcrowded and many pupils are unable to use the toilet. This project will help alleviate the overcrowding and create a more hygienic environment by constructing 41 new toilets and reducing the number of pupils per toilet from over 200 down to 50 pupils per toilet. Additionally, through the renovation of the 34 classrooms the project will improve academic performance of 2,584 pupils located in Matisi slum where there are about 30,000 people suffering from poverty.

4. The Project for the Construction of Majegho Community Sand Dam (Taita Taveta County)

UONGOZI- Center for NGO Studies, Leadership & Management was awarded USD 84,890 for the construction of a ‘sand dam’ at Majegho River in Mwatate Sub-county. During the rainy season, the rain from Taita Hills flows into Majegho River and the water level goes up to approx. 2 meters. However, during the dry season the water dries up and people have to dig the riverbed and wait for the water to seep out, a process that can take up to seven (7) hours. This project will improve the access to water by storing the water during the rainy season for use during the dry season and significantly reduce time spent collecting water.

5. The Project for the Improvement of Educational and Hygienic Environment at Bahati ADC Primary School (Vihiga County)

Bahati ADC Primary School was awarded USD 82,748 for the improvement of the educational environment and hygiene for its students. The project will construct six new classrooms and eight new toilets, complete two incomplete classrooms and an administration block, and purchase three water tanks and 100 desks. Through improving educational and hygienic environment at the school which currently only has mud classrooms, the project is expected to improve the school enrollment rates and increase the academic performance.

Ambassador Uesawa congratulated the five organizations which were selected from more than 900 applications received in 2016. He wished them success and assured them of the embassy’s support during the implementation.