About jonathan jackson foundation
Changing lives through
self reliance
Jonathan Jackson Foundation is a non-profit organisation dedicated to empowering vulnerable groups in Kenya, particularly youth, women, and people living with disabilities who are Not in Education, Employment, or Training (NEET).
Recognising that unemployment leads to poverty, crime, and hinders societal participation, the Foundation provides these individuals with the tools and resources they need to establish sustainable and diverse income streams through entrepreneurship and ownership of their own enterprises, ultimately contributing to a more equitable socio-economic development.
Our Vision
To transform the lives of youth and women in informal communities by giving them the “fishing rod” and showing them how to use it, enabling them to provide for themselves, their families, and their wider communities.
Our Mission
To enable youth, women and persons living with disabilities in informal settlements to build sustainable livelihoods.
Our Values
01
Community-Centered Engagement
Co-creating solutions with local stakeholders.
02
Integrity, Accountability and Transparency
Responsible stewardship of resources and trust.
03
Innovation and Adaptability
Responsive, evidence-informed programming.
04
Equity and Inclusion
Tailoring support for women, youth, and persons with disabilities.
05
Respect for Humanity and the Environment
Dignity-first, sustainability-aligned action.
Our Values
01
Community-Centered Engagement
We co-create solutions with local stakeholders, recognizing their strengths and empowering them to realize their full potential.
02
Integrity, Accountability and Transparency
We adhere to the highest ethical standards, fostering respect, honesty, and credibility in every interaction. We act as responsible stewards of our programs and resources, upholding the trust of our donors, partners, and community members.
03
Innovation and Adaptability
We champion creative thinking and embrace proven methodologies, ensuring our work remains responsive to evolving community needs.
04
Equity and Inclusion
We embrace fairness and diversity, tailoring interventions to meet the distinct realities of each community we serve
05
Respect for Humanity and the Environment
We honor the dignity of every individual and safeguard the environment, aligning our actions with sustainability principles for future generations.
“Our ultimate goal is to bring significant impact to communities in informal settlements by developing sustainable income-generating initiatives.”
- Jonathan Jackson, Founder and Chairman
Meet the Founder
Fostering sustainable livelihoods for marginalised groups since 2019
Driven by a deep passion for uplifting vulnerable communities, Jonathan Jackson spent three decades leading the thriving property development company, Lordship Group. Yet his heart remained with those in need—particularly in his homeland, Kenya—where he witnessed firsthand how poverty continues to afflict underserved neighborhoods.
In 2010, Jonathan returned to Kenya, eager to replicate the successful property development strategies he had pioneered in Central and Eastern Europe. While establishing his business, he was struck by the staggering number of youth who struggled to secure a dignified livelihood. Reflecting on walks he once took with his mother through Kibera—where women were trained in weaving, beadwork, and tailoring—Jonathan recognized the transformative power of empowering communities through hands-on skills and sustainable income generation.
In early 2019, he took a pivotal step by founding the Jonathan Jackson Foundation (JJF) and acquiring a community football club, the Nairobi City Stars (NCS). Through sports, community events, and focused aid drives, Jonathan and a dedicated team began mobilizing youth in informal settlements to pursue meaningful training, reform, and rehabilitation opportunities.
Today, JJF’s core values remain anchored in Jonathan’s unwavering commitment to fostering sustainable livelihoods for marginalised groups. By equipping youth with the tools, skills, and resources to build and manage their own businesses, JJF is nurturing real, lasting transformation in Nairobi’s informal communities.