Humanitarian Aid
Jenga Jirani
Swift, Compassionate Crisis Response
In times of crisis, Jenga Jirani (“Help Your Neighbor” in Kiswahili) stands as the Jonathan Jackson Foundation’s (JJF) rapid humanitarian aid pillar. Designed to respond effectively during unprecedented events—such as pandemics, natural disasters, or other large-scale emergencies—the program offers immediate relief to vulnerable communities, ensuring that no one is left behind.
Why Jenga Jirani?
As a community-driven organization, JJF recognizes that crises often disproportionately affect individuals living in urban informal settlements. Economic shocks, health emergencies, and environmental disasters can exacerbate existing vulnerabilities, making swift and targeted action essential. By halting our regular programming when needed and channeling resources into Jenga Jirani, we prioritize saving lives, safeguarding livelihoods, and restoring community resilience as quickly as possible.
COVID-19 Response (2020)
When COVID-19 first swept across the globe in early 2020, Kenya went into lockdown, bringing daily economic activities to a standstill. For many families in the “jua kali” (informal) sector, staying home meant sacrificing the day’s wages, creating urgent needs for food, hygiene products, and psychosocial support.
Collaborative Action
JJF joined forces with strategic partners, including the Kenya Red Cross, to identify and map out the most vulnerable households. Through a dedicated volunteer network of youth leaders, we delivered food hampers, hygiene stations, and sanitary kits directly to families—often reaching them at their doorsteps.
Impact Highlights
2.4 Million
Distributed Meals
70,000+
People fed
13,000
Households supported
700 Youth
engaged in part-time work
60 Villages
Reached
Nairobi Floods Response (2024)
In 2024, severe flooding displaced scores of households in Nairobi’s informal settlements. Once again, Jenga Jirani was activated, delivering dry food items, sanitation packages, and vital support to over 1,200 affected families. By working closely with relief experts such as the Kenya Red Cross, local government authorities, and community-based organizations, JJF ensured that aid reached those in greatest need.
Partnerships and Ongoing Initiatives
JJF’s humanitarian work is powered by robust collaborations with donors, financial institutions, and volunteer groups that share our commitment to uplifting marginalized communities. The I&M Bank Foundation and the Kenya Red Cross are among our key partners, helping us deliver targeted, high-impact relief where it is needed most.
As a pillar designed to mitigate further harm and rebuild community stability, Jenga Jirani remains ever-ready to respond to new crises. We continue to invite partnerships, volunteers, and donations to expand our capacity and meet growing demands for emergency relief in Nairobi’s informal settlements.
How You Can Help
Support the Jenga Jirani Initiative by making a donation through M-PESA Paybill Number 904870. Please use “JENGA JIRANI” as the account reference. Every contribution—no matter the size—enables us to respond faster, reach more people, and protect vulnerable families when they need it most.