Who We Are
Ongata Foundation is a non-governmental, not-for-profit organization registered in Kenya and rooted in the community of Takawiri Island, Homa Bay County.
Our work is grounded in one of the most underserved regions in the country—where food insecurity, limited economic opportunity, and public health challenges intersect.
We exist to build resilient communities through integrated, locally driven solutions that combine agriculture, digital access, and social empowerment.
Our Vission
A thriving Takawiri Island where every woman is economically empowered, every household is food secure, and every individual lives with dignity.
Our Mision
To advance food sovereignty, strengthen women’s economic independence, and improve community health through sustainable agriculture, digital inclusion, and active civic participation.
What We Do
1. Sustainable Agriculture & Food Security
We develop and operate The Ongata Foundation Farm—a women-led agricultural initiative designed to:
Increase local food production
Ensure access to nutritious food, especially for vulnerable populations
Create stable livelihoods through regenerative farming practices
A key focus is supporting immunocompromised individuals, including people living with HIV/AIDS, by improving access to reliable and healthy food sources.
2. Women’s Economic Empowerment
Women are at the center of our model. We work to:
Strengthen women’s economic rights and independence
Create income-generating opportunities through agriculture
Promote leadership, with a governance structure that ensures female representation at all levels
At least 60% of our board members are women, reflecting our commitment to inclusive and equitable leadership.
3. Digital Access & Global Connectivity
Through Ongata.org, our digital platform, we:
Share knowledge, data, and local insights
Enable communication between communities and global partners
Build transparency and participation across all levels of our work
This platform acts as a bridge between local action and global collaboration.
Our Structure
Ongata Foundation operates through three interconnected pillars:
Ongata Foundation – Governance, advocacy, and strategic direction
The Ongata Foundation Farm – Agricultural production and livelihood development
Ongata.org – Digital platform for knowledge, communication, and partnerships
Together, these pillars form an integrated system designed for long-term, scalable impact.
Governance & Accountability
Our highest decision-making body is the General Assembly, composed of registered members. Strategic oversight is provided by a Board of Directors, ensuring transparency, accountability, and alignment with our mission.
We are committed to:
Democratic governance
Gender-balanced leadership
Annual independent financial audits
Why It Matters
Takawiri Island is home to a resilient community facing systemic challenges—including high levels of food insecurity and one of the highest HIV prevalence rates in Kenya.
Ongata Foundation is not built as a short-term intervention, but as a long-term, locally anchored system—designed to create self-sufficiency, dignity, and opportunity from within the community itself.
Join Us
We believe lasting change happens through collaboration. Whether you are a partner, donor, or supporter, we invite you to be part of building a sustainable and empowered future for Takawiri Island.