Communities


We seek to partner with communities globally, starting in Kenya. There are groups and projects in 4 distinct communities, each with their own unique culture, environment, flavor, skills, strengths, challenges, and dreams.

Kibera


Kibera is a slum located near Kenya’s capital, Nairobi. Roughly 2 square miles, it is home to between 250,000 to a million people (it is impossible to get even a close estimate due to the tight and harsh living conditions), making it the second largest slum in Africa. Kibera is compiled of tightly packed shacks built upon piles of trash. It struggles with the lack of running water, electricity, sewage systems, and many other public services, as it is largely neglected by the government. Our Kenyan operations are based out of Kibera.

Mathare


Mathare is a large semi-urban area that is a collection of slums. Located near Nairobi, it has a population of roughly 500,000 people. In addition to poverty, residents of Mathare face a lot of violence and criminal activity from the multiple gangs that reside there.

Learn more about the Mathare Women’s Rehabilitation Center

Dagoretti


Dagoretti is a large collection of neighborhoods in Western Nairobi. The specific region we work in is a lush and hilly, semi-rural town. Economic activities involve small businesses and casual labor. Drug abuse is a very common issue among youth and young adults, Intrinsic’s support for these African neighborhoods could help lessen this awful issue.

Learn more about the Urembo National Group in Dagoretti

Mai-maahiu


Mai-Maahiu is a large farming village in Kenya’s Rift valley. Since access is limited due to a long drive into the valley on a narrow winding road, the region does not interact much with surrounding areas. Lack of water is a major challenge for the village. The area consists of multiple plots of farmland, as well as open territory for nomadic herders.

Though communities throughout all of Kenya face high unemployment rates, many of its residents are extremely creative and entrepreneurial, particularly youth. Informal small businesses groups have formed, taking the materials and trash they find around them to make art. Intrinsic seeks to partner with these groups to encourage their creative spirit, give them a platform on the global market, secure a sustainable flow of income, and reinvest into holistic transformation of their community.