Our Story
Creativity Meets Opportunity
Paa Paa Initiative Kenya:
Dedicated to advancing cultural empowerment and youth transformation, we focus on bridging the gap between artistic potential and economic viability. We identify raw grassroots talent, especially in marginalized communities, and equip them with the business, technical, and performance skills necessary to turn their passion into sustainable livelihoods and creative entrepreneurship.
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Our Core Purpose
Our Vision
To Inspire and Empower young women and youth through Art & Culture, nurturing creativity and cultural expression to build a vibrant, artistic, and united society.
Our Mission
We identify, nurture, and promote marginalized artistic talent by providing integrated skill development, accessible platforms, and direct linkage to the creative economy, turning passion into sustainable livelihood.
The Genesis
Born in Community,
Focused on Livelihoods
Douglas Omukhwaya, "Shikwekwe" a community artist and peace advocate, has long used art and creativity as tools for transformation. In 2014, he was recognized by the Japan Centre for Conflict Prevention (JCCP), now known as Reach Alternatives (REALs), and awarded as the Mathare Peace Ambassador by Hon. Tattushi Terada, then the Ambassador of Japan to Kenya. This recognition honored his frontline efforts in promoting peaceful coexistence, youth awareness, and social reform through creative engagement in the Mathare slums and its environs.
The establishment continues to maintain a deeply local focus. Its programs are designed from the ground up to meet the specific needs of communities like Kibera and Mathare—emphasizing not only performance and artistic growth but also critical business and ethical skills such as copyright awareness, essential for thriving in Kenya’s dynamic creative sector.
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Douglas Omukhwaya, "Shikwekwe"
Pillars of Inclusion: Equitable Access to the Creative Economy
We actively combat marginalization by ensuring our initiatives are fully accessible. This involves intentionally budgeting for and recruiting young women and persons with disabilities (PWDs). By tailoring training materials and providing necessary logistical support, we ensure that the creative economy reflects the full diversity of Kenyan talent, thereby strengthening our national cultural landscape.
Strategic Alignment and Accountability
Global Impact via SDGs
We are strategically mapped to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), specifically focusing on creating Decent Work (SDG 8), achieving Gender Equality (SDG 5), and fostering Innovation (SDG 9) within the local creative ecosystem. Our success is benchmarked against these global standards.
Data-Driven Transformation
Accountability is key. We utilize evidence-based programming and rigorous metrics to track participants' journey from raw talent to measurable economic self-reliance (e.g., job creation, income stability). This transparent approach ensures donor confidence and maximizes the effectiveness of every investment.
Our Four Pillars of Change in Detail
Cultural Empowerment
Fostering cultural pride by integrating traditional Kenyan arts with modern creative expression, ensuring youth are anchored in their identity while innovating for the future.
Talent Development
A hands-on approach to skill transfer, covering technical mastery, music production, digital marketing, and financial literacy to create market-ready professionals.
Youth Transformation
Beyond art, we focus on building self-efficacy, critical thinking, leadership skills, and resilience—the foundations for lifelong success and community influence.
Inclusive Economy
Our dedicated efforts to include PWDs and young women ensure equitable opportunity, breaking down systemic barriers in the creative sector for those most at risk of exclusion.
Ready to Accelerate Creativity in Kenya?
We invite you to partner with us to transform potential into sustainable prosperity for marginalized youth.
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