About Us
PAWA espouses the belief that a better Kenya can be realised. Therefore, as a movement of young social conscious artists and activists, we audaciously follow our hearts in the hope of seeing a better country. As an empowered, informed and active movement of young citizens, we boldly contribute to shaping of our nation’s socio-economic and political landscape, leaving our mark on the pages of history. Since inception, we have made considerable impact on the fabric of our society through the use of our bold, artistic expression to advocate for the rights and responsibilities of Kenyans and against social and political vices. Our work has resulted in the growth of highly skilled artivists and the movement of active, freethinking youth, in and beyond our immediate location.
The Hub
A space to create. A meeting of the minds. A community based working environment.
Calling all creatives, techies, changemakers and entrepreneurs: work and collaborate in a diverse creative community focused atmosphere.
The PAWA hub houses a 37-seater collaborative coworking space which offers both communal working tables and designated desks. Features Wi-Fi, shared printer, mini kitchen with unlimited hot beverages and relaxed lounging areas.
Perfect for freelancers, entrepreneurs, digital nomads, traveling professionals and anyone in between.
Arts & Culture
PAWA Salon
PAWA Salon is a monthly forum that gives creative professionals a platform to share industry insight with other professionals, students and industry enthusiasts.
PAWA Festival
PAWA Festival is an emerging annual street festival that takes place at the heart of the Nairobi CBD. The festival serves as a platform to showcase East Africa’s creative genius through all forms of visual and performing art. By bringing art to the streets, PAWA Festival attempts to celebrate and support East African artistic expression while bringing out the creativity in you.
Kenya Photography Awards
The Kenya Photography Awards is an annual photography competition to appreciate and recognize the excellence of photography in Kenya. Entries are awarded in nine different categories.
PAWA Masterclasses
PAWA Masterclasses are monthly seminars geared towards emerging artists with an interest in further developing their skills. These are taught by industry professionals from various artistic disciplines. For more information on our past and upcoming Masterclasses, click here.
Social Accountability
Action for Transparency Kenya (A4T-K)
Action for Transparency (A4T) is a Nairobi-based project that seeks to strengthen democratic accountability and transparency in Kenya through citizen monitoring of government expenditure. The aim is to uncover suspected corruption and mismanagement of public funds.
The project involves developing and implementing a set of secure tools and methodologies for carrying out citizen monitoring of use of public resources at public primary schools and health centres in Nairobi County. By using these tools and methodologies, journalists, community leaders, civil society activists and local civil servants will be empowered to monitor government funds and report suspected corruption, in order to defend their human rights to education and health care. Click here to get more information about this project.
Off-The-Record
Off-The-Record is a unique space where participants can express their thoughts on issues affecting society, strictly off the record. Off The Record takes place every Tuesday from 6:00pm-8:00pm at the PAWA254 Hub.
A #RealManis
A #RealManis is a 3 year programme aimed at empowering young people to become active participants in the campaign to prevent violence against women. The project, which is a partnership between the African Alliance of YMCAs (AAYMCA) and PAWA Initiative, is being implemented in Kilifi and Mombasa counties in Kenya and Zambia.
EmPAWAing the Girl through Education: Screening & Discussion of the Documentary ‘He Named Me Malala
Location: 2nd Floor, Africa Alliance of YMCAs Building, State House CRE, Nairobi City, Kenya.
Phone: +254 20 52 31 06
Mobile: +254 721 95 65 52
Email: info@pawa254.org