Kar Geno, meaning Centre for Hope, is a community-based organisation founded in Western Kenya in response to the devastating social and economic consequences of HIV/AIDS. In communities surrounding Lake Victoria, the HIV epidemic has affected families across generations, leaving many women widowed, children vulnerable, and households struggling with poverty, stigma, food insecurity and limited access to essential services. From the beginning, Kar Geno recognised that women were among those carrying the greatest responsibilities. Many were raising children alone, caring for orphaned relatives, struggling to earn an income and supporting family members affected by HIV. Our earliest response focused on restoring hope through community mobilisation, women’s economic empowerment, practical skills, sustainable livelihoods, education and mutual support.
Over time, our close relationships with women revealed an important truth: economic empowerment and health cannot be separated. A woman may learn tailoring, establish a small enterprise or participate in a farming cooperative, yet still face barriers to reproductive healthcare, HIV-related stigma, gender inequality, financial dependence and limited decision- making power. Similarly, a woman living with HIV may dream of motherhood but lack access to reliable pregnancy-planning information, or may face an unintended pregnancy without adequate confidential support. These realities have shaped the continued development of Kar Geno’s work. Today, we bring together sustainable livelihoods, women’s health and rights, HIV-related community support, maternal and child wellbeing, education, environmental sustainability and community-led advocacy. We believe meaningful empowerment must support both a woman’s ability to earn a living and her right to make informed decisions about her health, body and future.
To restore hope and empower marginalized women, children and communities in Western Kenya by advancing sustainable livelihoods, socioeconomic opportunities, health, reproductive rights, education and community-led development.
A thriving and equitable Western Kenya where women and marginalized communities enjoy economic independence, good health, dignity, reproductive autonomy and meaningful opportunities to lead and prosper.
At Kar Geno, we recognise that poverty, health inequality, HIV-related stigma, gender discrimination and social exclusion are interconnected. Our programmes therefore seek to address these challenges together rather than treating them as separate issues.
We support women to develop practical skills, strengthen livelihoods, improve food security, access health information, understand their rights, build confidence and participate in decisions affecting their families and communities. Our work is grounded in local knowledge, women’s leadership, community ownership, partnership and long-term sustainability.
Tailoring and fashion design, entrepreneurship, savings, microfinance, sustainable agriculture and women-led income generation to strengthen financial independence .
Expanding community education and advocacy around reproductive autonomy, family planning information, HIV-related reproductive stigma, women’s leadership, prevention of unsafe abortion and respectful, rights-based healthcare .
Strengthening awareness of pregnancy planning for women living with HIV, maternal health, HIV treatment literacy, prevention of vertical transmission, infant wellbeing, nutrition and connections to qualified healthcare providers .
Supporting vulnerable children through educational opportunities, positive youth activities, health awareness and community support .
Working with women and community groups to strengthen agricultural livelihoods, nutritious food access, conservation and environmental resilience .
Promoting women’s participation in decisions affecting their lives and collaboration among grassroots groups, HIV networks, reproductive-justice actors and development partners .
Women living with HIV are central to Kar Geno’s history and ongoing community work [Part B]. They deserve more than survival: economic opportunities, freedom from stigma, reliable healthcare, reproductive autonomy, healthy relationships, opportunities for motherhood if they choose, and meaningful community leadership [Part B]. We seek to create environments where women are respected for their strengths and aspirations rather than defined by HIV status .
Kar Geno's future is rooted in the same purpose that inspired its beginnings: restoring hope where people have experienced exclusion and hardship.
As we strengthen our work in women’s reproductive health, maternal and child wellbeing, and reproductive justice, we remain equally committed to livelihoods, education, sustainable agriculture and economic empowerment.
We are not moving away from our original mission. We are deepening our understanding of what it takes for women and families to live healthy, independent and dignified lives.
For Kar Geno, lasting empowerment means strengthening livelihoods, protecting health, advancing rights and ensuring that no woman or child is left behind.
Guiding our work to empower and uplift communities
Kar Geno's mission is to restore hope and empower marginalized communities in Western Kenya, with a focus on women's socioeconomic advancement through education, skills development, and sustainable initiatives.
To create a thriving, equitable community where marginalized individuals, especially women, have the opportunity to lead, prosper, and contribute to sustainable development in Western Kenya.
We take immense pride in being a catalyst for change in Western Kenya. We're dedicated to empowering women and marginalized communities, transforming lives through education, skills development, and sustainable solutions.
Our dedicated leaders driving change in Western Kenya
Director of Operations
With a diploma in Early Childhood Education, Getrude ensures efficient program implementation and community engagement.
Finance Manager
A Certified Public Accountant, Sheila manages funds and ensures financial transparency and stability.
Community Engagement Manager
Lucy integrates women into the community through tailoring and agriculture projects, meeting local needs.
Seamstress Project Coordinator
Beatrice trains women in tailoring, providing microfinance support for their businesses.
Projects Coordinator
Sheryl Odhiambo oversees the overall operations of the organization’s projects, ensuring effective planning, implementation, monitoring, and reporting across all program areas. She plays a central role in coordinating project activities, tracking progress against objectives, and supporting teams to deliver quality, impact-driven results. Alongside her professional responsibilities, Sheryl is advancing her academic journey and is currently pursuing a Bachelor’s degree in Education at Maseno University, strengthening her skills and knowledge to further enhance her contribution to community development.
Office Assistant
Diana ensures smooth office operations with strong organizational skills.
Volunteer Manager
Fernandes John Okulu plays a key role in ensuring a smooth, safe, and welcoming experience for all volunteers upon arrival. He manages volunteers from the moment they arrive, coordinating reception, transportation to project sites, and on-site orientation. Fernandes introduces volunteers to the local environment, culture, and daily routines, while also showing them important places within the community. Above all, he prioritizes volunteer safety and well-being, providing ongoing support to help them settle in, feel confident, and engage meaningfully in their placements.
Volunteer Coordinator
Bryton Aswin Juma oversees the volunteer coordination process from recruitment through placement. He is responsible for recruiting and selecting volunteers, assessing their skills, interests, and availability, and carefully matching them with suitable community projects. Bryton ensures that each placement aligns with both the volunteer’s strengths and the project’s needs, helping maximize impact and satisfaction on both sides. His work ensures a structured, transparent, and purpose-driven volunteer program that delivers meaningful outcomes for the community.
Our strategic advisors guiding Kar Geno's vision
Board President
A retired Canadian nurse, Margaret co-founded Hope Designers and champions women's empowerment.
Read MoreChairperson
Also Executive Director, Papa drives sustainable development with nonprofit expertise.
Read MoreSecretary
A teacher focused on girl child education and sustainable agriculture to address food insecurity.
Read MoreTreasurer
An ECDE teacher and paralegal, Jane fights marginalization and gender-based violence.
Read MoreInternational Engagement & Fundraising Advisor
A photographer and engineer, Bithun captures stories of socioeconomic and climate change issues.
Read MoreGrants Advisor
A PhD in Ecology, Rachel advises on grants for women empowerment projects.
Read MoreUSA Partnerships Advisor
A Water Resource Engineer, Heather supports sustainable water supply initiatives.
Read MoreVolunteer Program Advisor
Founder of Village Volunteers, Shana develops sustainable solutions for community challenges.
Read MoreMember
A Canadian nurse, Nadia advises on project sustainability with African development experience.
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