Prison and family visits
Documentation of visits to correctional facilities and engagement with incarcerated mothers and their families.
Children affected by parental incarceration
Every child deserves a path to a hopeful future.
We walk with children in Kenya whose parents are in prison, and with the families who care for them, through visits, welfare checks, psychosocial support and education.
Who we are
A Kenyan nonprofit standing with children affected by parental incarceration
Pathways of Promise Kenya is a Kenyan nonprofit organisation committed to supporting and advocating for children affected by parental incarceration, with particular attention to children whose mothers are incarcerated.
Our work exists to bring these children into focus and to ensure their experiences and needs are recognised.
Who we are
A Kenyan nonprofit supporting and advocating for children affected by parental incarceration.
Who we serve
Children whose parents are in prison, especially those whose mothers are incarcerated, and the families who care for them.
What we do
Welfare engagement and field visits, practical support, research and documentation, advocacy and learning.
Why it matters
The consequences of imprisonment reach beyond the prison walls, yet children's needs are often overlooked.
The issue we address
When a parent is imprisoned, the child serves the sentence too.
Children often lose income, housing, schooling and emotional security, yet their needs rarely appear in justice or social-protection policy. We work to change that.
Lost income and housing
Families are left to cope with less, often overnight.
Interrupted schooling
Fees, distance and stigma push children out of class.
Emotional insecurity
Separation and silence leave children without support.
Our story
How Pathways of Promise began
Pathways of Promise Kenya began after our founder, Elizabeth Wambui Mumbi, visited a women’s prison in Nairobi. She saw babies and young children living with their mothers without basic supplies such as hygiene items and warm clothing. She also saw that many of the mothers, often very young, were struggling with their mental health and did not know their rights or how to defend themselves in court, and some could not afford a lawyer. She decided to respond to both needs together.
Elizabeth started the organisation at 27 and funded the work herself. We were registered with the NGOs Co-ordination Board on 21 October 2024 and held our first board meeting in December 2024. We are women-led and youth-led, and we are now launching our first programme at Lang’ata Women’s Prison, with essential care, psychosocial support, legal awareness and research.
- Founded by Elizabeth Wambui MumbiStarted at 27 and self-funded
- Registered on 21 October 2024NGOs Co-ordination Board, Kenya
- First board meetingDecember 2024
- Women-led and youth-ledFrom the board to the field
- First programmeLang’ata Women’s Prison: essential care, psychosocial support, legal awareness and research
What we do
Our programmes
Six areas of work that meet children and families where they are.
Pathways of Promise Kenya is a Kenyan nonprofit organisation dedicated to supporting and advocating for children affected by parental incarceration, with particular…
Read moreChild welfare and follow-up
Welfare checks and follow-up with children affected by parental incarceration.
Psychosocial and social support
Activities designed to address children's emotional, social and practical needs.
Education and development
Support related to education, mentorship, skills development and opportunities.
Research and advocacy
Research into children affected by incarceration, family separation, social protection, justice and related issues.
Capacity building
Training and professional development undertaken by the organisation and its team.
Research, Knowledge & Publications
Evidence that brings these children into focus
Our research, publications and partnerships build understanding of children affected by parental incarceration, and inform better support and policy.
Upcoming Speaking & Engagements
Where our founder is sharing the story and work of Pathways of Promise Kenya.
NOV172026
Conference Participant
Metropolis International Conference on Migration, Refugees and Global Challenges 2026
Accra, Ghana
FEB262027
Oral Presenter
International Conference on Migration, Refugees, and Global Challenges 2027
London, United Kingdom
Updates
Latest news and stories
Organisational announcement
Beyond the Donation: Can We Use Digital Technology to Do Good Without Causing Harm?
How digital philanthropy, artificial intelligence and data protection are changing the way we support vulnerable communities in Kenya.
Publications
All publications
Beyond the Donation: Digital Philanthropy, Artificial Intelligence and the Protection of Children and Families Affected by Incarceration in Kenya
Digital tools and artificial intelligence (AI) are changing how philanthropic organisations raise funds, communicate with supporters, coordinate programmes and report on impact. For small Kenyan non-profits these tools…
Voices
What people say about our work
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