Ndung’u Nyoro is a Kenyan philanthropist and the Founder and Executive Director of Affecto Foundation, known for the ‘Watoto Wasome’ program.
Ndung’u registered the non-governmental charity organization Affecto Foundation on January 16, 2018, to support needy students in accessing and completing their education.
According to Ndung’u, every child deserves an equal opportunity to pursue education regardless of their background, and that is the reason he started the foundation.
“At Affecto, we believe that every child deserves an opportunity to go to school and learn like every other student,” Ndung’u Nyoro stated during a Top 40 Under 40 interview.
In addition to providing educational support, the foundation offers mentorship and career guidance to the children, as well as community development.
Early Life and Educational Background
Ndung’u Nyoro was born in Igore Farm before his family relocated to Molo in Nakuru County, where he attended Mona Primary School.
For his secondary education, Nyoro attended NJoro High School and, after completing it, pursued a Diploma in Pharmaceutical Technology at a technical college.
During his secondary education, Nyoro was appointed a prefect, a position his father had warned him against, saying it would distract him from his studies.
After completing his course, Nyoro began seeking employment opportunities in his field but had difficulty securing formal employment.
He, however, notes that despite the challenges in life, his parents provided for the family, and they could afford to support him.
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Career and Achievements
Before entering full-time philanthropy, Nyoro worked in the pharmaceutical industry for 13 years at three different pharmaceutical companies.
In 2017, he resigned from his job to focus on social impact work, as his passion for charity grew through small acts of charity for the less fortunate.
Further, using his social media, Nyoro mobilized support for needy cases and advocated for education.
Following his mobilization, he established the Affecto Foundation, offering household-level economic strengthening for beneficiary families.
A 2022 Affecto Foundation report indicates that the foundation supported 104 secondary school students, onboarded 46 new students, and mentored 134 scholars and alums that year.
Additionally, of the 134 students who are beneficiaries of the Watoto Wasome program, 30 are currently pursuing professional courses in institutions of higher learning across Kenya.
Ndungu has also been a member of the Community Scholarship Selection Board (CSSB) for The Wings To Fly scholarship program, an initiative of the Equity Group and Mastercard Foundation (MCF).
He is also a consultant on local philanthropy at YETU INITIATIVE, which works with Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) as part of an initiative sponsored by the Aga Khan Foundation and USAID.
Ndung’u Nyoro Awards and Recognitions
- In 2022, Nyoro was awarded the Head of State Commendation by former president Uhuru Kenyatta.
- Featured in the People’s Daily Newspaper and Parents’ Magazine, the April edition of 2022.
- Top 40 over 40 Award in 2021.
- Finalist Person of the Year in the Star Newspaper in 2021.
- Human Rights Defender (Education Category) – Protection International in 2021.
- Humanitarian of the Year (DEAR Awards – USA) awarded in 2017.
- Personality of the Year (OLX/SOMA), Humanitarian of the Year (OLX/SOMA), and the Humanitarian of the Year (Mashujaa Awards) were awarded in 2017.
Family
Ndung’u is married and a father of two girls, and he has kept their information private, with no online or public appearances.
