Naivas turns 35 with Sh5m boost for children's home

Naivas MD David Kimani hands over a Cheque Plaque Mogra Children's Home Founding Director Hannah Wairimu at the Children's Home in Kiambu on August 9, 2025. [Boniface Okendo, Standard]

Naivas Limited marked its 35th anniversary with a Sh5 million donation to Mogra Children’s Home in Nairobi, deepening a partnership that has provided food and other support to the home for the past four years.

The funds, raised through contributions from employees and suppliers and matched by the company, will help feed and house more than 650 children under Mogra’s care.

The home also educates hundreds more from the surrounding Mathare community.

“This milestone is about legacy, impact and doing what’s right for the communities we serve,” said Naivas Managing Director David Kimani. “We have always believed that our success must uplift others.” He added.

Chief HR Officer Tim Kajume said the anniversary gift came with a promise.

“Any Mogra student who attains 19 years and above will have the opportunity for internship or employment with us. We believe in building generations. The finish, not the starting point, is what matters.”

The home was founded in 1998 by Hannah Wairimu, who began by taking in abandoned children from Nairobi’s streets who had been rescued during government clean-up operations or referred by police and the courts.

Over the years, some of those she cared for have gone on to finish school, find jobs and even work at Naivas.

“No donation is too small to make a difference,” Wairimu said. “When you open your heart to these children, you give them hope. Today, Naivas has given them more than food. They’ve given them dreams.”

The Sh5 million package includes cash and in-kind donations such as food, household goods and facility upgrades.

Suppliers including Nice Unga, Hydro, Pepsodent, Manji Food Industries, Mika and Rebune also contributed, reflecting a trend where corporate partnerships pool resources for greater impact.

Florence Saronge, Naivas’ Head of Marketing, said the contribution was the result of a united effort across the company.

“When we come together with a shared purpose, we create moments of joy that last a lifetime,” she said. “This isn’t just a celebration, it’s a commitment to keep putting smiles on these children’s faces.”

Naivas, which started as a single store in Rongai in 1990, now operates over 100 branches and employs 12,000 people.

Its Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) programme extends beyond Mogra, with each branch supporting local causes, from children’s homes to sports clubs for disadvantaged youth.