Build Businesses.
Strengthen Communities.
Unlock Youth Potential.

Jonathan Jackson Foundation (JJF) is a Nairobi-based, community-led foundation  advancing inclusive economic empowerment for youth, women, and persons living with disabilities  through entrepreneurship, sports for development, and rapid humanitarian response.

Jenga Bizna
 Building Businesses

Bakee Mtaani
 Basketball In the Hood

Jenga Jirani
 Build Your Neighbour

Jenga Bizna – Building Businesses
Bakee Mtaani – Basketball In the Hood
Jenga Jirani – Build Your Neighbour

WHAT WE DO

economic empowerment
Reduce poverty

The Jonathan Jackson Foundation (JJF) is a charitable organization founded by businessman and philanthropist Jonathan Jackson, headquartered in Nairobi, Kenya. Guided by the mission of transforming lives through sustainable empowerment. The foundation focuses on a range of community-driven initiatives, including entrepreneurship, vocational training, sports development, and youth mentorship.

The Jonathan Jackson Foundation (JJF) is a charitable organization founded by businessman and philanthropist Jonathan Jackson, headquartered in Nairobi, Kenya. Guided by the mission of transforming lives through sustainable empowerment. The foundation focuses on a range of community-driven initiatives, including entrepreneurship, vocational training, sports development, and youth mentorship.

By partnering with local stakeholders, JJF helps vulnerable communities build businesses, acquire employable skills, and secure long-term economic opportunities. Central to its efforts is a commitment to social cohesion, reducing poverty, and fostering self-reliance in underserved communities. Through mentorship programs, targeted funding, and capacity-building projects, JJF aims to create a ripple effect of positive change, ultimately uplifting individuals and contributing to Kenya’s broader social and economic development.

Highlights

OurImpact

2.4 Million

Meals Distributed

70,000+

Lives changed

13,000

Households supported

700

Youth engaged in part-time work

400

small-scale businesses launched across Nairobi

4

full-size community basketball courts built (as of Jan 2025)

Economic Empowerment

Jenga Bizna Mtaani
Building Businesses for Lasting Impact

At the Jonathan Jackson Foundation, we partner with youth, women and men in Nairobi’s informal communities who are not in employment, education, or training (NEET). Through Jenga Bizna Mtaani, we provide tailored entrepreneurship training, mentorship, access to essential resources, and provision of capital goods. Our goal is to create sustainable income opportunities, enhance healthy communities and nurture self-reliance—empowering young people to transform their own lives and uplift entire neighborhoods.

3 pronged
Approach

Sports

Through sports, we shift vulnerable youth from being exploitable to champions of change.

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Building Businesses

JJF ensures that communities have access to sustainable and dignified livelihoods through gainful, legal and structured income-generating activities.

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Humanitarian Crisis Response

The Jenga Jirani Initiative mobilises resources to aid vulnerable families in the informal settlements grossly affected by the Covid-19 pandemic.

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Micro business Owner

"JJF’s car wash equipment and business training gave our group a real chance. Three of our youth now earn a living there, and I used the training to launch my second-hand clothing business. Beyond the income, our group has become a family that keeps members away from crime as we build a community water kiosk. JJF helped us believe in ourselves."

Abdulkadir

Chairman, Kamai Youth Development Group, Kawangware

Jenga Bizna Mtaani & Job Creation

"Before Jenga Bizna Mtaani, I had passion but no means. Receiving a smokie trolley unlocked my potential. Today, I’ve expanded to selling eggs, sausages, chapatis, and chips—supporting my siblings and employing someone to grow the business. My dream is to open a restaurant and create jobs for local youth, and JJF made it possible."

Lucy Kariuki

Destine for Greatness Youth Group, Komarock

Bakee Mtaani

"When JJF built our basketball court in Kayole, they gave us hope and belonging. I’ve coached 16 young girls, watching them grow in confidence while staying away from crime. Some have even earned sports scholarships. JJF didn't just build a court—they built a community."

Florence

Kayole, Nairobi

“Our desire is to give fishing rods and teach vulnerable communities how to fish so they can sustainably put food on their table.”

Jonathan Jackson

Founder & Chairman, JJF

“Our desire is to give fishing rods and teach vulnerable communities how to fish so they can sustainably put food on their table.”

Jonathan Jackson

Chairman, JJF

400+

small scale business launched in vulnerable communities accrross Nairobi alleviated crime

Latest News and updates

Read about how lives have changed.

Become a champion for good

You can make a world of difference.

Drive meaningful action that makes a real impact in the lives of these vulnerable communities. Partner or volunteer with us today!

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