• OUR STORY
From three sewing machines to a mission centre.
Trickle Up Kenya was born from a simple conviction: that sustainable community transformation begins when we equip individuals with skills, restore hope, and build resilient communities.
Founded in 2011 by Gladys Malelu and formally operationalized in 2014, Trickle Up began as a small vocational training initiative for out-of-school youth with three tailoring machines, bought with a year of savings from a women's chama.
Today, based in Njiru, Nairobi County, we operate at the intersection of humanitarian assistance, refugee support, vocational development, digital inclusion, discipleship, and leadership development, because we believe transformation has to be social, economic, emotional, and spiritual all at once.
Over time, as the organization's reach grew, so did the humanitarian need around it — particularly among refugee families settling in Njiru from Somalia, DR Congo, Burundi, South Sudan, Afghanistan and beyond. In response, Trickle Up broadened its mission from vocational training alone into a full Community Development and Mission Centre.
To empower vulnerable individuals and households across Njiru and greater Nairobi with practical skills, education, humanitarian relief, and spiritual discipleship so they become self-reliant change agents in their communities.
A transformed society where every vulnerable child, youth, and woman is equipped with dignity, viable livelihoods, and enduring hope.
Our Story Timeline
A conviction, and three sewing machines
Gladys Malelu founded Trickle Up in response to social and economic challenges facing vulnerable communities in Nairobi's informal settlements — starting with vocational training for out-of-school youth, funded by a year of her own savings through a women's chama.
Formal operations begin
Trickle Up formally operationalized its programmes at Kayole, along Kangundo Road, in Embakasi Sub-County, opening the Trickle Up Vocational Training Institute and beginning to train youth and women in tailoring, hair and beauty, computer studies, catering, electrical installation, and adult literacy.
A turning point
As the organization's reach grew, so did the humanitarian need around it — particularly among refugee families settling nearby. Trickle Up broadened its mission beyond vocational training alone, into refugee support, humanitarian response, and community discipleship.
Home in Njiru
Trickle Up relocated to Njiru, Nairobi County, where we continue to serve vulnerable households, women, youth, children, and refugee communities from Somalia, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Burundi, South Sudan, Afghanistan, and beyond.
“A transformed society where every vulnerable child, youth, and woman is equipped with dignity, viable livelihoods, and enduring hope.”
To empower vulnerable individuals and households across Njiru and greater Nairobi with practical skills, education, humanitarian relief, and spiritual discipleship so they become self-reliant change agents in their communities.
Seven values, one direction
Compassion
Meeting people where they are.
We meet people where they are, without judgment.
Integrity
Transparency in word and deed.
We do what we say, and account for what we're given.
Stewardship
Community first.
Every resource entrusted to us serves the community first.
Empowerment
Capacity over dependency.
We build capacity, not dependency.
Faith
Holistic transformation.
We believe transformation is spiritual as much as it is practical.
Excellence
Our best work, always.
Vulnerable communities deserve our best work, not leftovers.
Community
Growing together.
No one transforms alone; we grow together.
Our Team
Gladys Malelu
Founder & Executive Director
Trickle Up Kenya is led by Gladys Malelu, Team Lead / Executive Director, who founded the organization in 2011 and continues to guide its mission today. Day-to-day work is carried by a small, committed team spread across programme areas — from vocational training and adult literacy to community outreach and discipleship. The organization's management has since expanded to include additional directors and a programme coordinator, alongside instructors who teach the various trade courses.
The Resilient Livelihoods Approach
We don't measure poverty by income alone. Our work looks at the full range of economic, social, and ecological factors shaping a person's ability to sustain their livelihood, building on existing strengths.
People-Centred
We start with a person's real assets, vulnerabilities, and how their life is changing.
Holistic
We look at the full picture: skills, education, credit access, social support, and exposure to shocks like price spikes or displacement.
Dynamic
We recognize that livelihoods and what influences them change over time.
Strengths-Based
We build on what people already have and can do, not just what they lack.
Micro-Macro Linked
We connect local realities to the policies and institutions that shape opportunity.
Partnership-Driven
We draw on both public and private sector relationships to do this work.
Sustainable
Every intervention is designed to outlast our involvement.
“Lasting change has to belong to the community, not to us.”
Our Future Vision
Trickle Up is not standing still. These are the investments and expansions we are building toward — with partners, donors, and the community at the centre of every plan.
Community Transformation Centre
A purpose-built facility in Njiru combining the vocational institute, community hall, counselling rooms, and a digital resource centre — enabling Trickle Up to serve many more households under one roof.
Refugee Incubation Programme
A structured 12-month incubation track for refugee entrepreneurs — from business registration and financial literacy through to market access, mentorship, and product-to-market support.
Expanded Agricultural & Nutrition Programme
Scaling the dairy and poultry micro-enterprise model to additional refugee households, creating a self-sustaining nutrition and income pipeline alongside the food drive.
Digital Literacy Scale-Up
Equipping a fully resourced ICT lab with 20+ computers, certified instructors, and a blended learning model that serves both enrolled students and community walk-ins.
Leadership Pipeline & Alumni Network
A formal alumni mentorship network connecting Trickle Up graduates to current students, local businesses, and employment partners — ensuring every graduate stays connected after they leave the centre.
Frequently Asked
Questions we hear most often
Still have a question? Our team is here to help.
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