Mirai Future of Kenya is a certified NPO working for vulnerable children in Kenya, including those affected by delinquency, abuse and neglect. It aims to empower local communities in Kenya and build a resilient society that can lift up children.
According to its website, about 1,000 children enter reform schools (equivalent to Japan's juvenile training schools) in Kenya each year, but support for rehabilitation and reintegration after release is not sufficient, and many reoffend. To address this, it works to spread the volunteer probation officer system, which is of Japanese origin, in Kenya. It has selected and trained about 100 probation officer candidates from the community and held community meetings joined by more than 2,000 residents.
It established a local organization in Kenya in 2014 and has carried out projects including JICA Partnership Program projects. Since 2025 it has run "Nafasi," a safe space program for children aimed at preventing delinquency and early pregnancy. It is also recruiting monthly supporters, who can contribute from 300 yen a month.
Key points
- Spreading Japan's volunteer probation officer system in Kenyan communities
- About 100 probation officer candidates trained so far, and more than 2,000 residents joined community meetings
- Launched the children's safe space program "Nafasi" in 2025; support is possible from 300 yen a month
Why this organization's work stands out
A distinctive feature is that it puts Kenyans themselves at the center of protecting children rather than putting supporters in front. This can be seen as an approach that leads to lasting progress.
It works with local adults not only on rehabilitation but also on prevention and early pregnancy. Annual reports and online events give people chances to learn about its work.
Editor's comment
Learning that Japan's probation officer system is being put to use in Kenya showed me how broad international cooperation can be.
Details of its activities and event information are on the official website. Please use it as a chance to learn about children in Kenya.