Our vision
Empowering youth through collaborative networks, innovative research, and integrated development services to build a resilient, inclusive, and knowledge-driven future.
About us
Rooted in Kisii. Led by young people.
Since 2018, YoNISeRD has worked alongside young people to turn community evidence into programmes that change lives.
- Founded
- 2018
- Kenyan NGO
- Registered
- Headquarters
- Kisii
- Of service
- 8 years
Our purpose
Why we exist.
Everything we do flows from one vision and one mission.
Our mission
To connect, empower, and mobilize youth through inclusive networks, innovative research, and integrated development services that foster leadership, knowledge creation, and sustainable impact across communities.
Our motto
Innovate. 
Empower. 
Transform.
From our CEO
Welcome to YoNISeRD.
Dr. Samson Barongo, PhD
Chief Executive Officer
We believe that youth empowerment is the cornerstone of sustainable development.
As CEO of Youth Network Integrated Services for Research and Development, I’m honoured to welcome you. Our commitment is simple:
- 01Connect and empower young people through research-backed programmes
- 02Build resilient communities through networks and shared knowledge
- 03Respond to critical needs in youth development, health and sustainability
Dr. Samson Barongo, PhD
Our team
Dr. Samson Barongo, PhD
Chief Executive Officer
Leads YoNISeRD’s strategy, partnerships and research agenda, and represents the organisation to government and development partners.
Mukolwe Alubokho Patrick
Board Member
Strengthens programme outcomes through resource mobilisation, data-driven decisions and stakeholder engagement.
Eugene Gwaya
Board Member
A mental health and sexual and reproductive health advocate who brings young people’s voices to the board.
Robert Foster
Managing Director
Oversees programme implementation, financial management and day-to-day operations.
Catherine Ngotho
Programme Officer
Coordinates programme activities with schools and communities, and tracks progress against programme goals.
Sherille Adoyo
Programme Officer
Supports the planning, implementation and monitoring of programmes and projects.
Odliah Temba
Field Officer
Works directly with young people and local leaders in the field, mobilising communities for campaigns and outreach.
Name to be confirmed
Team Member
Role description to be confirmed.
Our journey
8 years of growing alongside young people.
2018
Registered as an NGO
YoNISeRD is registered under the NGO Co-ordination Act on 30 April 2018.
2019
First programme launched
The Seed of Hope vocational programme reaches its first 100+ young people.
2020
Growing our reach
Operations extend to 20 communities.
2022
Community research hub
A dedicated hub for community-led research and evidence-building is launched.
2024
10,000+ young people reached
Programmes now active across 50 communities.
Our values
Principles that anchor every partnership.
These values guide how we design programmes, work with communities and hold ourselves accountable.
01Youth Empowerment
We put young people in the lead — building their skills, confidence and voice to shape the decisions that affect their lives.
- 02
Innovation
We test new ideas and use evidence to find better, more effective ways of meeting young people’s needs.
03Inclusivity
Our programmes are open to every young person — whatever their gender, ability, background or circumstances.
04Collaboration
We work hand in hand with communities, schools, government and partners, because lasting change is never achieved alone.
05Integrity
We are honest, transparent and accountable to the young people, communities and partners we serve.
06Sustainability
We design programmes and livelihoods that last — protecting the environment and building local ownership.
07Leadership
We nurture ethical, confident young leaders who take responsibility for change in their communities.
08Knowledge Sharing
We document what works and share our research openly, so that others can learn from it and scale what succeeds.
Accountability
A registered, accountable NGO.
YoNISeRD is registered with Kenya’s NGOs Co-ordination Board and operates under the Non-Governmental Organizations Co-ordination Act.
- Registration number
- OP.218/
051/ 18‑058/ 11164 - Date of registration
- 30 April 2018
- Headquarters
- Kisii, Kenya
- Legal status
- Registered NGO under Section 10 of the NGO Co-ordination Act
Registered with the NGOs Co-ordination Board, Kenya
Get involved
Let’s build Kenya’s next generation of leaders — together.
Talk to our teamPartner with us
Co-design and fund programmes with a trusted, community-rooted implementing partner.
Get in touchCollaborate on research
Work with our community research hub to generate evidence on youth wellbeing.
Get in touch