What We Do

Community Mobilisation for Adult and Continuing Education (ACE)

Community mobilization for enrollment into literacy centers remains a core focus of KALA. Since its establishment, KALA has actively engaged communities and promoted participation in literacy programs through the “Each One, Bring One” approach. This initiative encourages community members to recruit and support others to join Adult and Continuing Education (ACE) classes while motivating existing learners to continue their educational journeys. Through these efforts, KALA contributes to reducing illiteracy levels and expanding access to lifelong learning opportunities across Kenya.

Capacity Building

Capacity building is a key pillar of KALA’s work in strengthening learner leadership and participation. As a learner-led organisation, KALA recognises the importance of equipping adult learners with the knowledge, skills, and leadership competencies needed to effectively manage and sustain their association.

Through targeted capacity-building initiatives, adult learners gain leadership and management skills that enable meaningful participation in community development and broader national development agendas.

KALA leaders at both grassroots and national levels are continuously empowered to effectively understand and fulfil their roles and responsibilities within the organisation. These leaders are drawn from KALA operational areas across Kenya, 

Training programs focus on strengthening competencies in Leadership and organizational management, Agriculture and sustainable livelihoods, Health education and awareness, Entrepreneurship and business skills and Training of Trainers (ToT) in leadership and management. 

Capacity-building activities are delivered through seminars, workshops, and practical learning sessions designed to strengthen both individual and organisational effectiveness. Through these initiatives, KALA aims to train and empower learners and representatives in community mobilisation and the management of income-generating activities, enabling learners to become active contributors to social and economic transformation.

Economic Empowerment

Economic empowerment remains a central component of KALA’s efforts to improve the livelihoods of adult learners and strengthen economic literacy within communities. Through its Economic Empowerment and Functional Literacy Project, KALA has supported learners in Naivasha, Kiambu, West Pokot, Machakos, Vihiga, Kakamega, Nairobi, and Narok, helping them develop skills and opportunities for sustainable economic growth.

The initiative has included: Provision of seed capital to support learner initiatives, Distribution of learning materials to adult literacy centres, support for income-generating activities,  

  • Promotion of economic and functional literacy skills

Building on the success of these initiatives, KALA continues to strengthen learner-driven development through programs focused on:

  • Entrepreneurship training and business development, Project management and marketing skills, Agribusiness and value chain development
  • Financial literacy and economic resilience, Food security initiatives, Environmental conservation and sustainability practices

By empowering learners with practical skills and resources, KALA seeks to enhance self-reliance, create sustainable livelihoods, and promote long-term community development.

Information, Communication, Networking and Publications

Information, communication, networking, and publications are central to KALA’s mission and operations. These functions support the development of effective communication systems, strengthen partnerships, and enhance the exchange of knowledge among learners, communities, institutions, and stakeholders.

KALA is committed to building strong communication and networking strategies that facilitate collaboration and ensure the timely sharing of information with its members, partners, government agencies, and other key stakeholders. Access to information remains an essential component in promoting learner participation, advocacy, and organizational growth.

As part of its communication initiatives, KALA publishes newsletters under the title “Sauti ya Wanakisomo” (Learners’ Voice). These publications are uniquely written by adult learners in Kiswahili and local languages, creating an inclusive platform where learners can freely express their experiences, ideas, and perspectives on Adult and Continuing Education (ACE) in languages they understand and relate to.

Through these publications, KALA amplifies learners’ voices, promotes literacy, and strengthens communication among adult learning communities across Kenya.

KALA Kamuguga Library and Resource Centre, ICT Training and E-Learning Programme

KALA Kamuguga Library and Resource Centre

The KALA Kamuguga Library and Resource Centre is an initiative designed to expand access to education, learning resources, and skills development opportunities within the Kamuguga community in Kikuyu Sub-County, Kiambu County.

Kamuguga is an informal settlement with a population of over 10,000 residents, many of whom were affected by the 1992 tribal clashes. The community largely comprises low-income households, with residents relying on small-scale trade and casual labour in neighbouring agricultural areas for their livelihoods. These socio-economic challenges have contributed to issues such as unemployment, poverty, illiteracy, poor health, and high school dropout rates.

Although access to free primary and secondary education exists, the area has historically lacked a community library and learning space where children, youth, and adults can engage in educational activities beyond the classroom.

The establishment of the KALA Kamuguga Library and Resource Centre aims to promote a strong reading culture among children and adults, improve access to educational materials and learning resources, provide a safe and supportive learning environment, host training workshops, seminars, and educational activities, support skills development programs for youth and adults, and 

  • encourage lifelong learning within the community

The centre will serve as a community resource hub where members can access reading materials, borrow books, and participate in learning activities at their convenience. KALA also plans to expand the facility to include an Adult and Continuing Education (ACE) Centre, enabling registration for national examinations, provision of dormitory or hostel facilities, and space for exhibitions, community learning events, and educational programs.

Computer Training and ICT Programme

KALA is also working to strengthen digital inclusion through its Computer Training and ICT Programme, designed to equip community members with practical information and communication technology skills. The computer training program will be conducted at the KALA Kamuguga Centre and will provide youth and adult learners with opportunities to gain foundational digital skills and practical knowledge in: Basic computer literacy, Computer applications and ICT packages, Internet usage and digital communication, Email and online communication tools and digital access for education and social engagement.  

In today’s increasingly digital world, computer literacy is an essential skill that enhances communication, access to information, learning opportunities, and social participation. The KALA Kamuguga Centre is expected to make a significant contribution toward improving learning outcomes, empowering community members, and expanding opportunities for social and economic advancement. Through technology and skills development, KALA seeks to support communities in identifying innovative solutions to challenges such as poverty, unemployment, and food insecurity.

Strengthening KALA Institutional Management

Strengthening institutional management is a key priority for KALA in ensuring effective leadership, efficient operations, and sustainable implementation of its programs. This initiative focuses on building the capacity of the National Executive Committee (NEC) and the National Secretariat by equipping them with essential leadership, governance, and management skills required to support the organization’s growth and impact. The KALA National Coordinating Office (Secretariat) is responsible for the day-to-day management and administration of the association’s activities, working closely with the National Executive Committee to coordinate and implement organizational priorities.

Through institutional strengthening and effective leadership systems, KALA continues to enhance organizational performance, improve accountability, and build a strong foundation for delivering impactful programs to adult learners across Kenya.