What Kickstart Kids International Does.
Kickstart Kids International works in Kenya to ensure children grow up safe, supported, and within families.
Through Olturoto Children’s Village (OCV), Kickstart partners with families, communities, and local authorities to strengthen family care, prevent unnecessary separation, and support children to thrive at home
Kickstart’s work is based in Olturoto, a rural community in Kajiado County, Kenya.
The programme works closely with families, schools, community leaders, and government child protection systems to provide support that reflects local needs and priorities.
Evidence and experience show that children grow best in families, not institutions.
Not all children who enter institutional care are without parents or extended family; in many cases, their families are facing hardship. With the proper support, these families can stay together and provide safe, nurturing environments for their children. Kickstart’s approach prioritises:
- family stability,
- emotional well-being, and
- long-term outcomes for children.
No. While Olturoto Children’s Village began as a residential care facility, it has fully transitioned to a family-based care model.
Today, no children live in institutional care at OCV. The Government of Kenya and UNICEF have recognised this transition as best practice in child care reform.
Kickstart supports families through a range of services, including:
- early identification of risks to child safety
- home visits and family assessments
- counselling and caregiver coaching
- access to education, healthcare, and social services
- livelihood support to help caregivers earn stable incomes
The goal is to address challenges early and reduce the need to separate children from their families.
Family-based care means supporting children to grow up in their own families or extended families whenever it is safe and possible. This approach focuses on:
- strengthening caregivers,
- reducing stress on households, and
- building protective environments around children.
Family-based care is widely recognised as an effective way to support children’s development.
Kickstart aligns with Kenya’s child protection policies and partners with government agencies responsible for children’s services. This collaboration helps ensure:
- children’s rights are protected,
- families receive appropriate referrals, and
- care approaches are sustainable and locally led.
Kickstart’s work through OCV has demonstrated strong results, including:
- 85% of children supported through reintegration returned safely to family care
- improved stability and well-being for families receiving ongoing support
- recognition nationally and internationally for leadership in care reform
These outcomes reflect a commitment to evidence-based practice and continuous learning.
Child safeguarding is central to all Kickstart programmes. This includes:
- strict child protection policies
- trained staff and volunteers
- regular monitoring and follow-up with families
- transparent reporting and accountability systems
Children’s safety and dignity guide every decision.
How To Get Involved.
Support can take many forms, including donations, partnerships, and advocacy.
Contributions help Kickstart continue providing family-centred support that enables children to grow up safe, supported, and with a sense of belonging.
Donations are transferred from Kickstart’s bank accounts in Australia and the UK to Nanga Organization, our development partner in Kenya. From there, Kickstart’s funds are applied directly to approved expenditure at Olturoto Children’s Village. Kickstart receives confirmations of all transfers to ensure that your donations reach their intended purposes.
Kickstart is audited on an annual basis in Australia as is Nanga Organization in Kenya. Kickstart’s founder, James Woodward, sits on Nanga’s board and Nanga’s finance committee is chaired by a partner at KPMG Kenya.
100% of your donations to Kickstart Kids International go directly to support our work in Kenya at Olturoto Children’s Village. To lead by example, the board and management team of Kickstart Kids International in Australia has pledged to cover 100% of administration expenses incurred for the entire Australian organisation.
A number of Kickstart supporters have visited our projects in Kenya over the years. Our programs are focused on local empowerment and capacity building so staffing positions are actively filled by local staff rather than volunteers. That being said, you are welcome to visit the facility. For further information, please use the Contact Us page.
Yes. Donations are tax deductible in Australia, eligible for Gift Aid in the UK and available by our partnership organisation in Belgium. Receipts are generated automatically via GoFundraise for Australia.
For further information, please vist the Donate section of our website.
Yes. Kickstart focuses on long-term solutions, not short-term fixes.
By strengthening families, building caregiver capacity, and working within existing systems, Kickstart supports change that continues beyond individual interventions.
