Majuto ni Mjukuu, huja baadaye – a Swahili proverb meaning “regret comes later, to your grandchildren.” This phrase captures the essence of reflection and hindsight. Driven by this vision, Wajukuu Arts Center in Kenya creates new opportunities for children impacted by social challenges. The name Wajukuu means “grandchildren” in Swahili, symbolizing the next generation. Through art programs, and creative projects, the collective aims to foster creativity. It also strives to be a center for knowledge presenting alternative solutions to social issues.
Mukuru slum sits on a hillside below Nairobi’s industrial area. The community continues to suffer recurring slum issues, exacerbated by poor drainage systems. These conditions have led to the tragic deaths of many children and the displacement of families. Mukuru, located in a lower-middle-class area of Nairobi, faces challenges such as gang activities, drug abuse, and violence, making it difficult for children to escape these realities. In response to this need for safe spaces and educational infrastructure, Wajukuu Arts was founded.
Established in 2004 by Shabu Mwangi and his college peers, the collective set out with one primary goal: to create a thriving environment that fosters creativity and critical thinking. Recognizing the lack of infrastructure for enhancing creative individuals as hope for the community, Wajukuu Arts Center was born to fill this gap.
Since its inception, the center has supported over 1,000 children and established more than seven art classes and a functioning library for the local community. Today, the center has 27 members who offer art therapy. Moreover, it has also helped 15 children complete high school through its education programs. Their community projects include Urban Farming, The Mural Project, an annual Slum Art Festival, a fully operational library, and Kids Club Activities.
Additionally, Wajukuu Arts supports the Kenyan arts industry by collaborating with emerging artists. One such artist is Mika Obanda, an eggshell artist who grew up in Mukuru slums. Mika will showcase his solo exhibition titled The Commentary from October 19th to November 2nd. Like many others, Mika is a beneficiary of the community-based projects at Wajukuu Arts, having been part of the Mukuru Art Collective.
Wajukuu Arts Collective stands as a beacon of hope in Mukuru. It demonstrates the transformative power of art in addressing social challenges. As the collective continues to grow and evolve, reshapes the lives of underprivileged youth. It continues to redefine how art can be used as a tool for social change in Nairobi and beyond.
Click here to get more details of the upcoming exhibition
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