_NairoBits_ is a non-profit organization that trains youth in creative multimedia design as a means of self-expression and as a way to fight extreme poverty. It targets youth from the informal settlements of Nairobi who have little or no chances in life. The idea is to equip them with marketable creative multimedia and other skills to enable them live off their skills.

45% of urban Kenyans live in slums (approx 13.5 million). In Nairobi, 60% of residents are slum dwellers. According to the UN the population of Nairobi has been steadily growing (4.5% 2005‐2010). The largest slums are Kibera, Mathare Valley, Kawangware/Dagoretti and Korogocho. According to the 1999 population census, Kibera, which is considered the largest informal settlement in Africa, had a population of 287,000, Kawangware/Dagoretti 87,000, Mathare Valley 69,000 and Korogocho 44,000. These areas are characterized by limited access to water, sanitation, electricity and road infrastructure. The _Atlas of poverty in Nairobi_ indicates that between 50% and 70% of the population in these areas lives below the poverty line. _NairoBits_ targets youth in these slums. These youths are taken through the basics of what a computer is, and by the end of a year they have already been taught about branding, website design and development using tools such as Photoshop, Illustrator, Flash, PHP/Mysql and are able to make logos and websites and carry out multimedia projects for various audiences.

_NairoBits_ then places these youths in multimedia design companies for internships and employment or supports them in setting up their freelance design business. It was registered in 1999.

Due to its success, the model has been replicated in Zanzibar (_ZanziBits_), Ethiopia(_AddisBits_) and in Kampala, Uganda (_KampaBits_). The success is attributed to the philosophy of an open, creative environment where the youth are allowed to explore and learn by doing. It is a very practically oriented course, which is fun and engaging.


Links: http://www.nairobits.com/

_NairoBits_ is open to the community, with over 30 community organizations and 30 multimedia companies involved. We have an alumni network of over 6000 youths. We have transferred the training from a central location and now partner with community organizations to set up training centers in seven of the major slums. The trainers are all former students of the organization. Apart from ten trainers, there is a manager, an accountant and an office administrator. At the highest level is a board of trustees, who advise and guide the management team.