About Us
A movement for resilient, healthy and dignified communities.
U-MATTER Kenya Organization was born from a conviction: that young people and communities, when trusted and resourced, can lead the change they need.
Our Story
From local conversations to a national platform
What began as a small circle of friends responding to the wellbeing crisis in their neighborhoods is today a registered Community-Based Organization working across multiple Kenyan counties. We saw how isolation, stigma, joblessness and conflict were quietly shaping the lives of young Kenyans — and we decided to do something about it.
We work at the intersection of wellbeing, peacebuilding, research and youth empowerment because the challenges our communities face are connected. So are the solutions. Every program we run is co-designed with the people it is meant to serve.
Vision
Peaceful minds. Peaceful communities across Kenya.
A future where every young person has access to wellbeing, safe spaces and the leadership tools to shape their community.
Mission
To co-create sustainable solutions for community wellbeing.
Through wellbeing support, peacebuilding, evidence-based research and youth empowerment programs that center community voice.
Core Values
What we stand for
Dignity
Every person we serve deserves respect, agency, and care.
Community
Co-creating with the people most affected by the work.
Sustainability
Long-term change over short-term wins.
Evidence
Research and learning embedded in every program.
Integrity
Transparent, accountable, ethical leadership.
Impact
Measurable outcomes that matter to communities.
Focus
Our Areas of Work
Wellbeing & Mental Health
Peacebuilding & Social Cohesion
Youth Leadership & Empowerment
Community Research & Innovation
Community Resilience
Sustainable Development
Leadership
The people behind U-MATTER
Founder & Partnerships Lead
Phil Meshack Owis
Author, Psychoeducator, Anthropologist, Youth Trainer, Advocate, Technology Enthusiast, and Former Millennium Fellowship Campus Network Director.
Chairperson
Abdub Andrew
Secretary
Qabale Athi Gewana
Organizing Secretary
John Boru Galgallo
Research & Innovation Lead
Abraham Lesalon
Mentorship & Leadership Development Lead
Adano Roba
Visibility & Communications Lead
Cynthia Akoth
Volunteer & Community Engagement Coordinator
Andrew Lopusiye
Finance & Administration
Catherine Atieno Ochieng
Community Representatives
Voices from the counties we serve
Representative — Murang'a County
Elkana Alambe
Representative — Nyeri County
Agatha
Future Representative
Space reserved for incoming county representatives.
Governance
Organizational Structure
Board of Trustees
Strategic oversight & governance
Executive Team
Day-to-day leadership
Programs & Research
Designs and runs all initiatives
Community Advisors
Voices from the communities we serve