Mr. Daniel kiendi, founder Raising heARTs Foundation |Photo Talanta Institute|
Sometimes, the simplest of tasks can spark the most profound transformations. As the renowned author Albert Schweitzer once said, “The purpose of human life is to serve, and to show compassion and the will to help others.” This was the guiding principle that Daniel Kiendi carried with him during a seemingly routine college assignment in 2019. What began as a simple feature story about street families in Nairobi’s Jeevanjee Gardens soon became the catalyst for a life-altering mission, a mission that would lead Daniel to establish a charity foundation.
During their time at Jevanjee Gardens, Daniel met a number of street children. Among them was a young boy named Kevin whose determination and talent deeply moved Daniel. Kevin had left his home in search of opportunities in Nairobi, only to find himself living on the streets. Despite his circumstances, he harbored a profound hope to save enough money to fund his education and use his hidden rapping talent to uplift himself and his family. His story, like those of many other street children, was both heartbreaking and inspiring.
“Kevin’s story was heartbreaking but also full of hope. Here was a boy living on the streets, yet determined to save money for school and pursue his passion for rap,” Daniel shared in an exclusive interview with The Nyanza Review.
Coming from a family that valued giving back, Kevin’s story for Daniel, was a call to action. Daniel felt an immediate pull to do more. He realized that behind each child’s struggles lay unfulfilled potential, dreams that could spark change if nurtured. With Kevin as a symbol of this untapped talent, Kiendi began envisioning an organization that would not only support vulnerable children but also help them discover and develop their talents. That vision became the Raising heARTs Foundation.
Founded on the principles of empowerment, creativity, and resilience, the Raising heARTs Foundation has grown from a small idea hatched in 2019 into a dynamic organization impacting thousands of lives. But the road to its establishment was anything but smooth.
When Kiendi shared his dream with George Patrick, a friend who shared his passion for supporting underprivileged children, they both knew it would be a challenging journey. As students with limited resources, they faced significant financial hurdles. Many of their initial projects were funded out of pocket or through the goodwill of friends and family.
“We didn’t have much, but we had faith and the willingness to make a difference,” Daniel said.
The registration process for the foundation proved to be another obstacle, with delays caused by a lack of knowledge about the required procedures and, later, the COVID-19 pandemic. Without official documentation, attracting sponsors became nearly impossible.
However, these challenges only strengthened the duo’s resolve. Together with a small team of nine founding members, they persevered, rallying support from volunteers and slowly building the foundation’s credibility. By 2023, the Raising heARTs Foundation had grown into a community of over 100 registered members and more than 200 active volunteers, with a record of supporting over 5,000 children and partnering with 15 organizations.
One of the foundation’s proudest moments was the Harmony in Green talent show, an event that brought together more than 200 children from different homes to showcase their artistic and creative abilities. Supported by notable organizations like Miss Earth Kenya and local youth groups, the event was a celebration of hope, resilience, and untapped potential. For Daniel, watching children thrive on stage and express themselves through art reaffirmed the foundation’s mission.
The Raising heARTs Foundation is built on four key pillars: charity and material support, health and hygiene, environmental initiatives, and talent development. While meeting children’s immediate needs through donations of clothing, food, and other essentials is a critical part of their work, Daniel believes the foundation’s most impactful contribution lies in nurturing talent.
From organizing mentorship programs to hosting talent showcases, the foundation seeks to provide children with the tools and opportunities to realize their dreams.
One of their most notable projects involved renovating Kids Dreams Children’s Home with a grant from the THX22 Foundation. When they first visited, Daniel and his team were heartbroken by the poor living conditions the children endured, including sleeping on the floor in the cold.”The conditions we found were heartbreaking—children sleeping on cold floors. Transforming that space gave them not just comfort, but hope,” Daniel recounted.
The funds transformed the home, providing proper beds, mattresses, and warm blankets. Beyond material improvements, the project gave the children hope and a sense of dignity, enabling them to focus on their education and aspirations.
As the foundation grew, so did its challenges. Securing consistent financial support remains a significant hurdle, with rising costs stretching their resources thin. The lack of a dedicated office space has also limited the foundation’s ability to expand its operations and accommodate the growing number of volunteers and interns eager to contribute. Despite these obstacles, Daniel’s adaptability and the foundation’s growing network of supporters have ensured its sustainability.
Kiendi’s personal journey reflects the evolution of the Raising heARTs Foundation. As a digital marketer, filmmaker, and journalist, his skills have been instrumental in shaping the foundation’s brand and strategy. Yet, beyond his professional expertise, it is his passion and unwavering commitment that have propelled the foundation forward.
Reflecting on his journey, Kiendi often recalls the children whose lives have been transformed by the foundation’s work. Each success story, whether it’s a child excelling academically or pursuing a talent nurtured through the foundation, serves as a reminder of why he started this journey. For him, the most rewarding part of leading Raising heARTs is witnessing the hope and confidence it brings to children who once felt invisible.
The youthful journalist dreams of expanding the foundation’s reach both within Kenya and beyond. He hopes to expand to a global network that supports underprivileged children, breaking the cycle of poverty and building a generation of empowered, creative individuals.
Daniel has disclosed that plans are ongoing to scale the Harmony in Green talent show, inviting participants from across East Africa and creating an even bigger platform to celebrate talent and resilience.
