Paukwa? Pakawa!
Paukwa is a place dedicated to positive stories about Kenya. Our story house is named for the Swahili word that is an invitation to a story – Paukwa. It’s an age- old term, well known across East Africa. Paukwa invites one to remember the joy of stories from their childhood days and to get lost in new, familiar or unknown ideas about the daily things that surround us.
Each day ordinary Kenyans are pushing our nation forward. As volunteers, as SME owners, as creatives, teachers, farmers, counsellors, techwizards and more. There is a bigger story as they build our nation each day through their tenacity, hard work, positive attitude, search for excellence, and sheer hustle.
Through their efforts we all grow.
At Paukwa, we shine a spotlight on the everyday builders of our nation and the history we almost forgot.
This digital storybank celebrates memory, culture, modernity, but most of all, the positive. Dive in and discover a story of Kenya you didn’t know you never knew!
#KePhotographers
From the time the first images were captured on film in the early 1800s photography has been a way of immortalizing life. Life in pictures. Time in photos. History made immortal. Since its inception the art and science of photography has gone through many iterations: Daguerreotypes, Brownie Boxes, 35mms, Instant Polaroids, DSLRs, iPhones. From separate gadgets that required the flash to be held up high and the photographer ensconced under
Paukwa? Pakawa!
Paukwa is a place dedicated to positive stories about Kenya. Our story house is named for the Swahili word that is an invitation to a story – Paukwa. It’s an age- old term, well known across East Africa. Paukwa invites one to remember the joy of stories from their childhood days and to get lost in new, familiar or unknown ideas about the daily things that surround us.
Each day ordinary Kenyans are pushing our nation forward. As volunteers, as SME owners, as creatives, teachers, farmers, counsellors, techwizards and more. There is a bigger story as they build our nation each day through their tenacity, hard work, positive attitude, search for excellence, and sheer hustle.
Through their efforts we all grow.
At Paukwa, we shine a spotlight on the everyday builders of our nation and the history we almost forgot.
This digital storybank celebrates memory, culture, modernity, but most of all, the positive. Dive in and discover a story of Kenya you didn’t know you never knew!
#KeCurrency
Hela, mali, pesa, mashilingi ! To date, money is often used as an indicator of current events. Whether we are looking at how much of it there is or even what images are printed on our notes and coins, money matters cannot be discounted when discussing the events of our history. The peaks and falls of our currency journey mirror Kenya’s path to self-governance. With each shifting governance structure
Remember the story of...
Boma za Wakisii
Before the colonial period, Kisii families lived in villages that were divided into two distinct components: homesteads (omochie) and the cattle camp (ebisarate). Omochie was where married men lived with their wives, unmarried daughters and uncircumcised sons. Ebisarate was the area designated for cattle to graze and was protected by resident male warriors. Construction of huts among the Kisii was a team effort undertaken by both men and women. Men began the job by putting up the...
Our audio stories
A note from our team
THE POWER OF STORIES
At Team Paukwa, we never tire of celebrating the power of stories. It is the very essence of our mission and the fuel that drives our work. We firmly believe in the transformative impact of storytelling for social change. Moreover, we take great joy in spotlighting the creatives who are actively reshaping the narrative of Kenya through their storytelling prowess. These individuals are catalysts for change, weaving tales that challenge stereotypes, elevate unheard voices, and ignite conversations that matter. We're excited to delve into our treasure trove of stories—our vault—that showcases their journeys and contributions. From budding writers to seasoned filmmakers, each story reflects the profound impact of storytelling in driving positive change. Eager to learn more? Check out the stories that Kenyan creatives have produced in #KeFilms, #KePodcasts and #KeReads.
TEAM PAUKWA
A note from our team
LOVE AND IMPACT
Love and impact drive us as human beings. These themes are evident in the #KeExcellence s and #KeInnovators stories that celebrate Kenyans whose accomplishments have been recognized and awarded on global stages. Through these stories, we’ve learned a couple of things. The first is that it’s never too late to reset and restart. Passion was another factor that stood out across all the stories. It set them apart from their contemporaries and the result? International recognition. If this isn’t an ode to the saying, ‘You can do anything you set your mind to.’ So, as we continue taking strides through life, let’s be inspired to be the best at what we’re doing – whether it’s chasing dreams or pursuing ventures we are passionate about. Just remember to always do it with a smile.
TEAM PAUKWA
Our newsletters
(swipe to scroll, tap to open newsletter)