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!
#PaukwaEssays
We love telling stories that celebrate various facets of the 254. But every now and then, we are compelled to delve into aspects of Kenyan history and culture that are not entirely positive. Our hope is that by sharing our thoughts on these issues, we can give them the attention they demand and, who knows, perhaps even incite change. Here are our Paukwa Essays. [uncode_index el_id="index-907995"
Remember the story of...
Remember the story of...
#KeMadaraka
Thunder is not yet rain. This Kenyan proverb is a reminder of patience and the need to recognise a finished product versus a work in progress. When it comes to Kenya’s Madaraka Day, some may wonder why we need to celebrate the thunder that is self-governance, rather than the rain that is independence or Jamhuri. We had the same thoughts too, but challenged the meaning behind Madaraka and decided on...
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
DIVERSITY AND INCLUSION
Just like our fingerprints, we are all unique and different. Our backgrounds, experiences, values, belief systems, ideas and points of view vary. Yet amidst these differences, all our voices have places they belong to in the community. At Paukwa, we’re keen on telling the stories of the authentic Kenyan experience, and that can only be possible with the acknowledgement of our varying cultures, socio-economic backgrounds, generations, and abilities. For this, we are joining the world in championing for inclusivity in our magical way by sharing stories of Kenyans in #DisabilityNotInability who in their work and everyday lives strive to create room for others to belong.
TEAM PAUKWA
Our newsletters
(swipe to scroll, tap to open newsletter)












