About Changu Ni Chema
A community in Homa Bay
that refuses to be defined
by illness alone.
Founded in 2007, Changu Ni Chema has grown into a network of 46 member groups working across the whole of Homa Bay County. Over 10,000 lives touched. 17 years. One community.
Our Mission
What drives us every day.
To contribute to the sustained good health and wellbeing of communities in Homa Bay County — working through our network of 46 member groups across health, education, climate change and agribusiness.
Our Vision
Where we are headed.
Healthy, stable and united communities — a Homa Bay County where every person, regardless of health status, lives with dignity, accesses quality care, and participates fully in community life.
Our Story
Founded in Crisis,
Growing in Purpose.
In 2007, Dorothy Akinyi Juombo founded Changu Ni Chema in Arujo Ward as a small peer support group for People Living with HIV. What began as a safe space for sharing became a movement.
Registered as a CBO in 2021 and transitioned into a Network in 2023, CNC today coordinates 46 affiliated member groups across the whole of Homa Bay County — delivering health, education, climate and agribusiness programmes, strengthening member groups, and advocating for the rights and dignity of every member.
2007
Founded
46
Member Groups
10K+
Lives Touched
HOW WE WORK
A Network Built to Last
Changu Ni Chema is coordinated through a clear structure that keeps decisions close to the community.
Board
Policy direction and oversight.
Secretariat
Coordination, reporting and resource mobilization.
46 Member Groups
Implement activities and mobilize their communities.
Partners
County Government, AMREF, Global Fund, NSDCC, KFS, NEPHAK, Kenya Red Cross, schools and BMUs.
Together for Sustainable Change
Positive Living for Positive Change
What Guides Us
Our Core Values
Sustainability
Climate-smart, income-generating solutions that outlast any single project.
Accountability
Answerable to our members, our communities and our funders.
Inclusivity
Women, youth, PWDs and vulnerable groups all have a voice.
Integrity
Being transparent, honest, and accountable in all we do.
Change-Maker Mindset
Inspiring action for better health, livelihoods and environment.