NAIROBI, Kenya- Java House, in celebration of its 25th anniversary, has unveiled the Kuza Mentorship Program—an initiative aimed at nurturing young minds by equipping them with essential soft skills for personal and professional success.
The program was officially launched at Gatina Primary School in Dagoretti North, Nairobi, and marks a significant step in Java House’s ongoing commitment to community empowerment.
The Kuza Mentorship Program is designed to foster academic, career, and leadership development in students, providing them with the tools they need to succeed in an increasingly competitive world.
By offering mentorship from Java staff, professionals, and partners from diverse fields, the program ensures that students gain exposure to a wide array of skills and career paths.
The initiative will also feature Kuza Talk Sessions—interactive discussions led by industry experts—to inspire and guide students in setting and achieving their goals.
Java House CEO, Priscilla Gathungu, highlighted the company’s dedication to community development during the launch event.
“We see this mentorship program as an opportunity to deepen our engagement with the community and help our children expand their horizons,” she said.
The program builds on Java’s existing initiatives, including providing hot lunches to over 2,500 children daily through the Java Foundation, in partnership with Food 4 Education.
The launch of the Kuza Mentorship Program also brought together key partners such as Malkia Strikers and Wafalme Stars, alongside Food 4 Education, further demonstrating the power of collaboration in creating a holistic support system for children.
Java’s commitment to nurturing talent goes beyond just academic achievement. Through workshops and volunteer mentorship from professional athletes, the program also aims to encourage leadership and sportsmanship in students.
Margaret Wanjiru, the headmistress of Gatina Primary School, expressed her excitement about the partnership’s potential, especially in the realm of sports.
“We qualified for the regional games last quarter, but our performance was limited by a lack of equipment and coaching. With the support from our volunteers, I am confident we’ll perform better in the next round,” Wanjiru noted.
Java House, which began as a single branch in Nairobi in 1999, is celebrating 25 years of growth and impact.
With 91 outlets across 16 cities in three East African countries, the brand has become a staple in the region.
As part of its anniversary celebrations, Java has launched several initiatives, including a children’s art competition and special promotions across its outlets.
In reflecting on Java House’s journey, Gathungu added, “It’s been a remarkable 25 years, and we’re excited about what’s next. The Kuza Mentorship Program is just one way we’re giving back to the community that has supported us for so long.”
The program is expected to further strengthen Java’s legacy as not just a restaurant chain but a pillar of social impact.
