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!
#KeReads
There is nothing we love more than a well told story. At Paukwa we are enamored by the power stories have to shape our aspirations, take us to new worlds, open up unexpected realities or simply enable us to disappear from our daily lives. Stories build us, give us hope and spark our imagination. The 23rd of April is #WorldBookDay and in honour of all the writers that help us

Remember the story of...
Remember the story of...
Onyoso
There is a rare and treasured delicacy that comes only with the rains and leaves with them. The delicacy is known as onyoso to the Luo and Abaluyha communities. Scientifically, onyoso – or black ants - go by carebara vidae. During the long rains between February and May, these black ants can be harvested. But after the rains have passed, they can only be sighted in between the occasional rainy day....
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
THE BEAUTY OF KENYA
Our flag, coat of arms, and national anthem are the symbols of our national unity. Within these symbols lies the story of our nation’s founding, our shared values, and our hope for the future. #KeSymbols takes a closer look at the creative process behind the creation of these unifiers. Have you ever noticed that the Maasai shield features across the board in either visual or lyrical form? There is diversity in every facet of our beautiful nation, from the population’s rich cultural heritage to the vast landscape covered in unique physical features. Not to mention the treasure trove that is our history! #KeSafari is a story journey into these distinctive aspects that make up Kenya, starting off in County 001 and concluding in County 047. Take a journey across Kenya with us via stories or on our Podcast Series.
TEAM PAUKWA
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