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!
#KeHeritageSites
The number 7 seems to be the binding factor for a lot of things. Think about the days of the week, the continents in the world, the seas in the world, and closer to home, the number of World Heritage Sites in Kenya. The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) describes World Heritage Sites as important places of cultural or natural heritage. In Kenya, these sites have
Remember the story of...
Remember the story of...
Luo Initiation Rites
For the Luo community, initiation was a time to put adolescent endurance and courage to the test. This was evidenced by the main initiation practice called nego which was to remove six front teeth from the bottom jaw. Both boys and girls between the ages of 12 and 18 underwent this procedure. Braving through the extraction of these teeth was seen as a way of separating children from adults and...
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
RETHINKING TOURISM
Wanderlust is reigniting within us the quenchless desire to travel, explore, and revel in the glorious outdoors. As we welcome the change in seasons and the appetite for adventure, we are invited to pause and think about the impact of our travels on Mother Nature. Across our website you will find stories that highlight one-of-a-kind locations in Kenya like #KePlaces, #VisiwaVyetu and #KeHeritageSites. Places that are vibrant not just for their beautiful natural scenery but also for the spellbinding stories of the people, cultures, and landscapes. We hope this inspires you to enjoy sustainable tourism on your next trip. After all, each of us plays a crucial role in the preservation of these places for posterity.
TEAM PAUKWA
Our newsletters
(swipe to scroll, tap to open newsletter)












