About Us
Mathare Community Outreach (MCO) is a grassroots, interdenominational community development initiative committed to transforming lives in the Mathare Valley slums of Nairobi, Kenya.
Our journey began in 1994 as a humble feeding program, offering children a daily cup of porridge to combat widespread malnutrition and related illnesses. As we listened to the needs of the community, we quickly realized that hunger was only one part of a much deeper challenge. Barriers such as lack of access to education, extreme poverty, the devastating impact of HIV/AIDS, and a growing population of orphans called us to expand our mission.
Today, MCO ministers to more than 1,500 children, including over 380 orphans, providing spiritual, educational, and physical support to help them thrive.
Empowering Minds, Transforming Lives
In Mathare Valley, countless children grow up surrounded by poverty, but not without hope. At MCO, we provide education, meals, mentorship, and spiritual guidance—turning today’s struggles into tomorrow’s success stories. Every gift you give opens the door for a brighter future.
💛 Donate today and help us empower a mind, transform a life, and uplift a community.
Our Vision
To empower communities to live dignified and enriched spiritual, social, and economic lives; to secure a better future for themselves and their dependents; and to live for the glory of God.
Our Mission
To reach out to communities in poor circumstances, offering spiritual, educational, and physical support to children, helping them grow into responsible and empowered adults for the glory of God.
OUR STORY
Mathare Community Outreach (MCO) was founded in 1994 by Bishop Dan Ogutu and Magdaline Ogutu, who left his job to serve among underserved communities in the Mathare Valley slums.
It began with a simple act of compassion—a cup of porridge for hungry children. At the time, malnutrition and preventable diseases were robbing many children of health, hope, and life itself. This small feeding program quickly became a daily lifeline for dozens of young ones
But as Bishop Dan and Magdaline listened to the needs of the community, they saw that hunger was only part of the struggle. Poverty, lack of education, high illiteracy, the impact of HIV/AIDS, and a growing number of orphans revealed a deeper need for holistic care.
Over the years, MCO expanded to provide education, discipleship, and family support. Today, we serve over 1,500 children, including more than 380 orphans, through schools, a children’s rescue centre, and a discipleship centre—empowering minds, uplifting families, and transforming communities for the glory of God.
From one family’s step of faith to a movement touching thousand, MCO’s story is one of God’s faithfulness and the power of love in action.
The Challenges We Address
In Mathare Valley, poverty affects an estimated 75–80% of residents—nearly double the national average. For many families, basic education remains out of reach, leading to high illiteracy rates and alarming school drop-out levels. Without intervention, the cycle of poverty continues from one generation to the next.
OUR APPROACH AS A WHOLE
At MCO, we believe that every child is created with potential and purpose. By meeting immediate needs and equipping communities with tools for a better tomorrow, we are breaking cycles of poverty and planting seeds of hope—one child, one family, and one community at a time.
Educate Young Minds
We provide access to quality education, school materials, and mentorship to help children reach their full potential. Education opens doors, builds confidence, and empowers the next generation to create lasting change in their communities.
Uplift Families
Strong families are the foundation of strong communities. Through economic empowerment initiatives, nutritional support, and counseling, we help families overcome hardship and create stable, nurturing environments for their children.
Discipleship
Spiritual growth is central to our mission. We share the love of Christ through teaching, mentorship, and community fellowship, equipping children and families to live out their faith and impact others for the glory of God.
OUR RESULTS
By God’s grace and through the generosity of our partners, MCO’s impact continues to grow—changing lives and transforming communities.
💛 Every number tells a story of hope.
Our Core Values
Our work is guided by Christian principles that shape every decision, every action, and every relationship. These values keep us true to our mission and faithful to the people we serve.
Compassion
- We extend Christ-like love, kindness, and patience to those in need—walking alongside them in their struggles and victories. (Colossians 3:12–14)Integrity
- We speak and act with honesty, transparency, and gratitude, honoring God in all we do. (Colossians 3:17)Persistence
– We serve with joy and commitment, pressing forward through challenges to fulfill our calling. (Colossians 1:11)Excellence
- We work diligently, giving our best so that the quality of our service reflects our testimony in Christ.Communities We Serve
MCO’s work extends beyond one location—reaching children, families, and churches across Kenya with education, care, and discipleship.Mathare – MCO School
In the heart of Mathare Valley, we provide quality education, nutritious meals, and mentorship to children living in one of Nairobi’s largest informal settlements.
Kariobangi – Children’s Rescue Centre & School, Kariobangi Children’s home
Here, we offer a safe home, education, and emotional support for vulnerable and at-risk children, giving them hope and stability for a brighter future.
Kisumu – Discipleship Centre, Moriah School of Discipleship
Our Kisumu centre focuses on spiritual growth, leadership training, and equipping believers to impact their communities for Christ.
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