About us
FOUNDED ON CALESTOUS'S VISION
Calestous knew that all human development ultimately takes place on the ground, in communities. The policies and investments that he spent his life working so hard for were a necessary framework, but he ran out of time to see that development happen in his hometown.
HOW WE STARTED
The Calestous Juma Legacy Foundation (CJLF) is proudly founded upon primary source concepts from Calestous, which he proposed would enable his home region to meet its development potential.
Near the end of Calestous’ life, he expressed his wish to start an institute in Port Victoria, Kenya, to honor his parents. This was the inspiration for a group of his family, friends, and colleagues to come together to find a way to honor his wish and his legacy.
Needs Assessment and Advisory Council
In 2018, a needs assessment of Port Victoria was performed, and a group of people invested in Calestous’ legacy met to decide the best way forward based on the results of the needs assessment. An Advisory Council was formed and plans for the Legacy Foundation began to emerge.
Incorporation and Nonprofit Status Achieved
In 2019, CJLF was granted status as a nonprofit 501(c)(3) and a Board of Directors stepped forward to govern, while the original Advisory Council has continued to play a key role.
​
Leadership Identified
In 2021, CJLF hired a part-time Executive Director, and formed a local Advisory Group in Bunyala subcounty Kenya, adding a Bunyala Projects Coordinator to the team in 2022.
In 2023, the Calestous Juma Legacy Trust Kenya, a Kenyan Charitable Trust, was registered to facilitate our work locally.