During the financial year Nov 2025 - Nov 2025, Kikwetu Kenyan Community Group Leeds CIC delivered a range of community-led activities designed to strengthen belonging, wellbeing, cultural identity, participation and social connections within the Kenyan community in Leeds and the wider community. Tujengane Kikwetu Awareness Day officially launched the CIC and brought together over 200 people, creating a platform for community members to connect, learn about Kikwetu and identify opportunities to participate and support one another. Kikwetu Wellness & Afya Forum engaged 47 participants in conversations around bereavement and mental health. The activity helped reduce stigma, encouraged people to talk openly about wellbeing and resulted in five participants taking up volunteering opportunities, strengthening community involvement and support. Kikwetu Asili Fest brought together over 150 people to celebrate Kenyan culture, food, music and heritage. It supported cultural preservation, intergenerational learning and pride in Kenyan identity while creating opportunities for wider community participation. Kikwetu Sanaa Creations Workshop engaged 41 participants in creative activities inspired by Kenyan heritage. It provided a safe and enjoyable space for self-expression, skill development and cultural exploration. Shimoni Film Screening - a collaboratiin between Kikwetu and Hyde Park Picture House; brought 43 people together at Hyde Park Picture House, using film and storytelling to create opportunities for cultural engagement, discussion and social connection. Makeke Fusion Festival attracted over 180 people to a community-led celebration of fashion and culture. It provided a platform for creativity, community talent and cultural exchange, while strengthening relationships between Kenyan and wider Leeds communities. Kikwetu Traditional Dancers Group Launch brought together 33 participants and established a new platform for people to learn, practise and share Kenyan traditional dance. This supported cultural preservation, confidence, participation and intergenerational connection. Yorkshire Dales Wellbeing Trip provided 30 children, young people and adults with an opportunity to spend time together in nature. The activity promoted wellbeing, social connection and access to positive experiences outside the immediate community environment. Throughout the year, Kikwetu also maintained a presence at numerous Leeds and regional cultural and community events, increasing visibility, building partnerships and creating opportunities for members to engage with the wider community. Following the loss of a much-loved and committed member, Lady Fran, Kikwetu demonstrated the importance of community solidarity by coming together in October to mourn, support one another and celebrate her contribution. This strengthened the sense of care, belonging and mutual support within the community. The year concluded with the Twaweza Young People & Youth Event on 6 December, providing a positive space for young people to connect, participate and have their voices and interests recognised. This reinforced Kikwetu’s commitment to engaging the next generation and creating opportunities for young people to develop confidence, relationships and a stronger sense of belonging. Overall, Kikwetu’s activities benefited the community by creating accessible spaces for people to connect, celebrate identity and culture, improve wellbeing, develop confidence and skills, volunteer, support one another and participate in community life. The CIC’s work helped reduce social isolation, strengthen intergenerational relationships and build a more connected, confident and supportive Kenyan community in Leeds, while also contributing positively to the wider Leeds community.

Kikwetu Kenyan Community Group Leeds CIC’s stakeholders include its directors, registered members, volunteers, children, young people and families, community participants, community partners, third-sector organisations, funders and the wider Leeds community. Kikwetu uses an Asset-Based Community Development (ABCD) approach, recognising community members as active contributors with valuable skills, knowledge, relationships, experiences and ideas, rather than simply recipients of services. This approach encourages participation, shared decision-making, community ownership and the identification of community strengths and priorities. The directors meet regularly, both face-to-face and online (minutes are taken), to collectively plan and review the organisation’s future direction, governance and sustainability. Discussions include funding applications, collaborations and partnerships, events and activity delivery, volunteering, feedback from activities, community needs, and the CIC’s legal, regulatory and administrative responsibilities. Members, volunteers and community participants are also engaged through face-to-face and online meetings, community events, workshops, youth and wellbeing activities, informal discussions and feedback. Their views help identify priorities and shape activities relating to cultural identity, mental wellbeing, youth engagement, social connection, volunteering and belonging. In response to stakeholder feedback and identified community needs, Kikwetu in the last financial year delivered activities including: Tujengane Kikwetu Awareness Day, Kikwetu Wellness & Afya Forum, Kikwetu Asili Fest, Kikwetu Sanaa Creations Workshop, Shimoni Film Screening, Makeke Fusion Festival, started a Kikwetu Traditional Dancers Group, Yorkshire Dales wellbeing trip and youth activities. These created opportunities for cultural participation, wellbeing, skills development, volunteering, social connection and stronger community relationships. Kikwetu also engages with third-sector organisations, community partners and funders to develop collaborations, secure resources and create opportunities that benefit the community. Feedback and learning from these relationships inform future activities, partnerships and organisational development. Overall, Kikwetu’s ABCD approach and ongoing stakeholder engagement enable the organisation to make inclusive, informed and community-led decisions, ensuring stakeholders have meaningful opportunities to contribute, participate and influence the organisation’s activities and future direction.

No remuneration was received

No transfer of assets other than for full consideration