About us

Learn about MAZIDO, our history and our work with communities in Kenya.

Having worked in the NGO world until her retirement in 2004, the late Mrs. Margaret Mwangola MBS, was compelled to give back to her community. She was moved by the poverty and suffering of women, youth and children despite the abundance of natural wealth. What struck her most was the disconnect between community well-being and the abundant natural resource base.

Seeing women with babies strapped around their backs and carrying 20 litre jerricans filled with water on their heads at the crack of dawn, the late Mrs Margaret Mwangola felt compelled to act. She started a grassroots NGO which is MAZIDO International to address this.

Ironically, Taita Taveta County boasts of abundant natural resources despite it being largely ASAL. If these natural wealth is utilized in a sustainable way, it will extend the benefits to all.

MAZIDO is a swift response to the silent call for help by the community that is burdened by poverty in the midst of plenty resources.

The main focus of MAZIDO International is on community responses especially those set to find solutions for their needs, and contribute towards poverty alleviation and protection of the integrity of ecosystems.

The organization set up its first office in Nairobi at Rehema House. During its early years of operations in Nairobi, MAZIDO, utilizing the services of a network of academicians and experts provided consultancy services to several International and Local Institutions. However, in 2006, a decision was made to move the Headquarters of the Organization to Voi in Taita Taveta County. This marked a turning point for the Organization and ushered in the era for community driven development initiatives.