Colson to strengthen BOMA’s position as a tech-enabled innovator scaling solutions for extreme poverty in Africa’s drylands
Nairobi – 15th October – BOMA, a Kenyan NGO, and a U.S. nonprofit working to end extreme poverty in the drylands of Africa, announced today that founder Kathleen Colson is returning to lead the organization at a pivotal moment in the international aid sector. Colson will focus on strengthening BOMA’s core mission and expanding what the organization is recognized for globally: locally-led, high-impact, tech-enabled innovation that scales proven solutions for people living in extreme poverty.
The move comes as the international development sector undergoes significant transformation, with increasing emphasis on community-driven approaches and sustainable, locally-owned solutions. BOMA has long been at the forefront of this movement, pioneering models that place communities at the center of poverty alleviation efforts in some of the world’s most challenging environments.
A former refugee worker and safari guide, Colson founded The BOMA Project in 2006 to disrupt the status quo—the repeated cycles of drought, chronic hunger, and dependence on humanitarian aid that plague the drylands, which cover over 40% of the African continent. Under her leadership, BOMA established itself as a global thought leader with an agile, evidence-based approach that includes innovations in technology, programming, empowerment, and financial inclusion. The organization’s data-driven poverty graduation program, which invests in and empowers vulnerable arid land residents and refugees to break the cycle of extreme poverty, is now being adopted globally by development organizations and by the Kenyan government as they build social protection programs for vulnerable citizens. To date, BOMA has reached over one million women, youth and refugees in some of the most remote and poor regions on the African continent.
“This is a defining moment for international development, and BOMA is uniquely positioned to lead the way forward,” said Kathleen Colson. “Our approach has always been about working alongside communities in the drylands, combining local leadership with technology and innovation to create lasting change. As we launch our search for our next African CEO based in Nairobi, I’m stepping in as Founder and Senior Advisor to support and guide the BOMA Board and the staff leadership to ensure we continue to scale what works and remain true to our mission of ending extreme poverty.”
God loves BOMA, and nothing would stop the efforts of the founder, Kathleen Colson’s Vision and mission. Millions of women and children have seen sustainability, improved income, food security and sustainability in environmental stewardship. Many women who have gone through the program have developed leadership, and decision-making skills and have become a big influence in their community, they have shaped the decisions – making of their communities.
God bless Kathleen Colson. Welcome back.
I still remember quote from mama rungu where she told us that she built boma on ideas than giving aid,
This was done practically through giving grants to our participants through practicing sustainable business and saving groups which improve lives of our mothers in graduating them from extreme poverty in Africa’s dry lands,
She was decimated and had passion in doing that,some times preserver hot coaching sun’s,travelling through rough tretrain roads and sometimes come across bandits in bandits prone areas and roads in marsabit county,
Mama Rungu keep it up and welcome back to kenya,
You will get full support from entire county for your tireless effort in uplifting the leaving standard of our communities
Welcome home, Kathleen. The journey continues—with hope, with purpose, and with you…. we are truly delighted to have you back at the helm, leading BOMA with the same courage, compassion, and unwavering conviction that ignited this movement nearly two decades ago. Your return marks a powerful moment of renewal—not just for BOMA, but for the communities we serve… Together, we look forward to building on the remarkable legacy you began, deepening our impact, and continuing to transform lives across the drylands of Africa.
Karibu tena Mama Rungu! And come for a sail in Lamu on Flipflopi’s 100% recycled plastic sailing dhow in Lamu when you come back next please! It will be wonderful to see you again ❤️
Wonderful news Kathleen!!! Karibu tena Mama Rungu! And come for a sail in Lamu on Flipflopi’s 100% recycled plastic sailing dhow in Lamu when you come back next please! It will be wonderful to see you again ❤️