Kenyan actress Catherine Kamau, popularly known as Kate Actress, has launched the Auntie Kate Foundation, a new charity tackling female genital mutilation (FGM), period poverty and child hunger. The foundation was unveiled on Saturday with its first community outreach at Kumpa Holy Mothers Primary School in Kajiado Central.
“Our goal is simple: to restore dignity and break down the barriers that keep our sisters and children from reaching their full potential,” Kamau said at the event.
The Auntie Kate Foundation is anchored on three pillars: dignity, health and essential support. Its priorities include distributing food and basic supplies to families, campaigning against harmful practices like FGM, and ensuring girls stay in school with access to sanitary products.
The inaugural project was carried out in partnership with Cup of Uji, a local non-profit known for its school feeding programmes. Pupils at Kumpa Holy Mothers Primary School received hot meals, marking the beginning of what the foundation described as its long-term commitment to fighting hunger and promoting education.
FGM and period poverty remain major barriers for girls in Kenya’s marginalised areas, according to child rights groups. Campaigners argue that without addressing hunger alongside these issues, progress will remain limited.
Cup of Uji welcomed the collaboration, calling it an important alliance between grassroots organisations and public figures. “When people with influence stand up for causes like this, it sends a strong message,” said a volunteer at the event.
Kamau joins a growing list of Kenyan celebrities who are using their platforms to champion social issues. Her foundation’s success, observers say, will depend on whether it can sustain partnerships and attract community support.
For now, its launch has been met with optimism as a bold effort to improve the lives of women and children who are often left behind.
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