Busara Empowerment Organization was born from the shared dreams and lived experiences of three friends. These founders, once beneficiaries of educational sponsorship programs, triumphed over immense socioeconomic challenges to pursue higher education. Their journey was not only transformative for themselves but also a spark of hope for their community. “Busara,” meaning “Wisdom” in Swahili, reflects their commitment to building an organization that offers comfort, inspiration, and opportunity to those in need.
In 2015, what began as a small fund supported by Kenyan students in Turkey has flourished into a dynamic, registered non-profit. Guided by the values of resilience, opportunity, and empowerment, Busara now spearheads initiatives that touch thousands of lives across Kenya. Through programs in education, health, sanitation, and sustainable development, Busara is more than an organization—it is a lifeline, a promise of better days ahead.
Over the years, Busara’s work has rippled across regions and communities, bringing meaningful change where it’s needed most. We’ve delivered hygiene packs to families living in hardship, built shallow wells in arid regions like Tana River and Kwale, and installed solar panels in villages without electricity. We’ve helped rehabilitate mosques into centres of learning and mentorship for youth, offering them a safe space to grow, connect, and thrive.
In 2022, we officially became an NGO, expanding our reach to include Western, North Eastern, and Central Kenya, with aspirations to extend our programs across East Africa. Our belief is simple yet profound: we are stronger together. By breaking down barriers of religion, race, political, or social status, we strive to create a united movement for empowerment and sustainable development.
To eradicate poverty through education, health, hygiene, and sustainable income projects, creating an environment of opportunity for vulnerable communities.
A world where hope and human dignity are universal norms
At Busara, we believe that sustainable development begins with intergrity, transparency and inclusivity. Rooted in Islamic principles, we serve everyone, regardless of their background, because every life matters.
CO – FOUNDER AND CHAIRMAN TO THE BOARD
My life philosophy is “kidole kimoja hakivunji chawa”. Busara is in simple terms a group of friends who came together to create something that can be a source of inspiration and motivation for our community. My names are Siad Muhammed Adam, and I was born in Embu Kenya. That’s where I also grew up. I am a Co – founder and the Chairman of the board of Busara Org. I am currently an ER doctor in Adana Baskent University Hospital in Turkey.
I completed my Bsc in medicine and surgery in Mersin University, also in Turkey. I believe that every human being deserves access to quality health care, and one way of making it a reality is by designing our communities as uplifting support systems, especially in today’s individualistic world.
My interests in Busara stem from my soft spot for orphans and the urge to create a safe environment for inspiration and motivation. As much as financial support is important, I believe human connections are also as important, if not even more. I envision Busara to be a place where haven is sort and inspiration is in plenty.
CO – FOUNDER AND CEO
My name is Iffat Omar and Identify as a Bridge. My pronouns are Busara and Empowerment. I was born and raised in Nairobi. I am also a Co – founder and CEO of Busara Empowerment Organization. Before Busara became a reality, I had spent most of my teenage and adult life as a volunteer for many community development organizations, something I still enjoy doing.
I pursued a Ba in International Studies and Diplomacy and the University of Nairobi and a Diploma in Arabic language and Islamic studies from the Islamic University of Kenya (Formally known as RAF International University). As a young girl, my mother always would tell “Binadamu anaweza kupateza mali yake yote, lakini sio elimu aliyonayo.” This has been the driving force behind my pursuit of knowledge and the need to provide such opportunities for others.
I believe that once provided with a chance, its our duty to connect those who have and can, with those who need and lack. Busara is about rebuilding and reconnecting. As an African people community reliance is part of who we are, and I see that one of our many strengths.
BOARD MEMBER
My name is Swaleh Hussein, and I am a member of Busara Empowerment Org. As a professional I work as a network design engineer and cloud computing IT personnel with a keen interest in Internet of Things (IoT).
My academic background is in engineering, having had my BSc. In Mechatronics Engineering from Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology (JKUAT) and currently pursuing a MSc in Electronic and Computer Systems with a major in IoT at Dublin City University (DCU). I pack a few professional certificates on the cloud front with Microsoft Azure Administrative Associate being the latest addition and 5G certificate from Aalto University in Finland.
I am not an all-time geek at it seems. I enjoy outdoor activities and am very adventurous. I play sports and my favorite is football and swimming come second. I enjoy my free time doing things related to technology as well and that could be reading or crafting technology related projects. Being part of the Busara family has allowed me to give chances to youth in technology and those interested in tech a platform to explore these interests in a fun and safe environment back home in Kenya.
BOARD MEMBER
My name is Salma Ahmed, a medical doctor by profession and previously the medical superintendent at Kitengela sub-county hospital, having taken my academic leave in 2019.
I completed my Bsc in Medicine and Surgery in Ahfad Women’s University in Sudan and I and currently completing my residency in pediatrics and child health at the University of Nairobi.
My long-term objective is to develop strategies that will be able to promote safe and healthy pregnancies while lowering newborn morbidity and mortality from preventable causes. I am passionate about children and therefore promoting child development. I am more invested in the health programs under Busara Org. to raise a generation that is both productive and healthy.
Each shallow well we construct means a mother spends less time walking and more time nurturing her children. Each hygiene pack we distribute means a family lives with dignity and better health. Each scholarship means a child gets a fair shot at their dreams. Behind every statistic is a story of resilience, courage, and transformation.
Busara Empowerment Organization isn’t just about projects—it’s about people. It’s about the mother who can finally sleep peacefully, knowing her children have safe water to drink. It’s about the student who walks into a classroom, not worrying about where their next meal will come from. It’s about a community that stands together, stronger and more hopeful.
Join us in this journey of empowerment and transformation. Together, we can make hope a reality for thousands of lives.