Project summary

Pause AI Kenya is establishing its national office in Nairobi, serving as a hub for AI safety advocacy, outreach, and volunteer engagement in Africa. The office will host officials, coordinate volunteers, and enable planning for awareness campaigns, as well as facilitate the translation of AI safety productions into the Swahili language to better reach the African audience. We currently have 122sqm of office space in Nairobi, Kenya donated by a volunteer, the funds requested here are to be used to equip the and furnish the space.

What are this project's goals? How will you achieve them?

• Central hub for Pause AI Kenya operations, serving as the first AI safety hub in Kenya.

• Flyer & material production and translation to Kiswahili to support outreach campaigns.

• Volunteer workspace for 10 Volunteers passionate about AI governance.

• Community engagement: workshops at universities and local events.

• Advocacy platform to connect policymakers, civil society, and youth.

We will achieve this by:

• Furnishing and equipping the office.

• Equipping volunteers with the necessary tools for working on the translation of campaign material.

• Running structured awareness campaigns.

How will this funding be used?

• Office furniture (desks, chairs, shelving)- A minimum of 5 workstations.

• Printing & finishing equipment (EcoTank printer, laminator, cutter, binder).

• Internet, router, UPS, and collaboration tools.

• Supplies: paper, laminating pouches, and binding combs.

• Branding & outreach materials.

• Volunteer training resources.

Who is on your team? What's your track record on similar projects?

• Seth Momanyi – Director, Pause AI Kenya. In charge of coordinating volunteers and community campaigns in Kenya.

• Ella Hughes – Global Organizing Director, Pause AI. In charge of overall coordination of volunteers and community campaigns.

• Joep Mendirtsema – Founder, Pause AI. Leads the whole Pause AI team.

• Volunteers – AI professionals and students across Nairobi.

• Pause AI Global – international guidance and support network.
  

What are the most likely causes and outcomes if this project fails?

1. Lack of central hub → fragmented coordination of volunteer efforts.

2. Reduced capacity for outreach & public engagement in Kenya and Africa at large.

3. Loss of volunteer momentum and involvement.
   

How much money have you raised in the last 12 months, and from where?

I have raised over 5000 euros in donations from Volunteers and Pause AI Global movement which has been used to fund Pause AI Kenya activities since it's start in February 2025.