About Tilia

A movement rooted in African heritage and guided by a global vision for ethical leadership, community-driven solutions, and environmental stewardship that honors the past while building sustainable futures.

Our Vision

A World Where Every Voice Shapes Its Own Future

We envision a world where every voice is valued and every community has the strength to shape its own future. A world rooted in justice, inclusion, and sustainability—where ethical leadership and shared responsibility ensure that future generations inherit not only opportunity, but also a planet able to sustain their dreams.

At Tilia, we work with women, youth, and other often underrepresented voices to expand opportunities for participation and leadership. By strengthening public institutions and fostering accountable governance, we help create systems where fairness, transparency, and inclusion can thrive.

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Resilience

Enduring strength that withstands challenges

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Inclusion

Every voice matters, every future counts

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Wisdom

Bridging ancestral knowledge with innovation

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Stewardship

Caretakers of land and legacy

Our Journey

From Vision to Impact

The Genesis

Tilia was founded by a group of young Kenyans who grew up in communities where voices were not always equally heard. They recognized both the strength and the gaps within these traditions: while much ancestral wisdom carried valuable lessons on justice, unity, and care, it was often missing from modern governance frameworks.

2019

The Opportunity

Africa is experiencing a powerful moment of transformation—one marked by a growing demand for accountable leadership, stronger institutions, and inclusive progress. The founders of Tilia saw an opportunity to bridge these worlds, connecting traditional wisdom with modern governance.

2020

The Mission

Tilia was born from the conviction that communities are not just the fabric of society, but also the foundation of its cohesion, resilience, and growth. Our story is one of honoring the past, shaping the present, and building a future where every voice can help to grow futures.

2021

Global Impact

We recognize that no future can be secure without a healthy environment. That's why we invest in sustainable practices that build resilience against the changing climate and protect the communities most at risk. Tilia stands at the intersection of people, leadership, and planet.

Today
Our Name

The Meaning Behind Tilia

Our name reflects the dual heritage and universal spirit that guides our work—connecting African wisdom with global vision for sustainable change and community empowerment.

Tiliet

Tilia stems from the word Tiliet, which is a Kalenjin term about peaceful relationships and broader social bonds. It carries the meaning of respect, connectedness, and rootedness—all tenets that the organization aims to embody.

The Tilia Tree

Tilia is also the name of the Linden tree—known for its medicinal value and stoic, resilient nature. Across cultures, it has provided shelter, healing, and gathering spaces for communities for centuries.

Tilia tree representing growth and community
Our Values

What Guides Our Work

The principles that shape our relationships with the communities we serve and drive our approach to sustainable change.

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Resilience

We believe in the enduring strength of people and ecosystems, supporting communities to build lasting solutions that withstand challenges and create opportunities for growth.

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Inclusion

Every voice matters, every future counts. We honor diversity as a source of strength, wisdom, and innovative solutions to complex challenges.

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Wisdom

We draw from cultural knowledge and valid indigenous practices, bridging ancestral wisdom with modern approaches to create solutions that are both innovative and grounded.

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Stewardship

We, the people, are caretakers of land and legacy. Our responsibility extends to protecting the environment and ensuring sustainable futures for generations to come.

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Connection

We nurture relationships that empower each other and create lasting change, building networks of support that strengthen communities and amplify impact.

Join Our Mission

Be part of a global community working to amplify voices and grow sustainable futures. Together, we can create a world where every community has the power to shape its own destiny.

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