Sarakasi Trust is a performing arts development organization working toward building capacity in the performing arts sector in Kenya. The organizations' core stems from a firm belief in the use of Culture for Development and the positive role that culture can play to eradicate poverty.

Since its establishment in 2001 the Trust has run a training and outreach program that continues to touch lives of thousands of children and young adults growing up in the slums of Nairobi every year. In addition Sarakasi's lively and now famous international exchange and performance program has seen literally hundreds of artists benefit from the experience and often the financial benefits that performing on the world's stages can offer.

Vision:
Arts and Culture for a better world!

Mission:
To develop, facilitate, support and promote performing arts and culture for social and economic advancement of society.

Organizational Structure

The Sarakasi governance and management structure is made up of a Board, a Managing Director, a Business Manager and a full staff of 21 (admin, project and creative) and around 42 part time employees (trainers). The Board provides strategic direction, formulates policies, provides overall leadership and is publicly accountable for the activities of the organization. The Staff, under the overall supervision of the Managing Director undertakes the day-to-day operations, in the office, indoor (Sarakasi Dome) as well as in the ‘field’ (outreach like training centers, schools, orphan institutes, etc).
 

During the 2009-2013 Strategic Plan period, the organization planned to promote a team based management structure, with a view to enhancing interpersonal relations, accomplishments as well as shared objectives and accountability to the organization and its key stake holders.

Other structures put in place are a 5 year strategic plan, a business plan, an artist agency plan and a sales and marketing plan. Sarakasi Trust is a registered Trust from March 2009 and also gained NGO status in December 2010.

Sarakasi Programs

1. Training and Capacity Building Program for acrobats and dancers.

2. Cultural Exchange Program including (international) contracts/ performance opportunities

3. Audience building program; Annual Sawa Sawa festival, Dome Programming

4. Special Projects; Wapi, Amani Lazima, Sarakasi Trust Hospital Project, Africa Yoga Project

Sarakasi Trustees

Sarakasi Trust has 7 Trustees who are all deeply embedded in (East) African society and its social and cultural life. The Trustees manage the Trust on a non-profit, voluntary, non-commercial and free of charge basis.  

Nasir Karmali (Interim Chairman)

Marion van Dijck (Co-Founder, Trustee, Managing Director)

Evans Mwaura Githua

Mumbi Kaigwa

Sam Mwai

Waringa Njonjo

Wouter Jan Verwiel

Sarakasi Team

Marion van Dijck: Managing Director  

James Munga: Business Manager

Kui Macharia: Manager Events, Facilities and Projects

Eric Githau: Accountant

Rahim Otieno: Program Officer Events

Jane Mbugua: Project Assistant

Harrison Kivuti: Office Assistant/ Messenger

John Washika: Acrobatic Trainer

James Njunge: Acrobatic Trainer

Maurice Odour: Acrobatic Trainer

Edwin Odhiambo: Choreographer

Issa Odero: Dance Trainer

Sammy Gian: Dance trainer

Fernande Verwiel: Project Manager Sarakasi Trust Hospital Project

Geoffrey Kibigo: Administrative Manager Sarakasi Trust Hospital Project

Kevin Omolo: Financial Assistant Sarakasi Trust Hospital Project

Paige Elenson: Executive Director Africa Yoga Project

Tabitha Muchemi: Finance and Administration Manager Africa Yoga Project

Moses Mbajah: Country Director Africa Yoga Project

Mutheu Mbondo: Coordinator United Cultures for Development Network Secretariat

James Mwangi: Care Taker (Maintenance and Sound)

Cleaning and Security Team