Edith Murongo
Kenya
Edith Murogo is a distinguished leader in East African philanthropy whose work has, over more than two decades, transformed the lives of vulnerable populations in Kenya. As the founder and Executive Director of the Centre for Domestic Training and Development (CDTD), she has been at the forefront of addressing systemic injustices affecting domestic workers, survivors of human trafficking and vulnerable girls.
Murogo’s philanthropic approach is anchored in a holistic and systems-oriented model that combines direct service delivery with advocacy and institutional engagement. Through CDTD, she has developed an integrated support system that addresses both immediate vulnerabilities and long-term empowerment.
Central to this model is the Talia Agler Girls Shelter, which provides safety, education and psychosocial support to survivors of trafficking and exploitation. Beyond rehabilitation, her work emphasises reintegration and self-reliance, ensuring that beneficiaries are equipped to rebuild their lives sustainably.
Her approach aligns strongly with the EAPA criteria. It demonstrates deep investment of time, expertise and institutional capacity, reflected in over two decades of sustained engagement. It embodies community-centred implementation, ensuring that interventions are responsive to the needs of vulnerable populations. The integration of advocacy into her work highlights a commitment to systems change, while the scale of beneficiaries reached evidences significant impact.
Her work also reflects a strong sustainability framework, particularly through the emphasis on skills development and policy reform, ensuring that change is both durable and replicable.
Under her leadership, CDTD has supported over 12,864 survivors, providing critical services and opportunities for reintegration.
Her impact extends into the policy domain, where she has contributed to strengthening frameworks addressing trafficking and labour exploitation. International recognition, including her designation as a 2024 TIP Report Hero, underscores the global relevance of her work.
Through CDTD, survivors of trafficking have transitioned from situations of exploitation to lives of dignity and independence, supported by education, skills training and advocacy structures that protect their rights.
Murogo’s work offers significant opportunities for informing policy reform, particularly in labour rights and anti-trafficking frameworks. Her model also provides a strong foundation for regional replication and partnerships with international organisations.