By Wahome Ngatia
To truly grasp the story of AMG Foundation, you must begin with its parent company, AMG Realtors. Founded in 2012, AMG Realtors has made its name in the business of buying, developing, and selling land. But as the company flourished, its leadership felt a deeper calling — to go beyond profits and plant seeds of transformation. That vision birthed the AMG Foundation in 2013.
The foundation emerged from a simple yet powerful conviction: to create lasting impact in the lives of children from low-income communities. Andrew Gitau, the foundation’s charismatic chairman, spoke to NGOs Hub about its journey and mission. Notably, AMG Foundation has been nominated for Best Foundation of the Year at the upcoming NGO Awards 2025 — a testament to its growing influence in community development.
A Legacy of Learning
AMG builds libraries in underserved neighborhoods, giving children access to quality reading materials that would otherwise remain out of reach. These spaces also double as digital hubs where young people can learn tech skills, apply for jobs, and explore the vast world of the internet.
“Our main goal is to spark inspiration in these children,” says Andrew, his eyes lighting up with conviction. “We make sure our facilities are world-class — clean, well-maintained, and inspiring. Even our toilets are pristine, maintained like an expensive Rolls-Royce. We want these children to feel that success is within reach, even if they come from humble beginnings.”
Each library is equipped with textbooks aligned to the Competency-Based Curriculum (CBC), along with computers and reliable internet connectivity to support research and recreation.
The results have been heartening. “This year, we have a student pursuing a doctorate who began their academic journey in one of our libraries,” Andrew says proudly. “They used our facilities through their undergraduate and master’s studies. That’s the kind of transformation we live for.”
Why Libraries?
When I asked why the foundation chose libraries as its flagship project, Andrew smiles knowingly. “Our background in real estate inspired our approach. We asked ourselves: What’s the most enduring legacy you can build when you own land? The answer was clear — invest in human development. In today’s digital age, the library has evolved from a quiet reading room into a vibrant knowledge hub.”
He sees young minds as valuable assets — raw land that, once cultivated with knowledge and opportunity, yields a lifetime of value. With a chuckle, he adds, “We’re investing in our future buyers — those who will one day be able to afford AMG land because they first found opportunity in our libraries.”
Funding and Support
The foundation is primarily funded by a share of AMG Realtors’ profits, covering operations and a lean staff. But it also thrives on the generosity of its loyal clientele — many of whom are Kenyans living in the United States. AMG Realtors even operates an office in Texas to better serve this diaspora community.
“Many of our clients not only buy land in Kenya but also want to make a tangible difference back home,” Andrew explains.
In recognition of this, AMG Foundation is now registered in the U.S. as a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, allowing donors to contribute a portion of their taxable income to charity — a move that underscores the foundation’s credibility and global reach.
Challenges in the Field
Despite the progress, challenges persist. Chief among them is limited space in informal settlements, which makes it difficult to build large libraries. Initially, the team preferred leasing land rather than buying it outright, but in many areas, suitable space simply doesn’t exist.
“The cost of purchasing land and constructing a single library could fund five libraries on leased property,” Andrew explains.
Occasionally, theft occurs — an unfortunate reality in areas grappling with poverty. Yet, AMG has invested in robust security systems to safeguard its facilities and resources.
The Ripple Effect of Impact
The numbers tell a story of their own. In August alone, more than 7,500 children and youth visited AMG’s libraries. Some were young mothers continuing their studies, babies strapped to their backs — a quiet picture of resilience and hope.
The libraries offer a sanctuary of peace and possibility — a far cry from the chaos of home environments often marked by noise, violence, or economic hardship.
Andrew believes the corporate world must rethink its approach to social responsibility. “CSR shouldn’t just be a branding exercise,” he insists. “It should be a mission — a sense of purpose that drives genuine impact.”
And with the confidence of a man who has seen dreams materialize, he adds, “Impact is the best return on investment. The goodwill, brand loyalty, and team pride that come from authentic community work are priceless. It’s not just good for business — it’s the best legacy you’ll ever build.”
