Michael Sayo

Speaking during a supervisory skills course closing ceremony at Kenya School of Government in Mombasa Kenya

Michael Sayo, He/him/his

Founder & Director, Kenya

Michael Sayo is the founder of MANDO, a community development organization advancing education, child protection, disability inclusion, and sustainable livelihoods among marginalized Maasai communities in Kenya. Since founding MANDO in 2007, Michael has worked to support vulnerable children, girls at risk of FGM and early marriage, people with disabilities, and low-income families through education, safe spaces, clean water, and community empowerment programs. Since 2024, he has expanded initiatives supporting girls’ rescue and education, strengthened disability inclusion across community programs, and built partnerships that promote equal participation and community resilience. His work has increased awareness of disability rights and created more opportunities for people with disabilities to participate in local development initiatives. By connecting disability inclusion with broader community development, Michael helps ensure that marginalized people are not left behind in efforts to improve education, livelihoods, and social wellbeing. His commitment to community leadership has been recognized through the Best Exemplary Performance Award from the State Law Office in 2009 and the Community Champion Award from the Thomson Reuters Foundation. Through MANDO, Michael continues to build more inclusive and resilient communities.