Productivity Meets Community at TLP’s Co:Work Space
In the heart of Nanyuki, The Leo Project’s networking space, “Co:Work”, has emerged as a vibrant hub for young professionals, remote workers, and creatives. It’s more than a place to work; it’s a dynamic community where individuals come together to share ideas, build friendships, and create meaningful connections.
“I know people who came to Nanyuki without knowing anyone,” says Alex Sandile, Co:Work’s Director. “They were introduced to this place, and now their friends come from this place. You can come here and meet like-minded people.” Since joining TLP in 2022, Alex has been a true community builder, fostering an environment of equality and respect at Co:Work. He believes in creating an atmosphere where no one feels isolated or left out, a principle that has become a cornerstone of the Co:Work experience.
Alex Sandile kicks-off our July Youth Café on Climate Anxiety
Alex’s journey to this role was far from linear. Alex had always envisioned a future in IT or finance. He’d studied German in high school, but the thought of continuing it in university had never crossed his mind. Yet, in an unexpected turn of events, he received an acceptance letter for a degree in German. Initially disappointed, Alex continued with German and he excelled in his studies, consistently ranking at the top of his class at university. An internship at the German Chamber of Commerce in Kenya became a turning point, offering him insights into how language skills could translate into real-world opportunities. After graduating, he and a friend launched a small business teaching German. This experience gave him a firsthand understanding of the struggles and rewards of entrepreneurship, and the importance of building strong social connections and networks, something he brings to Co:Work.
Co:Work’s mission goes beyond offering a desk; it’s about creating a space where collaboration and connection thrive. Alex explains, “Our bigger impact for existing—beyond just providing a space—is providing a place where people can come, meet, and work together, because that’s very rare. I don’t think there’s another place that’s as open, as inclusive, and still as professional as this in Nanyuki.”
Inclusivity is at the heart of Co:Work. “Co:Work is open to everyone,” Alex emphasizes, “no one should come here and feel they don’t belong.” This ethos is evident in the loyalty of Co:Work’s members—around 70% return weekly, drawn by the community as well as the structured programs, including CV-building sessions, digital skills workshops, evening chess games, and monthly community panel discussions - “Youth Cafés” - that make Co:Work a place of constant learning and growth. As Alex puts it, “This space is for someone who wants to do better in life, someone who wants to improve.”
Alex :)
The impact of Co:Work is evident in the success stories emerging from the community. One member has leveraged programming at Co:Work to launch a thriving creative business aimed at supporting artists. With the foundational support he found at Co:Work, his venture now creates job opportunities and attracts investment. Others have secured new job opportunities after participating in professional development sessions, demonstrating how Co:Work serves as a catalyst for career growth.
For Kabue Ritho, a chef and entrepreneur, Co:Work has been his professional hub for more than two years. Free from the distractions of home, Co:Work provides him with a place to connect with like-minded professionals for advice and inspiration. “I can come here, bogged down with thoughts on how to perform a specific task, and one conversation with the right person here can simply unlock everything,” Kabue explains. He finds Co:Work both professionally and personally valuable, adding, “The monthly Youth Cafés teach you new things on topics that might not have interested you until you attended. For me, it's always a chance to learn something new.”
In just a week since discovering Co:Work, freelancers Brenda Mathai and Fatuma Wabera have embraced both the productivity and community the space offers. Like Kabue, Co:Work allows them to concentrate on projects without the usual distractions at home. For Brenda, the community aspect has been particularly meaningful. “When I came, I met Alex and he was very welcoming and accommodating, and I just felt safe and, you know, free to express myself. He asked me, ‘What are you doing? What are your interests?’ And it’s just a loving community,” she shares.
Inside Co:Work
For Linda Kendi, a lawyer who moved back to Nanyuki from Nairobi two years ago, Co:Work has helped her build her community. “For me, Co:Work is more of an outlet outside work. When I come to Co:Work, I unwind, so to speak. I do things that I don’t do in the office,” Linda says. She’s found purpose by participating in Co:Work’s mental health talks, yoga sessions, hikes, and movie nights, all of which have helped her navigate personal and professional challenges while building friendships. “Co:Work has helped me see the bigger picture,” she reflects.
Today, Co:Work has established itself as a unique space in Nanyuki, blending productivity with community in a place where young professionals and creatives can truly flourish. It’s where meaningful connections are formed, where growth is nurtured, and where inclusivity fosters a genuine sense of belonging.
Whether you’re a remote worker, a passionate creative, or a traveler passing through, we hope you’ll stop by to see us at Co:Work in Nanyuki, located behind Dorman’s Coffee Shop.
At the time of publishing, Alex was promoted to Director of Education at The Leo Project. We are now looking for an equally as passionate individual to take over managing the Co:Work Space. You can apply here.
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