Flourishing and Resilient Communities- September 2024

September 2024 Newsletter

Dear Friends and Partners,

Greetings from the Kenya Community Development Foundation (KCDF).

As a community foundation, KCDF?exists to support communities and duty-bearers to address systemic barriers that sustain power imbalances, social injustice and poverty, hindering sustainable development.

Our work entails?promoting social justice and the sustainable development of our communities.

Under this mandate, we are excited to share with you highlights of our work for the past month, covered in different stories in this newsletter. In this edition, we introduce a new segment dubbed ‘Community Impact Diaries’, where we will be highlighting stories of change from our different community partners across the country.

We have an amazing story from Kisumu County, where our partner Step Up Together is driving a campaign toward the enactment of the Access to Information Policy in the County, by empowering over 60 youth groups in Kisumu East, Kisumu West, and Nyando wards, as well as enhancing civic engagement and public participation.

Further, in this month’s edition, we share with you an update on our latest efforts towards empowering young people with employability skills that will prepare them for the workplace.

In partnership with Isuzu East Africa, we oversaw the successful graduation of 283 students from Aquinas High School, as they transitioned from boyhood to manhood under the MenTenda mentorship programme.

We invite you to read on and get a comprehensive outlook on our work with our communities.

Thank you for your continuous support and cooperation.

I wish you a successful month ahead.

Grace Maingi,

Executive Director, KCDF.

GLOBAL LEADERS CONVERGE AT THE 13TH?BRAZIL PHILANTHROPY FORUM

On Wednesday 4th September, KCDF Executive Director Ms. Grace Maingi, attended the Brazilian Philanthropy Forum held in Sao Paulo, Brazil. Themed, ‘Interlaced Philanthropy’ this year’s event aimed to provide an exclusive space for the philanthropic community to gather, exchange experiences, and learn with peers, enriching strategic philanthropy.

The event which was the 13th edition, brought together over 5,000 participants from all over the world, including philanthropists, leaders, national and international experts.

KCDF’s Executive Director spoke in a panel on the force and strength of communities and the construction of a fair and sustainable future. Moderated by Paula Fabiani CEO of IDIS, the panel also included Claudia Soares Baré, Executive Director of the Podáali Fund and Julia Brindisi, the Head of Philanthropic Investments for the Americas at the Tony Blair Institute for Global Change.

In her remarks, Ms. Grace Maingi highlighted KCDF’s work on community philanthropy in Kenya, with a focus on sustainable development and social justice. She appreciated Kenya’s supportive legal structures anchored on the constitution which guarantees and protects people’s social rights.

The Brazilian Philanthropy Forum is a joint initiative of the Institute for the Development of Social Investment (IDIS) and the Global Philanthropy Forum (GPF).

OVER 200 CSOs MEET TO?EXPLORE INNOVATIVE STRATEGIES ON LOCAL RESOURCE MOBILISATION

On Monday, 9th September 2024, KCDF, in partnership with the Kenya Philanthropy Forum and the East Africa Philanthropy Network- EAPN,?hosted a conference in Kwale County themed, “Innovating Local Resource Mobilisation for Sustainability.”

The event brought together over 200 civil society organizations (CSOs) to explore strategies for mobilizing resources locally, raising funds independently, and effectively utilizing available resources for community development.

The conference showcased the importance of adopting local fundraising techniques, such as using digital applications and social media platforms to enhance community development efforts.

Speakers emphasized that with the increasing trend of donor withdrawal from the Global South, local fundraising is rapidly becoming a critical and sustainable approach for CSOs.

By leveraging digital tools and social media, organizations can tap into local networks, engage communities more effectively, and build a resilient funding base that reduces reliance on external donors.

KCDF was represented by Hellen Kuria, Programme Coordinator for Community Voices & Philanthropy, and Kennedy Odera, Programme Coordinator for Capacity Building and Systems Strengthening.

Speaking at the conference, both Ms. Hellen Kuria and Mr. Kennedy Odera, emphasized the need for CSOs to innovate and adapt to ensure financial sustainability. They also pointed out that philanthropy is not only on a monetary basis but can also be in-kind.

The conference successfully highlighted the urgent need for local resource mobilization as a sustainable solution for civil society organizations amid a shifting global funding landscape.

By embracing local fundraising techniques and digital tools, CSOs can build stronger, more resilient communities and ensure long-term impact and sustainability. As the landscape continues to change, adopting these innovative approaches will be crucial for the continued growth and effectiveness of community-driven development efforts.

KCDF UNDERGOES THE USAID ORGANISATIONAL CAPACITY ASSESSMENT

On 9th to 12th September 2024, KCDF held an Organizational Capacity Assessment (OCA) Workshop in Naivasha, supported by USAID Kenya. The workshop aimed at enhancing KCDF’s internal systems and operational efficiency.

Through a collaborative effort, participants assessed core areas such as governance and leadership, financial management, program management, monitoring and evaluation, grant management, and human resource management.

The primary goal was to identify strengths and gaps across these critical functions and implement measures to strengthen KCDF’s overall capacity to deliver impactful, sustainable programs.

Additionally, the workshop focused on key aspects such as advocacy and network building, localization, inclusion, and sustainability, ensuring that KCDF’s approach aligns with local needs while fostering long-term resilience.

This OCA is crucial for KCDF as it provides a structured pathway to improve internal processes and enhance accountability, transparency, and effectiveness.

By thoroughly evaluating its governance structures, financial controls, and program management practices, KCDF positions itself as a stronger, more sustainable organization.

The insights gained from the assessment will help KCDF optimize its operations, build donor confidence, and improve its ability to meet community needs through more impactful, well-managed programmes.

4TH ANNUAL CIVIC SPACE SUMMIT CALLS FOR MORE FREEDOM IN THE SECTOR

On the 18th & 19th September, KCDF participated in the 4th Annual Civic Space Protection Summit, held in Mombasa, Kenya. The summit brought together key stakeholders, including civil society organizations (CSOs), government representatives, human rights defenders, international partners and the media, to discuss the critical issues affecting civic space in Kenya.

Under the theme “Contestation of Civic Space in the Context of Constitutional Democracy in Kenya,” the summit focused on the increasing restrictions on civic freedoms, violations of democratic rights, and the role of civil society in defending these freedoms. Over the two days, participants critically examined the growing threats to civic space and proposed actionable strategies to address these challenges.

While making the opening remarks, Ms Grace Maingi, the KCDF Executive Director recognised the complex challenges the civil society sector is grappling with and called on the actors to work together in solidarity especially when partners are under attack.

Strengthened local ownership is one of the key pillars in promoting accountability and gaining solidarity support from communities and other organisations. ?

The Keynote speaker, Dr. Stephen Jackson, UN Resident Coordinator in Kenya, emphasized the vital role of civic organizations in promoting transparency, accountability, and inclusivity in Kenya. While acknowledging concerns about shrinking civic space, he urged a focus on the progress made, particularly in disaster response and peaceful elections.

He also highlighted the global recognition of Kenya’s civic achievements, the importance of women’s engagement in civic spaces, and the rise of Gen Z's leaderless movements using social media to advance democracy. He also addressed the fragility of the social contract between the government and its citizens calling for measures to address the growing strain between governments and their citizens in the 21st century.

The summit also focused on the legislative frameworks governing civil society, particularly the Public Benefit Organizations (PBO) Act of 2013 noting that the PBO Act was designed to provide a legal framework for public benefit organizations, ensuring transparency, accountability, and financial sustainability.

However, participants noted that the Act has not been fully implemented, leaving civil society organizations vulnerable to government interference and financial constraints. There is a need for a strong legal framework to support these efforts and foster accountability within the sector.

The participants called on the government to operationalise the PBO Act to ensure that CSOs can operate freely and effectively. Issues around tax compliance were also emphasised as a responsibility of the Civil society sector to avoid any clamping by the government.

You can read the full meeting report HERE.

37 STUDENTS EQUIPPED WITH YOUTH EMPLOYABILITY SKILLS

On the 14th and 15th of September 2024, KCDF held a Youth Employability Skills Training Program in Nairobi, bringing together 37 students from different counties across Kenya. The program is designed to provide comprehensive training, to beneficiaries of KCDF’s tertiary education scholarship program, on various career paths, equipping them with skills, knowledge, and motivation needed to make informed career choices and improve their employability.

This year’s training covered diverse career development topics, including financial literacy, mental health, visioning, CV development, networking through social media platforms, workplace ethics, and code of conduct. A significant focus of the training was not only to prepare students for the job market but also to help them navigate their career paths strategically.

This included guidance on how to identify suitable job opportunities and what to consider when selecting the right jobs. By exploring these crucial aspects, students were better equipped to align their career choices with their long-term personal and professional goals.

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The program also featured mentorship sessions led by career experts from different fields. These sessions aimed to prepare the students for the transition from university to the workforce, providing practical advice on how to adapt and succeed in various work environments. By sharing their experiences, the mentors offered valuable insights into the skills, attitudes, and networks required to thrive in the professional world.

The Youth Employability Skills Program is an important step toward bridging the gap between academic learning and the demands of the job market.

By offering students exposure to various career paths, practical training, and expert mentorship, the KCDF program is setting young people on a path to making informed career choices and becoming employable, adaptable professionals.

Initiatives like these are vital in empowering the youth and building a skilled workforce ready to contribute positively to Kenya's future.

?THE 2024 GIVING FOR CHANGE ANNUAL MEETING HELD IN KAMPALA

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The 2024 Giving for Change (GfC) Alliance annual learning and reflection meeting was hosted by the Uganda National NGO Forum, in Kampala Uganda. The event centered around the theme: “Connecting, Supporting, and Influencing Community Philanthropy in a Context of Shrinking Civic Space.

The main objective of the meeting was to provide a space for GfC members and partners to take stock of progress made over the past three years, reflect on challenges, and collectively strategize for the remaining period of the programme for community development. In attendance were GFC members from Kenya, Ghana, Uganda, Mozambique, Ethiopia, Burkina Faso, Brazil, and Palestine.

Participants had the unique opportunity to visit one or more partner organizations implementing innovative approaches, gaining valuable insights into effective community engagement strategies. During these visits, KCDF representatives engaged with the Open Space Center, Watoto Wasoka, and AVSI Foundation, each showcasing their unique methods to empower communities.

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Key topics of discussion throughout the event included:

• Enhancing partnership and support among member countries to foster growth and development emphasizing the importance of having a network to influence change.
• The significance of remodeling GFC’s advocacy efforts and re-strategizing it to mirror the progress of development globally.
• Ways of establishing sustainable advocacy for GFC programmes.
• Increasing the visibility of GFC programmes, communication media used and the messaging to strategically place GFC as an agent of change and development

Overall, the Giving for Change Annual Event underscored GFC's commitment to continuous learning and capacity building.

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By engaging with partners and sharing best practices, GFC aimed to strengthen its ability to serve communities more effectively, ensuring that its programs are responsive to the needs of those they support.

This collaborative approach not only enriches the KCDF’s work but also fosters a vibrant ecosystem of learning and development across the sector.

Read the full Annual report HERE.

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COMMUNITY IMPACT DIARIES

?Access to Information Policy Enactment in Kisumu County

A Step Up Together Initiative

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Step Up Together (SUTO), established in 2019, focuses on addressing inequalities in Kisumu County through good governance, public policy, gender mainstreaming, and economic empowerment.

In 2023, the organization partnered with KCDF to implement the Access to Information Policy Development Project, aimed at improving citizen engagement in governance.

SUTO’s efforts revealed that the Access to Information Act of 2014 had never been enacted. To address this, the organization collaborated with the County Assembly, County Attorney, and other stakeholders to draft a new Access to Information Policy and Bill.

With KCDF’s support, SUTO developed a zero-draft and conducted multi-stakeholder meetings to refine the documents. As of 2024, the policy is ready for public participation and available on the county website.

SUTO’s work has empowered over 60 youth groups in Kisumu East, Kisumu West, and Nyando, enhancing civic engagement and public participation. Despite challenges, particularly the reliance on donor funding, SUTO has leveraged partnerships with various stakeholders to sustain the project, thanks to KCDF’s Mobilising Support training.

Read the full story HERE. ?

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VIDEO OF THE MONTH

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In our efforts towards building sustainable community foundations in Kenya, we have partnered with Ndithini Community Development Association from Machakos County to support them to become a strong community foundation.

These efforts have united more community members to address critical issues like food, water, and financial security, ultimately driving holistic community growth and development.

Watch the full video HERE.

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