Flourishing and Resilient Communities

March 2024?Newsletter

Dear Friends and Partners, Warm greetings from the Kenya Community Development Foundation (KCDF). We are delighted to share with you our March newsletter, which provides us with an opportunity to give you an update?of our work with communities. In this edition, we share?impact stories, initiatives, and partnerships that reflect our vision of flourishing and resilient communities. To begin, we extend our?heartfelt gratitude to all our golfing partners who generously contributed in cash and kind to support the 12th Community Open Golf Tournament. Thank you for investing in communities through local giving. Your contribution will go a long way in supporting the development projects of these communities. We are also delighted to share news of a significant donation from the Chandaria Foundation, which has generously contributed Kshs. 3.2 Million towards our secondary school scholarship fund. In this edition, you will also read about?the impact of our work in education, environmental conservation, community empowerment and governance. Lastly, we will feature one of our dedicated trustees, Ms. Atia Yahya, who has been instrumental in shaping KCDF over the past two decades. Her passion for investing in communities has played a key role in our success. ? We remain grateful for your continued support. Enjoy the read. ? Grace Maingi Executive Director.

THANK YOU FOR SUPPORTING? KCDF'S 12TH COMMUNITY OPEN GOLF TOURNAMENT?

On the 22nd of March 2024, the KCDF held its 12th Community Open Golf Tournament, which was a vibrant and successful event, whose objective?was to raise funds to support five community projects costing a total of Kes. 5 Million under the KCDF a shilling-for-shilling model. Under this model,?communities contribute 50% of the funds, and KCDF, with assistance from partners, matches the remaining 50%. Over 150 golfers participated in the tournament, joining hands with KCDF to help uplift the communities. We extend our?heartfelt gratitude to all our?golfing partners who generously contributed in cash and kind to support the tournament. Thank you for investing in communities through local giving. Your contribution will go a long way in supporting the development projects of these communities. Have a look at the highlights of the event HERE. To further engage with us, please reach out to Mary Mwangi via?+254 768 125 456?or email?[email protected]?

CHANDARIA FOUNDATION DONATES KSHS. 3.2 MILLION TO KCDF FOR SECONDARY SCHOOL SCHOLARSHIPS?

KCDF extends gratitude to the Chandaria Foundation for their generous donation of Ksh. 3.2 million that will enable 110 students to access secondary school education. ? For 18 years, the Chandaria Foundation, in partnership with KCDF, has been aiding underprivileged children through the Chandaria Foundation Education Scholarship. This initiative offers partial education grants, supporting students from Form One to Form Four, fostering hope and creating opportunities. Have a read on testimonials of some of the scholars who have been supported by the Chandaria Foundation here.??

Pictured at the Front row (L-R) are Ms. Purity Murugu, Head of Partnerships and Resource Development-KCDF, Mrs. Priti Shah, Trustee-Chandaria Foundation, Mrs. Aruna Chandaria, Trustee-Chandaria Foundation, Dr. Manu Chandaria, Trustee-Chandaria Foundation and Mr. Caesar Ngule - Programmes Director- KCDF ? Back row (L-R) Mr. Kaushik Shah, Trustee-Chandaria Foundation, Ms. Ayushi Chandaria- Granddaughter to Dr. Chandaria, Mr. Kirit Shah, a supporter of the Chandaria Foundation and Mr. Eric Kamau- Senior Accountant, Chandaria Foundation.

USAID UBORA MASHINANI PROGRAM ENGAGES COUNTY STAKEHOLDERS IN NAKURU ?

Stakeholders from Nakuru County Government, LDO Nakuru Endelevu Trust Initiative and USAID partners during the two-day workshop

On the 26th and 27th of March 2024, the USAID Ubora Mashinani Program, implemented by KCDF organized a two-day workshop in Nakuru, Kenya, to introduce the Program to county stakeholders, explore evidence-based collaboration for programming improvement, and establish ownership and sustainability of the County’s Local Development Organization (LDO). The Program, generously funded by the American People through?USAID, seeks to provide capacity building support to LDOs in 11 counties. The goal is to strengthen citizen voice, participation, and oversight in service delivery, budgeting, and planning in the health, environment, water, and agriculture sectors. The workshop had active participation from various stakeholders, including the Nakuru County Government team, led by the County Executive Committee (CEC) Member for Public Service, Hon. Jackline Osoro; representatives from the LDO Nakuru Endelevu Trust Initiative (NETI) Board of Trustees and members from all eleven sub-counties; and USAID implementing partners. During the event, Hon. Jackline Osoro spoke on behalf of the Nakuru County Government. She emphasized the importance of building new partnerships with stakeholders to influence county development. Her insights highlighted the shared commitment to strengthening meaningful citizen engagement within the USAID Ubora Mashinani Program counties. Irene Gathinji, the Chief of Party for the USAID Ubora Mashinani Program, on the other hand, emphasized the need for strong citizen voice, participation, and oversight in service delivery. She further highlighted the critical role of NETI in strengthening citizen voice and promoting community-led, -owned, and -managed development in Nakuru County. ? The USAID Ubora Mashinani Program Team has planned similar County Entry and?Co-creation meetings in the other 10 counties they are working with.

The Nakuru County Executive Committee (CEC) Member for Public Service, Hon. Jackline Osoro engaging stakeholders during the workshop

Irene Gathinji, the Chief of Party for the USAID Ubora Mashinani Program

KCDF AND THE EAST AFRICA PHILANTHROPY NETWORK CONVENE THE KENYA PHILANTHROPY FORUM IN MAKUENI COUNTY?

Over 200 participants from various Civil Society Organizations attending the Kenya Philanthropy Forum

On March 21st, KCDF and the East Africa Philanthropy Network collaborated to hold the Kenya Philanthropy Forum in Makueni County. The theme of the forum was "Community Narratives: A Tool for Empowerment and Building Influence". Over 200 participants from various Civil Society Organisations attended the forum. The Deputy Governor of Makueni H.E Lucy Mulili and the Makueni Deputy County Commissioner Annabelle Gitonga were present during the forum. Here are the key insights gleaned from the discussions: Community Voices Matter: It's not just about giving money; we need to let communities lead the conversation to make development efforts effective. Listen and Engage Deeply: We should understand community stories deeply to design programs that truly meet their needs and aspirations. Empower Through Storytelling: Communities should have the tools to share their own stories, empowering them to drive their own development. Support Local Leaders: Recognize and nurture emerging leaders within communities as key voices in their own development. Linking Local Stories to Sustainalbe Development Goals (SDGs):?Community stories are crucial in making SDGs? relevant and achievable at the local level. Include Narratives in Planning: Authentic community stories should guide how we plan and implement development strategies. Advocacy Grounded in Experience: Policy decisions should be informed by the real experiences of communities, using their stories as evidence. Continued Engagement is Key: We must stay committed to integrating community narratives into philanthropic efforts over time. Cultural Heritage is Valuable: Communities' cultural heritage can strengthen identity and cohesion, adding richness to development discussions. Use Stories for Policy Impact: Advocacy efforts should be based on real stories to make policies more effective and impactful.

To become a member of the Kenya Philanthropy Forum, please sign up HERE.

The Deputy Governor of Makueni H.E Lucy Mulili making her remarks

The Makueni Deputy County Commissioner (DCC) Annabelle Gitonga making her remarks

The CEO of the East Africa Philanthropy Network, Evans Okinyi making his remarks

Hellen Kuria, the Programme Coordinator - Community Voices and?Philanthropy at KCDF making her remarks

KCDF?PARTICIPATES IN THE 2024 DIRECTORS MEET FOR THE CHANGE THE GAME ACADEMY IN NEPAL?

Participants from 19 organizations representing 18 countries during the Directors Meet for Change the Game Academy

From March 4th to 7th, KCDF, represented by the Executive Director, Grace Maingi, and the Team Leader for Livelihoods, Environment, and Natural Resources Management, Emilly Omudho, participated in the 2024 Directors Meet for the Change the Game Academy in Dhulikhel, Nepal. Hosted by the Nepal Center for Integrated Development (NCID), the meeting convened 50 participants from 19 organizations representing 18 countries across Asia, Africa, South America, and Europe. The meeting aimed to facilitate learning and knowledge exchange among organizations to strengthen the alliance's structures. Insights gained from the meeting will be leveraged to support more civil society organizations in raising funds locally and mobilizing support for their development work, thus addressing their needs more effectively. Please read the meeting's newsletter here? To learn more about the Change the Game Academy, please CLICK HERE.

163 MENTEES FROM OUR LADY OF MERCY SECONDARY SCHOOL GRADUATE FROM KCDF'S INSPIRE HER GIRL'S MENTORSHIP PROGRAM IN PARTNERSHIP WITH CUMMINS CAR AND GENERAL?

KCDF?implements the “Inspire Her” Girls Mentorship Program targeting high school students. The program seeks to empower young girls holistically and unlock their potential of being great leaders in their areas of influence while displaying confidence, responsibility and a renewed sense of giving back.??

In June 2023, KCDF together with its corporate partner Cummins Car and General launched the Inspire Her Girls Mentorship Program at Our Lady of Mercy Girls Secondary School. For a period of ten months, 20 Cummins Car and General female staff gave of their time to mentor 163 girls of the Form Three class on topics ranging from self-awareness, self Confidence and self-esteem, values, visioning, sexual reproductive health, drugs and substance abuse and relationships among other key topics young adults face?on a day to day.???

All 163 mentees successfully completed the "Inspire Her" Girls Mentorship Program and graduated.

Have a look at the highlights of the "Inspire Her" Girls Mentorship Program HERE.

KCDF expresses its appreciation to its partners, Cummins Car and General and Our Lady of Mercy Secondary School, for their continued support in the mentorship program.

228 MENTEES FROM OFAFA JERICHO HIGH SCHOOL GRADUATE FROM KCDF'S BOY CHILD MENTORSHIP PROGRAM, MENTENDA IN PARTNERSHIP WITH CUMMINS CAR AND GENERAL?

KCDF implements?the MENTENDA mentorship initiative, which targets boys aged 14-25 years to nurture them into confident and responsible men. The program is highly interactive and practical, with the aim of seeing young men become leaders in their areas of influence while displaying confidence, responsibility, and a renewed sense of giving back. In July 2023, KCDF in partnership with Cummins Car and General launched the program at Ofafa Jericho High School, where 8 Cummins Car and General male staff offered their time to mentor 228 boys of the form three class on various topics such as responsible sexuality, career development, and conflict resolution. The program took nine months. All 228 mentees successfully completed the MENTENDA program and graduated. KCDF expresses its appreciation to its partners, Cummins Car and General and Ofafa Jericho High School for their continued support in the mentorship program.

TREE PLANTING INITIATIVE BY LEARNERS IN KILIFI OFFERS LIFELINE TO THREATENED COASTAL FOREST?

A few Kilometers from the sandy beaches along the Kenyan North Coast, lies Arabuko Sokoke Forest Reserve, home to plants, birds and animals not found anywhere else and a haven for some of the endangered species globally. The forest which is the largest remaining fragment of the East African Coastal Forest is classified as an important area in bird conservation having at least six globally threatened species. Arabuko Sokoke is surrounded by communities in coastal towns of Watamu and Malindi in Kilifi County many of whom use the forest resources for fuel and food. The forest has faced degradation due to logging and charcoal burning by surrounding communities.

The Arabuko Sokoke Forest Reserve in Kilifi County

This could change, as a local project has been working to shift community mindsets on environmental conservation and reduce demand for firewood and charcoal by providing locals with an alternative source of fuel. For the past three years, A Rocha Kenya, a Christian Conservation Organisation based in Watamu has been involving communities and children in schools in planting trees to restore the forest and its surroundings.? Through a three-year project supported by the Kenya Community Development Foundation (KCDF) with funding from the I&M Foundation, A Rocha Kenya has been conducting environmental awareness in schools with a view of arousing children`s and young people`s interest in caring for the environment. Before the project, A Rocha Kenya had been working with children in schools through one of its flagship projects dubbed Arabuko Sokoke Schools and Ecotourism Schemes (ASSETS).? Read the full story of change here

Colin Jackson, Founder and Director, A Rocha Kenya

Mida Primary School parents tend to the tree nursery in the school.

Viola Karisa, a conservation champion at Mida Primary School next to a tree she planted in their school.

Quick Figures

• Ksh. 13,015,920?total project size.
• Ksh. 9,171,120 contributed by I&M Foundation and KCDF.
• Ksh. 3,844,800 in-kind contribution by A Rocha Kenya.
• 107,706 trees were planted during the three-year project period with a 68% survival rate.
• 58 schools were reached with environmental awareness sessions.

KCDF TRUSTEE OF THE MONTH?

Focus on Ms. Atia Yahya, KCDF’s Trustee

Introduction ?

Atia Yahya is a retired professional with a wealth of experience from various senior positions at AON Minet Insurance Brokers, APA Insurance, and GA Insurance Limited. She has vast management experience in the insurance industry, which has cultivated diverse contacts and networks throughout her career. As such, Atia has been instrumental in setting up health insurance divisions for AON Minet, APA Insurance, and GA Insurance Limited. She is a qualified Associate of the Australian Insurance Institute in General Insurance with a specialization in Marine/Aviation classes. Currently, Atia is actively engaged in community work and also holds a membership in the Rotary Club of Nairobi. Within the clubs, she has spearheaded numerous projects and has also held various senior positions, such as Vice President during the 2005–2006 term. Atia is dedicated to various philanthropic initiatives, further demonstrating her commitment to giving back to society. Atia’s involvement at KCDF Atia Yahya's involvement with KCDF spans over two decades. She began her service in 1998 within the KCDF Management Committee, subsequently transitioning to the KCDF Board as a director in 2001. ?She later assumed the role of KCDF Board Chair from 2008 to 2015. Additionally, Atia served as a director of KCDF Investment Holdings (KCDF-IH) in 2012 and was eventually appointed chair in 2020, a position she has held to date. ?Furthermore, she has served as a trustee of the KCDF Trust since 2003 and as a director of ADAPO, the investment arm of KCDF, since 2020. How did you join KCDF? I was personally recruited by Yusuf Keshavjee during the inception of KCDF, when it operated as a project under the Aga Khan Foundation and Ford Foundation. Yusuf, who was largely involved in the project, approached me with a job offer. Despite already being employed elsewhere, he insisted that I take on this additional role, emphasizing its flexibility. He left me with no choice in the matter. At my first meeting, I encountered notable figures such as Monica Mutuku, Elkanah Odembo, and representatives from the Ford Foundation and Aga Khan Foundation. As I listened in on the discussions, I quickly grasped the parallels between the concept of forming an endowment fund and the principles of insurance, a field I was well-versed in. I recognized that an endowment fund functions akin to insurance—an investment pool that grows and pays out claims—and I immediately saw its potential as a long-term solution. After many deliberations, the Ford Foundation advocated for the formation of an endowment fund, despite the challenges posed by the unfamiliarity of establishing it in Kenya at that time. Both the Ford Foundation and Aga Khan Foundation demonstrated remarkable patience as we navigated the complexities of setting up the KCDF endowment fund and educating communities about its purpose. Over time, some communities embraced this innovative model, enabling organizations like Starehe Girls Center, South Imenti Development Foundation, Hope Trust, Genesis Community Development Assistance, and Othaya Community Development Association to establish funds that cater to the perpetual needs of their communities. ? Reflecting on the years you have served at KCDF, how does it feel? Honestly, I feel like I have been at KCDF for what seems like ages now (she chuckles). Recently, during our board review, we had a really interesting conversation where most of us agreed that we’ve been around the block for quite some time, and it’s about time we start pondering on passing the baton to fresh faces.? See, this opportunity to serve as a board member is all about volunteering, and finding young people to take it up is no easy feat. So, I did some research, checking out the profiles of board members from different non-profits globally, and I found out that the trend is that those managing many trusts and foundations tend to be retirees. I feel like we need to find people who are passionate about taking over the leadership of the foundation / trust. Nevertheless, I am very proud of what we have been able to achieve in the long run. ? What would you say has been your motivation for serving at KCDF? I do not feel comfortable referring to KCDF’s work as philanthropy or charity. I am more comfortable with the idea of investing in people and communities. My perception of it is tantamount to a business, where you have money that you invest in; sometimes you win, other times you lose. Over the years, I have been highly interested in KCDF’s initiatives within its education thematic area, which receives a significant portion of the organization’s funding, as this focus deeply aligns with my passion. ? What has been the most outstanding initiative that KCDF has achieved over that time? KCDF funders have always trusted the board and its management. However, concerns arose about the sustainability of funds in our absence. To address this, we quickly decided to form a trust that would provide checks and balances. In 2004, the KCDF Trust was created to be the custodian of the Foundation’s properties and funds. The Trust’s primary objective was to ensure responsible management and growth of resources for the benefit of the Kenyan communities that KCDF serves. The Foundation would implement the projects, and the Trust would take care of the funds. This worked well, as having trustees made people feel safer about the organization. The formation of the trust brought with it checks and balances, integrity, and public accountability. While foundations in other areas may not require these measures, they were necessary in our Kenyan setup. As a trustee, my role is to take care of the funds and ensure that there is no misuse while also ensuring prudent investment. Through the years, the majority of the funds have been allocated to scholarships, capacity building, accountable governance, economic empowerment, environmental sustainability, climate change adaptation, youth development, early childhood education, and food security. ? What are some of the challenges you have faced while serving communities? One of the primary challenges for KCDF is fundraising and securing funding for endowment funds. While Kenyans are known for their generosity, their giving is often limited to familiar individuals or causes. Kenyans are yet to embrace local giving towards institutions other than religious ones. This makes it more challenging to secure donations for other causes beyond our existing and familiar networks. Therefore, KCDF needs to establish widespread recognition, communicate our mission, and showcase our achievements to the local communities. Initially, we aimed to follow an 80/20 funding model, where 80% of our funding would come from local sources and 20% from foreign ones. However, we experimented with various ratios through the years, including 50/50 and 40/60. Our ultimate goal remains to achieve the 80/20 ratio, which would signify a significant milestone in funding our projects without heavy reliance on foreign aid. This achievement would empower us to initiate our own programs, demonstrating self-sufficiency and attracting financial support organically. In my vision, reaching the 80/20 ratio will mark a pivotal moment of success in our journey. To increase our capacity for sustainability in social development initiatives at KCDF, I was a part of the team that established KCDF Investment Holdings. Our goal was to reduce our dependence on donor funding and sustain our programs. To achieve this, KCDF collaborated with Kagiso Trust, a well-known South African development agency that has been self-sustaining for a long time now. KCDF owned a 60% stake in the venture, while Kagiso Trust held the remaining 40%. Our vision for KCDF Investment Holdings was to follow the Kagiso Trust's model of investing in the private sector and income-generating activities to generate funds and dividends for our programs. With the establishment of KCDF Investment Holdings, we carefully considered the sectors to explore before investing in real estate and hospitality. Additionally, we established ADAPO, a company serving as the investment arm of KCDF, fully owned by the KCDF Trust, with the same goal of achieving self-sustainability. Through these initiatives, we strive to ensure the long-term viability of our social development efforts and lessen our reliance on external funding sources. ? What advice would you give to individuals and organisations looking to get involved in community development work? In the initial stages of developing KCDF, we faced the significant challenge of bringing communities together to brainstorm their own developmental solutions. We discovered that project ownership by the community members was the solution that we needed to enhance the project survival rate. From our experience, to ensure the success of a development project, it is best to engage women first, who could then persuade their husbands to buy in. However, it is worth noting that times have changed, and now everyone is more receptive and willing to listen. ?Another valuable insight I would give is to encourage communities to form their own endowment funds to increase independence and nurture sustainability. Thank you and I wish to extend my best wishes to KCDF as we continue investing in the betterment of our communities. ?