Kenya

CISP has been working in Kenya since 1997 through direct interventions. Over the last 25 years, it has progressively expanded its presence, operating across 12 counties in both urban and rural contexts. The organization has implemented programs in child protection, prevention and response to Gender-Based Violence (GBV), food security, climate resilience, Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR), governance, youth empowerment, cultural and creative industries, and the strengthening of education and higher education systems. 

Approach

CISP in Kenya adopts participatory and sustainability-oriented approaches, promoting community engagement, local capacity building, and the development of contextualized and inclusive interventions. 

Climate resilience and risk management approach

In ASAL areas (Arid and Semi-Arid Lands), CISP implements programs that combine sustainable agriculture, nutrition, WASH, livelihoods, Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR), and peacebuilding to strengthen the resilience of pastoral and agro-pastoral communities to the effects of drought, climate change, and recurrent shocks. The organization promotes early warning systems, climate adaptation, and innovative solutions to strengthen food security and community response capacity to climate crises. Developed initiatives include strengthening local meteorological data collection systems and improving drought index-based livestock insurance systems by integrating satellite data, local data, and participatory processes. 

Survivor-centred and community-based approach to protection

CISP works with institutions, local organizations, and communities to strengthen protection systems for children and vulnerable people and to prevent violence, abuse, and discrimination. The organization implements programs to prevent and respond to Gender-Based Violence (GBV), promoting survivor-centred approaches, psychosocial support, service strengthening, and referral systems. Particular attention is dedicated to the quality of services, case management for survivors of violence, and capacity building for local actors and territorial protection systems. 

Approach based on social norms change and community participation

CISP promotes the change of discriminatory social norms through community dialogues and the engagement of local leaders, youth, women, schools, and institutions, using participatory approaches designed to foster more equitable, protective, and inclusive behaviors. The organization also carries out Social and Behaviour Change Communication (SBCC) activities and training on Social Norms Change Programming and Measurement, supporting practitioners, organizations, and institutions in developing evidence-based approaches to understand, program, and measure social norms change. Among the approaches used is the Communities Care Approach, applied in communities, schools, and with youth to strengthen safer, more inclusive, and social-change-oriented protection systems. 

Participatory approach based on art, culture, and empowerment

CISP uses participatory artistic methodologies to foster social transformation, inclusion, empowerment, and psychosocial well-being. Through Arts for Social Change approaches, the organization works with communities, youth, women, and vulnerable groups to promote dialogue, community participation, and critical reflection. CISP integrates artistic and participatory tools—including Body Mapping, PhotoVoice, storytelling, participatory theater, and other expressive practices—with community facilitation processes and communication for social and behavioralchange. 

Approach to skills development and educational systems strengthening

Interventions aim to promote employability, innovation, and economic inclusion, with a specific focus on youth and women. The organization supports training pathways, orientation, technical and vocational skills development, and linkage with employment and entrepreneurial opportunities, including within the cultural and creative industries sector. In this field, CISP promotes cultural and creative industries as opportunities for economic inclusion, cultural expression, and youth empowerment, strengthening the technical, entrepreneurial, and professional skills of young artists and creative sector operators, and fostering access to professional opportunities, networking, and job placement. 

Key additional information

• Community-Based Observers Network (CBON): Strengthening local meteorological data collection through early warning systems and access to climate information in pastoral and agro-pastoral areas. Through the direct involvement of communities in data collection and use, CISP contributes to improving local capacity to prevent and cope with climate shocks. 
• Index-Based Livestock Insurance (IBLI): Supporting the improvement of livestock insurance systems through the integration of satellite data, locally collected data, and participatory processes with communities, research, and the insurance sector. The goal is to make climate risk management tools more accurate, inclusive, and responsive to the needs of pastoral populations. 
• Adaptation of the Communities Care Approach: For the prevention of gender-based violence and the transformation of discriminatory social norms. CISP applies it in communities, schools, and with youth to strengthen safer, more inclusive, and social-change-oriented protection systems. 
• Training on Social Norms Change Programming and Measurement: Supporting practitioners and institutions in developing evidence-based approaches for social norms change.