KENSOM Community Advancement Organization (KECAO) is a non-governmental and non-profit organization dedicated to providing relief and recovery programs in Kenya and Somalia. The organization’s primary focus is to make a positive impact in the lives of individuals and communities affected by various crises and disasters. KECAO is committed to alleviating suffering, promoting resilience, and supporting the long-term recovery of those in need. The organization believes that every individual deserves access to necessities, safety, and opportunities for a better future. KECAO recognizes the unique challenges faced by communities in Kenya and Somalia and works tirelessly to address their immediate needs while also fostering sustainable development.

The KENSOM Community Advancement Organization (KECAO) is a dynamic and impactful women-led organization committed to promoting sustainable development and empowering communities in Kenya and Somalia. With a strong focus on addressing the unique challenges faced by people of concern especially women, children, minority groups and people living with disability. KECAO takes an inclusive and gender-responsive approach to its programs and interventions.

Led by a team of dedicated and visionary women leaders, KECAO places women’s empowerment at the forefront of its mission. The organization recognizes the critical role that women play in driving social change and sustainable development within their communities. By harnessing their leadership, knowledge, and expertise, KECAO aims to create a more equitable and just society where people of concern including women have equal access to resources, opportunities, and decision-making processes.

KECAO’s women-led approach is reflected in all aspects of its work. From designing and implementing community development projects to advocating for policy changes, the organization ensures that women’s voices are heard and their rights are protected. Through innovative programs in areas such as CCCM, Wash, Protection, education, healthcare, economic empowerment, and gender equality, KECAO strives to break down barriers and create an enabling environment for women and girls to thrive.

Empowering women economically is a key pillar of KECAO’s work. The organization provides training, mentorship, and financial support to women entrepreneurs, enabling them to start and grow their own businesses. By enhancing women’s economic independence, KECAO aims to reduce poverty, enhance livelihoods, and promote sustainable economic development within the communities it serves.

In addition to its empowerment initiatives, KECAO also prioritizes education and healthcare for women and girls. The organization works tirelessly to improve access to quality education, ensuring that girls have equal opportunities to learn and develop their full potential. KECAO also advocates for women’s reproductive health and rights, providing essential healthcare services and promoting awareness on issues such as family planning, maternal health, and gender-based violence.

As a women-led organization, KECAO is committed to fostering an environment of gender equality and inclusivity within its own structures. The organization actively promotes women’s leadership and representation, both within its staff and across community decision-making bodies. By serving as a role model and catalyst for change, KECAO inspires and empowers women and girls to become agents of positive transformation in their own lives and communities.

Through its dedication to gender equality, empowerment, and community advancement, KECAO demonstrates the immense potential of women-led organizations in driving social change and building a more equitable and sustainable future.

Mission Statement:

Our mission is to provide comprehensive relief and recovery programs in Kenya and Somalia, dedicated to alleviating human suffering and promoting sustainable development in communities impacted by crises and disasters. We commit to delivering timely and effective assistance that respects and reflects the diverse cultural nuances of those we serve. Central to our approach is the empowerment of individuals and communities, enabling them to rebuild their lives with dignity and progress towards long-term resilience. We strive to create inclusive programs that specifically address the needs of the most vulnerable, including women, children, and people living with disability, ensuring their safety, well-being, and equitable access to resources and opportunities. Our efforts are guided by principles of compassion, transparency, and collaboration, as we work hand-in-hand with partners to foster self-sufficiency and sustainable growth in these resilient communities.

Vision Statement:

“We envision a future where empowered communities thrive in harmony, guided by the principles of equality, resilience, and self-reliance. Our aim is to be a leading non-governmental organization that not only provides aid to the vulnerable but also plays a pivotal role in community development. We are committed to ensuring that every individual, regardless of gender, has equal access to quality education, adequate food, secure shelter, and the necessary resources and opportunities to realize their full potential. We strive to create a society where women and girls are particularly empowered, recognized as agents of change, and free from gender-based discrimination and violence. Through our holistic approach, we aspire to cultivate communities where every person is valued, and their contributions are celebrated, leading to lasting positive transformation that uplifts entire communities.”

Core Values:

• Inclusivity: We strive to create spaces and programs that are inclusive, welcoming, and respectful of diverse identities, backgrounds, and perspectives.
• Accountability/Integrity: We are committed to transparency, integrity, and accountability in all aspects of our work.
• Humanity: We value the inherent worth and dignity of all individuals, regardless of their background, ethnicity, or circumstances, towards creating an inclusive and equitable society.
• Environmental Sustainability: We are committed to environmental sustainability, the protection of natural resources, mitigating climate change, and promoting sustainable development.
• Empowerment: We are dedicated to empowering individuals and communities to take control of their own lives and build a better future.
• Collaboration and Teamwork: We value collaboration and teamwork as essential components of our organizational culture, promoting a supportive and collaborative work environment.
• Independence: We maintain independence from any political, economic, or religious influence.
• Impartiality: We carry out our activities without bias or discrimination, guided by objective criteria, and prioritize the most vulnerable and marginalized populations, irrespective of their race, gender, age, political or social status.
• Neutrality: We maintain impartiality and refrain from taking sides in conflicts or political disputes. Our actions are guided solely by the principles of humanity.
• Safety and Security: We prioritize the safety and security of both the people we serve and our staff. We adhere to principles and protocols that minimize risks and protect the privacy of all individuals involved in our programs.