Nairobi: World Vision Kenya (WVK) has made a significant impact on over 2 million lives, with continued efforts under its 2021-2025 Strategy. The organization focuses on key areas such as livelihoods and resilience, health and nutrition, education, and child protection to foster sustainable development and resilience within Kenyan communities.
According to Kenya News Agency, the World Vision Programme initially began as a relief effort during a severe drought, aiding around 10,000 individuals through food distribution, water provision, healthcare, and child sponsorship programs. These efforts have since evolved to include agricultural training to enhance food security. Since 2010, WVK has aligned its advocacy efforts with Kenya’s Vision 2030 and the Sustainable Development Goals.
The organization’s initiatives, including the Kenya Big Dream program, have reached over 1.4 million people, notably reducing female genital mutilation (FGM) cases by 50 percent and increasing school retention rates for girls by 30
percent. Currently active in 37 of Kenya’s 47 counties, WVK serves over 2 million direct beneficiaries annually.
During the commemoration of WVK’s 50th anniversary in Nairobi, Dr. Alfred Mutua, Cabinet Secretary for Labour and Social Protection, emphasized World Vision’s role as a major humanitarian force in Kenya through partnerships with the government. He highlighted their collaborative efforts in addressing challenges such as droughts and disasters, strengthening resilience for the future.
Dr. Mutua acknowledged WVK’s contributions, including providing educational support to over a million children, ensuring access to clean water for over 2 million people, and advocating for child rights through community-led initiatives. The CS also noted that World Vision has trained 5,000 county government staff, empowering communities through partnership and a shared vision.
In his remarks, Dr. Mutua stressed the importance of community involvement in personal programs that protect children and urged the end of cul
tural practices like child mutilation. He affirmed the ongoing partnership between the government and World Vision, which has played a significant role in various child protection initiatives.
Dr. David Githanga, World Vision Kenya Board Chair, spoke about WVK’s growth beyond numbers, emphasizing the long-term impact and evolving wisdom of their initiatives. He highlighted the strategic boreholes that have become lifelines for communities and reiterated the organization’s commitment to building sustainable systems through innovation and partnerships.
World Vision East Africa Regional Leader Lilian Dodzo marked the anniversary as a celebration of hope and transformation. She acknowledged the collective efforts that have uplifted communities and ensured children’s access to quality education, health, and nutrition. Dodzo also announced a significant budget commitment aimed at ending child hunger and malnutrition globally.
With a focus on innovation, resilience, and sustainability, World Vision continues to a
dvocate for children’s rights, aiming for a future where they can reach their full potential. Dodzo urged a renewed commitment to World Vision’s mission to build a brighter future across Kenya and beyond.