Non-governmental organizations are an integral part of Kenya. As these NGOs work hard to make Kenyans’ lives better, they also work hard to address a wide range of concerns, including but not limited to poverty alleviation, healthcare, protecting children, human rights, and environmental protection. These NGOs sometimes collaborate with governments, other non-governmental organizations, and private organizations to achieve their aim. In a country like Kenya where poverty, drought, and basic amenities are prevalent in certain parts of the country, non-governmental organizations (NGOs) play an essential part in providing and assisting different communities and also providing them with long-term solutions. Below is a list of the top ten international non-governmental organizations (NGOs) in Kenya. Most of these NGOs rely on grants from private individuals, firms, businesses, and the government to carry out their work and achieve their goals.
1. Amref Health Africa
Regarding health development, Amref Health Africa is one of the most extensive organizations with established healthcare centers across Africa. In Kenya, one of its goals is to provide healthcare to communities with limited access.
The scope of their initiatives includes water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH), as well as maternal health, sexual and reproductive health, and other related areas. Amref also empowers local health workers through its Amref community health initiative by training local healthcare workers and ensuring that health services are available in areas with limited access. To learn more about Amref Health’s focuses and initiatives, you can visit their website: https://amref.org/
2. World Vision International
World Vision International is a Christian humanitarian organization with the goal of enhancing and improving the well-being of children around the world. In Kenya, they ensure that children have access to clean water, education, food, and security, and they also provide protection for children in vulnerable situations. World Vision International has an initiative that focuses on long-term community development, which ensures that families can break their cycle of poverty. Also, it has impacted the lives of children across Kenya with its child sponsorship programs and development initiatives.
3. Oxfam International
Oxfam is an INGO with a significant presence in Kenya; it is a development, humanitarian, and campaigning organization that focuses on poverty reduction and human rights advocacy. Oxfam is an international confederation of 19 Oxfam organizations working together in 90 different countries across the world. In Kenya, Oxfam works with communities that have been affected by drought and food security, providing emergency food aid, and promoting sustainable farming practices. They also advocate for gender equality and are committed to fighting inequality. To learn more about Oxfam’s focuses and initiatives, you can visit their website: https://kenya.oxfam.org/
4. Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF)/Doctors Without Borders
MSF, popularly known as Doctors without Borders, is an organization that provides medical assistance to people affected by conflicts, disasters, and epidemics. In Kenya, they provide emergency medical assistance in vulnerable rural regions, including urban slums and refugee camps. The organization has been providing free medical care in areas such as Dadaad and Kakuma for over 30 years, as well as during health crises such as cholera outbreaks. The organization offers various health services ranging from maternal health care to mental health support. Their intervention during health crises has helped to save a lot of lives in Kenya and provide essential health services to communities that lack access. To learn more about Doctors Without Borders focuses and initiatives, you can visit their website: https://www.msf.org/kenya
5. Save the Children
Save the Children is a world-renowned leader when it comes to advocating for children’s rights. In Kenya, the organization ensures that children have access to education, healthcare, and also protection from abuse by working to make sure they have these opportunities. In times of crises, like droughts, floods, and conflicts, they also provide humanitarian aid, making certain that children and their families receive the help they require. The emergency interventions and child protection initiatives run by Save the Children have given disadvantaged kids a fighting chance for a brighter future. To learn more about Save the Children’s focuses and initiatives, you can visit their website: https://kenya.savethechildren.net
6. CARE International
CARE International is a global organization that works in over 100 countries and focuses on women’s rights, economic empowerment, and food security. In Kenya, the organization helps rural women improve their livelihoods by providing agricultural training, leadership development, and microfinance initiatives. CARE International also focuses on environmental protection, which helps communities adapt to new environmental realities.
7. International Rescue Committee (IRC)
The International Rescue Committee is an organization that focuses on reestablishing displaced people by helping them rebuild their lives. In Kenya, the International Rescue Committee provides education, healthcare, and livelihood training for refugee camps, such as Kakuma and Dadaab. They also support host communities living close to refugee camps. Over 230,000 refugees in Kenya have benefited from the health and education initiatives run by the International Rescue Committee (IRC), which have given them hope and opened doors to new prospects. To learn more about the International Rescue Committee’s focuses and initiatives, you can visit their website: https://www.rescue.org/country/kenya
8. Plan International
Plan International is a well-known humanitarian and development organization that works in over 75 countries. It focuses on promoting gender equality and protecting the rights of children. In Kenya, the organization is known for advocating for girls’ education and the elimination of harmful traditions like child marriage and female genital mutilation (FGM). Plan International also provides sexual and reproductive health services to Kenya’s young people. Plan International has enabled hundreds of young women in Kenya to continue their education, avoid getting married at a young age, and have access to better chances in life through its impactful programs. To learn more about Plan International’s focuses and initiatives, you can visit their website: https://plan-international.org/kenya/
9. ActionAid International
ActionAid is an international NGO. with a focus on combating poverty and promoting social justice. In Kenya, ActionAid empowers women and marginalized communities to assert their rights and gain access to assistance from the government. The work of the group includes pushing for economic justice, creating opportunities for women to take leadership roles, and expanding access to educational opportunities. To learn more about ActionAid’s focuses and initiatives, you can visit their website: https://actionaid-kenya.org/
10. Red Cross Society (International Committee of the Red Cross)
The Red Cross Society is the world’s largest humanitarian and development network. With more than 191 national Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies working around the world to save lives, the Red Cross plays a crucial role in Kenya. During times of crises such as floods, droughts, and conflicts, the contributions of the Red Cross to the provision of emergency response and disaster relief are exceptionally important. Additionally, in collaboration with the government of Kenya, the group focuses on programs that provide long-term healthcare and disaster preparedness initiatives in collaboration with the Kenyan government. To learn more about The Kenya Red Cross Society’s focuses and initiatives, you can visit their website: https://www.redcross.or.ke/aboutus
Importance of Non-Governmental Organizations in Kenya
International NGOs play a crucial role in Kenya, especially in communities without access to healthcare facilities. They provide immediate relief and long-term development solutions, empowering communities and individuals. These organizations tackle Kenya’s most pressing issues, including health, education, economic development, and humanitarian aid. They partner with local governments and stakeholders to ensure sustainable programs. By contributing to their efforts, they transform communities and build a brighter future for all Kenyans.
