By Aoma Keziah,
World Vision Kenya (WVK) marked its 50th anniversary, celebrating five decades of dedication to improving the lives of children, families, and communities across Kenya. Since its inception in 1974, WVK has grown from a modest relief effort to one of Kenya’s largest child-focused humanitarian organizations, transforming lives through health, education, water, sanitation, and sustainable development initiatives.
World Vision Kenya began its work in Machakos County, responding to a devastating drought by providing food, water, and basic healthcare to around 10,000 people. Over the years, the organization expanded its operations, addressing Kenya’s urgent needs, particularly in drought-prone areas such as Turkana and Baringo. By the mid-1980s, World Vision’s child sponsorship program supported over 5,000 children, marking a significant milestone in its mission.
“Our growth is not just about expanding numbers – it’s about deepening impact and evolving wisdom. Our first water projects brought hope to parched lands, with 50 boreholes becoming lifelines for communities.” said Dr. David Githanga, Board Chair of WVK.
In the 1990s, WVK introduced Area Development Programs (ADPs), a model designed for sustainable community development by integrating education, health, and economic initiatives. Through participatory approaches, they empowered communities with financial inclusion strategies, establishing a foundation for long-term self-sufficiency. The 2000s saw WVK align with the Millennium Development Goals, expanding education programs, constructing over 500 schools, and reaching over 100,000 individuals with HIV/AIDS interventions.
From 2010 to the present, WVK has intensified its advocacy work, supporting Kenya’s Vision 2030 and the Sustainable Development Goals. Their flagship program, the Kenya Big Dream, has reached over 1.4 million people, halving female genital mutilation (FGM) cases and improving school retention rates for girls by 30%. Today, WVK operates in 37 out of Kenya’s 47 counties, directly benefiting over 2 million people annually through education, child protection, and livelihoods initiatives.
WVK’s water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) initiatives have provided clean water to more than 2 million Kenyans, reducing waterborne diseases by 60% and boosting school attendance by 35%. In times of crisis, their emergency response efforts have reached over 3 million individuals, reducing disaster-related livestock losses by 40%.
“We measure our impact not just in dollars invested but in dreams unlocked and communities transformed. It’s the story of a young girl in Baringo who escaped FGM to pursue education, or a Turkana farmer now harvesting enough to feed his family and sell the surplus.”said Gilbert Kamanga, National Director of WVK.
As WVK celebrated this milestone, leaders reaffirmed their commitment to deepening their impact under the 2021-2025 strategy, which focuses on livelihoods and resilience, health and nutrition, education, child protection, and faith-based development. This holistic approach aims to foster sustainable development and resilience in vulnerable communities across Kenya.
“Our current strategy reflects our commitment to building systems that will serve communities for generations,we’re leveraging technology, strengthening partnerships, and adapting to emerging challenges with renewed vigor.”Added Dr. Githanga.
WVK expressed gratitude to the national and county governments, community members, corporate partners, NGOs, international agencies, and donors who have been instrumental in their journey. Looking forward, World Vision Kenya remains committed to ensuring every child in Kenya can experience life in all its fullness, strengthened by collaborative efforts and enduring partnerships.
Mt Kenya Times 
Elizabeth Angira