Integrated Development Network a Pacemaker in the Civil Society Aura
IDN-Kenya in collaboration with NCIC: Championing for peace and cohesion
Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) allude to a wide array of subsets that include among others non-governmental organizations (NGOs), faith based organizations, foundations, labor unions and charitable organizations.
NGOs play a pivotal intermediary role between the state and the society. They aid in mitigating multi-sectoral socio economic and political challenges within the society. They act as watchdogs, advocate for marginalized communities, provide expertise on local issues and contribute to policy development in essence bridging the gap between citizens and their representatives.
In the Kenyan context, NGOs are now referred to us Public Benefits Organization (PBOs) following the transition from Non-Governmental Organizations Coordination Act of 1990 to Public Benefits Organization Act of 2013, whose commencement was May, 2024. They are regulated by the Public Benefits Organization Regulatory Authority (PBORA), anchored under the ministry of interior and national administration.
Integrated Development Network-Kenya (IDN-K) is one of the PBOs that is setting the pace in raising awareness and advocacy against radicalization, violent extremism (VEs) sexual and gender based violence(SGBV), early teenage pregnancies, female genital mutilation (FGM), drug and substance abuse, child abuse, human trafficking and corruption.
The organization was registered in 2016. Its formation was prompted by the sad effects of the disputed 2007 general election and its subsequent post-election crisis that resulted into massive social-economic setbacks. To these effects, a lot of unnecessary killings, intimidations, humiliation, looting, raping and gross human right violation aggravated the social stability in the country. To date, the scars of 2007/2008 post-election violence are yet to heal with IDP’s still in place.
The overall objective of the organization is to promote the implementation of the 2010 Constitution of Kenya, good governance and collaboration between state and non-state actors in order to improve the wellbeing of individuals and communities at large.
The PBO operates in the counties of Nairobi, Mombasa, Lamu, Uasin Gishu, Turkana, Samburu, West Pokot and Baringo. It promotes peace, security and cohesion through community dialogues, roadshow caravans, regional and national conferences. This has been critical and has helped in creating an environment that attracts investment, encourages entrepreneurship and allows for efficient social economic activities, leading to improved livelihoods and quality of life especially in the hotspot areas of Kibera, Kawangware, Kangemi, Korogocho, Kayole and Mathare that have always been prone to violence during electioneering periods.
The Organization actively engage youths in cleaning and drainage opening exercises in the ghettos, identify and nurture talents through sports and artistry sponsorship. They promote tournaments to keep the youths busy and away from political misuse, drug and substance abuse, crime, violent extremism and radicalization as well as early teenage pregnancies
Empowerment remains a foundational element in building a robust, innovative and adaptable societal culture. IDN-Kenya promotes the empowerment of affirmative action groups that includes women, youths, PLWDs and the elderly. It promotes gender equality and social inclusion of the marginalized in decision making processes.
For instance, in collaboration with social partners from Switzerland, IDN-Kenya handed over two completed classrooms, water tanks, uniforms and stationery for grade 1 and 2 pupils in Kanampiu primary school, Rumuruti, Laikipia County. The initiative cushioned 300 pupils that had been learning under trees.
During the Covid 19 Pandemic, the PBO was industriously in the forefront in mitigating the spread of the virus through distribution of masks, hand sanitizers, soap and water tanks to various schools in Nairobi as well as creating awareness through print, electronic and social media for people to adhere to the Covid19 mitigation measures and the uptake of vaccines.
Education is a fundamental human right and essential for the exercise of all other human rights. It promotes individual freedom and empowerment and yields important development benefits. It is against this background that IDN-Kenya has made it as part its annual routine exercise to visit prison centres to purposely motivate, encourage and give hope to inmates. The goal is to try and ensure that once a prison term is completed, the inmate is mentally prepared for transition back to the community.
Since inception IDN- Kenya has carried out a number of research and baseline surveys. Their reports, policy briefs and overall work add value by stimulating policy discussions and reform processes for the mutual benefit of citizens, stakeholders, country and region. They have been in the forefront in lobbying for policy reforms across various sectors of governance.
The organization utilizes seminars, symposiums, radio and TV talk shows, print publications in the newspapers, social media handles, sports and artistry to spearhead its goals and objectives. They have published over 150 articles on various sectors of governance and human rights Advocacy.
The organization is headquartered in Nairobi Kenya and can be reached through:
- Email:info@idnkenya.org
- Office line +254 2020312
- Mobile: +254 769736774
- Office Location: Valley Arcade, Mbaazi Avenue, Nantie Gardens-Block A304
- X-Space: @idnkenya
- Facebook: IDN-Kenya
- Web: idnkenya.org
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