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Who We Are

The Strategic Intervention for Rural Development Initiative (SIRDI) is a non-profit, non-political, and non-sectarian organisation led by the community. Our mission is to transform the lives of rural communities in Northern Kenya by enhancing their quality of life and economic well-being, particularly for those in isolated and sparsely populated areas.

SIRDI was founded by a group of concerned intellectuals troubled by Northern Kenya’s humanitarian situation, especially in Garissa County. Today, SIRDI is a registered national non-governmental organisation committed to fostering positive change.

Mission

Our goal is to enhance the economic and social well-being of rural communities by partnering with local organisations and international donors. By involving community members at every stage of our projects—from planning to evaluation—we ensure that we remain transparent and effectively address individual and collective needs.

Vision

To cultivate self-sufficient, flourishing rural communities where individuals can reach their full potential. We strive to promote economic growth, social equity, and resilience for current and future generations through sustainable development, inclusive partnerships, and open collaboration.

Why Us?

Community-led projects that begin with the voices of the people we aim to serve.
Tailored, research-based solutions informed by in-depth studies.
Collaboration with other organisations to complement and enhance existing efforts.
Building sustainable and resilient “climate-proof communities.”

Why Now?

Northern Kenya faces urgent challenges: climate change, economic disparities, and barriers for marginalised groups. Delayed action risks widening these gaps. SIRDI believes that the time to act is now, co-creating solutions with communities to address immediate needs while laying the foundation for sustainable growth.

How Are We Different?

Listen

Engage with community concerns and priorities to ensure every voice is heard and valued.

Observe

Analyze the unique social, economic, and environmental dynamics of each area to implement targeted solutions.

Engage

Involve community members actively at every project stage, ensuring ownership and lasting impact.

Support

Provide essential tools, resources, and training, enabling communities to thrive on their terms sustainably.

Girl Child Education

Our organization strives to ensure every girl has access to quality education, empowering them to overcome challenges and contribute to society. We advocate for inclusive learning, provide resources, and champion girls’ rights to help them realize their potential. We aim to ensure that every girl is given the opportunity to realize her full potential and contribute meaningfully to her community and society at large.

Meeting Garissa County Stakeholders

We paid a visit to Garissa county commissioner in his office. The visit focused on exploring potential collaborations and partnerships across various initiatives, dedicated to building peaceful communities as well as creating a better future for the rural communities in Garissa County.

Our Culture and Ideals

Guiding principles that drive our mission at SIRDI:

Collaboration: We foster strategic partnerships to develop innovative solutions that benefit our communities and address their most pressing needs.
Our Concern and Commitment: The well-being of rural communities is at the heart of our mission. We empower individuals to unlock their full potential, improving lives and creating sustainable futures in arid and semi-arid regions.
Results-Oriented: We are dedicated to delivering high-quality, timely solutions, ensuring impactful outcomes for the communities we serve.
Communication: We value transparent communication, ensuring stakeholders are informed, engaged, and able to express their ideas and needs effectively.
Competence: We prioritize excellence by investing in skilled personnel, ensuring the highest standards in our operations and service delivery.
Innovation: We cultivate an environment that encourages creativity, driving progress and enhancing the effectiveness of our programs and initiatives.

Our Programs

Transforming rural communities in Northern Kenya

Education: Education is a powerful catalyst for social transformation. SIRDI promotes girl child education and supports vulnerable children through school feeding programs, uniforms for needy students, and advocacy for enrollment. By fostering access to education, we aim to break the cycle of poverty in rural communities.
Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH): SIRDI addresses water scarcity by providing water trucking during droughts and supporting the construction of water pans, dams, wells, and boreholes. Our efforts extend to building sanitation facilities, ensuring stable and healthy living conditions for affected communities.
Child Protection: We are committed to safeguarding children from violence, abuse, and exploitation, especially during crises. SIRDI aims to establish child rescue centers, support orphans and vulnerable children, and create safe, confidential reporting mechanisms for abuse cases.
Environmental Conservation: Our conservation initiatives include tree planting campaigns, preventing deforestation, and protecting natural resources. SIRDI also works to restore degraded ecosystems, promote sustainable resource use, and raise community awareness about environmental preservation.
Health & Nutrition Programme: SIRDI intends to implement health programs within its jurisdiction, with the main health project focusing on the provision of medical services to mothers and children, awareness campaigns on proper child feeding practices, and the training of community health service providers.

Rapid Need Assessment Report

Understanding challenges and priorities in rural ASAL communities of northern Kenya

Introduction: Our organization conducted a comprehensive need assessment in the rural communities of northern Kenya’s arid and semi-arid areas. The assessment involved interactions with 800 people, including local residents, community leaders, and service providers, in Balambala and Lagdera subcounties of Garissa County.

1. Livelihood Struggles in Rural Garissa

Pastoralism and agro-pastoralism are core to livelihoods in Garissa, but droughts, floods, livestock diseases, and land use changes are disrupting these traditional practices. The effects of climate change and poor infrastructure exacerbate poverty and food insecurity.

2. Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH) Issues

Clean water access remains limited. Inadequate sanitation and open defecation spread diseases like cholera. Vulnerable areas like Lagdera and Balambala face worsening water crises due to climate change and poor management.

3. Malnutrition and Healthcare Gaps

Malnutrition is widespread, especially among children and vulnerable groups. Clinics lack equipment, making healthcare inaccessible. Women often give birth without proper medical care, leading to severe health risks and stunting among children.

4. Environmental Conservation Challenges

Overgrazing, deforestation, and unsustainable farming practices harm ecosystems. Poaching and logging further threaten biodiversity. Conservation efforts struggle without adequate resources or community engagement.

5. Child Protection Issues

Children in rural Garissa are at risk of abuse, neglect, and exploitation, including FGM and child labor. Emergencies force children out of school and increase their vulnerability to harmful practices.

6. Education Challenges

Schools in rural Garissa face severe underfunding and resource shortages. Gender disparities are prevalent, with girls often missing educational opportunities due to early marriage and household responsibilities.

7. Addressing the Challenges

The following solutions aim to address the challenges faced by the communities:

Expand clean water and sanitation infrastructure.
Strengthen healthcare systems and nutrition programs.
Build infrastructure and improve market access.
Support sustainable farming and conservation practices.
Enhance child protection services.
Invest in education through better facilities and gender-focused programs.

Our Projects

1. Health Care Provision

SIRDI’s health care project aims to provide essential medical services, especially to mothers and children, in rural and underserved areas. Our programs focus on delivering primary health care, maternal health services, and emergency medical aid. We also train community health workers to ensure long-term sustainability of health services. With support from our partners, we have established health outreach programs, mobile clinics, and regular medical camps to serve the most vulnerable populations in northern Kenya.

2. Water and Sanitation

Access to clean water and improved sanitation is a priority for SIRDI. Our water and sanitation projects provide safe drinking water and hygienic facilities to rural communities affected by drought and poor infrastructure. We have implemented water trucking, constructed boreholes, water pans, and sanitation facilities to improve the health and well-being of families in Garissa County. These initiatives are complemented by hygiene education programs to help reduce waterborne diseases in these vulnerable regions.

3. Education

Education is a powerful tool for transforming communities, and SIRDI is committed to ensuring that every child, particularly girls, has access to quality education. Our education projects focus on providing school supplies, supporting vulnerable children through school feeding programs, and advocating for enrollment. We also address gender disparities by creating safe spaces for girls to continue their education, empowering them to break the cycle of poverty and contribute to the development of their communities.

Strategic Intervention for Rural Development Initiative