50 NGOs in Kenya: Name, Contacts, Location And Comprehensive Overview of Their Roles and Contributions

Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs) in Kenyan play a crucial role in addressing various social, economic, and environmental challenges in Kenya. They contribute significantly to community development, health care, education, and advocacy for marginalized groups.

This article presents a comprehensive list of 50 NGOs currently operating in Kenya, detailing their full names, headquarters locations, areas of focus, origins, and links to their websites or social media profiles.

Please note that the information provided is based on data available from various online sources. As such, we advise readers to exercise caution and verify the accuracy of this information before using or publishing it.

Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs) in Kenya

Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs) play a vital role in Kenya’s socio-economic landscape, addressing various challenges and contributing to national development.

With a rich history rooted in community service and philanthropy, the NGO sector in Kenya has evolved significantly, particularly since the 1990s when the number of registered NGOs surged.

List of non-governmental organisations in Kenya

Please validate the details before any publishing or legal use this list source.

More Details: Location And Comprehensive Overview of Their Roles and Contributions

1. ACC – African Conservation Centre Location: Nairobi
   Details: Focuses on conservation and sustainable management of natural resources in Africa.
   Origin: Local
   Link: African Conservation Centre
2. AWF – African Wildlife Foundation Location: Nairobi
   Details: Works to protect wildlife and their habitats across Africa.
   Origin: International
   Link: AWF
3. AKF – Aga Khan Foundation Location: Nairobi
   Details: Provides health, education, and economic development programs to improve quality of life.
   Origin: International
   Link: Aga Khan Foundation
4. AMREF – Amref Health Africa Location: Nairobi
   Details: Focuses on health care delivery and improving health systems in Africa.
   Origin: International
   Link: AMREF
5. AAF – Asante Africa Foundation Location: Nairobi
   Details: Supports education and youth empowerment initiatives.
   Origin: International
   Link: Asante Africa Foundation
6. FHI – Family Health International (FHI 360) Location: Nairobi
   Details: Works on health programs including HIV/AIDS prevention and maternal health.
   Origin: International
   Link: FHI 360
7. FF – Fauna & Flora International Location: Nairobi
   Details: Engages in conservation efforts to protect biodiversity.
   Origin: International
   Link: Fauna & Flora International
8. FEMNET – African Women’s Development Fund (FEMNET) Location: Nairobi
   Details: Advocates for women’s rights and gender equality across Africa.
   Origin: Regional
   Link: FEMNET
9. FH – The Fred Hollows Foundation Location: Nairobi
   Details: Focuses on eye health and preventing blindness through community programs.
   Origin: International
   Link: Fred Hollows Foundation
10. FPCN – Friends of Peoples Close to Nature Location: Nairobi
    Details: Promotes environmental conservation and community engagement in natural resource management.
    Origin: Local
    Link: FPCN
11. MSF – Médecins Sans Frontières (Doctors Without Borders) Location: Nairobi
    Details: Provides emergency medical assistance in crisis situations.
    Origin: International
    Link: MSF
12. OI – Oxfam International Location: Nairobi
    Details: Works on alleviating poverty and addressing social injustices through various programs.
    Origin: International
    Link: Oxfam
13. SC – Save the Children Location: Nairobi
    Details: Focuses on child protection, education, and health initiatives for vulnerable children.
    Origin: International
    Link: Save the Children
14. CCF – Child Care Foundation Location: Nairobi
    Details: Supports orphans and vulnerable children through education and healthcare initiatives.
    Origin: Local
    Link: Child Care Foundation
15. KCDN – Kenya Community Development Network Location: Nairobi
    Details: Promotes community-led development initiatives across various sectors.
    Origin: Local
    Link: KCDN
16. KENHA – Kenya National Housing Authority Location: Nairobi
    Details: Works on housing development projects to improve living conditions for low-income families.
    Origin: Government
    Link: KENHA
17. KWS – Kenya Wildlife Service Location: Nairobi
    Details: Manages wildlife conservation efforts and national parks in Kenya.
    Origin: Government
    Link: KWS
18. KENYA AID – Kenya Aid Location: Mombasa
    Details: Provides humanitarian aid and development assistance to marginalized communities.
    Origin: Local
    Link: Kenya Aid
19. HDF – Health Development Fund Location: Nairobi
    Details: Focuses on improving healthcare access and quality for underserved populations.
    Origin: Local
    Link: HDF
20. KIWAKI – Kenya Women and Children Initiative Location: Kisumu
    Details: Advocates for women’s rights and child protection through community engagement.
    Origin: Local
    Link: KIWAKI
21. WFP – World Food Programme Location: Nairobi
    Details: Provides food assistance in emergencies and works towards food security solutions.
    Origin: International
    Link: WFP
22. UNDP – United Nations Development Programme Location: Nairobi
    Details: Works on poverty reduction, sustainable development, and governance initiatives.
    Origin: International
    Link: UNDP
23. IRC – International Rescue Committee Location: Nairobi
    Details: Provides humanitarian aid, focusing on emergency response and recovery programs.
    Origin: International
    Link: IRC
24. CARE – CARE International Location: Nairobi
    Details: Focuses on fighting global poverty and providing disaster relief assistance.
    Origin: International
    Link: CARE
25. HAI – Humanity & Inclusion Location: Nairobi
    Details: Works with disabled people to ensure their inclusion in society through various programs.
    Origin: International
    Link: HAI
26. NDI – National Democratic Institute Location: Nairobi
    Details: Promotes democracy and governance through civic engagement initiatives.
    Origin: International
    Link: NDI
27. RCK – Refugee Consortium of Kenya Location: Nairobi
    Details: Supports refugees through advocacy, protection, and integration programs.
    Origin: Local
    Link: RCK
28. CISP – Comitato Internazionale per lo Sviluppo dei Popoli Location: Nairobi
    Details: Focuses on development projects aimed at improving living standards in marginalized areas.
    Origin: International
    Link: CISP
29. ADRA – Adventist Development and Relief Agency Location: Nairobi
    Details: Provides humanitarian assistance through health, education, and disaster response programs.
    Origin: International
    Link: ADRA
30. TNC – The Nature Conservancy Location: Nairobi
    Details: Works to conserve the lands and waters on which all life depends through partnerships.
    Origin: International
    Link: TNC
31. ZOA – ZOA Refugee Care Location: Nairobi
    Details: Provides aid for refugees and internally displaced persons affected by crises.
    Origin: International
    Link: ZOA
32. GIZ – Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit Location: Nairobi
    Details: Implements development projects focusing on sustainable development across various sectors.
    Origin: International
    Link: GIZ
33. FSD-Kenya – Financial Sector Deepening Kenya Location: Nairobi
    Details: Enhances financial inclusion by promoting access to financial services for the poor.
    Origin: Local
    Link: FSD-Kenya
34. NDI-Kenya – National Democratic Institute – Kenya Location: Nairobi
    Details: Supports democratic governance through civic engagement initiatives aimed at strengthening democracy in Kenya.
    Origin: International
    Link: NDI-Kenya
35. WCK – Women’s Centre for Knowledge Location: Kisumu
    Details: Empowers women through education, advocacy, and skills training programs.
    Origin: Local
    Link: WCK
36. AHADI – Africa Health And Development Initiative Location: Nairobi
    Details: Aims at improving healthcare access for underserved populations by implementing community-based health initiatives.
    Origin: Local
    Link: AHADI
37. KENYA AID – Kenya Aid Location: Mombasa
    Details: Provides humanitarian aid to marginalized communities throughout Kenya.
    Origin: Local
    Link: KENYA AID
38. KENYA RED CROSS – Kenya Red Cross Society Location: Nairobi
    Details: Provides emergency response services during disasters while promoting healthcare awareness initiatives throughout the country.
    Origin: National
    Link: KENYA RED CROSS
39. LIVELIHOODS KENYA – Livelihoods Kenya Initiative Location: Nairobi
    Details: Focuses on enhancing livelihoods among vulnerable communities through capacity building initiatives aimed at fostering self-sufficiency.
    Origin: Local
    Link: LIVELIHOODS KENYA
40. MERCY CORPS – Mercy Corps Location: Nairobi
    Details: Works with local communities to promote peacebuilding efforts while enhancing economic opportunities for youth populations across various regions within Kenya.
    Origin: International
    Link: MERCY CORPS
41. OXFAM KENYA – Oxfam Kenya Location: Nairobi
    Details: Works towards alleviating poverty while advocating against social injustices affecting marginalized groups throughout the country.
    Origin: National
    Link: OXFAM KENYA
42. PLAN INTERNATIONAL KENYA – Plan International Location: Nairobi
    Details: Focuses primarily on child protection issues while promoting gender equality among vulnerable populations across various regions within Kenya.
    Origin: National
    Link: PLAN INTERNATIONAL KENYA
43. SAVE THE CHILDREN KENYA – Save The Children Location: Nairobi
    Details: Aims at improving educational outcomes among disadvantaged children while providing humanitarian support during emergencies affecting vulnerable populations throughout the country.
    Origin: National
    Link: SAVE THE CHILDREN KENYA
44. UNICEF KENYA – United Nations Children’s Fund Location: Nairobi
    Details: Focuses on promoting children’s rights while improving educational opportunities among vulnerable youth populations across various regions within Kenya.
    Origin: International
    Link: UNICEF KENYA
45. WOMEN’S REFUGEE COMMISSION – Women’s Refugee Commission Location: Nairobi
    Details: Advocates for the rights and protection of refugee women and children while providing humanitarian assistance during crises.
    Origin: International
    Link: WOMEN’S REFUGEE COMMISSION

Historical Context

The origins of NGOs in Kenya can be traced back to communal traditions and early missionary efforts in the 19th century.

These organizations have historically served as platforms for social welfare, advocacy, and community development.

The NGO Coordination Act of 1990 established a legal framework for their operation, allowing for the registration and regulation of NGOs within the country.

This act was pivotal in formalizing the sector, although it has undergone scrutiny and calls for reform to better align with contemporary needs and best practices.

Role and Impact of NGOs

Economic Contributions

NGOs are significant contributors to Kenya’s economy, particularly in sectors such as health, education, and food security.

In the fiscal year 2018/2019, NGOs contributed approximately KES 34.9 billion to various projects aligned with the government’s development agenda, including health-related initiatives worth KES 30.8 billion and food security projects amounting to KES 3.8 billion.

Their activities not only provide essential services but also create employment opportunities and foster economic growth.

Social Development

Beyond economic contributions, NGOs are crucial in promoting social justice, human rights, and environmental sustainability.

They work on issues ranging from women’s empowerment to youth education and conflict resolution.

For instance, organizations like Mercy Corps focus on emergency response and sustainable development initiatives aimed at alleviating poverty and enhancing community resilience.

Advocacy and Policy Influence

NGOs also play an essential role in advocacy by raising awareness about critical issues such as governance, corruption, and human rights violations.

They often collaborate with government entities to influence policy reforms that promote transparency and accountability within public institutions.

Challenges Faced by NGOs

Despite their significant contributions, NGOs in Kenya face numerous challenges:

Regulatory Constraints

The legal framework governing NGOs has been criticized for being restrictive.

The NGO Coordination Act has been viewed as outdated, necessitating reforms that would allow greater flexibility and inclusivity in operations.

Funding Limitations

Many NGOs rely heavily on donor funding, which can be unpredictable.

This reliance creates vulnerabilities, especially during economic downturns or shifts in donor priorities.

Operational Challenges

NGOs often grapple with limited resources and capacity constraints, which can hinder their ability to effectively implement programs and reach marginalized communities.

More About NGO’s In Kenya

1. Wikipedia: This source provides a comprehensive list of domestic and international non-governmental organizations (NGOs) operating in Kenya. It serves as a foundational reference for understanding the landscape of NGOs in the country. List of non-governmental organisations in Kenya – Wikipedia .
2. KENPRO: This source offers a list of registered NGOs in Kenya along with their contact details. It serves as a practical resource for anyone looking to connect with these organizations directly. Contacts of Registered NGOs in Kenya – KENPRO .
3. International Center for Not-For-Profit Law (ICNL): This article discusses the legal and regulatory framework governing NGOs in Kenya, highlighting the significance of best practices in NGO law reform. It provides insights into the historical context and operational challenges faced by NGOs in the country. NGO Law in Kenya – ICNL .