World Vision Kenya (WVK) today commemorated its 50th anniversary, celebrating 5 decades of transforming the lives of children, families, and communities of Kenya. World Vision began its operations in Kenya in 1974, evolving from a small relief operation to one of the largest child-focused humanitarian organizations in the country.
Since our establishment in 1974 in Machakos County, we have dedicated ourselves to addressing the pressing needs of vulnerable communities in Kenya. Our journey began with immediate relief efforts during a devastating drought, serving around 10,000 people through food distribution, water provision, and basic healthcare. In the 1980s, we expanded our operations to drought-affected areas like Turkana and Baringo, launching a child sponsorship program that supported over 5,000 children by 1985. We also implemented our first water projects, drilled boreholes, and introduced agricultural training programs to improve food security.
‘‘The story of 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 strategic boreholes becoming lifelines for communities.’’ Said Dr. David Githanga, Board Chair of World Vision Kenya
The 1990s marked a pivotal shift to Area Development Programs (ADPs), allowing us to focus on holistic and sustainable community development. We integrated education, health, and economic initiatives, empowering communities through participatory approaches and financial inclusion strategies. In the 2000s, our alignment with the Millennium Development Goals propelled us to expand our education programs, construct over 500 schools, and reach more than 100,000 individuals with HIV/AIDS interventions. We launched comprehensive child protection initiatives and innovative WASH programs, significantly improving community health outcomes.
From 2010 to the present, we have intensified our advocacy efforts, aligning our strategies with
Kenya’s Vision 2030 and the Sustainable Development Goals. Our programs, such as the Kenya
Big Dream, have reached over 1.4 million people, achieving a 50% reduction in FGM cases and a
30% increase in school retention rates for girls while we now operate in 37 out of 47 counties, serving over 2 million direct beneficiaries annually. Our support to children through education and child protection programs has resulted in a remarkable 40% improvement in learning outcomes and a 50% reduction in school dropout rates. Our sustainable livelihoods initiatives have benefited over 500,000 smallholder farmers, contributing to a 40% increase in crop yields and a 25% rise in household incomes.
Additionally, our water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) initiatives have provided clean water to over 2 million people, significantly reducing waterborne diseases by 60% and boosting school attendance by 35%. In times of crisis, our emergency response efforts have assisted more than 3 million individuals, effectively reducing disaster-related livestock losses by 40%.
‘’But the true measure of our impact isn’t in the dollars invested – it’s in the dreams unlocked, the potential realized, and the communities transformed. It’s the story of a young girl in Baringo who escaped FGM and is now pursuing her education. It’s in the farmer in Turkana who now harvests enough to feed his family and sell the surplus. It’s in the thousands of children who now have access to clean water and no longer walk miles each day to fetch it,’’ said Gilbert Kamanga, National Director, World Vision Kenya, adding that, ‘‘One of our greatest strengths has been our ability to listen and adapt. We’ve learned that sustainable change comes not from imposing solutions, but from walking alongside communities, understanding their challenges, and cocreating solutions.’’
As we celebrate this significant milestone, we are committed to expanding our efforts through our 2021-2025 Strategy. Key focus areas include; livelihoods and resilience, health and nutrition, education, child protection and participation, and faith and development. This comprehensive approach aims to build sustainable development and resilience within communities.
‘‘Our current strategy for 2021-2025 reflects this confidence. We’re not just responding to immediate needs; we’re building systems and capabilities that will serve communities for generations. But we will do so with renewed vigor and innovation, leveraging technology, strengthening partnerships, and adapting to emerging challenges.’’ Dr. David Githanga, Board Chair of World Vision Kenya stated.
We reflect on the invaluable partnerships that have made our mission possible. We extend our gratitude to national and county governments, community members, corporate partners, NGOs, international agencies, and generous donors and grantors. World Vision Kenya’s commitment to reaching the most vulnerable communities remains unwavering, and we pledge to continue our collaborative efforts to ensure that every child experiences life in all its fullness. We invite all our partners to join us in writing the next chapter of this inspiring journey. Together, we can create a Kenya where every child is protected, nurtured, and empowered to reach their full potential.