(KENYA) In the last part of May and the beginning of June, World Renew conducted an externally-led country review process to identify ways to better establish and support an appropriately integrated programming framework for disaster response and community development initiatives in Kenya.

The expected outcome of the review is a written report with recommendations on how to build on the strengths of our existing community development and disaster response programming while moving the organization toward more integrated programming where it’s appropriate, stronger partnerships, and healthier team functioning through a participatory process.

The country review process is comprehensive and consists of reviewing all relevant World Renew and other background documentation, identification of key stakeholders, discussions with all World Renew staff working in-country, consultations with World Renew local partners as all staff also visit community field sites throughout the country, and finally a one-day learning event to share the initial findings of the review and to seek input, clarification, or additional information as well as agreeing on the recommendations as a way forward in program and team strengthening. 

What I personally appreciated most in this process was the spirit of participation and involvement at all stages of the review. Everyone was given a voice, from World Renew staff in-country to local partner staff and community beneficiaries in the field. This participatory engagement and collective wisdom not only builds dignity and ownership, but it also provides the opportunity for everyone to contribute their perspective and therefore help to shape World Renew’s work in Kenya in the future.

Please pray for and with us as we move into a next phase of this review—finding a strategic direction for our integrated ministry work here in Kenya in the coming years.

Thank you!

Stephan Lutz

Program Consultant
World Renew Kenya