Dorcas Kenya
Climate solutions rooted in community strength
We see communities where resilience and livelihoods are threatened by climate change, poverty and limited services. Our programmes therefore focus on Climate Adaptation, Water, and Economic Development. The result is stronger, more self-reliant communities where local partners lead and people secure climate-adapted livelihoods.
Context in Kenya
About Kenya
Eighty per cent of Kenya's land is arid or semi-arid, leaving millions exposed to the compounding effects of climate change, poverty and limited services. Erratic rainfall, prolonged droughts and floods threaten water security, food production and livelihoods.
Around 40 per cent of Kenyans live in poverty, and high unemployment – particularly among youth – limits economic resilience. People in vulnerable situations, especially women and children, face restricted access to services and protection.Â
Dorcas in Kenya
Dorcas has been active in Kenya since 1993. We work across five counties: Marsabit, Kajiado, Makueni, Kitui and Siaya where our focus is long-term climate resilience.Â
We realise our projects through local partner organisations who are supported by our national technical experts. Our deep community relationships, long-term presence and commitment to local leadership position us as a trusted actor in Kenya's most climate-vulnerable areas.Â
By 2030, we envision a Kenya where:
What we do
Programmatic themes
Dorcas Kenya works through three programmatic themes. All programmes integrate inclusion, protection, climate sensitivity and community ownership.Â
We enable farmers and citizens to adapt, protect themselves and build resilience to climate impacts. In Kitui County, over 600 beekeepers were trained and organised into 29 Farmer Field Schools, producing 40 metric tonnes of honey annually while restoring ecosystems through tree planting and water harvesting.Â
We provide communities with access to clean water and promote its sustainable use. In Marlal village, a five-kilometre pipeline now supplies clean water to 73 households, reducing disease burden and freeing women's time. Across our programmes, 120,124 people have access to clean and safe water.Â
We empower people to improve skills, start small businesses and connect to inclusive markets. In Siaya, poultry enterprises and village savings and loan associations improved livelihoods and nutrition for marginalised households, especially women. Across our programmes, 2,277 households have improved their incomes.Â
Promoting WASH
How beekeeping strengthens food security
Across Kenya, climate change is putting growing pressure on rural communities. Through Dorcas' Honey Value Chain Project, farmers like Justus Makau Mutua are building more resilient livelihoods. Read how beekeeping is creating new opportunities for his family.
Our impact in 2023-2025
Water
- 120,126 people received improved access to clean and safe water.
- 92,000 people received improved sanitation and hygiene.
- A five kilometre pipeline in Marlal now supplies clean water to 73 households, reducing disease and freeing women’s time.
Economic development
- 2,277 households improved their income through agricultural value chains.
- In Siaya and Kajiado, caregivers expanded table banking groups into small businesses, strengthening income and community support systems.
Climate Adaptation
- 1,003 households made their livelihoods more climate resilient.
- Increased the capacities of 110 members of Ward Climate Change Planning Committees to understand their mandate and design locally-led climate actions.
- In Makueni, a beekeeper scaled to 60 hives and 410 kg of honey after training, securing school fees and business growth.
How we work
Local leadership and partnerships
Dorcas Kenya works with local, national and international partners, including government institutions, civil society organisations, research institutes, private-sector actors and faith-based networks. Our partnerships are built on trust, shared values and long-term commitment.Â
- Kitise Rural Development
- Muangeni Rural Development
- North Gem Community Development Program
- Shokut Naretoi Community Development Program
- Maji Milele Limited
- Netherlands Enterprise Agency
- Siaya County Government
- Mwangaza Light
- Kenya Agriculture Livestock and Research Organisation
- Kenya Climate Change Working Group
- Adaptation ConsortiumÂ
- Conservation Agriculture HubÂ
- EU CORD Kenya ForumÂ
- Shared values and mutual respect
- Complementary strengths
- Transparent communication
- Long-term commitment
- Local leadership
- Joint learning and adaptation
Partnership and investment opportunities
We seek partners who share our commitment to climate resilience, local leadership and long-term impact. We welcome programme partnerships, institutional funding, research collaborations and private-sector engagement. Â
'Our partnership with Dorcas Kenya is founded on trust, capacity building, and a commitment to lasting change. We bolster community-led impact through sustainable and collaborative solutions.'
Meet our Country Director
Edwin Onyancha
'My vision is communities across Marsabit, Kitui, Makueni, Kajiado and Siaya that thrive through climate-adapted livelihoods and secure access to clean water. Kenya's arid landscapes are not a barrier. They are where local ingenuity and long-term commitment can make the greatest difference. Join us as we work with local partners, government and the private sector on climate adaptation and water solutions, so that people in vulnerable situations can flourish with dignity and opportunity.'
Contact
Dorcas Kenya office
May East Rd, off Langata South Rd, Karen, Nairobi, Kenya. P.O Box 76495, 00508, Nairobi, Kenya.
