About us
Citizens for Peace and Development (CIPAD) is a Kenyan not-for-profit organization established in 2018 and legally registered in 2020. We work with communities to create opportunities for young people and women to participate, lead, innovate, and build more resilient and sustainable futures.
Who We Are
Citizens for Peace and Development (CIPAD) is a Kenyan not-for-profit organization established in 2018 and legally registered in 2020.
We work with young people, women and communities to overcome barriers to economic opportunity, participation and sustainable development.
Our work is rooted in communities. We listen to local priorities, strengthen community capacity, connect people to opportunities and resources, and work with partners to develop solutions that can be sustained and scaled.
We believe communities should not simply be recipients of development programmes. They should be partners, leaders and owners of the solutions that affect their lives.
From Local Challenges to Sustainable Solutions
CIPAD believes lasting change happens when communities are at the centre of development.
We work through a community-driven, partnership-based and evidence-informed approach that combines local knowledge with technical expertise, innovation and strategic partnerships.
Our approach involves;
Listening
We begin with the priorities, experiences and aspirations of communities.
Building Capacity
We strengthen skills, leadership and local institutions so communities can drive their own development.
Connecting
We link communities to finance, markets, knowledge, technology, institutions and other opportunities.
Partnering
We work with government, development partners, civil society, private sector, academia and community organizations.
Innovating
We test practical solutions to complex local challenges and identify approaches that can be replicated.
Measuring
We track results, learn from experience and use evidence to improve our programmes and demonstrate impact.
Measuring
We track results, learn from experience and use evidence to improve our programmes and demonstrate impact.
CIPAD is non-partisan, non-discriminatory, and independent, with no political, ethnic, religious, or cultural affiliation.
We believe that every person deserves dignity, equal opportunity, and the ability to participate in decisions that affect their lives. We therefore strive to ensure that our programs are accessible and responsive to people regardless of gender, age, ethnicity, religion, disability, social or economic status, or political affiliation.
Gender equality, youth participation, social inclusion, climate justice, human dignity, and social justice are embedded across our work.
Our Vision
Inclusive, resilient and empowered communities where young people and women thrive.
Our Mission
To empower young people and women with skills, opportunities and resources to improve their livelihoods, participate in decision-making and contribute to inclusive, resilient and accountable communities.
Our Goal
To contribute to a more just, inclusive and sustainable society in which people have the opportunity, voice and capacity to build dignified and productive lives.
Leadership & Governance
Strong Leadership. Accountable Governance. Responsible Action.
CIPAD is governed by a Board of Management, which is the highest decision-making organ of the organisation. The Board provides strategic leadership, oversight and guidance to ensure that CIPAD remains true to its mission, operates responsibly and delivers value to the communities it serves.
The Secretariat
Under the Board of Management is the Secretariat, led by the Executive Director. The Secretariat is the principal implementing arm of CIPAD and is responsible for translating the organisation’s strategy into programmes, projects and community interventions.
The Secretariat oversees programmes implementation, partnerships, resource mobilization, financial and operational management, monitoring and learning, communications and stakeholder engagement.
Beneficiary Groups
Under the Secretariat, CIPAD works through beneficiary groups organised around its thematic areas. These groups are at the centre of CIPAD’s community-based approach and are the primary beneficiaries and participants in the organisation’s projects.
CIPAD works with these groups to identify community priorities, design appropriate interventions, build local capacity and ensure that communities participate meaningfully in the solutions intended to improve their lives.
Our Governance & Accountability
CIPAD is committed to operating in accordance with Kenyan laws and applicable regulatory requirements. We maintain the required legal and regulatory compliance for our operations and conduct our work in accordance with the principles of responsible citizenship and good governance.
CIPAD does not support, promote or engage in illegal activities, unlawful organisations or groups, and we expect our staff, partners and stakeholders to uphold the same standards.
Our work is guided by the principles of:
- Transparency – being open and responsible in how we make decisions and use resources.
- Accountability – taking responsibility for our commitments, actions and results.
- Professionalism – maintaining high standards in the delivery of our programmes and engagement with stakeholders.
- Integrity – acting ethically and consistently in all our work.
- Community participation – ensuring that the people we serve have a meaningful voice in decisions affecting them.
Through strong governance, professional management and community participation, CIPAD seeks to build the confidence of communities, partners, donors and other stakeholders in our work
OUR AREAS OF FOCUS
- Youth Empowerment & Skills Development
We empower young people with practical skills, knowledge and opportunities to build productive and fulfilling lives. CIPAD provides life skills, digital and vocational training, entrepreneurship, mentorship and leadership development, enabling young people to become more self-reliant and active contributors to their communities.
- Women’s Economic Empowerment & Climate-Resilient Livelihoods
We support women and vulnerable communities to build sustainable and resilient livelihoods. CIPAD promotes access to finance, entrepreneurship, markets and climate-smart agriculture while strengthening food security, income generation and women’s economic independence.
- Governance, Integrity & Citizen Participation
We promote accountable leadership, integrity and meaningful citizen participation in development. CIPAD empowers communities, particularly women and young people, to participate in decision-making, demand accountability, promote transparency and contribute to peaceful, inclusive and responsive communities.
Partner With Us
Together, We Can Turn Community Potential into Lasting Change
At CIPAD, we believe that lasting development is built through partnership. The challenges facing young people, women and communities are complex and cannot be addressed by one organisation alone.
We work with development partners, foundations, government institutions, private sector organisations, international and local NGOs, academic institutions, community organisations and individuals to develop and scale practical solutions that respond to real community needs.
Our three areas of focus provide a clear platform for collaboration:
Youth Empowerment & Skills Development
Partner with us to equip young people with practical, digital, vocational, entrepreneurial and life skills that can open pathways to employment, enterprise and leadership.
Women’s Economic Empowerment & Climate-Resilient Livelihoods
Partner with us to help women and vulnerable communities access finance, markets, skills and climate-smart livelihood opportunities while strengthening food security and resilience.
Governance, Integrity & Citizen Participation
Partner with us to strengthen citizen participation, integrity, leadership, social accountability and inclusive governance at community and county levels.
What We Bring
CIPAD brings grassroots experience, community relationships, local knowledge and practical implementation capacity. We work closely with community groups and local stakeholders to ensure that programmes are relevant, inclusive and locally owned.
We also value partnerships that bring together different forms of expertise and resources—from funding and technical knowledge to technology, mentorship, networks, markets and innovation.
Let’s Build Something That Lasts
Whether you are looking to fund a proven community intervention, pilot an innovative solution, expand an existing programme or bring new expertise and resources to underserved communities, CIPAD is open to partnerships that create measurable and lasting impact.
We invite organisations and individuals who share our commitment to empowering communities to work with us.
Partner with CIPAD to empower people, strengthen communities and create lasting change.
Our Partners
Change Happens Through Partnership
We believe that meaningful and sustainable change is built through collaboration. CIPAD works with development partners, government institutions, civil society organizations, academic institutions, private sector actors and community organizations to turn ideas into practical solutions.
