Who We Are
A collaborative network for transforming humanitarian and development architecture in Kenya — 14 pioneering Local NGOs united by a shared vision.
Transforming Kenya's
Humanitarian Architecture
KHRN is a collaborative network for transforming humanitarian and development architecture in Kenya in response to the unending challenges Kenya is facing in both humanitarian and resilience spheres. The network brings together fourteen (14) pioneering Kenya Local/National Non-Governmental Organizations (LNNGOs).
The network embodies a locally driven agenda for change by building partnerships between communities, civil society, and the public and private sectors as well as through the implementation of integrated and sustainable interventions across the triple nexus of Humanitarian, Peace, and Development.
Humanitarian interventions in Kenya are constrained by the demands of an internationally led-aid system that is reactive rather than proactive. Inflexible short-term funding that does not account for core costs impedes continuity between events.
KHRN will introduce a more coherent, complementary, and interdependent system of humanitarian, peace, and development programming — i.e. Triple Nexus Programming — in Kenya. By breaking the silos of humanitarian aid, development, and peacebuilding, KHRN proposes local leadership as more than a means of realizing localization commitments.
Why KHRN was Founded
- Communities lack agency in humanitarian decision-making
- Local NGOs caught in unequal partnerships with limited influence
- Reactive aid system fosters dependency over self-reliance
- Siloed sectors fail to address interdependent crises
- International priorities disconnected from local realities
KHRN was established in 2022, bringing together 14 pioneering local organizations to drive change across Kenya.
Mission & Vision
To be a vibrant locally-led Humanitarian and Resilience Network that alleviates the suffering of disaster-affected populations through locally-led interventions.
Resilient and Self-reliant vulnerable Kenyan Communities.
Core Values
Six guiding principles that underpin everything KHRN does — from programme design to partnership management.
Community-Centered
The people we serve are at the center of all our decision making and programming.
Transparency
We pride ourselves in engaging and being accountable to the local communities we work with, our member organizations and partners. We share information at all levels.
Inclusivity
Our interventions target people from all walks of life. Gender and Social Inclusion are mainstreamed in all programmes.
Sustainability
We focus on sustainable development that builds the resilience of the affected population and cushions them against natural hazards.
Integrity
We uphold the highest standards of honesty, ethics, and professional conduct in all our interactions and interventions.
Equity
We ensure fair and just distribution of resources, opportunities, and access to services — recognizing and addressing systemic inequalities.
Problems & Solutions
KHRN was born out of four systemic failures in Kenya's humanitarian landscape — and offers concrete solutions to each.
Challenges
Power is Centralized
Too much power and decision-making is held by a handful of international institutions, with international priorities disconnected from the communities who are at risk or affected by crises.
Lack of Coherence
Coherent and interdependent humanitarian, peace, & development programming is lacking in the response to recurrent climatic shocks, conflict, livelihood, food insecurity and displacement.
Funding is Reactive and Inefficient
The current system is reactive, fragmented and slow. Intermediary funding chains reduce efficiencies and impact. Local NGOs trusted in hardest-to-reach communities are unable to access funding.
Practice is Inflexible
Rules, restrictions and risk aversion make it hard for aid agencies to be flexible. High levels of due diligence make it hard for local and smaller NGOs to have their voice heard.
Solutions
Decentralizing Power
Investing in local members with shared vision, programs & policies and expanding representation from the private sector and government. Strengthen capacity to ensure local actors' power, influence and leadership.
Integrated Humanitarian Programming
Coherently address the interdependency of humanitarian, peace building and development programming in areas highly affected by drought, floods and/or armed conflict.
Access to Funding
Support and enable member organizations to access funding & support from range of donors, networks and external stakeholders.
Locally Managed Anticipatory Fund
Respond preemptively and effectively to local emergencies. Utilizing collaborative and community-informed early warning data to enable local organizations to support the community to mitigate losses.
Community Led Response
Adopt SCLR that enables external aid actors to connect with, support, and strengthen crisis responses identified, designed, implemented, and monitored by self-help groups among crisis-affected populations.
Ready to Learn More?
Explore our strategic pillars, meet our 14 member organizations, or get in touch to discuss partnership.