Strategic Framework

Our 5 Strategic Pillars

Five interconnected pillars that drive KHRN’s locally-led humanitarian, development, and peacebuilding work across Kenya.

The Triple Nexus Approach

Although the need for Triple Nexus is widely acknowledged, humanitarian, development and peace sectors are often still separate domains. KHRN deliberately bridges all three, addressing the interdependencies that single-sector programming misses.

Humanitarian
Anticipatory & emergency response
Peace
Social cohesion & conflict resolution
Development
Resilience & sustainable livelihoods
01
Pillar 1
Pillar 01

Institutional Capacity Development

To build the institutional capacity of local NGOs so they can govern themselves effectively, access direct funding, and lead resilience programming independently.

Strengthens the governance, operational systems, financial management, and technical competencies of member NGOs, enabling them to meet humanitarian standards, access direct funding, and lead resilience programming independently.

Mechanisms

Peer Learning Exchanges; Mentorship Pairing; Harmonized Standardised Due Diligence Tool; Annual Learning Forum.

Key Interventions

Organizational Governance & Compliance
Financial Management & Donor Readiness
Localization & Partnership Management
Digital & Operational Infrastructure
02
Pillar 2
Pillar 02

Anticipatory Action

To shift disaster management from reactive crisis response to proactive, forecast-based action that protects communities before shocks occur.

A proactive sector that shifts disaster management from reacting to crises to acting before they occur, based on forecast triggers. Anticipatory Action (AA) pre-positions resources and response protocols so communities are protected before shocks hit.

Mechanisms

Forecast-based financing frameworks; Pre-arranged contingency funds; Harmonized SOPs for drought, flood, and conflict triggers; Community early warning networks; Integration with the Hunger Safety Net Programme and other social protection mechanisms.

Key Interventions

Forecast-Based Financing — using early warnings (e.g., failed rains, flood models) to release pre-arranged funds for cash transfers, livestock protection, or water trucking
Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) — pre-agreed thresholds and response protocols for droughts, floods, and conflict early warning
Community-Led Early Action — strengthening local capacity to act on indigenous forecasts and disseminate alerts
Linkages to Social Protection — integrating AA with existing safety nets (e.g., Hunger Safety Net Programme) for rapid scale-up
03
Pillar 3
Pillar 03

Localization, Advocacy and Influencing

To position local Kenyan organizations as leaders at critical decision-making tables — connecting community-led evidence with formal policy processes.

Amplifies the voice and leadership of local Kenyan organizations to ensure that humanitarian, development, and peacebuilding actions are contextually relevant, sustainable, and accountable to affected communities.

Key Activities

Community-Led Policy Dialogue; Capacity Strengthening for Advocacy; Developing Common Position Papers on national issues.

Key Interventions

Advocacy & Accountability — connecting community evidence with policy
Influencing & Strategic Engagement at decision-making tables
Localisation Action — translating Grand Bargain commitments into practice
04
Pillar 4
Pillar 04

Research and Learning

To enable locally-led research and knowledge generation that drives evidence-based advocacy and reduces dependency on international research institutions.

Shifts the balance of power in development by enabling local Kenyan actors to generate their own knowledge, pilot innovative approaches, and use data to influence national policy. Breaks reliance on international NGOs for research.

Key Interventions

Locally-Led Research & Evidence Generation
Innovation & Piloting — homegrown solutions including digital disease surveillance
Structured Learning & Knowledge Management
Evidence-to-Action & Policy Advocacy
05
Pillar 5
Pillar 05

Triple Nexus Programming (HDP Nexus)

To integrate Humanitarian, Development and Peace programming — dismantling silos and providing community-led solutions that address both immediate needs and long-term resilience.

Advocates for integration of Humanitarian, Development and Peace programming. Emphasizes dismantling traditional silos to provide integrated, community-led solutions that tackle immediate vulnerabilities and foster long-term resilience.

Key Interventions

Integrated Disaster Risk Reduction & Preparedness
Community-led Climate Adaptation
Conflict Sensitivity in Programming
Multi-sectoral Coordination & Nexus Programming

See Who Implements These Pillars

KHRN's 14 member organizations deliver these pillars on the ground across Kenya.