Empowering Nkoilale: The Role of KCDF and the Mott Foundation in Advancing a Community Vision

On July 16, 2025, a journey to Nkoilale Community Development Foundation (NCDF) in Narok County unfolded through rugged roads, scenic landscapes, and vibrant Maasai culture. Located just 10 kilometres from Maasai Mara National Park, NCDF’s transformation from a grassroots initiative to a thriving, fully registered Non-Government Organisation (NGO) is proof of the power of community-led development. With unwavering support from KCDF and the Mott Foundation, NCDF has become a beacon of empowerment, innovation, and sustainability.

Welcoming us with a warm embrace, NCDF Chief Executive Officer Nelson Kirrokor shared the journey of their remarkable transformation. Their partnership with KCDF, particularly under the Mott Foundation-supported programme, Strengthening the Community Foundation Movement as a Basis for Sustainable Development in Kenya, marked the beginning of this success story. “KCDF and the Mott Foundation helped us lay the foundation for sustainability, strong governance, and strategic leadership. Their support gave us the confidence to operate independently,” Nelson reflected. With strong leadership, NCDF has turned these opportunities into measurable community impact.

Today, NCDF serves as a thriving hub of empowerment. Through KCDF’s support, the Naibosho Women Craft Centre was established, where 85 women are trained in beadwork, leather craftsmanship, and financial management. These women, organised in cohorts of 15, not only hone their skills but also manage their finances and business activities within a structured Community-Based Organisation (CBO) model. Their craftsmanship has generated an impressive KES 2.6 million in sales, providing income and fostering independence. The centre’s success is a prime example of how local economic empowerment can uplift entire communities. In addition, the organisation has established a cattle dip to ensure the health and well-being of livestock in the area, further strengthening their community-based impact.

“We no longer just respond to market demand, we anticipate it,” said one of the NCDF staff. “We produce high-quality products that meet the needs of our clients.” To ensure quality, they even source beads directly from Nairobi, which helps maintain consistency in their production.

NCDF’s success extends beyond crafts. Through the Pamoja for Change programme by KCDF, they launched a groundbreaking 24-hour water ATM project called Maji Milele. This prepaid water system has become a self-sustaining initiative that provides clean, affordable water to the community. Users simply recharge their ATM cards through M-Pesa and can access water as needed at a rate of KES 10 per jerrycan.

“The water project was implemented through a matching grant model, where we raised half the amount, and KCDF matched it,” Nelson explained. “This initiative has had a significant impact on the community, providing locals with access to water at affordable prices. The days of walking long distances to fetch water are now behind us. People can now access clean, safe water right at their doorstep for their households.”

Their 22-acre property is brimming with initiatives. From tree nurseries to soap-making training centres, NCDF has created spaces for skill development and environmental sustainability. They train 25 women in soap-making, and their permaculture farm serves as an educational tool to demonstrate sustainable agriculture practices. This holistic approach ensures that the community thrives economically and embraces environmental stewardship.

But NCDF’s journey does not end there. They have bold plans for the future, including establishing an ICT hub to provide youth with digital skills for the modern workforce. They also plan to launch a waste management project to tackle environmental concerns.

What stands out most about NCDF’s journey is its shift from dependence to self-sufficiency, and it’s all possible because of the foundational support from KCDF and the Mott Foundation. “We’re now able to attract partnerships, manage our resources, and serve our community in ways we never thought possible,” Nelson said. This capacity-building has allowed NCDF to serve their community better and establish an organisation that can sustain itself in the long run.

The visit also provided representatives from other peer organisations the opportunity to learn, deepening the understanding of how local initiatives can scale up and operate sustainably. One key lesson learned was the importance of knowledge management. NCDF shared valuable insights on their experience of opening a local dispensary, which was initially challenging due to the distance locals travelled for medical services. However, after handing over the dispensary to the government to run, they improved access to healthcare. “It’s important to give the government the respect it deserves,” said Nelson. “That way, you can work together for the good of the community.”

Additionally, NCDF proudly highlighted how they built a local school that provides quality education, greatly reducing the distances children had to travel to access learning. This move was instrumental in ensuring that children in the region could attend school without unnecessary burdens.

The exchange highlighted how strong relationships with duty-bearers, including government bodies, can lead to long-term, sustainable impact. NCDF’s success shows that effective partnerships and a respectful approach to working with the government can make a world of difference in achieving community development goals.

The Mott Foundation’s programme of strengthening community foundations and KCDFs’ ongoing support has paid off. NCDF is not just a model for sustainable community development; it symbolises what’s possible when a community takes ownership of its future and partners provide the right kind of support for long-term growth.

In the words of Nelson Kirrokor, “We’ve come a long way, but the journey is just beginning. Our community’s vision is clearer than ever, and we are committed to continuing this work, empowering our people for a brighter future.”

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