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From 6th to 8th August 2025, the KCDF convened over 30 community-based organisations nationwide for the Pamoja for Change Onboarding and Annual Learning Workshop. The three-day gathering, held in Nairobi, aimed to strengthen the capacity of both new and current partners in the Pamoja for Change (P4C) programme, a brainchild of KCDF focused on empowering communities through shared ownership and local resource mobilisation.
The Pamoja for Change programme operates on a unique matching grant model. Under this structure, participating partners must raise up to 50% of the project implementation costs in cash or in-kind contributions. KCDF then matches the remaining amount. This model supports effective project delivery and encourages partners to cultivate sustainable fundraising strategies, reinforcing community ownership and accountability.
Caesar Ngule, KCDF’s Programmes Director, welcomed the partners warmly and encouraged them to speak openly about their experiences and expectations. He emphasised that honest feedback is crucial for strengthening the partnership and better serving the communities they work with. “It’s imperative to provide feedback to ensure we are on the same page,” he said. “Express the challenges you’re facing and your expectations. This helps us improve the support we provide. I commend you all for your great work and encourage you to reach out to any KCDF staff member for assistance or guidance.”
Throughout the workshop, KCDF staff facilitated in-depth sessions across four critical areas: monitoring and evaluation, communications, governance and leadership, and financial reporting. These sessions were designed to equip partners with practical knowledge and tools to improve project implementation and institutional performance.
In the sessions focused on Monitoring, Evaluation, and Learning (MEL), KCDF’s MEL team members Gabriel Kihara and David Muo guided partners in developing robust work plans. These plans were structured around clear means of verification, defined targets, budgets, outputs, and outcomes. The trainers emphasised aligning all project activities with overarching objectives to ensure measurable impact and accountability.
Effective communication also took centre stage during the workshop. KCDF’s Communications Manager, Boniface Mutinda, highlighted the role of both internal and external communications in advancing development goals. Referencing the Shannon and Weaver communication model, he accentuated the importance of clarity and intentionality in message delivery. He further introduced the 7 Cs of effective communication: clear, concise, concrete, correct, coherent, complete, and courteous, as key principles for organisations to adopt.
Kennedy Odera, KCDF’s Programme Coordinator for Capacity Strengthening, addressed leadership and governance. He underlined the importance of sound governance systems in building trust with stakeholders, ensuring transparency, and promoting sustainable operations. According to Odera, strong leadership enhances organisational performance and supports strategic direction, legal compliance, and effective risk management.
Regarding financial management, Hillary Langat, KCDF’s Finance Officer, walked the partners through budgeting processes, financial reporting standards, and ethical procurement practices. He introduced the “Three Ps of Procurement”: process, paperwork, and people, as essential for maintaining transparency and efficiency. Participants also engaged in group exercises, using their organisational financial plans to explore practical approaches to budgeting, supplier selection, and cost management.
Throughout the workshop, KCDF encouraged open dialogue and feedback. Beyond skill-building, the workshop was a valuable space for peer learning and collaboration. Partners could network, exchange experiences, and share innovative strategies for mobilising resources and navigating project challenges. The interactive format of the sessions encouraged practical thinking and deeper reflection on how best to apply these skills within their local contexts.
In conclusion, the Pamoja for Change Onboarding and Annual Learning Workshop reaffirmed KCDF’s unwavering commitment to strengthening community-led development. By investing in the capacity of local organisations and promoting shared responsibility through its matching grant model, KCDF is enabling communities to take the lead in shaping their futures. The knowledge and networks cultivated during the workshop are expected to have a lasting impact as partners return to their communities equipped with tools, confidence, and renewed energy to drive change from the ground up.
#Localfundraising #Communityleddevelopment #capacitystrengthening #annuallearning
