This program was initiated in November 2025 and is being implemented in partnership with Caritas Kenya facilitated by Marche Delegation from Italy. The program aims to deepen the understanding of the Caritas mission and its foundations in Catholic Social Teaching across the entire Nyahururu Diocese. It clarifies the structure and roles of Parish Caritas within Diocesan and national frameworks, while equipping parish officials and volunteers with practical tools to strengthen engagement, coordination, resource mobilization and community impact.
The Mission of Caritas is rooted in the Church’s ministry of charity and justice. It represents the Church in action, expressing Christ’s love by responding to human suffering with compassion while addressing its underlying causes. Every person is created in the image of God and possesses inherent worth. We stand together as one human family and decisions should be taken at the most local level possible to empower communities. Caritas serves as a visible sign of the Church’s care for those who suffer, promoting charity, justice, peace and the common good for all people, regardless of race, religion or background.
Key focus areas include humanitarian response to emergencies and disasters, building community resilience, peacebuilding and conflict resolution, economic empowerment, poverty reduction and advocacy for justice and the rights of the marginalized. Strong governance, accountability, transparent financial management and effective partnership coordination are central to its operations at all levels.
Parish Caritas Organization: The Heart of the Mission.
– The Parish Caritas Committee serves as the primary structure for living out the Church’s social mission at the grassroots level. It operates under the guidance of the Parish Priest, in close alignment with the Diocesan Caritas office.
Committee Composition and Roles: The committee consists of dedicated lay volunteers with clearly defined responsibilities for planning, implementation, reporting and coordination within the wider Church structure.
– Volunteer Engagement and Capacity Building: Emphasis is placed on recruiting, training and motivating parishioners to participate actively in Caritas activities.
– Resource Mobilization: Practical strategies are provided for sustainable funding through local contributions, partnerships and fundraising that align with Church values.
Expected Outcomes.
Participants equipped to establish or strengthen vibrant Parish Caritas committees that:
– Deepen parishioner involvement in works of mercy and justice.
– Improve coordination with Diocesan and national Caritas structures.
– Enhance resource mobilization and accountability.
– Deliver measurable, sustainable impact in their communities.
This project reflects Caritas’ commitment to integral human development, transforming lives while witnessing to the love of Christ.
CASHA PROGRAM – CARITAS NYAHURURU
Creating Shared Value with Young People in the Livestock Sector in Kenya’s Arid and Semi-Arid Lands (CASHA) is a transformative five-year initiative aimed at improving the livelihoods of young women and men in pastoral and agro-pastoral communities. The program is funded by the MasterCard Foundation and implemented by the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) in partnership with a consortium of development organizations.
Through a collaboration agreement with Caritas Kenya, Caritas Nyahururu is implementing the CASHA program in Laikipia County, supporting young people’s engagement in livestock value chains and enterprise development. The project is designed to unlock the untapped potential within the livestock sector by promoting inclusive growth, resilience and climate-smart practices.
Mission
To empower young women and men in Laikipia County with the skills, knowledge and opportunities needed to actively participate in sustainable livestock-based enterprises, contributing to improved livelihoods, resilience and inclusive economic growth.
Objectives
The CASHA program focuses on:
– Building the capacity of young people to become successful agripreneurs.
– Enhancing access to decent work and employment opportunities within livestock value chains.
– Strengthening technical, entrepreneurial and organizational skills among young women and men led enterprises.
– Promoting climate-smart livestock practices to improve resilience in ASAL communities.
– Supporting young people’s inclusion, with a strong emphasis on young women, persons with disabilities and vulnerable groups.
– Facilitating access to markets, financial services and business development support.
Expected Impact
The CASHA program aims to contribute to the creation of dignified and fulfilling employment opportunities for young people, with a strong focus on women and vulnerable groups. By strengthening livestock value chains and promoting climate resilience, the program seeks to build sustainable, inclusive and economically vibrant communities in Laikipia County.
Caritas Nyahururu remains committed to empowering young people, strengthening livelihoods and fostering resilient communities through innovative and inclusive development approaches.