About Us

Learn more about our mission, vision, and the team behind CISS

Our Story

Community Initiatives Support Services (CISS) is a registered non-profit public benefits organization engaged in community development focusing on food security, environmental management, economic empowerment and preventive health for the last 30 years. In the last 3 years we have actively included digitalization and intervention based research as strategic objectives. Under each of the objectives there are specific interventions such as dairy goat rearing, bee keeping, vegetable gardening, maternal care and early childhood nutrition, tree planting, promotion of agro ecological practices, peaceful coexistence and conflict resolution. These are implemented through an integrated approach to development where the beneficiaries are able to access the most suitable interventions. The organization works with Women and Youth groups guided by CISS strategic framework which is aligned and arguments the national and county development agenda.

For over three decades, CISS has been at the forefront of community development in Kisumu and surrounding regions, working directly with vulnerable communities to build capacity and implement sustainable solutions to pressing challenges.

VISION

"A Just and Healthy Society"

MISSION

"To promote participatory community initiatives and strengthen capacities for sustainable development"

Our Core Values

Respect

We value the dignity, knowledge, and contributions of all individuals and communities we work with.

Integrity

We maintain high ethical standards in all our operations, ensuring transparency and accountability.

Participation

We believe in inclusive processes that engage communities in decision-making and implementation.

Innovation

We embrace creative solutions and new approaches to address complex development challenges.

Sustainability

We design interventions that create lasting positive change and can be maintained by communities.

Collaboration

We foster partnerships with communities, organizations, and institutions to maximize impact.

Our Approach

CISS focuses on vulnerable communities to empower households by supporting initiatives that target groups. This is done through two pillars of capacity building and empowerment interventions. We are committed to support sustainable development using community centric designed projects.

Target Beneficiaries

CISS works in rural and Peri-urban Areas through target groups, Women and youths, People living with disability, Primary Schools, Support Groups and Individual Farmers.

Partnership Approach

Our preferred approach to development is co-creation in designing projects that address the development needs of the community with partners who have mutual objectives.

Our Team

Our dedicated team of professionals is committed to driving positive change in communities.

Leadership

Our organization is led by experienced professionals with extensive backgrounds in community development, program management, and sustainable development initiatives.

Program Officers

Our programs are managed by skilled coordinators who work closely with communities to implement projects that address specific development needs.

Field Staff

Our dedicated field teams provide direct support and training to community members, ensuring effective implementation of our programs.

Our History

1988

CISS was established as a community-based organization in Kisumu, with a focus on addressing local development challenges.

1990s

Expanded operations to include food security initiatives and environmental conservation programs.

2000s

Introduced economic empowerment programs and peace initiatives to support community development.

2010s

Strengthened focus on preventive health and civic education, reaching more communities in the region.

2020s

Incorporated digitalization and intervention-based research as new strategic objectives to adapt to changing development landscapes.

Today

Continuing to grow and innovate while staying true to our mission of promoting participatory community initiatives and strengthening capacities for sustainable development.