Welcome to Caritas, Catholic Diocese of Marsabit, your trusted partner in building sustainable and resilient communities in Marsabit County.
Our mission is to empower the people to know God and live in dignity and harmony. With a dedicated team of experts and a passion for making a difference, we are committed to creating transformative and sustainable development for the people of Marsabit.
Background
The Catholic Diocese of Marsabit: The Catholic Diocese of Marsabit was established in November 1964 through the efforts of Bishop Charles Cavallera (Bishop of the Diocese of Marsabit 1964-81). The jurisdiction previously covered the two Counties of Northern Kenya namely: Marsabit and Samburu. In 1981 the Diocese got a new Bishop, the Rt. Rev. Ambrose Ravasi who was in charge of the Diocese until 2006. Rt. Rev. Peter Kihara Kariuki the current Bishop was installed as the third Bishop of the Diocese in January 2007.
Coverage: The Diocese covers the entire Marsabit County, which is the second largest in Kenya after Turkana and covers an area of 70,961.2 sq. kms. Marsabit is classified as 100% Arid and Semi-Arid Land (ASAL). According to the 2019 census, the county has a population of 459,785. It has 17 Parishes served by clergy from different congregations and nationalities. The county is mainly inhabited by pastoralist communities with a mix of indigenous ethnic and sub-ethnic communities who profess Christianity, Islam and African traditional religions.
Caritas Marsabit: The Catholic Diocese of Marsabit’s development agency – Caritas Marsabit is a committed Faith Based Organization that supports integral human development of the pastoralists’ communities in Marsabit County. The function of Caritas Marsabit aligns itself to the objectives of pastoral department of the diocese, whose main function is evangelization. The organization mission is to empower the people to know God and live in dignity and harmony. It envisions a people holistically empowered in line with the gospel values. In her programs Caritas Marsabit aims to facilitate, network, and empower the target communities through need based multi-sectoral programs built on positive cultural and modern practices that utilize available local resources and modern technology.
Target: Our target groups are largely pastoralists and agro-pastoralists who rely on agriculture which is a highly climate sensitive sector. As such, the goal of promoting adaptation, mitigation and poverty reduction is core in our program designs. The organization adopts the Kenya National Adaptation Plan (2015-2030) recommendation of mainstreaming climate change adaptation in all sectors.
Empowering Communities in Marsabit County
As such the organization undertakes short term, medium term and long-term measures to build communities resilience against climate change related shocks.
Our Strategic Pillars
Caritas Marsabit has identified six strategic pillars that guide our work and help us address the diverse needs of the communities we serve. These pillars form the foundation of our programs and initiatives:
1. Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH): We strive to improve access to clean water, proper sanitation facilities, and promote hygienic practices. Our WASH programs focus on constructing and rehabilitating water sources, building latrines, and conducting hygiene promotion activities to ensure healthier living conditions for the most vulnerable communities of Marsabit County. Caritas Marsabit Specific objectives under this program include;
• Potable water supply at the household and institution levels increased
• Empowered communities managing water resources effectively
• Improved access to safe sanitation and hygiene
2. Health and Nutrition: Caritas Marsabit is dedicated to improving the health and nutrition status of the people in county. We provide healthcare services, promote preventive health practices, conduct awareness campaigns, and support nutrition programs to combat malnutrition and enhance overall well-being. The program`s specific objectives include:
• To reduce morbidity and mortality rates of children and mothers
• To promote preventive Health practices
• Promote advocacy on health issues
3. Sustainable Livelihoods: Caritas Marsabit supports the development of sustainable livelihood options for individuals and communities. We provide vocational training, entrepreneurship development, and access to microfinance to empower people to generate income, improve their economic situation, and reduce poverty. The specific objectives under this theme include:
• To promote diverse income generating activities
• To enhance Livestock production and marketing
4. Justice and Peace (JP): We advocate for justice, equality, and peace in Marsabit. Our programs focus on promoting social cohesion, conflict resolution, human rights awareness, and strengthening community-based justice systems. We strive for a just and peaceful society where everyone can live harmoniously. The specific objectives under this program include:
•To promote communities` engagement in peace building and conflict transformation processes.
•Increase public participation in good governance issues at local and national levels
5. Disaster Risk Reduction, Climate Change, and Natural Resource Management (DCC-NRM): We work towards building resilience and mitigating the impacts of disasters and climate change. Our efforts include disaster preparedness, climate change adaptation strategies, sustainable land and water management, and conservation of natural resources. The specific objectives include:
• Promote sustainable use of natural resources
• Increase communities` capacities to manage disaster
• Reduce communities` suffering during emergency situations
6. Institutional Development and Capacity Strengthening (IDCS)
Caritas Marsabit places significant emphasis on Institutional Development and Capacity Strengthening as a pivotal pillar in its strategic plan. This commitment stems from the organization's recognition of deficiencies in organizational policies before 2015, wherein the Human Resources (HR) policy was merely a two-page document utilized across the entire diocese, lacking the depth necessary for effective management. The financial manual was brief, outlining minimal guidelines on procurement, and several essential policies were absent.
During the preceding strategic period (2015-2020), Caritas Marsabit underwent substantial institutional growth. A series of self-assessments revealed longstanding institutional gaps, allowing the organization to formulate comprehensive work plans addressing these issues. Notably, the strategic initiative aligned with the Encyclical Deus Caritas Est, which emphasized the importance of professional competence among individuals caring for those in need. In response, Caritas Marsabit developed a robust HR policy, aligning with contemporary standards, fostering improved recruitment processes, staff establishment, and retention.
The implementation of a structured organogram, clear reporting lines, and detailed job descriptions for all positions significantly contributed to attracting and retaining competent staff. The positive shift is evident as Caritas Marsabit now attracts professionals from peer organizations, marking a departure from the high staff turnover experienced in the past.
Financial management and operational procedures have undergone periodic improvements, earning approval from partners and auditors due to robust internal control systems. Annual organizational audits and project-specific audits enhance accountability, transparency, and quality management, culminating in organizational efficiency and a diverse resource base.
Caritas Marsabit further refined logistics and procurement through a separate policy document. Manuals for fleet management, warehouse operations, anti-fraud, gender, child protection, sexual harassment, and community feedback and complaints handling mechanisms were developed and implemented.
The organization's governance structure now includes a fully constituted board meeting bi-annually, providing oversight to different departments. As a member of the CHS Alliance, Caritas Marsabit has achieved a well-structured institutional system. Nevertheless, the organization acknowledges the need for continuous improvement in capacity. Collaborating with partners and donors, Caritas Marsabit has undertaken various capacity-strengthening initiatives. The organization engaged in discussions with Caritas Kenya on institutional capacity strengthening and shared learning with other diocesan Caritas Organizations.
One significant proposal involved the assessment against the Caritas Internationalis Management Standards (CIMS) within the dioceses. Caritas Marsabit aims to conduct a self-assessment against CIMS in the new strategic plan, reflecting the organization's commitment to sustained growth and adherence to international standards. Here are three specific objectives for IDCS:
Comprehensive Policy Framework: Develop and implement a comprehensive policy framework that addresses organizational deficiencies, ensuring adherence to contemporary standards and best practices. This includes revising and expanding the Human Resources (HR) policy, financial manual, and other essential policies to guide effective management, recruitment processes, and operational procedures.
Professional Competence and Staff Retention: Enhance the professional competence of the organization's workforce by implementing a robust HR policy. This involves providing proper training for staff, improving recruitment processes, establishing clear reporting lines through the development of an organogram, and creating detailed job descriptions for all positions. The goal is to attract, retain, and empower competent professionals, reducing staff turnover and fostering a more stable and skilled workforce.
Efficient Financial Management and Accountability: Strengthen financial management and accountability through the periodic improvement of operational procedures, internal control systems, and the development of specific manuals for logistics, procurement, fleet management, and warehouse operations. Conduct routine audits, including annual organizational audits and project-specific audits, to identify gaps, establish corrective measures, and enhance overall financial efficiency, transparency, and accountability. This objective contributes to diversifying the resource base and ensuring the organization's long-term sustainability.
Join Us in Building a Better Marsabit
Caritas Marsabit welcomes individuals, organizations, and partners who share our vision of a thriving Marsabit community. Together, we can create a sustainable and inclusive future in this beautiful town. Here's how you can get involved:
1. Donate: Your generous contributions can make a significant impact on our programs and help us continue our mission. Visit our donation page to make a secure online donation or learn about other ways to contribute.
2. Volunteer: Join our team as a volunteer and contribute your skills and time to support our various initiatives. Together, we can build a strong and resilient Marsabit community.
3. Partnership Opportunities: If your organization aligns with our values and goals, we invite you to explore partnership opportunities. By combining our resources and expertise, we can achieve greater impact and make a lasting difference in Marsabit.
Stay Connected
Stay up to date with the latest news, events, and initiatives of Caritas Marsabit:
• Follow us on Twitter: @caritasmarsabit
• Like our Facebook page: CaritasMarsabiy
• Subscribe to our newsletter on our website
Contact Us
Have any questions or want to get in touch? We'd love to hear from you. Reach out to us through the following channels:
• Email: info@caritasmarsabit.org
• Phone: +254113458289
• Address: P.O Box 62-60500, Caritas Office,