KDEF Success Stories

KDEF FEEDING PROGRAM: This year, KDEF launched an innovative new Livestock for School Fees program. During the recent three-year drought, our communities have lost 80 percent of their herds, and the remaining animals are too weak to travel long distances to the market. Meanwhile, families cannot afford the tuition and fees to send their children to high school, which in Kenya is not free. Our solution: KDEF sets up a goat market at a local high school. Parents sell their goats to us for $20 and use this profit for school fees. KDEF donates the goat to the school, which credits the family’s account with an additional $20, for a total of $40 to the family. This covers the full cost of one term. Meanwhile, the school uses the goat meal to supplement its lunch menu. School feeding programs are an important part of our work, as many families struggle to provide regular, nutritious meals at home. In 2022, this pilot program kept 2,100 students in school for Term 1. We hope to scale this program across the region.

KDEF Centre: In April of 2022, a significant milestone was achieved in Ngurunit as the KDEF Centre was officially launched. The grand opening of this remarkable establishment was marked by a celebration, filled with joyous music and vibrant dancing. The centre offers potential for various operations including office space, student dormitories, dining hall/conference center, a future sports complex center, housing for staff, and is home to Kenya's first ever library. The KDEF Centre aims to assist students in the challenges they face in attempting to pursue education away from home. The Centre assures a safe conducive environment where learning and a sense of community is fostered.

KDEF Library: KDEF built the first ever library in Northern Kenya. By constructing and equipping this modern library with the most up to date books and resources, we will develop a reading culture for communities that have been left behind for decades. The library is located in the village of Ngurunit which lies at the base of the Ndotto mountains in Samburu County. It is accessible to students from communities far and wide. To learn more, and explore KDEF's initiatives, visit our Instagram page linked down below.

Karare Community Borehole: After enduring decades of water scarcity, the village of Karare has finally gained access to its very first borehole thanks to Kenya Drylands Education Fund. KDEF not only funded the drilling of one of the deepest boreholes in the country but installed solar panels, storage tanks and automatic water dispensers. Women and children are now free and no longer required to walk far distances to find water sources. At 520 meters, there is plenty of water for the community. Karare’s borehole provides immediate relief to the village and encourages hope for other villages that face similar challenges.

Food Vouchers: In July 2023, Kenya Drylands Education Fund worked to aid 1,200 university students during the current economic downfall brought on by the drought. We distributed 1,200 gift vouchers each worth Ksh 2,500 ($25). This provided support to many students from Samburu and Marsabit Counties whose parents are currently unable to support their children.

Food Hampers: The recent three year drought in Kenya, has brought families and entire communities to their knees. Families have lost up to 80% of their livestock leaving them challenged to find the means to feed their children. KDEF is doing what we can to mitigate the suffering by purchasing and delivering food hampers to those in most need. Currently 3,200 families in Samburu and Marsabit Counties continue to receive food rations from KDEF.

Science Centers: KDEF has built modern science facilities in four schools and communities in Marsabit County. These fully equipped science centers are located at Bishop Cavallera Girls, Merille Mixed, Korr Mixed and Nyrio Mixed Secondary Schools. Now students can learn physics, chemistry and biology in a hands-on, practical way .