Introduction

The Development department is an outreach arm of the Anglican Church of Kenya (ACK) involved in the physical, intellectual, environmental, social and economic life of the poor, the marginalized and all other vulnerable members of our nation, Kenya.  The department has curved a niche in the overall holistic ministry of the church under the name of Christian Community Services (CCS) which believes in “An abundant life” for all people of God.

The department was established in 1983 after a church leaders' consultation in Limuru, which articulated the Philosophy and Theology of the church’s involvement in participatory community development with the poor.  The consultation was as a response to findings that good work was taking place in education, agriculture, health and water development projects which had been started in a few dioceses from as early as 1975.                                                                                       top

Programmes

The development department is involved in a wide range of programmes at national and regional levels all aimed at improving the well-being of poor people.  These include integrated Food Security programmes addressing production, transportation, marketing and processing of agricultural and livestock production.  Availability of safe drinking water for human and livestock, plus the conservation of soil, water, wildlife and the environment form part and parcel of the Integrated Rural Development Programmes implemented by CCS at community level.

Health Programmes for disease prevention and treatment often with mobile health clinics form a common feature in high population density locations. 

The HIV/AIDS pandemic has had far reaching impact on the social, cultural, economic, health and religious life of many individuals, families and communities.  The fight against the HIV/AIDS scourge is stronger now and our focus is on information sharing, de-stigmatization and appropriate counseling and coping skills.

The focus on Capacity Building at national and regional level ensures a workforce with appropriate skills to promote participatory and sustainable community development, while at the same time empowering the community to be more analytical about their situations, resources and develop appropriate interventions, to address their challenges.  Their capacities are further enhanced through Gender, Justice and Equity, Conflict Resolution and Civic Education and Advocacy Programmes.  The need for participation and consultation in policy formulation has been amplified in our recently established programme on Poverty Alleviation and Globalization which empowers local communities to be involved in campaign, lobby and advocacy on issues that affect them.

Arising from the observation that disasters and calamities have dodged poor and marginalized communities over decades the development department designed a Disaster Management and Prevention Programme referred to as DMP to cover the entire country with specific emphasis on disaster prone areas.

Sustainable development goes hand in hand with promotion of skills and investment enterprises.  We are therefore involved in a range of Micro-enterprise Development, small-scale business, home improvement and cottage industries aimed at improving living standards of families/households, groups and individuals.                            top

The Way Forward

The Church remains a place of solace, hope and renewal, especially for the vulnerable.  The mandate to continue with the mission of Jesus Christ our Lord as exemplified in the Bible especially in St. Luke’s gospel (Luke 4:18 & 19 also Isaiah 61) is still ‘The Good News of Salvation’.

We therefore endeavor with greater vigor and commitment to dedicate our effort to alleviate all forms of poverty, injustices and ignorance. 

In the past we have worked with a network of local, national and international partners whose special contribution we highly value.  We stand on the premises that ‘Nothing is impossible – God being our help.  Together this world will be a better place for all. Amen                                                                                       top

Contacts and Addresses 

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