Influenced by the new development paradigm, which puts people before things, PDI-Kenya follows a participatory approach in every sphere of its work. The traditional knowledge of the pastoralist is valued and respected, and there is confidence that pastoralist are capable of self- reliant organization. On a practical level, the fundamental thrust of this approach is decentralization and empowerment.

For a community to be able to work for its own development and reduce its dependency there is a need for full involvement at all stages of the development cycle. The participation of communities in identification, planning, management, implementation and evaluation of projects is a key factor in PDI-Kenya work. Internally a participatory approach is adopted in managing the affairs of PDI-Kenya.

Externally, PDI-Kenya role as a “change agent” helps to develop community management structures that can manage their own development. This increases the ability of the community to demand accountability in all their affairs, from leaders and officials. It reinforces the community’s belief in the value of their own development choices and efforts. These community management structures are not parallel structures, but are built upon traditional institutions, promoting equitable representation and participation

Human resource development is an essential part of our development work. This means ensuring that the community is trained and skilled, as well as organized, to maximize the potential of the community to take hold of its own development.

PDI-Kenya strongly believes in maximizing its impact by transferring field experiences into knowledge to influence the development policies and practices of NGOs, donors and nation and county government agencies. This is important for working towards the long-term goal of eradicating poverty.

Approach

During the process of social mobilization, PDI-Kenya adopted a participatory, self-help, self- sustainable approach through community involvement and formation of volunteer groups in Samburu County.

Philosophy

Sustainable rural development is a dynamic process posing various needs at different phases of time. These can be dealt with continuous interventions based on designed frameworks that incorporate the requirements projected by the communities and with the help of the communities by strategizing for public-private partnership.

Scope of Work

PDI-Kenya has strong linkages with major NGOs and funding agencies working in Samburu.

PDI-Kenya enjoys a rich experience of working in the diverse socio-cultural environment of In Samburu and an extensive networking with private sectors and County Government.

Organizational Values

• Honesty

• Respect for individual

• Integrity

• Participation in communal activities

• Transparency in all transactions

• Accountability to all the actions/deeds performed by an individual

• Creativity

• Cost efficiency

• Gender sensitivity

Values guiding our work

• TRUE: Ensuring transparency at all levels of our work.

• PROFICIENCY: Providing creative expertise and strong commitment.

• SOLIDARITY: Within our NGO and with the people we aim to support.

• JUSTICE: Within our NGO as well as in society.

• INTEGRITY To act according to the values we wish to promote.

• FLEXIBILITY Showing our willingness to change and learn.

Guiding Principles:

Pastoralist Development Initiative Kenya follows the below mentioned guiding principles in implementation of its projects / programmes:

• Use of pastoralist knowledge.

• Making efforts to achieve highest quality standards.

• Promoting a culture of innovation and creativity.

• Meeting deadlines.

• Enhancing networking and coordination.

• Facing challenges.

Professional Strength

• Highly qualified, experienced and devoted professionals board members and staff.

• Adaptability to cope up and meet the requirements of diverse socio-cultural environment of communities in Samburu County.

• Overwhelming support of local people.

• Acceptance as a representative of common people of the area.

• Extensive network to undertake initiatives at grassroots.

• Strong partnerships for undertaking innovative initiatives.

PDI-Kenya follows the following strategy in implementation of its programmes and projects.

Community/Social mobilization:

PDI-Kenya while implementing its programme/projects as a first step undertakes community mobilization so that to raise awareness in community on health and hygiene, importance of education in modern day affairs, gender related issues, socio-economic development and environmental protection. For this purpose, PDI-Kenya management holds meetings with the community members, conducts training/capacity building sessions and launched campaigns.

Advocacy:

PDI-Kenya advocacy is achieving better results in the field of social / rural/community development, PDI-Kenya also believe in advocacy and therefore, the management has always strongly advocated for the issues related to PDI-Kenya. For achieving this objective, PDI-Kenya through its strong advocacy as approached the line departments of National and County Government, NGOs, CBOs, Civil Society Organizations (CSOs), members of the community, notables and PDI-Kenya has always promoted the right based approach and supported the dialogue as an important tool for achieving the above mentioned objectives.

Service delivery:

PDI-Kenya is staunch believer in a very strong and efficient service delivery in the fields of improving living standards of Pastoralist community, community empowerment, climate change and livelihoods, health, education, and environment. For this purpose, PDI-Kenya management has always delivered services in the communities in a transparent manner taking care of quantity and quality. It is only because of this very reason that the PDI-Kenya interventions have always helped in meeting the community needs and achieving the desired objectives.

Net Working:

PDI-Kenya has always promoted the networking with other NGOs, CBOs, CSOs, media groups and concerned stakeholders for achieving the goal of sustainable development.

Networking with other organizations has always proved very productive by playing as medium between the service providers and those at the receiving end. Networking basically provides opportunity for looking at the issues from different angles i.e. from local, national and finally at regional level. At every level, the perspective of issue changes, which then helps in comprehending the issue.

Target groups

PDI-Kenya basically works mainly for pastoralist communities in Samburu County. Its target groups include the men, women, youths and children in the rural communities in Samburu who are still living in miserable conditions and deprived of very basic necessities of life. Besides,

PDI-Kenya also focuses upon the urban populace living in Maralal town, Wamba and Archers

Post. For achieving its goal and objective, PDI-Kenya target groups also include environmentalists and stakeholders in the field of health, education and environment.