VNG International has worked in Kenya since 2004, supporting local governance reforms and building a strong network with government institutions such as the Council of Governors and the County Assemblies Forum. We also work with a broad network of local experts in public sector improvement, basic public services, public financial management, own-source revenue, community development and social accountability. Since 2023, the Kenya office has operated under Development through Improved Local Governance Programme (SDLG), our multi-annual multi-country partnership with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Netherlands.
County-led refugee governance
In Kenya, SDLG focuses on the role of local governments in refugee governance, particularly in the refugee-hosting counties of Turkana and Garissa. The programme is based on the understanding that traditional humanitarian efforts remain essential but should be complemented by development programmes that help counties respond to the medium and longer-term socio-economic impacts of forced displacement.
VNG International supports counties in taking ownership of service delivery within their devolved functions for both host and refugee communities by providing adaptable service solutions. We also work closely with the municipalities of Dadaab and Kakuma, which were recently granted municipal status, to develop inclusive plans and budgets informed by the priorities of both citizens and refugees. This strengthens service delivery and accountability and has contributed to municipal planning processes, including Integrated Development Plans.
Related: Read more about SDLG Kenya
Working with national institutions
At the national level, we work with the Council of Governors to support county governments in discussions with the national government on refugee-related issues affecting counties. We also work closely with the Kenya School of Government on a curriculum to train government officials in refugee management and with the Department of Refugee Services on national engagements that affect county governments.
Related: Read more about our partnership with the Council of Governors
Strengthening resilience in ASAL counties
Beyond SDLG, VNG International also implements the Resilience Think and Do Tank project for the Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands, together with Millennium Water Alliance and Akvo. The project focuses on sustainable agri-food systems and the water and energy sectors in eight ASAL counties. It aims to accelerate resilience building and increase stability for sustainable social and economic development. This includes exploring value chains, discussing financing mechanisms and promoting investment opportunities.
VNG International’s role in the project is to empower local governments and strengthen accountability, so community needs are better reflected in governance and development processes. The project also brings together different development partners of the Embassy to support a more coordinated and coherent development approach.
Promoting good governance
VNG International also implements the Good Governance project in Kenya for GIZ, funded by the German government. The project aims to strengthen transparency, accountability and public administration to improve government performance at national and county levels. It is delivered by a consortium of Dorsch Impact, VNG International and the Revenue Development Foundation. Together, the partners provide short-term expertise to support anti-corruption reforms, public financial management, climate governance, procurement oversight and mechanisms to combat illicit financial flows.
Within the consortium, VNG International contributes its expertise in decentralisation, local public finance and citizen-centred governance. This helps ensure that reforms are anchored at county level and aligned with inclusive service delivery. The project builds on VNG International’s wider track record in Kenya of strengthening accountable, effective and inclusive local governments.
Office in Kenya
VNG International Kenya is registered in Kenya as a Trust since July 2025 and we have offices in Nairobi, Garissa Town, Dadaab Municipality and Lodwar.
VNG International is active in the following Counties through its programmes: Baringo, Elgeyo Marakwet, Embu, Garissa, Homa Bay, Isiolo, Kajiado, Kakamega, Kilifi, Kirinyaga, Kisumu, Kwale, Laikipia, Machakos, Makueni, Marsabit, Narok, Nairobi, Samburu, Taita Taveta, Tana River, Turkana, and Vihiga.
Our staff
Ms. Grainne Kidakwa
Resident Programme Manager
Ms. Grainne Kidakwa holds a bachelor’s degree in international Relation and master’s degrees in Armed Conflict and Peace studies and Justice Peace and Cohesion. She has experience in programme and project management, in governance, peace and migration in the Horn of Africa. She joined VNG International in October 2023. She has years of experience working with both local NGOs and INGOs such as Friedrich Ebert Stifstung and Center for Humanitarian Dialogue. She is passionate about positive social change.
Mr. Tamrat Getahun
Social Accountability Expert
Mr. Tamrat Getahun has over 15 years of experience in program design, implementation, and evaluation, with a focus on advocacy, governance, and capacity development. He joined VNG International in April 2019 and has led initiatives to strengthen local governance, social accountability, and civic engagement through his previous role as the Partnership and Engagement Lead at VNG International in Ethiopia.
Ms. Mercy Machocho
Resident Programme Officer
Ms. Mercy Machocho holds a bachelor’s degree in Community Development and is currently pursuing a master’s in Gender, Women, and Development Studies. With over 9 years of experience in program management, she has designed and implemented impactful humanitarian and development programs. She has worked with FilmAid Kenya, Terre des Hommes Netherlands, and Plan International. She joined VNG International in March 2024.
Ms. Gloria Auma Odukho
Program Support Officer
Ms. Gloria Auma Odukho holds a Bachelor’s degree in Conflict Resolution and Humanitarian Assistance and is currently pursuing a Master’s degree in Peace and Conflict Studies. She has over five years of experience in programme and project management, governance, peacebuilding, and social accountability. She has worked extensively with both local NGOs and regional organizations, including Act, Change, Transform (ACT!), Human Rights Agenda (HURIA), and the IGAD Conflict Early Warning and Response Mechanism (CEWARN). Her experience spans conflict monitoring and early warning, multi-stakeholder coordination, capacity building, and monitoring, evaluation, and learning. She joined VNG International in March 2026.
Mr. Ekai Isaiah
Project Officer
Mr. Ekai Isaiah holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Economics and Sociology. He has over 8 years of experience in resilient livelihoods and project coordination and has worked on USAID-funded initiatives in Kenya. He joined VNG International Kenya in March 2024.
Mr. Abdiaziz Mohamed
Project Officer
Mr. Abdiaziz Mohamed holds a Bachelor of Commerce degree and has over 17 years of experience in food security, livelihoods promotion, project coordination, and programming. He previously worked as a Livelihood Coordinator with Peace Winds Japan (PWJ) in Dadaab, Kenya. He joined VNG International in March 2024.
Mr. Nyabuto Nyangwara
Finance and Administration Officer
CPA Nyabuto Nyangwara is a Certified Public Accountant (CPA-K) with a Bachelor of Commerce (Finance). With over 10 years of progressive experience in finance, he has held various finance roles, developing extensive expertise in financial management, budgeting, donor financial reporting, compliance, audit coordination, and grant management. He brings to VNG International strong financial stewardship, analytical expertise, and a commitment to supporting effective project implementation through sound financial planning, accountability, and efficient resource management.
Our address:
Segen Plaza, Riverside Drive, 5th Floor, Nairobi, Kenya