Hand in Hand Eastern Africa

Hand in Hand Eastern Africa (HiH EA) is registered in Kenya as a Non-Governmental Organization (NGO). The organization started its operations in 2010 and it boasts 25 operative field offices in 33 counties out of 47 counties in Kenya. HiH EA is a member of the Hand in Hand Global Network that comprises affiliated organizations that mutually pursue the shared goal of poverty alleviation while supporting poorer communities to develop sustainable enterprises and jobs.

The organization strives to work with the marginalized communities in the areas of economic and social empowerment using a participatory approach aimed at supporting people overcome poverty and vulnerability through development of sustainable enterprises.

The approach is based on a philosophy of self-help, providing training, skills and support to enable poor people, particularly women and youth, to create and sustain self-driven, market-based, economic activities. This results to better standards of living since it empowers families to address issues revolving food security, healthcare, education and housing because of their stable income. HiH EA has so far mobilized and is training over 354,000 members (women, men and youths) who have created over 334,000 enterprise and over 452,000 jobs.

To expedite enterprise creation, HiH EA uses a 4-step enterprise model that comprises these seven training modules; setting-up or mobilizing self-help groups that act as savings groups, delivering enterprise skills through training, enhancing financial management as well as financial access and providing linkage to broader markets.

In a view to implement the provision of market linkage and growth of enterprise of our members. HiH EA has established Fanikisha program, a social entity that aims to connect businesses directly to their markets. Fanikisha seeks to create a common and a transparent marketplace where producers of goods and services can have a direct control free from unscrupulous middlemen.

While entrepreneurship is the strategic focus of HiH-EA, the work is complemented by efforts in thematic areas that increase resilience to climate change, promote advocacy and human rights, and enhance gender mainstreaming, regenerative agriculture and circular economy among others.