Who We Are
The social and development arm of the Archdiocese of Nairobi — serving the poor, the vulnerable, and the marginalised with compassion, justice, and dignity since 1983.
The Church's social arm
Caritas Nairobi is the social and development arm of the Archdiocese of Nairobi, founded in 1983 under the leadership of Cardinal Maurice Michael Otunga. It exists to translate the Church's social mission into concrete action — serving the poor, promoting justice, and building the capacity of communities to chart their own paths toward dignity and self-reliance.
As a member of the Caritas Internationalis confederation and Caritas Africa, Caritas Nairobi operates within a global network committed to integral human development — addressing not just immediate needs, but the structural causes of poverty, exclusion, and vulnerability.
Today, the organisation covers 3,721 square kilometres across 126 parishes of the Archdiocese, delivering programmes in socio-economic empowerment, food security, gender and youth development, and humanitarian relief.
"Founded in 1973 under Cardinal Maurice Michael Otunga — over five decades of placing people at the centre of development."
Vision & Mission
"A just, dignified, and self-reliant society, guided by Gospel values and Catholic Social Teaching."
"To promote integral human development and social justice by empowering communities to overcome poverty, vulnerability, and exclusion."
Our Core Values
Everything we do flows from a set of values rooted in Catholic Social Teaching and a deep commitment to the dignity of every human person.
Solidarity
We walk alongside the poor and vulnerable, sharing in their struggles and working with them — not merely for them — towards lasting change.
Integrity
We uphold transparency, accountability, and ethical conduct in all our operations, honouring the trust placed in us by communities, donors, and partners.
Participation
We believe that communities are the primary agents of their own development. We facilitate, support, and accompany rather than impose.
Dignity
Every person — regardless of background, faith, or circumstance — is made in the image of God and deserves to be treated with respect and compassion.
Catholic Social Teaching
Our work is firmly rooted in the Church's social doctrine — the option for the poor, subsidiarity, the common good, and integral human development.
Ecumenism & Inclusion
While Catholic in identity, we serve all people regardless of faith, ethnicity, or social status, embodying the universal love at the heart of our mission.
Five decades of faithful service
Foundation
Caritas Nairobi is established under Cardinal Maurice Michael Otunga as the social and development arm of the Archdiocese of Nairobi.
Programme Expansion
SEEP grows its network of Self-Help Groups across the Archdiocese, establishing a model for community-based financial empowerment that endures to this day.
Humanitarian Response
Caritas Nairobi deepens its relief operations, establishing the Rescue Dada Center and Kwetu Home of Peace to serve children and youth in vulnerable situations.
Scaling Impact
Expansion into food security, gender empowerment, and environmental programmes. SEEP membership surpasses 200,000 across 203 Self-Help Groups.
Strategic Plan 2024–2028
A new strategic chapter begins — deepening impact, embracing digital transformation, and strengthening institutional systems for the next generation of community development.
Rooted in the Archdiocese
Caritas Nairobi operates under the authority of the Archbishop of Nairobi, with governance structures that ensure accountability, strategic direction, and pastoral alignment. The organisation is staffed by a professional team supported by trained volunteers across the Archdiocese's 114 parishes.
Operating across 3,721 square kilometres, the reach of Caritas Nairobi spans the full breadth of the Archdiocese — from the urban centre of Nairobi to peri-urban and rural parish communities.
Our Four Core Programmes
Each programme addresses a distinct dimension of poverty and vulnerability, working together towards a common vision of integral human development.
SEEP — Self-Help Programme
Social Economic Empowerment
Organising community members into savings and lending groups that build collective financial power, provide low-interest loans, and create lasting self-reliance.
Sustainable Futures
Food Security, Water & Environment
Ensuring access to food, clean water, and a healthy environment through climate-smart agriculture, WASH programmes, and environmental conservation.
Next Generation Programmes
Gender & Youth Empowerment
Equipping women and young people with skills, confidence, and opportunity through mentorship, vocational training, and advocacy for equal participation.
Compassion in Crisis
Relief & Charitable Centre
Providing immediate humanitarian relief and long-term support to orphans, the elderly, displaced persons, and those facing crisis through the Caritas charitable centre.
Accountable leadership
Caritas Nairobi is governed by a Board that provides strategic oversight, policy direction, and accountability — ensuring that the organisation remains true to its mission and responsive to the needs of the communities it serves. Day-to-day operations are led by a professional Executive Director and management team, guided by the Strategic Plan 2024–2028.