RANGE Programme Kenya

5 year Programme funded by the Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands and implemented by Mercy Corps, FCDC, University of Twente and partners in Kenya.

[FCDC Kenya @FCDCKenya]

Strengthening Financial Inclusion and Community Resilience Through Collective Action
@FCDCKenya , through the @RANGEprogramme, participated in the VSLA Conference organized by @MercyCorpsKe and Merti Integrated Development Programme (#MID-P) at El-Boran Hotel in Isiolo County. The event convened 50 Village Savings and Loan Association (VSLA) groups from across the region, creating a vibrant platform for learning, networking, and business growth.

The conference showcased the remarkable achievements of VSLA members through exhibitions of locally produced goods, thriving enterprises, and inspiring success stories. These demonstrations highlighted the significant role that community-led savings and lending initiatives play in improving household incomes, creating employment opportunities, fostering entrepreneurship, and strengthening local economies.

During the conference, the FCDC team engaged with VSLA groups, financial institutions, government enterprise funds, development partners, and private sector stakeholders to explore pathways for enhancing financial inclusion, expanding market access, and increasing access to business development services for communities across the ASAL counties.

The event reaffirmed the importance of VSLAs as catalysts for economic empowerment, particularly for women and youth, while strengthening community resilience and self-reliance. FCDC continues to champion innovative and inclusive approaches that empower communities, unlock economic opportunities, and contribute to sustainable livelihoods across northern Kenya.

#FCDC #RANGEProgramme #MercyCorpsKenya

[MIDPKENYA @midpkenya]

Today, MID-P, in partnership with @MercyCorpsKe through the @RANGEprogramme and PRIME Programme, hosted a VSLA Conference at El-Boran Hotel, bringing together 50 VSLA groups to showcase their products, businesses, and achievements.#VSLA #FinancialInclusion #EconomicEmpowerment

[MIDPKENYA @midpkenya]

The choices we make today shape the world we leave for future generations. Together, let's protect our environment, conserve natural resources, and promote sustainable practices for a healthier and more resilient planet.#WorldEnvironmentDay2026 Our environment, our responsibility

[RANGE Programme Kenya @RANGEprogramme]

A recent feature on @Jangwan106 spotlighted reflections in the recently concluded VSLA Forum in Moyale, which was organized through a collaboration between Mercy Corps Kenya programmes—RANGE, PRIME, and Mobility & Movement and @SNDAfrica

𝗪𝗮𝘁𝗰𝗵 https://t.co/TZQYVSkjkP

[FCDC Kenya @FCDCKenya]

Morans Step Forward as Peace Ambassadors in Samburu.
@FCDCKenya,through the @RANGEprogramme and in collaboration with #WestGate Community Conservancy, successfully convened a two-day dialogue forum bringing together Morans, elders, and National Government Administration Officers from the Waso West villages of Naisunyai, Sukuroi, Remote, Lempaute, Ngutuk Ongiron, Sasaab, Lpus-Leluai, and Kiltamany in Samburu County.
The dialogue provided a platform for constructive engagement on peace, security, social cohesion, and sustainable rangeland management, while strengthening the role of Morans as peace ambassadors within their communities.
As a result of the engagement, the participants made the following commitments:
✅ Morans committed to champion peace within and across communities by reducing aggression, banditry, and livestock theft, while actively promoting peaceful coexistence.
✅ Morans pledged to serve as peace agents and raise awareness among their fellow Morans on the importance of dialogue, non-violence, and conflict prevention.
✅ Participants committed to observing and respecting traditional migration routes and grazing patterns in line with established rangeland management protocols to minimize resource-based conflicts.
✅ Morans agreed to strengthen community-based early warning systems by sharing timely information with elders and relevant authorities on emerging threats and potential conflicts.
✅ Morans committed to identifying and reporting individuals involved in criminal activities and other actions that undermine peace and security within their communities.
✅ Elders, Morans, and local administration reaffirmed their commitment to working together to strengthen traditional conflict resolution mechanisms and community-led peacebuilding efforts.
✅ They committed to enhancing collaboration with conservancies, government institutions, and development partners to advance sustainable peace, security, and responsible natural resource management.
The dialogue reaffirmed the critical role of Morans as agents of positive change and demonstrated the power of intergenerational engagement in building peaceful, resilient, and prosperous communities across Samburu County.

[SNDAfrica @SNDAfrica]

SND, in partnership with @MercyCorpsKe through the @RANGEprogramme, Mobility & Movement and Promoting Resilience, Inclusivity and Meaningful Engagement (PRIME) Programmes, today brought together representatives of Village Savings and Loan Associations (VSLAs) from across Moyale Sub-County for a capacity-strengthening forum aimed at building stronger, more resilient, and better-coordinated community savings institutions.

The training focused on strengthening governance and institutional coordination within VSLAs, equipping participants with practical knowledge on leadership, accountability, transparency, compliance, and effective organizational management. Participants also explored financial oversight, sustainability planning, and the critical role of collective action in strengthening community-led financial systems. A key component of the forum was the facilitation of the formation of the Moyale VSLA Apex Structure, designed to enhance coordination, representation, advocacy, and collaboration among savings groups.

The forum benefited from contributions by representatives from the Kenya National Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KNCCI), Kenya Customs, the Department of Trade, and the Department of Social Services, who shared insights on entrepreneurship, market opportunities, institutional governance, compliance, and pathways for strengthening local economic development. Their participation enriched discussions and highlighted the importance of linking community savings groups to broader economic and governance structures.

Strong VSLAs play a vital role in building household resilience by expanding access to financial services, supporting entrepreneurship, strengthening social cohesion, and enabling communities to better withstand economic and climate-related shocks. By investing in the capacity of community institutions, the initiative contributes to sustainable livelihoods, financial inclusion, and locally driven development.

A key outcome of the training was the establishment of a framework for the Moyale VSLA Apex Committee, which will serve as an umbrella platform for participating VSLAs, promoting collective representation, improved governance, peer learning, and stronger engagement with government institutions and development partners.

The training comes ahead of the Moyale VSLA Exhibition, where community groups will showcase their achievements, innovations, and contributions to economic empowerment, social cohesion, and resilience building. The exhibition will provide an opportunity to celebrate local success stories and demonstrate the transformative role of community savings groups in advancing sustainable development.

Supported by the @NLinKenya, the RANGE Programme brings together a consortium of partners committed to strengthening climate resilience, sustainable livelihoods, social cohesion, and inclusive economic development across Marsabit County.

@FCDCKenya
@UTwente
#FinancialInclusion #VSLA #CommunityResilience #EconomicEmpowerment #SustainableLivelihoods #PastoralistCommunities #RANGEProgramme #SNDAfrica #MercyCorps #PartnershipsForImpact #LocalEconomicDevelopment #SocialCohesion #SDG1 #SDG8 #SDG17

[FCDC Kenya @FCDCKenya]

Last week, the Frontier Counties Development Council (FCDC), through the @RANGEprogramme , continued advancing community-led peacebuilding, resilience, and sustainable livelihoods across pastoral communities in Samburu County.

@FCDCKenya facilitated a dialogue and partnership engagement with Namaiyana Self Help Group (SHG), bringing together reformist morans, community leaders, county government representatives, and local peace structures to strengthen locally driven development, peaceful coexistence, and community resilience.

The engagement culminated in the official signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between FCDC and Namaiyana SHG — a significant milestone towards advancing alternative livelihoods, social transformation, and sustainable peacebuilding among pastoral communities.

Through inclusive dialogue sessions, participants reflected on the group’s vision, business growth opportunities, and the critical role of community-led initiatives in addressing the underlying drivers of stock theft, livestock-related conflicts, and economic vulnerability within ASAL regions.

The discussions further emphasized the need to scale up similar transformation pathways among moran groups across Samburu as a sustainable approach to breaking cycles of raids and insecurity through economic empowerment, livelihood diversification, mentorship, and stronger collaboration between communities and governance structures.

This partnership reflects the broader vision of the RANGE Programme in supporting resilient rangeland ecosystems, sustainable livelihoods, social cohesion, and long-term stability and development across Kenya’s pastoral communities.

[SNDAfrica @SNDAfrica]

Day 2: VSLA Exhibition and Conference Forum in Moyale Sub-County

More than 35 Village Savings and Loan Associations (VSLAs) from across Moyale Sub-County today came together for the second day to showcase how community-led savings initiatives are transforming livelihoods, strengthening entrepreneurship, and building resilience among pastoralist communities.

Organized by a partnership between SNDAfrica and @MercyCorpsKe under the @RANGEprogramme, PRIME and Mobility & Movement Projects, the VSLA Exhibition and Conference Forum brought together community groups, government institutions, private sector actors, and development partners to celebrate achievements, exchange experiences, and explore opportunities for inclusive economic growth.

The event showcased the remarkable progress made by community savings groups in mobilizing local resources, supporting small businesses, empowering women entrepreneurs, and strengthening household resilience. Through exhibitions, networking sessions, and peer learning exchanges, participants demonstrated how locally led financial systems can drive sustainable development, improve financial inclusion, and create pathways for economic opportunity in underserved communities.

Representatives from the Kenya National Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KNCCI), Kenya Customs, the Department of Trade, and the Department of Social Services engaged with participants on market access, enterprise development, business formalization, trade opportunities, and institutional support available to community groups seeking to expand their economic activities.

The forum also marked an important milestone following the establishment of the Moyale VSLA Apex Committee, a locally led coordination platform designed to strengthen governance, representation, accountability, and collaboration among savings groups across the sub-county. The Apex Committee will serve as a bridge between community institutions, government agencies, private sector actors, and development partners, ensuring that local voices remain central to economic development efforts.

At a time when communities are increasingly facing the combined impacts of climate variability, economic uncertainty, and resource pressures, strong community institutions such as VSLAs play a critical role in building resilience. By expanding access to financial services, supporting entrepreneurship, strengthening social cohesion, and promoting collective action, VSLAs are helping communities adapt, innovate, and thrive.

This approach reflects a growing global recognition that sustainable development is most effective when driven by local leadership, community ownership, and inclusive partnerships.

@NLinKenya
@FCDCKenya
@UTwente
#CommunityResilience #WomenEconomicEmpowerment #Localisation #LocallyLedDevelopment #VSLA #EconomicInclusion #SustainableLivelihoods #SocialCohesion #ClimateResilience #RANGEProgramme #SNDAfrica #MercyCorps #PartnershipsForImpact #SDG1 #SDG5 #SDG8 #SDG13 #SDG17

[RANGE Programme Kenya @RANGEprogramme]

𝗠𝗶𝗱-𝗧𝗲𝗿𝗺 𝗥𝗲𝘃𝗶𝗲𝘄 𝗖𝗼𝗻𝘀𝘂𝗹𝘁𝗮𝗻𝗰𝘆
Submit to [email protected] with the subject: Mid-Term Review (MTR) for the Resilient Approaches in Natural Rangeland Ecosystems (RANGE) Programme
Learn more: https://t.co/t4gPoR1vfp
Apply by: 𝘔𝘢𝘺 29 𝘢𝘵 5:00𝘱𝘮

[FCDC Kenya @FCDCKenya]

In the Frontier Counties, resilience is not just a development goal — it is part of everyday life. From pastoral communities adapting to climate shocks to local initiatives creating new livelihood opportunities, the strength of communities continues to inspire the partnerships working alongside them.

Yesterday, FCDC CEO Dr. @iofarah met with @MercyCorpsKe Country Director Mr. William Baron for discussions focused on strengthening collaboration under the @RANGEprogramme and other resilience initiatives across the ASAL region.

The engagement highlighted the importance of deeper stakeholder engagement, inclusion, sustainable livelihoods, and long-term partnerships in building stronger and more resilient communities across the Frontier Counties.

As climate and economic challenges continue to affect vulnerable communities, partnerships such as these remain critical in driving locally grounded and people-centred solutions that create lasting impact.

Together, @FCDCKenya and @MercyCorpsKe remain committed to advancing resilience, strengthening livelihoods, and supporting communities to thrive in the face of evolving challenges.

#Resilience #ASAL #SustainableLivelihoods #CommunityResilience #Partnerships #FCDC #MercyCorps #RANGEProgramme

[FAO Livestock @FAOLivestock]

📢 The #IYRP2026 is here!

The official website of the International Year of Rangelands and Pastoralists is your gateway to global, national, regional and local celebrations.

Register your activities in the interactive map 👇

https://t.co/G0Wr2IYyvw

[RANGE Programme Kenya @RANGEprogramme]

Together with @midpkenya we hosted the @NLinKenya and the @RVO_Nederland in Isiolo. From farmers using drip irrigation and quality seedlings to boost production, to seed propagators reducing farming costs locally, the impact was evident. Read more https://t.co/EVkvPgnTJc

[MIDPKENYA @midpkenya]

Today, @midpkenya completed a two-day training on the Market Systems Development (MSD) approach facilitated by @RANGEProgramme Program Director Dr. Bonface Kaberia of @MercyCorpsKe

[RANGE Programme Kenya @RANGEprogramme]

In partnership with @Gencolivestock , we supported Merti Animal Key Users Livestock Market Cooperative to adopt a collective marketing model. By leveraging Genco’s aggregation & pricing framework, they now onboarded into a premium meat export supply chain. https://t.co/5MwDOLJOTH

[FCDC Kenya @FCDCKenya]

The Frontier Counties Development Council (@FCDCKenya ) deeply values the partnerships that continue to enable the delivery of its mandate in advancing socio-economic development across the region. It is through such meaningful collaborations that we are honoured and humbled to receive a Toyota Landcruiser Hardtop from Mercy Corps, generously donated under the @MercyNawiri Programme, with which we have closely partnered in Samburu and Turkana Counties to address Persistent Acute Malnutrition.

This timely support will significantly enhance our operational capacity, enabling us to better reach communities and strengthen implementation across our various intervention areas. The vehicle will play a critical role in facilitating field coordination, monitoring, and sustained engagement with stakeholders at the grassroots level.

We extend our sincere appreciation to Mercy Corps and the USAID Nawiri Programme for the partnership and this invaluable contribution. FCDC remains committed to fostering strong collaboration with all partners and advancing integrated, convergent approaches to address the region’s development challenges.

[RANGE Programme Kenya @RANGEprogramme]

We’re proud to announce that we have partnered with Spatialise to drive innovation and resilience through technology-powered, market-led solutions in Kenya's ASALs. In attendance was @NLinKenya . Read more https://t.co/h7hiaku3kD

[SNDAfrica @SNDAfrica]

On the 3rd of April 2026, we visited the Biftu Cultural Group, in Saku Sub-County, Marsabit County, to provide essential farm tools that will help make their work easier, faster, and more productive. With support from the RANGE Programme, the group received haymaking equipment, wheelbarrows, pangas, spades, sickles, and rakes, practical tools that directly support their efforts in fodder production and sustainable land use.

For many community members, especially women, access to the right tools means:
✔️ Less strain while working
✔️ More productivity from the land
✔️ Stronger fodder production for livestock
✔️ Increased opportunities to earn income
✔️ Greater resilience in the face of climate challenges

By supporting groups like Biftu, we are promoting inclusive participation, ensuring that women and men have the resources they need to actively contribute to resilient livelihoods and sustainable rangeland management.

This effort contributes to global goals such as Zero Hunger, Gender Equality, Climate Action, and Life on Land, while strengthening locally led solutions that build stronger and more self-reliant communities.

In Marsabit County, the @RANGEProgramme is funded by the @NLinKenya and implemented through a consortium led by @MercyCorpsKe, in partnership with @KenyaFcdc, University of Twente and local implementing partner SND Africa.

Together, we continue to support practical solutions that help communities thrive.

#RANGEProgramme #CommunityResilience #WomenEmpowerment #ClimateSmartAgriculture #NorthernKenya #SustainableLivelihoods #ASALs

[FCDC Kenya @FCDCKenya]

FCDC, through the #RANGE Programme, convened a 4-day write shop to support the development of the Marsabit County Public Administration Policy- part of ongoing efforts to strengthen policy and strategy formulation at the county level.

The workshop was officially opened by Madam Amina Challa, the County Executive Committee Member (CECM), Public Service and Administration. It brought together County Directors, technical teams, and key stakeholders to align on priorities, refine ideas, and move the policy document from concept to structure.

In a strong show of peer learning, Public Administration representatives from Isiolo and Samburu counties also participated, sharing practical insights and lessons from their own policy development processes, which are already underway. Their contribution added depth to discussions and helped contextualize workable approaches for Marsabit.

The involvement of County Solicitors from both Isiolo and Marsabit further strengthened the process by providing critical legal guidance, ensuring that the policy development remains aligned with existing legal and institutional frameworks.

Over the four days, discussions focused on policy frameworks guiding development at lower levels, identification of key policy areas, and defining actionable policy responses. The participants also worked through harmonizing workflows, synthesizing key issues, and integrating emerging priorities to ensure the policy reflects current realities.

Significant progress was made in drafting and enriching policy chapters, guided by a structured policy development framework and continuous technical input from participants.

[RANGE Programme Kenya @RANGEprogramme]

@midpkenya @PacidaKenya @FacultyITC @FCDCKenya @SNDAfrica @FCDCKenya

[RANGE Programme Kenya @RANGEprogramme]

𝐎𝐮𝐫 𝐘𝐞𝐚𝐫 2 𝐈𝐦𝐩𝐚𝐜𝐭 𝐒𝐧𝐚𝐩𝐬𝐡𝐨𝐭 𝐢𝐬 𝐨𝐮𝐭! From restoring 200+ acres of #rangelands, engaging in peace building initiatives to setting up networks for livestock tracking and meteorological data, Year 2 shows what #systemschange looks like in action.
Read more👇