• grassrootcdi@gmail.com
  • +254708003481

Grassroot Community Development Initiative

Empowering Communities from the Ground Up

For over a decade, the Grassroot Community Development Initiative has been a steadfast partner to the people of Machakos County. Born from a shared vision of a healthier, more resilient, and self-reliant community, we work hand-in-hand with local families, leaders, and groups to address the most pressing challenges—from food security and clean water to economic empowerment and environmental conservation.

We believe that sustainable change does not come from the outside in, but from the community outward. That’s why every program we run is co-designed, locally led, and rooted in the wisdom, culture, and strength of the people we serve.


Our Story

Founded in 2013 by a small group of local volunteers, what began as a community garden project in Oldonyosabuk has grown into a multi-program initiative touching thousands of lives across Machakos. We’ve learned that real progress happens when you listen first, act together, and build systems that last.

Today, we are a registered community-based organization with a dedicated team of facilitators, health workers, agricultural experts, and volunteers—all united by a commitment to seeing Machakos thrive.


Our Approach

Community-Led

We don’t impose solutions—we facilitate them. Through regular dialogues, participatory planning, and local leadership, we ensure our work reflects what the community truly needs and wants.

Holistic & Integrated

We recognize that challenges like poverty, health, and environment are deeply connected. Our programs are designed to work together—improving food security supports better health; saving money helps invest in farming; planting trees protects water sources.

Sustainable by Design

From training local trainers to promoting low-cost, locally available resources, everything we do is built to continue long after our direct involvement ends.

Transparent & Accountable

We believe in open communication, both with our community members and our partners. Regular feedback loops, community meetings, and clear reporting guide our way forward.


Our Mission

To contribute to the self reliance process of the CBO members through capacity building in Sustainable Resource Mobilization principles and practices.

Our Vision

An empowered rural community who are food sufficient, healthy and income secure.

CBO BROAD OBJECTIVES

  1. To improve food, nutrition and income security status of  smallholder farming communities through training in Ecological Agriculture principles and practices.  
  2. Improve access to safe drinking water, sanitation and improve hygiene practices of community Households and schools through training on low cost water harvesting techniques and establishment of community initiated and run Irrigation Systems as well as training on sanitation/hygiene practices.
  3. Contribute to behavior change of the society on HIV/AIDs related aspects, contribute to improvement of life of the venerable members of the society through training drama/concerts, talks and provision of life skills respectively.
  4. Engage in environmental and eco-tourism activities such as riparian land rehabilitation and re-forestation activities starting with Athi River, Mt. Oldonyo Sabuk and extending to other catchment areas.
  5. Establish a community resource centre focusing on information provision in a diversity of fields such as Agriculture, reproductive health, among others.
  6. Initiate volunteer programs that promote skills development through exchange programs that attract local and international volunteers.
  7. Establish a revolving loan fund to support community based projects that individual household needs geared towards poverty alleviation.

Do you want to partner with us in our programs?