Indigenous Strategy
& Institution for Development
(ISID)
Who we are
Indigenous Strategy and Institution for Development (ISID) was founded in the year 2000 as a Community Based Organization (CBO) by a group of pastoralist elders and elites to deal with multi-dimensional developmental and humanitarian challenges in Northern Kenya.
It later rebranded and registered as a Non-Governmental Organization (NGO) in 2010 to promote homegrown approaches as a foundation of change among indigenous pastoralists and minorities through learning and capacity building processes.
ISID believes in the people, their culture and thus nurtures their inherent capacities to deepen cohesion and facilitate socio-economic development. We promote self-mobilization, self-actions, self-sufficiency and volunteerism in our approaches that puts community-bred solutions, local knowledge and indigenous institutions at the center of resilience building process.
Our Strategic Focus
Mission Statement
To promote homegrown approaches as a foundation for transformative impact across
peoples’ cultures and landscapes.
Vision Statement
Core Values
- Participation
- Partnership
- Diversity
- Volunteerism
- Inclusivity
- Integrity
What we aim to achieve
Our target communities are largely patriarchal and marginalized – therefore some of the developmental challenges are internal, cultural and historical – emanating from exclusions, inequalities, environmental, eco-cultural degradations, social vices, corruption and fragmentations, conflicts, and disaster and climate change risks. We consider all these as barriers to human rights, ecosystem health and sustainable human development. Therefore;
- We exist to confront and lessen these systemic and structural barriers
- We aim to contribute to thriving, sustainable and resilient ecosystems, livelihoods, communities and institutions - building on the good practices of the exiting systems and structures; and body of knowledge (both traditional and scientific).
- We aim to build capacities and partnerships - stand in solidarity with, support struggles of minorities, indigenous peoples and local communities across Northern Kenya and in partnership across greater Horn of Africa Region.
Our Programs
Target Communities and Target areas
Get Involved
ISID is a volunteers community that wants to bring positive changes by developing and nurturing a pool of community volunteers, stewards and rights champions. Capacity building is cornerstone to our approaches and a priority theme. We nurture talents, values and grow gifts for humanity and sharing.
If you want to volunteer or donate, please reach us on info@isidafrica.org or mohamed.dida@isidafrica.org for enquiries