Fredrick Kasina
Chief Executive Officer
Leads AiRD's strategy, partnerships and organisational development, guided by the vision of a developed and empowered community across Kenya and the wider region.
About us
A developed and empowered community
Established in 2014, the Africa Initiative for Rural Development is a Kenyan non-profit improving the quality of life of vulnerable communities through sustainable socio-economic development, institutional strengthening and community-led solutions.
Who we are
Empowering communities through sustainable, community-led development.
The Africa Initiative for Rural Development (AiRD) is a Kenyan non-profit development organization committed to improving the quality of life of vulnerable communities through sustainable socio-economic development, institutional strengthening and community-led solutions. Established in 2014, AiRD works to empower rural communities and institutions, national and county government, civil society, development partners, the private sector and communities to design and implement innovative programs that improve livelihoods, strengthen local institutions and promote inclusive development.
AiRD adopts a market-driven, partnership-based approach that combines community participation, capacity building and technical assistance to deliver sustainable development outcomes. Our work is guided by the belief that resilient communities are built through empowered people, strong institutions and strategic partnerships.
The vision
A developed and empowered community.
We imagine a future where every community we work with has the resources, knowledge and opportunity to flourish independently.
Our mission
Innovation, knowledge and best practice.
To empower communities and institutions by promoting innovation, knowledge sharing and best practices to improve the livelihoods of households in Kenya and beyond.
Our reach
More than 14 counties across Kenya — and expanding into Tanzania.
AiRD
Core values
What we stand for
Servant leadership
We lead by serving the communities and institutions we work alongside.
Empowerment
We equip people and institutions to lead their own development.
Sustainability
We design for outcomes that endure well beyond individual projects.
Integrity
We are accountable, transparent and honest in everything we do.
Innovation
We generate, test and share new approaches to persistent challenges.
Team work
We deliver through partnership — internally and with those we serve.
Excellence
We hold our programmes to a high standard of quality and results.
Professionalism
We bring technical rigour and respect to every engagement.
Leadership
The team behind the impact
Our board and senior management guide AiRD's strategy and delivery. Additional board and management profiles will be published here as they are confirmed.
Tollander Wabwire
Director of Operations
Oversees programme design, quality and delivery across livelihoods, WASH, climate and institutional strengthening — with a particular focus on youth employability.
Fredrick Lawrence
Director of Strategic Operations
Drives evidence-based policy research and learning, ensuring AiRD's programmes are informed by sound data and contribute to wider sector dialogue.
Partners & supporters
Our partners and supporters
AiRD collaborates with IFAD, P&G, KBL and the EABL Foundation, Water Mission, Light for the World, county governments and community-focused organisations across Kenya and East Africa.
