What We Do

Four pillars. One goal.

Our work is organised across four thematic pillars. Each addresses a distinct dimension of building a just, peaceful society — and each connects to the others.

Safe Steps Foundation Kenya programme work
Our Framework

Anchored in the 8 Pillars of Positive Peace

The attitudes, institutions, and structures that create and sustain peaceful societies. These eight pillars guide how we design our programmes and measure our progress.

01

Free flow of information

Citizens access accurate, timely information about decisions affecting their lives.

02

Well-functioning governments

Institutions deliver services, uphold the law, and respond to citizens.

03

Acceptance of the rights of others

Diversity of identity, opinion, and belief is protected and respected.

04

Equitable distribution of resources

Public resources are shared fairly across regions, communities, and groups.

05

High levels of human capital

Citizens have access to education, health, and the skills to thrive.

06

Good relations with neighbours

Communities, counties, and nations resolve disputes through dialogue.

07

Low levels of corruption

Public office is held in trust, and abuse of that trust is exposed and remedied.

08

Sound business environment

Economic opportunity is open to all, supported by rule of law and fair competition.

Pillar 01

Good Governance & Human Rights

We strengthen accountability, transparency, and inclusive participation in public decision-making. Across many communities, women and youth remain excluded from governance spaces. Our work empowers citizens to understand their rights, engage duty bearers, and demand accountable leadership.

Civic awareness and rights education in the counties where we operate
Capacity building of duty bearers, including recent engagement in Bomet County
Public participation in policy and budget processes at county level
Women human rights defenders training and protection
Human rights documentation, policy dialogue, and evidence-based advocacy
Youth engagement in governance and leadership
Pillar 02

Gender Equality & Non-Discrimination

We work with marginalised communities across Kenya where women, girls, and gender-diverse individuals face barriers that limit their safety, voice, and opportunities. Real gender equality requires addressing the unique challenges of people of all genders and ensuring no one is left behind.

Our Core Principles
Intersectionality — addressing overlapping factors of gender, age, ethnicity, disability, and socio-economic status
Inclusive policies and programmes that eliminate systemic barriers
Gender sensitisation that builds understanding and mutual respect across genders
Shared responsibility — engaging men and boys as allies for structural change
Economic empowerment through skills, savings groups, and access to opportunity
Education for all, with curricula that emphasise equality and inclusion
Addressing GBV affecting all genders
Mental health support through safe spaces and counselling
Community-led solutions that empower local actors
What We Have Done
Mentorship of over 500 girls in Ndanai and Sotik, Bomet County
Mentorship programmes for girls under 20 in Bomet East
Alternative Rite of Passage (AROP) ceremonies as an alternative to FGM
Distribution of sanitary towels to schoolgirls, reducing absenteeism
Sexual and Reproductive Health Rights (SRHR) advocacy and training
Women's economic empowerment training in Chepalungu, Bomet County
Support to widows' groups in Esonorua, Kajiado County, including livestock
Low-tech water filter pots for households in Kajiado and Narok
Women-led savings groups and vocational skills training in rural communities
Pillar 03

Conflict Resolution & Social Cohesion

We work with community members, faith leaders, and local officials on community-driven peacebuilding. Peace is not the absence of conflict. It is the presence of structures that allow communities to disagree, negotiate, and decide together without resort to violence.

Peacebuilding capacity building workshops with community leaders and youth
Community dialogues with residents, elders, faith leaders, and county officials
Youth-led peace initiatives that channel energy into civic action
Youth in leadership consultative meetings
Support to community-driven conflict resolution mechanisms, especially in cross-community settings
Trust-building activities anchored in shared values, not imposed frameworks

Lasting peace is built in conversations, not declarations.

Pillar 04

Evidence-Based Policy Research

Advocacy without evidence is opinion. We conduct research and policy analysis that informs our advocacy, strengthens governance, and advances gender equality on terms grounded in data. Through our partnership with Sight-Edge Consultancy, we bring rigorous methodology, data analytics, and monitoring and evaluation to every programme.

Urban governance research with relevant stakeholders
County budget tracking and analysis, including County Budget Tracking Systems (CBTS)
Budget advocacy that translates technical analysis into citizen-accessible information
Policy briefs and analysis that feed directly into our advocacy
Monitoring and evaluation of our own programmes
Documentation of community experiences, particularly on human rights and GBV
Global Goals

Seven Sustainable Development Goals we advance

Every programme we run is mapped to one or more of these. Our research, advocacy, and community engagement all feed into measurable progress.

1

No Poverty

Women's economic empowerment, savings groups, and livelihood support for widows.

4

Quality Education

Sanitary pad distribution to reduce absenteeism, mentorship, and rights education.

5

Gender Equality

Our central pillar — GBV prevention, SRHR, AROP, and women's leadership.

7

Affordable & Clean Energy

Integrating energy access into community development work.

10

Reduced Inequalities

Non-discrimination across age, gender, ethnicity, disability, and income.

13

Climate Action

Community resilience in arid and semi-arid areas, water access and conservation.

17

Partnerships for the Goals

Coalitions with research partners, county governments, faith leaders, and civil society.

This work is built with partners.

To funders, sister organisations, county governments, and communities — if our pillars align with yours, we want to hear from you.