Organizational Overview

St. Martin CBO was established in 2015 by a group of passionate Catholic youth and women. Named after Saint Martin of Tours, known for his selfless service to the poor and marginalized, the organization embodies the saint’s spirit of compassion and dedication to community welfare. The founding members were led by the late Peter Odhiambo, Sister Metricia Chepkemoi, and Anna Perpetual.

Mission: Empowering children, youth, and women in Western Kenya to achieve socio-economic well-being and resilience in the face of emergencies through Christian values and community support.

Vision: Thriving communities in Western Kenya where children, youth, and women are empowered, equipped, and uplifted, ensuring a brighter future for all.

Geographic Scope: Homabay, Kisumu, Migori, Siaya, Kisii, and Nyamira Counties

Headquarters: Oyugis Town, Homabay County

Organizational Capacity: 25 full-time staff members, over 150 trained volunteers, annual operating budget of approximately $650,000 USD

Intervention 1: Advocate for Rights and Welfare of Children and Youth

The organization serves as a voice for voiceless children and youth through:

• Legal awareness campaigns

• Establishing child protection networks

• Youth mentorship programs

• Advocating for policy changes at local and national levels

Intervention 2: Educational Programs and Resources for Youth Development

• Scholarship programs for vulnerable children (2,847 supported since 2016, 94% completion rate)

• Vocational training for out-of-school youth (85% of graduates employed or started businesses)

• Life skills education and digital literacy programs

• Construction of 8 classroom blocks serving over 3,200 students

Intervention 3: Women’s Empowerment Through Skills Training and Economic Opportunities

• Microfinance and savings groups (2,340 active members, $385,000 disbursed, 97% repayment rate)

• Entrepreneurship training and business development support

• Agricultural training for over 3,200 women farmers

• Leadership development programs and market linkage facilitation

• 65% average increase in household income for program participants

Intervention 4: Emergency Response Initiatives Focusing on Vulnerable Populations

The “Community Shield” Program includes:

• Disaster Risk Reduction: Early warning systems in 25 villages, 180 community disaster response volunteers trained

• 2017 Drought Emergency: Food assistance reaching 8,500 households

• 2020 COVID-19 Response: 15,000 face masks distributed, hygiene supplies to 3,200 households, health education reaching 25,000 people, psychosocial support to 850 individuals

• Climate change adaptation measures

Recognition: 2023 Government of Kenya Certificate of Commendation for Emergency Response

Intervention 5: Food Security, Nutrition, Health, and Livelihood Programs

“Harvest of Hope” Program:

• Nutrition education and supplementation programs

• Kitchen garden initiatives reaching 4,200 households

• Livestock development projects

• Distribution of drought-resistant crop varieties to 1,850 farmers

• 28 demonstration plots showcasing best practices

• Bee-keeping training and hive distribution to 340 families

• School feeding programs in 12 primary schools

“Healthy Communities, Bright Futures” Health Initiative:

• 120 community health volunteers trained across six counties

• Prenatal care support to over 2,800 pregnant mothers

• 35 water points constructed serving over 28,000 community members

• 250 household latrines installed

• 40% reduction in waterborne diseases in intervention areas

Case Study – Kanyada Village, Homabay County: A comprehensive WASH intervention including a solar-powered water system and latrines led to zero cholera cases for three consecutive years among 2,400 residents.

Key Partnerships

Lessons Learned (from the organization’s profile)

1. Community Ownership is Fundamental: Programs with strong community participation demonstrate higher success rates and sustainability

2. Faith-Based Approach Enhances Trust: The Christian foundation builds community trust; religious leaders serve as key entry points

3. Integrated Programming Delivers Greater Impact: Multi-sectoral programming addressing interconnected challenges yields more sustainable results

4. Women’s Leadership is Transformational: Programs prioritizing women’s leadership create multiplier effects

5. Emergency Preparedness Requires Long-term Investment: Quick-fix approaches are less effective than sustained investment in community resilience

Strategic Direction (2026-2030)

• Geographic Expansion: Extending operations to three additional counties by 2028

• Programmatic Innovation: Digital literacy, climate change adaptation, youth entrepreneurship incubation, mental health services, elder care

• Institutional Strengthening: Endowment fund establishment, social enterprise development, enhanced M&E systems

Conclusion

As stated in the organization’s official profile: *”Over the past decade, the organization has evolved from a small church-based initiative to a respected regional development actor, touching the lives of over 50,000 individuals across six counties in Kenya’s Lake Victoria region.”*

For more information, contact St. Martin CBO headquarters in Oyugis Town, Homabay County.