- ORGANIZATIONAL BACKGROUND
History and Foundation
St. Martin CBO was established in 2015 by a group of passionate Catholic youth and women who recognized the urgent need for grassroots intervention in western Kenya's development landscape. 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, led by veteran community worker the late Peter Odhiambo and youth advocates Sister Metricia Chepkemoi and Anna Perpetual, identified critical gaps in services reaching the most vulnerable populations in their communities. Their initial focus on emergency food distribution during the 2014-2015 drought evolved into a comprehensive development approach that now spans six counties in western Kenya.
Geographic Scope and Context
Western Kenya, where St. Martin CBO operates, presents both opportunities and challenges. The region is characterized by high poverty levels, with over 60% of the population living below the poverty line. Additionally, food insecurity is prevalent due to frequent droughts and flooding affecting agricultural productivity. Youth unemployment contributes to limited economic opportunities and rural-urban migration. Gender inequality, influenced by traditional practices, limits women's participation in economic activities, while educational challenges manifest in high dropout rates, particularly among girls. Furthermore, health disparities are evident through limited access to quality healthcare services. The six counties of operation—Homabay, Kisumu, Migori, Siaya, Kisii, and Nyamira—represent diverse ethnic communities including the Luo, Kisii, and Luhya peoples, each with unique cultural dynamics that influence the organization's programming approach.
