In the heart of Kisumu County, the Arise and Shine Care Center (CBO) is transforming lives through an unwavering commitment to social inclusion and protection. The organization’s mission is simple yet powerful: to ensure that every community member—young or old, male or female—has access to opportunities, dignity, and support.
From facilitating the registration of local groups to connecting elderly citizens to social protection programs, Arise and Shine is redefining what inclusive development looks like at the grassroots level.
“True inclusion starts at the community level—where people feel seen, supported, and empowered.”
— Arise and Shine Care Center Leadership Team
Bringing Services Closer to the People
At its Ombeyi Center offices, Arise and Shine offers essential social services that have simplified community development processes. The organization helps residents register self-help groups, youth and women groups, and community-based organizations (CBOs)—making it easier for them to gain official recognition and access resources.
Previously, many community members had to spend money and time traveling long distances to file documents or seek guidance. Today, Arise and Shine has brought those services right to their doorstep, reducing barriers to inclusion and participation.
Empowering Grassroots Groups for Sustainability
The organization’s Resource and Capacity Building Center serves as a hub for empowerment and leadership development. Regular training sessions equip social groups with skills in:
- Leadership and governance
- Conflict management and group dynamics
- Business management and entrepreneurship
- Financial literacy and access to finance
These trainings help transform community groups into self-sustaining entities capable of managing their affairs effectively. Many groups have since established successful small businesses and social enterprises that provide employment and reduce poverty in their communities.
“Empowerment means giving people the tools and confidence to shape their own future.”
Supporting the Elderly: Protecting Dignity Through Inua Jamii
One of the most impactful aspects of Arise and Shine’s work lies in social protection for the elderly. Recognizing the challenges faced by older persons—especially those in rural areas—the organization actively supports their enrollment into the Inua Jamii Cash Transfer Program, a government initiative providing monthly stipends of KSh 2,000 to citizens aged 70 and above.
To date, over 600 elderly beneficiaries in Kisumu County have been successfully registered with the organization’s support. This financial assistance helps them meet their daily needs—food, healthcare, and shelter—while restoring their dignity and independence.
Arise and Shine’s team goes beyond registration by assisting with documentation, bank account setup, and coordination with local government offices, ensuring a smooth and accessible process for all.
Registration of elderly people for the Inua Jamii Program ongoing at Ombeyi Resource Center
Overcoming Barriers to Access and Inclusion
Many elderly people face obstacles such as lack of identification, mobility challenges, or limited financial literacy. Arise and Shine Care Center bridges this gap by providing hands-on guidance at every step of the process.
Community volunteers and staff help beneficiaries complete forms, open bank accounts, and understand payment schedules. Regular follow-up visits and community dialogue sessions ensure that any challenges—such as delayed payments or misinformation—are quickly addressed.
Through these efforts, the organization is not just distributing aid but building a network of care and accountability that strengthens trust between citizens and social protection systems.
“Inclusion is not a privilege—it’s a right that every individual deserves.”
A Model for Community-Led Social Protection
The success of Arise and Shine Care Center demonstrates how community-driven initiatives can complement government programs to deliver real impact. By working at the grassroots level, the organization ensures that social protection policies translate into tangible results for those who need them most.
The CBO’s inclusive model emphasizes collaboration with local leaders, youth groups, and social welfare officers—creating a united front that promotes solidarity, empathy, and shared responsibility.
This model shows how communities can move from dependency to empowerment—where people work together to protect one another and build a society rooted in fairness and compassion.
Building a Future Where Everyone Belongs
As Kenya expands its social safety nets, the story of Arise and Shine Care Center offers a beacon of hope. By promoting inclusion, dignity, and empowerment, the organization is shaping a community where everyone—regardless of status—has a voice and a stake in development.
Through its integrated approach, Arise and Shine is proving that social protection is not just about financial aid; it’s about belonging, respect, and opportunity.
“At Arise and Shine, we believe that inclusion is the foundation of sustainable development and social justice.”
The organization’s tireless work continues to inspire others to join hands in building a society where no one is left behind—a community that truly shines together.
In conclusion, the work of Arise and Shine Care Center stands as a powerful example of how community-based initiatives can drive social inclusion and protection at the grassroots level. By empowering local groups, supporting leadership development, and ensuring that vulnerable populations—especially the elderly—access essential social protection programs, the organization is nurturing a more equitable and compassionate society.
Its holistic approach not only uplifts individuals but also strengthens community bonds, proving that lasting development is achieved when everyone, regardless of age or background, is given the opportunity to participate, prosper, and live with dignity.