Communities for Africa Network – Kenya (CAN-K)
Who We Are
Communities for Africa Network – Kenya (CAN-K) is a community-driven NGO in Kenya committed to advancing human rights, peacebuilding, democratic governance, child protection, and sustainable livelihoods.
We are a grassroots-focused organization working across Kenya and beyond to ensure vulnerable communities including refugees, women, youth, stateless persons, and marginalized groups have access to justice, opportunity, and inclusive development.
As a human rights organization in Kenya, our work centers on dignity, accountability, and long-term community empowerment.
Real change starts at the grassroots.
CAN-K History
CAN-K was born from a simple truth:
Communities already hold the solutions — they only need space, trust, and support to lead.Across Kenya and beyond, many development interventions fail because they are designed without meaningful participation from the people most affected. Refugees, women, youth, and vulnerable populations are often excluded from decisions shaping their lives.CAN-K exists to change that.Founded in 2013 by experienced humanitarian and development professionals, the organization was created to bridge the gap between global policy frameworks and grassroots realities. After years of service within the United Nations and international NGOs across Africa, the Middle East, and Europe, the founders returned with a shared vision:To build a community development organization in Kenya that listens first, works alongside communities, and strengthens local leadership to drive sustainable solutions.Active operations began in late 2025, bringing global expertise back home to serve communities across Kenya.
From local voices to lasting solutions.
Our core values
We are committed to:
Integrity and accountability
Transparent stewardship of resources
Community-centered program implementation
Compliance with national laws and international human rights frameworks
Our Approaches
As a community driven organization our work is guided by five principles:
1. Community-Led, Not Top-Down
We prioritize local ownership and ensure communities actively shape the programs that affect them.
2. Rights-Based & Inclusive
We uphold dignity, equality, and justice — ensuring vulnerable groups are meaningfully included.
3. Grounded in Local Realities
Our programs are informed by lived experiences, field expertise, and evidence-based research.
4. Focused on Long-Term Impact
We invest in sustainable systems rather than short-term interventions.
5.Built on Strong Partnerships
We collaborate with government institutions, UN agencies, international NGOs, private sector partners, and community-based organizations.
When communities lead, change lasts.
Leadership & Governance
CAN-K is led by experienced professionals with extensive backgrounds in:
Human rights law
Refugee protection and legal representation
Child protection systems
Peacebuilding and governance reform
Multi-country humanitarian operations
Our leadership brings more than 15 years of experience working in complex humanitarian and development contexts across Africa and beyond.
We are committed to:
Integrity and accountability
Transparent stewardship of resources
Community-centered program implementation
Compliance with national laws and international human rights frameworks
Building justice, peace, and opportunity — from the ground up.
Our Team
Lillian Adhiambo Otieno
Co-Founder & Executive Director
Lillian Adhiambo Otieno
Co-Founder & Executive Director
Anne Muthoni Ngunu
Co-Founder & Board Member
Anne Muthoni Ngunu
Co-Founder & Board Member
Jane Abudho-Howell
Co-Founder & Board Member
Jane Abudho-Howell
Co-Founder & Board Member
Caroline Omsula Sakwa
Board Member
Caroline Omsula Sakwa
Board Member
Joshua Mc Arthur Kodiaga
Technical Advisor – Child Protection & Mental Health
Joshua Mc Arthur Kodiaga
Technical Advisor – Child Protection & Mental Health
Lorraine Dalizu Ombech
Technical Adviser, Refugees, Forced Migration & Humanitarian programming.
Lorraine Dalizu Ombech
Technical Adviser, Refugees, Forced Migration & Humanitarian programming.
Dr. Dan Odaba
Technical Advisor, Peacebuilding & Social Cohesion
Dr. Dan Odaba
Technical Advisor, Peacebuilding & Social Cohesion
Join Us
Communities for Africa Network – Kenya invites donors, partners, institutions, and community leaders to work with us in strengthening grassroots power for a more just and peaceful Kenya.
Whether through partnership, funding, collaboration, or advocacy, your engagement helps transform local leadership into lasting impact.
