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For nearly three decades, the Mara Region Community Development Organization (MRCDO) has partnered with rural communities in Kenya to create lasting, sustainable change. Our work has impacted the lives of hundreds of thousands of people, providing access to healthcare, education, clean water, and economic opportunities. Focused on Maasai, Kipsigis, and Kisii communities, we have partnered with these communities in working to build brighter futures while ensuring the preservation of their rich cultural heritage.
MRCDO is a registered non-profit organization in Kenya, specializing in community development with a focus on marginalized and underserved populations in rural areas. Our innovative six-pillar development model integrates education, healthcare, clean water, food security, income generation, and conservation. This holistic approach empowers communities to take ownership of their development, ensuring long-term sustainability and self-sufficiency.
Kisaruni Group of Schools
Since its inception, Kisaruni High School has provided over 600 girls with a high-quality secondary education. Many of these graduates have gone on to university, becoming the first in their families to pursue higher education. Kisaruni’s unique approach to education not only focuses on academic excellence but also fosters leadership skills and community involvement, empowering young women to be catalysts for change in their communities.
Baraka Hospital
Established in 2010, Baraka Hospital has revolutionized healthcare in the Mara region, treating over 132,000 patients to date. The hospital’s maternity wing has safely delivered more than 7,200 healthy babies, and its public health campaigns have reached hundreds of thousands. Baraka continues to provide life-saving medical care and preventive health services, filling a critical gap in rural healthcare access.
Legacy College
Since opening its doors in 2017, Legacy College has offered specialized training in nursing, clinical medicine, business, and agriculture. With over 100 graduates and over 250 current students, the college equips young adults with the skills needed to succeed in the job market and drive sustainable development in their communities.
Oleleshwa Farm
Oleleshwa Farm serves as a model for sustainable agriculture, training more than 800 farmers annually. Enabled over 25 million nutritious meals to date, supporting farmers and families, supporting local food security and income generation. By teaching modern farming techniques, the farm is empowering communities to grow their own food and develop profitable agricultural enterprises.
Women’s Empowerment Initiatives
Our Women’s Empowerment Centre has provided over 3,000 women with financial literacy and business training, enabling them to achieve economic independence. These women have not only lifted themselves out of poverty but have also become influential leaders in their communities, driving positive social change.
Conservation Initiatives
Our conservation programs are designed to protect the Mara’s rich biodiversity while engaging local communities in sustainable land and wildlife management practices. These initiatives preserve the region’s unique ecosystems and ensure that future generations can continue to benefit from its natural resources.
Our development model is designed to empower individuals and communities by expanding their capacity to make informed decisions and take control of their own paths toward sustainable development. Grounded in an Asset-Based Community Development (ABCD) approach, the model focuses on identifying and building upon the strengths, resources, and existing mechanisms within communities. This strategy recognizes the inherent potential of local assets to address critical challenges and drive comprehensive, empowering development.
Rather than focusing on deficiencies, our approach emphasizes the strengths and resilience that exist within people and communities. By promoting locally-driven solutions, we foster community participation, ownership, and partnership—key elements for ensuring long-term sustainability. Central to our philosophy is the belief that individuals are not passive recipients of aid, but active participants with rights and agency. Indigenous knowledge, skills, and institutions are seen as the most valuable resources for driving meaningful and lasting change.
Our development model is firmly anchored in a community-centered, inclusive approach that promotes self-reliance and long-term impact. By leveraging community assets and fostering collaboration with local stakeholders, we create an environment where solutions are locally owned and tailored to the specific needs and priorities of the community. In doing so, we ensure that each intervention contributes to the long-term well-being and resilience of the community.
Sustainability is woven into every aspect of our work. We ensure that the progress made is enduring by equipping communities with the tools, skills, and knowledge to continue thriving long after our involvement. Respect for local values, culture, and leadership remains at the heart of our efforts, as we work hand-in-hand with communities to build a future where dignity, opportunity, and purpose are accessible to all.
Together, we can transform lives in Kenya by supporting education, healthcare, and sustainable community development.
Project Director
Carol Moraa is an accomplished educator with extensive experience in transforming education systems both in Kenya and internationally.
She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Education and a Master’s in Strategic Management, which have been foundational to her leadership and innovative approaches in education. As the founding Principal of Kisaruni Girls High School, Carol pioneered a progressive educational model that opens doors for students from marginalized communities, empowering them to graduate high school and pursue university education—many for the first time in their families.
Currently, Carol serves as the Program Director, overseeing critical areas including high school and college education, healthcare initiatives, and women’s empowerment programs. She is also the Provost of Legacy College, where she leads the institution in equipping students with practical skills to succeed in their chosen careers, from nursing to business and tourism, while fostering leadership in their communities.
A career highlight for Carol has been her ability to create opportunities for young women and their families, guiding them through the educational journey from primary school to university. Her mentorship has inspired many of her students to return to their communities as professionals—educators, nurses, social workers—where they become agents of change.
Director
Justus Mwendwa is a dedicated leader with a passion for empowering individuals to reach their full potential through capacity building and leadership development.
With over a decade and a half of experience in community development and mobilization across East Africa, Justus has been instrumental in shaping and implementing programs that provide sustainable solutions, helping communities break the cycle of poverty and thrive for generations.
A key figure in community-driven initiatives, Justus has a deep commitment to mentorship, playing a pivotal role in creating and guiding teams focused on development work throughout Kenya. His efforts have expanded the reach of community programs, fostering local leadership and sustainable impact.
Justus also brings international experience, having worked for three years in Rwanda as a Program Manager. There, he successfully implemented a trauma-healing, peace, and reconciliation project in partnership with CORDAID Netherlands. He holds a Diploma in Community Development and a Bachelor’s degree in Leadership and Management, further strengthening his expertise in driving long-term change in the communities he serves.
Head Accountant
John Mwai is a highly skilled accountant with extensive expertise in financial management, ensuring the organization’s operations are guided by transparency and accountability.
As the Head Accountant, John is responsible for overseeing all financial activities, implementing robust internal controls, and maintaining accurate financial tracking systems that ensure the integrity of financial data.
With a meticulous approach to financial reporting and budget management, John has played a key role in strengthening the organization’s financial processes, allowing for seamless project implementation and donor confidence. His commitment to transparency ensures that all funds are managed responsibly, with detailed reporting that aligns with both local regulations and international best practices.
John’s dedication to excellence in financial oversight has been pivotal in supporting the organization’s mission, enabling sustainable growth and long-term impact in the communities it serves. His leadership in financial management fosters trust among stakeholders and ensures that resources are effectively utilized to drive lasting change.
Principal of Kisaruni Girls School
Christine Orina is a principal of Kisaruni High School, an institution renowned for its commitment to empowering future generations through exceptional education.
With extensive experience in learner management and a Bachelor’s degree in Education Arts from the University of Eldoret, Christine has dedicated her career to creating a nurturing and dynamic learning environment where young women can thrive.
Under Christine’s leadership, Kisaruni High School has become a model for quality education in rural Kenya, providing students from marginalized communities with the academic foundation and life skills they need to succeed. The school’s holistic approach focuses not only on academic excellence but also on leadership, character development, and community service, preparing graduates to become leaders and change-makers in their communities and beyond.
Christine is deeply passionate about girl-child education, and her commitment to mentorship plays a central role in her work. She works closely with students, encouraging them to excel both academically and personally, while fostering a strong sense of self-worth and empowerment. Her vision is to see each student at Kisaruni realize their full potential, capable of driving positive change in their communities and the world at large.