Driving Localization Through the Sustainability Model Program in Kenya

The Sustainability Model Program (SMP), a collaboration between the Danish Refugee Council (DRC) and five local organizations, Foundation for Health and Social Economic Development (HESED) Africa, Rights Organization for Advocacy and Development (ROAD), Nomadic Assistance for Peace and Development (NAPAD), Merti Integrated Development Programme (MID-P), and the refugee-led Solidarity Initiative for Refugees (SIR), is advancing localization in humanitarian response in Kenya. Funded by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Denmark (DANIDA), the program prioritizes institutional capacity development to empower local organizations to become more effective, resilient, and sustainable.

Localization is central to DRC’s organizational goals, ensuring that local organizations take the lead in addressing the needs of communities affected by conflict and displacement. By strengthening local leadership, the program enables these organizations to thrive and effectively serve their populations.

A three-day review meeting highlighted the significant progress made over the past three years of implementation, emphasizing SMP's role in advancing the localization agenda. Key achievements include:

Outcome 1. Partners have improved capacity to mobilize resources and to access funding in response to the needs of their target population in Kenya

The five partner organizations demonstrated their growing ability to mobilize resources and meet the needs of their target populations as follows;

• In 2024, the partners collectively prepared 95 proposals.
• 19 proposals were funded, securing a total of 519 million Ksh (excluding DANIDA funding).
• Partners expanded their donor base, securing support from individuals, foundations, private companies, and multilateral organizations.
• Platforms like Global Giving and Better Place are now integral to their fundraising strategies.
• HESED, ROAD, and MIDP are successfully implementing Income Generating Activities (IGAs), enhancing financial independence.

These achievements mark a shift from donor dependency to self-reliance, a cornerstone of effective localization.

Outcome 2. Strengthened Financial Management

Through capacity-building initiatives, all five partners have enhanced their financial management systems. This progress reflects their growing ability to handle resources responsibly, meet donor expectations, and deliver impactful projects, reinforcing their credibility and autonomy.

Outcome 3. Improved Monitoring, Evaluation, Accountability, and Learning (MEAL)

Robust MEAL systems are now embedded within the organizations, enabling them to:

• Monitor and evaluate project outcomes effectively.
• Generate data-driven insights to demonstrate impact.
• Strengthen accountability to both donors and beneficiaries.

These advancements align with localization principles, ensuring that local organizations independently track and improve their programs.

Outcome 4. Leadership and Governance Development

Local leadership is at the heart of the program’s success. Highlights include:

• Strengthened governance structures within HESED, ROAD, NAPAD, SIR, and MID-P.
• Successful sub-granting initiatives and support to community-based organizations (CBOs), promoting grassroots replication of the SMP model.
• Enhanced decision-making capacities that align with organizational goals and community needs.

SMP exemplifies DRC’s commitment to localization by shifting power and resources to local actors, strengthening the capacity of local organizations to lead humanitarian and development initiatives. The program fosters sustainable change by embedding knowledge, leadership, and grassroots replication of the SMP model.

Capacity development efforts have been pivotal, particularly in fundraising training, resource mobilization strategies, knowledge sharing, and peer learning sessions. Collaborative reviews, including end-of-year and mid-year assessments, have provided partners with valuable insights to refine their approaches.