Building A Self-Reliant, Empowered Community

Chapa Ilale Development Group (CIDG) is a community-based organization operating in Vihiga County, Kenya. The organization is committed to empowering local communities through sustainable development initiatives, social support programs, and economic empowerment opportunities aimed at improving livelihoods and promoting self-reliance.

Our Programmes Get Involved

Education Youth & Women Health Agriculture Culture

Vihiga County, Kenya

About Us

Who We Are

Chapa Ilale Development Group (CIDG) is a grassroots organization formed to address community challenges and create opportunities for growth and development.

Working across Vihiga County, we run programmes in education, youth and women empowerment, health and well-being, agriculture, culture, artisan and Jua Kali enterprise, and community safety — alongside a planned community radio station.

CIDG members and community leaders at a support handover in Vihiga County

Vision

To build a self-reliant, empowered, and sustainable community.

Mission

To improve the quality of life for community members through education, economic empowerment, and social support initiatives.

What We Stand For

Our Core Values

Integrity

Community Empowerment

Transparency

Inclusivity

Sustainability

What We Do

Our Programmes & Services

Eight programmes reaching students, youth, women, farmers, artisans and families across Vihiga County.

Signage at the CIDG computer lab classroom project

Education Programs

Chapa Ilale Development Group (CIDG) is committed to improving access to quality education and creating a better learning environment for students.

Provision of bursaries and scholarships to needy students
Construction and improvement of classes
Donation of learning materials (books, uniforms, stationery)
Mentorship programs for students
Community sensitization on the importance of education
Promoting digital literacy for students in public schools
Supporting public schools through building and infrastructure development (classrooms, ablution blocks, laboratories, computer labs, libraries)

Addressing young people at a CIDG community event

Youth Empowerment

We empower young people with skills, opportunities and guidance to become self-reliant and productive members of society.

A CIDG funding handover to a community self-help group

Women Empowerment

We support women to achieve economic independence and improve their livelihoods.

Merry-go-round and table banking programmes
Small business support and training
Financial literacy and savings groups
Access to micro-financing opportunities
Capacity building workshops
Support for women-led enterprises
Supporting open air market traders

CIDG support handed to a community member in need

Health & Well-Being Programs

Chapa Ilale Development Group (CIDG) promotes healthy communities by creating awareness, improving access to basic health knowledge and supporting preventive care initiatives.

Community health awareness campaigns
Maternal and child health education
Menstrual health and sanitary towel distribution for girls
Mental health awareness and support programs
Organizing medical outreach camps in partnership with health providers
Promotion of clean water, sanitation and hygiene

Agriculture & Farmer Support

Chapa Ilale Development Group (CIDG) supports small-scale farmers by promoting sustainable agriculture, improving productivity and enhancing food security within the community.

Training farmers on modern and sustainable farming techniques
Provision of farm inputs
Promotion of kitchen gardening for household food security
Capacity building on agribusiness and market access
Encouraging climate-smart agriculture practices
Supporting poultry and small livestock farming

The winner of a CIDG-sponsored beauty and talent pageant

Culture Promotion

Chapa Ilale Development Group (CIDG) promotes and preserves local culture by celebrating traditions, heritage and community identity.

Organizing cultural festivals and events
Promoting traditional music, dance and storytelling
Documenting and preserving local traditions and history
Encouraging intergenerational knowledge sharing
Promoting cultural exchange within and beyond the community
Preserving cultural identity and strengthening community unity

A local fundi at work on a CIDG construction project

Artisans, Jua Kali & Creative Industries

Chapa Ilale Development Group (CIDG) empowers artisans and creatives by supporting skills development, production and market access.

Supporting mechanics, artisans, metal fabricators, welders, carpenters and fundis
Training on modern tools and improved production techniques
Support youth entry into Jua Kali trades
Training craftsmanship and creative skills
Supporting production of handmade goods
Creating market linkages for artisans
Branding and marketing artisan products
Supporting youth in creative entrepreneurship
Providing business and financial literacy
Supporting formation of artisans groups or cooperatives
Organizing exhibitions and sales events

An LED portable rechargeable security light issued to community leaders

Community Safety & Security

Chapa Ilale Development Group (CIDG) works to promote a safe, peaceful and secure environment where individuals and families can thrive.

Partnering with sponsors to provide solar panels for schools, hospitals and local leaders
Conducting community awareness forums on safety and security
Partnering with local leaders, police and community groups
Supporting youth programs to reduce crime and idleness
Running GBV prevention and response campaigns
Promoting child protection and safeguarding initiatives
Training communities on conflict resolution and peace building
Using the community-based radio to share safety information and alerts

What We Have Done

Our Impact

Real support delivered to students, families, groups and community leaders across Vihiga County.

Chiefs, village elders and community policing team members receiving LED security lights from CIDG

10,000+

Security Support

We have given over 10,000 LED portable rechargeable security lights to all the Chiefs, Assistant Chiefs, Opinion Leaders, Village Elders, Community Policing Teams, Retired Chiefs and Retired Assistant Chiefs to boost their security patrols.

A student supported with a CIDG education bursary

500+

Education Bursaries

We have supported over 500 students from disadvantaged families with education bursaries.

Ksh 10M+

Self-Help Groups

We have supported different self-help groups, including widows, with over Ksh 10 million shillings to assist in their table banking and merry-go-round projects.