About Us — AIC Kanzinwa CYDC

Our Structure

The Three-in-One Model

AIC Kanzinwa operates as a single unified institution with three semi-autonomous entities working in synergy to serve children, youth, and families in Mumoni Sub-county.

Est. 1958

AIC Kanzinwa Church

The founding institution — established in 1958 with two members after a returning serviceman from the Kenya African Rifles brought the gospel to Kanzinwa village. Today, the church has approximately 150 committed members and provides the spiritual foundation and overall governance for all three entities.

Est. 2009 — KE0759

KE0759 Child Development Centre

Supported by Compassion International since November 2008, the CDC holistically releases children and youth from poverty through spiritual, economic, socio-emotional, and physical development programmes. Currently serving 371 registered beneficiaries including a satellite at AIC Maeni.

Est. 2015

AIC Kanzinwa Academy

A church-based primary school established in January 2015 with 271 pupils (147 boys, 124 girls) including 101 boarders. Ranked 1st in Mumoni Sub-county and top 10 in Kitui County (2023). The academy is a recognised leader in CBC implementation with 70% of required facilities in place.

Our History

A Journey of Faith & Service

From a grass-thatched church structure built in 1958 by a returning serviceman and his wife, to a nationally-acclaimed child development centre, academy, and water project — AIC Kanzinwa's story is one of extraordinary resilience and purpose.

1958

Church Founded

AIC Kanzinwa founded with 2 members. Initial church structure was burnt down but immediately rebuilt. Membership grew to 30 by end of 1958.

2008

Compassion Partnership Signed

On 8 November 2008, AIC Kanzinwa signed its first partnership agreement with Compassion International Kenya — establishing the KE0759 project.

2009

CDC Operations Begin

Operations commenced in January 2009 with 200 registered beneficiaries in the former two-room pharmacy building.

2015

AIC Kanzinwa Academy Opened

Academy launched with 350 pupils from Nursery to Class 8. Parents and caregivers contributed classrooms, food, and school fees.

2016–17

National Partner of the Year

Won 1st position at both Regional and National COSER Partner of the Year Award competitions — best FCP nationally.

2020

Solar Water System Installed

Davis & Shirtliff installed a solar-powered water pumping system worth KES 1,000,000 — providing free, reliable water for the church, project, and academy.

2021

90% Compassion Audit Score

Achieved 90% in Compassion International audit — up from 58% in 2010. Also won 1st position in the 1 million tree planting competition.

2024

AIC Maeni Satellite Launched

30 beneficiaries recruited at AIC Maeni. MoU signed with AAKenya Driving School. New modern office opened.

2026

Strategic Plan 2026–2030 Launched

Five-year strategic plan developed to guide holistic growth of the Church, CDC, and Academy towards 2030.

What Drives Us

Vision, Mission & Values

Our Vision

Empowered children, youth and communities living a better life and exhibiting positive values and spiritual maturity necessary to holistically impact the surrounding society.

Our Mission

We exist to provide children, youth and communities a friendly and conducive environment for holistic growth and development through access to quality education, community empowerment and spiritual mentorship.

Transparency

Open communication and accessibility of information to build trust with all partners.

Accountability

Taking full responsibility for our actions, commitments, and the decisions we make.

Passionate

Strong interest and willingness in participating fully in all our activities and actions.

Excellence

Consistently striving for the highest standards in everything we do.

Ownership

Taking full responsibility for all interventions and the outcomes they produce.

Integrity

Doing the right things at all times, even when unobserved, regardless of external pressures.

Stewardship

Responsible, prudent management of resources while considering long-term wellbeing.

Respect

Treating others with dignity and recognising their inherent worth and individual choices.

Recognition

Awards & Achievements

AIC Kanzinwa CYDC has been repeatedly recognised as a top-performing Compassion International partner at both regional and national level.

2026

CORA COSER Celebration — Child Protection Category

Awarded at Elim Church during the CORA COSER celebration, recognising excellence in safeguarding children and community-based child protection initiatives.

1st Runners Up

2025

COSER POYA Celebration — Church Influence in the Community

Recognised for outstanding church-driven community engagement, spiritual outreach, and the impact of AIC Kanzinwa's faith-based model on the surrounding community.

1st Runners Up

2024

COSER Region — 1 Million Tree Planting Competition

1st Position

2023

COSER Region Partner of the Year Award (POYA)

Best Partner

2023

POYA — Cognitive Development Category & Spiritual Development Category

1st Runners Up

2021

Compassion International — 1 Million Tree Planting Competition (National)

1st Position Nationally

2019

National POYA — Alumni Engagement, Caregiver Empowerment, Infrastructure, Local Ownership & Success Stories

Best Partner Nationally

2017

Regional & National Partner of the Year — Infrastructure, Leadership & Management, Local Ownership & Beneficiary Outcomes

Best Partner & Best FCP Nationally

2016

COSER Region & National POYA — Holistic Programming Initiatives for Youth

1st Position Nationally

2015

Partner of the Year Award — Spiritual Category

2nd Runners Up

Strategic Plan 2026–2030

Our Path to 2030

Our five-year strategic plan (prepared December 2025 by Berachah Synergies Consult) sets a clear roadmap for the Church, CDC, and Academy towards a common goal.

"Improved overall well-being and quality of life for all the children, youth and community members who are upholding Christian values, respecting human rights and driving their own development process by December 2030."

Overall Strategic Goal — 2026–2030

1

Church

Spiritual Nourishment

Communities and church congregants with increased access to right bible teaching, active church attendance practices and upholding purpose-driven life in Jesus' Name by December 2030.

2

CDC Project

Empowered Communities

Empowered children, youth and communities with relevant skills, knowledge, and leadership capabilities through sustainable, locally-driven initiatives by December 2030.

3

Academy

Quality Education

Increased access to quality education, care and protection for children — with the Academy aspiring to become the best primary school in Kenya and establish a senior secondary school by 2030.

Four Pillars

Holistic Development Areas

Spiritual Development

Demonstrating commitment to the Lordship of Christ — nurturing faith, values, and purpose in every registered child and youth through church-centred programming and vocational Bible studies.

Church-centred programming

Economic Development

Exhibiting motivation and skills to become economically self-supporting through vocational training, entrepreneurship, savings groups, and partnerships with KEWI and AAKenya Driving School.

Vocational & skills training

Socio-emotional Development

Interacting with others in a healthy and compassionate manner — counselling, child protection, Linda Mtoto SHG, and community engagement through barazas with NGAO and local leaders.

Community & family focus

Physical Development

Choosing good health practices — medical outreach with MEMA, solar-powered water project serving 350+ beneficiaries, nutrition support, menstrual health initiative, and sports activities.

Health, water & nutrition

Our Partners & Affiliations

Organisations We Work With

These trusted partners share our commitment to transforming the lives of children and communities in Kitui County — through funding, training, healthcare, education, and advocacy.