We cannot all do great things. But we can do small things with great love
Our Story
Caritas Maralal is the social arm of the Catholic Diocese of Maralal, driven by the Gospel values of love, justice, and solidarity. Guided by the motto “Caritas Christi Urget Nos” — “The Love of Christ Urges Us On” — we are committed to transforming lives, restoring dignity, and uplifting the vulnerable across Samburu and beyond. Through innovative programs in humanitarian response, sustainable development, education, health, and peacebuilding, Caritas Maralal serves as a beacon of hope, empowering communities to rise above challenges and embrace a future of resilience, unity, and shared prosperity.
At Caritas Maralal, Faith in Action for Sustainable Development means translating Gospel values into tangible programs that uplift communities. Guided by the love of Christ, Caritas promotes human dignity, social justice, and care for creation in every initiative. From WASH and food security to livelihoods, environmental conservation, and emergency response, faith drives practical solutions that build resilience and hope. By empowering vulnerable groups and fostering inclusive development, Caritas ensures that no one is left behind. In this way, Caritas Maralal demonstrates that faith is not only believed but lived, shaping a future of compassion, sustainability, and shared prosperity
Caritas Maralal is committed to protecting lives and livelihoods through Disaster Risk Reduction and Emergency Response initiatives. In a region frequently affected by drought, floods, conflicts, and other crises, Caritas works with communities to strengthen preparedness, resilience, and rapid response capacity. The program provides timely humanitarian assistance such as food relief, clean water, shelter, and psychosocial support to affected families while promoting long-term strategies like early warning systems, community training, and risk awareness. By combining immediate response with sustainable disaster management approaches, Caritas Maralal ensures that vulnerable populations are not only supported in times of crisis but are also equipped to face future challenges with strength, dignity, and hope.
Caritas Maralal is dedicated to transforming lives through integrated programs that uphold human dignity and build sustainable communities. Through its Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH) initiatives, Caritas Maralal provides clean water, improved sanitation facilities, and vital hygiene education to safeguard health and prevent disease. Alongside this, the Livelihoods and Economic Empowerment program equips households with skills, resources, and opportunities to enhance food security, grow income, and break the cycle of poverty. By drilling boreholes, rehabilitating water sources, promoting agribusiness, supporting self-help groups, and fostering entrepreneurship, Caritas Maralal empowers communities to thrive with resilience and hope, truly living out its mission of service inspired by the love of Christ.
Caritas Maralal works to transform lives and build resilient communities through integrated programs in Water, Sanitation & Hygiene (WASH), Livelihoods & Economic Empowerment, and Environmental Conservation. By providing clean water, improved sanitation, and hygiene education, Caritas safeguards health and dignity; through training, agribusiness, and economic empowerment, it helps households break the cycle of poverty and achieve self-reliance; and by promoting reforestation, climate-smart agriculture, and sustainable resource management, it ensures a greener and more resilient future. Guided by the love of Christ, Caritas Maralal empowers communities to live with hope, dignity, and sustainability.
Culture plays a vital role in shaping the mission and work of Caritas Maralal. Rooted in the traditions of the Samburu people, culture provides identity, unity, and resilience for communities facing social and economic challenges. Caritas Maralal values cultural heritage as a source of wisdom and strength that guides community development and peaceful coexistence. By respecting traditional practices while promoting positive transformation, Caritas builds trust and collaboration with local communities. Through programs that integrate cultural values with faith and modern approaches, Caritas encourages dialogue, inclusivity, and shared responsibility. Cultural celebrations, language, and customs are honored as expressions of dignity and human identity. Caritas also works to empower marginalized groups within cultural settings, ensuring that women, youth, and vulnerable people are included in development.
Caritas Maralal prioritizes Nutrition and Food Security as a foundation for healthy, dignified, and resilient communities. In response to the challenges of drought, poverty, and limited access to balanced diets in Samburu, the program promotes climate-smart agriculture, kitchen gardening, livestock rearing, and sustainable farming practices. It empowers households with knowledge on nutrition, food preservation, and dietary diversity to combat malnutrition, especially among children, expectant mothers, and vulnerable groups. By strengthening local food systems and building community capacity, Caritas Maralal not only addresses immediate hunger but also ensures long-term food security, enabling families to thrive with hope and stability
Caritas Maralal, through its Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH) program, is committed to promoting health, dignity, and resilience among communities in Samburu and beyond. By drilling boreholes, rehabilitating water sources, constructing latrines, and advancing hygiene education, Caritas Maralal ensures access to safe drinking water, improved sanitation facilities, and life-saving hygiene practices. These interventions not only prevent waterborne diseases but also empower families, safeguard children’s education, and uphold the dignity of women and vulnerable groups. Guided by the love of Christ, Caritas Maralal’s WASH initiatives bring hope and transformation, turning basic needs into lasting opportunities for sustainable development.
