About LAWODA
A women’s organisation rooted in Laikipia
Laikipia Women Development Association (LAWODA) is a community-based organisation in Nanyuki, working with women and communities to build leadership, resilience and practical solutions to everyday challenges.
Who we are
Local women, local knowledge, shared ambition
LAWODA brings women together around the issues that shape daily life in Laikipia — how families cook, what they can grow, who gets a voice in local decisions, and how communities stay healthy and peaceful.
We are a community-based organisation (CBO) based on the Nairobi–Nanyuki Railway Line in Nanyuki, Laikipia County. Our work focuses on women’s and girls’ empowerment, grassroots leadership and inclusion, climate resilience, clean cooking and affordable energy-saving cookstoves, sustainable dryland agriculture and food security, and advocacy, community health and peace-building.
We believe that the women of Laikipia are not passive beneficiaries of development. They are farmers, entrepreneurs, carers, organisers and leaders — and when they lead, whole communities benefit.
Why Laikipia
A landscape of resilience — and real pressures
Laikipia County sits on a high plateau north-west of Mount Kenya, straddling the equator. Much of the county is semi-arid. Rainfall is often unpredictable, and periods of drought put pressure on water, pasture, crops and household budgets.
In many households, women carry much of the responsibility for food, water, fuel and family care. When rains fail or fuel becomes scarce, they often feel the impact first — and they are often the first to find workable solutions.
That is why we work where we do, and why we put women at the centre of the response.
Mission & vision
What we are working towards
Our mission
To empower women and girls in Laikipia County to lead change in their communities through practical climate solutions, sustainable livelihoods, advocacy and inclusive participation.
Our vision
Thriving, resilient communities in Laikipia where women and girls lead with dignity and an equal voice.
Our approach
Community-driven, step by step
We do not arrive with ready-made answers. We work alongside women and communities, building on what they already know and do.
Listen first
We start with conversations in the community — with women’s groups, families and local leaders — about what needs to change.
Organise together
Women come together in groups to plan, share skills and support one another.
Act practically
We favour affordable, hands-on solutions that fit local conditions and that households can keep using.
Learn and share
We review progress with participants and report honestly to communities and partners.
Our values
What guides us
Dignity
Every person is treated with respect, and every story is told with consent.
Participation
Communities shape the work, from first conversations to reviewing results.
Sustainability
Solutions should last beyond any single project, for people and land.
Collaboration
We work with others who share our goals, and we credit them fairly.
Accountability
We are open about what we do, what we spend and what we learn.
Governance & team
The people behind LAWODA
LAWODA is led by people from the communities it serves.
Board and team profiles are being prepared
We will introduce our leadership, board and team here once profiles and photographs have been approved by the people concerned. If you need to reach our leadership in the meantime, please contact us directly.
Contact LAWODAWhere we work
Based in Nanyuki, Laikipia County
Our base is on the Nairobi–Nanyuki Railway Line in Nanyuki, the main town of Laikipia County.
Map links show the Nanyuki area, not an exact office location. Please call ahead before visiting.
Visiting us
We do not publish fixed opening hours. To arrange a visit or meeting, please call +254 115 339625 or email lawodacbo@yahoo.com first, so that someone is available to meet you.
Explore what we do
See how our four areas of work fit together — and where partners and volunteers can help.