Are We Measuring What Matters?(Series#12)

Collaboration Deserves a KPI of Its Own (Series#12) In today’s results-driven world, impact measurement has become a cornerstone of project management—especially in development aid and CSR initiatives. KPIs are everywhere. They help us track progress, justify funding, and demonstrate accountability. But here’s the catch: when we focus solely on fulfilling KPIs, we risk missing the…

From Soil to Society: The Foundation of Sustainable Health (series #11)

In Tongaren, Western Kenya, a network of initiatives supports 12,000 farmers and their families in parallel — from clean water and mental health to youth and women’s empowerment. At the center is the farming project with Core Health & Wealth International, ILD, and BMZ — because without wealth, there is no health. Better farming means…

Beyond CSR: Invest in Systemic Change

What if corporate engagement in Africa went beyond one-off projects and topic driven initiatives — and focused in addition on building the systems that empower long-term change? At System Changer Network Kenya, we unite grassroots NGOs working on education, health, resilience, and poverty reduction. These organizations develop practical, local solutions, share knowledge, and gain international…

No Girl Left Behind: Menstrual Health as a Gateway to Systemic Change

No girl should ever miss school, feel ashamed, or suffer in silence because of her period. Yet for millions of girls and women across Kenya and beyond, menstruation remains a barrier—one that affects education, confidence, participation in daily life, and access to opportunity. Today, on Menstrual Hygiene Day, we reaffirm our commitment not only to…

Full Steam Ahead: A House, A Roof, A Future—Together

May, 2025: as Kersia describes: Exciting progress is underway for our October build! Materials have started to arrive, and construction preparations are in full swing. We’ve now secured all the key supplies our local team needs to start producing the blocks that will quite literally lay the foundation of a new home. Even more inspiring—locally…

Series #6: It’s not always about funds. Structured collaboration for sustainable impact.

Changing How We Support Those Who Need It Most In times of growing uncertainty, real impact isn’t created by isolated projects—it’s built through shared knowledge, trusted relationships, and structured collaboration. That’s the strength of our System Changer Networks (SCN) in Kenya and India: intentional, values-driven networks of grassroots NGOs working together for holistic and lasting…

How quiet inclusion creates lasting business value / series #3

Series Beyond tech: From unseen lives to untapped value—rethinking sustainable investment #3 I just came across a new call for sustainability pitch applications, and it’s exciting to see how vibrant and active this space has become. Over the past few years, I’ve attended startup events in Berlin, Nairobi, and other cities worldwide. The energy is…

series #2: Inclusive Innovation at Lake Victoria: A Business Case for Health, Livelihoods & Sustainable Impact

Series #2: Beyond tech: What can a fish cage teach us about inclusive growth and business sustainability? At Lake Victoria in Kenya, our System Changer Network partner Wa-Wa Kenya is advancing a transformative model that connects aquaculture, women’s empowerment, and healthcare access—with valuable lessons for business leaders worldwide. In partnership with Rio Fish Farm, Wa-Wa…

The future of innovation is relational

Leadership Lessons from Bungoma: Innovation Starts with Listening—and Should Be Mirrored Globally In Bungoma County, Kenya, local farmers recently took part in a practical training on how to set planting beds for drip irrigation. The result? A 50% boost in water efficiency. This simple, low-tech intervention is more than just smart farming—it’s a powerful reminder…

Exposure to Other Realities: A Key to Growth and Bridging Inequality

Series #1: Exposure to other realities is not a luxury—it’s essential for growth, development, and innovation. And it’s a powerful tool for bridging the gap between rich and poor! In the past weeks, I’ve shared insights from our colleagues and leaders , managers from different countries, who visited the System Changer Network India, engaging with…

Engaging for a better world – Are you a CSR leader or decision maker in a company?

Change starts with understanding the root causes and by building relationships of trust with vulnerable communities – key learnings from experiences onsite. Because understanding and listening before deciding how to engage makes a big difference! Every village differs. Women development is cool. But not if we forget about men development. Have you ever thought about…