Safe water access
Construction and rehabilitation of water points, with community management for long-term maintenance.
Somali national NGO · Since 1996
Building resilient communities across Somalia
Kaashif Development Initiatives (KDI) works with communities, government, UN agencies and partners to save lives, protect dignity, reduce poverty and create lasting opportunities — led locally, delivered accountably.
- Knowledge
- Development
- Impact
- Established in Mogadishu
- 1996
- Projects delivered
- 71
- States & regions served
- 5
- International partners
- 15+
Who we are
Three decades of community-led humanitarian and development work
KDI is a Somali national, non-profit, non-political and non-governmental organisation established in Mogadishu in 1996. We began as a community volunteer initiative supporting people affected by conflict, displacement, poverty and limited access to basic services.
Today we are an established humanitarian and development organisation working across Banadir, Hirshabelle, South West, Jubaland and Galmudug — building on community knowledge, local leadership and existing Somali institutions so that decisions are made as close as possible to the people affected.
About KDI
Our purpose
Vision, mission and commitment
Vision
A peaceful, just, inclusive and prosperous Somalia where all people, particularly vulnerable and marginalised communities, live with dignity, enjoy equal rights and opportunities, have sustainable livelihoods and can fully realise their potential.
Mission
To respond to humanitarian crises, reduce suffering and address the root causes of poverty and vulnerability by empowering communities through inclusive, participatory and sustainable development.
Our commitment
To work alongside communities to save lives, protect dignity, reduce poverty, strengthen resilience and create lasting opportunities — with communities holding a meaningful voice in decisions that affect their lives.
What we do
Integrated programmes across the humanitarian–development–peace nexus
Our programmes are aligned with Somalia’s national development priorities, relevant sector standards, humanitarian principles, the Sustainable Development Goals and the Humanitarian–Development–Peace (HDP) Nexus.
Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH)
We support communities affected by water scarcity, displacement, drought and floods to improve access to safe water, sanitation and hygiene.
Health and Nutrition
We support access to essential health and nutrition services, particularly for underserved populations.
Child Protection and Well-being
We work with families, communities and relevant institutions to address risks faced by children affected by conflict, displacement, poverty, family separation and interrupted education.
Women’s Empowerment and Gender Equality
We support women and girls to expand their economic opportunities, leadership and participation in household and community decisions.
Education and Life Skills
We support children and young people facing barriers to education, including displacement, poverty, insecurity and inadequate learning opportunities.
Livelihoods and Food Security
We help households affected by poverty, displacement, drought and economic shocks to restore livelihoods, improve food security and strengthen income opportunities.
Youth Engagement and Skills Development
We connect youth skills development with employment, entrepreneurship, leadership and civic participation.
Peacebuilding and Social Cohesion
We support dialogue, cooperation and peaceful management of local tensions.
Track record
71 projects delivered across five core sectors
From emergency wet-feeding to vocational training, our portfolio spans immediate life-saving response and longer-term programmes supporting recovery and self-reliance.
Where we work
Present across South-Central Somalia
With a main office in Mogadishu and a sub-office in Jowhar, our reach is shaped by community needs, vulnerability, operational access and programme requirements — in both urban and rural settings.
- Banadir Regional Administration
- Hirshabelle State
- South West State
- Jubaland State
- Galmudug State
Partnerships
Trusted by UN agencies, international NGOs and development institutions
- CARECARE International
- USADFUnited States African Development Foundation
- DRCDanish Refugee Council
- OICOrganization of Islamic Cooperation
- IOMInternational Organization for Migration
- UNDPUnited Nations Development Programme
- WFPWorld Food Programme
- UNHCRUnited Nations High Commissioner for Refugees
- UNICEFUnited Nations Children’s Fund
- FAOFood and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations
- ConcernConcern Worldwide (CWW)
- NRCNorwegian Refugee Council
- Save the ChildrenSave the Children International (SCI)
- UNIDOUnited Nations Industrial Development Organization
- Mercy CorpsMercy Corps
Organisations KDI has partnered with on previous programmes. Listing does not imply current funding or endorsement.
In the field
Working alongside communities
Dignity in emergencies
Distribution of dignity kits and WASH supplies to displaced women and girls.
Sanitation improvement
Household and community sanitation facilities built with local labour and materials.
Work with a trusted local partner
We bring longstanding experience, local relationships and practical field knowledge — guided by accountability, inclusion, safeguarding and respect for human dignity.