Pioneer Child Development Programme (PCDP) is a registered non-profit, non-governmental organization in the Mt. Kenya west area in parts of Laikipia, Nyeri and Meru counties. The organization exists to support deprived, excluded and vulnerable communities, protect children and youth, and empower them to become agents of positive change in their communities. Pioneer CDP believes in inclusion and diversity and envisions a world where every child can live to their full potential regardless of their backgrounds or challenges. Through effective Governance and Institutional capacity, we enrich our supporters' and partners' capacity to change the underlying root causes of diverse community challenges. PCDP was registered as an NGO in 2011 and is currently serving 4,400 households in Nyeri South and Kieni East Sub-Counties (in Nyeri), Tigithi, Umande and Mkogondo East wards in Laikipia and Buuri ward in Meru.
A Thriving and Climate-Resilient community.
To support deprived, excluded and vulnerable children and empower communities to become agents of positive change.
The topography of this area is diverse as it traverses between two major landmarks: notably Mt. Kenya and the Aberdare Ranges. These two highland features dominate the landscape, creating significant variations in elevation, terrain, and drainage patterns. The altitudes range from the high mountain slopes and rolling hills near Mt. Kenya and Aberdares to the low-lying plains and valleys towards Laikipia and the semi-arid zones. This variation influences soil types, vegetation cover, and agricultural potential across the region. The two landmarks also influence the atmospheric conditions, leading to a variety of micro-climates and agro-ecological zones. Higher elevations experience cooler temperatures and higher rainfall, supporting tea, coffee, and dairy farming, while the lower and leeward zones remain hotter and drier, limiting crop choices and favoring drought-tolerant species and livestock rearing. Due to its position on the leeward side of Mt. Kenya, much of the area is prone to frequent droughts and famines caused by inadequate and unreliable rainfall. Apart from Othaya, where rainfall ranges from 1,200 mm to 1,600 mm annually, most areas are dry and characterized by water scarcity. Seasonal rivers and ephemeral streams dominate the drainage system, and water availability largely depends on rain-fed sources, leading to persistent shortages that trigger conflicts and food insecurity. In some sections, rugged terrain and poor soil structure further constrain farming practices, while areas with gentle slopes and fertile soils offer better agricultural opportunities when supported with irrigation systems.
There are a wide range of livelihood activities in the programme area, reflecting the diversity in topography and climate. The primary economic activity is agriculture, which includes subsistence farming for household food needs, cash crop farming—particularly tea and coffee in the high rainfall zones like Othaya and horticultural farming, mainly vegetables and fruits for home consumption and local markets. In some areas, farmers also grow cereals such as maize, beans, and potatoes, while dairy farming is common in the cooler highland regions. However, farming in the area faces numerous challenges, including low crop yields caused by declining soil fertility, over-reliance on rain-fed agriculture due to water shortages, high costs of inputs and quality seeds, and poor adoption of modern farming techniques. Marketing inefficiencies and lack of structured value chains further limit profitability, while poor farming practices contribute to diminishing productivity and increasing household food insecurity. In the Arid and Semi-Arid Lands (ASALs), where rainfall is very low, pastoralism remains a major livelihood, which does not do well due to inadequate animal feeds. Livestock production faces its own set of challenges such as frequent droughts, pasture scarcity, livestock diseases, and conflicts over water and grazing land. Incidents of livestock rustling and disputes between pastoralists and crop farmers are reported in some zones. Beyond agriculture, alternative income-generating activities have emerged. Many youth engage in small-scale businesses such as hawking in trading centers or operating “boda boda” (motorcycle taxi) services, which provide quick income but also present safety and regulatory concerns. Casual labor opportunities exist in horticultural farms in areas such as Timau, where large-scale flower and vegetable farms employ seasonal workers. In Naromoru and the Mt. Kenya region, tourism provides livelihoods through jobs such as guiding, porter services for mountain climbers, and hospitality support. Additionally, some households diversify through petty trade, brick-making, artisanal work, and engagement in social enterprises.
The total population of the Pioneer Child Development Programme (PCDP) area, which comprises four districts, was 1,094,539 according to the 2009 national census. The programme area covers an estimated 1,881.7 square kilometers, resulting in a relatively high population density in some zones, especially in the highland and peri-urban areas. Of this population, approximately 49.4% are male, while 50.6% are female, indicating a fairly balanced gender distribution. The population is predominantly rural, with most households depending on agriculture and related activities for their livelihoods. However, urbanization is slowly increasing around major market centers and trading hubs such as Naromoru, Othaya, and Timau. The age structure is youthful, with a significant proportion of the population below 18 years, which has implications for education, health, and employment needs. The dependency ratio is relatively high due to a large number of children and elderly persons relying on working-age adults. Cultural diversity is evident in the area, with various ethnic groups coexisting, though the majority belong to communities native to the Mt. Kenya and Laikipia regions. The population growth rate, combined with limited land resources, has contributed to land fragmentation, which affects agricultural productivity and household incomes. Migration patterns are also common, with some residents moving to urban areas or other counties in search of employment, while others migrate into the region for work in large-scale horticultural farms and tourism activities.
The Health and Secure Infants Program aims to improve the overall survival, health, and nutrition of children, families, and communities, with a strong emphasis on early and adequate care and development of young children. The program prioritizes interventions that address critical health needs, enhance maternal and child health, and strengthen community health systems to ensure sustainable outcomes. Key focus areas include health infrastructure development, such as improving access to well-equipped health facilities, ensuring availability of essential medical supplies, and supporting community-based health structures. The program also promotes good family health care practices, including hygiene, proper nutrition, timely immunization, and disease prevention strategies at the household level. To reduce infant illness and mortality, the program implements preventive health measures such as vaccination campaigns, nutrition education, and growth monitoring. Special attention is given to maternal health and survival, addressing issues like safe delivery, antenatal and postnatal care, and management of maternal complications. Additionally, efforts are made to prevent and treat maternal disabilities, such as obstetric fistula and anemia, and to provide quality newborn care. Nutrition interventions include exclusive breastfeeding promotion, complementary feeding education, and management of malnutrition through community-based programs. The program also strengthens caregiver capacity by training parents and community health volunteers on the importance of early childhood care and development, including psychosocial support and stimulation for infants and young children. The project works in close collaboration with the Ministry of Health and other stakeholders to ensure alignment with national health policies and strategies. This partnership supports joint initiatives in health infrastructure development, maternal and child health campaigns, and health personnel training. Continuous monitoring and evaluation ensures accountability, tracks progress, and informs evidence-based improvements in service delivery.