Hand in Hand Annual Report 2024
THE BOARD CHAIR STATEMENT:
“Our commitment to transparency and strong reporting remains essential as we navigate sector challenges that lie ahead.”
This has been a highly eventful year for Hand in Hand Eastern Africa. Following the launch of our ambitious strategic plan last year, the organization has continued to expand its reach. We currently work in 40 out of 47 counties across Kenya, and since inception, we have supported over 320,000 entrepreneurs. The majority of these entrepreneurs are women who – given the right resources and support – are now able to invest in their families and communities.
In 2024, Hand in Hand Eastern Africa achieved many milestones. We signed a bold new partnership with Swedish government which will allow us deepen our work in the waste value chain. We ramped up testing of a new, more commercial approach to supporting business acceleration in and around Nairobi, and we have invested in our internal systems and people.
While the year had many successes, there were also headwinds, with grassroots entrepreneurs facing climate shocks and business disruption throughout the year. Hand in Hand, Eastern Africa continues to innovate and pivot in the face of these challenges, testing new approaches to climate programming and growing our focus on resilience so that communities and entrepreneurs are well supported when shocks occur.
In challenging times, quality implementation is especially important, and with this in mind, an achievement I am particularly pleased to highlight is Hand in Hand Eastern Africa winning the non-profit category at the prestigious Financial Reporting (FiRE) Awards in December. These awards highlight organisations with excellence in financial reporting, corporate governance, and transparency. The 2024 FiRE awards marked the inaugural inclusion of a non-profits category, and we are incredibly proud to have been selected. Our commitment to transparency and strong reporting remains essential as we navigate sector challenges that lie ahead. I have no doubt that Hand in Hand Eastern Africa is well prepared for these challenges, and that we will continue to deliver so to achieve our vision of an empowered society generating sustainable enterprises and jobs.
