AVSI – Who they are and what they do

AVSI is a non-profit organization founded in 1972 that implements development and humanitarian aid projects in 42 countries. AVSI envisions a world where individuals, aware of their value and dignity, are the protagonists of their own integral development and that of their communities, even in crisis and emergency contexts.

AVSI implements cooperation projects across various sectors, with a preferential focus on education. This approach helps individuals towards self-discovery and recognizing others as valuable resources. Each project is designed to promote this awareness among all participants, fostering communication and sharing, and creating an impact capable of generating positive change.

In 2023, AVSI carried out 355 projects, benefiting more than 8.6 million people directly. AVSI’s main sectors of intervention include: Education, Agriculture and Food Security, Child Protection, Energy, Environment, Vocational Training and Job Creation, Economic Strengthening and Livelihoods, Nutrition, Sustainable Cities, Human Rights, Democracy and Peace, Health, and Water and Sanitation.

AVSI Foundation has been active in Kenya since 1986 and is currently present in 31 counties, promoting the development of local communities with a focus on education, vocational training and job creation, agriculture and food security, climate change, and energy.

What NEF does with AVSI

In 2025 NextEnergy Foundation is supporting AVSI’s project SACES (Strengthen and Accompany Communities to Access Clean Energy Solutions). This initiative aims to promote the adoption of biogas technology in Nandi County, Kenya. The project’s goal is to encourage greater use of biogas and foster behavioral changes that positively influence the knowledge, attitudes, and social norms related to cooking practices in rural Kenya, with a focus on climate-friendly solutions.

The specific objective of the project is to increase the use and awareness of renewable energy production systems for up to 750 households. This will be achieved through:

• The installation of four demonstration biogas plants
• The training of ten technicians in biogas installation and zero-grazing unit construction
• The establishment of four field schools for farmers
• The training of community members on renewable energy and the circular economy

The project will be implemented from January 2025 to December 2025.

August 2025 Updates: The SACES project in Nandi County supported by NextEnergy Foundation and implemented by AVSI in partnership with LYMYO and the County Government of Nandi, has made strong initial progress.

• Partnerships Formalized: AVSI signed MoUs with both the County Government and LYMYO to strengthen collaboration and vocational training in biogas and dairy sectors
• Biogas Demonstration Units: Procurement for four biogas plants is underway, with installations planned at Farmer Field Schools to serve as training hubs and energy sources
• Technician Recruitment: Ten community-based technicians have been selected for training in biogas installation and zero-grazing unit construction
• Farmer Field Schools: One school is being established with Cheptarit Vocational Training Centre, with three more sites to be finalized by early August
• Community Sensitization: 300 community members have been sensitized on renewable energy and circular economy principles, with a Training of Trainers model planned to reach all 750 target households

Next steps include finalising supplier selection, completing technician training, initiating installations, and launching phase two of community engagement.