Written by Mayte Horn Montoya, who completed her Master’s degree at the University of Amsterdam and Vrije Universiteit on Entrepreneurship in October 2024 and is now working as a marketing expert at Clyx.
My Master’s thesis investigated the critical role of local stakeholder involvement during international development projects across Sub-Saharan Africa. In my preliminary research, I came across CFK Africa and was drawn to their approach to development.
Through an in-depth analysis of fourteen case studies, including CFK Africa’s Best Schools Initiative (BSI), and a series of expert interviews with academic- and NGO representatives working in the field and living in Sub-Saharan Africa, I identified community-led development and locals’ active participation as key factors for success.
One of the main takeaways from my research was the importance of early local engagement to allow for community-driven solutions, without which, projects risk becoming disconnected from the real needs of the community, increasing the likelihood of disengagement and failure. When actively involved, however, a virtuous cycle is initiated, where local insights drive better problem identification and more meaningful solutions that are accessible and aligned with the needs of those they intend to serve. CFK Africa’s locally-led approach to development stood out as a prime example of this model.

My findings resonate with the principles of Human-Centred Design, a problem-solving approach that places people at the centre of the development process. By integrating empathy, local insight, and participation, this approach creates a feedback loop that continuously refines and improves solutions, ensuring they are not only relevant but also practical.
The importance of a participatory approach to development was highlighted during my interviews with CFK Africa Project Officer, Vivian Adhiambo. She shared valuable insights into CFK Africa’s WASH Project, which improved hygiene during the COVID-19 pandemic. Initially, CFK Africa was engaging in soap production and distribution to communities. However, the project evolved to shift responsibility to the locals, building capacity and empowering them by teaching them how to produce soap independently. This transition not only equipped community members with essential skills but also fostered a strong sense of ownership and pride in the initiative. By the time external support was phased out, the community was not only capable of sustaining hygiene practices on their own but were also highly motivated to continue the work independently. The project serves as a powerful example of how early and continuous local involvement can significantly enhance the impact and sustainability of development efforts.


CFK Africa’s BSI project further exemplifies the transformative potential local involvement can have on development efforts. By working directly with local schools in Kibera, the initiative empowers educators and community members to identify and address the specific challenges affecting educational outcomes. Schools play an integral role in gathering data and designing interventions tailored to the unique needs of the community. This ensures that solutions are both relevant and sustainable, with local ownership instilling shared responsibility and a lasting commitment to improving education.
Both BSI and the WASH Project highlight the importance of community-led development and active participation for more effective and enduring results. Development organisations should prioritise these factors to enhance their chances of project success.

My study further reveals the need to treat these elements as interdependent. While participatory approaches have long been recognised for promoting meaningful social change, they have also been criticised for failing to transfer real power to locals, with ultimate decision-making authority remaining in the hands of external stakeholders. This limits the potential for genuine empowerment and prolongs dependency on outside support. To overcome this, it’s crucial for locals to be in charge of their own development, and in doing so, they transition from being subjects of development to agents of change.
The lessons learned offer valuable guidance for international development organisations on effectively engaging local stakeholders to enhance initiative outcomes. Their incorporation can help build significant resilience into projects and ensure development efforts are impactful and long-lasting.
It was an honour to include CFK Africa in my research and learn about the impactful work they are doing in Kenya. I had the privilege of speaking with individuals from the organisation, whose insights and support were invaluable in shaping my research findings. I look forward to following their continued efforts and celebrating their successes in empowering youth and improving public health outcomes in informal settlements in Kenya through participatory and inclusive methods, fostering sustainable change.