Association of Social Entrepreneurs in Vihiga (ASEVI)
The Association of Social Entrepreneurs in Vihiga (ASEVI) is a grassroots organization established in 2009 and officially registered in 2010 under Kenya’s Societies Act. We are driven by a passion to uplift our communities by addressing systemic inequalities and empowering individuals to take charge of their development. We are non-political, people-centered, and focused on long-term, systemic change. We exist to challenge the status quo, shift broken systems, and deliver transformative solutions through community-led approaches. At the core of our work is a belief that change begins at the grassroots with communities equipped with knowledge, tools, and opportunities to thrive.
We envisage grassroots communities without poverty and injustice in which every person enjoys their right to a life of dignity. Our mission is to promote communities’ well-being and overall development through food systems transformation, climate action, social justice and Community Asset Building.
At ASEVI, our work is driven by the real, everyday needs of the communities we serve. We take a participatory approach, co-creating solutions that are practical, inclusive, and grounded in local realities.
Our efforts are organized into five interconnected areas from food security and climate action to social enterprise, justice, and health. Together, these pillars form a holistic model that promotes lasting, sustainable change in grassroots communities.
Food Systems Transformation - we promote sustainable, equitable, and resilient food systems to ensure food security and improve community well-being; including:
I. Agroecology and sustainable farming training.
II. Promoting indigenous food knowledge, and
III. Empowering smallholder farmers
Climate Action - we help communities adapt to and mitigate climate change through local and science-driven solutions; including:
• Knowledge sharing and participatory learning on climate mitigation and adaptation
• Climate-smart agriculture
• Environmental conservation initiatives
Social Enterprise Development - we use the power of entrepreneurship to close development gaps and create lasting economic opportunities. This includes:
Supporting local social enterprises through market linkages and financial literacy,
Youth and women economic empowerment through access to business opportunities,
Inclusive business training and mentorship.
Legal Empowerment & Governance - we work to build community power by defending human rights and advocating for just systems. This includes:
Legal education and awareness – “know” the law, “use” the law and “shape” the law.
Advocacy for good governance,
Community-led campaigns for justice.
Health and Social Well-being - we promote access to quality healthcare and support good health practices; including:
Health education and awareness campaigns – good health seeking behavior.
Advocacy for improved healthcare systems,
Community-based health initiatives.