CIPK's Core approach

CIPK’s developmental approach is based on the understanding, belief and principle that all people, especially the poor, wish to and have the right to participate in the decisions and actions that affect their lives – that they have the right to contribute to the ideas and practices that will bring about positive change for themselves, their families, their community and their nation. Often they are denied this opportunity to participate and contribute by deeply ingrained structural factors as well as by a myriad of proximate constraints that are consistently part of people’s day to day experience. Usually these constraining factors and causes are mediated by and through other people supported by systems and modes of operation that maintain inequitable power structures. So CIPK’s approach is to support and strengthen the capacity and capability of individuals, groups and organizations particularly those with Islamic leanings so that they have the  ability, and opportunity to more effectively work on and achieve their own developmental goals.

 

Working to change the many negative realities of the poor, marginalized and excluded is the work of many actors over a long period of time. CIPK is just one of those actors and understands positive change requires that those with power have to learn to share that power in order for others to have some authority over their own destiny and to play their part and make their contribution. CIPK recognizes that organizations like itself that work for positive change must walk closely on that journey with those who need and demand that change. It takes accompaniment and solidarity to understand, search for and find effective ways to address the many real constraints to positive change. It takes time to build capacity and confidence in individuals and groups who have been denied a good education, or access to power or who are excluded by injustice or prejudice. It also takes argument and persuasion to effect change in society and thus it requires the ability to articulate and represent issues to those who hold power and who decide on behalf of the many. It often means challenging the status quo and working together with others to create a more conducive environment for citizens to feel they have a stake and a voice so they can not only benefit from but can fulfill their obligations to the rest of society.

This building, strengthening and fostering of capacity in others by CIPK is provided especially for individuals, organizations or communities working with and for the poor. It is also given in support of networks, coalitions or forums that bring people together around key issues. 

It is therefore against this background that CIPK 2009-13 strategic objectives will categorically be based on the following three elements:

1. Through Capacity Building
2. Through Empowerment
3. Through Networking

CURRENT SITUATION

The Council of Imams and Preachers of Kenya currently has its headquarters in Mombasa. Its offices are located at Old Town - Makadara and Mwembe Tayari.  Its members are Imams and preachers from different places and are headed by a Chairman.

It currently depends on donors and well wishers for resources to run its activities and programs.  Many of the staff in the Council work on voluntary basis and are committed to their work.

CIPK Values

·          Integrity:  We will be honest, candid, fair and constructive.  Conduct our work in an objective, fact based, and non partisan and ideological manner. 

·          Appropriately balancing transparency with the proper use of that information.  Honour our responsibilities to the public interest, consistent with the highest ethical principles.

·          Professionalism:  We effectively use our knowledge, skills, and experience to perform our duties in good faith and with integrity.  Treat others with respect and dignity; follow applicable professional and technical standards.  Exercise professional judgment and common sense.

·          Independence:  In all matters, we will make independent and objective judgments free from undue internal and external influences or pressure or other organizations impairment.

·          Public interest:  The organization will seek to protect the public trust, observe integrity, objectivity and independence in our work.  Be accountable and responsive to the government and the public.

           Excellence:  Achieving our mission demands quality, high performance standards and experienced, skilled and motivated professional workforce. We will provide high quality results on time and within budget. Make constructive recommendations to address problems and issues.

   Empowerment:  We will reward for excellence, foster continuous improvement in all staff.  Establish, encourage and enforce a climate of fair and equitable treatment for all staff. Ensure we promote teamwork, independent thinking and information sharing.

CIPK's Vision and Mission

Vision

A society that enjoys fulfilled lives, harmoniously co-exist by upholding respect for human dignity and the diversity of culture and religion.

Mission

CIPK is endeavored to sustain a strong network of Islamic religious leaders and professionals who will foster processes that address, pursue and safeguard the  rights of Muslims and the community at large.

The network seeks to alleviate marginalization and suffering through initiatives that enhance local capacities and promote community based, people driven solutions to needs and problems. It is also geared towards offering hope for all Muslims in recognition of their noble role as part of a functioning stable community and to enrich their lives with dignity and fulfillment.