DASK Hosts Affiliate Members’ Kick-Off Training and Mentorship Meeting in Machakos
Date: 22nd September 2026
Venue: DASK Office, Machakos
Theme: “Strengthening Our Organization Together”
Disability Advocacy and Services Kenya (DASK) convened an Affiliate Members Kick-Off Training and Mentorship Meeting on 22nd September 2026 at the DASK Office in Machakos. The meeting formed part of DASK’s ongoing mentorship and organisational strengthening engagement with its affiliate organisations, following an earlier training held at Kyaka Hotel on ODSS mapping and grouping.
The Kyaka training resulted in the identification of 10 DASK affiliate organisations, with 8 organisations participating. The Machakos meeting provided an opportunity to recap the earlier training, clarify the purpose of the mentorship process, assess progress made by affiliate groups, identify organisational gaps, and agree on practical steps for strengthening the organisations and the wider DASK network.
Meeting Objectives
The programme, under the theme “Strengthening Our Organization Together,” focused on:
- Understanding ODSS (Organisational Development Support Services)
- Organisational growth and the journey to CBO status
- Peer learning and mentorship
- An overview of the eight ODSS modules
- Inclusion, commitments, and next steps for implementation
Key Discussions and Outcomes
1. Welcome, Recap, and Purpose of Mentorship
Mr. Festus Mwanza Kaluki, Executive Director and CEO of DASK, officially welcomed members and led a recap of the Kyaka training. Members were reminded of their responsibility to disseminate the information received to their wider membership.
2. Expectations from Affiliate Groups
Affiliate groups were asked to discuss their readiness for the next stage, report on progress made, and identify organisational gaps.
3. Why Organisations Transition to CBOs
Mr. Thadius Okoth Olum engaged members on the reasons behind transitioning from Self-Help Groups to Community-Based Organisations (CBOs). Simon, a member from Undu Ti Umwe, noted that CBOs have broader jurisdiction and are more easily recognised by donors and government.
4. Purpose of DASK’s Mentorship and Network Approach
DASK’s mentorship was described as providing technical assistance, helping organisations address emerging challenges, and supporting the use of appropriate tools, methods, and processes to improve organisational performance.
5. Characteristics of a Successful Organisation
A successful organisation was defined as one that has completed its Capacity Building Action Plan, has stronger systems across all eight ODSS areas, and is prepared to graduate from support within 12 months.
6. ODSS and Organisational Strengthening Session
Mr. Thadius Okoth Olum facilitated an educative session on ODSS, covering capacity, capacity building, system strengthening, benefits of ODSS, establishment of a working task force, principles of peer learning, adapting to change, and stages of organisational growth.
7. Champions and Task Force
Each affiliate group was requested to identify two Champions and four Task Force members to support the implementation and follow-up of the mentorship and organisational strengthening process.
8. Secretariat Support for Affiliate Groups
The Executive Director assigned DASK Secretariat members to support affiliate groups as follows:
| Region | Secretariat Support |
|---|---|
| Matuu | Festus Mwanza, Thadius Olum, Teresiah Mumbua |
| Machakos | Festus Mwanza, Thadius Olum, Faith Mutheu |
9. Inclusion of Persons with Intellectual Disability
Mr. Thadius Olum proposed an activity aimed at including people with intellectual disability, such as a game day at Machakos Stadium, to provide opportunities for interaction, exposure, and participation with other community members.
10. Reflection, Review, and Mentorship Ground Rules
Mr. Festus Mwanza advised each organisation to hold periodic reflection and review sessions to assess progress. He emphasised the need to establish ground rules for mentorship, address access needs, and agree on dates for mentorship sessions.
11. Monthly Membership Activities and Planned Affiliate Activities
Members proposed that membership activities be conducted monthly. A two-day activity for affiliate organisations was announced, scheduled to take place in both Yatta and Machakos. Members requested that dates be communicated in good time to allow adequate preparation.
12. Follow-Up Visits and Assessment
DASK will undertake visits to affiliate groups to follow up on assessments, identify organisational strengths and weaknesses, and review Capacity Improvement Plans (CIPs) on the ground.
Summary of Findings
The meeting strengthened the link between DASK and its affiliate organisations and provided a practical platform for members to understand the purpose of ODSS and the mentorship process. Discussions showed that affiliate organisations are at different stages of organisational development and therefore require continued technical support, peer learning, and structured follow-up.
The meeting also established the importance of clear organisational roles, Champions and Task Forces, periodic reflection and review sessions, and practical Capacity Building Action Plans. Members demonstrated interest in regular engagement and in activities that promote inclusion, visibility, and participation of persons with disabilities, including persons with intellectual disability.
The mentorship process is intended to move affiliate organisations towards stronger systems and greater organisational independence, with the longer-term expectation that organisations will graduate from support once agreed capacity-strengthening milestones have been achieved.
Recommendations and Next Steps
- Identify Champions and Task Force Members – Each affiliate organisation should identify two Champions and four Task Force members and communicate the names to DASK for coordination and follow-up.
- Disseminate ODSS Training Information – Affiliate organisations should share the training information with their wider membership.
- Maintain Regular Communication – DASK Secretariat should maintain regular communication with affiliate groups and provide technical assistance in line with identified needs and CIPs.
- Hold Periodic Reflection Sessions – Affiliate organisations should undertake periodic reflection and review sessions and agree on mentorship ground rules, including access and reasonable accommodation needs.
- Coordinate Follow-Up Visits – DASK should coordinate follow-up visits to affiliate organisations in Matuu, Machakos, and other areas to review progress, strengths, weaknesses, and CIP implementation.
- Provide Adequate Notice – Members should be given sufficient notice of the planned two-day affiliate activities in Yatta and Machakos.
- Explore Inclusive Game Day – DASK should explore the proposed inclusive game day at Machakos Stadium to promote meaningful participation of people with intellectual disability.
- Monthly Membership Activities – Membership activities should, where practicable, be organised monthly to strengthen peer learning, visibility, and network cohesion.
Conclusion
The Affiliate Members Kick-Off Training and Mentorship Meeting marked a significant step in DASK’s journey towards strengthening its network of affiliate organisations. Through structured mentorship, peer learning, and a commitment to inclusion, DASK and its affiliates are building stronger, more resilient organisations capable of achieving their missions and serving their communities effectively.
For more information, please contact:
Disability Advocacy and Services Kenya (DASK)
