Kenya Consortium to fight AIDS TB and Malaria (Kecofatuma) is a registered civil forum and umbrella body founded in 2003 by over 400 civil society organizations. Its establishment became vital after local organizations experienced continued frustrations from lack of transparency and access to information and guidelines on the Global Fund to Fight HIV/AIDS, TB and Malaria (GFATM) programme in Kenya. It was also evident that input from grassroots organizations was not being considered. These frustrations therefore prompted these organizations to establish a consortium that would provide them a strong representation.

Kecofatuma now houses 1,500 member organizations from NGOs, Community Based Organizations (CBOs), Faith Based Organizations (FBOs) and the Private sector dealing with HIV/AIDS, TB and Malaria spread in all provinces of the republic of Kenya.

The umbrella body serves as a voice for these organizations. It is a watchdog that monitors the Global Fund and other funding mechanisms that support HIV & AIDS, TB and Malaria programmes. It also fosters participation between the Civil Society, the Donor community and the Government. In addition, the government advocates for a strong civil society and greater Government accountability and transparency

To provide small Community Based Organizations (CBOs), Faith Based Organizations (FBOs) and Non Governmental Organizations (NGOs) with current, accurate, and timely information from and across diverse stakeholders in the fight against AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria.

Kecofatuma is a member of the Global Fund Country Coordinating Mechanism (CCM) - a structure of the GFATM in the country. Kecofatuma has played active role in the policy and other framework formulations, and in review and decision-making processes pertaining to GFTAM in Kenya. The organization is a strategic partner in the development of the Kenya National AIDS Strategic Plan (KNASP) for 2005-2010.

Kecofatuma strives for Transparent, Responsible, Accountable and Inclusive Leadership (TRAIL) in civil society in Kenya.

Kecofatuma is governed by a National Steering Committee (15 members) that also ensures it is responsive to the needs and requests of its members. The members of the national steering committee are also Kecofatuma regional representatives who represent their regional networks within their respective regions across the nation.

Present partners & activities

• Kecofatuma members' annual subscriptions assist the cause of Kecofatuma greatly by self-financing various initiatives and members meetings to improve the capacity of member organizations.
• National and International Platforms. By sitting in both national and international platforms, including the NACC based MCGs, HIV/AIDS- ICC, Kecofatuma engages in national initiatives like the Joint AIDS Programme Review (JAPR), and the United Nations General Assembly Special Session (UNGASS) among others.
• Kecofatuma is also listed as a key partner in the Kenya National HIV/AIDS Strategic Plan (KNASP) 2005/6 - 2009/10.
• Global Fund Round 6 for TB
• Global Fund Round 7 for HIV & AIDS

Landmark achievements

1. Kecofatuma GIS Mapping Project

2. Donor Searching Database
A database of identified donors and relevant information on each has been constructed. Currently, the database has a list of over 100 donors and will be expanded regularly and reviewed quarterly. Through this database we are able to provide critical links between donors, government officials and over 1,500 Kecofatuma members. Information contained in the database include; donor organization description, funding area of interest, grant ceiling, format of application, geographic focus contact person and address. The database will allow rapid searching and categorization of donors for later use in matching potential funding opportunities to organizations within the project.

3. Capacity Building Toolkit for CSOs in Kenya
The Toolkit covers;

·        Effective governance

·        Effective partnerships for joint implementation of activities and resource sharing.

·        Effective fund-raising strategies and proposal  writing

·        Monitoring and evaluation

4. Electronic magazine
KECOFATUMA has established an e-magazine services (kecofatuma-bulletin@yahoogroups.com) that is received directly by IT compliant and accessible CSOs. Through Kecofatuma's regional networks the indirect reach of the service is estimated at over 1,000 CSO. Kecofatuma's electronic information is enhanced and expanded with inputs from members and other stakeholders. This is a free subscription service that is circulated to hundreds of CSOs. E-magazine and database clinics are held at Kecofatuma offices. Members are invited to access and assess the information on the magazine and database. Their responses are analyzed and used to guide the project team.

Main office

Woodlands road, opposite DOD

Hurlingham,Nairobi

Box 10013-00100 Nairobi

Tel:2726083-fax:2726613