The office is one among ca. 28 international offices of the Heinrich Böll Stiftung, the Green Political Foundation affiliated to the German Greens.
The work of HBS Nairobi focuses on three major programme areas:
- Womens' rights and gender equity
- Ecology and sustainable development
- Dialogue and promotion of peace
Within these programme areas, HBS Nairobi pursues own projects (such as studies and conferences) and supports the work of civil society organizations, especially in Kenya, the East African Region, Somalia/Somaliland and The Sudan/South Sudan. Furthermore, the office supports exchange, networking and advocacy activities among civil society organizations, the media, and government actors throughout the region.
For several years now, the Gender Forum, organised monthly by HBS Nairobi, brings up the gender perspective into current political issues in Kenya. The office's programme promotes the participation of women in political processes, engendering policy making and supports organisations working on the problem of violence against women, including a network of male activists lobbying against gender-based violence and providing support services for violence victims.
Work in the area of ecology and sustainable development focuses on the creation of knowledge, as well as awareness and advocacy work, in the fields of renewable energies, climate change, sustainable food production, and extractive industries.
In co-ordination with the Foundation's country office in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, HBS Nairobi supports the promotion of peace and dialogue and networking processes within countries of the region and beyond boundaries.
