USAID Mission Organizational Development Support (MODS) Monthly Operational Status Report

The project, which began in 2019, is implemented by Dexis Consulting Group and is funded by the United States Agency for International Development (USAID). The primary objective of MODS is to foster ownership and locally led development by improving the systems and capacity of LDOs, local governments, and existing local Kenyan entities. MODS takes a capacity building approach that applies learning cycle components, including needs assessments, Institutional Strengthening (IS) plans, and knowledge management. The project focuses on four business areas: supporting the Annual Program Statement (APS) process, institutional strengthening support to APS recipients, supporting the Mission in implementing the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between USAID/KEA and Prosper/Nawiri county governments, and providing Technical Assistance (TA) to existing local Kenyan entities that partner with the U.S. President's Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR). In March 2021, the MODS team implemented various activities to support the APS process and LDO co-creation. In Kisumu County, the MODS team onboarded an LDO Manager and Admin/logistics personnel to support the process of LDO co-creation. The team provided support to the USAID County Liaison Team (CLT) in planning for the LDO co-creation launch, developed a social mobilization strategy, and held first-level social mobilization with 160 member organizations. The team also mapped 200 APS applicants and partners, developed a database of CSOs and private sector actors, and mobilized members to join the second level of social mobilization. In Kiambu County, the MODS team supported the CLT in the implementation of LDO co-creation activities, including discussing components of the social mobilization strategy with the LDO Interim Committee and facilitating two meetings of the Interim Committee. The team also held an LDO co-creation workshop with APS applicants and facilitated the development of a costed social mobilization plan. The MODS project aims to contribute to the goals of USAID's Journey to Self-Reliance (J2SR) by improving transparency, accountability, and performance of local organizations. The project's activities are focused on building the capacity of LDOs and local governments to implement sustainable development outcomes at the national, county, sub-county, and community levels.