The Victoria Institute for Research on Environment and Development (VIRED) International was registered in Kenya by Office of the President in May 2000 (Reg. No: OP. 218/051/0049/1458) with its headquarters hosted within the Lake Victoria Basin in Kisumu City, Kenya.
The organization has created a new focal point for research, capacity building, consultancy and project implementation so as to bridge the gaps between high level international organizations and the grass root stakeholders. The current area of operation is the Great Lakes region which is plagued by poor infrastructure, rampant environmental degradation, biodiversity loss, poverty, food insecurity. There is need to create a vibrant economy amidst these problems which are exacerbated by current global climatic changes.
The operational strategy is to involve local communities in the identification of problems through scientific mechanisms, awareness and education so as to enlist their participation in the design, planning and implementation of the desired interventions and initiatives from the grassroot level. This is a holistic approach that takes into account the environmental, economic, socio- cultural, health and physiological well being of target the communities and areas
A highly qualified and
international team of experienced professionals manages VIRED International.
Specifically VIRED:
> Generates data by conducting need driven and practical research for solving environmental and development problems in target areas, ecosystems and or communities. In this capacity the institute implements own, collaborative or contract research. We also undertake consultancy services, environmental impact assessments and auditing as well as monitoring.
> Mobilizes, trains and creates awareness on water resources management, environmental conservation, livelihood improvement approaches, and health especially vector, malnutrition, STD and HIV/AIDS related ailments. It also disseminates information to the scientific community and members of the society through appropriate information technology tools.
> Promote and support community based sustainable management of natural resources and development programmes that help in poverty alleviation and improvement of health and livelihood.
VIRED as an organization has vast experience. The organization has had excellent working relationships with leading development partners such as Lake Victoria Basin Commission (LVBC), United States Agency for International Development (USAID), Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) and the United Nations Development Program (UNDP)
Others include the Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency (SIDA)-Swedish Agency for Research Cooperation with Developing Countries (SAREC), VicRes Initiative, the Royal Netherlands Embassy, the UK Medical Research Council (MRC), UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) – Economic and Social Research Council (ERSC), NERC/DFID, and Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) among others. The Institute also hosts the Nyanza Regional Center of Excellence (RCE).
In any project and alongside the staff of the organization, VIRED is able to assemble a comprehensive multidisciplinary team from a pool of experts with vast experience from the Universities and research institutions to ensure a successful implementation of the project. The organization has a state an eco-resort with ample office space including halls, laboratories and offices. The office is equipped with furniture, computers, accessories and assorted conference equipment and modest transport facilities.
We work to create “Harmony Between Humanity and Earth” thus Balancing Environment and Development as we collaborate with a number of regional and international institutions including:
1. GOVERNMENT MINISTRIES => Provincial Administration, Ministry of Environment & Mineral
Resources, Ministry of Agriculture, Ministry of Health,
Ministry of Fisheries Development, Ministry of Education,
Water Resources Management Authority(WARMA), and County Governments
2. GOVERNMENT PARASTATALS => National Environment Management Authority (NEMA) in Kenya, Lake Basin Development Authority (LBDA), Water Resources Management Authority (WARMA), Kenya Forest Service (KFS), and Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS), among others.
3. UNIVERSITIES (LOCAL) => Moi University, Jaramogi Oginga Odinga University of Science and Technology (JOOUST), Maseno University, Egerton University, University of Nairobi, University of Eldoret, Kenyatta University
4. UNIVERSITIES (INTERNATIONAL) => Linkoping University- Sweden, University of Surrey – UK,
Amsterdam University and UNESCO IHE University-
Netherlands, United States Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) – USA, The Robens Institute – UK.
5. RESEARCH INSTITUTES => KMFRI, KEMRI, KARI, NAFIRRI, TAFIRI
6. RESEARCH INSTITUTES -INTERNATIONAL => United States Environmental Protection Agency
(USEPA) – USA, Robens Institute – UK
7. NGO’S => Nile Basin Discourse Forum, OSIENALA (Radio Lake Victoria), CARE-Kenya, Kenya Disaster Network, EcoTrust, Sustainable Environmental Development Watch (SUSWATCH) and VI Agroforestry-Sweden.
CBO’S => Several community groups within the Lake Victoria Basin(Wetland Groups like Okana, Nyamware, Kawino
South, Ogenya, North Nyakach, Rang’ul, Kochogo, etc. in
Nyando and Gunga in Karungu in Kenya, Several Beach Management Units (BMUs) in the beaches of Lake Victoria, and Water Resource Users Associations(wrus) Community Forest ASSOCIATIONS()
9. Schools => Several Primary and Secondary schools in the Lake Victoria Basin.
To work towards integrating environmental concerns into development programs in both urban and rural areas.
To conduct research, consultancy services and support implementation of projects that would help in the integration of Environmental Conservation and Development projects.
To be a leading research body in dissemination of information and support of projects that integrate Environmental Conservation and Development programs while improving livelihoods amongst the poor.