KENYA INTER-RELIGIOUS AIDS CONTROL CONSORTIUM {KIRACC} INTER-RELIGIOUS LEADERS WORKSHOP AT BRACKENHAURST CONFERENCE CENTER, LIMURU 19TH NOVEMBER 2002

Declaration of HIV/AIDS as a National Disaster “AIDS is not just a serious threat to our social and economic development, it is a real threat to our very existence. AIDS has reduced many families in to state of beggars. No family in Kenya remains untouched by the suffering and caused by AIDS. The real solution to the spread of AIDS lies with each and every one of us” His Excellency Daniel T. Arap Moi, on 25th November 1999

Concept of KIRACC Religious organizations form the largest ministries for a common strategy Coverage is wide; across social, cultural, geographical diversities Process: Religious leaders were called together in 2001 Share, learn and inspire one another on HIV/AIDS Establish institutional specific initiatives

Objectives Establish networking and partnership in the fight against HIV/AIDS To provide and promote forum for information sharing Build capacity among members Promote unified advocacy front for policy formulation and implementation at all levels To provide a framework for co-ordination and resource mobilisation Mainstream HIV/AIDS into the core functions of the specific religious institution Establish a Resource Centre

Achievements KIRACC steering committee formed The committee Organised first conference for Religious leaders Developed Concept paper Vision and Mission statement with clear objectives Constitution Strategic plan Support of Development partners

Attainment of an AIDS free society Vision: Attainment of an AIDS free society Mission statement: To build capacity, network and collaboration with stakeholders in policy formulation, planning and implementation of programmes to slow the spread and mitigate the impact of HIV/AIDS.

Challenges and Constraints Institutionalising the consortium to have a coordinating secretariat Commitment and support of the Steering Committee by the respective religious institutions Commitment and consistency of the Steering Committee members

Ways of strengthening the Steering committee Review and revitalise the membership by the various institutions Members be nominated by the institutions at the leadership level Mobilisation for more Development partner support especially the establishment of the Secretariat Formation of HIV/AIDS Committees in all the organisations

Thank you