Statement regarding an ongoing investigation involving an ISF partner in Kenya

In the interest of transparency, International Solidarity Foundation (ISF) is issuing the following statement regarding an ongoing police investigation on defilement allegedly committed by a staff member of one of our partner organizations in Kenya. The alleged offence is not connected to ISF’s activities or programmes. We are cooperating fully with the relevant authorities and supporting an impartial investigation.

ISF has zero tolerance for sexual exploitation, abuse and harassment. We require the same commitment from all our partner organizations, and they have signed the ISF Code of Conduct. We are fully committed to transparency, accountability and safeguarding children and vulnerable adults in all our work.

In the light of the seriousness of the allegation we have activated our internal safeguarding procedures. In line with ISF Code of Conduct and safeguarding policies, despite the allegation not being connected to ISF or the partner organization’s work, all fund disbursements to the partner organization have been suspended.

ISF will determine any further measures based on its safeguarding review and risk assessment, and the partner organization’s ability to meet its contractual and safeguarding obligations.

The International Solidarity Foundation (ISF) is a Finnish non-governmental organization committed to advancing human rights, equality and democracy. In Kenya, ISF has worked with local partner organizations in Kisii and Nyamira Counties since 2015 to prevent gender-based violence, particularly female genital mutilation/cutting (FGM/C), and to strengthen women’s livelihoods. ISF programme in Kenya is funded by the Finnish Ministry of Foreign Affairs, European Union and private donors from Finland.

For further information, please contact:

Ireneous Kombe, Country Director, International Solidarity Foundation, Kenya (ireneous.kombe@isf.fi) or Miia Nuikka, Executive Director, International Solidarity Foundation (miia.nuikka@solidaarisuus.fi)