GAHI Constitution

We, the founding members of Green Agro Health Initiative (GAHI) a youth led Community Based Organisation in Kenya committed to transforming agricultural waste into solutions for soil fertility and affordable alternative fuel source, combating antimicrobial resistance (AMR), fostering climate resilient farming, and empowering youth and women – do hereby adopt this Constitution.

GAHI shall serve as a voice in the community for responsible antimicrobial practices and sustainable agriculture, equipping young Africans with the knowledge and skills to address climate change, poverty reduction, and illiteracy through innovative, community-driven programs.

• The name of the organization shall be Green Agro Health Initiative (GAHI).

• GAHI shall be registered as a community-based organization (CBO) under the Community Groups (Registration) Regulations, 2025 and shall comply with all relevant Kenyan laws.

• The headquarters shall be located in Nairobi County, Kenya, with operations extending to farming communities across the country. GAHI may establish regional offices, project sites, or coordination centers as approved by the Board.

• GAHI shall operate as a non-profit, non-political, non-religious, and non-ethnic organization, dedicated to the public good and community development.

Vision

To build resilient, healthy, and sustainable farming communities through climate smart agriculture, responsible waste management and innovative community driven solutions where agriculture meets health and sustainability.

Mission

To promote sustainable waste management, turning waste into an opportunity, regenerative agriculture, public health awareness and climate resilience through innovation, capacity building and inclusive community led programs.

GAHI's core objectives are to:

1. Poultry Waste Management: Promote safe and sustainable collection, treatment, and utilization of poultry and organic waste (e.g. raw chicken manure) by supporting farmers with free manure distribution, encouraging proper composting and developing future waste to value innovations that enhance soil fertility, reduce pollution and support regenerative agriculture.
2. Climate-Smart Agriculture: Support and train farmers in climate smart and regenerative farming practices, such as conservation agriculture, agroforestry, and efficient irrigation, to enhance food security, environmental conservation, boost productivity and strengthen climate adaptation.
3. Holistic One Health Approach & AMR Awareness: Advance community health education by raising awareness on antimicrobial resistance (AMR), animal source food safety, promoting responsible use of antibiotics in animals and humans to protect public health.
4. Waste to Energy & Briquette Production: Develop sustainable waste to energy initiatives, including the production of clean briquettes from poultry manure mixed with rice husks and other residues, to reduce environmental pollution, promote circular economy solutions and provide affordable alternative fuel sources for communities.
5. Youth and Women & Community Empowerment: Empower youth, women, and smallholder farmers through education, vocational training, leadership development, and income-generating activities, enabling them to lead climate action and address challenges like poverty and illiteracy.
6. Environmental Protection: Promote activities that protect the environment, enhance biodiversity and reduce pollution through responsible waste management, soil conservation and restoration initiatives.
7. Partnership & Collaboration: Build strong partnerships with government agencies, NGOs, research institutions, academic institutions, and international organizations to share knowledge, leverage resources, and scale sustainable agricultural, climate and health solutions.
8. Advocacy & Research: Undertake advocacy, research, and awareness campaigns on climate change adaptation, soil and environmental health, AMR, sustainable food systems, and related development issues.
9. Resource Mobilization: Mobilize financial and non-financial resources, including grants, donations, sponsorships, and partnerships, to support GAHI's programs and community projects.
10. Community Education: Facilitate lectures, workshops, and community events on public health topics and environmental stewardship to improve community well-being.
11. Collaborative Engagement: Stimulate and involve other organizations (NGOs, CBOs, self-help groups) in joint initiatives that improve livelihoods and protect the environment.
12. Local Employment & Skills Development: Utilize local skills and labor for construction, maintenance, and repair of GAHI projects and assets to create employment and build community capacity.
13. Support Services & Capacity Building: Support the training of local farmers, youth groups and community organizations with technical assistance, mentorship and practical skills to improve productivity, livelihoods and resilience.
14. General: Perform all other lawful activities necessary, possible, or conducive to the attainment of GAHI's mission, vision and ongoing objectives.

GAHI shall uphold the following principles in all its activities:

• Integrity and Transparency: Operate with honesty, openness, and accountability in governance and program implementation.
• Community Participation: Ensure broad community involvement and ownership in decision-making and project execution.
• Environmental Stewardship: Promote conservation and innovative waste-to-value approaches to protect natural resources.
• Youth and Women Inclusion: Actively include and empower youth and women in leadership and all programs.
• Innovation and Knowledge: Base interventions on scientific research and innovative solutions for sustainable development.
• Equity and Non-Discrimination: Ensure fairness, equality, and non-discrimination in all activities.
• Accountability: Be accountable to members, partners, and donors for the resources and actions of the organization.
• Collaboration: Work collaboratively with stakeholders for collective impact and shared goals.

5.1 Composition

The governing body of GAHI shall be the Board. Initially, the Board shall consist of five (5) founding members:

1. Mohamed Abass Maalim – Founder & Executive Director (Chairperson)
2. Mohamud Abdirahman Haji – Director of Operations & Finance (Treasurer)
3. Osman Adan Abdi – Head of Programs
4. Hanan Adan Alio – Head of Youth, Women & Research Affairs
5. Mohamed Ali Adan – Head of Communications, Advocacy & Partnerships (Secretary)

Each of the above persons is a board member of GAHI and shall serve on the Board. As the organization grows, the Board may be expanded. New Board members shall be appointed or elected by a majority vote of the existing Board.

5.2 Powers and Roles of the Board

The Board shall have the following responsibilities:

• Provide overall leadership, governance, and strategic direction for GAHI.
• Approve annual budgets, programs, policies, and strategic plans.
• Ensure compliance with all financial, legal, and ethical requirements.
• Protect and manage GAHI's assets, property, and intellectual rights.
• Appoint, oversee, or remove staff, officers, and committees as needed.
• Amend the Constitution as provided herein (see Article 17).
• Ensure that no member of the Board or staff personally owns any of GAHI's assets or profits from GAHI's activities.

5.3 Terms of Office

• Board members shall serve a term of three (3) years, renewable by reappointment.
• Members may be reappointed for consecutive terms by a majority vote of the Board, with no limit on the number of terms.
• Board membership may be terminated prior to the end of the term in cases of resignation, death, incapacity, or misconduct, by a two-thirds majority vote of the remaining Board members.
• A removed Board member shall have fourteen (14) days to appeal the decision to the Board of Trustees (see Article 15).

GAHI's key office bearers and their duties are as follows:

Office bearers shall serve terms of three (3) years and may be reappointed. They shall perform their duties in accordance with GAHI's objectives and policies.

The Board shall meet at least four (4) times each year. Additional meetings may be convened as needed.

• Meetings may be held in person or via electronic means.
• The Secretary shall issue meeting notices at least fourteen (14) days in advance, including an agenda and any necessary documents.
• A quorum for Board meetings shall be fifty percent (50%) of the members (i.e. at least 3 of 5 initial members).
• Decisions shall be made by a simple majority vote of those present. In the event of a tie, the Chairperson shall cast the deciding vote.
• Minutes of each meeting shall be recorded and signed by the Chairperson and the Secretary.
• Board members may appoint a proxy (one person) to attend and vote in their place at a meeting if they are absent.

The Board may establish standing or ad-hoc committees (e.g. Climate Action Committee, AMR Advocacy Committee, Finance Committee, Youth & Women Committee) to focus on specific objectives.

• Committees shall operate under terms of reference approved by the Board and shall report their activities and recommendations to the Board.
• Any financial requirements of a committee must be approved in advance by the Board.

GAHI may appoint a Program Coordinator responsible for day-to-day implementation of programs and projects.

• The Program Coordinator shall execute GAHI initiatives (such as manure-to-fertilizer pilots and training programs), conduct necessary studies and monitoring & evaluation, and coordinate field activities.
• The Coordinator may engage staff, consultants, or volunteers as directed by the Board.
• The Coordinator shall provide regular progress reports and financial updates to the Board.

• GAHI's funds shall be used only to support the objectives of the organization.
• A bank account shall be opened in GAHI's name. All disbursements require at least two authorized signatories (typically the Chairperson and the Treasurer).
• The financial year shall run from January 1 to December 31.

• GAHI may receive funds through donations, grants, fundraising activities, sponsorships, membership fees (if any), and income-generating projects consistent with its objectives.
• All funds shall be promptly deposited into the GAHI bank account and properly recorded in the financial records.

• Funds may be used for program activities, operational expenses, salaries, allowances, and other expenditures approved by the Board.
• No part of GAHI's funds shall be used for personal gain by any member or officer.
• Reimbursements to members, staff, or volunteers for authorized expenses (travel, supplies, etc.) must be supported by valid receipts.

• GAHI may employ staff or consultants as needed and within its budget.
• All employees shall have written contracts and clear job descriptions outlining their duties and terms of employment.
• GAHI shall comply with all relevant Kenyan labor laws, including tax, pension, and social security regulations.

• No Board member or employee shall be held personally liable for any debts or obligations incurred by GAHI in good faith, except in cases of gross negligence or fraud.
• GAHI shall indemnify its Board members and staff for liabilities arising from the proper execution of their duties.

• A Board of Trustees (3 to 5 members) may be appointed to safeguard GAHI's assets and continuity.
• Trustees shall hold title to any property or assets of GAHI and shall have authority to approve the sale or disposal of such assets.
• Trustees shall serve on a voluntary, non-remunerated basis.

• The financial records of GAHI shall be audited annually by an independent Certified Public Accountant.
• The audit report shall be presented to the Board and filed with relevant authorities as required by law.
• The appointed auditor shall not be a Board member, staff member, or related to any of them.

• Amendments to this Constitution may be made by a two-thirds (2/3) majority vote of the Board members, subject to approval by the Trustees (and any required government authority).
• Proposed amendments must be circulated to all Board members at least fourteen (14) days before the meeting at which they are to be considered.

• GAHI may be dissolved by a two-thirds (2/3) majority vote of the Board, with the consent of the Trustees and any required government authority.
• Upon dissolution, GAHI shall pay or make provision for all outstanding debts and liabilities.
• After liabilities are settled, any remaining assets shall be transferred to another non-profit or community-based organization with similar objectives, as determined by the Board. No member of GAHI shall receive any portion of the assets upon dissolution.