Welcome to the New Frontier Institute
Shaping Northern Kenya's future with bold research and actionable policy. Informed insights. Real impact.
About New Frontier Institute
Independent. Data-Driven. Inclusive.
We are a research and policy institute addressing development gaps in Northern Kenya with data-driven insights and inclusive governance.
Founded by a collective of researchers and community leaders, we focus on marginalized counties that are often overlooked in national development agendas. Our work prioritizes inclusive participation, bridging traditional governance systems with modern public policy frameworks.
A Transformed North
We envision peaceful, prosperous, and self-reliant communities across Kenya’s marginalized regions through sustainable growth and inclusion.
By addressing the root causes of inequality and underdevelopment, we strive to make Northern Kenya a blueprint for inclusive growth—grounded in evidence, community voices, and long-term resilience.
What We Do
Provide actionable insights to governments and partners, bridging inequality with research, advocacy, and stakeholder collaboration.
By bridging gaps between governments, communities, and investors, we transform systemic challenges into sustainable opportunities. Our mission is to ensure no one is left behind in Kenya’s development journey
Core Competencies
We tackle Northern Kenya’s toughest challenges through three core strengths: deep local knowledge, multidisciplinary research, and independent policy.
Local Knowledge & Expertise: Our deep understanding of regional contexts ensures culturally relevant solutions.
Multidisciplinary Research: We integrate governance, climate science and economics for comprehensive insights.
Independent Policy Analysis: We provide unbiased recommendations trusted by stakeholders at all levels.
Why We Matter
We turn data into policies that unlock investment, empower communities, and break cycles of poverty and conflict.
Key Practice Areas
AREAS OF FOCUS / PRACTICE AREA
The Institute’s work tackles a range of specific socio-economic, political, and development topics/issues within the region, grouped across wider themes which cover the breadth of its expertise. They are as follows:
Governance and Democracy:
Peace and Security:
Environment and Climate Change:
Socio-Economic Development and Trade:
What we do and why it matters
Vision & Mission
A leading regional center of excellence in research and policy innovation, dedicated to addressing the unique challenges and opportunities of Kenya’s pastoral dryland regions.
To drive transformative development outcomes across Kenya, with a particular focus on unlocking the potential of the Northern region through timely, high-quality, and evidence-driven policy advice to county governments, international donors, policymakers, experts, and other stakeholders.
Our Partners
Together with governments, NGOs, and local communities, we advance evidence-based solutions for governance, peace, and climate resilience in Northern Kenya.
Guiding Principles
Our core values shape everything we do, guiding our research, partnerships, and impact across Northern Kenya. They represent our commitments to ethical practice, collaborative partnerships, and evidence-based solutions for lasting impact.
Independence and impartiality
Partnership and Collaboration
Evidence and Data
Integrity
Technical Excellence
Do not harm
Services
We deliver practical and impactful services to enhance governance, research, policy influence, and regional development outcomes.
Tailored Research & Analysis
We provide demand-driven, context-specific research and learning outcomes on topical regional issues.
Publication & Advocacy Notes
We publish thematic research, policy briefs, and advocacy notes to inform and influence decision-making.
Capacity Building & Training
We offer training on policy analysis, research, analytics, and coalition building to enhance local capacity.
Policy Dialogue Forums
We convene multi-stakeholder forums to advance critical policy issues through inclusive dialogue.
Third-Party Monitoring (TPM)
We support donors and partners with independent monitoring and verification of program results for greater impact.
Strategic Communication Support
We help partners design and implement effective awareness and communication strategies to amplify development impact.
Get In Touch
Our friendly team is always here to chat.