Community Initiatives for Rural Development (CIFORD Kenya) is a community based organization working in Meru North District of Eastern Province, Kenya. The organization was formed in July 2002 and registered with the Ministry of Sports, Gender and Social Services. The community-based organization was formed to tackle socio-economic problems facing the residents of Meru North District and more so the issues affecting women and children. The organizations main focus is in areas of community capacity building, sustainable agriculture, and community health with emphasis on formation of new, safe, empowering coming-of-age rituals which place strong emphasis on girls staying in school rather than early marriage.