Whistleblower Policy

Nyoka Mashinani Initiative depends on trust — from the communities we serve, our partners and our funders. If you know or suspect serious wrongdoing within the organisation, we commit to making it safe for you to speak up, and we commit to acting on what you tell us.

1. What you can report

• Financial misconduct — fraud, theft or misuse of funds or property;
• Abuse or exploitation of any member of the community, staff member or volunteer;
• Unsafe animal handling or breaches of our conservation ethics and permits;
• Corruption — bribery, conflicts of interest, or collusion in procurement;
• Cover-ups of any of the above, including pressure not to report.

2. How to report

Raise the matter with the Executive Director, or — if they are implicated or you prefer not to approach them — with the Chair of the Board using the confidential contacts published on this page. Reports can be made verbally, in writing, or anonymously. Anonymous reports are investigated as far as the information provided allows.

3. What we promise you

• Confidentiality — your identity is shared only with those who need it to investigate, and only with your consent unless the law compels otherwise.
• Protection — no one who reports in good faith will be dismissed, demoted, harassed or victimised in any way. Retaliation against a whistleblower is itself gross misconduct.
• Feedback — we acknowledge reports within 5 working days and aim to conclude investigations within 30 days, telling you what action was taken.
• Fairness — a person accused of wrongdoing is presumed innocent and is treated fairly during the investigation.

4. Malicious reports

Reports made in good faith are protected even if the concern turns out to be mistaken. However, deliberately false accusations made to harm someone are a disciplinary matter.

5. External avenues

You may also raise concerns directly with the relevant Kenyan authorities, our statutory regulator, or an institutional funder. Nothing in this policy limits your right to do so.