Birth (1996 – 1998)
PISP originated within a small pastoralist community called Gabra, the idea to form it emerging from some elites of this community as a result of a participatory rural appraisal (PRA) in Torbi. The PRA was facilitated by the Intermediate Technology Development Group (ITDG) in 1989 and ranked water as the community’s priority need. However as of then ITDG only had funds for livestock development, and further, no other NGOs operated in the area while the government seemed not keen to address the chronic water problems in the region. These elite together with some community elders and the area Member of Parliament (MP) thus initiated the process to register a local NGO, PISP. The registration of PISP as a national NGO took place in June 1996. While ITDG initially housed PISP, Water Aid provided the fund but also took a significant role in managing these said funds. Later in 1997, a new NGO, Maji na Ufanisi (MnU), emerged out of Water Aid and continued its support for PISP together with SNV and DFID.
Lull and Growth (1999- 2001)
This was a period o mixed fortunes, first there occurred a rift between PISP and some of its supporters affecting its program performance and later own a number of board members passed on leaving governance gaps. However, the situation latter normalized with more funding being received from DFID, Oxfam GB, SNV, CIDA, KCDF, CORDAID and the Bunting Management Group. Subsequently more professional staff were recruited and facilities acquired. Additionally, a new professional board of directors was constituted to replace the hitherto community elders while at the same time amending the organizational constitution, procedures manuals, and developing a first ever strategic plan. Other significant developments included the expansion of the area of operation and the initiation of income generating activities.
Consolidation (2004 – 2006)
There was a further scaling up of operations during this period with relationships being developed with more donors including CDTF, KFLFIC, ARLRMP and UNDP. The profile of PISP was further boosted when it became a finalist of the UNDP Equator award in Malaysia, as an outstanding local initiative of conservation of bio-diversity. The construction of the new PISP offices was also completed and the office launched. Later during the period, PISP launched a website, scaled its income generating activities and other programs mainly the scholarship, micro enterprise work, and emergency programs. The CEO was elected as president of World Alliance of Mobile Indigenous People
A new era (2007 – 2008)
This period dawned in a new epoch with change of top leadership (former chief executive officer was elected the area member of parliament). There has also been a review of the strategic direction culminating into the development of a new strategic plan and the operational area expanded to the larger Marsabit district. PISP also undertook a number of documentaries. However political interference once again led to problems forcing an investigative audit to be undertaken -the outcome was however positive. PISP has also as part of this strategic plan intends to open up a field office in North-Horr division with a view to deliver development aid to the nomadic pastoralists. This however shall be implemented starting 2010.