ActionAid International Kenya has launched a new Local Rights Programme (LRP) in Kimaeti, Bumula Sub-County of Bungoma County, marking the beginning of a transformative 10-year initiative aimed at tackling poverty, inequality, and social injustice in the region.
The programme is part of ActionAid Kenya’s broader strategy of empowering communities living in poverty and exclusion through a Human Rights-Based Approach (HRBA). The organization has identified Kimaeti in Bumula as one of the new Local Rights Programme areas where long-term investments will focus on strengthening livelihoods, promoting gender equality, improving access to quality services, and enhancing community participation in governance.
The decision to establish the programme in Bumula followed extensive community assessments and appraisal missions conducted between 2024 and 2025. The studies revealed persistent challenges affecting residents, including widespread poverty, unemployment among youth, food insecurity, gender-based violence, inadequate access to clean water, poor sanitation, and limited economic opportunities for women and vulnerable groups.
The new programme in Kimaeti is expected to focus on several key thematic areas over the next decade. These include promoting women’s rights and addressing Sexual and Gender-Based Violence (SGBV) by advocating for equality, protection, and access to support services for survivors. The organization is also committed to strengthening livelihoods and building climate resilience among farming households, economic empowerment, and adaptation strategies that help communities withstand environmental challenges. In addition, ActionAid Kenya will strive to improve access to education and create youth empowerment opportunities by supporting skills development, leadership, innovation, and inclusive learning pathways that enable young people to reach their full potential and actively contribute to community development.
“The launch of the Local Rights Programme in Kimaeti, Bumula Sub-County marks a major step toward advancing dignity, equity, and sustainable development in communities facing poverty and exclusion. Over the next ten years, the programme will address challenges identified through community assessments, including poverty, unemployment, food insecurity, gender-based violence, limited access to clean water, and weak economic opportunities for women and youth. Guided by a Human Rights-Based Approach, it will strengthen women’s rights, support survivors of SGBV, promote climate-resilient livelihoods, and expand youth empowerment through skills and leadership development. Working with local partners, the programme will enhance community ownership, accountability, and change.” Kitasi Wanga, Programme Manager – Resilient Livelihoods and Emergencies
The programme will place women, children, and young people at the center of development efforts, enabling communities to organize collectively, claim their rights, and hold duty bearers accountable.
The initiative is also expected to work closely with local community organizations, county government institutions, schools, youth groups, and women-led associations to ensure sustainable and community-driven development.
Author: Ezra Kiriago, Communications Coordinator ActionAid Kenya.