ActionAid International Kenya has officially launched a new Local Rights Programme (LRP) in Mwanamwinga, Kaloleni Sub-County, Kilifi County, marking the beginning of a transformative 10-year initiative aimed at addressing poverty, inequality, and social injustice while advancing sustainable community development.
The Local Rights Programme forms part of ActionAid Kenya’s broader strategy of empowering communities experiencing poverty and exclusion through a Human Rights-Based Approach (HRBA). Mwanamwinga has been identified as one of the organization’s new programme areas where long-term investments will focus on strengthening resilient livelihoods, promoting gender equality, improving access to quality public services, and enhancing citizen participation in governance and accountability processes.
The decision to establish the programme in Mwanamwinga followed extensive community assessments and consultations. The findings highlighted key development challenges affecting the area, including poverty, youth unemployment, food insecurity, the impacts of climate change, gender-based violence, inadequate access to clean water and sanitation, and limited economic opportunities for women and marginalized groups.
Over the next decade, the programme will focus on several key thematic areas. These include advancing women’s rights and preventing Sexual and Gender-Based Violence (SGBV) by promoting gender equality, strengthening referral pathways, and improving access to support services for survivors. The programme will also invest in resilient livelihoods by supporting climate-smart agriculture, sustainable income-generating activities, and community adaptation strategies that strengthen resilience to climate-related shocks.
In addition, ActionAid Kenya will prioritize education and youth empowerment by promoting skills development, leadership, innovation, and inclusive opportunities that enable young people to actively contribute to the social and economic development of their communities.
Speaking during a meeting, which forms part of the programme’s inception process, Deputy Governor Flora Chibule reaffirmed the Kilifi County Government’s commitment to partnering with development organizations to improve the well-being of residents across the county.
“The County Government of Kilifi welcomes this partnership with ActionAid Kenya as it aligns with our commitment to improving livelihoods, promoting gender equality, empowering young people, and ensuring that no one is left behind. We look forward to working together to strengthen community resilience and deliver sustainable development for the people of Kaloleni and the wider county,” said Deputy Governor Flora Chibule.
Kitasi Wanga, Interim Programmes and Strategy Lead at ActionAid Kenya, said the Local Rights Programme represents a long-term commitment to supporting communities to claim their rights, strengthen local leadership, and drive sustainable development through community-led action.
“The launch of the Local Rights Programme marks an important milestone in our commitment to advancing dignity, equity, and sustainable development for communities experiencing poverty and exclusion. Over the next ten years, we will work closely with the County Government, community-based organizations, women and youth groups, and other local stakeholders to strengthen resilient livelihoods, promote women’s rights, address Sexual and Gender-Based Violence, and expand opportunities for young people.” said Wanga.
The programme will place women, children, and young people at the center of its interventions, supporting communities to organize collectively, claim their rights, and hold duty bearers accountable for equitable service delivery.
ActionAid Kenya will work closely with the Kilifi County Government, community-based organizations, women’s groups, youth networks, schools, and other stakeholders to ensure the programme remains locally owned, inclusive, and sustainable throughout its implementation.
Author: Ezra Kiriago, Communications Coordinator ActionAid Kenya.