On 4 December 2025, residents of Marafa marked a historic milestone with the official opening of the Garashi Resource and Protection Centre, an initiative established by ActionAid Kenya to strengthen the fight against gender-based violence (GBV) and advance the rights of women and girls. Serving nine surrounding villages, the centre stands as a beacon of hope for survivors and vulnerable community members seeking safety, justice, and renewed opportunity.
Designed as a comprehensive support hub, the Garashi Resource and Protection Centre will provide survivors with access to protection services, psychosocial counselling, and empowerment programmes aimed at rebuilding lives and fostering long-term resilience. Its establishment reflects a growing commitment to ensuring that women and girls can live free from violence and reach their full potential.
The centre was inaugurated by Peter Abande, Board Chairperson of ActionAid Kenya, and Samson Orao, Interim Executive Director of ActionAid Kenya. The event was also attended by Felkin Kaingu, CECM for Education & ICT, representing the Kilifi County Government, alongside other partners committed to community development.
The opening of the centre marks the culmination of over 13 years of ActionAid Kenya’s work in Garashi. During this time, the organization has empowered communities to know their rights, uphold the rights of women and girls, achieve economic empowerment, speak up for their entitlements, and hold duty bearers accountable. It has also supported the construction of schools and ablution blocks, assisted farmers, and provided critical support during emergencies such as floods and droughts. With the new centre in place, ActionAid is leaving behind a sustainable facility that will continue its legacy of protection and community empowerment.
Speaking at the ceremony, Samson Orao highlighted the centre’s impact:
“Through this centre, we aim to support survivors of gender-based violence across nine villages. This is the result of over a decade of partnership with the Garashi community, and it will continue to protect and empower vulnerable members for years to come.”
Mercyline Kadii, a leader from Sauti Ya Wanawake, emphasized the centre’s importance for women and girls:
“This is more than a building; it is a safe space for survivors of GBV and all women to access justice, support, and opportunities to thrive.”
Felkin Kaingu, CECM (County Executive Committee Member) for Education & ICT, Kilifi County underscored the county government’s commitment:
“We will continue to build on the foundations laid by ActionAid Kenya. The Garashi Resource and Protection Centre is a key platform for community safety, empowerment, and development.”
The Garashi Resource and Protection Centre is now fully operational, ensuring that survivors of GBV and vulnerable women from nine villages in Marafa have access to essential services promoting safety, justice, and empowerment.
Author: Ezra Kiriago ,Communications Coordinator ActionAid Kenya.