Grassroots women from conflict-affected communities have called for stronger inclusion in Kenya’s peace and security processes, urging government and partners to recognize and support their role as frontline peacebuilders.
The call was made during a high-level dialogue meeting of the National Steering Committee under the Africa Women Voices for Peace Project, convened in Nairobi on April 9th. The forum brought together stakeholders from the State Department for Gender and Affirmative Action, the Ministry of Interior and Administration through the Peacebuilding Directorate, the Kenya National Action Plan Secretariat, ActionAid International Kenya (AAIK), and other partners.
At the center of the dialogue were women from Baringo County, who shared lived experiences of conflict and peacebuilding at the community level. Presenting a position paper developed collectively by frontline women, Jayne Kipsimat, accompanied by Miriam Kuroito, emphasized that grassroots women are already playing a critical role in sustaining peace despite limited support.
“We are not just survivors of conflict, we are peacebuilders,” Jayne Kipsimat said. “In our communities, women mediate disputes, support survivors of violence, and hold families together. Women, including survivors of violence, should be supported and included in peace-related decision-making processes.”
She outlined key demands from the position paper, calling for urgent reforms to strengthen women’s participation and protection in peacebuilding processes:
- Institutionalize meaningful participation of women in all peace and security processes
- Increase investment in women-led, community-based peacebuilding and protection mechanisms
- Strengthen protection, referral, and psychosocial support systems for women in conflict-affected areas
- Enhance coordination between state and non-state actors to support localized peacebuilding efforts
Echoing these sentiments, Kitasi Wanga, Programme Manager at ActionAid International Kenya (AAIK), said grassroots women must be at the center of all peacebuilding efforts if lasting stability is to be achieved.
“Women at the frontline of conflict are already driving change, often with minimal resources,” Wanga said. “If we are serious about sustainable peace, then we must prioritize funding, capacity strengthening, and policy support for women-led initiatives at the community level.”
National Steering Committee Chair Jaki Mbogo underscored the importance of strengthening collaboration and ensuring accountability in implementing Kenya’s Women, Peace and Security commitments.
“We have made important strides, but there is still work to be done,” she said. “The transition to National Action Plan Phase Three will be intentional, inclusive, and responsive to emerging challenges.”
Representing the Peacebuilding Directorate at the Ministry of Interior and Administration, Christabel Odhiambo reaffirmed the government’s commitment to strengthening institutional frameworks that support women’s participation in peace and security processes.
“Our commitment is to ensure that policies translate into real impact at the community level,” she said. “We are investing in early warning systems, strengthening response mechanisms, and ensuring that women are fully integrated into peace and security structures.”
The dialogue also provided a platform for reflection on the implementation of the Kenya National Action Plan, with stakeholders acknowledging both progress and gaps in advancing inclusion, access to justice, and protection systems.
Participants emphasized the need to strengthen early warning and response systems, deepen coordination across state and non-state actors, and advance women’s economic empowerment as a pathway to sustainable peace. The Africa Women Voices for Peace Project is supported by the Judith Neilson Foundation through ActionAid Australia and implemented in Kenya by ActionAid Kenya.
Author: Ezra Kiriago ,Communications Coordinator ActionAid Kenya.