ActionAid International Kenya (AAIK) reaffirmed its commitment to tackling poverty and injustice by launching its mid-term reviewed Country Strategy Programme 2024-2028 under the banner “Our Rights for Justice.” The launch, held in Nairobi, was attended by prominent figures including Anne Wang’ombe, Principal Secretary for the State Department for Gender; Hellen Grace Akwii Wangusa, Chair of the ActionAid International (AAI) Board; and Samuel Muga, AAIK Board Chair.
The event brought together general assembly members, communities, partners, and staff to celebrate the strengthened strategy, which addresses emerging socio-economic and political issues while remaining rooted in the fight for human rights and justice.
Previously focused on three key Strategic Objectives (SOs) during 2018–2023, AAIK has revised and bolstered its objectives to include a fourth, addressing civic space and participatory governance. Key changes include an expanded focus on secure land tenure and sustainable livelihoods in fragile and climate-impacted contexts, and a new commitment to empowering people-led movements to defend and expand civic space in Kenya, strengthening grassroots advocacy and activism.
Recognizing that 50.44% of Kenya’s population comprises women and girls, AAIK’s strategy prioritizes addressing the systemic discrimination, violence, and exclusion they face. AAIK aims to empower women and communities living in poverty to achieve economic security, access decision-making spaces, and advocate for gender-responsive public services.
“ActionAid Kenya will remain faithful to championing the rights of women, young people, and their communities. Our new strategy signals bold advocacy for justice and equality, ensuring every voice is heard and every right is upheld,” said Samuel Muga, AAIK Board Chair.
Speaking at the launch, Principal Secretary Anne Wang’ombe emphasized the urgent need to tackle gender-based violence (GBV) and femicide. She urged religious leaders and educators to take active roles in sensitizing their communities:
“Religious leaders hold significant influence over congregations. I urge them to dedicate time during services to speak about sexual and gender-based violence. Teachers and lecturers should also engage their learners on this pressing issue.”
Highlighting Kenya’s land ownership disparity, AAIK pledged to scale up campaigns for land formalization and titling. Despite 96% of rural women working on farms, only 6% own land titles. AAIK focuses on land rights to enhance tenure security for millions of rural people, particularly women.
Reflecting on Kenya’s journey toward civic participation, Hellen Grace Akwii Wangusa commended the country’s progress:
“When I arrived in Kenya, civic agitation for good governance and human rights was robust. Today, Kenya stands as a leader in Africa and the Global South. ActionAid’s strategy realignment directs its work in fighting poverty and injustice.”
Susan Otieno, AAIK Executive Director, reinforced the importance of community-led movements, saying:
“We’ve seen the transformative power of young people and communities driving social activism. With our new objectives, we aim to expand this space and amplify their voices.”
The launch concluded with a call to action for all stakeholders to join AAIK in driving meaningful changes.
“By aligning our efforts, we can amplify the voices of women and young people and create a more just and equitable Kenya,” said PS Wang’ombe.
This mid-term strategy review marks a significant milestone in ActionAid Kenya’s mission to eradicate poverty and achieve social justice through empowerment, advocacy, and collaboration.