ActionAid International Kenya and the Kilifi County Government have committed to improving the livelihoods of the most vulnerable populations in the region. The partnership, which focuses on empowering poor rural women, youth, and persons with disabilities, was solidified during a recent courtesy visit to the Kilifi County Governor by ActionAid’s leadership team, led by Executive Director Susan Otieno.
The meeting highlighted the shared vision to address the challenges faced by communities living in poverty and exclusion and to explore further opportunities for collaboration in the county. ActionAid Kenya has been actively working in the region for over a decade through its Local Rights Program (LRP), which has focused on areas like Marafa in Magazine SubCounty in the past 10 years. The programme has now been expanded to Mwanamwinga in Kaloleni Subcounty, where it will continue its work for another 10 years.
The Local Rights Program (LRP) is a key approach that enables ActionAid Kenya through its partners to fund and implement community-driven projects aimed at improving the quality of life for communities living in poverty and exclusion. Its core strategy is to ensure that these communities have access to basic rights, services, and opportunities for sustainable development. The program also emphasizes community participation, bringing together local community-based organizations, non-governmental organizations, women’s groups, traditional leadership, government agencies, parastatals, the private sector, and other development actors to collaborate for lasting change.
Speaking during the courtesy visit, Susan Otieno, Executive Director of ActionAid International Kenya, emphasized the organization’s unwavering commitment to social justice, gender equality, and poverty eradication. She noted,
“ActionAid Kenya is committed to addressing the plight of the most vulnerable in the community. We believe that by working together with the County Government of Kilifi, we will improve livelihoods and create meaningful change.”
ActionAid Kenya’s work in the region has already made significant strides, with improved access to education, healthcare, and economic opportunities for women, youth, and people with disabilities. However, the organization recognizes that much more needs to be done to tackle the systemic challenges of poverty, inequality, and exclusion.
The renewed partnership with Kilifi County is seen as a vital step towards scaling up these efforts. Local stakeholders, including community leaders, government officials, and development partners, have expressed strong support for the initiative, and there is a shared commitment to mobilizing resources and expertise for the continued success of the LRP.
ActionAid International Kenya’s broader mission remains focused on creating a more just and equal society. Through programs like the Local Rights Program, the organization continues to work toward the long-term goal of transforming the lives of the most vulnerable, ensuring that all people, regardless of their background or circumstances, can enjoy their fundamental rights and opportunities for a better future.
With the continued support of the Kilifi County Government and other partners, ActionAid International Kenya is optimistic about the positive impact of their work in the region. Together, they hope to foster greater social justice, gender equality, and poverty eradication across the county and beyond.
Author: Ezra Kiriago ,Communications Coordinator ActionAid Kenya.