Haki Ni Yetu: A New Dawn of Grassroots Transformation

In a significant milestone for advancing governance, gender equality, and human rights at the grassroots level, the Haki Ni Yetu project has inaugurated the first Civic Action and Empowerment Grant (CACEG) recipients, from now on referred to as Small Grants, selected in the first pilot call. This transformative effort, supported by the European Union in Kenya, unites civil society organizations from Migori and Isiolo counties to champion sustainable change and inspire community-driven development.

The induction ceremony symbolized a critical together strengthening of grassroots organizations under the Haki Ni Yetu banner. Focused on fostering governance, accountability, and human rights in Kenya, the grantees are poised to receive comprehensive support that will bolster their capacity to create meaningful change.

Haki Ni Yetu reaffirmed its commitment to empowering grassroots civil society groups, emphasizing that impactful transformation begins at the community level. Through the small grants, grantees will engage in robust training and capacity-building programs tailored to address local challenges and unlock opportunities for transformative action.

During the event, InformAction Kenya Executive Director Winnie Masai, Executive underscored the importance of community-driven solutions.

“As Haki Ni Yetu, we believe that change must start from the ground up. By supporting these organizations, we are investing in the future of our communities and our country,” she stated.

Additionally, Winnie said that the partnership with the European Union highlights the international community’s recognition of grassroots organizations’ vital role in advancing democracy and human rights.

“With the support of the European Union, this kind of collaboration will empower local communities to take charge of their futures. The power of grassroots activism is unstoppable, and together, we can ensure that the voices of the most marginalized are heard and acted upon,” Masai added.

Weaving Unique Solutions for Unique Challenges

Migori and Isiolo counties face unique challenges that demand tailored interventions. The Haki Ni Yetu grantees, drawn from these two counties, possess an in-depth understanding of their communities’ needs and aspirations. By championing governance, promoting gender equality, and addressing human rights violations linked to business activities, they aim to enhance transparency, accountability, and citizen participation in decision-making processes. Their efforts focus on tackling critical issues such as corruption, improving service delivery, and ensuring effective public resource management, prioritizing the welfare of local communities.

During the induction for the Haki ni Yetu grantees, the beneficiaries shared their thoughts on the impact of the support they received and the transformative potential it holds for their work.

Abdi Aden Shabo, the Project Officer of Isiolo Human Rights Defenders (IHRD), highlighted the critical issues facing marginalized communities in Isiolo County. IHRD, registered in 2019, envisions a flourishing society rooted in human rights and is committed to building a society that respects, protects, and upholds the rights of all people.

Shabo pointed out that large-scale infrastructure projects such as LAPSSET and the Horn of Africa Gateway have significantly impacted these communities’ rights. He emphasized that the grant would enable his organization to address these violations by fostering collaboration between affected communities, the government, and project implementers.

“This is the first time we have received financial support that allows us to effectively reach and advocate for these communities. With this grant, we can finally amplify their voices and push for meaningful engagement with stakeholders to ensure their rights are protected,” Shabo stated.

Waso Hope Community-Based Organization came into existence in 2018 and was formally registered as a CBO by the Ministry of Culture, Sports, and Social Services in March 2020.

Issa Ali, from Waso Hope, shared how the grant would empower his organization to further its mission of empowering women, providing services for survivors of gender-based violence (GBV), and raising awareness about gender equality. Ali explained that the financial aid would help alleviate the psychosocial burdens faced by GBV survivors while also equipping women with income-generating skills.

“This support will enable us to expand our reach and provide much-needed assistance to GBV survivors. With these resources, we can offer counseling, legal aid, and economic empowerment programs that will transform the lives of many women in Isiolo County,” Ali stated.

Nasibo Wario, the Founder of Girl Concern, stated, “This grant has been a game-changer for us. It will not only empower us to implement grassroots programs more effectively but also give us a clearer strategy to engage communities and drive meaningful change.”

Girl Concern, founded in 2020 and officially registered in April 2024, aims to promote gender equality, combat gender-based violence (GBV), and advocate for human rights, particularly for marginalized communities. The Girl Concern CBO office is hosted by the Waso CBO, which doubles as a mentor and collaborator in implementing activities with the young CBO.

Wario emphasized that the organization’s focus on increasing social media and radio outreach in local languages to raise awareness about gender equality and prevent GBV would be greatly enhanced by the grant.

Tobias Ogola, the Executive Chairman of CREAMO, stated, “This funding is a game-changer for our communities. It will enable us to conduct social audits and empower residents to actively engage in governance processes, ensuring their voices are heard where it matters most.”

CREAMO was established and registered in 2017 by communities in Suna with the main objective of spearheading advocacy for human rights, gender issues, and resource mobilization to support diverse programs that are critically needed by the communities and are underfunded by both the government and development partners.

Ogola highlighted the importance of social audits and community participation in governance. He noted that the financial support from the grant would allow their organization to facilitate public participation exercises at the grassroots level, ensuring that communities remain at the heart of governance. He emphasized that this initiative would help uphold constitutional principles of transparency and accountability in local governance.

Lastly, Don Adienge, from the Development and Community Empowerment Organization, stated, “Development and Community Empowerment Organization was initiated in the year 2007 with the goal of expanding civic space and engaging communities on human rights, particularly in the context of business and environmental issues.”

He emphasized that being part of Haki Ni Yetu’s initiative will strengthen their ability to systematically engage with marginalized groups, including artisanal miners and rural communities.

“This support will enable us to address human rights and climate change issues more comprehensively, ensuring that vulnerable communities have a voice in governance and environmental justice.” Adienge concluded,

As these organizations embark on their respective projects, they carry with them the hopes and aspirations of their communities.

In the coming months, the grantees will implement various initiatives ranging from community awareness campaigns to policy advocacy efforts. Haki Ni Yetu will follow their progress in periodic review meetings and share their challenges and achievements.

Working together for sustainable Civic Action and Community Empowerment.