Community Advocacy & Activism

Promoting Community Advocacy and Activism in Kilifi and Mombasa Counties on the East African Coastal Corridor Road Project

To safeguard children from Child Sexual Exploitation, Abuse, and Harassment (CSEA/H) and child labor, WeRise Africa has empowered and supported community voices to address risks and emerging issues associated with the East African Coastal Corridor Development Project, which traverses Kilifi, Mombasa, and Kwale counties. Funded by the African Development Bank (AfDB) and the African Development Fund (ADF), and implemented by the Kenya National Highways Authority (KeNHA), the project comprises two phases: Nyali Bridge to Mtwapa Bridge (Lot 1) and Mtwapa to Kwa Kadzengo to Kilifi (Lot 2). WeRise Africa’s initiatives aim to raise awareness and foster community engagement to mitigate potential child protection issues arising from the project’s implementation

WeRise Africa has undertaken several initiatives to monitor the East African Coastal Corridor Development Project, focusing on child protection and community engagement. These activities include:

  1. Continues monitoring the construction sites to observe activities, assess potential risks, and document concerns.
  2. Engaging with Contractors and Implementing Authorities (KeNHA) to establish communication channels, address concerns regarding CSEA/H and GBV, and collaborate on strategies to mitigate risks.
  3. Identifying vulnerable groups, such as children, women, PWDs, Sex Workers and migrant workers, who were at higher risk of exploitation and abuse.
  4. Setting up accessible and trustworthy confidential reporting and referral mechanisms within the community for individuals to report incidents or concerns related to CSEA/H and GBV.
  5. Advocating for the implementation of policies and guidelines to prevent and address CSEA/H and GBV in road construction projects
  6. Continuously monitoring and evaluating the effectiveness of interventions and responses to CSEA/H and GBV issues in construction areas, adjusting strategies based on feedback and lessons learned.
  7. Empowering community members, especially women and children, to speak out against exploitation and abuse and encouraging their participation in decision-making processes related to the road construction project.
  8. Collaborating with other community organizations, NGOs, and relevant stakeholders to share resources, knowledge, and best practices.

The organization supported Community Champions from Mombasa and Kilifi counties to conduct feedback and learning sessions with the community, gathering their views on the East Coastal Corridor Road Project. These champions primarily sensitized the community on CSEA/H and child labor prevention measures and GBV Referral Pathways Mechanisms while advocating for children’s rights and safety. The project aimed to promote not only infrastructural growth but also social responsibility by creating a safe and supportive environment for all community members, particularly children and vulnerable people.

About Us

WeRise Africa is a local organization based in Mombasa County working to harnessing the power of local communities to achieve sustainable development. In order to achieve this, WeRise Africa develops and initiates interventions on program areas such as: peace and cohesion, ending forms of gender violence, youth and leadership and education.

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