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Baridi Kwa Baridi Women Cbo- Busia, Mundika, Busia (2026)

01/10/2026

Uchaguzi Bila Noma 2027: Busia Stakeholders Commit to Peaceful Elections

Baridi Kwa Baridi Women CBO joined the National Cohesion and Integration Commission (NCIC) and a broad range of stakeholders in Busia County for a one day sensitization forum on the Commission’s Roadmap Towards a Violence-Free 2027 General Election.

The forum brought together representatives from IEBC, the County Commissioner’s office, Deputy County Commissioners, community policing, village elders, the business community through KNCCI, civil society organisations, persons with disabilities, youth, women, boda boda leadership, Alupe University students and other stakeholders.

Discussions examined barriers to peaceful electioneering in Busia, including political intolerance, tokenistic political engagement, youth unemployment and the negative use of social media to spread hate speech and fuel division.

From discussion to action, stakeholders resolved to:

- Intensify community sensitisation against hate speech, incitement and political intolerance.
- Promote mutual respect and embrace Busia’s diversity as a source of strength rather than division.
- Strengthen ward-based peace committees as platforms for early warning, information sharing and timely response to emerging conflicts.
- Encourage political aspirants to sign and uphold peace charters.
- Sustain peace messaging across communities and ensure that every stakeholder takes an active role in preventing electoral violence.

The forum also reinforced the importance of collaboration among government agencies, electoral institutions, community structures, civil society, young people, women, religious leaders and the business community in safeguarding peace throughout the electoral cycle.

Peace is a collective responsibility. Once lost, it can be extremely difficult to restore, and the cost is borne by entire communities. As Busia prepares for the 2027 General Election, every citizen has a role to play in protecting our unity, promoting tolerance and being an ambassador of peace.

Let us treasure our peace, respect our differences and work together towards a peaceful, inclusive and violence-free electoral process.

Uchaguzi Bila Noma
Peace Begins With Us!

01/10/2026

EDUCATION IN BUKHAYO WEST: STAKEHOLDERS CALL FOR COLLECTIVE ACTION

Baridi Kwa Baridi Women CBO, through its Executive Director, Ms. Maureene Ayodi, participated in a stakeholders’ meeting on the status of education in Bukhayo West Ward, held at St. Peter’s Budokomi Senior School.

Ms. Ayodi attended as a civil society representative and Vice Chair of the School’s Board.

The meeting brought together school leaders, Ministry of Education representatives, parents, alumni, National Government Administration Officers (NGAOs), County Government representatives, Deputy County Commissioner Benson Mwangi, MCA Peter Taalam, boda boda representatives and other stakeholders.

Among the key issues raised were:

- Parental complacency and inadequate involvement in children's education.
- Discos and social activities associated with matanga affecting learners' concentration and school participation.
- Children starting school at an advanced age.
- Poor academic performance.
- Teenage pregnancies and their implications for girls' education.

Stakeholders underscored the need for a multisectoral approach, bringing together schools, families, government departments, local leadership and community actors to address these challenges and improve learning outcomes.

The meeting also highlighted positive developments at St. Peter’s Budokomi Senior School. The school boasts a state-of-the-art computer laboratory and offers the pathways under the senior school education framework.

Members of the public and other schools are encouraged to visit and benchmark the school's facilities, particularly its computer laboratory, and learn from its approach to implementing the senior school pathways.

At Baridi Kwa Baridi Women CBO, we recognise that education, child protection and community development go hand in hand. Keeping children in school requires active parents, safe learning environments and a community that takes collective responsibility for the future of its children.

When the community takes responsibility for education, every learner gets a better chance to succeed.

30/09/2026

From the inception of the Kagua Viongozi na Maendeleo Mashinani Project to its close, Baridi Kwa Baridi Women CBO has been part of a six-month journey focused on strengthening civic education, citizen participation and accountability across Busia County.
Through community engagement, civic and voter education, dialogues and collaboration with fellow CSOs, civic educators, media and government stakeholders, the project created spaces for citizens to better understand their rights and responsibilities and engage more meaningfully in governance.
Yesterday, at the project’s closing stakeholder engagement, we joined the County Government, CSOs, civic educators, youth, women, PWDs, faith-based organisations, students and other stakeholders to reflect on the journey, the progress made and what must continue beyond the project.
One message stood out for us:
civic engagement cannot end when a project ends.
Citizens need to understand not only their electoral rights, but also how to engage with leaders, follow development projects, raise concerns about service delivery and participate in shaping the decisions that affect their communities.
We sincerely appreciate CEDC Kenya for creating and sustaining this platform and all partners who have taken these conversations closer to the people.
As Busia moves forward, let us continue to
kagua viongozi, kagua promises, kagua projects and kagua service delivery, not as an exercise reserved for election periods, but as part of everyday citizenship.
Uraia ni wajibu. Uwajibikaji ni wa kila siku.

29/09/2026

USIPOZIBA UFA, UTAJENGA UKUTA.

Today, 29 September 2026, Baridi Kwa Baridi Women CBO joined parents, teachers, faith leaders, local development partners, community actors and the Sub-County Children Officer for a stakeholder engagement at Esikulu Juniur and secondary school to discuss the Triple Threat HIV, teenage pregnancy and sexual and gender-based violence (SGBV).

The timing could not have been more important.

With schools preparing to close for the long holiday, children will soon be spending more time at home and within the community.

So the message was clear:

Tahadhari kabla ya hatari.

We cannot wait until a child becomes pregnant, drops out of school, experiences abuse or is exposed to HIV before we begin asking questions.

Prevention starts now.

Parents were encouraged to reclaim their role as the first line of protection for their children.

Talk to them.

Know their friends.

Know where they go.

Know what they are doing online.

Know what they are carrying emotionally.

And most importantly, create a home where children can speak without fear.

The discussion also challenged parents to look at themselves.

Are we the role models we expect our children to become?

Children learn from what they see. Parents were encouraged to avoid conflicts in front of children, speak with one voice when disciplining them and adapt their parenting to the realities of today's digital world.

Phones have advantages and disadvantages.

Parents may not be as familiar with technology as their children, but that cannot become a reason to withdraw from their children's digital lives.

Children are seeking connection and validation online. We must be willing to have those conversations.

The community also reflected on risks around late-night movements, market days, entertainment spaces, sporting activities and children being sent to shops or businesses at late hours.

The call was for renewed communal ownership of children:

“Nichungie, nikuchungie.”

Dr. Brian Kwena of Esikulu Dispensary further highlighted the serious health consequences associated with teenage pregnancy and unsafe abortion, reminding stakeholders that prevention and timely, appropriate support matter.

Faith leaders, including representatives from Sponsor Catholic Church and Zion Temple, reinforced the importance of parents being role models and leaders in their homes.

And as the holiday approaches, one thing is certain:

The school may close, but the responsibility to protect children does not.

Parents, caregivers, churches, schools, local administration and the wider community must all play their part.

Because children are our greatest investment in the future.

Let us not wait for the wall to fall.

Tusingoje.
Kinga ni bora kuliko tiba.

29/09/2026

THE GOSPEL CONTINUES. 📚❤️

Yesterday, 28 September 2026, Baridi Kwa Baridi Women CBO took the Triple Threat conversation to St. Michael Buyende Junior and Senior School in Bukhayo West.

We went to talk.
We went to listen.
And most importantly, we went to remind young people that their lives, choices and dreams matter.

Our conversation centred on the Triple Threat HIV, teenage pregnancy and sexual and gender-based violence (SGBV) but the discussion quickly revealed that these challenges cannot be addressed in isolation.

The school administration, led by Principal Charles Masakhalia, shared concerns around parental neglect, children living with grandparents or other caregivers, family separation, absenteeism, school dropout, early marriage and teenage pregnancy.

The school also highlighted the growing influence of material pressure and unregulated access to phones and other things that can distract learners from education.

Our counsellor/field officer challenged the learners to think carefully about gifts and freebies.

Not every gift is free.

Sometimes, what looks like kindness can come with expectations that put a young person at risk of exploitation, sexual pressure, teenage pregnancy, HIV or violence.

The learners were encouraged to make informed choices, recognise risky situations, protect themselves and seek help from trusted adults whenever they feel pressured, threatened or unsafe.

But the responsibility does not belong to children alone.

Parents must be present. Schools must be safe. Communities must protect children. And institutions must work together.

At Baridi Kwa Baridi, we believe prevention begins with conversations ,honest conversations that reach children where they are, listen to what they are experiencing and connect them with the support they need.

The work continues across Bukhayo West.

Protect. Educate. Listen. Act.

Together, we can prevent the Triple Threat.

26/09/2026

PROTECT YOUR HEALTH. PROTECT YOUR EDUCATION. PROTECT YOUR FUTURE. 💙

On 24 September 2026, Baridi Kwa Baridi took the conversation on the Triple Threat of new HIV infections, adolescent pregnancy and sexual and gender-based violence (SGBV) to Esikulu Primary and Junior Secondary School in Bukhayo West, Busia County.

Nearly 300 learners from Grades 6 to 9 participated in the sensitisation session led by the BKB Director, Mimi Maureen alongside Mr Cosmas Okale, representing the National Syndemic Diseases Control Council (NSDCC) and Mr George Egondi, a physiotherapist representing the Busia Professional Association.

The intervention came at a critical time, as the school has experienced cases of teenage pregnancy and concerns over a rising trend.

The conversation connected what happens to a young person's health with what happens to their education, wellbeing and future.

📌 Kenya recorded approximately 236,000 pregnancies among girls aged 10–19 presenting at health facilities in 2025 , roughly 640 every day.

📌 Busia remains among the counties contributing significantly to Kenya's new HIV infections.

During the session, learners were encouraged to:

✨ Protect their health and education
✨ Avoid situations that expose them to HIV, pregnancy and violence
✨ Understand that lack of basic necessities such as sanitary pads should never push a child into unsafe relationships or exploitation
✨ Stay alert and avoid isolated or poorly lit areas, especially during rainy periods
✨ Be cautious and speak up when they feel unsafe, including when staying with relatives or other caregivers
✨ Aim high and keep their future goals in sight

And importantly, know where to seek help:

📞 116 – Child Helpline: Free, 24/7 support for children facing abuse, neglect, violence, exploitation or other protection concerns, including counselling and referral to services.

📞 1195 – GBV Helpline: Toll-free support and reporting pathway for gender-based violence.

📞 1190 – One2One: Confidential information, counselling and referrals on HIV, sexual and reproductive health, GBV, mental health and other issues affecting young people.

So, to every learner who stood in that school compound and said:

“I want to be…”

Keep that dream alive.
Protect it.
Work for it.
Ask for help when you need it.

Your future is worth protecting. ❤️

14/09/2026

Protecting Our Children from the Triple Threat
A worrying trend is emerging in Busia County, with increasing concern around the interconnected challenges of new HIV infections, teenage pregnancies and gender-based violence, including defilement. These challenges can significantly affect children’s health, education, safety and future opportunities.

As part of the Busia County Multi-Sectoral Coordination Committee (SCMCC), operating within the guidelines of the National Syndemic Diseases Control Council, Baridi Kwa Baridi Women CBO is joining other partners in taking prevention messages directly to schools and creating spaces where children can learn, ask questions and understand how to protect themselves.

Last week, the SCMCC team visited Budokomi Senior School and Mundika Primary and Junior Girls School in Bukhayo West Ward, engaging learners on the dangers of the triple threat.

The conversations focused on helping learners understand the risks they may face, make informed decisions, recognise unsafe situations, speak up when they feel threatened, and seek help from trusted adults and appropriate support systems.

This is only the beginning.

With the long school holidays approaching, the SCMCC and its partners are planning to scale up school-based sensitisation across the county. The aim is not simply to create awareness, but to contribute to measurable prevention and lasting change,
fewer new HIV infections, fewer teenage pregnancies and stronger protection of children from sexual and gender-based violence.

Every child deserves the opportunity to grow, learn and pursue their future in a safe environment.

Prevention starts with knowledge. Protection starts with action. Together, we can make Busia safer for our children.

14/09/2026

Strengthening Peace and Preparedness Ahead of the 2027 Elections

Baridi Kwa Baridi CBO as part of the Busia County Peace Committee attended their quarterly meeting on 9 September 2026 at the County Commissioners Hall to strengthen collaboration and preparedness for peaceful elections and community stability.

The meeting focused on the Committee’s role in promoting peace, identifying and addressing causes of conflict, supporting conflict resolution, strengthening dialogue and linking communities with government structures.

As Busia prepares for the 2027 General Elections, members emphasized the importance of:
🤝 Promoting dialogue and peaceful political engagement
🕊️ Strengthening early warning and early response mechanisms
👥 Meaningfully engaging young people and boda boda groups
🚫 Addressing hate speech, political incitement and other drivers of violence
🏘️ Taking peace initiatives closer to communities at the grassroots
🔗 Adopting a coordinated, multisectoral approach to peace and security

The Committee also began preparations for a Peace Work scheduled for 21 September 2026, bringing together diverse stakeholders to promote a culture of peace across the county.

Peace is everyone's responsibility. As we approach the elections, let us choose dialogue over division, unity over violence and peace over conflict.

12/09/2026

STRENGTHENING SCHOOL MEALS IN BUSIA COUNTY
Earlier this week, Baridi Kwa Baridi was priviledged to attend a 2 day multi-stakeholder dialogue to strengthen and harmonize school feeding programmes across the county which was convened by the Busia County Department of Education and Vocational Training, in partnership with World Vision. The dialogue brought together county government representatives, World Vision, the State Department, civil society organisations, faith leaders and other stakeholders to explore how Busia can build a coordinated, sustainable and locally-driven school meals system that supports children's health, attendance, retention and learning.

The discussions focused on policy and budget processes, public finance and budget analysis, policy advocacy, and the importance of linking local agricultural production with school feeding through homegrown school meals solutions.

A key milestone of the forum was the election of Mimi MaureenMaureene Ayodi, Director of Baridi Kwa Baridi Women CBO, as Chairperson of the Busia County School Meals Programme.

In this role, she will spearhead stakeholder coordination and advocacy efforts towards strengthening the school meals programme in Busia County, working alongside the County Government, World Vision, CSOs, faith leaders, school communities and other partners.

The initiative seeks to move beyond fragmented interventions towards one coordinated and sustainable school meals system, aligned with Kenya's 2024–2030 national framework.

At Baridi Kwa Baridi Women CBO, we continue to support initiatives that place the wellbeing, dignity and future of children at the centre of development.

Together, we can build a Busia where no child has to learn on an empty stomach.

03/09/2026

What if climate resilience starts with the way we grow our food?

Day 3 of our four-day CSO training on Budget Tracking, Climate Change Adaptation and Agroecology, organized by DaCCA, brought us to an important realization: agroecology is not simply about farming. It is about building food systems that can sustain people, livelihoods and nature in a changing climate.

We explored how agroecology connects to food security, poverty reduction, biodiversity and climate action and examined approaches such as agroforestry, conservation tillage, crop-livestock integration, biological management and sustainable use of local resources.

For Baridi Kwa Baridi, this matters because climate resilience must be rooted in the realities of communities.

🌾 How do we protect food security?
🌍 How do we strengthen livelihoods?
🌱 How do we protect the ecosystems communities depend on?

Our next step is to move beyond learning and to bring this knowledge into our community engagement, climate advocacy and development work in Busia.

Resilience begins at the community level.

Baridi Kwa Baridi Women Cbo- Busia

01/10/2026

01/10/2026

30/09/2026

29/09/2026

29/09/2026

26/09/2026

14/09/2026

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