Rural Development for empowering community

02/01/2026

02/01/2026

Rural Development for Empowering Community (RDEC) participated in a capacity-building workshop focused on integrated, community-based campaigns addressing youth radicalization, drug and substance abuse, and the empowerment of women and youth.

The forum brought together key community stakeholders, including Muslim clerics, youth and women leaders, CBOs, CSOs, NGOs, survivors, and health professionals.

Participants engaged in meaningful dialogue to explore culturally and religiously informed strategies for preventing and eradicating drug and substance abuse, while strengthening community resilience and promoting inclusive social development.

24/12/2025

Serving the Humanity.

24/12/2025

Outcome Report: Capacity Building Workshop on Resource Mobilization.

Organization: Rural Development for Empowering Community (RDEC).

Rural Development for Empowering Community (RDEC) successfully participated in a capacity-building workshop on resource mobilization aimed at strengthening the capacity of CSOs, CBOs, and NGOs to sustainably access and manage resources. The workshop enhanced RDEC’s understanding of strategic resource mobilization and provided practical frameworks applicable to organizational growth and sustainability.

Key Outcomes Achieved

Enhanced Understanding of Resource Mobilization
RDEC gained clarity that resource mobilization is a continuous and strategic process involving the identification, acquisition, and management of financial, human, and material resources. This shifted the organization’s perspective from reliance on proposal writing and one-off fundraising toward long-term planning and relationship building.

Expanded Awareness of Resource Types
The workshop broadened RDEC’s understanding of available resource streams, including:

Financial resources: grants, corporate social responsibility (CSR) funding, and social enterprise initiatives.

Human resources: volunteers, technical experts, board members, and professional networks
Material and in-kind support: office space, pro bono services, equipment, and media airtime
Strengthened Focus on Sustainability.

RDEC recognized the importance of reducing overdependence on single donors by diversifying funding sources. The organization is now better positioned to engage in proactive planning, enhance financial resilience, and avoid reactive crisis-driven fundraising.

Identification of Organizational Gaps and Bottlenecks.

Through guided discussions, RDEC identified common challenges affecting resource mobilization, including a limited donor base, weak proposal development capacity, and insufficient funding diversification. This awareness enables the organization to take targeted corrective actions.

Improved Capacity for Effective Resource Mobilization.

RDEC strengthened its capacity in key areas such as:

Clear articulation of organizational mission and impact.

Donor mapping and strategic relationship management.

Impact storytelling, accountability, and transparency.

Ethical engagement and partnership development
Way Forward.

RDEC is committed to integrating the knowledge and skills gained from the workshop into its organizational strategies.

The organization will actively pursue diversified funding opportunities, strengthen partnerships, and enhance accountability mechanisms to improve community impact and ensure long-term sustainability.

09/11/2025

Report on Komesha FGM Sasa Workshop Attendance
Venue: Wajir Palace Hotel
Duration: 3 Days
Organized by: ActionAid Kenya – Wajir Regional Office
Represented Organization: Rural Development for Empowering Community (RDEC).

We had the opportunity to attend a three-day Komesha FGM Sasa Workshop organized by ActionAid Kenya through its Wajir Regional Office. The workshop focused on Kenya’s obligations in addressing Gender-Based Violence (GBV), Sexual and Reproductive Health Rights (SRHR), and the elimination of harmful cultural practices.

The training brought together diverse stakeholders, including representatives from civil society organizations, national and county government departments, public health officials, teachers, human rights defenders, and community and religious leaders.

Representing the Rural Development for Empowering Community (RDEC), we actively participated in discussions aimed at strengthening understanding, coordination, and advocacy for human rights protection and the eradication of harmful cultural practices within Wajir County.

The session provided a valuable platform to foster partnerships and enhance collective efforts toward safeguarding the rights and dignity of women and girls in our communities.

Key Outcome:
• Strengthened collaboration among stakeholders in combating FGM and GBV.
• Improved knowledge on Kenya’s legal and policy frameworks on SRHR and GBV.
• Enhanced commitment by local actors to promote community awareness and protection of women’s rights.

Anti FGM Board-Kenya
FIDA-Kenya
Girlkind KenyaGkk
Girls Not Brides
ActionAid
UNDP Kenya
ForumCiv Eastern & Southern Africa

26/10/2025

Role of Youth- and Women-Led CSOs in Advancing Inclusion

Theme: Enhancing Access to Justice for Women, Youth, and Persons with Disabilities (PWDs) in Wajir County
Partners: Worthy Vision, Amkeni Wakenya, UNDP, European Union, and Rural Development for Empowering Community (RDEC)

1. Promoting Inclusive Access to Justice
Youth- and women-led CSOs play a vital role in ensuring that justice systems are accessible, responsive, and inclusive of all—especially women, youth, and PWDs who often face structural barriers. They work to bridge the gap between communities and justice institutions through awareness, legal aid, and community mobilization.

2. Community Sensitization and Legal Awareness
Organizations such as Worthy Vision and RDEC conduct public education campaigns on legal rights, gender equality, and the protection of vulnerable groups. These efforts empower citizens to understand and claim their rights, report violations, and seek redress through lawful means.

3. Advocacy for Policy Reform and Accountability
Through platforms supported by Amkeni Wakenya, UNDP, and the European Union, youth- and women-led CSOs engage in policy dialogue and advocacy aimed at influencing local and county-level policies. They advocate for inclusive justice systems that address gender-based violence (GBV), discrimination, and exclusion.

4. Strengthening Community-Based Justice Mechanisms
CSOs collaborate with local leaders, religious elders, and administrative systems to promote equitable and rights-based approaches within traditional justice mechanisms. This ensures that customary practices align with national laws and human rights standards.

5. Empowering Women, Youth, and PWDs as Change Agents
By providing leadership training, mentorship, and capacity-building, these organizations nurture the next generation of justice champions. Empowered women and youth become advocates for equality and play active roles in community decision-making.

6. Building Partnerships for Sustainable Inclusion
Collaborative efforts between local CSOs, development partners (such as UNDP and EU), and county authorities foster stronger institutional linkages. This multi-stakeholder approach enhances coordination, resource mobilization, and long-term sustainability of justice initiatives.

Conclusion
Youth- and women-led CSOs are catalysts of inclusive justice in Wajir County. Through their grassroots engagement, advocacy, and partnership with development actors, they contribute to a fairer, more inclusive society where women, youth, and PWDs can access justice, participate in governance, and live with dignity.

25/10/2025

Attended KNCHR Capacity Building Workshop Representing YANK Anti-FGM and RDEC

We had the opportunity to attend a capacity-building workshop organised by the Kenya National Commission on Human Rights (KNCHR), through its Wajir Regional Office, focusing on Kenya’s obligations in addressing Gender-Based Violence (GBV), Sexual and Reproductive Health Rights (SRHR), and harmful cultural practices.

The training brought together a wide range of stakeholders, including representatives from civil society organisations, national and county government departments, public health officials, teachers, human rights defenders, and community and religious leaders.

Representing YANK Anti-FGM Wajir and Rural Development for Empowering Community (RDEC), we engaged in meaningful discussions aimed at strengthening understanding, coordination, and advocacy around human rights protection and the elimination of harmful cultural practices within Wajir County.

The session served as an important platform to build partnerships and enhance collaborative efforts in safeguarding the rights and dignity of women and girls in our communities.

25/10/2025

UNFPA / ODPP Capacity Building Workshop for CUC Membership

Dates: 21st – 23rd October 2025
Venue: Imall, Wajir County
Participant: Y-ANK Focal Person – Wajir County
Representing: Rural Development for Empowering Community (RDEC)

1. Introduction
The three-day capacity-building workshop was organized by the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP) in partnership with the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA). The main objective was to strengthen the capacity of Court Users Committees (CUCs) to effectively address Sexual and Gender-Based Violence (SGBV), Child Marriage, and Female Ge***al Mutilation (FGM) cases through coordinated, victim-centered, and rights-based approaches.
As a participant, I attended in my capacity as the Youth Anti-FGM Network Kenya (Y-ANK) Focal Person for Wajir County, and also represented Rural Development for Empowering Community (RDEC).

2. Key Sessions and Topics Covered
The training covered a range of critical topics aimed at enhancing coordination, knowledge, and practical skills among CUC members:
• Introduction and Climate Setting – Overview of workshop objectives and participant expectations.
• Sexual and Gender-Based Violence: An Overview – Understanding the forms, prevalence, and impact of SGBV.
• Reflections on National, Regional, and International Legal Frameworks – Legal instruments protecting survivors of GBV and promoting justice.
• Highlights from the Sexual Offences Act & Prevention of FGM Act – Legal provisions and penalties related to GBV and FGM.
• Child-Friendly Trial Processes – Procedures ensuring justice for minors while minimizing trauma.
• Victim-Centered Approaches – Prioritizing survivor dignity, confidentiality, and access to justice.
• Trial Process, Evidence Collection, and Preservation – Strengthening coordination among investigators, prosecutors, and medical personnel.
• Child Marriage – Understanding legal implications and preventive interventions.
• Female Ge***al Mutilation (FGM) – Addressing cultural, legal, and health dimensions.
• Stakeholder Engagement – Collaborative roles in the fight against GBV, Child Marriage, and FGM.
• Emerging Issues in SGBV – Discussion on Online Sexual Exploitation and Abuse (OSEA), Medicalisation of FGM, and Technology-Facilitated GBV.
• Rights of Intersex Persons – Recognition and protection within the GBV framework.
• From Training to Transformation – Translating knowledge into community action.
• Best Practices and Resolutions – Highlighting effective models for justice delivery and survivor support.

3. Key Outcomes and Learnings
• Improved understanding of SGBV legal frameworks and the role of CUCs in ensuring coordinated responses.
• Strengthened partnerships between law enforcement, judicial officers, health professionals, and CSOs.
• Enhanced capacity to promote child-friendly, survivor-centered justice processes.
• Identification of emerging GBV trends, including the growing threat of technology-facilitated violence.
• Commitment from stakeholders to intensify efforts in ending child marriage and FGM in Wajir County.

4. Recommendations
• Strengthen collaboration between CSOs, ODPP, and law enforcement agencies for effective SGBV case management.
• Conduct continuous community sensitization on GBV, FGM, and child protection laws.
• Support youth and women-led initiatives that promote access to justice and reporting mechanisms.
• Ensure regular CUC meetings to follow up on resolutions and track progress.

5. Conclusion
The workshop was highly impactful, enhancing knowledge and coordination among justice sector actors and community stakeholders.

As a youth focal person and representative of RDEC, I am committed to cascading the learnings to the community level by promoting awareness, reporting mechanisms, and advocacy to ensure justice and protection for women, youth, and PWDs in Wajir County.
Anti FGM Board-Kenya

15/08/2025

Stakeholder Discussion Framework

Main Topic:

Increasing cases of Sexual and Gender-Based Violence (SGBV) and Early Marriage/Child Pregnancy in Wajir County

1. CSOs / CBOs / NGOs

Role: Advocate, implement programs, provide services.

Discussion points:

Current statistics and case documentation.

Awareness campaigns in communities and schools.

Strengthening referral pathways for survivors.

Resource mobilization for prevention and survivor support.

2. Wajir Good Governance Network

Role: Accountability and policy oversight.

Discussion points:

Monitor enforcement of laws protecting children and women.

Advocate for transparency in budget allocation for GBV programs.

Engage with county assembly to strengthen local ordinances.

3. Sheikhs / Clerics

Role: Religious guidance and influence.

Discussion points:

Clarify religious teachings against early marriage without consent.

Speak against SGBV from the pulpit.

Partner in community sensitization campaigns.

Address harmful cultural interpretations.

4. Youths / Women Groups

Role: Peer-to-peer advocacy and mobilization.

Discussion points:

Use social media and community forums to raise awareness.

Create safe spaces for discussion and reporting.

Empower youth-led initiatives to challenge norms encouraging early marriage.

5. Male & Female Champions

Role: Community influencers.

Discussion points:

Share success stories of ending early marriage.

Advocate for survivor reintegration.

Act as bridge between survivors and formal reporting structures.

6. Survivors

Role: Testimony and lived experience.

Discussion points:

Share personal stories to humanize the issue.

Identify gaps in support services.

Suggest survivor-centered interventions.

7. Cutter (FGM Practitioner)

Role: Acknowledgement of role in harmful practices.

Discussion points:

Discuss economic alternatives to FGM income.

Engage in public declarations to abandon the practice.

Collaborate in advocacy against early marriage linked to FGM.

8. Human Rights Organizations

Role: Legal advocacy and protection.

Discussion points:

Provide legal aid for survivors.

Conduct human rights education.

Advocate for prosecution of offenders.

9. County Government

Role: Policy, funding, and enforcement.

Discussion points:

Increase budget for GBV response units.

Strengthen child protection committees.

Integrate GBV prevention in health and education programs.

10. Security Agencies

Role: Enforcement and protection.

Discussion points:

Timely response to GBV reports.

Safe rescue of victims.

Protection of whistleblowers and witnesses.

11. Steering Committee

Role: Coordination and follow-up.

Discussion points:

Track implementation of agreed actions.

Organize quarterly review meetings.

Ensure multi-sector collaboration remains active.