In the month of July, August and September, Defenders Coalition implemented 3 activities under the GIZ Project on improving civil peace by way of Alternative Justice Systems (AJS) and civic engagement through the Social Justice Centers (SJC) in Kenya. The activities were implemented during a period of growing public discussion on civic participation, governance, access to justice, and community security concerns ahead of the electoral period. The project focused on strengthening the capacity of Social Justice Centre (SJC) members, Human Rights Defenders (HRDs), community members, duty bearers, and key justice sector stakeholders. Through collaboration with partners such as Kituo cha Sheria, Haki Yetu, the Judiciary, and the National Steering Committee on Alternative Justice Systems (AJS), the project promoted civic engagement, access to justice, mental wellbeing, and peaceful participation in civic engagements.
Key achievements included training 45 SJC members as Trainers of Trainers on civic engagement and constitutional rights, training 30 participants on Alternative Justice Systems, and equipping 35 HRDs with Mental Health and Psychosocial Support (MHPSS) skills, particularly Psychological First Aid.
Community dialogue sessions involving 300 community members were successfully conducted in Nairobi, Mombasa, and Kakamega, creating safe spaces for discussions on civic rights, electoral preparedness, peaceful participation, and community security concerns. IEC materials were also produced including a civic Engagement handbook, thus creating a more sustainable resource for continued learning and civic education. Another key achievement was the successful development of the Kwale County AJS Action Plan in collaboration with key stakeholders. However, the validation and launch of the Action Plan were delayed due to the availability of the Judiciary who were the lead implementors.
The project demonstrated the value of investing in local capacities, partnerships, and community-led approaches, which are expected to sustain the initiatives beyond the project period.