Defenders Coalition partnered with the Social Justice Centres Working Group and the German Agency for International Cooperation (GIZ) in a  project dubbed Paomoja Tuangamize Corona Campaign that was implemented throughout the month of July. 

Figure 1.1 Grafitti and murals erected on strategic wall in different regions across communities to create                       awareness on Covid-19 to spark conversations on its awareness.

The campaign was launched on July 3 in Dandora Community justice Centre to address the novel Corona Virus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic which has severely disrupted lives and caused massive unprecedented destruction across the World, leaving great loss and grief in its trail. It is not clear how long this would last but economists project that its social and economic impact could last the rest of the year.

Focussing on a participatory approach towards the response on Covid-19, the campaign brought together  the social justice movement and human rights defenders from the grassroots across the country to address the disproportionate economic disruptions, access to information, basic food stuffs, livelihoods and most importantly mainstream the human rights implications within communities.

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Figure 1.2: Forums conducted by justice centres movement to sensitize communities on wellness during

                Covid-19 pandemic in Githurai and Dandora Justice Centres respectovely

Based on reports from monitors from across the country, it was evident that rights violations have increased in the grassroots but lacked a platform/goodwill to be addressed. Coronavirus disease has only made it worse. The campaign therefore, has been on the forefront condemning, creating awareness and calling to action of relevant stakeholders to embrace a human rights based approach while resounding to Covid-19.  

The measures put in place by the government to curb the spread of covid-19 have had a diverse impact on the lives of Kenyans. Those at the bottom of the social classes have been the worst hit. 

The virus has caused death, injuries and grief for communities, particularly those living in the informal settlements and vulnerable populations. Government efforts to contain the pandemic including encouraging citizens to stay at home, banning all public and social gatherings and the a nationwide curfew between 7pm to 5am (has since been altered) to be observed by all citizens except for select institutions and professions classified as essential service providers as well as restricted movement across cities with high prevalence of infection, namely Nairobi, Mombasa, Kwale and Kilifi have further disrupted the informal economy, destroying small businesses and rendering many community members destitute

The campaign had a reach to the following justice centre; Dandora Community, Mathare, Ruaraka, Korogoch Justice and Information Centre, Githurai, Ghetto Foundation, Kayole, Mukuru, and Kiamaiko Justice Centres through graffiti, alternative messaging and community radio conversations.

Others that ensured the success through a fast tracking implementation of the campaign are Kibera, Kiambiu, Alqamar S,Makadara Social Justice Centre, Kamkunji, Kamkunji Youth Empowerment Network, Kariobangi, Elengatawas, Kondele, Voi, Vihiga, sisters for Justice, Busia, Chemilil, Changamwe and Magharibi Social Justice Centres. 

The campaign in itself was an intervention based on the government, through the Ministry of Health regularly provided information updates on the spread, those infected but also on measures to contain the spread of the virus but failed to incorporate community voices in the decision-making forums and therefore public policy was not informed by community input even when the communities had invaluable contributions to make and able representatives to articulate to enhance interventions through better community-government partnerships.

The project has since sought to bridge this gap.

Therefore, the project intervened through immediate responses that targeted at enhancing community awareness on the Covid-19 dangers with a particular focus on raising community responses to protect themselves against the dangers of the virus especially during the community transmission phase.

Secondly, the project sought to build community resilience over the tough months ahead as a cloud of uncertainty continues to hang over our heads.

Figure1.3: HRDs attending community radio conversations in Vihiga FM- Vihiga, Pamoja Fm-Kibera and                    Radio Namlolwe- kisumu respectively