Day 2 of the engagement focused on empowering Environmental Human Rights Defenders (EHRDs) under the theme Strengthening Gender Protocols & Using Digital Platforms for Justice and Accountability. Led by @DavisOkeyo, Kisumu Regional Head, participants were guided on linking grassroots realities with key policy and legal frameworks, including the Climate Change (Amendment) Act, 2023, the UN Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework, and the National Gender and Climate Change Action Plan (2025–2027). Key discussions centred on strengthening gender-sensitive approaches in environmental governance, with emphasis on mining impacts on communities, food systems, livelihoods, and the protection of vulnerable groups, including widows and families in polygamous unions, to uphold social cohesion and inclusion. Participants were equipped on digital safety and rights protection, including addressing online gender-based violence, countering misinformation and disinformation, using encryption tools, and securely documenting and reporting threats. The session also strengthened strategic advocacy skills, focusing on translating community experiences into structured, evidence-based submissions for policy influence and accountability. Further emphasis was placed on human rights documentation and defender safety, particularly in recording cases of harassment, alleged police brutality, forced displacement, and environmental degradation in line with legal and evidentiary standards. A key outcome of the session was the submission of both online and physical memoranda to the Commission, calling for an urgent public inquiry into alleged systemic human rights violations, gender-based violence, and land dispossession in Siaya, Vihiga, and Kakamega Counties. The engagement reaffirmed the importance of protecting defenders, strengthening digital resilience, and linking community voices to national accountability frameworks for justice and inclusion. #EnvironmentalJustice #HumanRightsDefenders #GenderEquality #ClimateJustice #DigitalSafety #LandRights #GBVPrevention #InclusiveGovernance @UNDPKenya @CSONetwork

A capacity-building session convened by the Commission brought together over 40 women leaders, community representatives, and human rights defenders from Kakamega, Vihiga and Siaya Counties to strengthen awareness of the Mining Act, 2016 and the Community Land Act, with a focus on advancing the rights, participation and protection of women, youth and marginalised groups in the extractive sector. Led by Ms Anne Anyango from the Kisumu Regional Office, the session reaffirmed that the Constitution of Kenya, 2010 and related legislation provide a strong foundation for equality, inclusion and participation in natural resource governance. She emphasised that women and youth must be meaningfully engaged at all stages of the mining process, including consultations, land governance decisions, and benefit-sharing arrangements. Participants raised concerns over persistent gaps in implementation, including limited access to land ownership documentation, exclusion from public participation forums, and inadequate access to timely and accessible information on mining projects within their communities. They also expressed concern over the use of drones and geospatial mapping technologies without adequate community sensitisation, noting that this has, in some cases, fuelled fear, misinformation and mistrust. The Commission noted the need to strengthen public participation processes, enhance civic education on land and mining rights, and ensure that county and national actors uphold inclusive and transparent consultation standards. It further emphasised the importance of safeguarding community voices in decision-making processes, particularly ensuring that women, youth and marginalised groups are not excluded or substituted in engagement forums. The Commission reaffirmed its commitment to promoting equality and freedom from discrimination through strengthened accountability, inclusive governance, and the protection of the rights of all persons in Kenya’s extractive sector. @CSONetwork @UNDPKenya #SocialInclusion #MiningAct2016 #CommunityLandAct #WomenInLeadership #YouthInclusion @DavisOkeyo

Effective environmental advocacy requires not only community action, but also strong systems for documentation, protection, and evidence gathering. Through the @DefendersKE training, strengthening the EHRDs' skills in technology-enabled community monitoring and secure reporting of environmental threats, land displacements, and human rights violations. The sessions also focused on addressing online gender-based violence, countering digital disinformation, enhancing personal digital security, and documenting environmental degradation, police brutality, and forced displacements in ways that meet legal evidentiary standards. In addition, the defenders collectively developed and submitted a petition to the National Gender and Equality Commission @NGECKenya highlighting the ongoing violations within mining spaces and calling for urgent attention and action to protect affected communities. Through strategic knowledge management and policy advocacy, the defenders are building their capacity to transform community experiences into credible, evidence-based advocacy that can influence policy, strengthen accountability, and protect the rights of communities affected by environmental harm. #FundingWindows #WomenInMining #EHRDs #WHRDs #WomenLedCoPs @UNDP @Denmark_UN @DanishMFA @cooperation_lu @LuxembourgUN @rok_mission @MOFAkr_eng @bettyokero

Building on yesterday's county-specific mapping of environmental hotspots, rights violations, and emerging threats in Kakamega, Siaya, and Vihiga, Women Environmental and Human Rights Defenders (EHRDs) continued their learning and strategy sessions today with a focus on strengthening advocacy, protection, and collective action. The discussions explored how local environmental and human rights struggles connect to national frameworks, including the Climate Change (Amendment) Act 2023, the UN Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework, and the National Gender and Climate Change Action Plan (2025–2027). Participants also examined the Gender-Sensitive Protocol and its role in promoting inclusive and accountable responses to the impacts of mining on communities, livelihoods, food systems, and social cohesion. Through strategic knowledge management, human rights documentation, and policy advocacy, the women are enhancing their capacity to generate evidence, amplify community voices, and influence decision-making processes that advance environmental justice and protect the rights of affected communities. #FundingWindows #WomenInMining #EHRDs #WHRDs #WomenLedCoPs @UNDP @Denmark_UN @DanishMFA @cooperation_lu @LuxembourgUN @rok_mission @MOFAkr_eng @bettyokero

We engaged the Gender Sector Technical Working Group with @PHRKenya, advancing discussions on women’s electoral participation and addressing #TFGBV in politics. Safeguarding women’s rights, and promoting inclusive participation ✅ Supported by @AICS_Nairobi #WomenInLeadership

Building on this convening, Women Environmental and Human Rights Defenders from Kakamega, Siaya, and Vihiga are deepening their understanding of key legal and policy frameworks shaping mining, land governance, and environmental protection. Key focus areas include the Mining Act 2016, the Community Land Act, and the Environmental Management and Coordination Act (EMCA). The discussions are also unpacking how gaps in land ownership documentation among women and youth can contribute to exclusion from land governance and decision-making processes. The sessions further explore Free, Prior and Informed Consent (FPIC), Business and Human Rights principles, and how communities can effectively engage in Environmental and Social Impact Assessments (ESIA) to safeguard both people and ecosystems. Through collective learning and reflection, the defenders are strengthening their capacity to advance environmental justice, promote accountable mining practices, and protect community rights. #FundingWindows #WomenInMining #EHRDs #WHRDs #WomenLedCoPs @UNDP @Denmark_UN @DanishMFA @cooperation_lu @LuxembourgUN @rok_mission @MOFAkr_eng @bettyokero

We have convened Women Environmental and Human Rights Defenders (EHRDs) from Kakamega, Siaya, and Vihiga Counties for a two-day training and learning exchange focused on advancing climate justice and environmental accountability in mining-affected communities across Western Kenya. The gathering provides a critical space for women defenders to share lived experiences and observations on the ecological and social changes taking place within their communities, particularly in areas impacted by mining and large-scale land-based investments. As frontline defenders, they continue to play a key role in amplifying community voices, documenting environmental impacts, and strengthening collective action for justice and accountability. #FundingWindows #WomenInMining #EHRDs #WHRDs #WomenLedCoPs @UNDP @Denmark_UN @DanishMFA @cooperation_lu @LuxembourgUN @rok_mission @MOFAkr_eng @bettyokero

Why is it important to look at the social well-being of communities alongside climate action & public participation? Elsheber breaks this down in our latest episode of the Hatua Podcast. 🎧 Listen and join the conversation. youtu.be/U_KTWxFuXCs?si=MrdM… #WorldEnvironmentDay

We are now in Mvindeni, Kwale County, joining our #HakiNiYetu grantees working on Business and Human Rights (BHR) as we commemorate #WorldEnvironmentDay. Follow the conversation live here: youtube.com/live/ENycap6GB2Y… @OurKwaleCounty #WorldEnvironmentDay #HakiNiYetu

What happens after the minerals are gone? This question guided today’s panel on post-mining rehabilitation, climate justice & sustainable resource management. Panelists emphasized that responsible mining must go beyond extraction to ensure accountability. #WorldEnvironmentDay

As #WorldEnvironmentDay approaches, we amplify the voices of Environmental Human Rights Defenders who courageously stand up for people, nature, and justice. In this article, Hamida Isaac of KIHURNET sheds light on the increasing threats faced by environmental defenders and why protecting them is essential for advancing human rights and climate justice. Read more: kios.fi/en/2026/06/growing-t… #HakiNiYetu #WorldEnvironmentDay #ClimateJustice #EnvironmentalDefenders #HumanRights

Happy Madarak Day 🇰🇪 #MadarakaDay

*GAMBOGI POLICE STATION AGAIN* we need justice Human rights organizations in Hamisi Sub-County, Vihiga County, have strongly condemned allegations against a police officer attached to Gambogi Police Station following claims that he defiled a 14-year-old Grade 8 pupil.

As World Environment Day approaches, we are reminded that protecting our planet also means protecting people who defend it. Across East Africa and Kenya in particular, environmental defenders are on the frontlines of the climate crisis, protecting land, water, and community resources. In doing so, many face intimidation, harassment, and even physical harm. Their safety is essential for meaningful climate action and environmental governance. “Communities cannot effectively participate in environmental governance or climate action when defenders are silenced, criminalised, or left without protection.” Through the #HakiNiYetu project, support to @EROG is helping strengthen regional solidarity, build rapid response systems, and empower environmental defenders to safely continue their work for justice and accountability. The initiative is supported by the EU Delegation to Kenya. Read more: kios.fi/en/2026/05/protectin…⁠� #WorldEnvironmentDay #ClimateJustice #HumanRights #EnvironmentalRights #Solidarity

#PressStatement We are demanding an independent investigation into the Utumishi Girls Academy fire, which claimed 16 lives. More: khrc.or.ke/press-release/how…

Wishing you and your family a joyful celebration. #eidholidays

Together with @PHRKenya, we convened a meeting with Women Human Rights Defenders (WHRDs) and duty bearers to audit the status of gender responsive budgeting and discuss recommendations for improved quality service delivery in Kisumu County. The dialogue focused on reviewing the Kisumu County Third Generation CIDP (2023–2027), analysing key milestones, existing gaps, and lessons learnt, particularly on Gender Based Violence (GBV) prevention, response, and access to justice. As part of this process, stakeholders are working towards developing a petition to relevant county authorities to help inform the Fourth Generation CIDP with stronger and clearer GBV budgeting priorities. The engagement underscores the importance of inclusive planning, accountability, and meaningful participation of women and grassroots actors in shaping county development processes and ensuring no survivor is left behind. This is through the Strengthening the Rights of SGBV Survivors Project supported by @AICS_Nairobi through @unwomenkenya. @bettyokero @WOVOP_org #GenderResponsiveBudgeting #WHRDs #GBVPrevention #AccessToJustice #WomenLeadership #SGBV #CIDP #Accountability

This afternoon, we held a meeting with Women Human Rights Defenders (WHRDs) in Vihiga County to discuss emerging early warning signs of violence as the country gradually heads towards the 2027 electioneering period. The conversation comes at a time when communities continue to witness rampant killings of young girls and increasing insecurity affecting women and vulnerable groups across the county. The meeting emphasized the critical role of WHRDs as frontline actors and foot soldiers within communities in identifying, documenting, and responding to early signs of violence before situations escalate. Participants noted with concern the growing political divisions among women, calling for intentional efforts to promote unity, peacebuilding, and community-driven peace campaigns during this period. Concerns were also raised over the increasing mobilization of young people into violent groups and gangs linked to human rights violations. Participants stressed the need for proper documentation, packaging of information, and timely reporting to relevant authorities for action and accountability. The discussions further highlighted poverty, unemployment, and insecurity as key drivers fueling violence and vulnerability within communities in Vihiga County. There was a collective call for stronger coordination, community sensitization, and collaborative action to protect women and girls and strengthen community safety ahead of the election period. #SurvivorRights #EndViolenceAgainstWomen #CommunityProtection #WomenPeaceAndSecurity #ProtectWomenAndGirls @AICS_Nairobi @aics_it @unwomenkenya @PHRKenya