KECOSCE

Women have convened localized Peace and Security forums in line with the KNAPIII and explored avenues for enhancing their Participation, and Protection efforts as well as harm Prevention and Rescuing survivors of climate induced conflicts and violent extremism in Tana River. These efforts are been coordinated by Working Groups formed by KECOSCE under the #KCERP in partnership with @tendasasa through @theGCERF support. There is now a grassroot movement for women who are inclusively responding to local drivers to violent extremism while driving local resilience

It has been 18 months of strengthening collaboration between Multi-faith and Cross-generational local structures such as coalitions, youth and women networks to debunk stereotypes and harmful practices that undermine the Freedom of Religion and Belief, as well as promoting rights based approaches and early warning to preventing human rights violations in the county. Today Marks the Close Out Event in Tana Delta for Together for Religious Freedoms #ToFORB project that we are partnering with @SFCG_Kenya Communities have been able to identify dividers and connectors and utilized the common ground approach to follow up and resolve local conflicts that deepen community division and stir mistrust between them and law enforcement. There is increased collaboration between law enforcement and faith actors in enhancing local security through supporting disarmament processes, improving transition of learners in higher grades in school, improved access to Identity cards for Youth and the compensation of communities affected by human wildlife interactions. Community priorities have been collated in to policy briefs that have informed ongoing local and national lobby and advocacy efforts for enhancing freedom of Religion and Belief.

Muslim and Christian leaders have come together to form an interfaith network in #tarasaa sub-county, where they work together with youth, women, and PWDs to promote tolerance, dialogue, and social harmony. Thanks to @SFCG_Kenya and #TOFORB project. Youth are now more engaged in peacebuilding, cultural preservation, and early warning reporting on violent extremism, supported by stronger trust between communities and security agencies. Faith institutions are also opening up spaces for young people in mosques and churches, strengthening their leadership roles and positive influence. These efforts are building safer, more united communities and reducing vulnerability to violent extremism in Tana River.

Powerful transformations are being witnessed in Tarasaa through the #ToFORB Project supported by @SFCG_Kenya. Women are no longer silent victims but they are now leaders, peace champions, and active partners with security agencies in combating SGBV, promoting accountability, and advocating for the human rights for all. Their voices are shaping safer, more inclusive, and united communities where rights, dignity, and coexistence are protected for all.

Today @KECOSCE with suport from @theGCERF through @tendasasa convened a follow-up and reflection meeting with leaders of the localized Women, Peace & Security Working Groups from Tarassa and Tana Delta Sub-Counties. The engagement provided an opportunity to reflect on progress, achievements, challenges, lessons learned, and contextual innovations realized over the past three months. WPS in a glance. ✅ 9 awareness and sensitization forums conducted by women champions, reaching over 600 grassroots women across the two sub-counties. ✅ 4 defilement cases reported, with survivors supported by women champions and cases now before court. ✅ 7 family disputes successfully resolved through Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR), promoting harmony and social cohesion. ✅ 3 young mothers mentored and supported to return to school. ✅ Strengthened collaboration between women leaders, and state actors in addressing community grievances and emerging security concerns. ✅ Improved reporting of alerts and incidents through the EWER platform, enhancing early response and community coordination. ✅ Increased participation of women in local peacebuilding and community decision-making processes. Key lessons and reflections: 🔹 Collaboration with area chiefs and support from state actors has strengthened trust, legitimacy, and the effectiveness of women-led peace initiatives. 🔹 Grassroots women are now confident to report and follow up cases. Community-led approaches continue to provide practical and sustainable solutions to local conflicts and grievances. Through #KCERP, Women continue to lead from the front in advancing peace, justice, resilience, and social cohesion within their communities. @Phyllis_Muema @NCTC_Kenya @Tanariver004 #WomenPeaceSecurity #WomenLeadership

Today, @KECOSCE with support of @theGCERF through @tendasasa convened a community awareness forum in Ngao Location, Tarassa Sub-County, Tana River County, to officially operationalize the #JasiriVillageResilienceModel. The forum brought together women leaders from localized WPS working groups, youth leaders from youth chapter working groups, trained religious leaders, and key community structures, including the Council of Elders and area Chiefs. This marks a significant milestone following months of capacity-building, mentorship, and support aimed at empowering women, youth, religious leaders, and community structures to actively engage in peacebuilding and the prevention of violent extremism, culminating in the establishment of Jasiri Village(Ngao Location) The #JasiriVillageResilienceModel is designed to strengthen community resilience through a coordinated and inclusive approach that addresses local vulnerabilities and grievances, while promoting social cohesion, dialogue, advocacy, and meaningful participation of all community stakeholders. As part of the forum, participants collaboratively developed a joint work plan that will guide collective action and reinforce partnerships among all cadres of community leadership towards advancing sustainable peace, security, and shared community development goals.@Phyllis_Muema @Tanariver004 @NCTC_Kenya @TAccess2justice @amani_centre

🤝 Response efforts included flood alerts,@NPSOfficial_KE patrols, anti-narcotics operations, peace engagement, and dissemination of early warning messages through KECOSCE monitors and partners. 40% of reported incidents were resolved, while active monitoring continues in hotspot areas. Early warning indicators for the coming days point to increased flood risks, governance-related grievances, online inflammatory narratives, GBV concerns, and tensions linked to land disputes and the upcoming Finance Bill public participation process. #KEWER @nscsecretariat @MeteoKenya

🚨 KECOSCE WEEKLY EWER BRIEF (1–8 May 2026). The coastal region recorded 15 security and protection incidents across Mombasa, Kilifi, Kwale, Tana River & Lamu. Trends show rising flood-related displacement risks, persistent drug trafficking networks targeting youth, growing land disputes, governance grievances, and escalating GBV/femicide cases. Four fatalities were reported (3 of them were female), including flood-related deaths and tragic violence against women and children. 📊 Trend analysis indicates increasing public frustration over delayed salaries, corruption allegations, economic hardships, and insecurity, particularly in Tana River, Kilifi, and Mombasa. Criminal gangs, organized drug networks, and online political mobilization ahead of #Elections2027 continue to heighten risks of radicalization, protests, communal tensions, and youth exploitation. Flood threats in the River Tana Basin remain a major humanitarian concern. . #KEWER @nscsecretariat @MeteoKenya

🚨 FLOOD ALERT IN TANA RIVER COUNTY 🌧️ The @MeteoKenya has issued a flood warning for residents in Tana River. Rising water levels and continued rainfall pose a serious risk. @KenyaRedCross @NDMA_Kenya @Tanariver004

In Tana River, Education stakeholders convened under the Together for Religious Freedoms (ToFORB) Project with support from @SFCG_Kenya have discussed Policy recommendations for enhancing Freedom of Religion and Belief in the Education sector Deliberations explored strategies for harmonizing School Uniforms with religious attire such as the Hijab, equipping learning institutions with spaces and amenities for expressing religious practices such as prayers, eradication of stereotypes and prejudice and enhancing recruitment of Teachers Religious Education Stakeholders reinforced the need for balanced allocation of bursaries for all learners. Compliant handling procedures were highlighted by the @KenyasOmbudsman. A joint communique on the resolution was developed and issued to duty bearers and the media

In response, security agencies intensified patrols, made arrests, and initiated investigations, while community structures such as barazas and policing committees were activated to de-escalate tensions. IPOA engagement on police accountability and KWS interventions on human-wildlife conflict compensation also contributed to response efforts. While 33% of cases were resolved, a significant number remain active or under follow-up. The situation remains medium-high risk, with a likelihood of escalation if underlying grievances—particularly economic hardship, governance gaps, and youth vulnerability—are not urgently addressed through coordinated prevention and response measures.

@KECOSCE continue to monitor conflicts in the coastal region. This week, the region recorded rising insecurity and social tension, with 18 incidents reported, including crime and violence, political tensions, police excesses, and resource-based conflicts. Key concerns included 3 fatalities, increased gang activity, land invasions, drug proliferation affecting youth, and emerging Freedom of Religion or Belief (FoRB) sensitivities in Tana River. Political grievances linked to the rising cost of living and fuel prices further fueled public frustration and polarization. These trends point to weakening social cohesion, growing public distrust in institutions, and heightened vulnerability to radicalization and violent extremism.

@KECOSCE is documenting key achievements of the #ToFoRB project @SFCG_Kenya through Focus Group Discussions (FGDs) and Key Informant Interviews (KIIs), engaging youth, religious leaders, and state actors to capture real stories of change on Freedom of Religion or Belief (FoRB), collaboration, and community resilience. The project has made significant strides in empowering stakeholders with skills to report and address FoRB issues, strengthening multi-faith coalitions, and enhancing trust and collaboration between communities, security, and justice actors. These conversations also highlight increased awareness of FoRB rights, respect for diversity, and a growing commitment to peaceful coexistence. #ToFoRB #FoRB #Peacebuilding #EWER #TanaRiver

Today we have engaged County level stakeholders and independent commissions; County Security and Intelligence Committee, County Executive Committee members, civil society, religious leaders, members of the Fourth Estate, @SFCG_Kenya @KenyasOmbudsman on drumming up support for Policy, Institutional and administrative reforms towards the realization of Freedom of Religion and Belief and the enjoyment of Human Rights in Tana River County. Discussions dissected the dimensions in which Human-Wildlife interactions manifest in conflicts that leave marginalized communities disgruntled and resentful. While the conflicts are largely resource-based the intersection with Political and religious identities exacerbate deep-seated grievances; including delayed and disproportionate compensation of affected persons, Duty Bearer overreach and Administrative Malpractice The engagement has drawn policy recommendations and key institutional reforms that stakeholders will pursue and fast track towards realization of Justice and protection of Human Rights in Tana River County

@KECOSCE Quarterly Newsletter Update (Jan–March 2026) This Quarter, KECOSCE strengthened community resilience by empowering youth, women, and leaders in peacebuilding, human rights, and PVE. Improved collaboration with government, security actors, and civil society enhanced trust, coordination, and early warning systems. These efforts are driving inclusion and sustainable, community-led solutions for peaceful communities. 📷 Building stronger, safer, and more united communities. For more, read here; shorturl.at/dAjV9 #KECOSCE #Peacebuilding #CommunityResilience #SocialCohesion @tendasasa

The #GenderSectorStatisticsPlan 2024–2028 and the 47 Counties Gender Data Sheets have been officially launched. These tools will help counties make evidence-based decisions to close gender gaps and strengthen accountability. Scan the QR code or click on knbs.or.ke/reports/gender…

Encouraging progress 👏 Strong unity and commitment to peace in Tana Delta. Great to see collaboration and positive steps forward.

@KECOSCE, with funding from @GCERF through @tendasasa, held a robust engagement forum bringing on board Tana Delta Sub_County Security team including KWS, Agriculture officers, Sub_County Administrator with community leaders including Religious leaders, Youth, Women, Council of elders, community structures and PWDs on preventing violent extremism. The forum provided a safe space for community leaders to dialogue, share information and raise some key security and community concerns including increase of human_Wildlife conflicts, drug abuse and theft, emerging juvenile groupings in Minjila and Garsen. Feedback on the progress on the localization of WPS, formation of #Jasiri villages and efforts taken by youth and local structures in preventing violent extremism was presented. The security team and County government shared their feedback and committed to adress the issues raised and further, committing to support efforts on preventing VE including support to WPS and youth efforts. Sub_County action plan and road map to address key concerns was developed. @NCTC_Kenya @Phyllis_Muema @Tanariver004

@NCTC_Kenya @Horninstitute @IGAD_CEPCVE @unwomenkenya @NGECKenya @nscsecretariat @gender_ke @AMPLIFY_Girls @KECOSCE @Phyllis_Muema @AnneNyabera @mercycorps @FinlandOslo @FinlandinKenya @SwedeninKE @HungaryinKenya @FranceinKenya @USEmbKenyaCoast

@KECOSCE Great 👌👌👌👌