Improving Community Safety and Cohesion in Kisumu

KEY FACTS

Region: Kisumu County

Period: December 2016 – May 2018

Partner: Act Change Transform (ACT!)

Donor: Danish International Development Agency - DANIDA

CONTEXT

In Kisumu county, the large numbers of unemployed youth lack access to economic opportunities as well as opportunities to participate in dialogue on issues affecting their communities. This has often resulted in violence and crimes, especially during election times. Young people are often manipulated and hired by politicians to intimidate their rivals and cause violence. Women remain largely excluded from playing an active role in conflict resolution processes.

​

PROJECT AIM 

The project aims at transforming violent conflicts among the youth at risk by fostering their integration into the community and reducing violent gang and extremist activities that undermine community safety. Enhance communication, collaboration and trust between the police, the county government, local politicians, the civil society and youth at risk of violence and crime. 

RESULTS 2017

• 1’288 representatives from the national and county government, the police, the Council of Elders, the media, as well as religious, youth and civil society leaders attended a series of networking and problem-solving forums. 

• Increased levels of trust and confidence between police and youth at risk groups leading to increased violence and crimereporting. 

• 25 women were trained in mediation and became actively involved in mitigating land conflicts and political incitement.