Haki Ni Yetu Project Reaches 40,000 Kenyans in Four-Year Human Rights Drive

Story by Maurice Momanyi

The European Union-funded Haki Ni Yetu Project has reached more than 40,000 people with human rights interventions over four years, strengthening grassroots organisations and promoting democracy, equality and the rule of law in Kenya.
The project, which held its closing conference in Nairobi on Thursday, also supported 22 major human rights initiatives, awarded 44 small grants to emerging organisations, engaged more than 600 public officials and other duty bearers, and strengthened the capacity of over 600 civil society leaders.
Implemented by a consortium comprising KIOS Foundation, InformAction Kenya and the CSO Network, the programme sought to empower communities to understand and claim their rights while promoting citizen participation in governance and accountability processes.
The closing conference brought together consortium members, grassroots organisations, civil society partners, development partners and other stakeholders to assess the project’s achievements and discuss how to sustain its gains beyond the formal closure.
The initiative focused on three thematic areas: democracy and the rule of law; gender equality and non-discrimination; and business and human rights.
Under democracy and the rule of law, the project supported civic education, community dialogues, film screenings and public engagement forums aimed at helping citizens understand governance processes and hold public institutions accountable.
Its gender equality interventions addressed gender-based violence, discrimination and barriers preventing vulnerable groups from fully enjoying their rights, while encouraging community-led responses to rights violations.
The business and human rights component supported community advocacy on the human rights and environmental impacts of commercial activities, including extractive industries.
Initiatives such as #OneMillionTrees4Kilifi used community screenings, dialogue and sustained engagement to help residents raise concerns about mining activities and pursue accountability over their effects on livelihoods and the environment.
EU reaffirms support for human rights
In his keynote address, Jorge Pereiro Pinon, Head of Partnerships at the European Union Delegation to Kenya, underscored the importance of civil society in advancing democratic governance, equality and responsible business practices.
He said accountable institutions and meaningful public participation were essential to strengthening democracy, while gender equality required removing barriers that prevent women and marginalised groups from exercising their rights.
Pinon also emphasised that economic activities must respect human dignity, community rights and environmental protection.
“As Haki Ni Yetu concludes, our shared responsibility continues,” he said, calling on stakeholders to build on the capacities developed and sustain partnerships established during the programme.
He reaffirmed the European Union’s commitment to working with Kenya and its civil society in support of human rights, democratic participation, equality and the rule of law.
The keynote remarks also highlighted the importance of ensuring that local organisations continue contributing to their communities and that citizens have meaningful opportunities to participate in decisions affecting their lives.
Grassroots organisations credited with driving change
The conference featured a reflection panel where project beneficiaries shared experiences of working with communities and highlighted changes achieved through grassroots advocacy, civic education and networking.
The project supported more than 60 organisations nationwide, strengthening their leadership, advocacy skills and ability to mobilise communities around shared concerns.
According to the organisers, the experiences demonstrated that investing in local organisations enables communities to address human rights violations, challenge discrimination and engage public officials on issues affecting their lives.
The programme also highlighted the importance of young people in safeguarding the rule of law and advancing constitutional rights, while identifying shrinking civic space, digital divides and shifting policies as continuing challenges.
Calls for sustainability beyond project closure
As the four-year programme comes to an end, stakeholders stressed that its closure should not signal the end of efforts to promote human rights and democratic accountability.
The consortium called for continued investment in grassroots organisations, stronger civil society networks and sustained collaboration between communities, public institutions and development partners.
It said maintaining civic education and creating opportunities for constructive engagement between citizens and duty bearers would be critical to preserving the project’s achievements.
The organisers also acknowledged the European Union, implementing partners, grant beneficiaries, community leaders and other stakeholders for their contributions to the programme.
They said the project’s experience had demonstrated that supported local organisations and informal community networks could play a significant role in advancing lasting change.
The closing conference concluded with a call for stakeholders to carry forward the lessons, partnerships and momentum generated by Haki Ni Yetu to ensure that human rights, equality and accountability remain central to Kenya’s development.