Women’s Participation in Peace and Security Governance - (WPS)

Program Description

About the Programme:This is a three-year initiative implemented by Act Change Transform (Act!) through local Women Led CSOs and funded by the Embassy of Denmark in Kenya.

The project addresses gaps in the implementation of Kenya’s Kenya National Action Plan on Women, Peace and Security (KNAP) and related County Action Plans. It moves beyond symbolic inclusion to ensure women’s meaningful leadership in both formal structures and in trusted traditional mechanisms including Alokita, Kaya, and Kokwo systems, strengthens women-led civil society organisations, improves coordination between national and county WPS processes, and equips local actors with practical advocacy, data, and accountability tools. Recognising that social change requires broad ownership, the project actively engages men as allies to support women’s leadership, challenge harmful norms, and widen space for women’s participation.

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Key Objectives / Focus Areas

To strengthen women’s participation, leadership, and influence in peacebuilding, security governance, and decision-making at community, county, and national levels, while advancing the implementation of WPS commitments in line with Kenya’s Third National Action Plan (KNAP III) 2025– 2029 aimed at enhancing women’s participation in peace, security, and conflict resolution, aligning with UNSCR 1325

Project Approaches

Deepen the localisation of the WPS agenda through the implementation of Women’s Action Plans, enhancing women’s roles in peace and security and improving local safety.
Institutionalise women’s leadership within governance frameworks and traditional peace mechanisms.
Strengthen cross-sector collaboration among state actors, civil society, and grassroots women’s organisations to build resilience and social cohesion.

Geographic Focus

These counties are;
Garissa, Samburu, Laikipia, Uasin Gishu, Elgeyo-Marakwet, West-Pokot, Mombasa, Kilifi, Kwale and Nairobi county

Expected Outcomes / Impact

Outcome 1: Improved protection and fulfilment of women’s human rights during conflict, post-conflict recovery, and peacetime.
Outcome 2: Strengthened accountability mechanisms within National and ASAL County governments for implementing and reporting on their Women, Peace and Security (WPS) commitments.

Program Partners

COUNTY	ORGANISATION	PROGRAMME TITLE	START DATE	END DATE
Nairobi	Polycom Development Project – Polycom Girls	Wamama Tunauwezo: Advancing Women’s Participation, Protection and Accountability for Women, Peace and Security in Nairobi’s Informal Settlements	Aug – 2026	Dec – 2028
Mombasa, Kilifi and Kwale	Kenya Community Support Centre (KECOSCE)	IMARISHA: Kuimarisha Uongozi na Sauti za Wanawake kwa Amani na Usalama Pwani	June – 2026	Sep – 2028
West Pokot, Uasin Gishu and Elgeyo Marakwet	Rural Women Peace Link (RWPL)	Moving Commitments to Action: Enhancing Accountability in the Women, Peace and Security Agenda	Mar – 2026	Dec – 2028
Garissa	Pastoralist Girls Activity	Nabad Wadaag: Advancing Peace Through Women’s Inclusion, Governance and Community Participation in Garissa County	Jun – 2026	May – 2028
Samburu and Laikipia	Community Safety Initiative Kenya (CSI Kenya)	Kuhusisha Wanawake ni Kudumisha Amani	Jun – 2026	May – 2028