On 26th February, Baridi Kwa Baridi Women CBO joined fellow Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) in Busia County to commemorate World NGO Day 2026 under the theme:
“Empowering Organizations and Citizens for Sustainable Development.”
This theme emphasized the critical role of NGOs in strengthening institutions, building citizen capacity, and fostering inclusive participation in development processes. Sustainable development can only be achieved when organizations are empowered with the right systems, partnerships and resources and when citizens are informed, engaged and protected.
County Celebrations: Strengthening Systems and Partnerships
The county celebrations began with a procession from Korinda Prison to the County Commissioner’s office, symbolizing unity and shared responsibility in advancing development.
During the event, organizations highlighted achievements in SGBV prevention, child protection advocacy, nutrition programming and policy development. CSOs were applauded for supporting the County Government in the development of:
- The County Sexual and Gender-Based Violence (SGBV) Policy
- The County Children Policy
These frameworks strengthen institutional systems and ensure vulnerable populations have access to structured protection and services , a key pillar of sustainable development.
Stakeholders also recognized the strong collaboration between CSOs and key actors including the police, local administration and health workers. This coordinated approach has enhanced referral pathways, improved service delivery and strengthened accountability.
However, discussions also noted challenges such as the safety of CSO staff and whistleblowers handling sensitive cases and the need to enhance cross-border coordination between Kenya and Uganda.
The County Commissioner commended the media for promoting transparency and responsibly highlighting community issues.
National Representation: Elevating Busia’s Voice
Following the county celebrations, Baridi Kwa Baridi Women CBO, alongside Linda Mazingira, CSA, and REEP ( representing the leadership of the Busia SUN CSA Chapter )proceeded to represent Busia County at the National World NGO Day celebrations held from 26th–28th February in Kakamega County.
The national forum brought together organizations from across the country for exhibitions, networking, and knowledge exchange. Busia’s delegation shared experiences in advancing inclusive nutrition programming and community-driven advocacy, positioning the county as an active contributor to national development dialogue.
The engagement strengthened partnerships, expanded networks and enhanced institutional visibility for Busia County.
Key Institutional Learning: Positioning for Sustainable Growth
The national engagement also provided important insights into strengthening organizational sustainability.
Devolution of Grants
Participants learned that grant opportunities are increasingly being decentralized in line with the Public Benefits Organizations Act, improving access to funding at grassroots level. Organizations were encouraged to seek endorsement from recognized federation when applying for grants to enhance credibility.
Consortium Building and Transparency
The importance of collaborative proposal development was emphasized. Organizations are encouraged to form strategic partnerships, formalize relationships through MOUs and submit joint proposals. Donors increasingly favor consortia that demonstrate transparency, shared accountability and broader impact.
Institutional Capacity and Accountability
Sustainable development requires strong internal systems. Donors look for:
- Clear Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E) frameworks
- Defined project implementation phases
- Strong financial management systems
- Transparent reporting mechanisms
- Updated balance sheets and financial accountability
These elements provide assurance of an organization’s capacity to responsibly manage resources and deliver measurable impact.
Appreciation
We extend sincere gratitude to ChildFund Kenya for sponsoring the leadership of the Busia SUN CSA Chapter to attend and represent the county at the national level. Their support reflects a commitment to empowering local organizations and strengthening citizen-driven development.
Moving Forward
World NGO Day 2026 reaffirmed that sustainable development begins with empowered institutions and engaged citizens. Through policy advocacy, partnership building, nutrition programming and strengthened accountability systems, Baridi Kwa Baridi continues to contribute to inclusive and sustainable development in Busia County and beyond.
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