May was a month defined by strong partnerships, policy engagement and community empowerment work for Baridi Kwa Baridi CBO, with key collaborations advancing child protection, anti-human trafficking, climate and agriculture policy review and women’s economic empowerment.
The month began with a visit from the Salvation Army, as their program on Human trafficking and modern slavery came to an end in Busia County. The engagement was aimed at discussing on how their beneficiary groups can continue advancing and amplifying the program’s objectives within their communities.
On 18th May, Baridi Kwa Baridi Women CBO hosted representatives from the National Syndemic Diseases Control Council at our offices. The visit provided an opportunity for dialogue, partnership exploration and discussions on community health and development priorities. One of the key highlights was on data reporting where they shared a streamlined digital platform for organizations to share their data on matters health. The platform enables faster access to accurate information, improves coordination and enhances transparency, efficiency as well as accountability among members.
Baridi Kwa Baridi also participated in DaCCA-led policy review sessions in Bumala, where CSOs analysed climate change and agriculture policies across Busia, Vihiga and Kisumu counties. The discussions highlighted gaps in policy implementation and concerns around “blueprinting,” where policies fail to reflect local realities.
The organization also hosted ChildLine Kenya(One of our NIA partners), led by their Director Martha Sunda. The visit provided an opportunity to share experiences and strengthen collaboration in efforts to end exploitative child domestic work.
Additionally, the State Department for Gender and Affirmative Action conducted a sensitization forum on Blue Economy opportunities for women entrepreneurs in Busia County. The forum focused on enhancing women’s participation in fisheries, aquaculture, transport, tourism and related value chains while addressing barriers such as limited access to finance, gender-based violence, cultural restrictions, double taxation and weak market systems. Participants also explored opportunities in fish farming, value addition, cage farming, cooperatives, fish feed production and tourism-based enterprises, with emphasis on inclusive and sustainable use of aquatic resources in Busia County.
Lastly, On 23rd May 2026, AICS in partnership with Freedom Fund NIA program partners—Baridi kwa Baridi CBO, Childline Kenya, Busia Beyond Crime CBO and ICS facilitated a child-centered public participation forum at Baridi kwa Baridi CBO offices in Busia County. The forum, titled “Our Plan to Keep Kids Safe in School,” brought together 32 participants, including children aged 5–17 and key child protection stakeholders, to contribute to the National Policy on the Elimination of Child Labour.
Through interactive and participatory discussions, children explored issues around harmful and non-harmful work, child rights, and safe reporting mechanisms for exploitation. The session provided a safe space for children to share experiences and recommendations aimed at strengthening child protection systems.
The forum successfully amplified children’s voices and generated practical inputs to inform the national policy, with recommendations for wider replication, child-friendly policy translation, and stronger collaboration among stakeholders.
May marked a strong step forward in sustaining impact beyond project lifecycles. Through strategic collaborations and community centered engagements, Baridi Kwa Baridi CBO continues to influence policy, strengthen protecting systems and open up inclusive economic opportunities for women and vulnerable communities. These collective efforts are laying a stronger foundation for safer, more equitable and more resilient communities across Busia county and beyond.
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