Strengthening Climate Action & Community Protection in Busia County

In March 2026, Baridi Kwa Baridi Women CBO continued to advance its commitment to community resilience, child protection and locally driven development through key programme activities and strategic partnerships.

Advancing Climate Action at the Grassroots

On 19th March 2026, the organization, alongside members of the Community of Practice (CoP) – Busia Chapter, participated in the launch of the Devolution & Climate Change Adaptation (DaCCA) Programme in Busia County.

The launch brought together County Government officials, Ward Administrators, civil society actors, and community stakeholders creating a strong platform for collaboration and climate action. The programme focuses on critical climate priority areas:

Flood Basin Zones, Ecosystem Degradation Zones, Agro-Ecological Zones, Dryland Zones

Key working groups were established to drive implementation:

Advocacy Working Groups

Civil Society Working Groups

Smallholder Farmers Working Groups

This initiative presents an important opportunity to strengthen climate resilience, empower smallholder farmers and promote sustainable, community-led solutions.

Strengthening Child Protection & GBV Response

Throughout the month, the organization implemented activities under its Child Domestic Workers (CDW) Project, focusing on protecting vulnerable children and strengthening GBV response systems.

Community barazas held in Mundika created awareness on available support services, while also fostering collaboration with local administration. Ongoing engagement remains key in addressing both prevention and reporting gaps.

GTSP Skillful Parenting Training-Certification phase

Following the earlier five -day Gender Transformative Skilful Parenting training, the participants embarked on a three-day training to practically apply the skills gained during the initial learning as ToTs. The training concluded with the certification of Participants as Trainers of Trainers in Skilful Parenting. Among those certified included our very own Mr. Antony Bwire and Mrs. Mercy Arusi. With the knowledge gained, the staff is committed to cascade the knowledge within the communities, contributing to stronger family systems and improved household well-being.

Building Partnerships for Greater Impact

The organization hosted a courtesy visit from CARE Kenya, which explored potential collaboration, particularly in water access initiatives such as borehole development.

Additionally, a monitoring visit by the Freedom Fund Programme Advisor provided an opportunity to assess progress and strengthen programme delivery.

On 31^st March, Baridi was represented at a Male engagement forum supported by the state department for gender and affirmative action. As an organization, we strongly believe that men are key allies in terms of addressing most of the social vices in the community like Gender Based Violence.

Empowering Beneficiaries Towards Independence

A key highlight from the month was the progress of programme beneficiaries transitioning into self-reliance.

One such success story is Janet Akumu, who joined the programme in 2023. Today, she co-owns a salon workstation in Busende Village and earns a daily income demonstrating the long-term impact of skills development and economic empowerment.

Ongoing mentorship and training at local salons continue to support beneficiaries in building sustainable livelihoods.