HKSAI Champions Women's Rights and Empowerment Across Kenya on International Women's Day 2026
Nairobi, Kenya – HKSAI, a leading advocate for the rights and empowerment of women and girls, proudly marked International Women’s Day (IWD) 2026 with impactful celebrations in both Kibera and Uasin Gishu County. These events, held in solidarity with the global call led by the United Nations, underscored HKSAI's unwavering commitment to advancing gender equality and fostering environments where women can thrive.
Kibera: Balancing the Scale; Give to Gain
In Kibera, HKSAI joined forces with a diverse array of grassroot partners, including SHOFCO, KGAN Kibra Gender Advocacy Network, Nairobi City County, UN Women, Better Tomorrow Education, VIBE Vision Beyond Eyes, Mirror of Hope CBO, SPEC Slum Peace and Empowerment Center, CICAD, ElevateHer, Federation of Women Lawyers Haki Za Akina Mama FIDA Kenya, HAKI Group, GVRC Gender Violence Recovery Centre, OCF, Beacon of Hope, Lang'ata, Umande Trust, CREAW, Kioo Cha Jamii Initiative, Midwife Empowerment Initiative, MRH Memo Reverse Hub, and Kibera Community Emergency Response Team (KCRE).
Influential local leaders, including the Assistant Chief of Kibera, also participated. The celebration, themed “Balancing the Scale; Give to Gain,” brought together women from across the community for a vibrant day of learning, dialogue, and solidarity. The event served as a crucial platform for women and girls to gain vital knowledge about their rights, explore opportunities, and understand avenues for justice, thereby strengthening their voices and leadership within the community.Local leaders and stakeholders emphasized that supporting women extends beyond mere celebration, requiring sustained action to ensure access to information, justice, economic opportunity, and safe spaces.
The presence of the Assistant Chief of Kibera notably reaffirmed the local administration's dedication to collaborating with community organizations in promoting gender equality and safeguarding women’s rights.
The day was characterized by immense joy, unity, and empowerment, as participants shared experiences, built networks, and renewed their collective determination to advocate for their rights and wellbeing. Such gatherings powerfully illustrate the transformative potential of community partnerships in cultivating environments conducive to the flourishing of women and girls.
Uasin Gishu County: Rights. Justice. Action. For ALL Women and Girls
Concurrently, HKSAI, alongside its partners and stakeholders in Uasin Gishu County, celebrated IWD 2026 under the compelling theme, “Rights. Justice. Action. For ALL Women and Girls.” This theme served as a powerful call for meaningful action to accelerate gender equality, champion justice, and ensure that every woman and girl can fully realize their inherent rights and boundless potential.
The celebration in Uasin Gishu was a poignant moment to acknowledge the profound strength, resilience, and invaluable contributions of women within their communities. HKSAI reiterated its steadfast commitment to supporting initiatives that empower women, drive inclusive development, and enhance overall community wellbeing. The organization extended its heartfelt appreciation to the women who lead, nurture, innovate, and inspire change daily, recognizing their profound impact on families, communities, and the future trajectory of society.
ODPP Secures Twin Life Sentences on Sexual Offenders
In a significant development reinforcing the fight against gender-based violence and the protection of minors, the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) has secured two life imprisonment sentences at the Makindu Law Courts. These separate cases involved heinous sexual offenses against minors, demonstrating the judiciary's firm stance against such crimes.On February 19, 2026, Hon. Kibe, Senior Resident Magistrate at Makindu, delivered the landmark judgments, sentencing Nicholas Kioko and Dominic Mwilu Ndungu to life imprisonment after the Prosecution successfully proved its cases beyond reasonable doubt. The cases were meticulously prosecuted by Mr. Wilberforce Odhiambo, whose diligent efforts in marshalling evidence and guiding witnesses were instrumental in ensuring justice was served.In the first case, Nicholas Kioko was convicted of defiling a 10-year-old child. The abuse came to light through a school-based initiative where learners were encouraged to anonymously disclose challenges affecting them. The victim’s brave disclosure initiated investigations, leading to Kioko’s arrest and subsequent conviction. The court found the evidence compelling and credible, leading to the mandatory life sentence for defilement of a child aged 11 years and below.The second case saw Dominic Mwilu Ndungu convicted of incest against a 7-year-old relative. Despite Ndungu’s denial and claims of false accusation, the Prosecution presented irrefutable medical evidence and witness testimony that firmly linked him to the offense. The court, establishing all essential elements of the charge, sentenced Ndungu to life imprisonment, as mandated by law for incest involving a minor.These twin convictions underscore the DPP’s unwavering resolve to hold perpetrators accountable and to send a strong deterrent message that crimes against minors will attract the full force of the law. This commitment aligns with the broader goals of gender equality and women's rights championed by HKSAI as organization.
HKSAI's Enduring Commitment
Ms. Brenda Robi, HKSAI Project Manager, speaking during the event emphasized the critical importance of women's empowerment and the necessity of supporting legal systems to uphold their rights. "At HKSAI," Robi stated, "our commitment to advancing dignity, equality, and opportunities for adolescents and women in informal settlements remains paramount. Through dedicated advocacy, comprehensive education, and robust community engagement, HKSAI continues its mission to champion a future where every woman and girl is informed, empowered, and fully capable of realizing her full potential."Happy International Women’s Day 2026!
A Day of Celebration and Support: March 7th Event Highlights.
The International Women’s Day celebrations on March 7th were not only a platform for dialogue but also a day of tangible support for vulnerable women in the slums. The event commenced with a vibrant flag-off at 42 Kianda, followed by a spirited procession to the SHOFCO premises. Speeches and community engagement activities took place across sending impact to various parts of Kibera, including Laini Saba, Kianda, Makina, DC, 42, Laini Saba, Mashimoni, and Katwekera, ensuring broad participation from the gathered families.
In a heartwarming gesture of solidarity and care, HKSAI, with the generous support of its partners and donors, distributed gift hampers to over 30 women in the slums. These essential packages, containing items such as sugar, T-shirts, and Unga maize flour, were provided to support vulnerable families and advance their well-being. This initiative highlights the profound impact of collective action in alleviating immediate needs and fostering a sense of community and hope among those who need it most. Such direct support is crucial in empowering women and strengthening families, making a real difference in their daily lives.
Happy International Women’s Day 2026
To learn more about HKSAI’s initiatives and how you can contribute, please visit www.hopeksai.org.
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