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KGAN Convene in Kibra to Strengthen GBV Prevention, Child Protection and Disability Inclusion

Timothy Wesonga

— 3 min read
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KGAN Convene in Kibra to Strengthen GBV Prevention, Child Protection and Disability Inclusion

Kibra, Nairobi County | 8th September 2026

More than 30 organizations, government departments, and community stakeholders gathered at Koyaro Centre in Kibra for the Kenya Gender Advocacy Network (KGAN) Technical Working Group (TWG) Meeting to strengthen collaboration in preventing Gender-Based Violence (GBV), promoting child protection, and advancing disability inclusion.

The forum brought together representatives from civil society organizations, government agencies, community-based organizations, and development partners, including the Hope for Kenya Slum Adolescents Initiative (HKSAI) SHOFCO, CICAD Kenya, Friends of Love Kibera (FOLKS), Gifted Community Centre (GCC), Umande Trust, Living Spring Initiative, MAD Sisters, Ministry of Health, Nairobi County Government, Kenya Police Service, and the Department of Children's Services.

HKSAI Participates in Multi-Stakeholder Engagement

HKSAI actively participated in the meeting and contributed to discussions on child protection, education access, youth empowerment, and GBV prevention within informal settlements. HKSAI reaffirmed its commitment to supporting adolescents and young people through community-led interventions that promote inclusive education, health access, safeguarding, and social protection. The organization emphasized the importance of partnership and coordination among stakeholders to address the challenges affecting vulnerable children, youth, and families in Kibra and Lang'ata.

Disability Inclusion Takes Center Stage

A key session of the meeting focused on Disability Awareness and Inclusion, facilitated by disability advocate Mr. Samuel Odawo. Participants discussed the importance of ensuring persons with disabilities are not left behind in community development programs.

Stakeholders noted that organizations should intentionally budget for reasonable accommodation and accessibility measures while addressing persistent barriers such as stigma, discrimination, and exclusion.

Child Protection Data Raises Concern

The Department of Children's Services presented the Status of Child Protection in Kibra Sub-County covering the period from 1 July 2025 to 30 June 2026. The report revealed a total of 2,879 child protection cases recorded during the reporting period.

Neglect was identified as the most prevalent child protection issue, accounting for 1,816 cases, followed by physical abuse and violence (178 cases), child truancy (86 cases), and missing children (75 cases). Cases of parental child abduction, emotional abuse, sexual assault, child pregnancy, and child delinquency were also reported.

Stakeholders called for stronger community awareness, family strengthening programs, and coordinated interventions to address the root causes of child neglect and abuse.

Organizations Share GBV Mitigation Efforts

Participating organizations presented updates on their work in mitigating Gender-Based Violence and supporting vulnerable populations.

The presentations highlighted:

  • Community GBV awareness campaigns.
  • Survivor support and referral services.
  • Child protection interventions.
  • Youth mentorship and life skills programs.
  • Economic empowerment initiatives.
  • Advocacy for women's and girls' rights.
  • Community engagement and safeguarding activities.

HKSAI and other network members reiterated the importance of collaborative action in addressing GBV and protecting children from violence, neglect, and exploitation.

Strengthening the KGAN Network

Members also reviewed KGAN's progress since its Annual General Meeting (AGM), including membership registration, governance structures, financial accountability, and strategic planning.

Updates on KGAN's Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), by-laws, financial expenditure, and upcoming activities were presented to members. The network continues to expand its membership and strengthen partnerships aimed at improving community well-being.

Upcoming Advocacy Events

Participants committed to supporting a number of upcoming advocacy and awareness events, including:

  • International Day of the Girl Child (11 October 2026)
  • International Men's Day (19 November 2026)
  • 16 Days of Activism Against GBV (25 November - 10 December 2026)
  • World AIDS Day (1 December 2026)
  • International Day of Persons with Disabilities (3 December 2026)
  • Human Rights Day (10 December 2026)

Conclusion

The KGAN TWG Meeting demonstrated the importance of coordinated partnerships in addressing GBV, child protection issues, and disability inclusion. Through the active participation of organizations and other stakeholders, the forum reinforced a shared commitment to creating safer, more inclusive, and resilient communities across Kibra, Lang'ata, and Nairobi County.

The meeting concluded with a renewed call for collective action, information sharing, and continued collaboration to protect vulnerable children, empower youth, and eliminate Gender-Based Violence in the community.

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