Priscah Mongera, Championing Local Resource Mobilization in Kwale County
October 23, 2024
Mott Foundation Visit to KCDF projects
October 28, 2024
On October 7, 2024, KCDF hosted the Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands in Kisumu County for a visit to several projects under the Giving for Change Programme. The monitoring visit took place at Step Up Together Organisation (SUTO) and Tinada Youth Action Africa, both of which are implementing advocacy programmes funded by the Netherlands Ministry of Foreign Affairs through Wilde Ganzen.
Among the delegates present during the visit were Iris Loonen the First Secretary for Political Affairs & Press, Johnstone Kuya the Senior Policy Officer for Strategic Partnerships, Zoë Jurrema, Grace Maingi, KCDF’s Executive Director and Hellen Kuria, KCDF’s Programme Coordinator for Community Voice & Philanthropy.
During the visit, the team had a first-hand experience of the progress made by partners in advocating for key policies that impact priority areas in the county. SUTO has established a joint technical working group (TWG), comprising representatives from national and county government, civil society, and the private sector. This caucus has supported the development of the Access to Information Act and Policy, which is currently at the assembly stage, awaiting public participation for further input or approval.
The collaboration between the Kisumu county government and the Kisumu County Community of Practice is also contributing to the establishment and review of other essential policies linked to the Access to Information Act, including public participation, ICT, and youth policies.
Tinada Youth Action Africa, on the other hand, their primary advocacy efforts are focused on mental health rights, financing, and policy development in collaboration with the county directorate of health services. Their initiative has facilitated the devolution of mental health services through the establishment of sub-county clinics, the development of a mental health action plan, and the inclusion of a dedicated mental health budget code in the County Supplementary Budget.
The visit reinforced the impact of the Giving for Change programme and the invaluable partnership with the Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands, showcasing how strategic collaboration and advocacy have significantly advanced policy development and improved service delivery at the county level, ultimately empowering communities and promoting sustainable change.
