YOWPSUD Joins KECOSCE's Imarisha Project Inception, Reinforcing Women's Leadership in Peace and Security Across Kenya's Coast

A Multi-Sectoral Group Photo taken during the Launch of KECEOSCE Imarisha Project

Youth and Women for Peace and Sustainable Development (YOWPSUD) joined government representatives, civil society organizations, development partners, and peace actors at the inception of the Imarisha Project, an initiative spearheaded by the Kenya Community Support Centre (KECOSCE) to strengthen women's participation in peace and security governance across Kenya's coastal region.

Implemented in Mombasa, Kwale, and Kilifi Counties, the 24–36-month project is supported by DANIDA through Act Change Transform (ACT). The initiative seeks to strengthen policy frameworks for women's participation in peace and security, particularly within Arid and Semi-Arid Lands (ASALs) and informal settlements, while translating national and international commitments into practical action at county and community levels.

The inception meeting brought together a diverse group of stakeholders to align efforts around the implementation of the Women, Peace and Security (WPS) Agenda, with particular emphasis on domesticating and localizing United Nations Security Council Resolution 1325. Discussions focused on moving from policy to implementation by ensuring women play meaningful roles in peacebuilding, conflict prevention, governance, and decision-making processes.

Among the key priorities highlighted were revitalizing county and community peace structures, increasing women's leadership within these mechanisms, strengthening Early Warning and Early Response systems ahead of the upcoming electioneering period, and ensuring women actively participate in elections, not only as voters but also as candidates and leaders shaping peace and governance.

Stakeholders also emphasized the need to institutionalize women's participation across the peace, security, and justice sectors to build more inclusive systems capable of responding to emerging security challenges. The discussions reinforced the importance of sustained investments in peacebuilding, especially as Kenya continues to strengthen its peace infrastructure and democratic processes.

For YOWPSUD, the inception meeting was an important learning and strategic engagement opportunity. The organization gained a deeper understanding of the Imarisha Project's vision, priorities, and implementation approach, while exploring how the initiative complements the progress already made through the Mwanamke Imara Project.

The alignment between the two initiatives presents a significant opportunity to sustain and expand the gains made in advancing the Women, Peace and Security agenda along the Coast. Through Mwanamke Imara, women in the security and justice sectors have strengthened their leadership, enhanced collaboration across institutions, and increased their participation in preventing violent extremism and promoting community security. The Imarisha Project now builds on this momentum by strengthening policy implementation, reinforcing women's representation in peace structures, and creating additional pathways for women to influence governance and security at both county and community levels.

This continuity is particularly meaningful for YOWPSUD. While the Mwanamke Imara Project has contributed to strengthening women's leadership and institutional collaboration, the Imarisha Project provides an opportunity for these efforts to continue beyond a single programme. It creates space for CSOs to support broader county-level initiatives, strengthen partnerships with like-minded organizations, and contribute its experience in community engagement, peacebuilding, and women's leadership to advance shared Women, Peace and Security objectives.

Another encouraging aspect of the inception meeting was the participation of several distinguished champions and mentors who are engaged with the Mwanamke Imara Project. Their continued commitment to advancing women's leadership under the Imarisha Project demonstrates the growing momentum behind the Women, Peace and Security agenda in Kilifi and across the coastal region.

The continued involvement of these experienced leaders provides an important bridge between past achievements and future interventions. Their leadership strengthens institutional memory, fosters collaboration among stakeholders, and reinforces ongoing efforts to drive systemic change within peace and security governance. For YOWPSUD, Kilifi County, and the broader peace architecture, this continuity represents a valuable opportunity to sustain progress, deepen partnerships, and accelerate the realization of inclusive peace and security systems.

The meeting also featured commitments from various government institutions on how they will support implementation of the project. One of the most notable commitments came from the Ministry of Education, which welcomed collaboration to implement peacebuilding interventions within schools, particularly as the country approaches the next electioneering period. This commitment recognizes schools as critical spaces for nurturing peaceful coexistence, civic responsibility, and resilience among young people before tensions emerge.

As implementation of the Imarisha Project begins, stakeholders expressed optimism that the initiative will strengthen collaboration across sectors, increase women's participation in peace and security governance, and reinforce community resilience throughout Mombasa, Kwale, and Kilifi Counties. For YOWPSUD, the project represents more than a new partnership, it is a continuation of a shared journey towards ensuring that the gains achieved through the Women, Peace and Security agenda are sustained, expanded, and institutionalized for lasting impact.