Kitui Women in Development - KWID

Kitui Women in Development (KWID) was honored to be represented by our Executive Director, Ms. Faith Kiema, during the Financial Literacy and Women’s Economic Empowerment Training under the Strengthening Parliamentary Leadership for Transformative Action Phase II Program organized by KEWOPA and IPF.

At KWID, we strongly believe that an empowered woman is better positioned to actively and meaningfully participate in decision making spaces that directly impact her life, family and community. The mentorship and networking sessions offered rich opportunities for peer-to-peer learning, collaboration and sharing experiences on the challenges and opportunities women continue to face in business and leadership.

As we continue championing women’s rights and economic inclusion in Kitui County and beyond we remain committed to building the capacity of women to thrive socially, economically and politically.

Indeed, failing to plan is planning to fail.



Kewopa Kenya
Institute of Public Finance

Kitui Central Leaders Condemn Rising Femicide and Cyber Bullying Against Women – Hopkin Digital Media Kitui Central Leaders Condemn Rising Femicide and Cyber Bullying Against Women Human rights activists, civil society organisations, religious leaders, mama mbogas, and business leaders in Kitui Central have strongly condemned the escalating cases of femicide and growing political hostility against w...

From KWID’s perspective, this data highlights a critical gap between climate action efforts and the safety and inclusion of women leading this work. With 96% of documented harassment targeting women and a rise in coordinated digital attacks, it is evident that current climate governance processes are not sufficiently responsive to gendered risks.

This reinforces the need to strengthen public participation mechanisms so they are intentional, safe and inclusive hence enabling women to engage meaningfully without fear of harm. Centering women in leadership is essential to ensure their lived experiences inform decisions, particularly on protection and accountability. Equally, shifting to gender responsive climate financing will ensure resources address emerging risks, including digital safety and support systems for defenders.

The media plays a pivotal role in this ecosystem. When used strategically, it can amplify women’s voices, shape public discourse and hold institutions accountable turning visibility into a tool for protection, influence, and sustained advocacy impact.

Kitui Women in Development (KWID) is honored to participate as a key stakeholder in the two day engagement on climate governance and gender inclusion in Kitui County, convening Women Environmental Defenders (WEDs), duty bearers and media.

The dialogue around Financing Locally Led Climate Action (FLOCCA) reaffirmed a critical reality: while the mechanism holds promise, its impact will depend on how inclusive and transparent it is in its implementation at the county level. KWID remains committed to strengthening these processes, building on our ongoing work in advancing meaningful public participation.

As stakeholders, we align with the emerging consensus and call to action:

• Strengthen public participation mechanisms to ensure timely, accessible and inclusive engagement of grassroots actors
• Center women, particularly WEDs in leadership and decision making spaces where climate priorities and financing are determined
• Transition from gender blind approaches to gender responsive climate financing that reflects lived realities and local expertise

KWID will continue to amplify voices, influence policy spaces and work collaboratively towards accountable, inclusive climate governance that delivers for communities.

Hon. Harold Kipchumba (Nominated Member Parliament) powerful closing remarks

“Do we want to be remembered as assemblies and parliaments that spoke about inclusion or those that delivered it? History is unforgiving. It does not remember promises; it remembers outcomes.

Let us move beyond rhetoric. We must stop managing exclusion more politely and begin dismantling it deliberately and decisively”

Hon. Harold Kipchumba (Nominated Member Parliament)

County Assembly of Kitui

The week concluded on a high note with the inception of the 2026–2028 program for the Nairobi Eastern Central Regional Budget Hub (NEC Hub).

The inception meeting brought together Budget Facilitators from 14 counties, Machakos, Makueni, Kitui, Kajiado, Nairobi, Kiambu, Murang’a, Kirinyaga, Laikipia, Nyandarua, Meru, Tharaka Nithi, Embu and Nyeri marking a stronger collaborative and impactful journey.

At Kitui Women in Development (KWID), we remain committed to amplifying the voices of women and persons with disabilities. Inclusion is not a choice, it is a necessity for building equitable, responsive and accountable systems, budgets and policies that serve all citizens.

We appreciate the continued support from Bajeti Hub in strengthening this important work.

The Faith in Action project continues to demonstrate the power of faith leaders in advancing gender justice and inclusive governance across Nairobi, Samburu and Kitui. Yesterday’s successful project closure virtual meeting highlighted impactful stories of change, grassroots mobilization and strengthened community voices.
As we approach the 2027 general elections, sustained and consistent efforts are critical. Campaign periods often heighten tensions, inequality and risks of violence. Faith leaders must actively promote peace, challenge harmful norms and champion women’s participation and dignity.
Kitui Women in Development and members of the side by side movement remain committed to this cause. We sincerely thank CRAWN Trust and all partners for their invaluable support.

Today Budget Facilitators and Champions from regional budget Hubs from Kitui, Samburu, Narok, West Pokot, Homa Bay,Embu, Kwale and Wajir came together virtually to review and track progress on county specific public participation action plans. These plans developed last year, aim to strengthen access to information, citizen inclusion and effective documentation in county governance. The meeting provided a platform to share updates, identify challenges and co-create monitoring strategies ahead of the 2026/27 budget consultations. By fostering collaboration and accountability we are ensuring that citizen voices guide decision making and that commitments translate into tangible improvements for communities.

Kitui Women in Development was honored to serve as a partner and member of the planning committee for the International Women’s Day 2026 celebrations held at Nyuani Primary School play grounds, Kitui West Sub County.We congratulate all the champions recognized across different categories for their dedication to advancing equality, inclusion and community development.Special appreciation goes to Elizabeth Ireri, acknowledged as a strong advocate for the rights of Persons with Disabilities and inclusive budgeting and Kennedy Mutisya, recognized for championing youth centered development initiatives. As NEC Hub Budget Champions, their commitment to strengthening participatory and responsive budgeting continues to inspire communities across the county. We are proud of their tremendous efforts.The awards were presented by the County CECM for Gender, Culture, Youth, ICT and Social Services, Madam Phoebe alongside the County Commissioner, highlighting the county’s commitment to recognizing grassroots leadership.We also celebrate Madam Lucianna Ndila, Director at the State Department for Gender and Affirmative Action who received special recognition for her outstanding service and coordination of development partners. Her leadership in mobilizing resources and meaningfully engaging stakeholders has strengthened the advancement of the five thematic groups under her department.The Chief Guest, His Excellency Dr. Julius Makau Malombe, Governor of Kitui County also acknowledged Ambassador Monica Juma a Daughter of Kitui County on her appointment by The United Nations Secretary, General Antonio Guterres as The Executive Director of United Nations Office On Drugs and Crime (UNODC) and The Director General UN Office in Vienna, recognizing her continued contribution to leadership and public service. The Governor further noted progress in women’s leadership within the county administration, highlighting that Kitui’s County Secretary is among the few female county secretaries across Kenya’s 47 counties.On the Kitui Rescue Centre, which is yet to be completed and equipped, the Governor assured citizens that it will be operational in the next financial year 2026/2027, strengthening protection and support services for vulnerable groups.As Kitui Women in Development, we remain committed to supporting initiatives that promote rights, justice and action for all women and girls, while advancing inclusive governance and community participation.

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