Background Information

LGBTIQ+ individuals in Mombasa County continue to face significant barriers in accessing justice and exercising their civic and democratic rights. Challenges such as discriminatory policing, harassment, limited legal knowledge, and fear of reporting violations contribute to a climate where many rights abuses go unaddressed. With the country approaching the 2027 General Elections, the need for strengthened legal awareness and civic participation among LGBTIQ+ communities has become even more urgent.

Pema Kenya recognizes that informed and empowered communities are better equipped to claim their rights, hold duty bearers accountable, and participate meaningfully in governance processes. To address these gaps, Pema Kenya will be conducting a series of five legal literacy workshops aimed at increasing legal knowledge, improving confidence in seeking justice, and enhancing civic engagement among LGBTIQ+ individuals in Mombasa County.

Goal of the workshop

To strengthen the legal literacy, rights awareness, and civic participation of LGBTIQ+ individuals in Mombasa County, ensuring they can access justice and safely engage in governance and electoral processes.

Objectives of  workshop

• To enhance participants’ understanding of Kenyan laws and constitutional rights.
• To increase awareness of access-to-justice pathways, including legal aid and safe reporting mechanisms.
• To build confidence among LGBTIQ+ individuals to document and report violations.
• To strengthen knowledge of democratic rights and civic engagement ahead of the 2027 General Elections.
• To equip participants with practical tools for safe participation in electoral processes, including potential roles in election observation.

Methodology of Delivery

The workshops will be conducted through a physical sessions, each bringing together 40 LGBTIQ+ participants, facilitated by an advocate and  paralegals. Using a Human Rights–Based Approach (HRBA), the sessions will be participatory, inclusive, and empowerment-focused.

Responsible Person

Nekesa Wandera, Program Officer

Pema Kenya, a grassroots organization championing the rights and wellbeing of Gender and Sexual Minorities (GSM), is set to host a specialized 5-day training on poultry farming and enterprise management under the Leveraging Equality for Gender-Inclusive Economic Development (LEGEND) project supported by Mennonite Economic Development Associates (MEDA). The workshop will run from August 25th to 29th, 2025 in Kwale. Bringing together 30 participants from the GSM community, to equip them with practical and technical skills to start, manage, and scale sustainable poultry farming businesses.

The workshop responds to a critical need: many GSM individuals face systemic barriers in formal employment and access to capital. As a result, self-employment in agriculture, particularly poultry farming, offers a viable path to financial independence and long-term economic security.

“This is not just a training—it’s an opportunity for our community members to take control of their financial futures,” said a Pema Kenya representative. “Poultry farming is a high-potential enterprise, and by providing targeted skills in business planning, animal husbandry, and market access, we aim to unlock that potential for GSM entrepreneurs.”

Participants will explore key areas such as poultry health management, cost-effective feeding practices, financial literacy, and business strategy development. In addition to technical training, the workshop will promote peer learning, mentorship, and linkages with markets and support organizations.

By the end of the workshop, attendees are expected to walk away with the skills and confidence to establish and run profitable poultry businesses, while contributing to a more inclusive and GSM-friendly agricultural economy.

This initiative is part of Pema Kenya’s broader mission to create enabling environments where gender and sexual minorities can thrive socially and economically.

RESPONSIBLE PERSONS:

1. Ominde Henry, Communications and Advocacy Assistant
2. Oluoch Oscar, Volunteer

Background Information

Despite progressive strides in human rights, Gender and Sexual Minority (GSM) persons in Kilifi County continue to face safety and security threats, including harassment, arbitrary arrests, and lack of legal redress. Civil society organizations (CSOs) and social justice centers have been central to providing support and documenting these violations, yet their efforts are often undermined by strained relationships with law enforcement. Bridging this gap is essential for advancing dignity, equity, and justice for all individuals regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity.

Pema Kenya recognizes that achieving meaningful change requires building mutual trust and collaborative frameworks between law enforcement and civil society actors. This week , Pema Kenya will  be convening a high-level workshop to advance this agenda through dialogue, joint planning, and co-creation of long-term solutions.

Goal of the workshop

To strengthen collaboration between law enforcement agencies and civil society organizations in Mombasa County to enhance the safety, dignity, and human rights of GSM persons.

Objectives of workshop

• To foster a shared understanding of the legal and safety challenges faced by GSM individuals in Kilifi County.
• To strengthen partnerships between CSOs, social justice centers, and law enforcement for a coordinated response to rights violations.
• To co-create a referral and redress mechanism that supports GSM persons facing violence or legal injustice.
• To introduce and integrate the safety and security directory as a collaborative tool to improve response, documentation and accountability of GSM-related safety cases

Methodology of Delivery

The high-level workshop will be held over two days in a physical format, bringing together key representatives from law enforcement, regional administration, CSOs, and social justice networks. Sessions will include group discussions, stakeholder mapping, case study reviews, and collaborative planning exercises

NEKESA WANDERA

Health promotion officer