KISUMU, Kenya – Civic Voice, with support from Defenders Coalition, recently convened youth leaders and human rights defenders in Kisumu for a capacity-building training aimed at strengthening their safety, resilience and ability to participate effectively in civic spaces.
The engagement brought together young leaders and human rights defenders to reflect on the growing challenges facing those involved in civic action, human rights advocacy and governance. As civic actors continue to play a critical role in promoting accountability and defending fundamental freedoms, many also face physical, digital and psychosocial risks that can affect both their work and wellbeing.
The training provided participants with practical knowledge and tools to better understand, assess and respond to these risks.
A key area of focus was physical safety and security planning. Participants explored ways of identifying potential threats, assessing risks and improving their preparedness while carrying out field activities, participating in public engagements and operating in high-risk civic environments. The discussions also underscored the importance of having clear safety procedures and response mechanisms in place.
Digital security was another important component of the training. With civic engagement increasingly taking place online, human rights defenders and youth leaders face growing concerns around digital surveillance, cyber threats, online harassment and the protection of personal information. Participants discussed practical measures that can help strengthen their digital safety and reduce vulnerabilities in online spaces.
The engagement also placed significant attention on mental health and psychosocial wellbeing. Human rights and civic work can often be emotionally demanding, particularly for those working in environments marked by threats, intimidation and uncertainty. Participants reflected on the impact of stress, trauma and burnout, and the importance of building resilience and support systems to sustain their work.
Through the training, Civic Voice and Defenders Coalition highlighted the need for a holistic approach to protecting civic actors. Safety is not limited to responding to immediate physical threats; it also requires stronger digital protection, effective security planning, rapid response mechanisms and sustained attention to the wellbeing of those on the frontlines of civic engagement.
The Kisumu training is part of broader efforts to strengthen the capacity of youth and human rights defenders to engage safely and meaningfully in governance and civic spaces.
As Kenya moves closer to the 2027 General Election, the participation of young people in shaping the country’s future will be increasingly important. Creating a safe and enabling environment for young people, activists and human rights defenders to organise, speak out and participate in public affairs remains essential to a vibrant democracy.
Through partnerships and capacity-building initiatives such as this, Civic Voice, with support from Defenders Coalition, continues to invest in safer, stronger and more resilient civic actors capable of contributing to accountable governance, defending human rights and protecting civic space.
