KWALE County—Jan 31, 2026—Stretchers Youth Organisation (SYO) has intensified community-based legal aid efforts in Kwale County in a bid to address persistent land disputes, promote peaceful coexistence, and strengthen access to justice ahead of the electioneering period.
Speaking after a Legal Aid Awareness Outreach in Mrima, Dzombo Ward, SYO Executive Director Dickson Okong’o said land remains one of the most sensitive and emotive issues in the county, often fuelling social inequalities, youth unrest, and family conflicts if left unresolved.
The outreach was conducted under the Kujenga Amani Pamoja Project, co-funded by the European Union in Kenya and implemented by WeWorld Global in partnership with Stretchers Youth Organisation.
“Many community members continue to struggle with limited understanding of land ownership processes, succession procedures, and the distinction between public and private land,” Okong’o noted.
“These gaps often lead to misunderstandings and prolonged disputes that can easily escalate, especially during politically charged periods.”
To address the challenge, SYO partnered with Kituo Cha Sheria – Legal Advice Centre to roll out a Legal Aid Awareness and Land Rights Clinic aimed at strengthening community knowledge on land rights, titling procedures, and available legal support mechanisms.
The initiative provided a direct interface between residents and legal practitioners, ensuring both awareness and practical assistance were delivered at the grassroots.
The outreach also integrated a Huduma Mashinani programme in collaboration with the Kwale County Huduma Centre, bringing essential government services closer to the community.
Residents accessed services including birth and death registration, national identity card applications and replacements, Social Health Authority (SHA) registration, NSSF and pension services, National Construction Authority services, Uwezo Fund support, and self-help group registration.
According to Okong’o, bringing services directly to the community significantly reduced barriers faced by residents in remote areas, particularly women and youth who are disproportionately affected by land-related injustices.
“Empowering communities with accurate information and lawful avenues to resolve disputes is key to sustaining peace, security, and social cohesion, especially as the country approaches electioneering periods,” he said.
The initiative, he added, marks an important step in strengthening collaboration between community actors, legal practitioners, and government service providers while promoting peaceful and lawful approaches to justice and conflict resolution.
