The war on Sexual gender based violence (SGBV) and violence got a major boost following the unveiling of two major programs targeting to end the vices within coastal counties.

The two programs are 'Elevate Voice Yake' and 'Sauti Yako Amani Yako' programs funded by the USAID at a cost of sh1Billion will be implemented for a period of three years.

The programs will be implemented through the partnership of the Kilifi, Kwale and Mombasa county governments, youth leaders and local non governmental organizations.

'Elevate Voice Yake’ primary goal is to combat sexual and gender-based violence (SGBV) by amplifying the voices and aspirations of adolescent girls and women to enable them to exercise their right to a dignified and meaningful life. 

According to David Gosney, USAID Mission Director Kenya and East Africa, the two projects will be implemented at a cost of sh1Billion for a period of three years to address all types of gender based violence (GBV).

"The coastal counties have similarities in the types of violence they face, that's why we found its important, because they share same cultures, same GBV dynamics among others, to focus on them,"said Gosney.

USAID 'Sauti Yako Amani Yako' aims to strengthen local resistance to violent extremism in specific communities in Kenya by applying an inclusive and self-sustaining approach to prevent and counter violent extremism.

The program applies proven strategies to help community members resist radicalization and recruitment by extremist groups. 

These include training government agency personnel and community organizations to implement comprehensive approaches to countering violent extremism that involve the whole government and society. 

USAID 'Sauti Yako, Amani Yako' also works to foster cooperation between government agencies, civil society organizations (CSOs), and communities to design, carry out, and evaluate effective interventions against violent extremism. 

This involves intentional collaboration with the Kenya School of Government’s Security Management Institute, the Centre for Human Rights and Policy Studies (CHRIPS), and local CSOs in Garissa, Kilifi, Kwale, Lamu and Mombasa Counties to achieve these goals. 

"USAID has over 100 activities happening at every , touching on different sectors every year, every year we program over 60 billion shillings to address challenges whether it's education, jobs creation heath and empowerments",he added.

Mombasa, Kwale and Kilifi county government representative committed to facilitate the implementation of the projects within their devolved units.

Speaking during the launch Mombasa Deputy Governor Francis Thoya said Mombasa is currently implementing several programs to counter violent extremism and radicalism amongst the youth.

Among the programs is 'Mombasa Yangu' which is currently in the fifth phase with over 6000 young people who are vulnerable.They get a stipend of ah 15 k monthly.

The Deputy Governor , speaking on behalf of Governor Abdulswamad Nassir said the mentorship program has benefited over 2,000 learners .

"We have seen a reduction of crime between 10 to 20 percent in Kisauni and Likoni because of the two programs,"said Thoya.

On her part, Kilifi Deputy Governor Flora Chebule said Kilifi is aligned to strategies of fighting violent extremism by offering alternative empowerment opportunities to youth to stay away from violent extremism and radicalization .

"The partnership will effect sustainability and ensure the war is won. The target group is the girls who are so vulnerable,"she said.

The theme of the programs is "Empower educate, elevate and create safe communities for all".