Women, Peace and Security

Kenya is regarded as a critical peace anchor in the East and Horn of Africa region; its stability politically, socially and economically is therefore of great importance. In recent years, Kenya has experienced a substantial shift in its security landscape, which is profoundly complex, ranging from intercommunal and pastoral violence to political competition (associated with elections, ethnicity and devolution) and a rise in violent extremism. All of this is against a backdrop of wider social marginalization, poverty, social inequality, high youth unemployment and resource-based tensions. This situation is exacerbated by regional instability and the spillover effects from Somalia, South Sudan and the Great Lakes Region, resulting in displacement and higher numbers of refugees and internally displaced people within Kenya. In addition, the country suffers from regular and overlapping disasters, particularly droughts, floods, conflicts and epidemics, which have significantly impacted livelihoods and economic development in Kenya.