By our reporter
In a groundbreaking move to empower women and uphold their land rights, Kenya Land Alliance (KLA) has collaborated with TMG and Rainforest UK to introduce a pioneering reporting tool called ‘Haki Ardhi.’ Launched on this year’s International Women’s Day, the initiative aims to combat injustices faced by women in land governance processes across Kenya.
The ‘Haki Ardhi’ tool, piloted in Kakamega and Taita Taveta counties, comprises two accessible components: an online platform and an SMS service. Through the convenience of a toll-free text function, women can swiftly report land-related injustices by simply sending a message to 23583. This innovative approach ensures that women, particularly in rural areas, have a voice in addressing land disputes and discrimination.
Faith Alube, CEO of Kenya Land Alliance, emphasized the critical need for actionable data to combat gender discrimination in land governance. She noted that despite governmental commitments to gender equality, women in Kenya and other developing nations still face significant hurdles in asserting their land rights due to a lack of comprehensive data on injustices.
“Women are often marginalized in traditional justice systems, which perpetuate retrogressive cultural practices and deny them their rightful inheritance,” stated Alube. Indeed, across many African countries, including Kenya, patriarchal norms and customary laws have relegated women to secondary status, depriving them of economic opportunities and perpetuating cycles of poverty.
Despite Kenya’s robust legislative framework, which aims to safeguard women’s land rights, customary laws continue to hinder progress. With approximately 65% of land transactions governed by customary law, women remain disproportionately affected by discriminatory practices.
Land, as highlighted by KLA, is not merely a piece of property but a vital resource for economic empowerment. Whether through cash crop farming, access to credit, or subsistence agriculture, land ownership plays a pivotal role in uplifting communities out of poverty.
The launch of ‘Haki Ardhi’ represents a significant step towards gender equity in land governance. By harnessing technology and community engagement, this innovative tool promises to amplify the voices of women across Kenya, fostering a more inclusive and just society.
