Three-day forum calls for stronger collaboration, leadership structures and coordinated action to advance human rights, governance and community development in Garissa County.
ASAL POST | GOVERNANCE | CIVIL SOCIETY | July 16, 2026
By Abdimalik Hajir
GARISSA – The Muslims for Human Rights (MUHURI) has urged civil society organizations (CSOs) in Garissa County to strengthen unity, collaboration and institutional capacity to better champion human rights, governance and sustainable community development.
The call was made during the conclusion of a three-day stakeholder forum organized by MUHURI with support from the KIOS Foundation, bringing together representatives from community-based organizations (CBOs), self-help groups and non-governmental organizations (NGOs) across the county.
Speaking after the meeting, MUHURI Garissa County Coordinator Abdihakim Shuriye said a united and well-organized civil society is essential in addressing the county’s social, governance and development challenges.
He noted that the forum was part of ongoing efforts to strengthen the capacity of local organizations through leadership development, fundraising skills and the establishment of a functional countywide civil society network.
“Our aim is to have a stronger civil society that has its own structures and can drive its own agenda. MUHURI will continue supporting initiatives that bring together the Garissa civil society,” Shuriye said.
Building a Stronger Civil Society Network
Participants emphasized the need for CSOs to adopt a more coordinated approach in addressing key issues affecting communities, including governance, human rights, peacebuilding and socio-economic development.
Stakeholders pledged to work collectively under a common agenda, saying a united civil society would be better positioned to influence policy, advocate for vulnerable communities and respond to emerging challenges facing Garissa County.
Leadership Structures Taking Shape
Garissa County Human Rights Network Chairperson Muktar Dahir Osman commended MUHURI for facilitating the revival and strengthening of the county’s civil society network. He said Garissa previously lacked a functional umbrella body to coordinate the work of CSOs, but significant progress has been made over the past year.
“There was no leadership structure for the CSOs and the network had become dormant. Over the last year, we have been meeting consistently, and we now have functional structures in place,” Osman said.
He added that member organizations have agreed on thematic areas to improve coordination and specialization, with officials expected to be appointed to lead each sector.
“We appreciate MUHURI for bringing the CSOs together and providing the necessary support. We are now better organized and will be more vibrant than before,” he added.
Thematic Groups Established
To strengthen coordination and improve the effectiveness of civil society interventions, the forum established several thematic working groups that will spearhead activities in key development sectors across Garissa County. These thematic areas include human rights; advocacy and media; peace and security; democracy and governance; research and digital innovation; agriculture and livestock; economic livelihoods; climate change; water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH); and health systems.
Stakeholders said the new structure will enable organizations to better coordinate advocacy initiatives, share knowledge and resources, avoid duplication of efforts, and enhance service delivery to local communities. They expressed confidence that the thematic groups would provide a stronger platform for collaboration and collective action in addressing the county’s development priorities.
The meeting concluded with participants reaffirming their commitment to building a more united, well-coordinated and resilient civil society network that can effectively champion the interests of communities, influence public policy and contribute to sustainable development in Garissa County.
