The Rights Organization for Advocacy and Development (ROAD), in partnership with Mercy Corps, successfully implemented the Girl Improving Resilience through Livelihoods and Health (GIRL-H) program in Garissa County, positively impacting the lives of over 6,275 adolescents across 251 youth groups. Operating in Dadaab, Ijara, Bura, and Lagdera sub-counties, the project empowered adolescent girls and boys aged 10 to 24 through access to life skills, health resources, education opportunities, and entrepreneurship training.
The GIRL-H initiative equipped young people with the tools to pursue self-determined transition pathways, including formal and informal education, vocational training, and business ventures. Participants received comprehensive mentorship and support to turn their aspirations into sustainable outcomes. ROAD also introduced the concept of Credit and Savings Groups, which evolved into Village Savings and Loans Associations (VSLAs), enabling youth to save, access loans, and invest in income-generating activities.
In addition to economic empowerment, participants were linked to microfinance institutions, local banks, and government funding programs such as the Youth Fund and the Kenya Women Enterprise Fund. Through capacity building in financial literacy, business development, and market access, many youth were able to launch or expand small businesses, increasing both their income and self-reliance.
Among the standout achievements was Nasteha Mohamed, a youth group mentor from Saretho village, who expanded her retail shop and Mpesa services after receiving training through the program. The Riyal Girls Group in Weldoni invested their grants into producing and selling items like unsi, shampoo, and clothing, capitalizing on seasonal demand during the Eid festival.
Despite challenges such as security threats, poor communication networks, and long travel distances between villages, ROAD maintained strong community engagement and continuity of service. All 17 youth groups in Dadaab sub-county successfully transitioned and received their business grants. A Midline After-Action Review (AAR) was conducted, using focus group discussions and interviews to assess the effectiveness of the project and identify both progress and challenges faced by participants. The review highlighted significant improvements in participants’ business management skills, increased household income, and strengthened social cohesion.
The GIRL-H program, as implemented by ROAD, demonstrated the power of locally led development in transforming vulnerable communities. By equipping youth—especially adolescent girls—with the knowledge, resources, and support needed to pursue better futures, ROAD helped lay a foundation for sustainable economic empowerment, gender equality, and social resilience in Garissa County.
As a completed project, GIRL-H stands as a testament to what is possible through strategic partnerships, community trust, and focused youth investment. ROAD looks forward to building on this success and welcomes future donor support and collaboration to scale similar life-changing programs across Northern Kenya and beyond.
