On the 24th and 25th of April 2025, Talithakum International Kenya (TIK) convened a pivotal start-up meeting at the serene Dimesse Retreat Centre. This significant gathering brought together member congregation contact persons, Talithakum Youth Ambassadors, and interreligious group representatives from Mombasa and Garissa, along with other stakeholders. The meeting’s primary agenda was to introduce the staff officials, members especially those who recently joined the program, provide an overview of the 2024–2026 proposal and project implementation work plan, and address key operational concerns, including delayed activity implementations.
The meeting commenced with a detailed explanation of the reasons behind the delays, attributed to donor-mandated adjustments. These included the need for program registration under a suitable name distinct from Talithakum International Kenya, the realignment of foundational documents such as the constitution, and the selection of new board members to guide the program’s vision. These adjustments, though necessary, disrupted the initial timelines, pushing the start of activities initially slated for July 2024. As a result, members resolved to implement the remaining 2024 sessions before June 2025, ensuring a seamless transition into the second phase from July 2025 to June 2026.
The forum also illuminated two cornerstone programs: the Talithakum Youth Ambassadors and the Interreligious Initiative. The Talithakum Youth Ambassadors program, a vibrant extension of the global Talitha Kum network under the International Union of Superiors General (UISG), empowers Kenyan youth as agents of change in combating human trafficking. Participants were enlightened on the program’s core objectives: raising awareness, mobilizing youth for advocacy, fostering partnerships, and engaging communities. Members were particularly inspired by the peer-to-peer outreach strategy, leveraging the relatability and technological savvy of young leaders to educate vulnerable groups and combat trafficking through innovative digital platforms.
The Interreligious Group Initiative, a collaborative effort between TIK and St. Patrick’s Society, was also highlighted. Established in 2023, this initiative addresses human trafficking by uniting Christian and Muslim leaders to educate communities and inspire collective action. The program’s inclusivity was emphasized as a critical approach to combating human trafficking, fostering mutual respect among diverse faith communities to create a unified response to this social menace.
A robust session on budget reporting mechanisms introduced members to tools for efficient financial management, emphasizing the importance of timely expenditure submissions and compliance with fiscal agent requirements. Members were also urged to engage their superiors in discussions to increase the membership subscription fee from KES 5,000 to KES 10,000 to meet program needs adequately.
The forum further addressed the ongoing program registration process, with a history of naming challenges stemming from societal and donor considerations. Initially proposed as “Religious Against Human Trafficking (RAHT),” the name was deemed unsuitable due to sensitive local associations. The current working title, Talithakum International Kenya, was also contested by the donor. This necessitated the search for a new, appropriate name to ensure alignment with stakeholders and beneficiaries.
Members were introduced to a digitalized Monitoring, Evaluation, Accountability, and Learning (MEAL) framework using the Kobo Toolbox platform for seamless data collection and reporting. This transition to digital tools underlines TIK’s commitment to adopting innovative approaches for effective program management.
The meeting concluded on a high note with a unifying Mass and the official commissioning of the program, symbolized by a cake-cutting ceremony. This symbolic act of solidarity reinforced the shared commitment to combating human trafficking and fostering human dignity in Kenya.
