By Staff Writer | Wajir Today | Thursday, 26 February 2026

Sophie, Duchess of Edinburgh visited Wajir County in northeastern Kenya on Thursday, meeting women peacebuilders and local leaders in engagements focused on conflict prevention, economic empowerment and climate resilience.

The visit recognised the role women play in preventing and resolving conflicts and celebrated women leaders across sectors including security and peacebuilding according to a statement from British Royal Family.

“HRH spent time with women peacebuilders who are advocating for better protections, justice and support for survivors of conflict-related sexual violence.”

In Wajir town, the Duchess laid wreaths at what is known as the world’s smallest Commonwealth War Cemetery, honouring fallen soldiers.

She later engaged with community groups to observe how partnerships between local organisations and international donors are strengthening systems and expanding opportunities.

Wajir Governor Ahmed Abdullahi said his discussions with the Duchess centred on climate resilience, water scarcity and resource-based conflicts, key challenges facing the arid county.

“Our discussions on climate resilience, water scarcity, and resource-based conflicts highlighted the vital role of community-led peacebuilding efforts,” Abdullahi said in a statement.

He expressed appreciation for the United Kingdom’s support through programmes including Deris Wanaag, REINVENT and Kuza Jamii under Kenya’s Hunger Safety Net Programme, which he said empower women peacebuilders and strengthen small enterprises.

“The engagement with women-led initiatives, including the Wajir Peace and Development Committee and Hodhan Business Group, reaffirms our shared commitment to peace, resilience and inclusive economic growth in Wajir,” the governor said.

The Duchess’s visit forms part of her wider engagements highlighting efforts to address conflict-related violence and support community resilience initiatives.