Lisa Gem is a young Human Rights and Children’s Rights activist and Advocate from Kondele, Kisumu County, Kenya, who is only 12 years old, and her story challenges age barriers in activism, promoting an inclusive Kenya where children’s rights are central.
Kondele, located in Kisumu Central Sub-County, is known for its dense population, cultural richness, and role as a hub for social justice movements, including past political protests and community organizing.
As a resident of this area, she has emerged as a powerful voice for youth and child rights, drawing on her local roots to address issues like discrimination, access to education, and community empowerment.
Lisa’s Family Background
Lisa Gem was born in the late 2012, and as her being a minor, most of her family information has not yet been published.
Having been born in the Kondele area, she comes from a supportive family that has encouraged her civic engagement from a young age.
Lisa is actively involved in local initiatives that mobilize peers through the local people’s efforts in her community.
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Lisa Gem’s Education
Due to the scarcity of the minor’s private life availability publicly, Lisa is expected to be in upper primary school, either in grade 7 or 8, which is the final stage of primary education before moving to junior secondary (Grade 9), under the new Kenyan education system, Competency Based Curriculum (CBC).
Given her residence in Kondele, which is an informal settlement in Kisumu Central Sub-County, Lisa is expected to be schooling in a local primary school around the area, as most of her private details are not yet publicized due to her age, and in alignment with privacy protections for minors in Kenya, especially those in public roles like advocacy.
Lisa’s Key Roles in Advocacy
Lisa is a founding member of the Kondele Social Justice Centre (KSJC), an organization focused on human rights, social justice, and youth empowerment in Kisumu and other vulnerable areas, including Kondele.
The center serves to provide a platform for residents, especially young people, to advocate for accountability, access to services, and protection from violence.
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Lisa Gem’s Achievements
Lisa’s advocacy work has spiked and shone brighter despite her young age, earning her national and regional recognition and highlighting her as a young, talented human rights advocate.
In 2022, Lisa Gem won the Upcoming Human Rights Defender of the Year award for her early contributions to children’s rights.
2024 wasn’t any different either, as she was also named the Sigand Nyinam Award recipient, recognized for outstanding youth leadership and advocacy in East Africa.
Lisa was also awarded as one of “60 Most Influential Women in Kenya Since Independence”, where she was recognized by Nation Media and featured in this prestigious list, underscoring her impact despite her young age.
This places her among great women like Wangari Maathai and Martha Karua.
Gem’s advocacy emphasizes early civic engagement, mentorship, and amplification of children’s voices in national discourse.
She collaborates with organizations such as the National Gender and Equality Commission (NGEC), the Defenders Coalition, and Amref Health Africa, which provide resources for her initiatives.
Recently, in November 2025, Lisa engaged with NGEC Chairperson Dr. Sagana Ndonye during a high-profile event, where her clarity and passion were praised as “shaping national discourse,” an interaction that reinforced the importance of supporting young defenders.
Also, a December 2023 post was highlighted, praising her “exemplary work” in Kisumu’s Kondele, reflecting ongoing local admiration for her contributions.
Lisa Gem’s Impact and Legacy
At just 12, Lisa has displayed how intentional mentorship and community support can develop transformative leadership.
Through KSJC and her partnerships, she continues to inspire peers in Kondele and beyond, focusing on equality, justice, and protection for vulnerable youth.
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