Who We are

We believe in building resilient communities and creating sustainable change across Kenya. Our work spans several key areas that are essential to achieving our vision of equitable, empowered communities. These thematic areas are Gender Equality and Inclusivity, & Governance Democracy and Human Rights Advocacy.

Governance, Democracy & Human Rights

Kenya’s democratic space reflects a complex mix of constitutional progress and systemic strain. The 2010 Constitution marked a pivotal shift by introducing devolution, enhancing public participation, and promoting inclusivity. Despite these advancements, recent events have highlighted areas where democratic principles are under strain, necessitating a thorough examination.

While the 2010 Constitution laid a strong foundation for participatory governance, institutional checks and citizen rights, implementation gaps continue to hinder democratic consolidation. According to the 2024 Mo Ibrahim Index of African Governance, Kenya scored 56.9 out of 100 in overall governance, ranking 13th in Africa, but only 54.5 in participation, rights and inclusion, signaling weaknesses in civic space and inclusivity. Youth disenchantment remains pronounced, with over 72% of Kenyans aged 18–34 reporting feeling excluded from decision-making processes (Afrobarometer, 2023). Public confidence in key democratic institutions is eroding— only 26% trust the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC), and just 29% express confidence in Parliament (Ipsos, 2024). Moreover, despite legal provisions for gender equity, women still occupy only 23% of seats in the National Assembly, far below the constitutionally required one-third threshold.

Pointedly, governance challenge prevails as corruption remains to be Kenya’s impediment to development. Kenya ranks 129th out of 180 countries in the 2023 Corruption Perceptions Index (CPI) by Transparency International, highlighting the continued prevalence of graft in public offices. Public procurement and county government financial management remain areas of high corruption risk, with the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) EACC reporting that at least Ksh 14 billion was lost to corruption across counties in the 2021/2022 financial year. This undermines public trust in devolved governance. The Auditor General’s reports indicate that a majority of county governments fail to account for public funds, with 76% of counties receiving qualified or adverse audit opinions in the last audit cycle, pointing to irregular expenditures and financial mismanagement. These realities underscore the urgent need for interventions that deepen inclusivity, transparency, digital engagement, and civic accountability—especially as governance in both national and devolved spaces is increasingly tested by corruption, youth exclusion, and limited public participation.

Devolution in Kenya: A Democratic Milestone Under Strain

Devolution remains one of the most transformative gains of Kenya’s 2010 Constitution, ushering in 47 county governments to decentralize power, enhance service delivery, and bring governance closer to the people. It has helped deepen grassroots participation and stimulate localized development. According to the World Bank (2023), counties have recorded progress in citizen engagement, transparency, and proximity of services—particularly in health, agriculture, and infrastructure. Institutions like the Council of Governors and Commission on Revenue Allocation have helped structure intergovernmental coordination, while emerging regional economic blocs signal potential for homegrown economic growth.

However, devolution continues to face key challenges. As of early 2025, delayed disbursement of county funds remains a persistent issue, with the Controller of Budget reporting that nearly 60% of counties received disbursements more than two months late in FY2023/24. Other setbacks include misallocation of resources, limited fiscal accountability, corruption, and weak public participation frameworks. Addressing these systemic gaps is critical to realizing the full promise of devolution. For Kenya’s democratic system to thrive, devolved governance must not only function efficiently, but also empower citizens to hold county leaders accountable through open access, transparency, and meaningful participation.

Our priority Areas

1. Devolution and Access to Information

Devolution was designed to improve service delivery, reduce marginalization, and give people greater control over local development. However, only 39% of Kenyans believe they can influence county government decisions (Afrobarometer, 2024), largely due to limited access to information and poor civic understanding of devolved governance. Despite constitutional guarantees (Article 35) and the Access to Information Act (2016), county governments often fail to proactively disclose crucial information such as budgets, development plans, and procurement reports. This creates an accountability vacuum and weakens citizen oversight and engagement.

Our Strategic Interventions

Community Trainings on the right to access information, how to request information through formal means, and how to interpret key public documents (budgets, CIDPs, procurement plans).
Targeted engagements with county officials on proactive disclosure and digital transparency obligations.

2. Digital Governance and Political Accountability

In a country where over 22 million Kenyans use smartphones (CAK, 2023), digital tools provide an untapped opportunity to enhance transparency, streamline service delivery, and strengthen citizen oversight. Yet, many counties lack user-friendly digital platforms, and civic tech uptake remains low. Digital governance is not just about online services—it’s a gateway to political accountability. Citizens can monitor public funds, demand answers from leaders, and access real-time updates on governance processes through digital platforms.

Our Strategic Interventions

Digital Literacy to Equip youth and grassroots organizations with skills to use civic tech (e.g., budget tracking tools, virtual petitioning, feedback platforms to various government sites and tracking projects online).
Social Accountability Campaigns: Use WhatsApp, X (Twitter), and Facebook groups to run awareness campaigns and Q&A sessions with leaders.
“Ask Your Leader” Forums: Partner with counties to organize virtual townhalls and Twitter Spaces that promote responsive leadership.
Active County Websites: Advocate for counties to publish real-time procurement data, budget usage, and project status on their websites and portals.

3. Meaningful Public Participation

Kenya’s Constitution (Article 10 and 232) mandates public participation. However, most county forums are performative and inaccessible to the ordinary citizen. Afrobarometer (2023) found that only 17% of Kenyans had participated in any public meeting related to government budgeting or development in the past year. Barriers to participation include low civic literacy, delay in passing information about the exercise, inconvenient meeting times, lack of transportation, and inaccessible venues for PWDs. In many cases, public input is not meaningfully considered in policy or budgeting decisions.

Our Strategic Interventions

Civic Training Toolkits: Create simple guides on how to read budgets, give policy feedback, and follow up on submissions of their views.
Simulation Forums: Run participatory budgeting exercises and mock policy forums at the ward level, especially targeting youth, women, and PWDs.
Community Facilitators Program: Train local champions (e.g., teachers, wards and subward admins, activists etc) as facilitators to help community members engage more confidently in county forums.
Inclusivity Audits: Work with stakeholders to assess how inclusive county participatory processes are, including whether information is relayed in the most understood language, accessibility to PWD should also be considered, check if there are provisions for digital infrastructure and issue public reports with recommendations.

4. Representation and Special Interest Groups (SIGs)

Young people (aged 18–35) make up over 60% of Kenya’s population, yet their representation in elected offices remains dismal. As of 2022, only 6.5% of Members of Parliament were youth and women still fall short of the one-third constitutional gender rule. High costs of campaigning and entrenched patronage systems further disadvantage PWDs, youth, and women. Political exclusion undermines democracy and social cohesion. Without targeted empowerment and electoral reforms, SIGs will remain sidelined in decision-making, reducing the legitimacy of governance structures.

Our Strategic Interventions

Leadership Training Forums: Host intensive civic leadership mentorship programs for women, youth, and PWDs interested in running for office or civic activism.
Anti voter bribery campaigns: Organizes low-cost campaigning, media engagement, and enlighten youths on fundraising first-time aspirants.
Policy Advocacy: Join coalitions advocating for campaign financing caps and enforcement of SIG quotas at both county and national levels like the IEBC, ORPP and review the Elections Act, the Campaign Financing Act to level the playground.
Establish community-based networks that link aspiring leaders with mentors, party networks, and civic tools.
Media Spotlights: Work with local media to profile emerging leaders from marginalized backgrounds and amplify their voices.

Gender Equality and Inclusivity

Gender equality is not just a fundamental human right but a necessary foundation for a prosperous and just society. When women and girls are empowered, entire communities benefit. Despite progress, gender disparities persist in many areas, including education, economic opportunities, political representation, and access to healthcare. Addressing these challenges is crucial for achieving sustainable development.

Why Gender Equality Matters

Economic Growth and Poverty Reduction
Empowering women economically leads to increased productivity and economic growth. Studies show that closing gender gaps in the labor market can significantly boost GDP. When women have equal access to resources and financial opportunities, families and societies prosper.
Education for a Better Future
Education is a powerful tool for change. Educated girls are more likely to become leaders, earn higher incomes, and make informed health choices. Promoting education for girls reduces early marriages and improves child health outcomes.
Improved Health and Well-being
Gender equality in healthcare ensures that women receive proper medical attention, reducing maternal and infant mortality rates. Access to reproductive health services and menstrual hygiene management is essential for women and girls to live with dignity.
Stronger and More Inclusive Societies
Societies that value gender equality experience less violence and greater social cohesion. When women participate in decision-making at all levels, policies become more inclusive and representative of diverse needs.
Climate Action and Sustainability
Women play a critical role in environmental conservation and climate change mitigation. Empowering women in sustainable practices leads to more effective climate solutions and resource management.

How to Promote Gender Equality

Advocate for Policy Changes
Governments should implement and enforce laws that protect women’s rights, ensure equal pay, and eliminate gender-based violence and discrimination.
Support Women-Led Businesses and Initiatives
Investing in women entrepreneurs and female-led organizations contributes to economic stability and job creation.
Encourage Girls’ Education and Leadership
Schools and communities should provide mentorship programs and leadership opportunities for young girls to build confidence and skills.
Raise Awareness and Challenge Stereotypes
Breaking down cultural and societal norms that reinforce gender inequality is essential. Media and education play a significant role in shaping perceptions and promoting positive role models.
Strengthen Grassroots and Community Efforts
Community-based organizations advocating for women’s rights drive real change by addressing local challenges and empowering women at the grassroots level.