In the quarter of January–March 2025, the Grant-in-Aid (GIA) programme in Kenya saw WFD deliver a significant body of work. By staying attuned to the political landscape and maintaining trusted relationships with parliamentary institutions and civil society, WFD was able to deliver reform-focused interventions that advanced accountability and legislative effectiveness. 

A standout achievement this quarter was the successful rollout of several pioneering initiatives, including the corruption-proofing of legislation in collaboration with the Senate Department of Legal Services (DLS). This approach—adapted from WFD’s work in Albania—equips legislative drafters with tools to identify and address potential loopholes in draft laws that could be exploited for corrupt purposes. The initiative has already gained institutional traction, with DLS approving its adoption as standard practice—signalling a meaningful shift toward more transparent and accountable lawmaking. 

WFD also supported the Senate in drafting a Futures Strategic Plan, introducing a new approach to anticipatory governance. The plan aims to institutionalise long-term thinking within parliamentary processes, factoring in socio-economic and climate considerations to ensure decisions made today benefit future generations.  

In the National Assembly, WFD continued its collaboration with the Public Debt and Privatisation Committee, providing technical assistance and supporting the drafting of a Public Debt Management Bill. Informed by WFD’s earlier Public Debt Management Assessment Tool (PDMAT) findings, the proposed legislation aims to strengthen the legal and policy framework for debt oversight—addressing a key governance challenge in Kenya. Committee members also benefited from capacity-building sessions with technical experts, enhancing their capacity to scrutinise debt-related decisions more effectively. 

The team also began exploring ways to engage youth and build on the momentum of the Gen Z protests, recognising the need for Parliament to connect more meaningfully with citizens. Ideation sessions have laid the groundwork for future programming that responds to evolving civic expectations. 

The WFD-Kenya team looks forward to continuing to build on the democratic gains achieved through the programme so far. With public debt remaining a key national concern, efforts will focus on strengthening parliamentary oversight in this area. Looking ahead, the team plans to support the institutionalisation of foresight planning within the Senate to better prepare for long-term challenges. In addition, research on violence against women in politics will soon be completed and shared with stakeholders to help drive collective action and sustained momentum on this critical issue.