Kenya
Our programmes
Kenya Inclusive Political Parties (KIPP) programme (2020 – 2023)
Background
Equality and inclusion are key priority areas in Kenya’s national agenda. Article 54 (2) of Kenya’s 2010 Constitution stipulates that the state shall ensure that at least 5% of members of the public in elective and appointive bodies are persons with disabilities (PWDs). According to the 2019 census, 2.2% (0.9 million people) of Kenyans live with some form of disability. Despite this significant numbers, PWDs in Kenya continue to experience systemic exclusion from mainstream governance and developmental processes. This exclusion has been particularly acute in areas of political representation, with limited efforts by political parties to provide a conducive environment for PWDs to engage in politics.
Programme objectives
The participation of PWDs in political and public life is a human right as well as an important factor that promotes inclusive development. When PWDs participate in political and public life their voice is heard and reflected in policy decisions. To help strengthen inclusive democracy in Kenya, WFD and Demo Finland developed the Kenya Inclusive Political Parties (KIPP) programme. The programme addresses the critical knowledge gaps within political parties to create and promote more inclusive political discourse, political commitments, and public policymaking.
Kenya Devolution Programme (KDP) (December 2021 – December 2023)
Background
The Constitution of Kenya (CoK 2010) introduced a new legal framework and respondent institutions that seek to ensure transparency, accountability, and citizens engagement in the management of public finances. Public finance management (PFM) is all about the effective management of public finances by the national and county governments. It encompasses the oversight responsibility of Parliament and County Assemblies. It is, therefore, an integral part of the development process.
Financial Accountability is however compromised by lack of sound controls at the county level from the citizens and county assembly committees within the public expenditure management cycle. Participation in governance is not only a challenge to citizens but also the County Assemblies whose limited engagement in county planning, public fiscal management, financial oversight has a direct impact on the transparent and accountable use of public resources. This has manifested itself in the poor Financial Management performance of county governments as captured in the annual Auditor General reports.
Programme objectives
To realize effective county planning, public fiscal management, and staff performance, county legislatures need to be adequately capacitated. WFD is a co – implementing partner on the ACT! led Kenya Devolution Programme (KDP) funded by FCDO. WFD’s engagement is on building the capacities of seven Counties Budget, Departmental and Oversight committees. As well as providing customised technical guidance and support to these committees, which is aimed at strengthening their capacities in public finance management. This includes improving planning, budgeting, and scrutiny of public expenditure through audits and committee oversight. The seven County Assemblies are Kilifi, Mombasa, Kisumu, Elgeyo Marakwet, Isiolo, Turkana, and Mandera.
Completed programmes
Supporting Parliamentarians in Sub-Saharan Africa to prepare for COP26 programme (January – June 2021)
Climate change is one of the most pressing issues of our time. To mitigate this challenge, huge changes at all levels of society, politics and businesses are required. Ahead of the 26th Conference of the Parties (COP26), WFD and Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung (KAS) implemented a programme to inform parliamentarians in five Sub-Saharan African countries, including Kenya, of COP26 issues. The January to June 2021 programme supported Kenyan parliamentarians in examining their national progress in delivering Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs). The programme also helped the MPs in scrutinising Kenya’s climate policies and legislations.
Inclusive and Accountable Politics (IAP) programme (April 2019 – March 2023)
Inclusive, open, and accountable democratic institutions, such as parliaments, are key to improving citizens’ trust and addressing democratic deficits. Through the FCDO-funded Inclusive and Accountable Politics (IAP) programme, WFD supported the Parliament of Kenya in its efforts to become a more open, accountable, inclusive, and well enabled institution for all Kenyans. This is by providing key IAP stakeholders – including the Senate Liaison Office (SLO), Centre for Parliamentary Studies and Training (CPST), African Parliamentarians’ Network Against Corruption (APNAC), and the Civil Society Parliamentary Engagement Network (CSPEN) – regular technical guidance. WFD Kenya maximised the impact of WFD global expert products on financial accountability and inclusive politics by tailoring them to the Kenyan context. The Kenyan office also served as a link and facilitator for Kenyan MPs and civil society organisations (CSOs) to WFD global trainings and support.
More completed programmes
Key results
Supported the gazettement of the Kakamega County Disability Bill (2019)
Supported policy development for devolution at Senate and County levels
Supported the passing of the Homa Bay County disability Act, 2019 on December 2019
Creation of County Disability Caucuses that bring together Members of County Assembly and disabled persons organisations (DPOs) as advocates for persons with disabilities (PWDs) inclusion in legislative and governance processes
Information needed to monitor policy implementation improved in quality
Supported the first East African Youth parliament on the ratification and domestication of African Charter on Democracy, Elections and Governance.
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1st Ngong Avenue, ACK Garden House 2nd Floor, Wing A
Nairobi
Kenya