Public participation in Kenya is viewed as a constitutional right with various platforms created for citizens to engage in governance processes. Persons with disabilities (PWDs) have experienced systemic exclusion from policy and legislative processes due to challenges in accessing information and unstructured engagement. WFD through the Commonwealth Partnership for Democracy (CP4D) implemented a programme that sought to foster greater political engagement of PWDs. We did this by creating a platform for dialogue and structured interaction between Members of County Assembly and disabled persons organizations – enabling PWDs to engage with policy makers and duty bearers. The programme was implemented in Homa Bay, Kakamega and Kisumu counties in partnership with Action Network for the Disabled (ANDY). The programme realised the gazettement of 3 disability legislations, integration of inclusive budgeting by Kakamega County government through allocation of KES 60 million towards economic development of PWDs, and increased engagement of PWDs in governance within the 3 counties.

Meaningful participation of young people in decision making for sustainable development and good governance has been constrained across East Africa. This is mostly due to lack of concerted efforts and platforms to include young people in democratic spaces. The challenges faced by young people are rarely discussed/given prominence or are merged with priorities in other sectors. Young people are often disregarded as actors that should be at the forefront of interventions to eradicate poverty, build resilient communities, and bring forward best practices for good governance and development. To place young people at the forefront of the regional development agenda of the EAC, Westminster Foundation for Democracy (WFD) in partnership with youth organisations across the East African Community (EAC) implemented the East African Commonwealth Youth Leaders Initiative. The initiative promoted the African Charter on Democracy Elections and Governance (ACDEG). It also provided a platform for youth leaders to raise their voices and meaningfully participate in discussions about governance issues which affect development in the region. This initiative was delivered through the Commonwealth Partnership for Democracy (CP4D).Meaningful participation of young people in decision making for sustainable development and good governance has been constrained across East Africa. This is mostly due to lack of concerted efforts and platforms to include young people in democratic spaces. The challenges faced by young people are rarely discussed/given prominence or are merged with priorities in other sectors. Young people are often disregarded as actors that should be at the forefront of interventions to eradicate poverty, build resilient communities, and bring forward best practices for good governance and development. To place young people at the forefront of the regional development agenda of the EAC, Westminster Foundation for Democracy (WFD) in partnership with youth organisations across the East African Community (EAC) implemented the East African Commonwealth Youth Leaders Initiative. The initiative promoted the African Charter on Democracy Elections and Governance (ACDEG). It also provided a platform for youth leaders to raise their voices and meaningfully participate in discussions about governance issues which affect development in the region. This initiative was delivered through the Commonwealth Partnership for Democracy (CP4D).

Oversight institutions in Kenya continue to be challenged by both a complex political context as well as gaps in organisational capacity, which have undermined their ability to fully discharge their mandate. The effects of these challenges have manifested themselves through increased cases of corruption, as cited in the massive losses in government projects. Effective functioning of public oversight institutions is one of the critical elements that contribute to improved accountability in the management of goods and services for a more accountable and inclusive governance. WFD through funding from the UK Department for International Development (DFID) implemented a programme that strengthened the oversight and scrutiny capabilities of the Senate County Public Accounts and Investment Committee (CPAIC). The programme introduced principles of proactive audit to CPAIC to support periodic assessments of identified government projects during their implementation.

In 2015, WFD Kenya shifted the focus of its work to the Senate. During its previous engagements with County Assemblies, the Senate had often played a critical role in resolving intra–county issues that would otherwise have undermined WFD’s work. Seeing the potential in helping the Senate play its role more consistently and effectively, WFD formalized its relationship with the Senate with a MOU and a multi-year programme. This in turn helped the Senate play a more effective role in providing national support and guidance to county governments as per its mandate. The programme aimed at enabling a successful devolution of powers by improving both the legislative and representative roles of the Senate.

The 2010 constitution of Kenya created 47 counties and started the process of devolving power in Kenya’s political institutions. The constitutional reform sought to balance local and national interests by bringing the delivery of vital services such as sanitation, education, and healthcare closer to citizens. The success of devolution is judged by the extent to which service delivery effectively and efficiently reaches all Kenyan citizens. In 2012, WFD, in partnership with civil society organisations (CSOs) and the media, prioritised working with County Assemblies to develop their capacity to oversee and influence the county budget making process. Working with the Centre for Parliamentary Studies and Training (CPST), WFD developed a Public Finance Management manual for legislatures which was utilised in trainings at both national and county levels. Additionally, WFD adopted an innovative approach to working with County Budget and Appropriation Committees (BAPCs) by partnering with former MPs from the National Assembly’s Budget Committee. Through WFD’s help, the former MPs created a specialist working group. The group travelled to counties and provided mentorship to members of the Assemblies’ budget committees as they responded to draft budgets submitted by the county executive.