KEN/Support to democracy in Kenya

Description What is done in the programme or project and why, what results are pursued, who benefits from the activities and who are involved in the implementation.

The civic education programme of Uraia Trust,a network of Kenyan civil society organisations, "Rooting Democracy in Kenya throgh an Informed Citizenry 2013-2015" contributes to promoting, securing and defending constitutionalism in Kenya for improved democracy and realization of a just and equitable society. The process of implementing the new Constitution of Kenya adopted in 2010 requires citizen's active participation that will not be effective unless Kenyans have an in depth understanding of the Constitution including the devolved system of government. There is a lack of understanding of the provisions of the Constitution and therefore, Kenyans are not fully able to participate in the governance process and to hold duty bearers to account. Uraia Trust's programme enhances citizens' and duty bearers' knowledge of the Constitution, and it contributes to increasing citizens' participation and establishing county based accountability mechanisms that will increase accountability within county governments. Uraia Trust has the best capacity and networks to provide civic education in Kenya for the moment. It coordinates its activities with other actors providing civic education such as the Kenya National Integrated Civic Education K-NICE. Finland has supported Uraia Trust's civic education programme with 950 000 EUR in 2013.