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 overall objective of the civic education Programme "Rooting Democracy in Kenya throgh an Informed Citizenry 2016-2020" is to contribute towards an informed, empowered and democratic society in Kenya. The Programme has three outcomes 1) Increased civic knowledge and awareness on right and responsibilities enshrined in the constitution; 2) Increased citizen and Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) participation, engagement and oversight in governance at the national and county level and 3) Increased implementation of policy and legislative reforms. Special emphasis is given to the gender equality and participation of women and marginalized groups. Programme is implemented by Uraia Trust. The contribution of Finland to the second phase of the Programme amounts to 3,2 million euros for the period 2016-2019. Finland has supported Uraia to implement the first phase of the programme "Rooting Democracy" with 2 million euros during the period 2014-2015 as well as Trust's civic education programme amid the last national elections in 2013 with 950 000 EUR. Benefiaciaries of the Programme are Kenyans (special emphasis on women and marginalized groups)as well as CSOs and Counties in Kenya. The aim is to reach 18 million citizens, as was done in the previous programme. Uraia has a large network of registered partners and it coordinates its support with other organisations that also provide civic education. Uraia's work has been evaluated, previously in 2014. According to the evaluation Uraia has provided quality civic and election education in Kenya. Uraia has managed to strengthen the capacity of the CSO's at the county level and cooperation between CSO's at the national level. Uraia has a skillful personnel and it is a credible actor both within the CSOs and state and county administration. Programme has gained positive results although civic education is not enough on its own to assure increased civil activity. When citizens have learned more about their rights and gained more courage to defend those rights, counties have reacted positively to demands. Uraia has also paid special attention to developing its monitoring system based on the findings of the evaluation.