USAID supports an inclusive, peaceful, and well-governed society that promotes dignity and civic engagement.  Kenya has reached many democratic milestones, including:

  • The adoption of an inclusive and progressive Constitution in 2010. 

  • A more decentralized governance structure of 47 county governments with increased county capacity in public expenditure management and enhanced public participation.

  • The formulation of county-level action plans to counter violent extremism with participation of community members, religious leaders, and the government.

PROGRAM AREAS

Safeguarding Democratic Space

USAID supports government institutions and civil society organizations (CSOs) to strengthen Kenya’s governance reform agenda and secure democratic gains enshrined in the 2010 Constitution.  Our programming is grounded in a locally driven co-creation process led by Kenyans.  The goal is to further participation in the national dialogue process, promote social and ethnic cohesion, protect civic and democratic space, and monitor the implementation of strong governance practices.

Inclusive Governance, Accountability, Performance, and Participation (K-IGAPP)

USAID builds partnerships with and among Kenyans to promote transformational change in key governance systems and processes.  Results include:  

  • Fraud, waste, and abuse  decreased; 

  • accountability and transparency in democratic processes improved, 

  • citizen resilience against political manipulation enhanced;  

  • accountability to county governments and citizens increased;  

  • civic and media space protected and citizen networks strengthened;  

  • women and youth rights protected and advanced; and 

  • accelerated learning and adaptive management strengthened.

Empowering Local Development Organizations

Kenyan civil society plays an important role in government oversight and advancing an inclusive development agenda.  At the county level, civil society organizations (CSOs) rooted in the communities they serve are forming local development organizations (LDOs) to advance the principles of self-reliance and locally sustained and accountable development.  We work with these CSOs and LDOs to help strengthen capacity to engage and catalyze citizens, government, and the private sector for county-led development. 

Preventing Violent Extremism and Promoting Peace

Attacks by violent extremist groups within Kenya’s borders have increased in recent years. Kenyan citizens, particularly marginalized youth are recruitment targets for violent extremist groups.  We partner with Kenyan Government and civil society to advance aspects of Kenya’s National Countering Violent Extremism Strategy, supporting the government and communities to work together to detect and address radicalization and violent extremism.  To mitigate conflict, we foster and support inclusive dialogue among communities and catalyze vertical and horizontal peacebuilding, social cohesion, and stability in Kenya.

FACT SHEETS

Overview: Democratic Governance, Peace, and Security

Activity Fact Sheets

Kenya Electoral Conflicts Mitigation & Civic-Voter Education Support

Peaceful and Accountable Democratic Process for a Cohesive Kenya

Strengthening Electoral and Accountability and Inclusivity

YETU Initiative

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Sarah Alouch, an educator with the Kenya Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission, provides information to voters.
Sarah Alouch, an educator with the Kenya Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission, provides information to voters.
Faith Njunge/USAID