Source: Embassy of Finland in Nairobi |

Finland supports devolution and women´s participation in governance

The preparation for the 2017 elections is also one of the key components of the programme

NAIROBI, Kenya, February 5, 2016/APO (African Press Organization)/ --

The Government of Finland and Uraia Trust have signed a 3.2 million euro agreement for the implementation of the Rooting Democracy through Informed Citizenry  –programme in 2016-2019.

Through the collaboration with Uraia Trust Finland supports the implementation of the Kenya Constitution and its objects of Devolution: Democratic and accountable exercise of power, participation of people in the decision making processes affecting them and the right of communities to manage their own affairs and further their development. Uraia and its partners have very encouraging examples of increased and more equitable investment in crucial services like health and water when citizen voices have been heard in county level planning and budgeting.

The preparation for the 2017 elections is also one of the key components of the programme. Uraia has a track record of delivering quality voter education in all parts of Kenya, and it will complement the efforts by the IEBC in reaching out to citizens and informing them about the electoral process, and the rights and the duties of the both the authorities and the electorate itself. Uraia will support the national efforts for increased voter registration, too.  

Women´s participation not only in electoral but all governance processes is the third programme priority. The constitutional provision of not more than 2/3 of the same gender in all elective and appointive positions provides a framework for increasing women´s leadership opportunities. Finland supports the national efforts for the realization of the 2/3 principle, and hopes to see more women elected in the next elections. In Finland the experience shows how greater participation of women has yielded in more positive development outcomes for the entire society.

Civil society provides an important vehicle for people to participate in important national and county debates. Their role in the implementation of democracy and development in Kenya must therefore be safeguarded.  Therefore we would like to again urge the Government of Kenya to implement as soon as possible the Public Benefit Organizations Act of 2013, which provides an excellent framework for the regulation of civil society organizations while at the same time ensuring transparency and accountability in the sector’s work.  

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Embassy of Finland in Nairobi.