Collaboration Encouraged Between Counties and Civil Societies at Devolution Gathering
Civil Society and Human Rights Groups Take Centre Stage at the Devolution Conference
The ongoing Devolution Conference, now in its third day, has seen a call for county governments to collaborate more closely with civil society and human rights groups. Tana River Senator Danson Mungatana urged county leaders to view these organisations as partners rather than threats, stating that if civil societies are allowed to operate freely, counties and civil societies will become stronger.
The conference, themed around Human Rights and Social Justice, has brought together key figures such as Suba North MP Millie Odhiambo, Senate Justice, Legal Affairs and Human Rights Committee Chair Hillary Kiprotich, and National Gender and Equality Commission Chair Rehema Jaldesa. A former Prime Minister is expected to deliver a keynote address later this afternoon.
The role of civil society and human rights groups in accountability and governance in Kenyan county governments is crucial. They promote public participation, enhance transparency, advocate for minority and marginalized groups, and hold county governments accountable for service delivery and governance under the devolved system.
According to the Constitution and various Acts such as the County Governments Act and Public Finance Management Act, civil society organisations (CSOs) play a pivotal role in raising awareness and mobilizing citizen engagement, advocating for the inclusion and protection of minorities and marginalized communities, monitoring and holding county governments accountable, and contributing to policy dialogue and reforms.
At the Devolution Conference, civil society representatives use this platform to provide critical insights and demand accountability from counties, often pushing for reforms that advance social justice and human rights within county governance. The 2025 Devolution Conference specifically focused on equity, inclusion, and social justice under Kenya’s devolved system.
Hussein Khalid, CEO of Vocal Africa, urged the opposition to focus on its oversight role, stating that working with the government hinders accountability. Siaya Senator James Orengo lauded civil society groups for holding leaders accountable and urged them to continue calling out bad governance.
The conference is related to the 2025 Devolution Conference and takes place on the Standard channel on WhatsApp. The current discourse is surrounded by concerns over abductions, enforced disappearances, and extrajudicial killings in the country. Mungatana called on governors to accept correction and constructive criticism.
In summary, civil society and human rights groups act as watchdogs, advocates, and facilitators of citizen participation, ensuring that county governments uphold principles of transparency, inclusiveness, and responsiveness during and beyond events like the Devolution Conference.
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