- Development
Partners 
-
-
-
Introduction
The first Civil Society in Governance was held in November 2009in Kisumu . This is an initiative of Amkeni Wakenya, a project of UNDP to bring together civil society organizations, (NGOs, CBOs, Faith based organizations among other) to exchange ideas and promote democratic governance. These organizations were drawn from all parts of Kenya.
The objectives of the 2009 Civil Society Week were:
1. Showcase the work of various NGOs, CBOs and FBOs.
2. Promote interactions between CSOs and the public
3. Promote constructive engagement between government and civil society
4. Provide an opportunity for self audit by CSOs
Theme
The Theme was Democratic Governance; Are Civil Society Organizations Delivering? This theme was selected because civil society, have an important role in holding government to account and ensuring citizens are taking into consideration in governance issue. However, there are very few opportunities for civil society to conduct self audits and ensure that the same level of accountability that civil society demand of government and public institutions is also true of Civil Society itself. Are the practices of corporate governance within Civil Society organizations sound? Do our governance structures depict prudent management of resources or are they erratic and easily manipulated? Are we accountable to the people in whose name we operate?
Where did the event taking place and why?
The event was held in Kisumu. This was a deliberate strategy within Amkeni Wakenya to get out of Nairobi and move to other parts of Kenya.
Outcome
The Outcome was
1. Improved understanding among civil society of key democratic issues
2. Improved understanding by members of the public of the contribution made by civil society
3. Increased interaction and information sharing, exchange within the democratic governance sector
4. Increased commitment of CSOs to democratic governance practices within their organizations
Resolutions of the Civil Society in Democratic Governance Week
Amkeni Wakenya’s programme development and implementation of activities is informed and overseen by a dynamic and inclusive governance structure.
_Amkeni Wakenya is a UNDP led Facility set up to promote democratic governance in Kenya. Amkeni Wakenya is a UNDP led Facility set up to promote democratic governance in Kenya.
