ECCES and other Kenya-IGAPP elections support programs will contribute to Kenyan-owned, Kenyan-led, and Kenya-managed processes that build on the country’s incremental improvements in electoral quality by supporting key institutions in the election management chain. It will do so through effective management of electoral processes in ways that potent the greatest influence on public confidence (e.g. securing the safety and security of all citizens, safeguarding their human rights, and deepening the inclusion of traditionally marginalized groups (e.g. women, youth, and people with disabilities).

Objectives:

• To implement a project engagement, that seeks to ensure civil society, women and youth successfully participate in democratic processes, lead voter/civic education, and implement local strategies to mitigate and respond to electoral violence.
• To build upon electoral reforms previously supported by USAID/KEA to contribute to a credible, peaceful, and inclusive 2022 general election in Kenya to indirectly benefit all Kenyans and overall contribute to peace, stability, and economic development.

Expected Outcomes:

• The resilience of vulnerable populations and environments improved.
• Voters effectively participate in the electoral process through independent and informed decisions
• Inclusion of Women, Youth, and Persons living with disabilities (PWDs) in Electoral Processes and Decision-Making Spaces Increased.
• Violence in Kenya’s 2022& 2027 Electoral Cycle is Prevented and Mitigated.

Impact Stories, Achievements

• To increase the number of women, youth, and PWDs participating in decision-making spaces, by enhancing their awareness of the importance of public participation and engagement in democratic processes, MIDRIFT HURINET through the ECCES Program conducted a series of youth civic education forums during the period March 2023-June 2023 in Naivasha Sub-County. Following these engagements, one of the youth groups – Mtaani Konnect – submitted proposals on priority projects during the public consultative forums for the Year 2023/2024 Budget Estimates. One of the proposals to construct a perimeter wall at Naivasha Social Hall was approved in the budget estimates for implementation by the County Government of Nakuru during the Financial Year 2023/2024.
• Nakuru City residents organize to strategically engage the Nakuru City Board and City Manager on the management of the City in improving service delivery: Since the onset of devolution in 2013, Nakuru County had not institutionalized Citizen Engagement Forums as envisioned in Sec. 22 and Schedule II of the Urban Areas and Cities Act (2011) (amended in 2019). As a result of the engagement with the City Management Board through the ECCES Programme, the City Board developed a calendar for civic engagements between the Board and the residents. These engagements have addressed some of the pertinent issues affecting service delivery to the city residents (e.g., the perennial drainage challenge in Koinange Estate in Nakuru Town West).
• Formation of Peace Champions in Kihingo, Njoro Constituency bringing on board community leaders from the Kikuyu and the Kalenjin communities. These Champions have spearheaded inter-communal peace conversations without the support of MIDRIFT; leading to decreased incidences of petty crimes in the localities. There is enhanced coordination and collaboration between the peace champions, the chiefs, the police, and the Assistant County Commissioners stationed in the various Divisions in Njoro Sub-County. This is to ensure sustainability beyond MIDRIFT HURINET-USAID support.
• Watch the impact stories