Democracy & Governance
Like many other developing countries Kenya faces challenges related to the consolidation of democracy, the establishment of good governance, unequal distribution of resources, historical injustices and gender imbalances. Pact Kenya believes that these issues can be best addressed effectively in an atmosphere of trust where ‘Wanjiku’ participates in all in decisions and actions that affect her as this is the best way to bring about positive change. Safeguarding the democratic gains made in Kenya and improving the overall governance environment is key to progress of all kinds – economic, social and political, and especially to addressing the governments own objectives laid out in the Vision 2030. Key to this is getting good law and policy in place and holding all accountable to that law and policy in practice. The political crisis triggered by the December 2007 presidential election bears witness to Kenya's continuing struggle to democratize and improve governance.
Pact Kenya is addressing democtratic challenges in Kenya through 3 key programs. This is especially through the Kenya Civil Society Strengthening Program (KCSSP), and Deepening Government Civil Society Engagement programmes.
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Conflict Management
The dispute over the December 27th, 2007, Presidential election in Kenya thrust Kenya into an inter-tribal conflict between different ethnic factions that has exposed the deeply how fragile peace is especially in a country that had hitherto been seen as an island of peace in a sea of turmoil. Kenya as a country has woken up to the reality that violent conflict is endemic in and between many communities and in many parts of Kenya and the region – driven by poverty but also by a complex mix of historical, political, social, cultural and even religious motives. Although this might cut across all levels, it is much more so in the marginalized and less or under-developed areas – especially along the informal settlements, the rift valley, the coastal zone and at the borders with neighboring countries. As new challenges like competitive politics and climate change compound these historic causes it will become even more important to address structural issues that foster and drive conflict at a fundamental level. Managing conflict will be a key need for government and communities alike.
Pact Kenya is addressing conflict and peace especially through the Kenya Civil Society Strengthening Program (KCSSP) and Peace in East and Central Africa Phase II (PEACE II) Programmes.
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Women's Empowerment
It is well acknowledged that many women are excluded and marginalised by many constraints in the society, key ones being; economic, cultural, socially and political just to mention afew. Pact Kenya is currently coordinating and implementing a women's economic empowerment program - The Self Help Group Program, in partnership with Kindernothilfe. This is being done by targeting the poorest women and giving them not only hope but improved livelihoods and skill that will enable them to fight poverty and bring about developmental changes in their lives. Pact Kenya also has staff seconded into Pact Inc's award winning WORTH program which is being implemented regionally as well as in some parts of Asia.
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Environment and Natural Resources
Today the environmental component is seen as integral to any model of sustainable development. A large proportion of Kenya’s population , depend directly on the natural environment for a major part of their livelihood especially many of those in the rural areas and those suffering from poverty. This natural environment includes the forests, fisheries, water, soils, grazing and other natural resources – as well as the coast, mountains, plains and other parts of this beautiful land that attracts so many tourists. Sustainable and equitable management of the environment as a whole and of these various but limited natural resources are fundamental to development in Kenya. However uncontrolled deforestation, overexploitation of fish stocks and marine resources, poor agricultural practices and land degradation and desertification are interlinked threats to the livelihoods of the poor – but also of the nation as a whole. Addressing these threats requires improved governance - from both government and citizens. As climate change takes hold the consequences on people will become more dramatic and more extreme – disproportionately affecting the poor most. Whether along the coast, in the forests, in the pastoralist areas, in the urban or rural areas, the impact on the lives of poor and ordinary people will need to be managed in order to help people address the causes and respond to the consequences.
Pact Kenya has a long history of addressing environmental and natural resource issues and this is a key area of our expertise and competence. Currently Pact Kenya is addressing environmental issues through the Kenyan Civil Society Strengthening Program (KCSSP); the Community Development Trust Fund (CDTF- CEF); the Tourism Trust Fund (TTF) and other projects across a number of sites in Kenya. Given the concerns over how development choices, population growth, climate change and, in some cases, conflicts are shaping and impacting the natural and nature-based assets in Kenya and of the region, this will continue to be a key thematic platform for Pact Kenya in the years to come.
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