DFID Kenya Political Empowerment Programme Review
For DFID
Agulhas provided the leadership for the review of multi-donor National Civic Education Programme, leading to design of further activities. The programme piloted innovative approaches to building civil society, and increasing national and local political accountability. The PEP’s reach, its linkages into key decision makers, success in significantly contributing to donor co-ordination, the support for key institutions generating policy debates, building civic education as well as the strengthening of many civil society institutions country-wide were all praiseworthy.
The review supported findings from elsewhere showing that complex Governance programmes like PEP take time to demonstrate impact, requiring consistent and significant investment, and demanding high management inputs. The review recommended that DFID should continue to fund civil society through the PEP, and deepen its commitment by allocating funds for a longer time period. The review also looked to reduce the burden on partners and DFID of their mutual relationship. Whilst still enabling civil society to fulfil its role, and be consistent with DFIDK policy priorities, there were opportunities for the creation of more mature partnerships.
The review also found that creating linkages between the civil society groups, particularly into the structures where policy is made, has great potential to transform. But forcing organisations into marriage through coalitions can be counter-productive.
Areas of Expertise