KCDF and TotalEnergies mark World Cleanup Day with school-based clean-up activities
September 24, 2025
KCDF equipping young minds for work, life and impact
September 24, 2025From 17th to 18th September 2025, KCDF participated in the 5th Annual Civic Space Protection Summit held in Nakuru County. The summit gathered over 200 participants nationwide, including representatives from civil society organisations, government agencies, and NGOs. Themed “Reclaiming civic and democratic space amid shrinking freedoms in Kenya,” the summit sought to spotlight the growing threats to democratic spaces.
It emphasised the pivotal role of young people in safeguarding these spaces.
KCDF’s presence at the summit was aligned with its ongoing commitment to promoting an enabling environment for development. As part of its strategic focus, KCDF works to build the capacity of organisations to effectively advocate for policy change and influence governance processes. Representing KCDF at the summit was Sandra Chivumbe, the Foundation’s Programme Officer, who actively participated in key sessions addressing civic freedoms, institutional integrity, the safety and protection of human rights defenders, freedom of expression, and the importance of supportive legal frameworks for civil society organisations.
A standout feature of the summit was the storytelling segment, where civic space defenders from various regions shared their lived experiences. These sessions provided deep insight into the challenges these actors face, ranging from threats and intimidation to legal restrictions, and highlighted their resilience and ingenuity in navigating these obstacles.
Participants agreed that one of the most effective ways to overcome such hurdles is to promote open dialogue with institutional stakeholders and create more inclusive spaces. There was a strong push to embrace alternative forms of engagement, such as interactive exhibitions, theatre performances, and “artivism” (the fusion of art and activism) as tools to inspire grassroots resilience and promote innovation. These creative approaches were seen as essential to amplifying marginalised voices and driving more inclusive civic participation.
Throughout the summit, several urgent calls to action emerged. One key concern was the slow progress on the 17-point agenda that was formulated during the first Civic Space Summit. With only 5% of the commitments achieved to date, participants called for renewed efforts to address the stagnation and reclaim the civic space.
There was also a strong emphasis on the need to continuously monitor and engage in legal reforms to ensure civil society interests are reflected in policy frameworks. Additionally, civic actors were encouraged to reclaim the public narrative by proactively telling their stories and countering misinformation. The summit also highlighted the importance of honoring the legacy of past civic freedom champions while supporting ongoing movements and ensuring meaningful youth inclusion in these efforts.
KCDF’s participation in the summit reaffirmed its strategic positioning in the civic space arena. By engaging in these conversations and platforms, KCDF continues to empower civil society organisations with the tools, knowledge, and networks they need to advocate effectively, influence policy, and drive community-led development. As civic freedoms in Kenya continue to face constraints, the summit served as a timely reminder of the shared responsibility to protect and expand democratic space. KCDF remains committed to this mission, working alongside partners and communities to build a resilient, informed, and active civil society that can help shape a more inclusive and democratic Kenya.
#Advocacy #civicfreedom #policyframeworks #communityvoices
