In a strong effort to protect freedoms and boost democracy, KECOSCE will show the Civic Space Protection and Promotion Toolkit on Wednesday, 23rd April 2025, in Kilifi.

With help from the UNDP AMKENI Wakenya and the Embassy of the Netherlands, this toolkit is set to give civil society groups, activists, journalists, and leaders practical ways to defend and grow the civic space against rising threats to democracy in Kenya.

A new time for civic strength is here with the launch of the Civic Space Protection and Promotion Toolkit, a resource aimed at strengthening freedoms in Kenya. Created by KECOSCE, the toolkit offers steps that civil society groups, rights defenders, activists, journalists, and local leaders can use to safeguard and promote engagement and key freedoms.

The launch, set for Wednesday, 23rd April 2025 in Kilifi, comes as civic space in Kenya faces more challenges, like strict laws, more digital spying, harassment of rights defenders, high force used by security, and a big reliance on funding.

KECOSCE Executive Director Ms. Phyllis Muema says the toolkit is timely and important in keeping democracy strong. “A vibrant space is key to democracy. This toolkit gives knowledge and tools to defend rights and boost voices. We invite the news media, leaders, and the public to join us in this important talk,” she said.

The toolkit not only pushes for change but gives practical advice on legal rules, safety plans, and community work methods. It’s meant to help citizens engage with County and National governments, impact policy choices, and check public governance with ease.

Ms. Muema stressed that keeping civic freedoms—like the freedom to speak, gather, and join—is key to fostering trust in public bodies and matching governance with what people want. “When citizens can hold government, state bodies, and companies accountable, real development happens,” she noted.

The toolkit also sees the tight space civil society works in and offers ways to deal with these issues. By boosting the skills of CSOs and related stakeholders, the plan aims to protect the democratic space needed for shared governance and social growth.

With support from the UNDP AMKENI Wakenya program and the Embassy of the Netherlands, the making of the toolkit shows growing awareness of the need for lasting, local solutions to civic space challenges in Kenya.

The launch is expected to bring many, like media workers, leaders, community heads, and civil society reps, who are united by a shared goal to protect rights and push for strong democracy in Kenya.