OUR PROGRAMMES
Demand for Government Accountability
Meanwhile, the inclusion of marginalized groups — particularly women, persons with disabilities (PWDs), and youth — remains limited. Devolution, which was intended to bring governance closer to the people, continues to face structural challenges, including inadequate funding, poor implementation frameworks, and the replication of corruption at the county level.
Haki Yetu’s Democratic Governance Program is anchored in the organization’s vision of a society founded on human rights, democracy, and the rule of law. The program seeks to hold public officials and institutions accountable to these values while promoting the meaningful participation of marginalized groups in governance.
We focus on building the capacity of women, youth, and PWDs to engage in decision-making processes and electoral systems. Our network of over 140 young human rights defenders and accountability champions across the Coast region plays a vital role in demanding transparency, better service delivery, and inclusive governance. Women in Kilifi, Mombasa, and Kwale have been central to advocacy efforts around electoral participation, while PWDs in Kwale have been mobilized to push for collective representation and voice.
Ahead of the 2022 general elections, these groups led groundbreaking social vetting initiatives for political candidates across Mombasa, Kilifi, Tana River, and Kwale. A major highlight was the Kilifi County gubernatorial debate, featuring the four main candidates – including the current governor – which was aired live on national television (KTN) during primetime.
Haki Yetu also plays a convening role among civil society organizations (CSOs) in the region. We coordinate governance networks in Kilifi and Mombasa and actively support similar platforms in other counties. Through these networks, we’ve championed the development and adoption of critical policies, including frameworks for public participation in county governance.
In response to the shrinking civic space and the rise of an increasingly vocal and engaged Generation Z, Haki Yetu continues to innovate and expand its democratic governance work in preparation for the 2027 elections – ensuring that citizens remain at the heart of Kenya’s democratic journey.