Voices United Series - Session 1 | Claiming The Civic Space – Understanding Power, Voice & Participation

The Voices United training session on Reclaiming Civic Space was held virtually via Zoom on 24 July, 2024, bringing together 25 participants, with a majority (59%) aged between 20–30 years and 58% identifying as female, highlighting the strong emphasis on inclusive youth and gender representation, primarily youth leaders and representatives of civil society organizations (CSOs). The session was organized by The Youth Café, and focused on exploring the evolving landscape of civic engagement in Kenya, emphasizing the strategic role of youth and women in promoting democratic governance.

This virtual convening aimed to unpack the foundational elements of civic space, the Kenyan constitutional framework, the role of digital advocacy, and systemic barriers to meaningful youth and gender inclusion. The lead facilitator was Blair Angima, a constitutional lawyer and public interest litigator, widely respected for his work in civic education and democratic reform.

Objectives of the Session

1. To raise awareness on the significance of civic space as a democratic pillar.

2. To enhance participants’ understanding of the Constitution of Kenya and the structure of government.

3. To empower youth and CSOs with practical tools for effective advocacy, activism, and lobbying.

4. To examine the barriers hindering inclusive participation and co-develop strategies to overcome them.

5. To strengthen digital advocacy skills while mitigating associated legal and security risks.

OPENING

The session opened with remarks by Esther Nora, who welcomed participants and contextualized the importance of reclaiming civic space in Kenya's current democratic moment. She highlighted that the session is part of a broader effort by The Youth Café to ensure youth-led civic education is accessible and action-oriented, especially in digital spaces where young people are most active.

Blair Angima KEY POINTS

Blair Angima began the session by unpacking the Kenyan Constitution as the legal backbone of civic engagement. He walked participants through the structure and roles of the executive, legislature, and judiciary, emphasizing that a deep understanding of these institutions is essential for meaningful participation. He elaborated on the hierarchy within the judiciary, drawing distinctions between superior and subordinate courts, and spotlighted the High Court’s role in upholding constitutional rights and providing recourse for violations. While acknowledging the East African Court of Justice as an avenue for appeal, he reminded participants that it does not override Kenya’s Constitution, therefore, the most effective change must come from within, through national institutions, legal advocacy, and citizen pressure.

He explained that civic space is the environment that allows individuals and organizations to express opinions, organize, mobilize, and influence public policy without fear. However, in Kenya today, this space is under threat. Angima cited restrictions on freedom of assembly, shrinking press freedoms, harassment of activists, and growing digital surveillance as key indicators of a narrowing civic environment. Still, he stressed that these challenges are not insurmountable. With informed citizens and organized civic actors, the tide can shift.

Participants were reminded that reclaiming civic space requires the strategic use of existing legal tools, including public participation forums, petitions, court actions, and digital advocacy. Blair highlighted how digital platforms have become powerful vehicles for civic engagement but cautioned against the risks they pose—such as cyberattacks, misinformation, surveillance, and legal threats like defamation. He urged youth-led organizations to invest in cybersecurity, risk assessments, and secure communication tools to protect themselves and their causes.

CHALLENGES AND MITIGATION

The session delved into the deeply entrenched barriers that hinder meaningful participation by women and youth. These included Parliament’s failure to implement the two-thirds gender rule as mandated under Article 81(b), despite persistent court orders and advocacy. He described how patriarchal norms, gender-based violence, and cultural resistance continue to marginalize women in public life, while financial exclusion and political tokenism undermine the full participation of both women and youth. Token appointments without real influence remain a prevalent practice, and limited access to resources restricts the ability of young candidates to run for office or participate in policy-shaping processes.

In response to these challenges, Blair laid out a compelling framework for action. He called for the fast-tracking of legislation under Article 100, the enforcement of gender quotas, and the inclusion of youth in key decision-making bodies. Political parties must reform their internal structures to promote genuine diversity, and civil society must push for accountability through public interest litigation and continuous civic education. He encouraged investment in mentorship programs, youth parliaments, and women’s leadership forums to nurture a pipeline of future leaders. Moreover, he stressed the importance of expanding the Political Parties Fund to include support for marginalized groups and establishing dedicated leadership development funds at both national and county levels.

He also shared the real-life case of Nelson Amenya, a young whistleblower who exposed corruption and suffered severe consequences for his courage. The story served as a stark reminder of both the power and peril of civic activism and reinforced the need for collective protection and solidarity in digital advocacy spaces.

During the discussion, Vivian, a participant,  raised a vital concern about the lack of advocacy targeting young boys, highlighting an often-overlooked group in development agendas. Blair acknowledged the imbalance and reiterated that the Constitution guarantees equal rights to all children. He encouraged inclusive policy-making that does not pit one group against another but works toward empowering all young people regardless of gender.

CONCLUSION

The session concluded with a resounding call to action. Blair reminded participants that Kenya’s progressive Constitution envisions an inclusive and participatory democracy, but this vision remains unrealized without strong political will, civic mobilization, and institutional accountability. Democracy, he emphasized, is not an event that happens every five years, it is a continuous practice of engagement, resistance, and reform.

Reclaiming civic space is not optional. It is a necessity if Kenya is to build a future where youth and women are not spectators but active co-creators of public life. The path forward will require courage, strategy, and solidarity, but it is only through reclaiming civic space that the promise of democracy can be fulfilled for all.