By Nyang’au Araka
A coalition of civil society groups, activists, and governance actors has raised alarm over “a steady erosion of democracy, shrinking civic space, and worsening economic conditions in Kenya.”
In a joint statement issued after a leadership retreat in Lukenya, Athi River, the groups said the country is at a “critical moment,” warning that while democratic institutions appear intact, their effectiveness is under threat.
“Kenya’s formal democratic structures seem intact. But their substance is eroding under the weight of institutional capture, declining public trust, economic hardship, and a shrinking civic space,” the statement read.
The coalition referenced the June 2024 Gen Z protests, describing them as a turning point in public sentiment.
“They were not just a protest. They were a verdict… on broken promises and unmet expectations,” the groups said, calling for “sustained, organized democratic renewal.”
The organizations also expressed concern over alleged crackdowns on civic freedoms, citing cases of abductions, surveillance, intimidation, and interference with places of worship.
“The attack on civic space is unacceptable,” the statement said, adding that such actions undermine citizens’ constitutional rights to free expression and participation.
On governance, the coalition warned of increasing concentration of power and interference in independent institutions.
“Parliament must defend its independence… our institutions must serve the Constitution, not political convenience,” it stated.
The groups further called for urgent electoral reforms ahead of the 2027 General Election, urging the strengthening of the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) and the introduction of campaign financing regulations.
They also appealed to young people to register as voters, noting that “your participation matters. Every vote counts.”
Economic concerns featured prominently in the statement, with the coalition highlighting rising living costs, unemployment, and strained public services.
“Maisha ni mbaya for millions of Kenyans… a daily reality marked by rising costs of living, shrinking opportunities, and growing uncertainty,” the statement read.
The groups criticized what they termed misplaced government priorities, pointing to increased State House spending amid challenges in health and education sectors.
“The State House budget cannot expand while hospitals collapse and classrooms overflow,” they said.
They also urged transparency and accountability in the use of public funds, emphasizing that “public funds are a shared resource belonging to all Kenyans.”
“The Constitution does not grant you the power to silence citizens. It commands you to protect them.”
The statement was issued by a broad coalition of civil society and governance organizations, including Inuka Kenya Ni Sisi, InformAction, Centre for Multiparty Democracy, Uraia Trust, and Africa Centre for Open Governance.
Other participants included Transparency International Kenya, Federation of Women Lawyers Kenya, Defenders Coalition, Mzalendo Trust, and Elections Observation Group.
Additional groups were PAWA254, Elimu Bora Coalition, The Institute for Social Accountability, Siasa Place, CRECO, alongside youth, disability, and economic justice organizations.