Annual Performance Report: Safeguarding Democratic Spaces in Kenya (SADES-K)

The project's primary objective is to strengthen democratic institutions and processes, promote civic engagement, and enhance the capacity of civil society organizations to advocate for democratic reforms. During the period October 1, 2018 - September 30, 2019, SADES-K supported the conceptualization and roll out of key project activities in support of the Building Bridges to Unity Initiative (BBI) Taskforce. The project provided technical assistance, strategic communications, material support, and validation workshops to the BBI Taskforce in five key strategic areas: County Engagement Forums, technical assistance, strategic communications, material support, and validation workshops. In addition to supporting the BBI, SADES-K initiated and completed a grant process that resulted in awarding 10 grants across the SADES-K result areas. The grantees attended a SADES-K Grantee Induction and Monitoring and Evaluation Workshop, which enabled the roll out of grantee activities. SADES-K also contracted the Institute of Development Studies, University of Nairobi (UoN) to carry out the national dialogue monitoring process. The project's Theory of Change and USAID's Journey to Self-Reliance (J2SR) policy framework will continue to guide activities through year 2. In Year 2, FHI 360 will deepen its engagement with civil society, government, and private sector stakeholders to align even more closely with the agency's J2SR mandates, including addressing corruption. The project's context analysis indicates that the formation of BBI had a dual effect of bringing relative calmness to the country and creating a major political division. Deputy President Ruto blamed the Handshake agenda for a rift within the ruling Jubilee party and openly targeted Raila Odinga for criticism. President Kenyatta stated that there is no turning back in the anti-graft war. Positive sentiment toward the BBI quickly changed with the formation of Tanga Tanga and Kieleweke movements. Despite relative calm in most counties during the reporting period, the Coastal region experienced several instances of insecurity with the return of militia groups. Early in the year Marsabit county also experienced conflict and insecurity, which was viewed to be politically instigated. Narok county also experienced insecurity with two Masai clans fighting each other. In the eastern region, Kitui and Garissa counties also had disputes that resulted in tribal conflict. The state of the media this year largely remained unchanged, with little introduction of laws or policy proposals that gravely or otherwise infringed on press freedoms. However, there was one new bill to register and license online platforms, including WhatsApp groups, Facebook, and Twitter, among others. The proposal by Malava MP Malulu Injendi went through the first reading early in October. SADES-K's grant process resulted in awarding 10 grants across the SADES-K result areas. The grantees will implement their activities in Year 2, guided by the project's Theory of Change and USAID's J2SR policy framework. FHI 360 will deepen its engagement with civil society, government, and private sector stakeholders to align even more closely with the agency's J2SR mandates, including addressing corruption. The project's context analysis highlights the need for continued support to democratic development in Kenya. The BBI Taskforce's efforts to promote unity and address corruption are crucial in this regard. SADES-K's grant process and technical assistance will continue to support the implementation of democratic reforms in Kenya. SADES-K's engagement with civil society, government, and private sector stakeholders will be critical in addressing corruption and promoting democratic development in Kenya. The project's Theory of Change and USAID's J2SR policy framework will guide activities through year 2, ensuring that the project remains aligned with the agency's mandates and priorities.