By Moses Njagih
Ten local organisations have been recognised for championing democracy.
The organisations were feted by the Ford Foundation, an international organisation.
The organisation’s President Luis Antonio Ubiñas said Kenya must rise from the pain of the 2007 electoral violence and ensure that next year’s elections are peaceful and democratic.
Mr Ubiñas is in the country to take part in the foundation’s 50th anniversary celebrations of its activities said in East Africa.
The foundation’s President noted that the peaceful referendum campaigns and the promulgation of a progressive Constitution was an indicator that the country was in the right track towards ensuring the democratisation process is enhanced.
“We believe the realisation of free and fair democracy is key in ensuring stability in the country and your progressive Constitution will be the pillar for the next elections,” he said.
The organisations awarded by the foundation are Akili Dada, Godown Arts Centre, Go Sheng Services, Kenya Human Rights Commission, Kenya Land Alliance and Kenya Women Holding.
Greater democracy
Others are Media Development in Africa (Medeva), Men for the Equality of Men and Women, Twaweza Communications and the Youth Agenda.
The ceremony was attended by Prime Minister Raila Odinga, Speaker Kenneth Marende and Chief Justice Willy Mutunga, who is the foundation’s former Regional Representative for Eastern Africa.
The PM hailed the contribution of the foundation towards the democratisation process in Kenya, noting that it had funded many civil society groups that have been active in the pushing for greater democracy.
“The foundation is one of the only few donors to venture into areas others perceive as no-go zones. It is this boldness and the belief that social justice can only be attained by involving everyone that has contributed to huge transformation of the region,” said Raila.
Raila challenged the youth and women to play active roles in the next year’s political talk and electoral process.
Stay informed. Subscribe to our newsletter
The Standard Group Plc is a
multi-media organization with investments in media platforms spanning newspaper
print operations, television, radio broadcasting, digital and online services. The
Standard Group is recognized as a leading multi-media house in Kenya with a key
influence in matters of national and international interest.
join