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Partners 
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1. Background
The Joint Statement of Intent between UNDP and Development Partners envision the holding of an Annual Civil Society Week. The Civil Society Week is aimed at bringing all Amkeni Wakenya partners together to discuss and forge common understanding of key democratic governance issues which can also guide Amkeni’s engagement with wider civil society, government, Development Partners and stakeholders. Since inception Amkeni has held two Civil Society Weeks in 2009 and 2010. In each of the two events attention is often focused on topical issues relevant to Civil Society and stakeholders. For instance, in 2009 the focus was: Democratic Governance: Is Civil Society Delivering?
The Civil society Week of 2010 was held at the backdrop of the then just ended Constitutional Referendum and the enactment of the 2010 Constitution of Kenya. The Civil Society Week was therefore billed as a framework for creating a momentum for the implementation process. During this meeting key discussions revolved around the implementation of the Constitution and the expected participation by Civil Society.
2. Civil Society Week 2011: Issues for Consideration
The 2011 Civil Society Week is also being held against the backdrop of the (a) implementation of the Constitution; and (b) preparations for the 2012 Elections, and will be the second after the enactment of the Constitution and more importantly, probably the only to be held before the General Elections of 2012. Some of the relevant issues guiding the 2011 CSW are:
i. The 2012 Election and possibility of Violence: This will be the first election after the disputed 2007 elections that led to the Post Election Violence (PEV). While the Coalition Government is in place, sharp divisions still exist that may explode to hostilities if not well handled. The elections will be held in an atmosphere of huge expectations, and unconcluded national events and processes. The IDPs remain unresolved as of now, the implementation of the Constitution continues but with severe challenges, the strength of political parties are still being tested, while the case of the Ocampo Six case at the International Criminal Court remains a serious threat to national stability. This and the process of holding to account other perpetrators of the 2008 PEV will affect the environment within which the polls will be held.
To this end the CSW will gauge the level of national preparedness especially on the part of security forces including the Police, national institutions such as the National Integration and Cohesion Commission, which all contribute greatly to peaceful elections and stability. The role of Political Parties as a vehicle for peaceful elections will be addressed. During the 2007 General Elections and the resultant violence, ‘most media were seen as part of the problem, as their reporting fell short of basic ethics for media elections coverage. To this end their role delivering peaceful elections will be addressed.
ii. 2012 Elections – Implications for New Devolved Governance: The new devolved structure will be rolled out by the 2012 elections. The election system will change dramatically from a system where a citizen only elected 3 representatives to over 6 candidates in 2012. This will require concerted civic and voter education to enable citizens to meaningfully engage. Efforts by the Ministry of Justice in the soon to be launched Kenya National Civic Education Programme will be highlighted during the CSW. Speakers will also focus on identifying strategies for voter education and engaging citizens at the County level. Focus will also be on the role of the media in the delivery of free, fair and peaceful elections.
iii. Introduction of New National Values and Provisions on Integrity And Leadership: Article 10 of the Constitution introduces new values such as patriotism, national unity, the rule of law, democracy and public participation as part of the national psyche. Chapter 6 of the Constitution introduces new principles through which all those who hold state authority must uphold. If these values are to take root, civil society must endaevour to ensure that the People of Kenya understand and internalize these principles. The infusion of ethics and integrity in leadership, will lead to better accountability and prudent use of resources. The Public forum at the Civil Society will seek to promote the need to ensure that only leaders of impeccable integrity are elected in 2012. To further advance this process, a workshop will be held to devise strategies of infusing ethics and integrity in leadership.
iv. Review of the Implementation of the Constitution by CSOs: The Constitutional Implementation has been ongoing but has witnessed delays brought about by suspicion among the various implementation organs. The Commission Implementation on the Constitution has in the past pointed a finger at the Office of the Attorney General and the Executive for the delays in enactment of crucial laws. The delays in enactment put the delivery of a free and fair election at risk as the electoral body, the Independent Elections and Boundaries Commission is ye t be formally constitute Similarly, the laws that will determine to establishment of County Governments such as Public Finance Management Bill and Devolution Bill are yet to be enacted.
Beyond this, there is an attempt to amend the Constitution, to change the date of elections from August to December and also ostensibly provide for a mechanism for realization of the 2/3 gender rule. The CSW will provide a platform for amore in-depth illumination of these issues with a view to providing strategies of enhancing the reform momentum.
3.0 Objectives and Outputs of the CSW
Outputs of CSW 2011:
3. Date and Venue
The CSW 2010 will take place from 31st October to 5th November, 2011.
The Venue will be Green Hills Hotel in Nyeri.
4. Methodology/Structure
During the CSW, participants will engage with sector experts, citizens (Wananchi), and representative organizations in the following ways:
Civil Society Week Planning Committee: A CSW Planning Committee was constituted by the SRG. This Committee is chaired by Hope Muli. Other members are: Lucy Makena, Geoffrey Lipale and Monica Amolo, chair of the SRG. The PMU is represented by Rebecca Muniu, Zaya Yeebo and Edward Asitiiba.
Amkeni Wakenya’s programme development and implementation of activities is informed and overseen by a dynamic and inclusive governance structure.
_Amkeni Wakenya is a UNDP led Facility set up to promote democratic governance in Kenya. Amkeni Wakenya is a UNDP led Facility set up to promote democratic governance in Kenya.
