CRECO HOSTS EMBASSY OF FINLAND DELEGATION

Nairobi, Kenya – 23th June 2025 – The Constitution and Reform Education Consortium (CRECO Kenya) was honoured to host Georginah Gichohi, Cordinator- Funds for Local Cooperation and Liia Ylä-Mononen from the Embassy of Finland in Kenya during a courtesy call with Joshua Changwony, CRECO’s Executive Director. The meeting underscored the critical role of Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) in nation-building, democracy, and safeguarding human rights in Kenya.

CRECO’s Role and Mandate

During the discussion, Mr. Changwony noted that CRECO Kenya is a 27-year-old Public Benefits Organization (PBO) serving as an umbrella body for Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) working on human rights, governance, democracy, and gender. He explained that while its member organizations operate independently across Kenya, CRECO’s primary mandate is to advocate for constitutional compliance and good governance.

A Look Back at Kenya’s CSO History

The Executive Director recounted that CSOs in Kenya date back to the colonial era, with early associations addressing socio-economic issues even before formal structures existed. He mentioned that before 1963, there was no legal framework for NGOs, but persistent advocacy led to the enactment of the NGO Coordination Act in 1990.

He further observed that the 1990s were a pivotal decade for Kenya’s civil society, with many prominent NGOs established between 1992 and 2000. While funding was more accessible then due to pressing political and social challenges, he noted that the operating environment remained restrictive.

Current Challenges and Opportunities in Funding

Mr. Changwony pointed out that geopolitical shifts have led to reduced funding for NGOs in recent years. He stated that international funding remains crucial for governance and human rights work, whereas local funding is often directed toward philanthropic initiatives. However, he expressed optimism about a growing trend of youth-led crowdfunding for activism and advocacy, signaling a shift toward greater local sustainability.

The Impact of CSOs in Kenya’s Development

The Executive Director emphasized that CSOs have been instrumental in Kenya’s democratic progress, including:

 

• • Advocating for electoral reforms

• • Driving constitutional change

• • Mediating political stand-offs and;

• • Protecting human rights

He remarked that NGOs continue to serve as both watchdogs and partners, ensuring government accountability while supporting national development.

Strengthening International Partnerships

The meeting reinforced the importance of global cooperation in advancing governance and human rights. Mr. Changwony reiterated CRECO Kenya’s commitment to fostering strategic alliances to enhance the impact of civil society in Kenya.

Delegation from the Embassy of Finland in Kenya reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening governance and human rights through civil society partnerships during the meeting. Representatives Georginah Gichohi and Liia Ylä-Mononen emphasized Finland’s support for CRECO’s work in advancing digital literacy among the youth, gender equality, and civic participation.

Mr. Changwony thanked the Embassy of Finland for its continued support through the Vijana Tuchanuke (Youth Let’s Wise Up) and the Citizen Resilience Against Manipulation in Kenya (CRAM Kenya); key projects serving the youth on combating mis/disinformation and fake news.