Launching the Inclusive Dialogue Mechanism for Strengthened EU-Kenya Civil Society Engagement

The African Women’s Development and Communication Network (FEMNET), the Coalition for Sustainable Development (SDGs Kenya Forum), and Stitching Women Engage for a Common Future International (WECF), with support from the European Union Delegation (EUD) in Kenya, are pleased to announce the establishment of the Inclusive Dialogue Mechanism (IDM) in Kenya. 

This groundbreaking initiative, part of the Meaningful Engagement – Transformative Action (META) for Structured CSOs Dialogue in Kenya, aims to formalize and strengthen structured dialogue between the European Union Delegation to Kenya and Kenyan civil society organizations (CSOs) for the period 2024-2027. 

Speaking at the induction meeting with members of the Inclusive Dialogue Mechanism, Irene Giribaldi, Head of Cooperation, European Union Delegation to Kenya said that “We learn this by listening to the CSOs and using the information to be accountable to the CSOs in Kenya”. 

Key Features of the Dialogue Mechanism: 

The mechanism comprises of 100 members including national level non-government organisations, community/grassroots-based organisations, faith-based organisations, women’s rights organisations, youth indigenous people, persons with disabilities and CSO representatives working with children, adolescent girls, young women, LGBTQI+ and refugees across Kenya.  

The Dialogue Mechanism will be organised into Thematic Working Groups focusing on three priority areas: 

• Green Transition 
• Global Gateway (Digitalization) 
• Governance, Peace, and Security 

With cross-cutting themes addressing Women and Youth Engagement, CSOs Enabling Environment and Human Rights. 

The mechanism ensures representation from all 47 counties and six regional economic blocs in Kenya, with special emphasis on youth-led organizations, women’s rights groups, indigenous people and refugees in all their diversities. 

A steering committee of 15 members will guide the mechanism, comprising representatives from diverse CSOs, CBOs, the European Union Youth Sounding Board, the consortium partners, and the European Union Delegation in Kenya. The committee will facilitate quarterly dialogues that will culminate in an Annual High-Level EU-Kenya Civil Society Forum.

The Inclusive Dialogue Mechanism aims to: 

• Strengthen structured and regular dialogue between Kenyan civil society actors and the EU 
• Enhance skills and knowledge sharing among civil society organizations 
• Maximize the impact of EU-Kenya cooperation through improved coordination 
• Monitor and provide input on the implementation of the Kenya-EU roadmap 

The mechanism is anchored on principles and values of:

• Transparency 
• Meaningful and impactful engagement 
• Collaboration and partnership 
• Adaptability and flexibility 
• Human rights adherence 
• Non discrimination and inclusivity 
• Equal representation 
• Active involvement of grassroot/ community members 
• Accountability 
•  Integrity 

For more information about the Inclusive Dialogue Mechanism, contact Esther Nyawira (e.nyawira@femnet.or.ke) 

This initiative is supported by the European Union Delegation in Kenya as part of its commitment to strengthening civil society engagement and promoting sustainable development in Kenya.