KOWYN at META [Meaningful Engagement Transformative Action]

28th-29th August 2024, Eldoret – The Kenyan Government has a long-standing partnership with the EU which is comprehensive and encompasses the economic, security, political, and social sectors. The model and engagement have changed over the years. However, in the current model, Civil Society Organizations’ voices are lacking. Meaningful Engagement Transformative Action [META] is a project designed to fill this gap.

The Meaningful Engagement – Transformative Action (META) is a joint action of the African Women’s Development and Communication Network (FEMNET), the Coalition for Sustainable Development (SDGs Kenya Forum), and Stichting Women Engage for a Common Future International (WECF), Netherlands with support from the EU Delegation in Kenya.

Karen Kilwake represented KOWYN at the META inception meeting for the North Rift Economic Bloc (NOREB). KOWYN’s board advisor, Monica Yator was also present representing her organization [Indigenous Women and Girls Initiative].

The project (action) aims to strengthen the capacities and influence of Kenyan civil society organizations as independent actors advocating for accountability, good governance, and inclusive development. This will be achieved by providing institutional platforms for their active involvement in the European Union’s international cooperation between 2024-2027. Specifically, the action aims to achieve the following objectives:

• Improve and strengthen structured, inclusive, and regular dialogue platforms between Kenyan civil society actors, local authorities, and the EU, facilitating meaningful and sustained engagement.
• Enhance Kenyan civil society actors’ skills, knowledge, and resources, including youth and women’s rights organizations, to address common development priorities and promote effective governance.
• Increase information sharing, joint planning, and implementation of initiatives among Kenyan civil society actors to maximize the impact of EU-Kenya cooperation.

FEMNET’s Esther Nyawira, SDG Forum’s Jamila Sambuli, and Irene Muinde took attendees through day 1 sessions to bring everyone at par with the goals and outcomes of META. On day 2, there were group discussions and presentations to talk over synergies that can be leveraged from the meeting. Additionally, Solomon Porit of SIKOM Peace Network for Development presented insights from his work in West Pokot.

Currently, three main priority areas are shaping the EU’s cooperation with Kenya;

• Green Transition: Environmental Sustainability and Resilience (KOWYN’s interest).
• Leave no one behind: Human Development and Digital Inclusion.
• Democratic governance: Peace and Stability.

KOWYN is hopeful that the inception meeting and future engagements will bolster CSOs’ active participation in the EU-Kenya cooperation and the implementation of the Global Gateway. If you are interested in learning about the progress of the Climate Action financing, click here.

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Compiled and written by Karen Kilwake