Nyahururu: Civil society organizations (CSOs) play a crucial role in complementing government efforts by advocating for policies and improving governance, former Makueni governor and human rights activist Prof. Kivutha Kibwana stated. He urged national and county governments to respect and facilitate the networking needs of CSOs to achieve sustainable development goals.
According to Kenya News Agency, Prof. Kibwana emphasized that civil societies should not be viewed as competitors but as partners in development and community mobilization. He stressed the importance of allowing CSOs the space to operate, enabling them to hold the government accountable while fostering cooperation among themselves for enhanced accountability.
Prof. Kibwana made these remarks during a press briefing following his keynote address at the Annual CSO Network Conference held at Nyahururu's St. Martin Catholic Social Apostolate Hall. The conference gathered various community groups, faith-based organizations, and human rights groups from Nyandarua, Laikipia, and Nakuru Counties.
Key speakers, including Prof. Kibwana and the Director of St. Martin CSA, Maurice Muthiga, highlighted that networking among CSOs enhances their ability to amplify citizen voices, increase capacity, and foster democratic innovation through resource sharing and coordinated efforts. They noted that financial constraints remain a significant challenge for CSOs, but collaboration can help address these issues by identifying areas for cooperation and reducing the duplication of activities.
The speakers warned that without a supportive environment for networking and collaboration, CSOs face restrictions that limit their ability to effectively serve communities and contribute to societal progress.