Kitui Civil Society Organisations Endorse Self-Regulation

The Kitui County Civil Societies Network also seeks to shed negative image that has dogged them where alleged briefcase outfits obtain donor funds but have minimal impact to targeted communities. Already, the self-regulatory body has received backing of PEN Kenya Public Benefit Organisation. Its Civic Freedoms Coordinator John Owegi  said that the regulations will go a long way in promoting order and professionalism among members. This, he said, will promote discipline and accountability among Civil Society Organisations,  CSOs. "The framework is very important because it is going to instill discipline and accountability among network members", said Mr Owegi.

Kitui CSONetwork Chairperson Kilonzi Kangangi said members within the framework will work under a shared code of ethics. "Discipline is essentially internal. The self-regulation framework is meant to cultivate discipline within organisations. Member organisations could oversight one another while respecting each other's independence", said Kangangi.

Kangangi said when peers monitor one another,  they are likely to accept advisory unlike when it is done by external partners. This, he added, is because when local CSOs self regulate, they understand challenges they face and are Iikely to offer workable best practices related to prudent management,  transparency and accountability. 

The development of the framework was sponsored by the UNDP Amkeni Wakenya. Centre for Human Rights and Civic Education Programme Officer Rose Muthoni  confirmed. "CHRCE was supported by UNDP Amkeni Wakenya to facilitate the development of the document.  Our role was largely to provide resources that enabled its formulation".