Collaborative Workshop on enhancing the participation of Special Interest Groups (SIGs) in electoral and governance

Progress towards enhancing the participation of Special Interest Groups (SIGs) in electoral and governance processes in Kenya was marked by a collaborative workshop aimed at reviewing and updating the SIG Implementation and Monitoring Framework, initially developed by the Technical Working Group of the Uchaguzi platform earlier this year.

This diverse advocacy platform brings together key organizations, including the Electoral Law and Governance Institute for Africa (ELGIA), the Centre for Multiparty Democracy Kenya (CMD-Kenya), the Federation of Women Lawyers Kenya (FIDA-Kenya), the Election Observation Group (ELOG), and the Kenya National Commission on Human Rights (KNCHR), among others.

The framework prioritizes key electoral reforms focused on increasing SIGs' involvement in electoral processes. The workshop achieved several objectives, such as assessing consolidated electoral reforms aimed at SIGs, presenting the SIG Matrix and its current status, and addressing emerging challenges that affect SIGs in the electoral landscape.

The workshop employed a variety of delivery methods, including informative presentations and group discussions, to explore and identify effective strategies for enhancing SIGs' participation in upcoming electoral cycles. This joint initiative strives to create an inclusive governance framework by ensuring that all voices, particularly those of marginalized groups, are heard and represented in the electoral process.Through these collaborative efforts, the platform is working towards a more equitable and participatory electoral system in Kenya.