Western powers turn to NGOs in push for reforms

Western nations are turning to non-governmental organisations in their quest to exert pressure on the Kenyan Government to implement reforms.

It appears to be a growing realisation that there are few in government who are ready to push for reforms, which the foreigners hope will keep Kenya from having a repeat of politically-fuelled violence.

Last Friday, US ambassador Michael Ranneberger said his country will give more support to all NGOs and individuals pursuing the reform agenda.

His promise that Washington would not relent in the quest for pushing the government up the path of reforms came a day after Foreign Affairs minister Moses Wetangula said Kenya would respond in kind to visa bans on unspecified individuals in Nairobi.

The US has been relentless in its push to have the government reform in time for the next election. “In the coming weeks, we will be announcing new initiatives to expand our engagement through increased support to grassroots youth organizations, empowerment of women, religious organizations, reform-minded MPs and increased dialogue with the civil society,” he said.

He urged the Law Society of Kenya to continue playing a leading role in the reform process. He expressed President Obama’s concerns over the slow pace of reforms and urged Kenyans to press peacefully for a speedy implementation of Agenda Four of the National Accord.

“It is important that all Kenyans who want to see peaceful change come together in a more coordinated fashion to send an unequivocal message to the entire political class on the need for reforms,” he said. He reiterated his government’s support to the reform process through financial and expert aid to Kenyans focused on change.

“We are providing millions of dollars to support the reform agenda, including technical and financial assistance to Parliament, civil society, land reform, the Interim, Independent Electoral Commission and constitutional reform,” he said. His sentiments come in the wake of the EU’s stated intention to push for reforms through NGOs. The US has also held a meeting with reform-minded MPs.

At the European Development Days Conference in Nairobi last Wednesday, both top EU representatives said the body will give more support to NGOs to push for reform.

“The EU has seen an opportunity in supporting the civil society in enhancing change and will continue to support non-state actors in influencing the reform agenda,” said the EU head of delegation to Kenya Eric Van der Linden. Swedish envoy Ann Dismorr said the EU “is ready to support the agents of change in Kenya.”