Scholars agree that modern political democracies are almost impossible without vibrant, free and activist civil societies. In Africa, as in many other parts of the developing world, civil societies have arisen as a response to the dysfunction and despotism of the postcolonial state.
Given the current political developments in Kenya, including a new constitution promulgated in August 2010 that has been applauded as being very progressive and with an elaborate chapter on Bills of Rights, and its continuing implementation, the relatively peaceful, largely “free and fair” general elections of March 2013 that KHRC monitored, it can be said that the organization has positively played a positive role in the last quarter of a century but there is still a long way to go for real democratic principles to be permanently enshrined among the Kenyan political elites and state institutions and as such KHRC must continue on its struggle to keep the various regimes that come into power on their toes and engage them on the way towards ensuring a strong and stable Kenyan state that is deeply rooted in democratic governance and that has accountability, transparency and respect for human rights.
This thesis there seeks to examine how civil society, represented in this case study by KHRC have contributed to the increased democratic space in Kenya, and therefore be able to conclude whether civil society and NGOs contribute to democratization and democratic governance within the state.
Scholars agree that modern political democracies are almost impossible without vibrant, free and activist civil societies. In Africa, as in many other parts of the developing world, civil societies have arisen as a response to the dysfunction and despotism of the postcolonial state.
Table of Contents
1.0 Introduction
1.1 Structure of the Thesis
1.2. Problem statement
1.2.1 Context
1.3 Assumptions
1.4 Research Objectives
1.4.1 Specific Objectives
1.5. Research Questions
1.6. Hypothesis
1.7. Research Methodology and research design
1.8. Limitations of the Study
1.9. Conceptual Clarifications
2.0 Defending Qualitative Methods
2.1 The Merits of Case Study
2.2. The Narrative
2.3. Secondary Sources
3.0 State of Art/Theory
3.1 Liberal Democracy Model
3.1.1 Civil society and democratization: The Liberal school of thought
4.0 Democracy in the Developing Countries
4.1 Civil Society and Democracy in the Developing Countries
4.1.1 Role of the Civil Society in a developing country context
4.2 Democracy in the developing countries post Cold War
5.0. Kenya
5.1. Kenya’s Political Discourse
5.2 Democracy Transition in Kenya
5.3 Kenya’s unfinished Agendas
5.4. The Civil Society and Democracy in Kenya
5.5 CSOs as advocates and monitors of Democracy in early 1990s
5.6 Political Developments in the decade 1990-2000
5.7 State and Civil Society Relations
5.8 Close relationship between Civil Society and the NARC Government: Beyond 2003
6.0 The Kenya Human Rights Commission
6.1 History of the KHRC
6.2 KHRC’s Vision and Mission
6.3 KHRC’s strategies and activities that contribute to democratization and democratic governance
6.3.1 KHRC's Strategies
6.3.1.1 Advocacy
6.3.1.2 Research, Monitoring and Documentation
6.3.1.3 Rights Based Approach to Change
6.3.2 KHRC’s Activities
6.3.2.1 Civil and Political Rights
6.3.2.2 Equality and Non-Discrimination
6.3.2.3 Economic Social and Rights
6.3.2.4 The Human Rights Education Programme
6.3.2.5 Electoral Monitoring
6.4. Relations with the Government
6.5. Influence on state policy formulation and implementation
6.5.1 The New 2010 Constitution of Kenya
6.6. Relations with other organizations
6.6.1 International NGOs and other development agencies
6.6.2 National NGOs
6.6.3 Grassroots and Community Based Organizations
7.0. Analyzing KHRC’s role in promoting democratic governance
8.0 Conclusion
Research Objectives and Thematic Focus
This thesis examines the role of civil society, specifically the Kenya Human Rights Commission (KHRC), in promoting democratic governance and contributing to the democratic transition in Kenya. By analyzing its activities, strategies, and relationships with various stakeholders, the research aims to conclude whether civil society and NGOs significantly influence the democratization process within the state.
- The impact of civil society and NGOs on democratic governance in developing countries.
- The role of the Kenya Human Rights Commission (KHRC) in advocating for constitutional and institutional reforms in Kenya.
- The evolution of NGO-government relations from the 1990s to the contemporary political landscape.
- Strategies for grassroots mobilization and their influence on policy formulation and state accountability.
- The challenge of democratic consolidation and the role of NGOs as watchdogs against authoritarian tendencies.
Excerpt from the Book
1.2.1 Context
Ever since achieving independence, Kenya has witnessed what Murungi (2009) refers to as the most egregious violations of human rights that include among others torture, political murders and assassinations, political repression, detention without trial, corruption and theft of state resources, all which have been conducted with impunity. These activities point out to a country that is predominantly undemocratic and which does not follow democratic principles of governance. But at the same time, this period has also seen the establishment of important human rights and governance organizations, pressure groups, citizens groups, and community based groups all which sought to promote and protect the rights of Kenyans while also lobbying for a democratic and plural society.
Summary of Chapters
1.0 Introduction: Introduces the study's scope, evaluating the role of civil society and NGOs in the promotion of democratic governance, with a specific case study of the KHRC in Kenya.
2.0 Defending Qualitative Methods: Outlines the research strategy, justifying the use of qualitative case study research as the most appropriate methodology for analyzing the organization's activities.
3.0 State of Art/Theory: Links the study to the liberal democracy theory, emphasizing the role of civil society as a necessary component for stable democratic regimes.
4.0 Democracy in the Developing Countries: Analyzes the structural challenges of democratization in post-colonial African states and the emergence of civil society as a key actor.
5.0. Kenya: Provides an overview of Kenya’s political landscape, focusing on the historical struggles and the transition toward a more democratic political environment.
6.0 The Kenya Human Rights Commission: Details the origin, strategies, and specific activities of the KHRC in its endeavor to entrench human rights and democratic values.
7.0. Analyzing KHRC’s role in promoting democratic governance: Synthesizes the commission's impact, demonstrating how its strategies have contributed to policy changes and institutional reforms.
8.0 Conclusion: Concludes that despite criticisms, the KHRC and similar civil society organizations remain vital to the democratization process in Kenya by holding the state accountable and pushing for human rights-based governance.
Keywords
Democratization, democratic governance, civil society, human rights, Non Governmental Organizations, developing countries, Kenya, Kenya Human Rights Commission, advocacy, political reform, constitutional change, accountability, transparency, social justice, electoral monitoring.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the core focus of this research?
The thesis focuses on evaluating how civil society and NGOs, using the Kenya Human Rights Commission (KHRC) as a case study, contribute to the promotion and entrenchment of democratic governance in a developing nation.
What are the primary thematic areas explored?
Key themes include the role of civil society in democratic transitions, the evolution of NGO-state relations, human rights advocacy, constitutional reform processes, and grassroots mobilization strategies.
What is the primary objective of this work?
The objective is to determine whether civil society and NGOs act as effective catalysts for democratization and whether they successfully promote transparency, accountability, and the rule of law in the Kenyan state.
Which scientific methodology is utilized in this study?
The study employs a qualitative research design, utilizing a case study approach. Data is collected primarily through secondary sources, literature reviews, and documentation of the KHRC’s various activities.
What does the main body of the work cover?
The body covers theoretical frameworks of liberal democracy, historical context of Kenyan politics, the strategic development of the KHRC, and analysis of its multifaceted influence on state policy and grassroots empowerment.
Which keywords best characterize this thesis?
The work is characterized by terms such as Democratization, Democratic Governance, Civil Society, Human Rights, NGO, Kenya, and Kenya Human Rights Commission.
How has the relationship between the KHRC and the Kenyan government changed over time?
The relationship has been highly variable, shifting from intense hostility during the KANU era, where the government sought to restrict NGO activities, to periods of cautious cooperation and engagement following the political opening in 2002 and the 2010 constitutional reforms.
What specific impact has the KHRC had on legislation in Kenya?
The KHRC has significantly influenced legislative processes by drafting bills, proposing amendments to existing laws, and participating in constitutional review processes to ensure they align with human rights and democratic principles.
- Citation du texte
- Timothy Mugo (Auteur), 2014, Civil Society, NGOs and Democratic Governance in developing countries. A case of KHRC in Kenya, Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/424915
