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Our Programmes

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Who we are

County Governance Watch (CGW) is a registered Non- Governmental Organization (NGO) whose purpose is to provide solutions for socio-economic and sustainable development in the counties of Kenya. Our programs meet our goals through educating, training and building the capacity of women, youth and persons with disability. This entails offering platforms for engagement with State and Non- non-state actors and strengthening the county governance processes, thereby enhancing opportunities for the public to participate in the governance, leadership and decision-making processes of their affairs.

County Governance Watch (CGW) exists to promote transparent, accountable, effective service delivery and more responsive governance in Kenya’s devolved governance units. We have made significant strides in strengthening the pillars of good governance in Kenya by enhancing public participation processes in about 33 of the 47 Counties of Kenya.

In 2010, Kenya’s Constitution was enacted, and it introduced a new approach to governance in the country. Devolution became a central feature, and it involved transferring power from the national government to 47 county governments. As a result, these counties were given the responsibility of governing at the local level, which required effective oversight mechanisms to ensure transparency, accountability, and efficient service delivery. In response to this new governance structure, CGW developed the County Governance Index (CGI).CGI assesses the performance of Counties by measuring the governance and service delivery levels of the devolved services that are closest to the heart of the citizen. These include water, health, education, agriculture and infrastructure among others. Climate Action, gender and inclusion of the marginalized community groups form critical aspects of our programmatic interventions.

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Programs, Strategies & Interventions

Our interventions aim at enhancing public participation dialogues in informing collective action toward county policy formulation and implementation in access to information, knowledge generation, and management for prosperous Counties to deliver services.
County Governance Watch has a presence in about 33 counties where it has direct engagements with the Through partners and various citizen groups are known as Citizen Action Groups (CAGs), county governments.

Thematic Areas

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Devolution & County Participation

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Defend My Future Campaign

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Human Security and security sector reforms

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Research, Reflection, and Policy Advocacy

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County Election Dialogues

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Youth and Governance

Overall Objective

To enhance citizen participation for effective, quality service delivery and sustainable development

Mission

Our mission at County Governance Watch (CGW) is a steadfast commitment to the heart of our purpose: Empowering Citizen Engagement for Quality Service Delivery, Sustainable Development, and Peace in Kenyan Counties. In the pursuit of this mission, we dedicate ourselves to creating a dynamic and inclusive platform. This platform serves as a catalyst, enabling citizens to actively engage with the processes that drive sustainable development and foster a peaceful coexistence within the diverse tapestry of Kenyan counties. We firmly believe that empowering citizens with the tools, knowledge, and opportunities for meaningful engagement not only transforms governance but also lays the foundation for a future where service delivery is synonymous with excellence and progress. Our mission is a call to action, an unwavering commitment to building a better, more inclusive future for all.

Vision

Our vision is a beacon illuminating the path ahead: Empowered citizens enjoying highquality, efficient and transparent service delivery. This aspirational statement encapsulates the future we strive to create—a future where citizens are not merely recipients of services; but determining the service, defining its standards and actively shaping the governance landscape. We envision a county environment where empowerment fuels engagement, fostering a seamless, transparent, and efficient delivery of services that meet the diverse needs of our communities. This vision inspires us to channel our efforts towards a Kenyan society where the principles of quality, efficiency, and transparency form the bedrock of public service.

Our Core Values | IA-CEE

At County Governance Watch (CGW), our values are not just words; they are the guiding principles that define our character and drive our actions. We embody a culture represented by the acronym IA-CEE, reflecting our unwavering commitment to Integrity, Accountability, Collaboration, Excellence, and Empowerment.

a) Integrity (I): We uphold the highest standards of honesty, ethics, and transparency in every facet of our work. Our decisions are guided by moral courage, fostering trust with our partners and the community.

b) Accountability (A): We take full ownership and responsibility for delivering on our commitments to stakeholders. We believe in being answerable for our actions, ensuring transparency in meeting objectives.

c) Collaboration (C): Working collectively is at the core of our approach. We collaborate across teams, counties, and partners to achieve shared goals. Our foundation is built on open communication, knowledge sharing, and embracing diverse perspectives.

d) Excellence (E): In our relentless pursuit of innovation, efficiency, and the highest quality outcomes, we embody a culture of excellence. It’s not just a goal; it’s our standard in programs, governance, and service delivery.

e) Empowerment (E): We are dedicated to providing opportunities, platforms, and skills for all groups, particularly the marginalized, to fully participate and exercise leadership.

Empowerment is the driving force behind sustainability and self-reliance.

These values, collectively known as IA-CEE, serve as the compass that guides our actions, shapes our organizational culture, and ensures that our mission is carried out with unwavering dedication and ethical fortitude.

Partnerships

CGW has engaged with about 33 counties directly on this front including holding 27 county dialogues leading to the 1st National Conference in 2016 and the second in 2017.

CGW engaged 35 County Governments, UNDP, PACT, Kenya School of Government (KSG), Saferworld, IFES, USAID, National Counter Terrorism Centre (NCTC), National Steering Committee on Peacebuilding and Conflict Management (NSC), Pwani University, USIU, Jaramogi Oginga Odinga University (JOOUST), International Leadership University (ILU), Machakos University, and Mount Kenya University among others.

In 2017, CGW in partnership with the Council of Governors (COG), Ministry of Devolution and Planning, UNICEF, and other partners organized the First Children’s Devolution Conference, whose communiqué informed the Outcome Document of the 4th Devolution Conference which was held in Naivasha, Nakuru County.
In 2018, CGW in partnership with the Ministry of Devolution and ASALs and the Council of Governors with about 300 youth leaders to the 5th Annual devolution Conference to be held in April 2018 in Kakamega County.