Grassroots women leaders address the media during a joint spress briefing calling for the protection of civic space, constitutional freedoms and accountability in Nairobi on July 14, 2026.
NAIROBI, July 14, 2026 — Grassroots women leaders have called on the Government to protect civic space, end intimidation of civil society organizations and uphold the constitutional rights of Kenyans seeking accountability in the management of public resources, saying a vibrant civic space is essential for democracy, transparency and inclusive development.
The women leaders, representing community groups across Nairobi including traders, farmers, caregivers, salon operators, mama mbogas, youth mentors and community organizers, said shrinking civic space threatens democratic governance by silencing ordinary citizens and weakening efforts to hold public institutions accountable for the delivery of essential services.
Speaking through a joint briefing, the women leaders said civil society organizations have played a vital role in empowering communities to demand accountability, monitor public expenditure and advocate for improved healthcare, education, infrastructure and other services that directly affect the lives of Kenyans.
“Civil Society Organizations do more than advocate for good governance. They stand with communities as we ask difficult questions: Why is our dispensary still without medicine? Why is our market unfinished? Why are our roads still impassable despite millions being allocated? Where has the money meant to improve our lives gone?” the women leaders said.
They noted that organizations working alongside communities have helped ordinary citizens understand their rights, participate in public decision-making and engage government institutions constructively, adding that such efforts have strengthened transparency and promoted responsible use of public resources across the country.
The women leaders said women and vulnerable families bear the heaviest burden whenever accountability is weakened, explaining that corruption and poor governance often translate into inadequate healthcare services, poor roads, limited access to clean water, unfinished public projects and reduced economic opportunities for households already struggling with the high cost of living.
“If organizations with lawyers, national visibility and public support can be intimidated for demanding accountability, what protection remains for an ordinary woman questioning the misuse of public resources in her own community?” the women leaders said.
They expressed concern over what they described as increasing cases of intimidation, unlawful surveillance, office raids, arbitrary arrests and enforced disappearances targeting civic actors, warning that such actions create fear among citizens and discourage public participation in governance and oversight processes guaranteed under the Constitution.
The women leaders emphasized that civic freedoms, including freedom of association, expression and peaceful assembly, are constitutional rights that must be protected to enable citizens to participate meaningfully in national development and ensure leaders remain accountable to the people they serve.
“When accountability is attacked, corruption thrives. And when corruption thrives, women and families pay the highest price,” the women leaders said.
They called on the Government to conduct independent and transparent investigations into reported attacks against civil society organizations, human rights defenders and community organizers, and ensure those responsible are brought to justice in accordance with the law.
The women leaders further urged State institutions to safeguard civic space by ending intimidation and harassment of citizens exercising their constitutional rights, while creating an enabling environment for organizations working to promote transparency, accountability and public participation.
“We refuse to accept a Kenya where demanding accountability is treated as a crime. We stand in solidarity with every Kenyan committed to transparency, justice and the protection of our constitutional freedoms,” the women leaders said.
They also called for greater protection of grassroots women leaders and community organizers who continue to champion accountability at the local level, reaffirming their commitment to mobilize communities to demand prudent management of public resources and defend democratic values.
The women said they would continue working with civil society organizations and other stakeholders to promote transparency, strengthen citizen participation and ensure development resources are used for the benefit of all Kenyans.
