Transformational Journey of Empowering Local CSOs for Sustainable Development in Bungoma County
Local Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) have long been seen as vital players in advocating for community rights and delivering critical services. However, many of these organizations struggled to make a significant impact due to weak leadership structures, inadequate advocacy mechanisms, and limited collaboration with local partners. These challenges not only hampered their efficiency but also stifled their potential to bring about meaningful change in the communities they serve (Mugambi & Theuri, 2014).
The Stakeholder Theory, as articulated by Freeman, Harrison, and Wicks (2010), provides an insightful framework for understanding these issues. It posits that the success of any organization, including local governance bodies, depends on its capacity to generate value for all stakeholders. In the context of Bungoma County, key stakeholders include community members, local government officials, and other active participants in development initiatives. Enhancing the capacity of CSOs was identified as a strategic move to improve service delivery and value creation, aligning with this theoretical approach.
In response to these challenges, the Chukua Control project- Civil Society Empowerment for Improved Service Delivery (KEN 1202) came in handy, Funded by Welt Hunger Hilfe (WHH) through Pastoralist Community Initiative Development and Assistance (PACIDA). The initiative aimed to bridge gaps in leadership and operational capacity by empowering local CSOs through targeted training sessions. Beginning in November 2021, ADS Western partnered with PACIDA and WHH to roll out a series of training programs. A standout event was a two-day workshop held in February 2022, where leaders from 20 CSOs in Bungoma County gathered to enhance their skills in governance, rights-based approaches, and effective advocacy.
Mr. Samuel Akoolo, alongside ADS Western team, led these sessions with a clear goal: to equip CSO leaders with the tools needed to engage constructively with county government officials and address community concerns effectively. The training focused on fostering multisectoral collaboration, strengthening financial management systems, and deepening the understanding of human rights principles.
One transformative outcome was the noticeable shift in the CSOs’ approach to policy advocacy. Previously, many organizations were passive, often sidelined in local governance discussions. Post-training, there has been a marked change in their engagement levels. For example, Ven. Johnstone Nyongesa noted, “Critical policies were often overlooked due to limited knowledge among local leaders. After the ‘Chukua Control’ program, these leaders now possess the skills to advocate for improved policies and services, directly benefiting their communities.”
Moreover, the project has significantly reshaped the CSOs’ operational practices. They are now more proactive in shaping public opinion and influencing policies related to food and nutrition security in Bungoma county. Additionally, their enhanced capacity has contributed to peacebuilding processes within the county, showcasing a clear improvement in their roles as community advocates.
Before the training, many CSOs in Bungoma County struggled with a lack of strategic focus and inadequate advocacy frameworks, which hindered their ability to engage effectively with local government authorities. For instance, many CSO leaders lacked awareness of key policies related to governance and human rights, resulting in missed opportunities to influence local decision-making processes.
The initiative has not only enhanced the internal capacities of these organizations but has also reshaped their approach to advocacy and service delivery. CSOs now play a more proactive role in shaping public opinion, influencing policies related to food and nutrition security, and contributing to peace processes. The strengthened collaboration between CSOs and local government authorities has led to a more coordinated and impactful response to community needs.
“This training has transformed our approach to advocacy. We now have a better understanding of our roles as rights holders and can influence policy more effectively.” Mr. John Mukenya -CSO Participant.
The Stakeholder Theory underscores the importance of creating value for all participants in the governance ecosystem. By empowering CSOs, the Chukua Control project has effectively broadened the base of value creation, ensuring that the voices of the most affected community members—are amplified and considered in decision-making processes. This shift aligns with the theory’s principle that organizational success is deeply tied to how well it serves its stakeholders, fostering a more inclusive approach to local development.
One of the primary challenges that was observed was the limited experience of CSOs in engaging with multiple stakeholders and navigating complex governance structures. The lack of a clear accountability framework also posed a barrier to effective collaboration. Through this targeted training and mentorship, CSO leaders were provided with tools and frameworks to enhance their advocacy strategies. Moving forward, establishing a continuous capacity-building program for CSO leaders will be essential. Regular refresher training and creating a platform for ongoing knowledge exchange among CSOs can help sustain the progress made and ensure adaptive learning in response to emerging challenges.
As Bungoma County continues to reap the benefits of this transformative project, the lessons learned point to the need for ongoing capacity building. Establishing a continuous training program for CSO leaders and creating platforms for regular knowledge exchange will be crucial to sustaining these gains. Through collaboration and a shared commitment to service, the future looks brighter for the people of Bungoma County, as empowered CSOs take on a more central role in driving sustainable development and advocacy.
