The ECCES is a program implemented by Kareu Mpya in Bungoma County funded by USAID Kenya through Act Change Transform (ACT!) organization. The Key areas of the program is to create an impact in:
- Citizens effective participation in Democratic Governance and Constitutional Processes through Independent, Informed Decisions;
KAREU MPYA has, since April 2022, conducted civic education on electoral process and the active participation on democratic governance and leadership. Mt. Elgon region and extension the larger Bungoma County has high political intolerance and inclinations that pity majority vs minorities and which has over the years contributed to voter apathy and poor participation on governance and democracy. The program rolled out forums for the citizens to understand their cardinal roles in active participation not just in democratic governance and constitutional processes but also to practice it by keeping peace and tolerance.
- Inclusion of Women, Youth, and Persons with Disabilities (PWDs) in Democratic Governance and Decision-Making Processes;
Kareu Mpya CBO hosted several fora targeting the youth, women and PWDs to create awareness and tools for meaningful peaceful participation on democratic governance through informed decision making processes. The CBO also held up Women-only politicians where they reflected upon challenges they face while campaigning and seeking peoples mandate in leadership and mitigation towards safe campaigns.
The organization pays close attention to those able differently and who are left behind during the democratic processes and bear the highest brunt of pain when peace is compromised. Through ECCES program, KAREU MPYA has and always involves the PWDs in all our programs and empower them to make informed decisions and stand up for their colleagues through constitutional process.
The bodaboda sector has always been used and abused to cause chaos and insecurity. During the ECCES program, we have and continue engaging the sector to be ambassadors of peace and harmony. We have organized forums where we have engaged them with the leadership of the national Administration and the elections of 2022 were largely peaceful before, during and now after the general elections.
- Prevention and Mitigation of Politically-Instigated Violence in Kenya;
Politics and poli-tricks of hate and division often made state of governance in Mt. Elgon marred by insecurities over the years. KAREU MPYA through the ECCES program came in to provide and create platforms where citizens and political elites will engage on governance and reduce animosity. Prior to election Day, KAREU MPYA hosted all the political leaders across Mt. Elgon Constituency to make a Peace Pledge before the Security Team, IEBC Officials, NCIC, IPOA and EACC officials on maintaining peace during and after elections.
The pledges made bore fruits as peace was maintained throughout the electioneering process and Mt. Elgon saw peace. Further, to ensure sustained peace, KAREU MPYA also held forums for leaders and supporters who may have lost in the elections for reconciliation and healing process to guarantee long lasting peace. While it takes time, the victors were also urged to celebrate in moderation.
- Strengthened Resilience of Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) and Community Networks/Coalitions.
To ensure we co-exists strategically with other organizations and networks to entrench peace, KAREU MPYA CBO has and continue hosting and creating fora for Journalists and bloggers for sensitive reporting, Strengthening Council of Elders as a peaceful structure, Women Caucuses and Youth as well as Persons living with disabilities.
Since in the inception of the Kenya Electoral Conflicts Mitigation and Civic/Voter Education Support Program (ECCES), KAREU MPYA has directly engaged 111,221 females and 104,001 males with majority of them being youth by end of July 2023. This gives us a total of 215,222 direct beneficiaries and more than 900,000 indirect beneficiaries.
