The Future of Devolution is Citizen-Led
Citizens in Kilifi met with their Governor and his cabinet to present their needs - with data.
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From Voice to Action: How Grassroots Citizens are Shaping Democracy in Kilifi
Every year on 15th September, the world pauses to mark the International Day of Democracy, a day to reflect on the state of democracy and celebrate the people and institutions working to uphold it. This year, as the United Nations Democracy Fund (UNDEF) celebrates 20 years of advancing democratic values, UN Secretary-General António Guterres reminded…
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Kilifi’s Journey to Community-Led Accountability
Over the past year, Kilifi County has emerged as a shining example of how communities, civil society, and government can come together to use data for meaningful change. With support from the Open Institute and through partnerships with youth-led community-based organisations, such as Kilifi Youth Assembly (KIYA) and the Maono changemaker network, citizens in Kilifi…
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Building Inclusive Data Systems in Kenya: From Dialogue to Action
What happens when people are invisible in the numbers? When communities are omitted from datasets that shape national policy? When stories that are rich, complex, urgent are reduced to a footnote or not recorded at all? In Kenya, where 2.2% of the population — over 1 million people — are recorded as having a disability,…
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Public Participation Has Been a Performance. This Bill Could Change That—If We Let It.
Public Participation Bill 2025 When Parliament tabled the Public Participation Bill, 2025, we welcomed it. At last, there’s a serious effort to build structure around a practice that has too often been treated as symbolic. Public participation is not just a constitutional obligation—it’s the soul of democracy. But for too long, the way it’s been…
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Strengthening Narrative Power for Civic Engagement
Last week, we launched a five-month programme in partnership with AFJ-K to engage journalists on how they can promote alternative narratives. It was clear from the first session that this is not just another training. Journalists didn’t just learn about investigative reporting; they challenged, uncovered, and reimagined storytelling. They explored the ethics of reporting, the…
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A World at a Crossroads: SDGs Won’t Be Achieved Until…
In 2015, the world united behind 17 ambitious Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) with the aim of eradicating poverty, tackling inequalities, and addressing climate change by 2030. It was a bold vision for a fairer, more sustainable world. Yet, as we near the end-point, the progress toward these goals tells a troubling story. According to the…
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Reflecting on a Year of Impact and Progress: 2024 Highlights
As 2024 comes to a close, we find ourselves looking back on an extraordinary year filled with milestones and meaningful moments. Amid the festive buzz and year-end preparations, we’re taking a moment to celebrate, reflect, and appreciate the incredible journey we’ve had. It has been a journey of partnerships, innovation, and transformation, all fueled by…
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Local Climate Action and Awareness – COP29
The 2024 UN Climate Change Conference (COP29) is underway in Baku, Azerbaijan, highlighting the urgent need for action on climate change in both urban and rural areas. Urban regions often dominate these discussions due to their high population density, industries, and infrastructure, which intensify climate impacts. However, rural areas face distinct challenges that also demand…
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Building Communities that Drive Lasting Impact
We’ve all heard the saying that “If you want to walk fast, walk alone. If you want to walk far, walk together.” At our Maono Space we believe that every person – every changemaker – holds authentic strengths and experiences that have the potential to enrich the entire community. And when these different strengths and…
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