The Centre for Multiparty Democracy (CMD-Kenya) launched its 2019-2023 strategic plan in Nairobi. In the multi-annual plan, CMD-Kenya settled on four key result areas it seeks to deliver on including political governance and democracy development; political parties institutional strengthening; promoting partnerships, networking and linkages and enhancing its operational effectiveness and efficiency to deliver on its mandate.
Speaking during the launch, CMD-Kenya’s Executive Director, Frankline Mukwanja observed that in the next five years, CMD-Kenya will undertake very practical work that will ensure a strengthened platform for political parties, political actors and policy makers to engage in dialogue and cooperate in strengthening multiparty democracy. He also added that CMD-Kenya has grown over the last 15 years due to strict observance of integrity and accountability in its undertakings. He said: “I take accountability and results very seriously. For instance, we have already embarked on revamping institutional governance and leadership structures and systems, with the objective of improving our operational effectiveness and efficiency, maximizing the use of existing resources to deliver on our mandate. Financial accountability has ensured that CMD-Kenya, year after year, has produced clean audits and we express our commitment to continue this important trend”.
On his part, the CMD-Kenya Chairman, Hon. Omingo magara reiterated that CMD-Kenya will continue providing the platform for political parties, political actors and policy makers to engage in dialogue and cooperate in strengthening multiparty democracy. He further said, “We prepared the plan building on achievements and challenges during the past planning cycle and taking into account the fluid political environment so as to provide strategies that respond adequately to the challenges and expected changes in political governance and democracy development”.
The Speaker of the National Assembly, Hon. Justin Muturi, who was expected to grace the occasion as the chief guest was represented by Kiambu Town Member of Parliament, Hon. Jude Njomo. In a speech read on his behalf, Speaker Muturi committed to work with CMD-Kenya to strengthen the ties between political parties and the legislature to ensure inclusive policy making and dialogue in Kenya. He challenged CMD-Kenya to reevaluate its position in the country’s governance setting, develop structures and programs that are responsive to emerging political realities in Kenya.
Key political actors, members of parliament, political party leaders and civil society organizations took part in the launch. Also present were representatives from the US, Dutch and Danish embassies in Nairobi.