Our PROGRAMS
DIALOGUE: Fostering Inclusive and Impactful Dialogue
As Kenya’s leading platform for multiparty dialogue, we strive to bring together political parties, civic actors, policymakers, communities, and stakeholders across all sectors to engage in transformative conversations that address pressing national issues and empower people to uphold democratic values. Through our signature programs, we shape meaningful exchanges that strengthen democracy and build resilience in our political landscape because we believe that dialogue is the heart of democracy.
People Dialogue Festival: Building a Collaborative Democracy for Kenya’s Sustainable Future
The People Dialogue Festival (PDF) is CMD-Kenya’s flagship initiative, drawing together leaders, citizens, youth, civil society, and the private sector to celebrate democracy in action. At the PDF, participants engage in open and constructive dialogue on critical societal issues, sharing diverse perspectives that deepen understanding and cultivate a more inclusive political culture. This unique event serves as a vibrant forum to shape policy, inspire civic engagement, and promote a democratic spirit across Kenya. With unmatched convening authority, CMD-Kenya is proud to facilitate these important conversations that empower citizens and unify communities.
Intraparty Dialogue: Strengthening Internal Democracy, Party Cohesion and Accountability
CMD-Kenya recognises that intra-party dialogue is essential for a healthy democratic environment and is pivotal in strengthening both intraparty and multiparty democracy. Our Intraparty Dialogue program provides a secure space for party members to discuss internal policies, resolve disputes, and work collaboratively toward shared goals. This initiative supports transparency and accountability within parties, reinforcing democratic principles that promote stability and trust in Kenya’s political institutions.
Dialogue for Students: Empowering Future Leaders
CMD-Kenya is committed to inspiring the next generation of leaders through our Gumzo Shuleni initiative. By engaging young minds nationwide in schools and tertiary institutions, this program nurtures a culture of open-mindedness, critical thinking, and active citizenship among students. Through debates, forums, and workshops, students gain the tools to engage meaningfully with democratic processes, shaping Kenya’s future leaders who are informed, passionate, and committed to positive change.
Intergenerational Dialogue: Bridging Generations for a Shared Future
Our Intergenerational Dialogue program bridges generational gaps within Kenyan society, creating channels for youth and seasoned leaders to share insights, experiences, and aspirations. By fostering these exchanges, CMD-Kenya encourages mentorship, knowledge transfer, and mutual understanding, ensuring each generation’s voice is valued. This dialogue enhances the political consciousness of Kenya’s youth while honouring the wisdom of past generations, building a foundation for shared progress and sustainable development.
Community Dialogue: Engaging Grassroots Voices
Our Community Dialogue program (Gumzo Mtaani) brings the power of conversation to Kenya’s grassroots, engaging citizens directly in local dialogues that resonate with their unique needs and aspirations. CMD-Kenya collaborates with County Governments, local leaders, community organisations, and civil society to create open, respectful platforms where voices from all walks of life can be heard. This initiative strengthens community bonds, addresses shared challenges and fosters a collaborative spirit in addressing the issues that matter most to Kenyans on the ground.
INSTITUTIONALISING AND STRENGTHENING POLITICAL PARTIES IN KENYA
We believe that strong, democratic political parties are the cornerstone of a healthy and resilient democracy. Together with our partners and stakeholders, we are committed to our mission- to facilitate the institutionalizatiosn, promotion, protection, and defenc, of an inclusive, accountable, and vibrant multiparty democratic Kenyan state and society. Through targeted programs and capacity-building initiatives, we empower political parties to function as effective, accountable, and transparent institutions representing the diverse interests of all Kenyans by advancing issue-based politics, ethical leadership, and sustainable development.
Building Capacity for Effective Governance
CMD-Kenya works closely with political parties to strengthen their organizational structures, improve governance frameworks, and establish sound internal processes. By equipping party leaders and duty-bearers at National and Branch levels with the skills and tools necessary for effective governance, we foster parties that are responsive to the needs of their members and constituencies. Our training programs focus on strategic planning, policy development, dispute resolutions, negotiations, communication, financial management, and compliance with legal and regulatory standards, ensuring that parties can operate with integrity and accountability.
Advancing Issue-Based Politics
CMD-Kenya actively works to shift Kenya’s political landscape from personality-driven competition to issue-based politics. By supporting political parties in developing clear, actionable platforms centred on the needs and priorities of the Kenyan people, we help create a multiparty democracy focused on meaningful solutions. Through research, dialogue, and policy forums, CMD-Kenya assists parties in crafting policies that address key areas such as economic development, education, healthcare, and social justice, making politics more relevant and responsive to citizens. By fostering a culture of issue-based politics, CMD-Kenya contributes to building public trust in Kenya’s political institutions.
Building Capacity for Effective Governance
CMD-Kenya works closely with political parties to strengthen their organizational structures, improve governance frameworks, and establish sound internal processes. By equipping party leaders and duty-bearers at National and Branch levels with the skills and tools necessary for effective governance, we foster parties that are responsive to the needs of their members and constituencies. Our training programs focus on strategic planning, policy development, dispute resolutions, negotiations, communication, financial management, and compliance with legal and regulatory standards, ensuring that parties can operate with integrity and accountability.
GENDER EQUALITY AND SOCIAL INCLUSION IN POLITICAL PROCESSES AND DECISION-MAKING
CMD-Kenya is dedicated to fostering inclusive political parties that represent Kenya’s diverse population. Our programs encourage the participation of women, youth, persons with disabilities, and marginalized communities within party leadership and decision-making structures. We support parties in creating policies and environments that are accessible and welcoming to all Kenyans, ensuring that their voices are integral to party agendas and policy initiatives.
Especially on women’s inclusion and representation, we are dedicated to challenging the institutional, cultural, resourcing, and technical barriers to women’s election into office. Through the Permanent Program for the Advancement of Women in Politics and Power [PAWP], we are committed to the singular mission: to increase the number of women elected directly, at the ballot, into political office, and across the six elective positions. We work with interested stakeholders to generate knowledge and develop strategies to identify, support, accompany, and ensure viable women candidates ‘Run-to-Win’ in future elections.
THOUGHT LEADERSHIP ON MULTIPARTY DEMOCRACY.
As Kenya’s foremost authority on multiparty democracy, the Centre for Multiparty Democracy Kenya (CMD-Kenya) is dedicated to shaping the national discourse on democratic governance. Our Thought Leadership program serves as a platform to influence, inspire, and inform key stakeholders, political parties, policymakers, civil society, and citizens alike, on the principles and best practices of multiparty democracy. Through rigorous research, public dialogues, and policy recommendations, CMD-Kenya leads the way in strengthening democratic institutions, promoting ethical leadership, and championing issue-based politics.