By- Frankline Mukwanja, Executive Director CMD-Kenya.
As we usher in 2025, I am optimistic and determined about the journey ahead for our beloved country, Kenya. At the Centre for Multiparty Democracy-Kenya (CMD-Kenya), we stand at a pivotal moment brimming with opportunities to strengthen our democratic habits, foster political inclusivity, and build a governance framework that serves all Kenyans.
Guided by our vision of a thriving multiparty democratic Kenyan state and society, our focus for the year is anchored on two critical pillars: strengthening democratic habits and building stronger political organizations. These pillars are essential for delivering better, more concrete results that resonate with the aspirations of Kenyans across the nation.
Democracy thrives not just on laws and institutions but on the habits and practices that we, as citizens and leaders, embrace. CMD-Kenya remains committed to cultivating a culture of dialogue, tolerance, and accountability.
In 2025, we will double our efforts to engage political actors, civil society, and citizens in meaningful conversations about governance and ethical leadership. The Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) will continue to guide our citizen-centered policy-making project, ensuring that political discourse is issue-based and aligns with the immediate and long-term needs of our people. Through this, we aim to renew public confidence in Kenya’s political system.
Political parties are the bedrock of any democracy. Yet, they can only serve as effective vehicles for representation and governance when they are well-structured, transparent, and inclusive. CMD-Kenya’s unique role as a convener and facilitator of interparty dialogue positions us to drive reforms that strengthen governance and management within political parties.
We envision political organizations that are not only platforms for competing ideas but also institutions that champion accountability, inclusivity, and sustainable development. Through targeted capacity-building initiatives and collaborative workshops, we will empower parties to embrace modern management practices and foster a new generation of ethical leaders.
CMD-Kenya has long been a beacon of hope for multiparty democracy. Our convening power enables us to bridge divides and create spaces for candid and constructive dialogue among political actors. This year, we will leverage this unique role to tackle pressing challenges such as political polarization, electoral justice and integrity, address the root causes of public and youth disenchantment with politics and the democratic process and the underrepresentation of marginalized groups.
The People Dialogue Festival (PDF) remains one of our flagship initiatives and stands as a beacon of inclusive dialogue and transformative engagement in Kenya. As we prepare for the 7th edition of this year, our focus will be on providing a dynamic, inclusive, and vibrant platform for Kenyans from all walks of life to engage in open dialogue, share ideas, and co-create solutions that advance our democracy. By fostering a spirit of unity and collaboration, we aim to transform the festival into a cornerstone of our nation’s democratic renewal. To deepen its impact, PDF has expanded beyond the four-day annual event in Nairobi, rolling out interschool dialogues engaging 17 schools since 2023 and piloting county-level editions across four counties in 2025.
The past year has seen significant political developments that have amplified divisions and sparked public discourse on governance, accountability, and inclusivity. These challenges underscore the urgency of our mission at CMD-Kenya. However, they also present an opportunity for all of us—political leaders, civil society, development partners, and citizens—to recommit to the values that bind us as a nation.
In 2025, let us work together to strengthen our democratic habits and build political organizations that can deliver tangible results for the Kenyan people. Let us embrace dialogue as a tool for understanding and collaboration. Let us ensure that our democracy remains not just a system of governance but a reflection of our shared aspirations and values.
CMD-Kenya is ready to lead this charge, and we invite you to join us in making this vision a reality. Together, we can build a Kenya where democracy works for everyone—a Kenya where every voice matters and every citizen has a stake in shaping our future.
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