A democracy is only as strong as the space it creates for people to speak, organize, question authority and demand accountability. When that space narrows, it is not only civic actors who are affected. The ability of ordinary people to participate in decisions that shape their lives begins to diminish. Protecting civic space, therefore, is about protecting the very avenues through which people exercise their rights and shape the society they want to live in.
The need to protect this space brought civic actors, human rights defenders, journalists and State institutions together in Makueni County for the 6th Annual Civic Space Protection Summit on 16–17 September 2026, under the theme “Voices Unbowed. Civic Space Protected. Democracy Strengthened.” The summit moved from reflection to resolve, focusing on collective protection, resilience and the future of civic space ahead of the 2027 General Elections.
As Kenya looks towards 2027, the need for a civic environment where people can speak, organise, advocate and hold institutions to account becomes even more significant. The conversations in Makueni explored what it takes to protect that space, not only through laws and institutions, but also through solidarity, resilience and collective action.
For Kituo Cha Sheria, the summit provided an opportunity to contribute to this wider conversation and connect the protection of civic space with its work of advancing legal empowerment, access to justice and constitutional rights.
Kituo’s Executive Director, Dr. Wambua Kituku, joined conversations on the role of Civil Society Organisations and State institutions ahead of the 2027 General Elections, calling for a people’s manifesto for election monitoring and emphasising the importance of organised, citizen-focused civic action in safeguarding electoral accountability and constitutional rights. Dr. Wambua was also part of the session on how CSO leaders can build resilience, exploring how civil society leaders can strengthen their capacity to navigate an increasingly challenging civic environment.
Collective protection was another important thread. Kituo’s Jimmy Sayi and Joy Nasike joined fellow civic space actors in conversations on protecting human rights defenders, journalists and civic actors ahead of the 2027 Elections. The discussions spotlighted the need for stronger solidarity, protection and collective action in safeguarding the space in which civic actors carry out their work.
Beyond these conversations, the summit examined the wider environment for civic action, including civic oversight, collaboration and civic space lawfare. These conversations reflected the reality that protecting civic space requires more than responding when it comes under pressure; it requires building systems, relationships and collective capacity that can sustain it.
Kituo’s contribution also extended to the summit exhibition, where we showcased our work and impact through an exhibition booth. The booth provided an opportunity to highlight our commitment to protecting civic space, advancing legal empowerment and strengthening access to justice, while connecting participants with the work we continue to do with communities.
From Makueni came a clear reminder that civic space is not an abstract idea, it is the ability of citizens to raise concerns, journalists to ask difficult questions, human rights defenders to stand with communities and civil society to demand accountability.
The work of protecting that space, ultimately, belongs to all of us.
By; Rony Alal