Democratic regression in East Africa fuels civic activism – study

A new report by Inuka Kenya Ni Sisi says a combination of economic strain, political tensions and shrinking civic space across East Africa is creating conditions that push citizens to organise, protest and build new civic movements.

“In Tanzania, elections have been marred by irregularities and violence. In Uganda, harassment of opposition leaders ahead of elections raises serious concerns about political freedoms.

“These are not isolated events, they reflect a regional struggle over governance, citizen agency, and constitutionalism. It is within this context that Inuka Kenya Ni Sisi! anchors its work,” Dr. Kawive Wambua, CEO Inuka kenya Ni Sisi, says.

Kenya, the report says, is emerging as a focal point of this shift, with a rising wave of activism driven largely by young people and grassroots networks.

Across the region, concerns are also mounting over governance, the erosion of democratic institutions and the increasing pressure on civil society.

Activists and opposition figures have faced abductions, detentions, restrictions, tighter controls on public assembly and growing hostility toward dissent.

These trends, the report suggests, are not isolated developments but part of a broader regional pattern that is shaping the political environment in Kenya as well.

Yet, even as democratic space narrows in parts of the region, Kenya is witnessing a surge of civic engagement.

According to the report, economic challenges, ranging from the rising cost of living to unemployment, have heightened public frustration and prompted citizens to become more politically active.

The intersection of economic hardship and governance concerns is creating what analysts describe as a new phase of civic activism in Kenya, which escalated to the 2024 and 2025 demonstrations.

Among the interventions is the East Africa Wellness Hub, where the lobby is advancing cross-border learning on trauma healing and civic resilience.

“Nationally, Maskani ya Taifa continues to anchor transformative community dialogues, while our Movement Building and Enterprise Development programs equip citizens with the organizational and economic tools for sustained agency,” it says\Unlike previous cycles of mobilisation that were often tied to elections or political elites, the current wave is increasingly citizen-driven and organised outside traditional political structures.

The report notes that many Kenyans are turning to grassroots initiatives, digital platforms and community forums to voice their concerns and advocate for reforms. These efforts are shaping a new civic landscape where activism is not only reactive but also focused on building long-term solutions.

In particular, youth-led movements are emerging as a central force. Young people, many of whom face economic uncertainty and limited opportunities, are playing a leading role in pushing conversations around governance, accountability and social justice.

This was well reflected in Kenya during the 2024-25 Gen Z demonstrations as well as the Saba Saba anniversary protests.

The report highlights that this activism is taking multiple forms, from public demonstrations and online campaigns to dialogue forums aimed at addressing political polarisation.

While protests remain a visible expression of dissent, the study suggests that a broader ecosystem of civic participation is developing across the country.

However, the report also warns that the same pressures driving activism are contributing to tensions between citizens and state institutions.\economic grievances intensify, public expectations for transparency and effective governance are rising, creating friction in an already strained political environment.

This dynamic reflects a wider regional trend.

Across East Africa, democratic backsliding that is widely marked by restrictions on civic freedoms, political contestation and governance challenges is increasingly intersecting with socioeconomic pressures.

The result, the report suggests, is a growing demand for accountability from citizens, who feel excluded from decision-making processes.

Kenya’s experience illustrates how these regional dynamics can play out domestically. The country has long been seen as a key democratic actor in East Africa, but it is now navigating a complex period where political tensions and economic realities are reshaping public engagement.

At the same time, the report emphasises that the rise in civic activism should not be viewed solely as a sign of instability. Instead, it may also signal a deeper transformation in how citizens interact with governance structures. By organising outside formal political channels, many Kenyans are seeking to influence policy and hold leaders accountable in new ways.

The report notes that as democratic pressures mount across East Africa, Kenya’s evolving civic landscape may serve as both a reflection of regional challenges and a testing ground for alternative forms of citizen participation.

The report concludes that the region stands at a crossroads: While democratic regression remains a concern, the growing mobilisation of citizens suggests that civic engagement is adapting to changing political and economic realities.