The Pema Kenya AGM on Saturday / BRIAN OTIENOThe national and county governments must strengthen policies and practices that protect the rights, safety, health, and dignity of all communities, a human rights organisation has said.
Persons Marginalised and Aggrieved (Pema) Kenya on Wednesday said every Kenyan must be able to access services without fear or discrimination.
“Both governments must create enabling environments for civil society organisations, invest in community-led health and development programmes, and support constructive engagement between communities and public institutions,” Pema Kenya executive director Ishmael Bahati said in a statement.
The statement was issued after the organisation's 18th annual general meeting, where a new Board of Governance was elected.
The relationship between the Kenya Kwanza administration and civil society organisations is primarily characterised by tension over human rights violations and impunity.
Friction between the government and the CSOs ranges over many aspects, including donor funding, budget policies, and public participation, creating an antagonistic relationship in the process.
However, Bahati said this need not be the case.
The Pema Kenya executive director said community-led organisations remain indispensable partners in Kenya's development journey.
He said this is because they reach populations that are often underserved, provide life-saving health information and services, strengthen community leadership, and contribute to national goals on public health, social cohesion and sustainable development.
Their work complements government efforts by extending services, building trust, and responding to emerging community needs, he noted
He said they thus require sustained support from government, partners and other well-wishers.
Most organisations, however, today face financial uncertainties due to intensified competition for limited resources such as global development funding contracts.
“This reality threatens years of progress in strengthening community systems, improving health outcomes, and expanding access to essential services.
“Now more than ever, sustained investment in local organisations is essential. We call upon development partners, philanthropic institutions, the private sector, county governments, and individual supporters to continue investing in community-led organisations that have demonstrated impact, accountability, and strong governance,” Bahati said.
He said strong institutions are better equipped to respond to emerging challenges, innovate, promote local leadership, and deliver sustainable results for the communities they serve.
“Investment in governance is an investment in accountability. Investment in community systems is an investment in resilient health and social systems.
“Investment in movement building is an investment in citizens who are empowered to participate constructively in Kenya's democratic and development processes,” the executive director noted.
He said the future of Kenya's development depends on strong institutions, empowered communities, and partnerships that leave no one behind.
“Together, we can continue building a nation where every person has the opportunity to live safely, contribute meaningfully, and realise their full potential,” Bahati said.
He said building an inclusive and healthy society requires sustained partnerships, accountable leadership, and an unwavering commitment to protecting the dignity and rights of every Kenyan.
“When communities are trusted, organised, and equipped with opportunities, they become active contributors to Kenya's social and economic development,” Bahati said.
The AGM was followed by outdoor celebratory activities that brought together community members alongside healthcare professionals, faith leaders, law enforcement representatives, local administrators, media practitioners, civil society organisations, parents and allies.
INSTANT ANALYSIS:
PEMA-Kenya is a membership-based organisation founded in Mombasa in 2008, whose work is premised upon creating an enabling environment for its members and the general population to thrive.
