Small but steady steps toward democracy

November 2023: In every sense, Kenya is far from Denmark, and Nairobi is far from Allinge on the Danish island of Bornholm. However, since 2011, a close collaboration between the Danish DLDP and the Kenyan Centre for Multiparty Democracy (CMD) has brought positive developments for democracy in this large East African country. CMD's leader, Frank Mukwanja, visited Denmark at the end of November and shared insights on political progress and inspiration from the Folkemødet (People's Meeting) on Bornholm.

By Charlotte Wognsen
Freelance journalist, KommaKontoret

The Danish Liberal Democracy Programme (DLDP) is an independent organization with strong ties to Venstre. Through partnerships with organizations and liberal parties in developing countries, DLDP works to strengthen democracy and share experiences of cross-political collaboration. Kenya's statistics reveal a nation of 48 million people spread across ten ethnic groups, with two official languages, two major religions, and a patchwork of political parties.

Kenya's history reflects a country that, over 30 years, has transitioned from dictatorship to democracy. In 1991, it was a one-party state, but today, there are over 70 parties, creating a genuine opposition to the ruling government party. Citizens have experienced political coups, and as recently as 2007, a civil war where people rose up against the elite. Since the 2010 constitution, Kenya has seen more peace and stability, with CMD – supported by DLDP – playing a significant role.

Frank Mukwanja shares:
"CMD is cross-political, and one of our goals is to get more women and young people involved in politics. These ideas aren't popular everywhere, and some groups want CMD shut down. We face harassment in the form of false accusations, but the partnership with DLDP ensures that we have everything in order – including our finances and bookkeeping. The funding through DLDP gives us credibility and secures our legitimacy."

Dialogue in Focus
Frank Mukwanja’s visit to Denmark is not his first, although he doesn’t enjoy the winter cold. What he does admire is the Danish mentality, which protects institutional systems, respects dialogue, and welcomes all groups in society to the political scene.
"Compared to other African countries, Kenya is doing well in terms of social development. But we have a negative political culture. It’s highly patriarchal, which makes it difficult for women and young people to assert themselves. Fortunately, we are seeing positive change."

"For decades, political meetings in Kenya were large rallies with one-way communication from the stage, often leading to violence. With DLDP's support, we’ve introduced town hall meetings. These are smaller gatherings focused on issues rather than political profiles, with dialogue at the center. Participants can ask questions and get answers, which has attracted more women and young people," explains Frank Mukwanja.

Influence over One’s Own Life
The CMD leader acknowledges that it is tough and sometimes risky to be a democracy advocate in a country where older leaders from influential tribes and political parties are reluctant to give up power, and where money often outweighs ideals and visions. However, for Frank Mukwanja, democracy is the only way forward:

"To me, democracy means that people can see themselves as decision-makers in their own lives. In a democracy, the focus shifts from the individual to shared societal issues. We’ve made great strides when people realize that their personal challenges are actually structural problems in society, and that through an active and meaningful process, they can create change for the benefit of all."

Change is also happening on another level in Kenya.

"It’s been natural for Kenyans to primarily define themselves based on ethnicity. However, in recent decades, we’ve seen many inter-tribal marriages. There's also increased diversity in schools and the workplace. We can bring about real change when citizens see themselves as individuals in a nation rather than as members of a tribe," says Frank Mukwanja.

CMD Plays a Key Role
Bent Nicolajsen, DLDP’s program manager, sees great value in the partnership with CMD:

"The partnership with CMD in Kenya is DLDP's longest-running collaboration. Venstre is now sharing the task with The Danish Conservative Party, The Social Democrats in Denmark, and the Socialist People’s Party (The Green Left). Since 2018, I’ve worked with Frank Mukwanja, who, with his dynamism and integrity, has gained national respect for CMD. He’s streamlined the organization and clearly defined goals around cross-political collaboration, women, and youth."

"The 2008 election in Kenya ended in chaos, and eventually, the major parties came together at CMD to broker peace. CMD played a crucial role in that process," Bent Nicolajsen adds.

The Kenyan People's Meeting
One concrete result of the collaboration between DLDP and CMD is Kenya’s version of the People's Meeting, directly inspired by Bornholm’s Folkemødet. In March 2024, it will be held for the sixth time.
"Our version – The People’s Dialogue Festival – has shown that leaders are ready to engage in dialogue with citizens on political issues, that conversation is better than violence, and that you can disagree yet still find common ground," says Frank Mukwanja.
He adds:
"After five years of the festival in Nairobi, the format will expand from 2024 to 2027, moving to nine counties. These meetings will include broad participation from politicians, citizens, authorities, and organizations."

A New View on Leadership
National politics dominate in Kenya, but a shared goal for DLDP and CMD is to strengthen regional engagement so that, at the local level, dialogue and cross-political agreements can also take root.
"Establishing local party organizations is one of our biggest challenges. We’re used to parties going dormant after elections because it’s expensive to keep the organization running between elections. But, as a relatively new development, Kenya now provides party subsidies in 24 out of 48 counties, based on vote count, with the funds earmarked for office maintenance," says Frank Mukwanja.
He is optimistic about Kenya's progress and hopes that these initiatives will foster a new awareness among the population in the long term:

"With good legislation, Kenya has created relatively stable institutions, but we lack a civic understanding of leadership and critical thinking. Kenyans should no longer view a leader as someone who is wealthy, generous, visible, and social. The next step is for them to expect leaders who can propose ideas and formulate clear plans for the future."

Learn more about the Centre for Multiparty Democracy at www.cmd-kenya.org.