The Role of Civil Society Organizations in Promoting and Protecting Human Rights in Kenya: a Case of Transparency International

Abstract

This research project studied the role that Transparency International and other civil society organizations have played in influencing governance towards the protection and promotion of human rights in Kenya. The main problem it focused on is the effectiveness of these roles in promoting human rights. It did this under the guide of John Rawls theory of justice which argues for justice as fairness. It applied this theory to find out how these organizations have helped to ensure fairness in areas like delivery of services and distribution of economic recourses towards the promotion of human rights. The research hypothesized that these organizations are highly effective in promoting and protecting human rights. It focused on the effect of three main organizations that is Transparency International, Catholic Relief Services and Empower a Child Kenya. The time period periods it covered is between 1988 to the year 2016. The research collected its primary data by carrying out interviews with key informants from Transparency International, civil society and public organizations that promote human rights. It also did this by issuing questionnaires and carrying out focused group discussions with ordinary Kenyans who are not active participants in the running of these organizations but benefit from their services. Secondary data was collected by reviewing various documents, reports, books, articles and internet sources concerning the role these organizations have played in protecting and promoting human rights. The research employed both qualitative and quantitative approach of data collection methods and a sample population of seventy respondents participated in the research interviews. The research found out that the idea and practice of human rights in Kenya is fairly observed and that roles played by Transparency International and civil society organizations in Kenya have been very effective in ensuring this. This they have done by influencing government policies and offering social and relief services such as education and health. They have however faced challenges such limited finances and government interference that deter them from realizing their full objective. The research therefore recommends that these challenges should be resolved to help these organizations realize their full objective of promoting and protecting human rights in Kenya.