Our Governance
The CSO Engagement Forum (CEF) is guided by a governance framework that promotes accountability, inclusivity, transparency, and effective coordination across all levels of engagement. Our governance model is intentionally designed to balance strategic oversight with locally driven participation, ensuring that decisions are informed by both national priorities and grassroots realities. Through shared leadership and collaboration, CEF provides a trusted platform for civil society organizations to engage meaningfully in governance, development, and climate-related processes.
Oversight & Leadership
CEF is anchored by a CSO Oversight Group, which provides overall strategic direction and stewardship to the Forum. The Oversight Group is responsible for:
- Safeguarding CEF’s vision, mission, and values
- Ensuring institutional integrity, independence, and neutrality
- Providing strategic guidance and policy direction
- Supporting accountability, learning, and sustainability
National Coordination
The National CSO Steering Committee serves as the principal coordination and decision-making body at the national level. Its key roles include:
- Guiding the implementation of CEF’s strategic priorities
- Coordinating national-level engagement and advocacy efforts
- Strengthening collaboration among CSOs and partners
- Providing oversight on program delivery, learning, and adaptation
The Committee ensures coherence across thematic and geographic interventions while maintaining alignment with national policy and development frameworks.
Thematic Coordination
CEF operates through Thematic Anchors—CSOs or networks selected based on demonstrated expertise in priority thematic areas relevant to governance, development, and climate resilience. Thematic Anchors:
- Provide technical leadership and subject-matter expertise
- Support coordination and learning within specific thematic areas
- Generate and document evidence to inform advocacy and engagement
- Operate at both national and county levels to ensure alignment and relevance
Regional & County Coordination
To strengthen coordination and contextual relevance, CEF is supported by Regional Coordination Units that link national structures with county-level engagement. At the county level, County CSO Coordination Units serve as the primary platforms for engagement with county governments, development partners, and communities. These structures:
- Convene CSOs and stakeholders at the county level
- Support participatory planning, dialogue, and social accountability processes
- Coordinate county-level advocacy and engagement
- Align CEF initiatives with county development priorities
Community-Level Engagement
At the grassroots, CEF works through Ward and Village-Level Engagement Structures to ensure that citizen participation is inclusive, informed, and grounded in lived community experiences. These structures:
- Facilitate community dialogue and civic education
- Capture citizen priorities, feedback, and concerns
- Support participation in planning, monitoring, and oversight
- Strengthen linkages between communities and decision-makers
Secretariat
The CEF Secretariat provides technical, administrative, and coordination support across all governance levels. Key functions of the Secretariat include:
- Day-to-day coordination and operational management
- Communication and stakeholder engagement
- Documentation, learning, and knowledge management
- Monitoring, evaluation, and reporting
Our Governance Approach
CEF’s governance approach is guided by the following principles:
- Shared leadership and collaboration
- Decentralized coordination with strong national alignment
- Transparency and accountability at all levels
- Inclusive representation and participation