Kituo cha Katiba has demonstrated its niche and comparative advantage as a regional organisation that applies a multi-disciplinary and regional approach to constitutional development. This section displays some of Kituo cha Katiba's achievements since its inception...
Achievement #1
Kituo cha Katiba has demonstrated its niche and comparative advantage as a regional organisation that applies a multi-disciplinary and regional approach to constitutional development. The tendencies of NGOs is to respond to constitutional questions in a fashion that meets the exigencies of the moment or that addresses particular crisis. These efforts are local in nature, country specific and often represent short term solutions. Few institutions are equipped with the capacity to adopt long term perspectives on constitutional issues, and to consider them within the framework of general constitutional development.
However, there is potential for collaborative exchange and mutual development across the borders. Consequently, Kituo cha Katiba has succeeded in developing a network of stakeholders in the region working on constitutionalism, good governance and democratic development. Regionalism is a strength in light of the global political and economic environment. Collaboration and networking has increased the numerical strength of the stakeholders as an advocacy and pressure group.
Achievement #2
Kituo cha Katiba has promoted the engagement of the citizenry in the democratisation of Eastern Africa. Indeed the East African Community Treaty recognizes the importance of collaboration with civil society organisations and the private sector.
Kituo cha Katiba acquired observer status at the East African Community on September 9th 2004 and at the African Commission for Human and People's Rights on October 27th 2001, in the Gambia. It is our strong belief that the active participation of civil society in the process of regional integration will mitigate the re-collapsing of the East African Community, by creating a critical mass of pan-East African institutions, civil society organizations and individuals to work in partnership with governments at the national and regional levels.
Achievement #3
Kituo cha Katiba has provided a forum for interaction and sharing of information on issues of mutual concern. It has filled the vacuum of a regional institution engaged in cutting edge research, intellectual and documentary exchange and political activism. Specifically, Kituo cha Katiba has researched, documented and disseminated constitution making, review and amendment processes in Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania.
Achievement #4
Kituo cha Katiba has facilitated processes of building relationships with the governments by provision of neutral fora for dialogue. Kituo cha Katiba has enabled the stakeholders with similar and varied interest to participate and hold rational and analytical discussions. Cases in point are the dialogue that was held between the Kenya Human Rights Commission and the Chief Justice of Kenya in Mombasa; the discussion of the referendum in Uganda that brought together the Movement and Multi-party camps; and the discussion on the White Paper which articulated the interests of civil society for the understanding of government in Tanzania.