Coast Civil Society Network for Human Rights (CCSNHR) and the Mombasa Accountability Committee (MAC) have signed a three-year memorandum of understanding (MOU) to boost accountability, transparency, civic participation and the protection of human rights in the coast region.

The decision to join forces, the unions and civil society organisations said, is informed the manner in which political formations in the country are forming coalitions to frustrate the rights of Kenyans.

MAC, an umbrella body representing eight workers’ unions in Mombasa, will work with CCSNHR to jointly identify, review and update priority areas of collaboration based on emerging needs.

Under the agreement, the two entities will partner in areas that will include public policy and legislative engagement, regulatory oversight, social accountability, monitoring of public services, participation in the budget cycle and the promotion of fiscal transparency.

“We are signing a coalition of the willing and the progressive forces that will make this county and this country better in terms of promoting good governance and transparency, accountability and effective public participation delivery,” CCSNHR Chair Zedekiah Adika said.

He noted that the partnership seeks to advance human rights and social justice in the region, while strengthening joint advocacy between the two coalitions.

To achieve this, the coalition will organise joint dialogue forums that involve coast communities, government and other stakeholders to address governance and human rights concerns. They will also collaborate in resource mobilisation to ensure effective implementation of their initiatives.

“We will also develop and implement a joint initiative in the thematic groups that we have chosen. Now, the reality is that the political class, those who hold our resources and those who run this nation, are forming a lot of coalitions. Without a strong coalition of the progressive forces, they may not take the country in the best way and in the right direction,” Adika observed.

He said “Evidence is all over in the auditor general’s reports, which reads like a conviction of a murderer. We are looking forward to ensuring that the auditor general’s report looks progressive in a way that will give hope to the future and to the people of Kenya.”

The coalition put on notice the political class fond of perpetuating graft that their days are numbered, as civil society now has the backing of the workers’ trade union.

“The political class in Mombasa must know that now you have not just the civil society to deal with, but you have stronger unions coming for your neck, especially if you are a thief,” Adika warned.

MAC Chair Kassim Ziro noted that civil societies have been highlighting the government’s performance, whilst trade unions have long focused on employees’ welfare at workplaces, but now want to take an active role in society too.

“If roads are impassable, I will also be affected because I cannot reach my workplace on time. We have come together to have one voice as civil societies and unions on issues affecting us as the Mombasa community,” Ziro explained.

He added that the two are keen to ensure prudent use of public resources for the development of the counties.

• A Tell Media / KNA report / By Sadik Hassan