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BACK TO OFFICE REPORT

I. GENERAL INFORMATION
a). Mission date(s) 25th JULY 2023, TUESDAY
b). Mission to CMD, INTERNATIONAL HOUSE , Nairobi City County

c). Activity (if applicable) CONSULTATIVE MEETING BETWEEN COUNTY

ASSEMBLIES FORUM AND THE CENTRE FOR
MULTIPARTY DEMOCRACY
d). Mission member(s) Hon. Chege Mwaura- Secretary General
Ms. Lonah Losem- Ag. Secretary General
Mr, Austin Munene- Legislative Officer.
e). Institutions represented CAF, CMD.

f). BTOR distribution list Executive Committee, CAF Secretariat.

REPORT TITLE: CONSULTATIVE MEETING BETWEEN COUNTY

ASSEMBLIES FORUM AND THE CENTRE FOR
MULTIPARTY DEMOCRACY

I. INTRODUCTION

This report summarizes the outcomes of a consultative meeting between the County Assemblies Forum
(CAF) and the Centre for Multi-Party Democracy (CMD). The meeting aimed to explore opportunities for
a partnership between the two institutions to enhance the capacity of Members of County Assemblies
(MCAs) and other stakeholders. The focus was on building SDG's Caucuses, creating a platform similar
to gumzo mtaani for public engagement at the ward level, devolving national matters to local dialogues,
and formalizing the cooperation through a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU).

II. DESCRIPTION OF MISSION ACHIEVEMENTS/TASKS COMPLETED

During the consultative meeting, the following achievements and tasks were accomplished:
1. CAF expressed their interest in partnering with CMD to build the capacity of MCAs, the CAF
Secretariat, CAF Women Caucus, and Youth Caucus.
2. The CMD CEO communicated that the organization is currently focusing on training high-level
leaders and not considering capacity-building requests.
3. The concept of developing a platform similar to People's Dialogue Festival and gumzo mtaani
was presented by the MCAs, highlighting its effectiveness in aligning global thinking with the
lowest level of elected representatives.
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4. The two institutions resolved to collaborate on specific areas, including the establishment of
SDG's Caucuses in the 47 County Assemblies, developing a ward-level engagement platform for
MCAs, and devolving matters of national importance to the grassroots level.

III. RECOMMENDATIONS/NEXT STEPS/FOLLOW-UP ACTIONS:

Based on the outcomes of the meeting, the following recommendations and next steps are proposed:
1. CAF and CMD should work together to identify a few pilot Counties to initiate the establishment
of SDG's Caucuses. These caucuses will play a crucial role in localizing SDG implementation.
2. Collaborate on the development and implementation of a platform similar to gumzo mtaani,
which will facilitate meaningful engagement between MCAs and the public at the ward level.
This platform should be designed to enhance local democracy and public participation.
3. Work on developing a comprehensive framework for devolving national matters and issues to the
grassroots level, ensuring integration into local dialogues. This will foster a bottom-up approach
to governance and decision-making.
4. Both institutions should proceed to formalize their partnership by drafting and signing a
Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) that outlines the agreed areas of cooperation,
responsibilities, and expectations.
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IV. KEY OBSERVATIONS/REMARKS:

During the meeting, the following key observations and remarks were noted:
1. There is a strong desire from CAF to enhance the capacity of MCAs and other stakeholders,
which aligns well with CMD's goals of promoting democratic governance.
2. The platform similar to gumzo mtaani received positive feedback from both parties as a valuable
tool for improving public participation and inclusivity.
3. The establishment of SDG's Caucuses in County Assemblies will play a significant role in
advancing the localization of SDGs in Kenya.
4. The concept of devolving national matters to the grassroots level was well-received and holds the
potential to increase citizen engagement in national issues.
V. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF NEXT STEPS/FOLLOW-UP ACTIONS:

To move forward, the following are the next steps and follow-up actions:
1. CAF and CMD will jointly identify and select a few pilot Counties to establish the SDG's
Caucuses, with regular follow-up meetings to assess progress and address challenges.
2. Collaborate on the development of the platform similar to gumzo mtaani, including planning,
design, and implementation, while conducting training sessions for MCAs to effectively use the
platform.
3. Work together to draft the framework for devolving national matters to the grassroots level and
integrate it into local dialogues. This will require research and consultation with relevant
stakeholders.
4. Initiate the process of developing a formal Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between CAF
and CMD, assigning responsibilities and defining the scope of the partnership.

VI. ADDITIONAL INFORMATION, LESSONS LEARNED, AND PARTNERSHIP

POSSIBILITIES EMERGED AS A RESULT OF NETWORKING ACTIVITIES:

As a result of networking activities during the consultative meeting, the following additional information,
lessons learned, and potential partnership possibilities emerged:
1. Both CAF and CMD recognized the value of collaborative efforts in achieving common goals
and objectives.
2. The meeting served as an opportunity for knowledge sharing and understanding each other's
organizational mandates and priorities.
3. There may be opportunities for further collaboration beyond the identified areas, such as joint
advocacy initiatives, research projects, and capacity-building workshops.
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In conclusion, the consultative meeting between CAF and CMD was fruitful, leading to the identification
of key areas for partnership. Moving forward, the establishment of SDG's Caucuses, the development of a
platform for ward-level engagement, and devolving national matters to the grassroots level are promising
initiatives that will contribute to enhanced democracy and governance at the county level. Formalizing the
partnership through an MOU will ensure commitment and accountability in achieving shared objectives.
Both organizations look forward to working together and exploring additional opportunities for
collaboration in the future.