Acepis

22/10/2025

Calling on Content Creators to participate in this research aimed at promoting resilient and accountable creation, conveyance & consumption of digital content in Kenya.

The study shall:

1. Profile the landscape of digital content creators in Kenya;
2. Interrogate their knowledge of international standards on freedom of expression;
3. Assess their Media and Information Literacy (MIL) needs;
4. Map risks and safety concerns experienced by digital content creators and assess their resilience to harmful online content; and
5. Explore emerging role of Generative AI in digital content creation among other issues.

This is part of UNESCO Regional Office for Eastern Africa Social Media for Peace project (II) funded by EU International Partnerships

09/11/2023

In recent times, the world has witnessed both minor and major disruptions, including the COVID-19 pandemic, which posed multifaceted challenges and necessitated adaptation to new ways of life. Additionally, the Russia-Ukraine conflict has contributed to the fluctuation of the Kenyan Shilling, while the constant evolution of technology and the ongoing Israel-Hamas conflict have further transformed the global landscape. These events continually reshape the world order, demanding innovative approaches to sustain economies worldwide.

Our colleague Magoma Christine participated in a workshop organized by Konrad Adenauer-Stiftung in Kenya, alongside various stakeholders and speakers, including Roseline K. Njogu, the Principal Secretary of the State Department for Diaspora Affairs, Prof. XN Iraki from the University of Nairobi and Prof. Amb. Maria Nzomo. The discussions were focused on Kenya's role in the emerging global order.

Key outcomes included a strong emphasis on the importance of regional economic integration for Africa's economic prosperity, the need for collaborative efforts at the regional level to strategize the successful implementation of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), and the necessity of redefining the concept of democracy in Kenya and the broader African context, given recent events that have challenged its foundations. Speakers also stressed the importance of seeking African-driven solutions to the continent's challenges, while maintaining collaboration with global and external partners.

14/08/2023

As part of activities under the UNESCO EU-funded "Social Media 4 Peace" project, ACEPIS coordinated a Training of Trainers workshop held in Kisumu from August 2nd to 4th, 2023. The workshop aimed to enhance the capacities of regulators, media professionals, fact checkers, peacebuilders, and representatives from academia in Kenya to tackle online hate speech and disinformation. It further sought to enable participants to lead activities that reinforce learning on Media and Information Literacy (MIL).

Key take-aways from the workshop underscored the need for;
1. Collaborative arrangements towards integrating MIL.
2. Continuous advocacy and awareness creation on the responsible use of online platforms.
3. More MIL capacity building interventions for diverse audiences.

Read more about the workshop here: https://bit.ly/3DVZpZO

UNESCO Regional Office for Eastern Africa ARTICLE 19 KICTANet Media Council of Kenya Communications Authority of Kenya National Council for Persons with Disabilities (NCPWD) Association of Media Women in Kenya (AMWIK)

Based on human rights and fundamental freedoms, the 2005 Convention ultimately provides a new framework for informed, transparent and parti

11/08/2023

serves as a meaningful acknowledgment of the role that young people play in addressing global challenges and contributing to shared prosperity. This year's theme spotlights equipping youths with skills to foster a greener world.

🌿🌏Whether it's adopting eco-friendly technology or making planet-conscious choices in our daily routines, every step matters. At Acepis, we contribute through research that informs pro-green policy.

Our recent study, “Financing Climate Action in Eastern Africa” highlights essential climate finance concerns. It emphasizes the significance of government decisions regarding debt for climate action & provides recommendations for a greener future.👇 https://bit.ly/3wD7dvv

03/07/2023

Within our applied research stream of work, we collaborated with the East African Tax and Governance Network (EATGN) and Tax Justice Network Africa (TJNA), to generate evidence on the role of private creditors in debt crises and its human costs. The findings underscore the adverse implications of private sector debt on fiscal justice, MSME investment and economic growth. Furthermore, the lack of transparency in contractual agreements and public participation contributes to corruption and mismanagement of funds.

This publication serves as a basis for CSOs to advocate and raise awareness among key stakeholders about the role of private creditors in precipitating debt distress in developing economies, an issue that has received inadequate attention.

Read more: https://www.acepis.org/publication/risky-borrowing-and-economic-justice-role-of-private-creditors-in-kenyas-public-debt-problem/

19/06/2023

On this year's International Day for Countering , ACEPIS, in collaboration with some of the members of the National Coalition on Content Moderation and Freedom of Expression, call on everyone to say . Watch the video below: Muthuri Kathure UNESCO Regional Office for Eastern Africa Allan Cheboi Rachel Olpengs Magoma Christine Wanjiru Nguhi Baraza Media Lab

11/04/2023

Come build your career with us!

The Africa Centre for People Institutions and Society (Acepis) is scouting for Research Analysts to join our dynamic team in Nairobi. This is a trainee position with opportunities to learn and contribute to our public policy research and analysis stream of work.

Qualified candidates are encouraged to submit their applications by April 20th, 2023.

More information about the role and application procedures can be found in the poster provided below or on our website:https://www.acepis.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Acepis-Call_Trainee-Research-Analyst-1.pdf

23/03/2023

We have been busy! We continue to conduct collaborative🤝 public policy research analysis🔎 that contributes to advocacy📢 and informs policy-making processes around the region🌍.

Here are highlights of some of the work we did in 2022 (continuation).

v) In 2022, we also investigated the status of climate action financing in East Africa to inform COP27 conversations. This research established that climate financing to the region remains grossly inadequate and channeled largely through debt instruments that may exacerbate sovereign debt distress that economies in EA are grappling with. The policy paper advances evidence that provides basis for advocating for increased financing to meet global climate goals. Read more here: https://bit.ly/3wD7dvv

vi) Through research conducted in collaboration with African Forum and Network on Debt and Development (AFRODAD) on mineral resource governance in Africa, we developed a policy brief that unpacks trends in mineral resource governance in the region. It explores how existing policy and institutional frameworks, the political economy context, and various actors/stakeholders are shaping the governance of mineral resources in the region. It provides recommendations on how States can improve mineral resource governance to increase domestic resource mobilization necessary for financing Africa’s economic transformation agenda. Click: https://bit.ly/3TEsFuM

vii) This publication, Economic Sustainability in East Africa: Framing the Linkages Between Public Debt and Tax Justice, was written in partnership with East African Tax and Governance Network with support from Society Initiative for Eastern Africa and Tax Justice Network Africa. It explores implications of rising public debt stocks & debt repayment obligations on fiscal injustice in the East African region. It highlights how debt repayment obligations are leading governments to implement stringent tax policy, eroding public voice and participation in public finance and limit service delivery in crucial sectors. It also highlights data and information challenges on public finance issues in East Africa. Read more: https://bit.ly/3RMKdEm

viii) Using new data released through the China Africa Research Initiative (SAIS-CARI), this briefing shed light into where resources (largely debt and ODA) from China to East Africa is invested. The brief interrogates the volumes of Chinese debt, sectors financed by the loans and analyses the major Chinese financiers for five East African countries. It highlights the prominence of investments in infrastructure and energy with limited investment in social sectors. It underscores the need for more legislative scrutiny and oversight of Chinese debt and advocacy for access to information.
Click: https://bit.ly/3J5N7jt

23/03/2023

We have been busy😀! We continue to conduct collaborative🤝 public policy research analysis🔎 that contributes to advocacy🗣️📢 and informs policy-making processes around the region🌍.

Here are highlights of some of the work we did in 2022.

i) Together with East African Tax and Governance Network , Third World Network and Tax Justice Network Africa we explored the impact of tax expenditures on Kenya's revenue base. The research exposes huge revenue losses incurred by Kenya Government as a result of waivers and incentives that do not correspond to the country's fiscal situation - characterized by slow growth, fiscal deficits, & a heavy debt servicing burden. The paper provides crucial evidence that has informed advocacy for a just, equitable, and progressive tax regime in Kenya. It informed CSOs contributions to the review process of Kenya’s national tax policy. Click: https://bit.ly/3W1rjdf

ii) Conducted in collaboration with Tax Justice Network Africa and East African Tax and Governance Network, this study advances crucial evidence on role of private creditors in Kenya’s public debt problem. The publication highlights the high cost of credit, lack of transparency in acquisition & utilisation of this stream of financing, the human cost - diverting resources from crucial social services through debt servicing, and how it impinges on private sector growth as it crowds out credit for SMMEs. It underscores the need for multi-stakeholder attention to the role of commercial loans & private credit (Eurobonds & treasury bonds/bills) in causing debt distress in developing economies. Click: https://bit.ly/3mRAaCC

iii) In collaboration with Tisa Kenya with support from Christian Aid, Kenya we conducted research on Citizens Voice, Political Accountability and Public Debt Management in Kenya. The research investigated the role youth and women in public debt management in Kenya. The publication highlights limited public participation in debt management in Kenya and provide recommendations on channels of engaging legislators and citizens to advocate for prudent debt management. Read more: https://bit.ly/3lmLztg

iv) Within our public expenditure analysis stream, we worked with Plan International on tracking resource investments to education sector in Middle East, Eastern and Southern Africa region. The work analysed domestic (budget) allocations, ODA flows & other resource streams aimed at generating evidence to support advocacy toward adequate financing for quality, inclusive, and gender-responsive education. Visit: https://bit.ly/3YcXA2Z

The research highlights significant resource gaps in meeting the GPE summit targets of at least 20% of total budget and 6% of GDP. It challenges stakeholders to prioritize domestic resource mobilization and effective use of available resources. It also highlights weak frameworks/guidelines for financing: gender parity in education, learners with disabilities, and for climate change education. Read more: https://bit.ly/3YcXA2Z

17/03/2023

This move by Kenyan MPs is noteworthy, given that we previously conducted research in collaboration with East African Tax and Governance Network that revealed the true cost of revenue foregone in Kenya. Click: http://bit.ly/3W1rjdf

African Forum and Network on Debt and Development (AFRODAD) Tax Justice Network Africa IEA Kenya Institute of Public Finance

08/03/2023

Technology and digital platforms provide unprecedented opportunities for girls and women to advocate for their rights as well as advance and grow their careers; however, the same platforms have also been used to threaten their well-being.

When the internet enabled communities and individuals to connect, discrimination, hate speech, and virtual human rights violations became uninvited guests.

In 2020, Plan International conducted surveys based on online experiences from around the world, hearing from 14,000 girls and young women from 31 countries. According to the findings, 58% of respondents had experienced online harassment, with half reporting that they faced more harassment online than on the street.

As a result of these threats, they are less likely to use digital services or pursue careers in technology, and are far more likely to face online harassment and violence.

UN Women Femnet Secretariat Ministry of Public Service, Gender and Affirmative Action CRAWN Trust Centre for Rights Education and Awareness (CREAW)

28/02/2023

Good morning! Our colleague Magoma Christine will be speaking today from 11:00am–12:30pm at the Twitter Space organized by Constitution & Reform Education Consortium (CRECO) on the Impact of Information Disorder on Governance in Kenya. Set a reminder here: https://twitter.com/i/spaces/1OwxWwPkDXkxQ