Open Society Institute Launches East Africa Initiative

The Open Society Institute has launched the East Africa Initiative (OSIEA) to promote public participation in democratic governance, the rule of law, and respect for human rights in Kenya through grant giving, program development, and convening of a broad spectrum of civil society actors.

OSIEA support focuses on the following areas:

Electoral Process: OSIEA supports initiatives that promote conditions for a free, fair, and nonviolent general election in Kenya in 2007.

Governance and Accountability: OSIEA supports advocacy efforts to strengthen the institutional framework of representative democracy, to promote greater public participation in and oversight of state governance, and to press for accountability for state officials.

Human Rights: OSIEA supports organizations that defend and promote the rights of marginalized and disadvantaged communities by documenting human rights violations and conducting civic education.

Independent Media and Access to Information: OSIEA supports efforts to defend and strengthen the media environment in Kenya, fosters initiatives that provide greater access to independent information as well as diversity in media ownership, and encourages growth of independent media efforts that engage civic participation or reach local audiences in marginalized communities.

Regional Programs: Recognizing the potential of African Union (AU) efforts to promote development, peace and security, and political and economic governance, OSIEA seeks to strengthen civil society participation in the work of the AU.

The initiative is headed by Binaifer Nowrojee, a human rights advocate with extensive experience in Africa.