Performance Evaluation of USAID/Kenya’s Conflict Mitigation and Civil Society Strengthening Activities

The evaluation was designed to identify the effectiveness of U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID)-funded activities in contributing to a peaceful Kenya.

Using an overall mixed methodology, it examined the activities and approaches of six implementing partners (IPs):

1. the Kenya Civil Society Strengthening Program (KCSSP)
2. Kenya Tuna Uwezo (KTU)
3. Rift Valley Local Empowerment for Peace (LEAP II)
4. People to People Peace Activity (3Ps)
5. Reporting for Peace, and Land and Conflict Sensitive Journalism in Kenya (L&CSJ)
6. Peace Initiative Kenya (PIK).

The evaluation seeks to answer six questions:

1. In what ways did USAID/Kenya conflict mitigation approaches contribute to peace during the 2013 general election?
2. To what extent have these identified approaches addressed root causes of conflict?
3. To what extent have attitudes and perceptions of individuals and communities changed toward peace and conflict in the targeted areas?
4. What components are likely to continue to influence conflict mitigation after program closure?
5. To what extent did USAID/Kenya strengthen civil society organizations’ — especially local partners’ — ability to implement and manage conflict mitigation programs?
6. What key lessons and good practices can be identified for future USAID/Kenya conflict mitigation and civil society strengthening programming?