Just Cities and Politics

Kenya’s cities are expanding rapidly. Yet growth without justice deepens inequality, exclusion and environmental stress. The Just Cities and Politics Department works to ensure that urbanisation is socially just, democratic and sustainable. We believe cities must deliver public goods fairly, protect civic space, and guarantee meaningful participation for all—especially women, youth, workers and residents of informal settlements.

Our work sits at the intersection of urban governance, social justice and progressive politics. Through its "Just Cities" project, FES Kenya collaborates with various stakeholders, including civil society organizations, trade unions, Members of County Assemblies, national government representatives, private sector, media and academia to generate dialogue, evidence and policy alternatives that advance equitable service delivery, accountable institutions and inclusive urban planning. By strengthening democratic culture at the local level, we support cities to become ‘Just’.

A flagship of this agenda is the Strengthening Civil Society Engagement for a Just and Sustainable Urbanization (SCEJU) project, co-funded by the European Union. Implemented in Kisumu, Nakuru and Makueni counties, SCEJU strengthens the capacity of civil society actors to engage public institutions on sustainable water and waste management. Through training, research, digital innovation and small grants to locally led initiatives, we promote citizen oversight, climate-responsive solutions and socially just service provision.

Our approach is grounded in dialogue, partnership and policy reform. We work not only to respond to today’s urban challenges, but to shape a progressive vision for tomorrow’s cities where sustainability, accountability and social justice are not aspirations, but lived realities.