1. People Centered EAC: Perspectives on the Operating Environment for Civil Society Organizations in EAC Partner States Prudence SEBAHIZI National Coordinator EACSOF Rwanda 1

2. Meaning of Operating Environment according to CIVICUS: Conditions within which civil society works; forces that shape and influence the size, extent and functioning of the civil society ‘space’. Factors affecting Operating Environment: – INTERNAL: CSOs legitimacy, transparency and accountability; connections between CSOs; – EXTERNAL: the legal and regulatory environment, public attitudes, trust, tolerance and participation, corruption, communications, technology and resources. 2 Conceptual Framework

3. Unfavorable legal frameworks; Political environment (intimidation, unnecessary bureaucracy, negative perceptions, etc.); Delays in processing applications for registration; Limited awareness and wrong perception of CSOs by Partner States Government. How to enhance and sustain the Consultative Dialogue Framework? How to engage at national level? 3 Key Issues Affecting CSOs Operating Environment in EAC Partner States

4. Work out a Funding Mechanism for CDF to ensure sustainability; Making the national dialogue for a work (e.g. quarterly NDF at national level that would feed into the SG Forum) Establish a clear structure and coordination mechanism amongst CSOs; BUT- Recognizing differences in governing systems of Partner States Encourage close collaboration between CSOs and Governments at national level; Establish a Dialogue Framework between CSOs and EALA on one hand, and EACJ on the other; CSOs representatives should be invited to EALA sessions and national Parliaments sessions; 4 Recommendations

5. Define clearly what CSOs are and create awareness on CSOs amongst government officials; To assess the contribution of CSOs to the Economy of the Partner States; CSOs should be held accountable to the people they represent; Encourage advocacy based on evidence both at national and regional levels; Ensure consistent legislation at local, national and regional level; CSOs should establish a self assessment mechanism and aim at self- regulation; - CSO of the Year Award in Kenya. 5 Recommendations (Cont’d…)

6. Governments should secure budgets for CSOs to discourage donor dependency; CSOs should participate actively in the ongoing institutional review of the EAC and amendment of the Treaty to articulate people’s interests; CSOs should give their voice on the proposed Political Integration of EAC; Review of the Rules on Granting Observer Status 6 Recommendations (Cont’d…)