Presentation to the Scanning Horizons Workshop convened for 15 leaders from International CSOs by International Civil Society Centre

1. “Remaining
powerfully relevant
in a world dominated
by 4 Ps”
Irũngũ Houghton
Amnesty International Kenya
@irunguhoughton
What is the challenge facing

2. A differentiated, globalised and polarized world
Rise of authoritarian regimes that
demonize human beings
Aid leverage unhinged by trade
interest and HR disinterest
Over 60 repressive anti-NGO laws
& practices, Kenya no different
Recent transition of 50 countries
from developing to middle income
countries
While devolving and moving closer
to the ground, ICSOs left politically
paralysed and prostrate

3. Trait 1/3: Risk Adversity in the face of the Ps
The demonisers and social
media incentivises bold
lies and social polarisation
Our business model is no
match for politicians,
preachers, publicists and
pop stars
It only take a couple of big
hoaxes to really convince
the public that noting’s real
Reluctance to go beyond
the imperial model and
frame an assets based
model

4. 2/3 Trait: Closed bureaucracies
Our governance systems
still slumber on a lie
500 top NGOs 64% Boards
& 63% CEOs still drawn
from the western world.
Only 4% of CEOs are of
African origin.
Short-term
Programmes, neat silo-ed
SDGs mirrors incapable of
reaching the persuadable
majority
Expatriates no match for
increasingly muscular local
elites
Directive action and
control valued over
leverage and influence

5. Disconnect from
#FeesMustFall
#NoThirdTermism #ThisFlag
#Oromoprotests
Institutional strengthening,
sustainability and build public
supporter bases
Social listening, big data
management, issues that
resonate with persuadable
majority now needed
Trait 3/3: Social movements and citizens disinterest