Creating true engagement in citizens. Understanding what we have learned about citizen engagement in East Africa

by Francis Meyo

Reflecting on our recent work on citizen engagement in East Africa, it’s clear that fostering meaningful participation goes beyond simply inviting people to the table. It’s about creating environments where individuals feel their voices matter, marginalized groups are truly included, and communities see tangible results from their involvement. The challenges faced by civil society organizations (CSOs) working in this space are complex, but the solutions lie in understanding the deeper behavioral drivers of engagement.

One of the most insightful takeaways from our latest groundwork work on how citizen voices can impact policy is the importance of aligning citizen engagement with people’s everyday realities. In communities where economic hardship is prevalent, expecting people to participate in civic activities without addressing their immediate needs is unrealistic. We've seen that simple shifts, like adjusting the timing of community meetings or compensating participants, can significantly increase turnout and engagement. This small tweak acknowledges that people’s well-being is a foundation for participation.

Inclusion remains a critical focus. Gideon Too’s groundwork reveals that many engagement efforts still struggle to effectively include marginalized voices—whether women, youth, or other underrepresented groups. True inclusion means more than just inviting people to attend; it requires breaking down the barriers that prevent meaningful participation. We’ve seen how powerful local leaders can be in shifting social norms, particularly when trusted community figures, such as religious leaders, champion inclusive practices. These leaders promote trust and serve as bridges between marginalized groups and the broader community.

The key to sustained engagement is ensuring that people feel their participation is both meaningful and impactful. One of the challenges noted in the groundwork is that many programs fail to connect personal interests with community goals. Behavioral insights teach us that when people see their efforts leading to real change—whether it’s better local services or more responsive governance—they’re far more likely to stay engaged. Providing feedback loops that show citizens how their contributions are being used can make engagement feel more valuable and build long-term trust.

For citizen engagement to be sustainable, people need to feel that their actions can make a difference. In the groundwork, we see how empowering individuals through training and community-based monitoring programs can drive a sense of ownership and responsibility. This empowerment becomes a catalyst for action, especially when people see they have the tools and knowledge to influence outcomes directly.

Finally, resilience is key to making engagement sustainable over time. The CSOs working in East Africa face real challenges, from restrictive regulations to financial pressures, which can disrupt long-term engagement. But we’ve also seen incredible adaptability, with many organizations turning to tech-based solutions to reach citizens and maintain dialogue even in difficult times. By adopting flexible engagement strategies and understanding the broader systems at play, organizations can build structures that withstand challenges and continue fostering participation.

In the end, citizen engagement is about more than gathering input—it’s about creating systems where every voice is valued, every contribution is recognized, and everyone feels empowered to shape the future. As we continue our work, these lessons will guide us in building more inclusive and resilient engagement models that truly reflect the needs and aspirations of the communities we serve.

If you’re passionate about citizen engagement or working in this space, we would love to hear your thoughts on how we can continue evolving these efforts to drive lasting impact. Be sure to read our groundwork on how citizens' voices can enhance governance on our website here.