A key determinant for successful democratic consolidation is the ability of democratically-elected governments to provide "good governance." While many citizens of developing countries value characteristics associated with democracy (e.g., elections, Human Rights, and representation), they are often equally interested in qualities such as public accountability, responsiveness, transparency, and efficiency. "Good governance" assumes a government's ability to maintain social peace, guarantee law and order, promote or create conditions necessary for economic growth, and ensure a minimum level of social security. Yet, many new governments fail to realize the long-term benefits of adopting effective governance policies. Even in cases where governments recognize the value of such policies, they often lack the capacity to implement them. For these reasons, newly democratic governments too often revert to more familiar patterns of authoritarianism and abuse. Kenya is not exempted from this paradigm.

Because the behaviour of formal State actors can support or undermine developmental and democratic processes, CELAK works to encourage government to reform certain structures and processes to make them more transparent, accountable, and participatory. CELAK works to encourage more transparent and accountable government institutions in five areas:

• Anti-corruption

• Democratic decentralization

• Legislative strengthening

• Civil-military relations

• Effective policy implementation.

• Enterprise Development

At the same time CELAK promotes:

• Provision of Civic Education to create awareness to enhance citizen participation in the management of public affairs.

• Transparent Procedures for individuals to effectively claim one’s rights;

• Good governance and accountable government institutions that promote and protect Human Rights;

• Democratic, open, transparent and participatory decision making processes;

• Networking with likeminded organizations to promote Strong civil society, including a free and independent media.

CELAK partners have intended to support initiatives in Civic Education, Democratisation, promotion of economic growth. Most of these have combined “bottom-up” or enterprise-level interventions (credit, training, technical assistance) with broader programs intended to improve the enabling environment for private enterprise development and growth.