CSO STANDARDS              
Poverty Eradication Network (PEN) for the last four years has been leading a collaborative initiative involving more than 20 CSO networks and capacity building organisations in Kenya which has led to the development of a set of long-term aspirational standards, a Code of Practice and a Self Assessment/Enhancement tool for Kenyan CSOs. The standards are organised under the following groups: legal and statutory requirements; identity; governance; culture and leadership; management; systems and policies; resource mobilization and resource utilization; work planning and programming; partnerships and external relations. The standards are complete and a new and independent certification body, “VIWANGO,” has been established by representative organisations engaged in this process. “VIWANGO” is the Kiswahili version of the word “Standards”. PEN has provided the secretariat support to this important initiative.

Why “VIWANGO”/CSO Standards now?
Its founders are motivated by changes in relations with the state, the inconsistency of the state regulation and the ineffectiveness of existing NGO Umbrella bodies. The credibility of the sector in the eyes of the public is poor and NGOs are seen by many as money-making exercises for local entrepreneurs. Donors have also reported about the lack of transparency and financial stewardship.
The founders therefore saw the need to inspire and nurture a culture of continuous improvement by CSOs to deliver superior value to the relevant constituencies. The founders are convinced that high standards of practice and performance could enable CSOs achieve greater relevance, recognition, and results, and enhance their sustainability.
One goal behind the formation of “VIWANGO” is to provide a reliable evaluation of a CSO’s effectiveness whilst enhancing its capacity. It is also hoped that this initiative will help CSO’s diversify their funding thus increasing their autonomy, their ability to plan ahead and their downward accountability to beneficiaries.

“Many thanks for your good work on CSO Standards” Arif Neky, Regional CEO Aga Khan Foundation, East Africa.