Living Accountability: The Cultural Roots of Governance and Utu in Kenya.

“Living Accountability” reflects the idea that social accountability (SAcc) is rooted in the lived experiences, beliefs, and values of ordinary citizens. It emphasizes that accountability is not imposed from above but emerges from communities themselves, shaped by their collective understanding of governance and justice. The culture of SAcc in Kenya has undergone a remarkable transformation over the years, shaped by historical moments, political shifts, and the resilience of its people, from the deeply embedded communal practices of pre-colonial societies, where governance was rooted in consensus and the utu philosophy, to the early years of independence when civic consciousness was overshadowed by state control. The journey has been one of struggle, resistance, and reinvention… “