Research Consultant at Uraia Trust

Objective: The specific objective of this consultancy is to document the history and evolution of civic education in Kenya from the time of the country’s independence up to the year 2004.

The consultant is expected to trace the evolution of civic education in Kenya by identifying past policy(ies) and legislations on civic education and how they were applied, identify the various civic education programmes that were implemented, document the various materials including curricular, information education communication materials and actions of civic education that were used during the period under study.

Scope of work

Undertake a research and document the history of civic education with a focus on the following key aspects:

1. Civic education structures, frameworks, laws and policies;
2. Civic education provision through the formal school curriculum;
3. Civic education programmes undertaken by Non State Actors;
4. Civic education programmes undertaken by State Actors.

The research and documentation will also pay particular attention to how civic education providers reached out to marginalised groups such as persons with disabilities, pastoralist communities, women and youth.

Phase one: Historical background research on civic education forms, laws, policies and actions undertaken in Kenya from 1963 to 1983. The research will include a review of the then Kenya Schools Curriculum to ascertain if any aspects of civic education were covered; a review of actions by groups on civic education including religious groups, trade unions, student groups etc.; any national or regional meetings held to discuss the provision civic education in Kenya. This will be undertaken through desk reviews and key informant interviews.

Phase two: Historical background research on civic education forms, laws, policies and actions undertaken in Kenya between 1984 and 2004. The research will include a review of the Kenya Schools Curriculum to document aspects of civic education taught; a review of civic education programmes undertaken by groups including but not limited to civil society organisations, Constitutional Review Commissions, university student groups. This will be undertaken through desk reviews and key informant interviews.

Required qualifications, experience and skills for the position:

• A Bachelor’s degree in Social Sciences. A degree in History will be an added advantage.
• At least ten years’ experience in undertaking research, analysis and documentation.
• Experience in undertaking historical research and or a similar research will be an added advantage.
• Good understanding of the following areas:
  • Democracy and Governance dynamics in Kenya.
  • The Civil Society landscape in Kenya.
  • Civic Education initiatives in Kenya.
• Excellent interpersonal, organizational and communication skills.
• Demonstrable problem-solving skills and strong work ethic.