Inclusiveness and Social Justice in Evaluation: A Transformative Evaluation Paradigm

Abstract

Policy evaluators who are committed to eliminating social disparities face several difficulties aligning their principles with research methodologies presents. The transformative paradigm incorporates the understanding that ethical practice is inclusive in a culturally responsive manner with members of vulnerable and marginalized populations in ways that challenge the existing power structure. This paper looks into the relevance of the transformative paradigm in evaluating the Kenya National Cohesion and Integration Policy. More subtly, the paper focuses on two key threats to social cohesion and integration, as identified in the policy. These are the overconcentration of state powers on the executive arm of government; and the inequitable distribution of opportunities and public resources. The overconcentration of state power on the executive is a precursor to exploitation, exclusion, and the perpetuation of ethnic and regional inequality. Although the 2010 Constitution has clearly reshaped Kenya’s political landscape, the solution to reducing the stakes of political competition and political instability due to the over-concentration of executive power largely lies with individual politicians and informal institutions that complement, or compete with formal institutions. Instead of the existing ostensibly meritocratic system that benefits individuals connected to the appointing authority, a transformative framework would assist in monitoring whether public sector employment reflect the face of Kenya. The Kenya National Cohesion and Integration Policy, while important, should emphasise the role of Kenya’s informal institutions in peaceful nation united in their diversity. Although the policy stresses inclusivity in governance, important as it may be, there is the need for Kenya to also focus on economic and religious inclusivity. As a way of achieving inclusivity, the policy should seek to end the predictable five-year cycle of electoral violence and ethnic antagonism that has plagued Kenya for decades.