Two days of dialogue, reflection and collective action in Wote, Makueni County have come to a close. The 6th Annual Civic Space Protection Summit brought together civil society organisations, human rights defenders, journalists, state institutions, development partners, youth, community representatives and other stakeholders to reflect on the state of civic space in Kenya and the threats facing democratic participation ahead of the 2027 General Elections. Across the Summit, participants examined the issues shaping Kenya's civic and democratic environment -from strengthening collective protection mechanisms for human rights defenders and civic actors, to public order management, digital civic space, public participation and accountability, and electoral preparedness. But in the midst of these critical conversations, the Summit also made space to care for the people carrying this work. Through the Safe Haven Tent, our wellness program showed civic actors what it looks like to practice healing through simple, collective wellness practices. It offered a space where people could pause, breathe and reflect- a quiet reminder that protecting civic space also means protecting the wellbeing of those who defend it. The Summit culminated in the Makueni Declaration, calling on government and state agencies to uphold fundamental freedoms, strengthen independent oversight, build collective protection mechanisms for civic actors, safeguard digital civic freedoms, and ensure the meaningful participation of women, youth, persons with disabilities and other marginalised groups. The conversations have concluded, but the commitments made in Makueni mark an important point of action. #ACSPS2026 #VoicesUnbowed #ProtectCivicSpace