People’s Dialogue Festival 2024 | Come Tubonge
The People Dialogue Festival (PDF) is a flagship dialogue initiative by the Centre for Multiparty Democracy (CMD-Kenya) aimed at shaping the discourse around critical issues by bringing together leaders and people to engage in meaningful conversations about pressing challenges and opportunities facing the broader society in Kenya. The inaugural PDF was successfully convened in March 2019 and subsequent editions in 2020, 2021, 2022, and 2023. Under the overarching theme Competition and Collaboration in Democratic Development, the 6th edition is set to take place from 6th to 9th March 2024 in Nairobi.
Additionally, County level editions dubbed Gumzo Mtaani will be held in 6 Counties in a bid to diversify involvement and deepen participation in dialogue. CMD Kenya is committed to nurturing meaningful dialogue and sustaining a platform for thought leaders, experts, and visionaries within political, public, private, professional, and civil society sectors to come together and address critical issues facing our community and beyond.
JUSTIFICATION PDF
Is uniquely relevant as it ensures that enhanced dialogue goes beyond the political elite and accommodates gender equality, the inclusion of youth, minorities, civil society organizations, and other non-traditional actors like citizen movements in a political decision-making process. Participation has steadily grown from less than 1,000 in 2019 to over 8,000 in 2023 attracting a diverse audience including elected leaders, national and county government officials, political parties, civil society organizations, professional associations, private sector, academia, students, trade unions, media, artists, women rights’ organizations, youth-led & youth-serving organizations, community-based organizations international democracy support organizations and representatives of diplomatic missions. In a stratified society such as Kenya coupled with increasing skepticism for politics, the urgency to create a stronger and more transparent connection between decision-makers and decision-takers cannot be gainsaid.
Dialogue serves this key connection by ensuring active and meaningful engagement of different actors and citizens in public affairs. Indeed, dialogue is the distinguishing feature of democratic societies, which are judged by the extent to which governments open up to citizen involvement in public affairs and the space they give for citizens to hold the government accountable. The challenge is therefore to establish spaces for dialogue among state and non-state actors as well as ordinary citizens to strengthen their relationships towards the overall good of the country’s democratic development and the transformation towards sustainable development.
Moreover, for Kenya to begin emerging from the present and historical state of affairs that makes it increasingly vulnerable, there is the need for greater collaboration among leaders both in the public and private sectors, to deal with the underlying issues, develop answers to problems, and move the country forward on a positive path of sustainable peace and development. A contrary path threatens to erase strides of development and may further entrench poverty and inequality, especially among young people who make up a high percentage of Kenya’s total population. Collaborative national leadership will stimulate dialogue at different levels of society on ways to achieve more effective and holistic strategies for managing and resolving differences and building inclusive processes that advance good governance in the country.
PDF:OBJECTIVES
The overall objective of the People Dialogue Festival is to provide a platform for political parties and other actors (both state and non-state) to be in dialogue on governance reforms and socio economic issues as well as to safeguard democratic gains. Specific objectives of the 6th edition of the PDF are as follows.
1.To deepen meaningful i inclusion and public participation through the provision of safe spaces for citizens, in all their diversities, to engage in dialogue on issues of national interest
2.To distill a reform agenda that political parties and other state and non-state actors can adopt for immediate and long-term implementation to improve people’s welfare.
3.To improve citizens’ understanding of governance and socio-economic issues and who and which institutions they should hold accountable for the realization of the development agenda.
4.To advocate for issue-based politics, enhanced understanding of Kenya’s development agenda, and commitment to fulfilling its obligations to regional and global commitments including implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals.
EXPECTED IMPACT
PDF EXPECTED GOALS
Optimism:
Enhancing appreciation of democracy and strengthened belief in positive change among Kenyans.
Invention and innovation:
Championing new politics, ideas methods, and processes, strengthening the capacity to develop innovative and creative solutions.
Meaningful participation and civic engagement:
Increased capacity to meaningfully participate, opportunities to do so, curiosity, open conversations, and showroom of new participatory and collaborative civic engagement methods.
Relationships and Equality:
Encouraging new and stronger relations. building trust between the system and citizens, reducing power distance, and an appreciation for diversity.
Conducive Political Competition and Sustainable Collaboration:
increased awareness of the importance of balancing the use of healthy, issue-based political competition and sustainable collaboration to provide meaningful, constructive choices to citizens.
PDF 2024 largely focuses on the following thematic areas;
A. THE STATE OF THE ECONOMY
The Kenyan economy is the largest in East Africa. Over the years, subsequent governments have promoted rapid economic growth through public investment, encouraged smallholder agricultural production and provided incentives for private industrial investment. Additionally, Kenya has experienced continued growth in GDP, supported by ongoing public infrastructure projects, strong public and private sector investment and appropriate economic and fiscal policies, reflecting the broad-based and diversified nature of the Kenyan economy. However, Kenya’s economic situation has become a concern over the last few years with inflation driven by increase in prices for food and energy, rising public debt driven by higher interest payments and exchange rate depreciation, widening current account deficit driven by the lower trade deficit, and a depreciating.
B. CITIZENS’ ECONOMIC AND SOCIAL RIGHTS (ARTICLE 43 OF COK)
Debate on what Kenyans should realistically expect in return of the taxes paid remains persistent. The Kenyan government relies on tax revenue to finance public expenditures and provide vital services to its citizens. Taxation plays a crucial role in funding essential services such as education, healthcare, and housing, yet while Kenyans are continually severed by the ever-rising taxes, access to and quality of basic services continues to be a subject of discussion.
The effectiveness of government's tax policies is dependent not only on the revenue generated, but also on the efficiency, transparency, and accountability of the government in managing and utilizing the funds for their intended purpose. Moreover, public oversight and accountability are crucial to ensure that tax revenue is used appropriately. Taking cognizance of the patriotic duty to pay taxes and the importance of public goods and services, the People Dialogue Festival shall provide opportunity for participants to engage in dialogue on the various essential services, which they have a constitutional right to access.
C. THE COST AND QUALITY OF KENYA’S EDUCATION
From a workforce perspective, employers (local, regional, and international) rave about the quality of the Kenyan workforce. Kenya is English-speaking, has high literacy rates, and has a strong primary, secondary, and tertiary education system. In fact, 86% of the labor force has some post-secondary education, outpacing the regional average of 72% and the country boasts some excellent universities. Besides, making progress in increasing access to primary and secondary education in recent years, the government has undertaken curriculum reforms to align education with the needs of the job market and to foster a more holistic approach to learning. The Competency-Based Curriculum (CBC) was introduced to replace the 8-4-4 system.
While the progress is commendable, challenges of quality and cost of education continue to dominate public discourse in Kenya. Discussions on this topic will therefore revolve around these complex challenges, how they are interconnected, and ongoing efforts by the government and various stakeholders to address them and improve the overall education system in Kenya. Some of these challenges include schools, especially in rural areas having inadequate infrastructure, and lack of proper learning materials; access disparities mostly affecting children in remote areas who face challenges in accessing quality education; shortage of qualified and experienced teachers, especially in rural areas; ongoing efforts to reform the examination system; and funding constraints affecting infrastructure development, teacher training, learners and teachers welfare and the overall quality of education.
D. GOVERNANCE
Since the adoption of its 2010 Constitution, Kenya has seen significant advancements. This constitutional framework not only bolstered civil and political rights but also addressed socio-economic concerns. It emphasized citizen involvement in governance, mandating public participation across all levels. Additionally, it established independent oversight bodies and decentralized government structures. Despite these strides, elite control persists, hindering broader citizen engagement. These elites often manipulate democratic processes, influence policies, and perpetuate corruption. Ethnic-based politics and contentious elections add further complexity, overshadowing policy debates. High youth unemployment exacerbates social and economic challenges. Thus, while progress has been made, addressing these issues remains vital for a more resilient Kenya.
Efforts to advance Kenya's development further include fostering a more inclusive economy and strengthening institutions, such as political parties and promoting gender equality. Initiatives like the National Dialogue Committee, supported by leaders across political divides, aim to enhance governance. However, sustained efforts and collaboration among stakeholders are crucial for success. This session will convene state and non-state actors to address challenges and opportunities, aiming for a politically stable, socially cohesive, and economically inclusive Kenya.
E. THE GREEN AGENDA
In a historic move, Kenya's President designated November 13th, 2023, as National Tree Planting Day, launching the Jaza Miti campaign to rally citizens towards planting trees. With a target of 15 billion trees, this initiative aims to restore Kenya's forests and increase tree cover by 10% by 2032 to combat climate change. Kenya hosted the inaugural Africa Climate Summit, addressing the region's vulnerability to climate change. The President also highlighted climate change and financing at the Global Citizen Festival in France, emphasizing Africa's potential as a carbon sink. Despite Kenya's leading role in carbon offsets, concerns persist among climate-focused civil society organizations about the impact of carbon markets, including potential displacements and disruptions to traditional practices.
Global corporations like Meta and Netflix have also engaged in carbon credit initiatives, raising additional scrutiny. millions of dollars' worth of carbon credits through projects like the NKGCP, despite controversies surrounding such initiatives. The President's endorsement of the Climate Change Amendment Act, which addresses concerns regarding carbon credit projects and trading, reflects ongoing efforts in this arena. However, there remains a significant gap in public understanding of carbon credits among Kenyans. The PDF 2024 aims to address this by convening experts to discuss carbon credits, dispel myths surrounding climate issues, and promote the localization of the green agenda.
F.REALIZATION OF THE SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT GOALS
The 2023 SDG Summit marked a critical juncture in the pursuit of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), signaling both progress and challenges as the world reached the halfway point to the 2030 deadline. However, with only 15% of assessable targets on track for achievement and 37% showing no progress or regression, concerns arise regarding the feasibility of attaining the SDGs within the remaining seven years. Reflecting on past failures to meet the Millennium Development Goals, questions emerge about the viability of the current development framework.
In this context, the role of political parties emerges as crucial, serving as the cornerstone of modern democracies and essential facilitators of citizen empowerment and inclusion. By aggregating social demands and translating them into political decisions, parties play a vital role in realizing the SDGs' objectives. Moreover, they serve as platforms for historically marginalized groups, aligning with the SDGs' principle of leaving no one behind. Despite their significance, political parties have often been overlooked in SDG discussions. Recognizing the importance of engaging youth globally, their inclusion is paramount for the successful realization of the SDGs, emphasizing the need for comprehensive and inclusive strategies moving forward.
The youth, comprising the largest segment of our population, have historically faced exclusion from decision-making processes on matters of national importance, leading to a significant portion of educated yet unemployed young individuals lacking avenues for meaningful contribution to the development agenda. Despite the robust framework of the Kenya Youth Development Policy of 2019, its implementation has been largely ineffective. The SDGs Village within PDF offers a platform for diverse stakeholders, including political parties, policymakers, civic actors, the private sector, and citizens, to engage in constructive dialogue centered around the SDGs. This initiative aims to empower youth by integrating their voices into the SDGs' implementation, fostering intergenerational partnerships, and promoting understanding of the goals. Additionally, the festival emphasizes SDG 17, advocating for multi-stakeholder partnerships as essential for achieving the goals, leveraging collective resources and expertise to drive sustainable development. Participants are encouraged to utilize the festival as a networking space to forge impactful collaborations, ensuring inclusivity and shared progress in the development journey.
G.INDEPENDENCE OF INSTITUTIONS
The Constitution of Kenya 2010 establishes 14 commissions and 2 independent offices tasked with upholding democratic values, protecting people's sovereignty, and promoting constitutionalism. The autonomy of these institutions is vital for a well-functioning democracy, ensuring they operate independently from external influences. However, challenges to their independence persist despite constitutional safeguards. These challenges encompass various issues, including the Judiciary's autonomy, the independence of election-related bodies, media freedom, and the autonomy of anti-corruption institutions. Discussions on this matter will involve leaders from these institutions, focusing on reforms to bolster their independence, such as enhancing appointment processes and ensuring adequate resource allocation.
METHODOLOGY AND SET-UP
The People Dialogue Festival is committed to fostering vibrant and engaging participation while staying true to democratic ideals. It aims to bridge the gap between policymakers and citizens, valuing the input of all participants in shaping the nation's future. By integrating creative arts, the festival provides a dynamic platform for dialogue, celebrating Kenya's diverse culture and heritage. Through a variety of interactive methods such as workshops, roundtable discussions, and art exhibitions, participants are encouraged to actively engage in sessions tailored to their interests. The festival promotes learning, connection, and collaboration across different platforms, empowering attendees to contribute to discussions at their own pace and preference.
The Youth Village
The Youth Village serves as a dedicated intragenerational dialogue space tailored for young adults aged between 18 and 35 years. Here, they come together to share their lived experiences, inspire one another, and participate in robust discussions covering a diverse array of topics. Through this engagement, they aim to enhance their civic competencies and contribute meaningfully to society.
The Ni Sisi Ni Sasa Village
The Ni Sisi Ni Sasa Village is designed as a dialogue space tailored for participants under 18 years old, providing them with an opportunity to express their voices and discuss complex democratic concepts in a language that is easily understandable. This platform aims to ensure their meaningful inclusion in democratic and governance processes.
POLITICAL DIALOGUE VILLAGE
The Political Dialogue Village serves as a platform for constructive and issue-based inter-party dialogue and debate. It facilitates discussions on contemporary democracy issues, such as inclusion in governance, and hosts sessions like the political party leaders' hour.
SDG VILLAGE
The SDG Village is dedicated to fostering conversations centered around the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and exploring ways to implement them at the local level. Participants will have the opportunity to share their experiences and insights on the progress made towards achieving these goals. Through collaborative discussions and knowledge sharing, the SDG Village aims to inspire and empower individuals and communities to take action towards sustainable development.
EXHIBITION SPACE
The Exhibition Space offers a platform for both political and apolitical organizations to exhibit their efforts in advancing democracy and the Sustainable Development Goals to the public. It serves as an opportunity for these organizations to showcase their work and engage with the broader community.
HEKIMA VILLAGE
The Hekima Village offers a forum for intergenerational dialogue, uniting individuals from different age groups to exchange experiences and promote improved communication and mutual understanding.