Day 3 of the People’s Dialogue Festival (PDF) unfolded against the backdrop of a momentous occasion meant to pay tribute to women’s achievements and ongoing strides towards achieving gender equality - the 2024 International Women’s Day. The atmosphere was electric with anticipation and reverence as over 2,000 PDF delegates met with dignitaries and key politicians who championed causes around IWD’s theme this year, ‘Inspiring Inclusion’. Some of the members of Kenya’s political class in attendance include Governor Kenneth Lusaka, Kamukunji MP Yusuf Hassan, Hon. Maina Karobia of EALA, Sen. Crystal Asige, Hon. Esther Passaris among many others.

In compelling sessions held at the HEKIMA VILLAGE, Esther Passaris, the Nairobi Woman Representative delivered an impassioned speech focusing on the crucial topic of the two-thirds gender rule and the transformative power of women supporting one another through collaboration. In the same energy of inspiring inclusion, Senator Asige delivered a memorable and thought- provoking contribution at a panel discussion alongside other women with disabilities. Stressing the importance of comprehensive inclusion, the panel emphasised the necessity of ensuring that every individual is represented and empowered within our society.

Weaving a tapestry of inclusion, the issue of disability rights was extensively discussed as part of a larger human rights session that drew the nexus between Human Rights and SDGs realisation at the SDGs VILLAGE. During the session, Hon. Yusuf Hassan emphasised the importance of connecting innovative frameworks to strengthen the achievement of the SDGs, suggesting the incorporation of existing human rights implementation structures as a viable approach. Contributing to the day’s theme, the SDG Villagers underscored the need for a united effort across actors to accelerate the realisation of gender equality, and advance and secure women’s economic empowerment by addressing poverty, strengthening institutions and financing initiatives with a gender perspective.

The outgoing CMD-Kenya Chairperson Hon. Pricilla Nyokabi endorsed the sense of urgency expressed by participants and palpable discontent with the slow pace towards the realisation SDG- 5 on Gender Equality. The villagers endorsed and called for a new wave of radical reforms across institutions and policies for the benefit of women and gender equality.

Perhaps inspired by the vibes from the SDG Villagers, the Culinary Conversations Corner delivered the amazing ‘eco-ndazi,’ a delightful fusion of leftover meals in a bid to promote sustainability. Speaking around the critical value of devolution and public participation in Kenya, at the POLITICAL VILLAGE, Gov. Lusaka called for a revamped approach to public engagement that prioritises accountability over mere formality and compliance. In concurrence, the Director of Public Participation at Nairobi City County revealed that as part of efforts to improve the reach and quality of participation, the county was gradually incorporating e-participation/digital participation with support of partners. Onwards this end, the recent launch of the Civic Voices App is seen as a critical innovation in revolutionising public participation. The village also featured the launch of The Youth Cafe’s report: A Comprehensive Analysis of Youth Participation in Kenya’s General Election which analysed the nature and extent of youth participation in politics, both as political aspirants and as voters. The report provided helpful insights into the voter apathy that is increasingly being witnessed in Kenya, and possible interventions towards reversing the unwelcome trend.

The YOUTH VILLAGE continued in the celebration of women by stressing the importance of involving young women in politics, highlighting their unique social aspect to politics, amidst challenges including insecurity, and lack of funding. Besides this, a conversation around accountability emerged highlighting challenges faced by the country since the promulgation of the current constitution and devolution. Panellists decried the normalisation of the blame game in Kenyan politics and called for grassroots-level initiatives to educate communities about their challenges and elect accountable leaders. The discussions highlighted the need for systemic changes, inclusive partnerships, innovative funding approaches, effective advocacy, and transparency to address these challenges and create a more inclusive and accountable political environment in Kenya.

Threading a common theme of the power of storytelling in advocacy, especially for the young people at the festival, the NI SISI NI SASA VILLAGERS captivated the high school students through various engaging formats and immersive mediums including short Kenyan films that highlight key issues that affect Kenyans. A thought-provoking panel discussion centred on “Women in the 21st Century” ignited lively debates around gender roles in society and the imperative of ensuring women’s equitable representation in all spheres, including workplaces. Wrapping up the day, representatives of the Embassy of Denmark in Kenya interacted with the young villagers, highlighting similarities between the People Dialogue Festival and Denmark’s own People’s Meeting, which provided inspiration for the PDF. The guests from Denmark commended the Kenyan event for its dedication to actively engaging the youth, contrasting it with the predominantly older demographic at the People’s Meeting in Denmark.

As the sun sets on the third day of the People Dialogue Festival, the organisers and partners Centre for Multiparty Democracy (CMD-Kenya), are grateful for the quality and diversity of conversations by the villagers in the true spirit of the 2024 festival theme: Competition and Collaboration in Democratic Development.

Let us meet tomorrow Saturday for the ultimate close-down program and and concert featuring Kidum, Bensol, Furthermore, Maandy among many others, till 7.30PM! FormNiDialogue. Come and see for yourself, Si Ni Mimi Nakushow!