Fix Economic Misgovernance and Corruption! Cease Silencing Voices and Actions of Accountability.

Fix Economic Misgovernance and Corruption! Cease Silencing Voices and Actions of Accountability

Okoa Uchumi Campaign Coalition of citizens and civil society organization continue with the optimism that Kenya will be on a path of good governance, economic prosperity once again based on the actions we have inspired and been inspired across the Debt and Anti-Corruption Assemblies. They continue to serve as crucial dialogue platforms for discussing national challenges that risk plummeting more people into poverty, defiling the constitution of Kenya and ultimately contribute to regression of human rights as evidenced this year. The assemblies are spaces where citizens exercise their power under articles 1 on the sovereignty of the people and Article 10 on national values and principles of the constitution. This gives meaning to the principles of public finance and sharing of equitable revenue as per Articles 201 on principles of public finance and 203 on equitable share and fostering meaningful public participation. We embody the words found in Proverbs 31:8 “Speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves, for the rights of all who are destitute.”

To date, we have convened two impactful assemblies, each focused on empowering citizens and driving conversations around public finance management and especially accountability for public debt and the fight against corruption that have taken away the ability of citizens to live in dignity as public services suffer the constricted fiscal space where up to 70 % goes to debt servicing on average for the last two years.

The Okoa Uchumi team took a deliberate decision to hold these vital conversations in government facilities, stemming from our commitment to ensuring accessibility and inclusivity. As a patriotic coalition we intended this to contribute to the much-needed source of revenue for the government as we also understand the realities of our government institutions. In August 2024 we held our biggest citizen assembly at KICC regardless of the venue being prohibitively expensive as it was strategically placed to attract a varied and diverse audience. Public venues create spaces for diverse groups, including marginalized communities, to engage in dialogue. Collaborating with institutions, including universities, highlights the critical role educational and public institutions play in upholding democratic values.

We are grateful to the Anglican Church of Kenya who when we were faced with these last-minute disruptions reeking of a repressive state that is intolerant of voices of accountability they quickly offered to host. The success of these assemblies amplifies the momentum of our previous engagements, which have been pivotal in raising awareness and driving actionable solutions to the worsening debt crisis plaguing our nation. These forums have proven that informed, fearless discussions can ignite citizen participation and demand accountability in governance. Yet, this progress is under attack. Attempts to intimidate public institutions into denying space for dialogues critical of government policies expose a troubling agenda to silence dissent and erode democratic freedoms. This is not just a threat to democratic engagement; it is a blatant affront to the right of citizens to hold their leaders accountable. Will we stand by as our spaces for truth and accountability are suffocated? This year Kenyan youth have spoken loud and clear: we demand a future built on integrity, not exploitation. Inspired by the spirit of Sankara, we are reminded that for Africa to thrive, its people must be incorruptible

We call on the government to uphold its commitment to transparency and accountability by safeguarding these spaces. Debt and anti-corruption are matters of national importance that require open, inclusive discussions rather than restrictions or censorship. As we move forward, we remain steadfast in our mission to amplify citizen voices, promote accountability, and advocate for sustainable solutions to Kenya’s debt and corruption challenges.

For more information contact Mulayi Muni at mulayi.muni@tisa.or.ke

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The Okoa Uchumi campaign is a civil society platform committed towards working with stakeholders to resolve Kenya’s public debt crisis. The campaign advocates for balanced and equitable budgets as a means of achieving debt sustainability and economic inclusion. The campaign seeks to bolster constitutional safeguards in public debt management and to push for the accountability of political leaders in public debt management.