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| Coast Civil Society Organisations coordinator Nicholas Songora addressing Journalists at Anika Centre offices on Saturday |
By Our Reporter
A section of activists in
Mombasa County wants the government to conduct a national dialogue on the ongoing
weekly demonstrations against SGR in the county.
The activists argue that SGR
debate is a matter of public interest and should not be taken for granted.
Coast Civil Society Organizations
Coordinator Nicholas Songora voicing his concern said bringing all stakeholders
on board is the only remedy to the frequent demos.
Hali ya uchumi imekuwa ngumu. Kuna haja ya serikali
kuwaelimisha wananchi kabla ya kutekeleza miradi yoyote ya maendeleo. The standard of living has shot up. There is a
need to sensitize Kenyans before implementing any development project.
The coordinator further
pointed out that the protests are a result of the high standard of living amongst
low income earners.
On the question of activism
in the Coast region the human rights defender noted that it has greatly increased
adding that the government question fully implements the 2010 constitution.
He says several lobby groups
have amplified their voices on issue affecting Kenyans.
Songora who also doubles as
Manyatta Youth Entertainment MAYE executive director said the 2010 constitution
has created an ample room for Kenyans to air their concerns.
The coordinator said “The
government has been adhering to the supreme law of the land. Therefore the
ordinary Kenyans enjoy their rights and privileges.”
This he notes has given
Kenyans an opportunity to express their views on matters of national interest.
MAYE programs coordinator Esther
Ndarigho wants the government to prioritize on women adding that they play a
crucial role as far as governance is concerned.
“Women should be given an
opportunity. We are not fully involved as far as leadership is concerned” she
said.
Juma Mwaboye a MAYE official
tasked the government to develop more simplified Uwezo fund mechanism in order
to facilitate access for us youths.
“As youth we are asking the government
to develop a good mechanism that will enable youth to access these funds” Juma
noted.
MAYE Programs officer Allan Wangulu
says that it is the responsibility of the government to fully involve youths
from the initial stage.
According to him however he
says there is need for youths themselves to undertake frequent follow-ups of
government projects from their initial phases.
“What is important is for
the youths themselves to conduct frequent follow-ups of these projects” he
noted.
The activists urged the
political elites to involve youths in their development plans and strategies to
ensure equity equality and inclusivity.
Monday’s 27 demonstrations marked
its seventh peaceful demo in a row.
The lobbyists were
addressing journalists at Anika centre offices located at Dongo Kundu on
Saturday.
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