THE CITIZENS ASSEMBLY: When the wicked rule, the people cry & mourn.

amerix avatar
Eric
@amerixSep 9, 2024

The Spaces focused on various socio-political and economic issues in Kenya, with discussions led by multiple speakers addressing key problems such as political corruption, economic terrorism, mental health challenges, and the state of education. Significant emphasis was placed on criticizing the government's inefficiencies, including the Adani deal and the Teachers' Service Commission. The conversation also addressed the need for civic education, dissolving parliament, and grassroots mobilization to push for systemic changes.

Citizen Assembly Discussion on September 3rd, 2024

Introduction and Overview

This session was hosted by Ameryx, with the primary focus on discussing various social, economic, and political issues affecting the citizens of Kenya. The assembly emphasized the impact of these issues on the nation's mental health and the overall well-being of its citizens. The assembly is a regular Sunday discussion aimed at addressing problems that affect Kenyan citizens, with the goal of proposing actionable solutions.

Thematic Overview

Mental Health and Social Issues

Ameryx began by discussing the current mental fatigue faced by the Kenyan populace due to various tragedies, including chronic illnesses, road accidents, job losses, evictions, and dormitory fires. He emphasized the collective mourning and need for social support systems.

Education Sector

Multiple speakers highlighted the dire state of the education sector, touching on various facets such as inadequate infrastructure, the complexities of the Competency-Based Curriculum (CBC), and issues surrounding junior secondary school management.

  • Lin: Discussed teachers' challenges, including stagnant wages and insufficient medical insurance. She lamented that the education sector is not in competent hands, urging for the appointments of educational bureaucracy who have a background in education.
  • Molly: Emphasized the need for adequate infrastructure, especially for junior secondary schools. She highlighted mismanagement and the lack of resources in primary schools.
  • Various Teachers: Teachers shared their frustrations about the education system, with many expressing disappointment over the hosting of junior secondary in primary schools without the necessary resources and facilities.

Socio-Political Issues

Several participants brought to light the ongoing corruption and its widespread impact on the country. The discussions covered several topics including the controversial Public-Private Partnership (PPP) deals, especially the Adani deal concerning JKIA.

Corruption and Public-Private Partnerships

  • Nelson Ameyaw: Detailed the negative implications of the Adani deal. He characterized the deal as economically unviable and attributed it to the larger issue of corruption and lack of transparency in public-private partnerships. He also announced the call for a protest on September 11 to reject the Adani deal.
  • Teachers' Representation: Addressed issues related to the inadequate medical insurance provided to teachers and the depth of corruption within the Teacher Service Commission (TSC). The union's ineffectiveness was also called into question, with many criticizing the involvement of politicians.

Government Accountability

  • Speakers: Spoke about the adverse effects of the Kenyan government's decisions on the nation's collective mental health, including the psychological impact of political brutality.
  • Bravin Yuri: Explained that the trauma is utilized by politicians to suppress dissent and maintain control, emphasizing the need for mental health support to recuperate from this trauma.

National Crisis and Ongoing Conflicts

Another major point of discussion was the numerous tragedies plaguing the country, from fires that claimed the lives of students to ongoing abductions and disappearances. This segment included an emotional account of the conditions under which teachers are working and the larger impact on the education system.

Collective Trauma and Recovery

  • Brivin Yuri: Emphasized that Kenya is dealing with significant collective trauma stemming from political brutality, corruption, and the government's lack of accountability.
  • Teachers and Education Officials: Shared poignant stories of the challenges they face, including inadequate mental health support and corrupt unions compromising their welfare.

International Solidarity and Assistance

Guest speakers from abroad joined the session to offer their support and emphasize the importance of global solidarity.

  • Speaker from the US: Commended the assembly for its efforts and highlighted the importance of these discussions being shared globally to combat governmental oppression.

Closing Remarks

Ameryx closed the session by reiterating the importance of continuing these discussions and the need for collective action to bring about change. He called for greater civic education and transparency and encouraged citizens to stay united in their efforts.

Next Steps

  • Protests: September 11 was highlighted as a critical date for protests against the Adani deal and political corruption in Kenya.
  • Civic Engagement: Continuous encouragement for citizens to engage in activism and civic education to hold their government accountable.

Final Note

This assembly serves as a reminder of the power of community and collective action in addressing the nation's pressing issues. It emphasizes the need for transparency, accountability, and reforms to improve the state's failing systems.