Defending democracy

A WEEK IN THE NAME OF DEMOCRACY

ForumCiv and Wajibu Wetu Programme partners PAWA254, Siasa Place and Creative Spills, will jointly commemorate the Democracy week with a series of week-long activities on Monday 13 September to Friday 17 September with both virtual and live events at the Kenya National Theatre and The Museums Of Kenya.

The events will focus on the crucial question of people’s role in democracy, amid widespread evidence of public disillusionment with the political class and governments of the day.

The event brings together a vibrant mix of civil society practitioners, young and emerging activists, as well as influential policy practitioners. The interactive format allows participants to exchange views on this important issue and reflecting people, power, and change.

The programme is in East Africa Time (UTC +3).

Join the conversation on social media using the hashtag #DefendingDemocracy

Illustration of people protesting with the text defending democracy

Monday 13 September

Opening Session

Time: 10–11.00 am
Venue: Kenya National Theatre

Speeches and Creative Performances

Opening remarks from Michael Owino, the planning team representative,
Remarks from Jackson Obare, Regional Manager, ForumCiv ROESA
Remarks from Anna Stenvinkel, Secretary-General ForumCiv
Remarks from Helena Vikström, Embassy of Sweden
Remarks from Chief Guest, Dr. Willy Mutunga, Former Chief Justice, Republic of Kenya

Panel: Role of the Public Institution in defending democracy

Time: 11.00 am – 1.00 pm
Venue: Kenya National Theatre

Moderator: John Allan Namu

Panellists:

Representative | Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission
Representative | Registrar of Political Parties
Mutemi wa Kiama
Representative | Katiba Institute
Robi Chacha

Lunch | Interactive exhibitions

Time: 1.00–2.00 pm
Venue: Kenya National Theatre

Virtual Speaker Session

Time: 2–2.30 pm
Venue: Kenya National Theatre

Global lessons on actualising women representation in political parties structures.

Drude Dahlerup | Professor Emerita, Dept. of Political Science, Stockholm University and Honorary Professor at Roskilde University

Panel: How can we push political parties to have more women in their structures

Time: 2.30–4.30 pm
Venue: Kenya National Theatre

Moderator: Wilkister Aduma

Panellists:

Betty Adera | KANU
Bina Maseno | Badili Africa
Nerima Wako | Siasa Place
Beth Syengo | President Orange Democratic Party Women League

Tuesday 14 September

Plenary: Democracy Champions - Empowering stories from young changemakers

Time: 10.00 am –1.00 pm
Venue: Kenya National Theatre

Moderator: Njoki Gachana | Githurai Social Justice Centre

Speakers:

Suzanne Silantoi | Senatorial Aspirant
Hezbon Bahati | Creative
Patricia Mutheu | MCA
Juliana Oyalo
Ahmed Bening | Deputy Secretary-General Pan Africa Youth Union | Ghana
Young Changemaker | From Sweden

Lunch | Interactive exhibitions

Time: 1.00–2.00 pm
Venue: Kenya National Theatre

Panel: Place And Voice of Young People In the Democratisation and Electoral Processes

Time: 2.30–4.00 pm
Venue: Kenya National Theatre

Moderator: Danish Odongo

Panellists:

Scheaffer Okore
Shiko Kihika | Tribeless Youth
CEO | National Youth Council
Arnold Maliba
Mbuki Mburu

Wednesday 15 September

Plenary: Impact of Covid-19 on democracy (Prerecorded videos)

Time: 10 am –1.00 pm
Venue: Kenya National Theatre

Video interviews on the impact of covid on democracy

Samuel Omare | Kayole (Youths – community perspectives)
Maryanne Wanjiru | Dandora (Youths – community perspectives)
Javan the poet
Brian Keter
Zaina Kombo
Rachael Mwikali

Moderator: Sylvia Matasi

Panellists:

Hussein Khalid | Haki Africa
Salome Nduta | Defenders Coalition
Boniface Mwangi
Mufasa the Poet

Watch the recording here

Lunch | Interactive exhibitions

Time: 1.00–2.00 pm
Venue: Kenya National Theatre

Plenary: Role of the media in shaping democracy

Time: 2.00–4.00 pm
Venue: Kenya National Theatre

Moderator: Danish Odongo

Panellists:

Jude Kaberia | AMWIK
Representative | AKU
Paul Otieno | Media Council of Kenya
Gabriel Oguda | Social Commentator
Sophia Wanuna
Nzau Musau

Thursday 16 September

Plenary: Rising Inequalities Media, Art, Moderated conversations with artists

Time: 10.00 am –1.00 pm
Venue: Kenya National Theatre

Moderator: Walter Sitati

Creative performances and Conversations with Artists.

Nelmo New Song | Mukuru Youth Initiative
Anthem Republic
KGZ Heavy Weight
Karembo
Niuru Band

Lunch | Interactive exhibitions

Time: 1.00–2.00 pm
Venue: Kenya National Theatre

Panel: Arts and democracy

Time: 2.00–4.00 pm
Venue: Kenya National Theatre

Moderator: Prof. Kimani Njogu

Panellists:

Javan Ofula | Poet
Shikkey | Laywer and a Poet
Dorphan | Social Commentator
Njeri Mwangi

Friday 17 September

Panel: Digital space and democracy

Time: 10.00 am –12.00 pm
Venue: The Museums of Kenya

Pollviews presentation on nexus between digital space and democracy.

Moderator: Valentine Njoroge | K24

Panellists:

Adelle Onyango
Mariga Thoithi
Representative | Amnesty International
Njugush | Comedian
Abraham Mutai | Social Media Influencer
Stephanie Wachira

Lunch | Interactive exhibitions

Time: 1.00–2.00 pm
Venue: The Museums of Kenya

Plenary: Democracy Quiz and closing session

Time: 2.00–3.00 pm
Venue: The Museums of Kenya

Moderator: TBD

Participating Teams.