UNITING VOICES FOR SOCIAL JUSTICE
The World Day of Social Justice arrives at a time when the world grapples with climate change, war, the rise of authoritarian regimes, and a shrinking of civic space, among other unfortunate issues. These global trends are mirrored in Kenya, where these challenges translate to unprecedented loss of lives, millions worth of property damage, increased discrimination, and a widening gap between the privileged and the underprivileged. For millions across the world, and within Kenya, a life of dignity remains a pipe dream.
In Kenya, women, children, and young people from underserved communities bear the brunt of unemployment, unfair policies, and starved public funding, denying them a dignified life. This directly contradicts the aspirations of the Copenhagen Declaration and Program of Action of 1995 and the commitments made by over 100 world leaders to poverty alleviation, full employment, and the creation of stable, safe, and just societies.
While the privileged have a responsibility to create a just world, their actions often exacerbate the existing inequalities. For instance, some contribute to the problem by supporting rogue regimes and monopolizing essential social services like education, healthcare, and water supply, further worsening the situation for marginalized communities. These communities live the harsh reality. Do they speak? Are they heard? Are their concerns addressed?
Surprisingly, their agitation for better social services is met with arbitrary arrests based on trumped-up charges, abductions, enforced disappearances, and, at times, even death. All this for advocating for a fair world where everyone belongs!
Instead of taking responsibility for addressing the pressing needs of the vast majority, the government propagates a narrative of false hope, telling endless lies and selling unfulfilled promises. For example, the government’s promise to streamline operations and cut unnecessary expenditure remains unfulfilled. Government expenditure continues to bloat, while funding for essential services is starved.
This World Day of Social Justice, we remind the Kenyan government that it is time to tell citizens what they need to hear, not what they want to hear. The government must admit that they have not lived up to their promise of ethical and efficient governance, and that the witnessed corruption and wastefulness must be addressed.
The government must present a true picture of our struggling economy. Our failing healthcare sector, and the education sector struggle to provide learners with the skills and knowledge demanded by the market.. The government must become more intentional and deliberate in involving vulnerable groups in decision-making; These groups are best placed to offer solutions that address their specific needs.
The government must stop playing victim to voices demanding accountability and instead forge partnerships and collaborations that will strengthen a Just Transition for a Sustainable Future.
This World Day of Social Justice, the Kenyan government must heed these calls, acknowledge the realities on the ground, and work collaboratively with all stakeholders to build a truly just and equitable society.
Written by John Muisyo.
Youth Inspirator-Actionaid placed at YouthAlive! Kenya
