Coast-based civil society groups are calling for a clear, open, and inclusive national dialogue to address the escalating social and political conflicts threatening national unity.
The human rights defenders, led by Kenya Civil Society Centre Director General Suba Churchill, emphasized that such dialogue must go beyond mere formality and serve as a meaningful platform for addressing the diverse concerns and needs of the population.
The activists spoke to the media in Mombasa on Tuesday.
Suba insisted that sustainable national progress is impossible without comprehensive dialogue that incorporates voices from all sectors of society.
“Inclusivity in the dialogue is essential to ensure that no one is left behind. Gen Z has voiced strong opposition to the process,” he said.
Betty Sharon, Executive Director of the Collaboration of Women in Development (QWID), also weighed in, stressing that if the dialogue is to take place, it must include citizens from all walks of life.
She emphasized that genuine representation and inclusivity are key to ensuring the dialogue reflects the realities of the broader population.
Meanwhile, Janet Molo, a civil rights crusader focused on gender-based violence, underscored the urgent need for the dialogue’s proposals to be actionable.
She noted that while discussions are important, they must lead to concrete and measurable outcomes that can drive meaningful change for the most vulnerable members of society.
While calls for dialogue continue to gain momentum among various civil society groups, the initiative faces considerable resistance, particularly from youth activists who question its potential effectiveness.