Author: Nation Reporter
Date: January 23, 2007
Type of article: News
Source: The Daily Nation - only available online by registration and paid subscription fee

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Hundreds of Kenyans and foreigners flocked to the Jeevanjee Garden in Nairobi yesterday for the local version of the ongoing World Social Forum conference.

The parallel event at the city centre is organised by local NGOs for those who can’t afford the Sh500 being charged to attend the main conference at the Moi International Sports Centre, Kasarani.

But delegates from Europe, America and other parts of the world took their time away from the debates at Kasarani to hear local issues discussed by ordinary Kenyans at the Jeevanjee Garden.

“The fee is too high for the poor Kenyans and the venue is far from most of the Nairobi slums,” said an official of the Citizens Assembly, who were among the organisers. “We have organised a parallel forum free of charge to offer a voice to those who can’t be heard at Kasarani.”

The forum is organised under the theme, “A better Kenya is possible”, derived from the international theme of the social forum, “Another world is possible”.

Debates were held under two tents. In one, participants discussed the role of the youth and leadership. They also tackled issues on ethnicity, peace and justice besides world trade politics and how developed nations were exploiting poor one.

In the other tent, dubbed Bunge la Mwananchi, (People’s Parliament) participants debated their problems — from unemployment, insecurity, poverty, political and social disappointments.

The Kenyan forum, which started on Monday, ends today. On Monday, leaders including ODM secretary-general Anyang’ Nyong’o and former Constitution of Kenya Review Commission secretary PLO Lumumba spoke at the meeting.