Dialogue and Civic Spaces

The hbs contributes to democratic governance and social cohesion in the region through advancing civic and political spaces for dialogue. We partner with civil society, academia, private sector and decision makers from the region and beyond to discuss pertinent issues with regards to political, social and economic developments affecting the region. We work with youth to explore and engage in alternative forms of politics towards a more democratic future; and support civic actors to leverage new approaches to protect and advance spaces for democratic practice.

Missing Voices Coalition Unveils Alarming Trends in Police Killings and Enforced Disappearances in Kenya: The 2022 Accountability Report

Article

The 2022 report was launched on Friday 24th March 2023 , held in Yala, marked the launch of the Accountability report, shedding light on the Statistics and Trends of Extrajudicial Killings and Enforced Disappearances in the country.

Uwaga Music Video Launch

Article

The Uwaga album launch is subsequent to The Missing Voices Coalition (MVC) launch of a 60-page report titled “Delayed Justice,” documenting Police Killings and Enforced Disappearance (ED) in Kenya. The Wednesday, 08 June, 2022 sunny afternoon at the Kenya National Theatre (KNT) being peculiar for a usually chilly Nairobi June climate, climate change perhaps. What strikes you as you enter KNT is the photo exhibition that is an accurate indication of the gathering today. Nothing prepares you enough for what’s to occur inside the auditorium.

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Recent Publications

Missing Voices 2022 annual report : Accountability Now

Publication

The 2022 report was launched on Friday 24^th March 2023 , held in Yala, marked the launch of the Accountability report, shedding light on the Statistics and Trends of Extrajudicial Killings and Enforced Disappearances in the country. The launch included a panel discussion by partners and keynote addresses by distinguished guests that include Ambassadors from Germany, Britain, the United States, and the European Union.

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Pandemic policing accessibility of COVID-19 prevention measures in Kenya’s urban informal settlements

Research Paper

This paper seeks to explore the topographies of abandonment and pandemic policing in Kenya’s urban-informal settlements. Through a connection of spatial territories1, I explore the continuation of the colonial era divide and rule tactics to govern what seems as Kenya’s fragmented regions through the duration of the government COVID-19 combatting mechanisms. Through ethnographic research, this paper tries to connect the struggles of Kenya’s poor urban populations secluded in ‘slum areas’ on their daily quest for survival by engaging in a fight against a pandemic and state violence. Notwithstanding the daily denials of basic needs and priorities by both government and potential de facto urban management.

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Our Programme goals

Defending Civic Spaces

A citizen Guide on your responsibilities and rights.

Have you ever wondered what it means to be a citizen? Is it all about possessing a Kenyan Identification Card and/or passport? How about what are your rights and responsibilities as a citizen? Being a citizen is more than just being legally recognized. You have a responsibility to defend and protect your rights as well as those of everyone else in the community. Heinrich Boell Foundation in collaborated with LightBox Africa developed a Citizen Guide. Change Ni Sisi Scroll down to learn more about some of your rights and responsibilities as a citizen that you take for granted.

Dialogue for Democracy

Too close for comfort? Uncovering the odious roots of ‘normalised’ dehumanisation of domestic workers

Article

Domestic workers enter the sphere of private lives of others, where they perform essential care work in conditions that are mostly unregulated and hidden from public view. In the process, they tend to face inhumane treatment. The disturbing part is that this abuse is normalised and accepted by a society that sympathises with the ‘discomfort of wealthy and middle-class people who experience ‘intruding witnesses’ in their homes.

Uwaga Music Video

'Uwaga,' a music video, aimed to inspire Kenyans to stand up to police brutality by demonstrating the power of unity and reimagining a nation based on equality and justice. Uwaga, which stars Juliani, Flawless Konya, Mugureness, Anthem Republiq, and Abudabi Tembekali, was created in collaboration with the Missing Voices coalition, of which hbs Nairobi is a member.

UWAGA - Juliani, Mugureness, Anthem Republiq, Abudabi Tembekali, Flawless Konya (official video) - Missing Voices

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