- FIA focuses on promoting a deep understanding of inequality and offers both a solid foundation to build power for change and creative solutions.
- The primary objective of the event was to raise awareness on tax justice, shedding light on its vital role in addressing the systematic disparities that persist in Kenya.
- Forezava further unveiled their upcoming activities.
The Fight Inequality Alliance (FIA) is a coalition of among others, rural and urban, climate justice, youth, women’s rights, artists, land rights, social justice movements, and non-government and international non-government organizations fighting inequality.
In Kenya, the conversation on inequality has largely been at the national level, with very little focus on the grassroots mobilization of the issues.
FIA Kenya uses deep-rooted expertise available that is grounded in knowledge and lived experiences of inequality by marginalized populations to anchor struggles for justice.
FIA focuses on promoting a deep understanding of inequality and offers both a solid foundation to build power for change and creative solutions.
People are already agonizing from the grassroots against the gross inequalities they face in their daily lives.
These include fighting against austerity to the high cost of living.
In the heart of Vihiga County, a powerful movement is gaining momentum as the Fight Inequality Alliance Kenya spearheads a collective effort to champion a just, equal and sustainable world.
Recently, the alliance orchestrated a compelling demonstration of its commitment at the grassroots level, bringing together diverse voices and advocates for social justice in Demesi sub-location, Nadanya Market, Sabatia Sub-county in Vihiga County.
The event witnessed an assembly of passionate individuals from various walks of life, uniting under the shared goal of combating inequality and fostering positive change within the community.
Kevin Makova, Founder of Forezava Farm, moderating the event, delved into the heart of the matter of tax justice in Kenya.
Makova’s leadership brought forth a unique perspective, guiding attendees through a critical examination of the current state of inequalities and envisioning a future where resources, services, and information are freely accessible to everyone.
Primary objective
The primary objective of the event was to raise awareness on tax justice, shedding light on its vital role in addressing the systematic disparities that persist in Kenya.
Through engaging discussions, participants were not only prompted to reflect on the existing challenges but were also encouraged to envision a society where essential resources and information are not confined by economic barriers.
The event served as a catalyst for dialogue, fostering a space where community members could share their thoughts, ideas, and concerns regarding the extreme inequalities prevalent in the country.
The atmosphere was charged with a shared sense of purpose, as individuals contemplated the transformative impact that equitable distribution of resources could have on their communities.
In a riveting demonstration of commitment to the cause, Mr. Nyabera James who is the founder of Mashinani Strategic Empowerment Committee in Tambua Ward Hamisi Sub-county in Vihiga County, elucidated the events thematic areas outlined by the Fight Inequality Alliance.
With passion and precision, Nyabera guided the community through an exclusive exposition of the demands put forth by the Fight Inequality Alliance (F.I. A).
The demands ranging from the abolition of tax havens to increased funding of public institutions, were presented as crucial steps toward fostering a more equitable society.
The first thematic pillar, the abundant funding of public institutions, underscored the pivotal role these institutions play in fostering societal well-being.
It became apparent that fair a taxation system, particularly targeting the affluent, was integral to addressing systemic inequalities.
Nyabera emphasized the importance of allocating resources to essential services, ensuring that communities have access to quality education, health care, and other vital amenities.
In a bold stance, the demand to tax the rich stood out as a pivotal measure to address wealth inequality.
Nyabera’s advocacy extended beyond mere demands, as he passionately asserted, “Its time for the government to ensure fair taxation.”
A poignant plea emerged as Nyabera highlighted the importance of equal access to education and health care, asserting that children of political leaders and the affluent should share the same educational and healthcare institutions as their peers.
The call to abolish tax havens and cancel sovereign debt resonated as potent measures to break free from financial entanglements that perpetuate disparities.
The thematic areas outlined by Mr. Nyabera delved into the everyday challenges faced by the community.
The high costs of commodities notably petrol and petroleum products, emerged as pressing concerns that required immediate attention.
The burden of high taxes on income and goods added to the financial strain experienced by community members.
These stark realities served as a wake-up call, prompting a consensus among the gathered members.
The exposition reached a climax with a call for practical measures such as zero-rating essential goods for the poorest members of society.
Additionally, Nyabera advocated for the removal of tax exemptions on items predominantly utilized by the wealthy, a step toward rectifying imbalances in the tax system.
There was a shared understanding that these issues demanded concerted efforts, not just at the community level but also necessitated collaboration with local and national governments, as well as engagement with the international community.
As Mr. Nyabera James navigated through these thematic areas, participants were not just informed; they were equipped with a roadmap for collective engagement in the fight against inequality and advocate for tangible, transformative changes that resonate at both local and national levels.
Presentations and dialogue
The USAWA event in Vihiga County was not only a gathering of individuals but a convergence of various organizations and social justice centers, each contributing a unique perspective to the discourse.
Among the distinguished attendees were Magharibi Social Justice, Uzalendo Social Justice, Utu Bora Social Justice, Luanda Social Justice, Art for Life, Kaimosi Friends University Environment and Culture Club, and Rural Outreach Africa, among many others.
Rural Outreach Africa and Forezava took the floor presenting initiatives on the right to food and environmental safety respectively.
Doris Anjawa the Founder of Rural Outreach Africa, an organization in Vihiga County that is implementing a program on the right to food, educated the gathered members on some of the issues that could limit right to food.
The presentation served as a platform for community members to actively engage in discussions regarding challenges hindering the realization of this fundamental right.
Issues such as the inability to access land for cultivation, questionable practices by aggregators and marketers compromising food safety, the lack of information among right holders on opportunities for proper food and nutrition, and the exploitation of vulnerable community members by leaders were brought to the forefront.
The presentation resonated as a compelling call for the community to recognize that access to good quality, affordable, and sufficient food is not just a privilege but a fundamental right that demands attention and collective action.
The discussion within the broader context of the USAWA event underscored the interconnected nature of inequality, emphasizing the need for a comprehensive approach to address the multifaceted challenges faced by the community.
Forezava’s Mr. Makova provided insights into proposed activities, sparking community engagement and showcasing the potential of logical dialogue to garner support for transformative initiatives.
The ensuing community dialogue became a lively exchange on equality, gender, and climate change, leading to a thought-provoking lecture emphasizing the community’s agency in driving sustainable solutions.
Environmental safety
Mr. Makova delivered a compelling presentation, wearing the dual hat of a community member and a co-convener.
The focus centered on environmental safety and climate change, highlighting the pressing realities within the community, particularly emphasizing the protection, rehabilitation, and conservation of riparian land.
This presentation sparked an interactive engagement with community members contributing insights. Mr. Charles applauded Forezava’s initiative and urged them to proceed with practical endeavors.
Forezava further unveiled their upcoming activities, including Sports4Ezava, aiming to provide scholarships and climate awareness, tree seedling production for community tree planting initiatives, and support for local farmers through model farming.
This exemplifies the tangible outcomes and community-driven initiatives emerging from the USAWA event, marking a significant stride toward holistic development and environmental stewardship.
Way forward
The event concluded with a forward-looking stance as community members pledged to scale engagements, focusing on practical actions addressing fair access to opportunities, a safer environment, and quality education.
The commitment to nurturing local institutions, especially schools, emerged as a crucial aspect.
In concluding the thematic exploration, the USAWA baraza emerged not merely as a platform for discourse but as a catalyst for tangible action.
The outlined areas provided a framework for communities to channel their efforts, bringing about change from the grassroots to the global stage.
The event became a pivotal moment for collective mobilization, urging participants to carry the spirit of engagement back to their communities.
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The USAWA event thematic areas acted as a beacon, illuminating the path towards a more just and equal society where abundant funding, fair taxation, and the dismantling of financial barriers are not just aspirations but living realities achieved through collective determination and action.
