In recent years, civic engagement has emerged as a powerful tool to effectively influence change across various societal domains. It refers to the active participation of individuals in their communities and broader society. It means that citizens do not take a back seat, but actively participate in shaping their communities, advocating for change, and contributing to the democratic process. Civic engagement is supported by various human rights enshrined in the constitution, including freedom of expression, freedom of association, and the right to peaceful assembly. In Kenya, one area where the full potential of civic engagement can be highly realized is the journey toward the transformation of food systems. Often overlooked as mere recipients of goods and services, Kenyan consumers are stepping into their roles as agents of change through grassroots activism, demanding accountability, transparency, and sustainability from the food industry, traders, and government.
In the counties of Kajiado, Nairobi, and Busia, the Consumer Grassroots Association (CGA) has been at the forefront of this movement, introducing innovative consumer engagement initiatives. The first initiative is called “consumer parliaments”, which are periodic forums that are organized to empower consumers, bridge the gap between consumers and policymakers by giving the former a platform to express their complaints to those in positions of authority directly, and to promote healthier, more sustainable food systems under the umbrella of agroecology. The second initiative has been the establishment of consumer complaint desks, where individuals can register grievances related to food quality, water safety, environmental concerns, and more.
However, despite these efforts, there remains a significant cultural barrier to civic engagement: fear. Many consumers are hesitant to come forward and participate in the follow-up process for their complaints. This fear is not unfounded; historical cases of violence and retribution against those who speak out against malpractices by rogue and powerful people loom large in the collective memory. Another instance where this deep-rooted fear is often witnessed is when Kenyan passengers find themselves in matatus being driven recklessly or carrying excess passengers. Despite the evident danger, passengers often keep quiet, fearing abrasive responses from the drivers, whose corrupt connections with the traffic police warrant their immunity. Overcoming these fears requires collective action, empowerment, and solidarity among consumers, supported by advocacy efforts to ensure their safety and protection.
Yet, now more than ever, it is imperative for consumers to overcome this fear and step up to play their role in transforming our food systems. By voicing their concerns, consumers can hold businesses and government entities accountable for their actions, driving positive change from the bottom up. Through grassroots activism and presenting complaints when aggrieved, consumers can amplify their voices and effect meaningful change in policies and practices that affect food production, distribution, and access. For instance, while the media did a good job bringing out well the issues of mercury-contaminated sugar in Kenya a few months ago, there was anger from Kenyans on social media, but this anger quickly abated and became a subject of the past. In the ideal world, if the consumers in Kenya were empowered enough, they would have actively participated in activism by getting involved in demonstrations and picketing, as provided in the constitution, asking those responsible to be held accountable by law enforcement agencies
We call upon consumers to recognize their responsibility in this process. Empowerment begins with education – understanding your rights as a consumer is the first step towards demanding the accountability and transparency our food systems desperately need. Familiarize yourself with the consumer rights enshrined in the constitution, and don’t hesitate to assert them when necessary. By arming yourself with knowledge and awareness, you can become an effective advocate for change, inspiring others to join the movement towards more equitable and sustainable food systems. Together, through collective action and civic engagement, consumers have the power to drive meaningful transformation in our food systems. Let us seize this opportunity to create a future where access to safe, nutritious food is a fundamental right for all. By standing together and speaking out against injustice, consumers can shape a food system that prioritizes the well-being of people and the planet, ensuring a brighter and more sustainable future for generations to come.
