Nairobi City residents can now hope for order and sanity in the capital City after Nairobi Governor Ann Kananu struck a deal with boda boda operators to end the menace that has affected the sector for years.

In the deal, Nairobi City County Government will register all boda boda operators in the sub-county level and issue them with unique identification numbers that will be used to enforce order and sanity in the sector.

Speaking on Thursday at City Hall after meeting with representatives of boda boda operators in Nairobi, Governor Kananu however called for order and sanity to be restored in the Capital City by bodaboda riders especially in the Central Business District.

“Sanity must be restored in Nairobi City County. All bodaboda riders have to be registered through Saccos to enable the County Government weed out rogue riders," said Kananu during a meeting with the boda boda officials.

Kananu said that once the bodaboda riders are registered at the Sub-County level, City Hall will issue them with County stickers to identify them from riders from other Counties.

“My administration will immediately form a committee to hold further discussions with the bodaboda representatives to ensure that there is continued talks, compliance and orderliness in Nairobi City,” added Kananu.

The boda boda operators in Nairobi can also breathe a sigh of relief after Kananu ordered for unconditional release of impounded motorbikes with petty offences.  

Kananu directed the Nairobi City County Government Inspectorate Department to hand over the impounded motorbikes to the rightful owners once they produce ownership documents.

“The detained motorbikes that were confiscated on minor offences will be released to the logbook owners subject to provision of relevant documentation,” she said.

The Governor has further assured the boda boda operators that the Nairobi City County Government Askaris will not harass them if they obey all traffic rules and City bylaws. 

“I believe in empowerment of the youth and I would also like each Sacco to identify representatives who will be trained by the County on disaster management so that we can use our boda boda operators during emergency cases on our roads,” Kananu stated.

Kananu also called upon the leaders of boda boda riders in each sub-county in Nairobi to hold frequent briefs with Sub-County Administrators to identify issues in the sector and mitigate on them.

Nairobi County Trade, Tourism and Co-operatives CEC, Winfred Gathagu who also attended the meeting at City Hall added that the County was ready to issue County stickers to bodaboda riders once they are fully registered in their Saccos. She further said that the County will soon support Small Medium Enterprises (SMEs) such as the bodabodas sector once they formalize their operations.

Deputy Director Operations, Enforcement Department, William Kangogo said that Nairobi City County Government had issued public notice in 2014 on demarcated boundaries for bodaboda riders, but they have not been complying. He called on their Saccos to emphasize to their members on the need to follow law and order in the Central Business District.

The boda boda representatives led by their Chairman Kevin Mbadi informed Kananu that they are updating their system to ensure all riders are registered to enable their data to be included in the stickers to be issued by Saccos. 

He further stated that the stickers will have codes to enable the County Enforcement Department and Police identify genuine riders.

“We are currently registering 200 riders daily and we are requesting the Governor for more time to comply with all the regulations,” said Mbadi.

The meeting was also attended City Hall Chief of Staff, Mutunga Mutungi, Governors' Economic Advisor, Sylvester Kasuku, Govenors' Legal Advisor, Joseph Kiarie, Member of County Assembly for Kariobangi North, Maina Njoka, Member of County Assembly for Dandora 2, Ongwae Matara and other bodaboda representatives.

There are at least 1000 boda Bodas that are being held by the inspectorate department.

The meeting was called by Governor Kananu after she issued a seven-day ultimatum to the boda boda operators representatives in Nairobi to reach our over their rogue behavior following a video that went viral of a female motorist being attacked and sexually harassed out of her vehicle by boda boda operators along Wangari Maathai road in Parklands.

Kaloleni Mp Paul Katana has called on the registrar of political parties to quickly resolve the illegal registration of voters to parties that are not of their choice.

According to Katana, some Kenyans have expressed deep concerns after realizing they have been registered into political parties that they do not subscribe to.

He says this has defied fundamental rights and freedoms including the right to privacy and data protection as well as the right to make free freedom choices.

“The registrar of political parties must resolve this matter amicably, there must be a law that protects the rights of the people to ensure that people do not find themselves registered in parties that are not of their choice, “said Katana.

Speaking during a political parties sensitization meeting of political aspirants from the Coast region and the office of political parties registrar, the Mp welcomed the changes in the new political party law saying it brought sanity in the political parties by strengthening how nomination affairs will be conducted.

“This law has strengthened political parties and we support it because if you feel discriminated in the nomination process, you can walk out, again the law also has cleaned the way we will participate in the nomination, unlike before where people who are not even in the register ,participated in the nomination elections,” said Katana.

This happens as the office of the registrar of political parties ORPP says it has deployed enough personnel in the regions to solve disputes that will emerge from party nominations processes countrywide.

The registrar prospects massive disputes may emerge from candidates after the nomination processes, but urges parties to exercise transparency and diplomacy to avert disputes.

 “The new law has added 18 new members to the political party’s dispute tribunal (PPDT) initially they were only six and they couldn’t go everywhere, but now we have more personnel who will be able to solve the disputes speedly,”said Abdilahi.

On his part deputy political parties registrar Ali Abdilahi said 18 new members have been recruited to solve regional tribunals.

“Initially people used to go to Nairobi but now members of the tribunal are able to sit aim all regions so that they handle all cases emanating from the primaries, so it makes justice more open to members, there will be different panels independently to solve disputes, “said Abdilahi.

The registrar said it will monitor party nominations so as to ensure special groups get their nomination fairness in line with set party laws and code of conduct.

“We are now in talks with the National persons with disability council body to ensure that anybody disabled and is in the party list gets genuine certificates to avoid people declaring themselves disabled and they are not, so we will be verifying the list,” added Abdilahi.

President Uhuru Kenyatta has condoled with the family of State House Comptroller, Mr Kinuthia Mbugua, following the death of his mother Mama Loice Njeri Mbugua.

Mama Loice, 100, passed away this morning while undergoing treatment at a Nairobi hospital.

In his message of comfort and encouragement to the family, President Kenyatta described Mama Loice Njeri as a hard-working and progressive community leader who cherished education as the key to success.

The Head of State also noted that Mama Loice was a strong advocate of family values and raised a distinguished family, which has continued to serve the nation with diligence in various sectors.

“Despite growing up during the colonial era, Mama Loice Njeri Mbugua strove to ensure her children received quality education with the understanding that knowledge was the fountain of life,” President Kenyatta eulogised.

The President said Mama Loice also valued women empowerment and promoted agribusiness as a way of boosting women’s income in her community.

“Mama Loice was a progressive person who dedicated her energy in farming to enhance family income. We will always appreciate the role she played in ensuring food security in her community besides being a role model to other women of her generation,” the President said.

President Kenyatta pointed out that Mama Loice Njeri was a strong matriarch who continued to mentor young people, especially her grandchildren, even in her old age.

“As a nation, we will forever be grateful for the work she has done for our country. We note with appreciation that she imparted good family values to her community, values that have ensured the well-being of our society,” President Kenyatta said.

The President said Mama Loice will also be remembered as a courageous, brave and selfless leader who endeared herself to many through her generosity and love.

“Mama Loice was a strong believer in Christ Jesus and loved all people irrespective of their backgrounds. As a devoted member of the PCEA church and the Women guild, she actively participated in spreading the word of God and demonstrated her faith through acts of kindness,” President Kenyatta said.

The President prayed to God to comfort the larger Mbugua family and give them strength as they come to terms with the passing away of their family matriarch.

Nigerian rising, afro dancehall star, producer and Tik Tok sensation 1da Banton has dropped the remix to his acclaimed single and hitsong No Wahala featuring Tiwa Savage and Kizz Daniel. 

This comes on the heels of the success of the original version which has become one of the most played songs in Europe and Africa.

With the #NoWahala challenge currently one of the most participated challenge on TikTok Worldwide. 

The uplifting mid-tempo single by Blaise Beat encourages individuals to have fun despite life’s hardships. 

The video was directed by the renowned Nigerian director Adasa Cookey in Nigeria for Squareball Entertainment. 

WATCH 'No Wahala' Remix: https://youtu.be/D7wqi1HZFq8 

The original version of the song has amassed over 50 million streams across all platforms till date, it's no surprise that the remix took flight immediately. 

1da Banton hit the industry with his debut EP The Banton under Squareball Entertainment. Some of his songs include Amaka (2baba Amaka’s Cover), Farabale, Jowo, African Woman, Foreigner, Whine Fi Mi (featuring Kranium) among others. 

1da Banton is set to embark on an East African Media tour next month with the first stop being Kenya.

Listen to the audio https://onerpm.lnk.to/NoWahala-Remix

Mombasa governor aspirant Suleiman Shahbal has intensified campaigns in the race to succeed Governor Hassan Joho.

Shahbal banks on the ODM party ticket expressing confidence that he will outshine his main rival Mvita Mp Abdulswamand Nassir in the nominations.

Shahbal who defected from Jubilee party to ODM in 2021 says he will give it a third time after unsuccessfully contesting  twice. 

The businessman turn politician said Mombasa deserved better leadership. He slammed his opponents for failing to outline their plan for Mombasa county.

"We are determined that we will win the nomination ticket and eventually win Mombasa governor, it’s possible to transform Mombasa county with good leadership,” said Shahbal during a rally at Kadongo grounds.

On Tuesday, Shahbal with his 'Change must come' campaign slogan led a caravan of supporters to traverse the entire Kisauni from Kadongo grounds to Minalove,Bamburi Mwisho to Utange area.

Speaking at Kadongo grounds where both Shahbal and Bedzimba held a brief rally, they asked coastal residents to support the Azimio La Umoja presidency led by Raila Odinga ahead of the 2022 government takeover.

“Governor Joho is leading the campaigns for Raila' Odinga in Nairobi where he is expected to rally for the bigger cake for the coastal region,” said Bedzimba who is now drumming up support for Shahbal's quest to succeed Governor Hassan Joho.

"If you give me a second chance I will continue with my development record, that targets women, youth and elderly,” said Bedzimba who is seeking re-election to the Kisauni Mp through  ODM ticket.

The duo also drummed up support for the Azimio La Umoja presidential candidate Raila Odinga, stating that Odinga will transform the economy of the country.

On Wednesdy, Shahbal is expected to take his 'Change must come' campaign to Jomvu.

Kenyan youth have been asked to venture in the rich blue economy sector which has vast economic opportunities especially along the Coastal region.

According to the Mombasa governor's Youth Leadership programe in climate action sector leader Basil Muga , the blue economy sector remains fully unexploited, urging youth to take advantage of the multi-Billion sector.

“We have realized that there is huge opportunity for young people in the blue economy, the demand for fish is high but the supply is going down, because we have continued to mess with the Ocean, so we urge the youth to participate in the reservation of the Ocean if you want to really reap the benefits of the Ocean,” said Muga.

He said the Blue economy is promising for the youth from fishing, tourism, ocean science, among others but this can be achieved through protection of Oceans from pollution.

Basil noted that Mombasa is endowed with a vibrant biodiversity from land and from the ocean presenting many opportunities for development from the blue economy .

“Let us protect it so that we can increase what comes out of the ocean so that we don’t import fish, and as we do that we will also get to increase the culture of eating fish locally and we will encourage more fishers going for fishing in the sea,” added Muga.

He made the remarks during the Governor’s young leaders  youth in climate action round table meeting  which brought together over 150 youths from Mombasa and other stakeholders to deliberate on the effects and mitigation on climate change where he asked youth to actively participate in mitigating climate change.

“We have to act now because the planet is dying, if we remain with the same practice we will not have somewhere to live, even if it means joining volunteering for beach cleanups, and letting up young people getting into entrepreneurship in green businesses, “he added.

Innocent Wanyonyi from coastal marine resources development stated that a lot of implications of climate on marine environment were as a result of human activity, which is majorly pollution.

Fish populations are already declining in many regions as warming waters throw marine ecosystems into disarray, according to the report by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, a group of scientists convened by the United Nations to guide world leaders in policy making.

“When sea temperatures rise, different species of marine start disappearing and we get a lot of losses especially on dependants of sea fishing,” said Wanyinyi adding that some fish species have completely been exploited because of climate change.

Climate change is heating the oceans and altering their chemistry so dramatically that it is threatening seafood supplies, fueling cyclones and floods and posing profound risks to the hundreds of millions of people living along the coasts.

 “One of the other effects of climate change is the unpredictability of ocean cycles which has affected fish count in the sea, thus denying us food and making the cost of fish very expensive,” said Wanyonyi adding that youth have a big role to play in mitigating the effects.

Mombasa is largely affected by climate change ,residents experience long heat spans above the normal tropical climate,floods and the ever rising sea level are a real threat to life in this very cosmopolitan city.

The second edition of Cultural Heritage for Inclusive Growth Symposium will take place this week (17th and 18th March 2022) at the National Museums of Kenya, Botanical Gardens in Nairobi.

A Twitter Space conversation on Cultural Heritage for Inclusive Growth will be hosted on the British Council Twitter page on Wednesday 16th March 2022 from 11 - 12 PM /  8 - 9 AM GMT. 

The hybrid symposium hosted by the British Council and Twaweza Communications will feature in-person conversations, keynote speeches, panel conversations as well as musical performances.

The sessions will also be live-streamed across the British Council’s social media platforms including YouTube, Facebook, and Twitter and recordings will be available on the same platforms thereafter.

Audiences interested in attending the 2022 Cultural Heritage for Inclusive Growth Symposium are encouraged to register below:

Join at the Nairobi National Museum: https://x8n91kbns7o.typeform.com/to/Pyv3sfGq 

Join virtually: https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_Uum74kmSSv-mkkpv8ccy6gto
Themed ‘Decolonization of Cultural Heritage in Africa’, this years' symposium brings together cultural practitioners, tech leaders, academics and policymakers.

The sessions and panel discussions will feature conversations on the restitution of cultural heritage in Africa, community engagement strategies in inclusive cultural heritage, indigenous knowledge and climate change, food security, and the digitization of cultural heritage. 

Head of Arts, British Council Kenya, Sandra Chege, says, “The British Council’s work in heritage is people centred and is designed to support and amplify the work of communities as they work to safeguard their heritage for future generations.”

Adding, “The 2022 Symposium builds on the legacy of the first edition and brings together interconnected conversations on decolonisation while seeking to reclaim and reposition important narratives. The sessions bring together really dynamic voices and we hope to engage as many people as we can through this Symposium.”

The 2022 edition expounds on issues raised at the 2020 edition of the Symposium, like the role and the engagement of young people in heritage work.

Conversations on the decolonization of cultural heritage have become increasingly visible as people look for alternative approaches to creating sustainable values, food systems, heritage sites and forms of identity.

Twaweza Communications, the convenors of this Symposium, view decolonization as a continuous process of dismantling the remnants of the colonial experience within political, economic, philosophical, moral, social, spiritual, and activist contexts.

Prof Kimani Njogu, Executive Director, Twaweza Communications says, “We hope that the Symposium will inspire a community of key stakeholders as well as young emerging cultural heritage professionals and practitioners. We expect it to lead to the production of new research on cultural heritage and knowledge on gender dimensions and gaps in cultural heritage practices.”

SYMPOSIUM PROGRAM DAY 1 (16TH MARCH 2022)

11 - 12 PM: Cultural Heritage for Inclusive Growth 

Speakers: Maureen Anzaye- Kubai, Program Manager, Cultural Heritage for Inclusive Growth, British Council, Kenya and Prof. Kimani Njogu of Twaweza Communications.

Moderator: Mwĩhaki Mũragũri.

SYMPOSIUM PROGRAM DAY 2 (17TH MARCH 2022)

Keynote Speaker: Dr. Joyce Nyairo, Santuri Media. Her writing interrogates the interface between politics, identity and culture.

10 - 11 AM: Community engagement strategies for youth heritage users 

Speakers: Angela Wachuka, Book Bunk Trust and Harriet Chebet Ng’ok, Harriet Botanicals 

Moderator: Dr. Tom Odhiambo, University of Nairobi

11.30  – 12.30 PM: Design, built environment and cultural heritage

Speakers: Dr.  Romanus Opiyo, University of Nairobi, George Arrabu,  Architectural Association of Kenya and Kabage Karanja & Stella Mutegi from Cave Bureau.

Moderator: Joy Mboya, The GoDown Arts

12.45 - 1.45 PM: Digitization and online cultural heritage experience

Speakers: Michael Murungi, Google Kenya, Carolyn Mwenda, National Museums of Kenya, Edward Sigei, Kenya Copyright Board and Tayiana Chao, Africa Digital Heritage

Moderator:  Christine Mungai, Baraza Media Lab

2.45 - 3.30 PM: Musical performance by Labdi (Kenyan singer-songwriter and African single-stringed fiddle (Orutu) instrumentalist).

5 - 6 PM: Cultural Heritage, technology and Climate Change (Virtual Panel)

Speakers: Joanne Orr (Director, Living Culture Development), Hannah Fluck (Head of Environmental Strategy at Historic England), Prof. Muthoni Masinde (Central University of Technology, Free State, South Africa), and Dr. Wanjiku Ng’ang’a (University of Nairobi)

Moderator: Nikki Locke, Senior Programme Manager, Cultural Heritage for Inclusive Growth British Council, London.

SYMPOSIUM PROGRAM DAY 3 (18TH MARCH 2022)

9.15 – 10.45 AM: Restitution of cultural heritage in Africa 

Speakers: Prof. Kimani Njogu (Executive Director, Twaweza Communications), Onyekachi Wambu, AFFORD, London, Prof. George Abungu, Emeritus SG, National Museums of Kenya, Juma Ondeng’, National Museums of Kenya and Dr. Lydia Muthuma, Technical University of Kenya

Moderator: Njeri Gachihi, National Museums of Kenya

11 – 12.30 PM: Indigenous knowledge, food systems and climate change

Speakers: Judy Ogana, UNESCO, Dr. Staline Kibet, University of Nairobi and Mendi Njonjo, Hivos E.A 

Moderator: Dr. Peris Kariuki, National Museums of Kenya

12.45 – 1.45 PM: Reclaiming narratives about African languages, clothing and accessories

Speakers: Sunny Dolat, The Nest Collective, Prof. Chege Githiora, Kenyatta University 

and Kamau Kiarie, Managing Director & CEO of East African Educational Publishers.

Moderator: Dr. Mshai Mwangola, Orature Collective

2.45 - 3.30 PM: Musical Performance by Juma Tutu and the Swahili Jazz Band 

3.30 - 3.45 PM: Closing Remarks / Vote of Thanks by Professor Kimani Njogu, Twaweza Communications and Maureen Anzaye - Kubai, Program Manager, Cultural Heritage for Inclusive Growth, British Council 

Jomvu member of Parliament Badi Twalib alongside his Mvita counterpart Abdulswamand Nassir have called on law enforcers to stop unnecessary harassment of boda boda operators.

While condemning the Forest Road incident where a female motorist was assaulted, the two legislators cautioned against making innocent riders pay for the sin of others.

Twalib said there are only few bad apples in the sector which provides opportunities to thousands of young people in the country, and thus the government should not generalize the sector players as criminals.

"As a legislator, I want to ask the government to stop generalizing the whole Bodaboda sector, instead they should be helped to adhere to the law without too much force, let them be allowed to do their job and feed their families because this is a job like any other." said Twalib.

Speaking during the issuance of  National Hospital and insurance fund (NHIF) cards to over 4,000 households at his Jomvu constituency on Friday, Twalib said the boda boda operators have played a major role in the decline of crime cases in the area. 

"Here in Jomvu, cases of insecurity have declined because our bodaboda people especially in Kijiweni they have been collaborating with police whenever they detect criminals and therefore they have their own fair share of praise than condemnation." said Twalib.

On his part, Mvita Mp Abdulswamand Nassir also weighed in on the matter claiming the government is hurting small business people in the country.

"If there are criminals in the sector let them be held responsible. We are in talks will local administration, the police and NTSA to ensure how we can help them adhere to law without necessarily trying to kill the whole sector." said Nassir

Adding "We condemn what they deed but we don't want it to be a reason of putting millions of families in financial trouble."

According to Nassir who is also eyeing the Mombasa gubernatorial seat in the August elections, those involved in the heinous incident should be made to face the law.

"We ask our authorities to stop victimisation of Boda boda Operators because of one person, there is ripple effect on those dependent on this sector, so instead of condemning them we shall embrace ways of sanitizing it in a more organized way." said Nassir.

The two legislators  warned against blanket condemnation of riders in the country.

This comes days after President Uhuru Kenyatta ordered a countrywide crackdown to eliminate rogue operators.

On Thursday ODM leader Raila Odinga also warned law enforcers to stop unnecessary harassment of boda boda operators.

Rapper Khaligraph Jones treated the media to an exclusive listening session for his new album “Invisible Currency”.

The invite-only event at The Alchemist, Westlands on Wednesday 10th March played host to a few other industry stakeholders.

In Partnership with Africa’s leading streaming platform, Boomplay, Khaligraph shared in detail the journey and process of crafting the rich album.

‘Invisible Currency’ basically means that I am sharing with my fans something that cannot be replicated,”  said Jones on the release of his latest body of work.

During the session, guests had the opportunity to ask the award-winning rapper questions on the inspiration behind some of the significant songs that embodied the message and spirit of his album.

Some of the key highlights came while playing ‘Ikechukwu’ as he recounted his trip to Nigeria where he scooped the ‘Best Hip Hop Act’ at the 2020 Soundcity MVP awards to the amazement of the Nigerian hosts, who eventually christened him the name meaning ‘Power of God’.

On ‘Am on the move’ featuring Black Way, Khali opined on the continued rise of the Kenyan Hip Hop scene while giving first-hand comparison to the Ghanian industry.

Playing ‘Ateri Dala’ saw his longtime producer Vince On The Beat detail the process of fusing the Afro-Pop and Luo tinged jam as Khali broke down his longtime desire to get back to his roots through music and also the experience working with Ohangla sensation Prince Indah, who is featured on the track.

In attendance was Martha Huro, Managing Director E.ABoomplay who congratulated the rapper on his milestones,

while also encouraging emerging artists to draw inspiration from his sheer hard work and zeal.

The 17-track album also features DAX, Blackway, Adasa, Mejja, Scar Mkadinali, Xenia Mannasseh, Rudeboy and is available exclusively on Boomplay.

International advocacy organisation Global Citizen has today announced that for the fourth year of the Global Citizen Fellowship Program powered by BeyGOOD, the organisation will be expanding for the first time into Kenya.

The application period is now open, until 29th April 2022, for fifteen young people: five from Kenya, five from Nigeria and five from South Africa, aged between 21 and 25, to join the coveted paid fellowship program commencing in July 2022.

Through the program, the 15 changemakers will each engage in a paid, year-long, full-time placement aligned to one of Global Citizen’s four pillars of activity: creative, campaigns, rewards, and marketing.

Powered by BeyGOOD, the Global Citizen Fellowship Program will unearth African youth with remarkable potential.

The Global Citizen Fellowship, supported by Beyoncé’s BeyGOOD philanthropic initiative and US actor and filmmaker, Tyler Perry, aims to empower young Africans to become agents of change, and provide them with tools they need to thrive  not just during their time with Global Citizen but also in any future professional environment.

"With young people (under 25years) making up 60% of the population, Africa is reported to be the youngest continent in the world. Therefore, by investing in the development and empowerment of our youth we are securing a bright future for our continent. These are the leaders of the 21st century and beyond. We need to engage them now and we need them to play an active role in changing the African narrative. It gives me a great sense of pride to see philanthropic organisations such as BeyGOOD and humanitarians like Tyler Perry doing their part in the development of these young people." says Yvonne Chaka Chaka, Global Citizen Board Member.

Adding "I’d be even prouder to see more African organisations and humanitarians investing more money and more resources in the empowerment of these young minds. With the little that I have and the powers given to me, I always avail myself to the plight of young people. We must invest in their education and health for the sake of our continent’s wealth. Together, we can conquer these challenges and leave a better world for our young people,”.

Launched in 2019, following the success of commitments made at the Global Citizen Festival: Mandela 100 in December 2018, the Fellowship is focused on Global Citizen’s vision of eliminating extreme poverty, providing young people with opportunities to gain experience working on social impact projects.
 
During the course of the year, the fellows learn how to use digital technology for social change, storytelling tactics that shift attitudes, and the process of building lasting professional relationships.

The program also aims to foster an in-depth understanding of the role that innovation plays in an ever-changing digital world.
 
Ivy McGregor, BeyGOOD, Executive Director says, “With all that is happening in our world right now, educating, empowering and employing our youth to use their voice and vocation to make a positive impact are essential to creating a lasting change."
 
Global Citizen and BeyGOOD strongly encourage applicants from minorities and underrepresented communities to apply.
 
How To Apply
 
Submit a 2 to 3 minute video or 500 to 700 word essay to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it., including a copy of your ID or passport, explaining the following:

• What qualities do you identify with as a Global Citizen?
• If selected, what lasting change would you like to achieve through the program?
• What specific socio-economic issues are you taking action on and why?

Read more about the young people who have previously taken part in the Fellowship program, the issues they’re passionate about, and their experiences during the program by visiting www.globalcitizen.org/fellows.
 
“Prior to the Fellowship, I was at university trying to understand my own journey and direction following my experiences during the national #FeesMustFall campaign, where the resistance we experienced fostered self-doubt. The Fellowship journey has added to who I am right now in a sense, where I am more confident in my individual power to play my part in crafting and contributing towards something way bigger than me. Today, in describing myself, I would say that I am a thoughtful person who is conscious of their position in society and is continuously working towards empowering themselves to empower others,”  says Lonwabo Nkonzo, 2019 Global Citizen Fellowship Program
 
Darnelle Fortune, 2019 Global Citizen Fellowship Program also testifies: “The person I was prior to the Fellowship program is a lot different to who I am now, and in the best ways possible. I would describe Darnelle 2.0 as confident, assertive, and a lot more curious. I learned so much, not just from the Fellowship but from my peers as well, and it has completely changed my view of the world. I gained valuable technical skills in marketing and social media, learning how to use digital platforms as tools to create impactful social change.”