Like many other Kenyans, I find myself constantly wondering about the hold our political class has on us, and why they continue to hoodwink and oppress us with impunity and consistency. I have analyzed our systems, institutions and approach to governance for over five years in my work – yet somehow I still find myself coming back to this. This past week, my run in with a street con artist gave me insight as to how and why this happens. Press play!

Resources

The Confidence Game: Why We Fall for It . . . Every Time Can You Spot A Liar? Maria Konnikova on How we Get Conned Episode 27: How Do We Heal?

Last week, on March 18th 2017, Uhuru Kenyatta traveled to Dhobley Military camp in Somalia to visit the Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) troops stationed there as part of the African Union (AU) peacekeeping mission stationed there. He wore his military fatigues (they come with his role as Commander in Chief of the Armed Forces). This happened just a few weeks after a US Congressman blew the whistle on a US$ 418 million arms deal that Kenya has with a US based company to buy 12 weaponized crop dusters and two other weapons that he claims involved faulty contracting practices, fraud and unfair treatment of Kenya. So this week, we talk about militarization and its dangers. Press play!

Resources

President Kenyatta commends KDF's efforts to boost security

10 Countries With The Fastest Growing Militaries

Why fishy smell on US arms deal just won’t go away

Militarism as a cause of World War 1

Rising Kenyan defence spending to hit $5.5 billion by 2018 How NYS will become 'social change army' My Land Is Not Kenya: The Folly Of Patriotism The Militarization of US Police Kenya defence forces arrive in Baragoi for disarmament exercise The Paradox of Government

This week, we begin to focus on our upcoming general election, starting with the political party nominations that are in the near future. Our representatives have been making many promises and inflammatory statements across the board, and there has also been a lot of party hopping. We take a look at why the nominations are so important, why there is so much party hopping, and what we can expect of the nominations. Press play!

Resources

Uhuru signs new law allowing politicians to merge parties

Basic requirements for political parties Elections Act

Election Laws (Amendment) Bill 2016

Political Parties Act

Political Parties (Amendment) Bill

This week, you guys said you wanted to talk about food inflation - that is, the increase in the prices of food in Kenya. Between February 2016 and February 2017, the cost of food and non alcoholic beverages has gone up by 16.5%. The cost of making a meal has gone up by as much as 30%, and this week, we ask why. Why is food so expensive, and what can be done to make sure that we reverse this trend? Press play! Resources Episode 24: Drought Begins With You Food Inflation in Sub-Saharan Africa: Causes and Policy Implications Kenya Inflation Rate Kenya Food Inflation Rate Consumer Price Indices and Inflation Rates for February 2017 Kenya ranked sixth on extreme poverty index Population living below $1.25 PPP per day (%) Forecasting and Monetary Policy Analysis in Low-Income Countries: Food and non-Food Inflation in Kenya

It's 2017, and the world feels like it's falling apart. The gains that we have made as a people feel like they are being erased - instead of love, acceptance and growth, we have hatred, intolerance and division. The fight against fascism, racism, sexism, homophobia and xenophobia feels like it's about to be lost. Is it too late? No, not if we arm ourselves with the right knowledge and tools, and fight against this wave. There is hope on the other end of this tunnel. Press play!

Resources

Winning Arguments: Interaction Dynamics and Persuasion Strategies in Good-faith Online Discussions How To Argue How To Change Someone’s Mind, According To Science The Audacity of Talking About Race With the Ku Klux Klan Every Racist I Know Voted for Donald Trump How Empathy Helps You Deal with Mean People Why Empathy Is Your Most Important Skill (and How to Practice It) Image Source