Kenya has had several protests in recent years motivated by social, political, and economic grievances. We discussed the MuYI hub to discuss the relationship the police force has with the community. We had 28 participants with whom 7 were ladies. Everyone was free to air their view during encounters with the police. A troubling trend has surfaced as a result of these current protests: there has been a major decline in the connection between the police and the community, particularly the youth. Reports of police violence during these protests have sparked concerns about violations of human rights and the decline of public confidence in law enforcement.

Maintaining peace and order, defending citizens, and making sure that the law is enforced are the police’s core responsibilities. However many youths seem to complain that the police have been going beyond their authority during protests most are carelessly throwing tear gas and shooting innocent protesters unlike their duty which is to arrest looters in the protest and maintain peace in the community.

The incidents of police violence, particularly against Gen z and other vulnerable community members, have been a concerning feature of the protest. The police are at risk because of the sharp decline in the public’s connection with them. Many participants complained that Ruben Police station and Kware post have failed the community since they should not fight the people rather protect them while they fight for their demand.

In the recent crisis at Kware bodies have been retrieved without the presence of police officers who were ignorant of the surrounding which they should be the 1^st people to have known that bodies have been dumped at the Quarry.

In mukuru kwa Ruben the police started the protest by aimlessly throwing tear gas to the peaceful community.

“The police were handling people like kids and commanding people to go home as if we have curfew “one participant said.

We need to look at the state of the nation, everyone need to be accountable to their deeds

The NG-CDF, the county, the police station, and ourselves

If we look at our police department some people are not even qualified they failed their exams and have low grades to even be working

The same police use force and beat people ruthlessly, they do not even know how to handle the crowd and the situation at hand

The government needs to do proper training to the police they used teargas that is said to be poisonous (Agent Orange)

How did the police handle Kwares situation

“The post has failed the community kazi ni kushika watu wa boda”one participant said

 The government has used an Airtel agent as the sacrificial lamb to the murder of the bodies retrieved from the Quarry.

The story does not add up since the gadgets being used are recent models of technology

The people who decided to voluntarily remove bodies from the quarry have been arrested

No government machine has been used to handle the crisis since day one and there are still more bodies being retrieved

The MPs and MCAs have not been to the quarry to console the community they only showed up at the quarry when Raila was there and they went missing since that day.

During our Tuesday’s Coffee Bar Session which was held at the MuYI hub, we had 23 participants two of whom were females and 21 males. We discussed the role of Gen Z in the current governance system. Most of the people in the dialogue were Gen Z which spiced up the conversation having only 5 Millennials.

Gen Z are individuals that were born between 1997-2012 millennials were born between 1981 and 1996. For the past three weeks, Kenya has been on a roller coaster of emotions from the Gen Z rejecting the finance Bill, to its being withdrawn by the president and to the current campaign of the Gen Z wanting the president to resign.

“It’s high time the youths take control of what is going on in the parliament since the government is oppressing the people who put them in power,” one participant said.

Gen z perspective on what sparked the ongoing protest?

Most young people argued that the president has put people through so many lies and that he speaks with pride. Circulation of the fake fertilizer –the government has been giving farmers fake fertilizer at a cheaper price whilst lying to them that it is quality fertilizer. The finance bill played a big role in the protest since people realized it is a form of oppression and it had hidden agendas for the increase in the price of basic commodities such as diapers and bread.

 Enough is enough since the finance Bill was rejected and withdrawn by the president there are cases of abduction and merciless deaths of young people who are being shot by the police in peaceful demonstrations.

Revolution started during the rise of gengetone when music was used to express oneself openly without fear of topics of sex which was against the norm.

Faruk Kibet sparked people’s minds when he once said that most young people are keyboard warriors and that they don’t take action on what they say which led the young people to take action and go out in the streets to protest.

The Finance Bill –taxing of our own inherited lands made people angry

Most graduates lack job opportunities with the president’s campaign of Finya computer Pata dollar.

Most Gen z are learned people who can understand details in the finance bill and have a voice in rejecting what they do not want unlike our parents who are used to oppression and do nothing about it.

Most Gen Z are not tribal like how their parents used to be their main aim is pushing for good representation in the local and national government.

“Our parents are not in agreement with the current government but worry that they have bills that they need to pay, they have to put food on the table and we cannot protest together with them since who will bail the other one out in case we are all arrested? “One participant asked

Gen Z does not do a lot of calculations before stepping on the streets since they are still very young and are brave in whatever circumstances they might face.

Access to information As a result of increased media literacy, young Kenyans are more equipped to engage in informed political debate, fight misinformation, and critically examine information.

The differences in social media platforms –most Gen Z use TikTok to source information and for entertainment while Millennials use X formally known as Twitter. Most Gen Z want to be seen while the Millennials remain faceless on Twitter.

People want accountability –overseeing the government since the government cannot even audit the expenditure of the budget money. Most government officials are spending the money on luxuries such as buying expensive watches, belts, and shoes the same money can be used

People are tired of dealing with insensitive leaders who do not care about the nation only for their gain.

Our parents did not have access to information and were unable to connect how the government officials were looting money for development which affects how we pay our taxes.

Impacts that Gen Z have on the current government

The young people no longer let politicians lie to them on the church alters during fundraising.

The youths have unsuspended the constitution hence the government feels like the power belongs to the people, not them.

Gen Z can make proper decisions the only challenge they have is that they don’t have representatives since they are leaderless

Generation Z has made many people to be patriotic to their country without fear.

We should come together as one and encourage one another to remain peaceful

They are stopping looters and rioting demonstrators.

In conclusion, Kenya’s Generation Z is becoming a dynamic force in the political system, influencing policies and bringing about change through activism, political involvement, and innovation. Their distinct viewpoints and technological expertise are influencing how the nation will govern itself in the future.

During Tuesday’s Coffee Bar Session which was held at MuYI, we discussed the state of the nation. The devastating effects on many people especially the youth have caused loss of lives, destruction of property and infrastructure, as well as disruption of economic activities amongst many entrepreneurs in the CBD and most parts of the country.

The Kenya Finance Bill 2024 is a legislative proposal by the Kenyan government outlining changes to taxation, fees, and other financial regulations for the upcoming fiscal year. This bill is part of the government’s annual budget process and aims to generate revenue, regulate economic activities, and fund government operations and projects. Many Kenyans are in disagreement with Tax Proposals since there are changes in tax rates or structures that are seen as unfair to certain groups in the country.

Many youths argued that spending priorities on how funds are allocated such as increases and cuts to essential services and goods, its misplacement of priorities, and the leaders want to overtax the same people who elected them. Right now Gen Z are woke and are rising against the government who do not give an ear to their plea. The Bill has introduced many taxes and there is no major development for the past two years.

“Zakayo is a manipulator, liar and a one-term president si must amalize one term ndio atumalize!” one participant said.

Many youths have Concerns about the overall economic impact of the bill, such as increasing the deficit or harming economic growth, and lack of transparency with the process in which the bill was created since the public participation was done had insufficient debates and inputs from most people in the country. The total amount spent in FY 2023–2024 is Ksh 3.7 trillion. This development expenses are high and the capital expenditure outlay for 2024–2025 was revealed to have increased by 11.1%.

For the past two weeks, the demonstrations have had a wide range of impacts on both the people involved and the country as a whole. They have created awareness among the general public and the international community however it has also led to violence, death, injuries, and loss of property since the parliament building was attacked people stole things and many things were broken. Clashes between demonstrators and the police led to the death of several youths including the police

Many peaceful protesters are not happy since People were being arrested as early as 9 AM

“For any freedom to be achieved there has to be death and the small battles make people win the greatest battles!” one participant said.

The protest has been impactful since the previous votes have shown a difference since 204 MPs voted yes and 115 No whilst in the last process 196 MPs voted to pass the bill 105 voted against it and 3 MPs votes became spoilt.

The activists came in numbers to help demonstrators in many areas such as providing water, minor fast aiding and even ensuring that those arrested were released for free one participant mentioned that he could not believe that the police could arrest you but still set them free with no charges unlike the usual times when one has to give them money

The youths said that this is the last time they are swayed and fooled to vote for incompetent people and leaders who come to manipulate them into thinking other leaders are bad. Many leaders have deceived us through the church. The youths are against leaders who use the youths to loot and vandalize people’s property and will not allow leaders to use them again.

Introduction

We held the coffee bar discussion on 18^th June 2024 which was based on Culture and Beliefs of different communities. The objective was to promote comprehension and correct misunderstandings. We defined Culture and belief as follow:

• Culture includes knowledge, beliefs, arts, morals, laws, customs, and any other capabilities and habits acquired by humans as members of society. It encompasses both tangible and intangible elements that define a group’s way of life.
• Beliefs are specific ideas that people hold to be true. They are closely tied to the values and norms of a culture and often stem from religious, philosophical, or social ideologies.

Different youths had different views on different tribes, their cultures and beliefs where most were open about them

Luhya-The Luhya are the second largest ethnic group in Kenya, inhabiting the Western Province. They are composed of 18 sub-tribes, each with unique customs but a shared cultural heritage. They used to “accidentally” kill one twin in case they were the first children born

Kisii- the Kisii, also known as the Gusii, are an ethnic group in Kenya primarily residing in Kisii County and parts of Nyamira County in the southwestern region of the country. They are known for their agricultural prowess, rich traditions, and strong community bonds. Whenever they bury someone they would wake up the next morning to a dropping grave

Kikuyu- their rite of passage Includes birth, circumcision, marriage, and death. However the 8-4-4 system has affected their circumcision process where most of their young boys are circumcised after their grade 8 education level before they head to high school.

Kamba community- the girls are given some property by their parents when the traditionally move to their husbands place

Luo-The Luo are the fourth largest ethnic group in Kenya, living mainly around Lake Victoria in the Nyanza Province. They are known for their fishing culture and rich oral traditions. Their rites of Passage include Birth, initiation, marriage, and burial rites are significant. Initiation rites do not involve circumcision, unlike many other Kenyan tribes. They were known to remove one of their incisors on the bottom jaw.

Maasai-The Maasai are a semi-nomadic people primarily found in southern Kenya and northern Tanzania. They are known for their distinctive customs, dress, and strong warrior culture. For them giving dowry to their girls is believed to be an endless process. They were also believed to kill lions to prove their manhood.

Impact on Society

Culture and beliefs profoundly impact various aspects of society, including:

• Social Structure: Culture defines the roles and hierarchies within a society. For instance, caste systems in India or class systems in many Western countries.
• Education: Beliefs influence educational systems and the value placed on education. For example, Confucian cultures emphasize respect for teachers and the importance of education.
• Economy: Cultural attitudes toward work, wealth, and consumption can shape economic practices and policies.
• Politics: Cultural beliefs and values can influence political systems and ideologies. For example, democratic values in Western cultures or collectivist values in many Asian societies.
• Health: Cultural beliefs about health, illness, and medical practices affect how societies approach healthcare and medicine. Traditional medicine versus modern medicine is a common dichotomy.

 Conclusion

The Kikuyu, Luhya, Luo, and Maasai communities each have unique cultures and belief systems that have shaped their identities and ways of life. While modernization and globalization have influenced these communities, many traditional practices and beliefs continue to thrive, reflecting the rich cultural diversity of Kenya.

Understanding culture and beliefs is crucial for fostering mutual respect and cooperation in an increasingly interconnected world. By appreciating the diversity and complexity of cultural practices and belief systems, societies can promote more inclusive and harmonious interactions among their members

Our coffee bar on 11^th June 2024 revolved around LGBTQIA+ issues from diverse perspectives, from youths who attended the discussion. The aim was to foster an understanding, address misconceptions, and promote inclusivity. As expected the discussion was controversial from the word go due to divergent views some being pro LGBTQIA+ and some being totally against it.

The discussion was Moderated by Nelmo Munyiri our Executive Director, who has extensive experience in mediating sensitive topics, the discussion was ensured to be constructive and not accuse, the Participants were 30, young people, from Mukuru with different views on the topic, the discussion revolved around;

• Understanding LGBTQIA+ Identities
• The discussion started with an educational segment on the LGBTQIA+ acronym, explaining each identity:
• Lesbian, Gay, and Bisexual (LGB): Pertaining to sexual orientation.
• Transgender (T): Relating to gender identity different from the sex assigned at birth.
• Queer and Questioning (Q): An umbrella term for sexual and gender minorities and individuals    exploring their identities.
• Intersex (I): Individuals born with physical sex characteristics that don’t fit typical binary notions of male or female bodies.
• Asexual (A): Individuals who experience little or no sexual attraction to others.
• Plus (+): Acknowledging the inclusion of other sexual and gender identities.

It was clear that Perspectives from those with anti LGBTQIA+ stand were based form a point of;

• Fear and Misunderstanding: Many expressed fear and misunderstanding about LGBTQIA+ identities.
• Cultural and Religious Beliefs: Some rooted their views in cultural or religious beliefs, expressing concerns about reconciling these beliefs with LGBTQIA+ acceptance.
• Willingness to Learn: Despite their views, some participants showed a willingness to engage and learn more about LGBTQIA+ issues but most of them said they can never be willing to accept the Queer community

Some of the outcomes of the discussion were;

• Promoted Understanding: Bridged the gap between individuals with different views those who are pro and those who anti LGBTQIA+.
• Addressed Misconceptions: Identify and correct common misconceptions about LGBTQIA+ identities and issues.
• Encouraged Inclusivity: Fostered a more inclusive environment by encouraging empathy
• Shared Experiences: Allowed both LGBTQIA+ individuals and those with differing views to share their perspectives.
• Build Bridges: Created pathways for better communication and understanding among all participants.

Conclusion

The open discussion on LGBTQIA+ issues involving individuals with different views and the other neutral was a crucial step towards fostering understanding and inclusivity. By addressing misconceptions and sharing personal experiences, the discussion helped bridge the gap between differing perspectives. Continued dialogue, education, and advocacy are essential for creating a more inclusive and equitable society for all.

MONTH 1 – Songwriting

Week 1: Introduction to DAW In Week 1, you’ll take your first steps into the world of digital audio workstations (DAWs). You’ll learn the ins and outs of popular software tools used in music production, getting familiar with their interfaces and functionalities. By the end of the week, you’ll be ready to navigate your DAW with confidence and start creating your own musical compositions.

Week 2: Learning Basic Music Theory Building upon your newfound DAW skills, Week 2 is all about understanding the fundamentals of music theory. You’ll explore concepts such as scales, intervals, and chords, gaining a solid foundation that will serve as the backbone of your songwriting journey. Through interactive lessons and practical exercises, you’ll develop a deeper understanding of how music works and how to apply theory to your compositions.

Week 3: Writing Melodies Now that you have a grasp of music theory, it’s time to put pen to paper and start writing melodies. Week 3 is dedicated to honing your melodic skills, exploring different techniques for crafting memorable and emotive melodies. From catchy hooks to expressive motifs, you’ll learn how to breathe life into your compositions and captivate your audience with your musical storytelling.

Week 4: Writing Chords In the final week of Month One, we’ll focus on writing chords, the harmonic foundation of any song. You’ll delve deeper into chord progressions, exploring different voicings and inversions to create rich and colorful harmonic landscapes. Whether you’re aiming for a soulful ballad or an upbeat pop anthem, Week 4 will equip you with the tools and techniques needed to craft compelling chord sequences that elevate your music to new heights.

MONTH 2 – Recording

Week 1: Recording MIDI In Week 1, we’ll start with the basics of MIDI recording. You’ll learn how to harness the power of virtual instruments and MIDI controllers to create dynamic and expressive musical performances. From programming drum beats to laying down intricate synth melodies, you’ll discover the limitless possibilities of MIDI recording and how it can enhance your productions.

Week 2: Recording Audio Moving on to Week 2, we’ll shift our focus to recording audio. Whether you’re capturing vocals, guitars, or any other acoustic instruments, you’ll learn essential techniques for achieving professional-quality recordings. From microphone selection and placement to signal flow and gain staging, you’ll master the art of capturing sound with precision and clarity.

Week 3: Recording Automation Week 3 is all about adding movement and expression to your recordings through automation. You’ll explore how to automate parameters such as volume, panning, and effects to create dynamic and evolving soundscapes. With hands-on practice in your digital audio workstation (DAW), you’ll learn how to breathe life into your productions and take your tracks to the next level.

Week 4: Recording Live Instruments In the final week of Month Two, we’ll bring it all together as you delve into the art of recording live instruments. Whether it’s a full band setup or a solo performance, you’ll learn how to capture the energy and emotion of a live performance in the studio. From setting up microphones to managing multiple tracks, you’ll gain valuable experience in capturing the essence of live music.

MONTH 3 – Arranging

Week 1: Arranging MIDI In Week 1, we’ll kick things off by delving into the world of MIDI arrangement. You’ll learn how to structure and organize your MIDI compositions to create dynamic and engaging musical arrangements. From layering multiple instrument tracks to experimenting with different musical motifs, you’ll discover how to craft compelling melodies and harmonies that captivate listeners.

Week 2: Arranging Audio Moving on to Week 2, we’ll transition to arranging audio tracks. You’ll explore techniques for layering and blending recorded audio to create cohesive and polished arrangements. Whether you’re working with vocals, guitars, or percussion, you’ll learn how to arrange audio elements to complement each other and create a balanced and immersive listening experience.

Week 3: Arranging Automation Week 3 is all about adding movement and dynamics to your arrangements through automation. You’ll learn how to automate parameters such as volume, pan, and effects to create dynamic and evolving soundscapes. With hands-on practice in your digital audio workstation (DAW), you’ll discover how automation can breathe life into your arrangements and take your music to the next level.

Week 4: Arranging Effects In the final week of Month Three, we’ll explore the creative use of effects in arrangement. You’ll learn how to use effects such as reverb, delay, and modulation to enhance your compositions and create unique sonic textures. From subtle ambiance to bold soundscapes, you’ll discover how effects can add depth and dimension to your arrangements, making them truly stand out.

MONTH 4 – Editing

Week 1: MIDI Editing In Week 1, we’ll start with MIDI editing, where you’ll learn how to manipulate and fine-tune MIDI data to create polished and professional-sounding compositions. From quantizing and adjusting note lengths to experimenting with velocity and expression, you’ll discover how to breathe life into your MIDI tracks and make them truly shine.

Week 2: Audio Editing Moving on to Week 2, we’ll shift our focus to audio editing. You’ll explore techniques for cleaning up audio recordings, removing unwanted noise, and correcting any imperfections. Whether you’re working with vocals, guitars, or drums, you’ll learn how to edit audio with precision and accuracy, ensuring that your recordings sound pristine and professional.

Week 3: Editing Live Instruments Week 3 is all about editing live instrument recordings, where you’ll learn how to enhance and polish performances captured in the studio. From correcting timing and pitch errors to comping multiple takes, you’ll discover techniques for transforming raw recordings into polished and cohesive musical arrangements.

Week 4: Editing Effects In the final week of Month Four, we’ll explore the creative possibilities of editing effects. You’ll learn how to manipulate and fine-tune effects parameters to sculpt your sound and create unique sonic textures. From tweaking reverb and delay settings to experimenting with modulation and distortion, you’ll discover how to use effects editing to add depth and character to your productions.

MONTH 5 – Mixing

Week 1: Mix Preparations In Week 1, we’ll start with mix preparations, where you’ll learn how to organize and optimize your tracks for the mixing process. From setting proper levels and arranging your session to cleaning up tracks and preparing stems, you’ll lay the foundation for a smooth and efficient mixing workflow.

Week 2: Dynamic Effects Moving on to Week 2, we’ll explore dynamic effects and how they can shape the overall dynamics and impact of your mix. You’ll learn how to use compression, expansion, and gating to control the dynamics of individual tracks and the overall mix, ensuring clarity, balance, and cohesion in your productions.

Week 3: Equalization Week 3 is all about equalization, where you’ll learn how to sculpt the frequency balance of your mix to enhance clarity, depth, and tonal balance. From corrective EQ to creative shaping, you’ll discover how to use equalization effectively to bring out the best in your tracks and create a professional-quality mix.

Week 4: Room & Time-Based Effects In the final week of Month Five, we’ll explore room and time-based effects, such as reverb and delay, and how they can add depth, dimension, and atmosphere to your mix. You’ll learn how to choose the right reverbs and delays for different instruments and genres, as well as how to use them creatively to enhance your productions and create a sense of space and movement.

MONTH 6 – Mastering

Week 1: Preparation for Mastering In Week 1, we’ll start by preparing your tracks for mastering. You’ll learn how to organize your session, check for any technical issues, and ensure that your mixes are ready for the mastering process. From exporting stems to setting proper levels, you’ll lay the groundwork for a successful mastering session.

Week 2: Mastering Compression Moving on to Week 2, we’ll explore mastering compression and how it can enhance the dynamics and impact of your final mix. You’ll learn how to use compression techniques such as multiband compression, parallel compression, and dynamic range control to achieve a balanced and cohesive sound that translates well across different playback systems.

Week 3: Mastering Equalization Week 3 is all about mastering equalization, where you’ll learn how to fine-tune the frequency balance of your tracks to achieve clarity, warmth, and depth. You’ll explore techniques for corrective EQ, harmonic enhancement, and tonal shaping, mastering the art of equalization to bring out the best in your music.

Week 4: Preparing for Final Master In the final week of Month Six, we’ll focus on preparing your tracks for the final master. You’ll learn how to assemble your mastered tracks into a cohesive album or EP, sequence them for optimal flow and impact, and apply any final touches to ensure that your music is ready for release.