Activists must change to be effective in the new world

Last week, Berlin hosted the 2019 International strategy conference of IFEX, the global network focusing on freedom of expression and information that brings together journalists, writers, artists and organisations working on free media and expression. I was surprised to be the only Kenyan there, given our situation on freedom of expression, where it is subverted by state action, but also through self-censorship, sensationalism in our media and the “brown envelopes.”

Berlin is one of the prettiest cities I know; clean, organised and with beautiful historic buildings, and with small clean kiosks across the city. The weather had picked up and it was a sunny 19 degrees Celsius, which may not be much for Kenyans, but after the grey, dark and gloomy winter in New York City, was thoroughly welcome!