This archive report was first published on 2 January 2020.
January 2, 2020, marked a significant milestone in Kenya's democratic journey, as the country began to engage in a national conversation on governance reforms.
Just a decade ago, Kenyans who dared to speak out against injustices were quickly seized and detained by the State, which was impervious to reason and based on unfounded fears about the people being a threat to it.
However, with the Building Bridges Initiative (BBI) report, Kenyans from all walks of life are now able to discuss and fine-tune the document to chart a new course for the nation.
The BBI report arose from the historic 'Handshake' between President Kenyatta and ODM leader Raila Odinga on March 9, 2018.
Unlike in the past, the two leaders cannot impose their ideas on the people, and Kenyans have no reason to look over their shoulder as they debate the proposals.
This confirms a reasonable level of democratisation in which the people enjoy their freedoms, a testament to the country's progress in the struggle for the 'Second Liberation'.
Former Cabinet ministers Charles Rubia and Kenneth Matiba, who suffered incarceration in the 1990s for speaking out against dictatorship, paved the way for this new era of democratic growth.
