The following report was submitted by ASFL local coordinator June Moseti

The Eastern Africa Policy Centre in collaboration with the Atlas Network and African Students for Liberty held a Freedom and Liberty Seminar in Masinde Muliro University of Science and Technology, Kakamega on Friday, 21 November, 2014. The seminar targeted university students and academic staffs from the Faculties of Economics, Education and Social Sciences, Business Administration, Journalism and Mass Communication as well as Disaster Management and Humanitarian Assistance. The public lecture and discussions encompassed teachings on the principles of a Free Market Economy, Liberty, Entrepreneurship, Globalization, Property Rights, Good governance and Taxes.

The over 50 participant seminar, commenced with Opening and Welcoming remarks from Masinde Muliro Representative Dr. Bob Mbori, the Director of Public Communications and Publishing. He welcomed the initiative and applauded EAPC for fulfilling their promise of coming back to Masinde Muliro and the effort being done to enlighten the youth on the challenges Africa faces. He also encouraged the students and staff present to utilize their ‘twenties’ productively through use of technology in coming up with innovative solutions to the problems the continent faces.

June Moseti, an ASFL Local Coordinator then gave a presentation introducing Students for Liberty (SFL) discussing its history and the principles it endorses. She went further to introduce the ideology of liberty to the audience and what it takes to be a part of the global network of individuals committed to standing up against the negative heritage of tyranny and totalitarianism that is plaguing the world. She also gave a PowerPoint presentation of pro-liberty SFL endorsed activities all over the world encouraging the students present to like the ASFL group on Facebook as well as visit the website for further information. She also introduced the students she had met the previous day to the audience and challenged them to initiate a pro-liberty movement in the university.

The first half video screening of ‘The Devils Footpath’ followed. This is a BBC Documentary where June Arunga a 22 year old Kenyan Law student embarks on a 5000 mile, six week, soul searching journey, traveling the length of Africa through Egypt, Sudan, Congo, Angola, Namibia and finally, South Africa. The video featured some of the most dangerous regions in Africa. On her journey, she strives to answer the question of why Africa’s best and brightest minds leave the continent in the millions. The first half of the video screening sparked debate on the irony that is Africa, and why the distribution of resources is disproportionate.

Alex Njeru, the Programs and Strategy Development Director at the Eastern African Policy Centre and an Executive Board Member of ASFL then gave a lecture titled ‘The Political Economy of Failure in Africa’. The focus was where Africa came from and where it is going? Alex emphasized that Africa had social, economic and political institutions before colonialism that is often ignored in history. He also accentuated that although scientific socialism may not be practiced, remnants of the dangerous ideas behind socialism are still here with us. He encouraged the youth to be the ‘cheetah’ generation and rise up against the tyranny of socialism and crony-capitalism. The Cheetah Generation refers to the new and passionate generation of young African graduates and professionals, who are dynamic, intellectually agile, and pragmatic.

The public lecture was interactive with intellectual debate and questions from the audience. One student raised an avid issue on the syndrome that is tribalism in Kenya and its venomous effect on the democratic process of voting and resource distribution. A member of staff from the department of Economics also commented on how social policies in Kenya need to be evaluated so as to encourage socio-economic growth.

The program continued with a photo session where the audience as well as the speakers had a chance to capture the day and also take a minute to get to know each other. Back inside, the second half of the ‘Devils Footpath’ continued with comments from the audience after. The mood in the room was slightly dismal during the screening as the audience was able to sympathize with countries in the continent whose people could not enjoy the liberties that Kenya does.

A vote of thanks was given by Dr. Bob Mbori and Miss Ekombe Inviolata on behalf of the audience. They both encouraged the Eastern African Policy Centre as well as the African Students for Liberty to come back again for an even bigger seminar in the coming year. The program ended with distribution of literature materials such as ‘Voices from Africa’ and ‘Why Liberty’ as well as fliers and T- shirts to the audience.

The Public Lecture and Seminar was an opportunity to introduce the staff and students at Masinde Muliro University to Free Markets and the ideas of Liberty. It provided a platform for the audience to not only hear but be heard. The topics discussed were pertinent to them, leaving them inspired to rise up and do something for their communities and the continent as a whole.