In light of the 2024 protests in Kenya, many people are asking themselves, "Can I really make a difference?" "Does my voice even matter?" "Isn't it better to just stay out of it?" These are common questions that can hold each one of us back from taking action or speaking up.

However, according to this episode's expert, inaction is not an option. Especially with what's happening right now in the world and, more specifically, in Kenya. We have no option but to do what we can to be part of the solution.

So, for this one, the Yes Girls are exploring how to say yes to being changemakers with live studio guest, activist, community organiser, humanitarian, youth advisor, and sustainability advocate, Geoffrey Mboya (@resilient_mboya).

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Timestamps for specific segments

(0:00 ) Introduction

(3:24 ) Geoffrey Mboya's introduction and the Kenya Finance Bill Protests

(9:45 ) The Yes Challenge that Geoffrey sets

(12:08 ) Mention of the related activism episode with Boniface Mwangi

(12:33 ) The actual Yes Challenge

(19:47 ) Article in the constitution about informing the police when organising a public protest in Kenya

(23:52 ) Activism as a fad or trend for today's radicals

(27:30 ) Boniface Mwangi's activism

(28:11 ) The book, Foundations of Democracy

(30:45 ) Review and rating of the Yes Challenge

(31:57 ) Keyboard activism/ Slacktivism/ Slacktivists

(32:42 ) Definition of change-making

(38:04 ) The sacrifices that activists make due to their commitment

(40:33 ) The challenges faced by activists/ downsides of activism

(42:54 ) What is holding people back?

(44:11 ) Staying silent is being complicit in the crime

(45:37 ) Why you need to get educated and informed about what is happening

(48:03 ) Speak truth to power and step up boldly

(49:21 ) How anyone, even you, can get started with activism

(55:27 ) What Geoffrey has recently said yes to

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Geoffrey was and still is on the front lines of the wave that began Kenya's nationwide protests against the Finance Bill, also dubbed the Gen-Z protests (and he is a Gen Z-er himself). He is actively engaged in community organising around health, the environment, and politics, and is certainly wise beyond his years.

As an ode to Season 7, Akumu and Claire do the Yes challenge in the studio. They explore activism and community engagement first with the challenge that Geoffrey sets for them, and then they discuss why activism is so necessary for today's Kenya and today's world and how even you can get started.

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Important resources:

Follow Geoffrey Mboya:

https://www.instagram.com/resilient_mboya/

https://ke.linkedin.com/in/geoffreymboya

Listen to the first activism episode everywhere you get your podcasts:

Episode 19: Saying yes to being activists with Boniface Mwangi

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