In an unprecedented move aimed at promoting transparency, the Kenya Ni Home Movement, led by activist Morara Kebaso, has released a detailed two-week fuel expense report. Covering a staggering 4,730 kilometers and incurring fuel costs exceeding Ksh 154,000, the report unveils the financial toll of travel required to maintain engagement with communities and carry out their activism work.
This revelation, shared by Kebaso, underscores the financial demands of activism in Kenya, showcasing how high travel costs impact grassroots movements. Below, we break down the movement’s travel expenses, highlight the key routes, and delve into the significance of this report in fostering public trust.
Transparency in Action: The Kenya Ni Home Movement’s Two-Week Fuel Report
Morara Kebaso and his team made over 20 trips across Kenya, engaging with communities, holding rallies, and conducting essential field research. Spanning 30th October to 13th November, this report aims to account for every shilling spent on fuel, revealing that one vehicle covered 2,365 kilometers. With two vehicles operating during this period, the total kilometers covered amounted to approximately 4,730.
Here’s a quick summary of the report:
- Total Distance for One Vehicle: 2,365 km
- Fuel Consumption: Approximately 5.5 km per liter
- Cost of Petrol: Ksh 180 per liter
- Total Fuel for One Vehicle: 430 liters, translating to Ksh 77,400
- Total Fuel Cost for Two Vehicles: Ksh 154,800
The report specifies key routes and notable stops across Kenya, from Nairobi to the Coast, Ukunda, Mombasa, and back. Let’s dive deeper into the trip details and why this report holds great significance.
A Closer Look at the Routes and Fuel Costs
The Kenya Ni Home Movement made stops in some of Kenya’s most traveled and remote areas, including Nairobi, Kimana, Oloitoktok, Taveta, Kwale, and the scenic Ukunda. Each destination marked a milestone for the movement, highlighting their commitment to engaging local communities despite high logistical costs.
Key Routes:
- Nairobi to Mombasa (482 km one way) – As one of the most extensive legs, this route alone contributed significantly to fuel costs.
- Mombasa to Kwale and Ukunda (Combined 111 km) – Regular stops in Ukunda and Kwale demonstrate active engagement with communities in these areas, showcasing the movement’s grassroots approach.
- Interior Coastal Routes: From Mombasa, the team traveled within Kwale County, covering smaller routes such as Kwale Town to Tshimba Golini and Shimba Hills Town, areas often neglected but critical to their outreach.
For a comprehensive view of the kilometers covered and trips made, see the full breakdown on K24 TV. Each trip, from large cities to remote communities, played a role in driving up costs as the team prioritized connecting with as many groups as possible.
The Importance of Transparency in Activism
By publicly sharing these financial details, Morara Kebaso sets a new standard for transparency within activist circles. At a time when the public demands accountability from leaders across sectors, Kenya Ni Home Movement’s disclosure serves as a powerful model.
Transparency, particularly in financial matters, is not common in activism. Kebaso’s report fosters trust, allowing supporters to see how funds are allocated and used to advance the movement’s goals. Notably, K24 TV reports that similar calls for transparency have echoed across various activist groups in recent years, highlighting a broader trend within Kenyan social movements.
Examining the Cost of Activism: Why the Expenses Add Up
Activism often requires extensive travel, whether for community mobilization, meetings, or grassroots campaigning. With petrol prices at an all-time high—currently Ksh 180 per liter—covering extensive ground becomes even more challenging.
The Kenya Ni Home Movement’s average fuel consumption was noted at 5.5 kilometers per liter, though Kebaso acknowledged that varying road conditions and higher speeds can reduce fuel efficiency. This factor alone means that expenses can fluctuate, sometimes significantly. Standard Media recently covered the challenges Kenyan organizations face in maintaining operations amid rising fuel costs, underscoring the impact on travel-intensive groups like Kenya Ni Home Movement.
Detailed Breakdown of the Trip Costs
In terms of logistics, the movement organized over 40 separate legs within the two weeks, covering rural and urban areas alike. Here are a few of the specific trip legs noted in the report:
- Kahawa Sukari to Kincar – 14 km
- Nairobi to Mavoko – 29 km (return trip made)
- Oloitoktok to Taveta – 84 km
- Voi to Mombasa – 156 km
- Shimba Hills Town to Msambweni Hospital – 18 km
- Ukunda to Funzi Island – 44 km
Each trip not only represents fuel and transport costs but time and dedication from the team, including activists, security personnel, and researchers. The need for accommodations was highlighted, but for security reasons, details were withheld. This disclosure underscores the complexity of running a movement with wide-reaching travel demands.
Expert Opinions on Financial Transparency in Social Movements
To provide context, Standard Media interviewed experts on the importance of transparency, who noted that financial accountability has become a crucial aspect of gaining public support. According to activist Lydia Wambui, “A movement that shares its financial reports encourages not just participation but accountability at all levels. Kenya Ni Home Movement is showing the way by being upfront about the costs they incur for the cause.”
Financial analyst Timothy Mwangi added that “transparency fosters trust, especially in today’s environment where public scrutiny of organizations is high.” He praised the Kenya Ni Home Movement’s report, saying it serves as a “model for how activists can build credibility through honesty.”
Public Reactions: How Kenyans Are Responding
The response from Kenyans on social media has been mixed. Some applaud the movement’s commitment to transparency, while others express concern about the high costs. On K24 TV’s Facebook page, one user commented, “It’s great to see accountability, but I hope they find a way to reduce expenses moving forward.”
This kind of feedback is common for social movements reliant on donations or public funds. Many Kenyans are hopeful that other groups will follow this example, making financial accountability a cornerstone of their operations.
The Road Ahead: Cost-Saving Measures for Kenya Ni Home Movement
With the public now aware of the expenses incurred, the Kenya Ni Home Movement faces the challenge of optimizing travel and potentially reducing costs. Here are some strategies they could consider:
- Pooling Resources: Partnering with local organizations to share transportation and reduce fuel costs.
- Remote Outreach: Leveraging technology for meetings when physical presence is not necessary, which could help cut down travel distances.
- Alternative Routes: Seeking more fuel-efficient routes when possible and planning more effective travel itineraries.
These changes may allow the movement to remain effective while maintaining its commitment to financial accountability.
Conclusion: A New Standard for Transparency in Kenyan Activism
The Kenya Ni Home Movement’s fuel accountability report serves as an inspiration for social movements across Kenya. By embracing transparency, they strengthen their bond with supporters and reinforce the trust that fuels their advocacy efforts.
In a time where every shilling counts, Morara Kebaso’s decision to disclose the movement’s expenses reflects a commitment to integrity. As the movement continues to drive change across Kenya, their model of financial accountability may inspire other organizations to follow suit. This shift toward transparency can only benefit Kenya’s activism landscape, promoting honesty and building trust in a sector that thrives on public support.
For those interested in the Kenya Ni Home Movement’s journey, stay tuned for further updates as they continue their outreach and provide more detailed reports on their activities.
