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What is Kikulacho?

What if we could have a discussion about the issues that affect Kenya? What if we could make it possible for just about every Kenyan to take part in this discussion? What would you say if you had the opportunity to speak your mind, to everybody?

Hi. My name is Kelvin and this is my vision.

We’re living in a world where information is becoming increasingly important. Some people say we are becoming an information society. Wikipedia defines an information society as a society in which the creation, distribution, diffusion, use, integration and manipulation of information is a significant economic, political, and cultural activity. I think we already are an information society. Knowledge has always been power but it is becoming more powerful.

“On the one hand information wants to be expensive, because it’s so valuable. The right information in the right place just changes your life. On the other hand, information wants to be free, because the cost of getting it out is getting lower and lower all the time. So you have these two fighting against each other.” – Stewart Brand

I believe deeply that information is very valuable. Everyone should have access to information – it may change their lives! This is why it saddens me when I think of the situation in Kenya. Here in Nairobi, it is fair to say that information is reasonably accessible. But what about in deep rural Kenya? What about in the North Eastern province? The North Eastern province is the easiest example but the truth is that information is just not easily available in most parts of Kenya.

What if it was?

This is my primary motive behind setting up Kikulacho. I intend Kikulacho to be a platform, of sorts, that embraces open publishing and the spread of ideas and information. If you have something you want to say, say it and we’ll publish it. The intent is to initiate discussion on what is dear to Kenyans.

However, this is hardly enough. Not many people in rural Kenya can access the internet, or even a computer. That is why Kikulacho isn’t just a purely online platform. I am sure many, many more Kenyans can take part and benefit from Kikulacho if it extends to the offline world. Right now, the idea is still in its infancy. But here’s a few of the things I have in mind:

1. Building a vibrant online community to start up things.
2. Reaching out to Kenyans from all walks of life and inviting them to take part in the community. I’m thinking of having people mail in their thoughts and opinions which will then be published on Kikulacho. This is particularly focused to people in rural Kenya. Anyone can take part – from teachers and school kids to mama-mboga.
3. Producing a print ‘magazine’ version of Kikulacho to be distributed to rural Kenya or anywhere else. This can solve many of the problems that affect us. Examples:Kids in schools will have reading material; What can beat the possibility of having your thoughts printed out and shared all over Kenya?

Of course non of this will work if it isn’t 100% free. Friend, this is my vision. A Kenya where information and ideas can be shared and distributed free.

What do you think? Will you join me? Build on to this idea by leaving a comment below.

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