As a PhD student studying how international convergences in the political economy of food shape diets, the opportunity to learn about food security issues “from and with Africans” (Quoting KENDREN Executive Director Wahu Kaara) has been invaluable. Since coming to Nairobi in September I have learned from and with staff at Kenyan NGOs and CSOs, as well as from and with food activists.
One organization that has been committed to food security and rights issues is the Citizens Coalition for Constitutional Culture (4Cs). 4Cs began in 1993 with the goal of having a new popular constitution implemented. From 1993 until August of this year, staff at 4Cs worked diligently with communities and policy makers towards this goal, despite considerable risks to their personal security. 4Cs was able to participate in the drafting of the new Constitution, and celebrated the victory of its August 27, 2010 promulgation. Thanks to the work of 4Cs and dedicated others, Kenyans now have their Right to Food enshrined within the Constitution.
The work of 4Cs is far from complete though. While 4Cs has achieved remarkable success over the past 17 years it has suffered a recent setback in funding arrangements, making it necessary to cancel and curtail projects. Ironically, this is a time when 4Cs urgently needs funding in order to inspire confidence and instill knowledge. Given that Kenyans have lived through dictatorship and strife, the importance of outreach programs and community-knowledge building cannot be understated.
I hope before I leave Nairobi the fortunes of 4Cs will have changed. In the meantime, I know that staff will continue to show up to work, will continue to work with citizens (and foreign students), and will continue to be a leader in developmental issues. In this regard, I am grateful to 4Cs for assisting my learning in areas of food security, governance, and the mechanics of CSO work.

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