The 51st edition of the Kara Bi-monthly Talk Series (BTS) forum was held on 11th October 2016 on the theme: Understanding Sustainable Development Goals and expected impact on Kenya’s development.

The forum was held against the backdrop of the recent adoption of the 17 SDGs by the global community. The goals are designed to guide the global development agenda and address socio-economic challenges such as climate change, poor sanitation, poverty, illness among others
During the BTS forum, participants challenged the Government to take lead in creating public awareness and education on the SDGs since the level of public awareness regarding the goals is still very low and majority don’t understand how the SDGs will impact on Kenyans.

Responding to the challenge, Mr. Isaac G. Kamande, Director Projects and Programmes, Ministry of Devolution and Planning, stated that the government has put measures in place to roll out an extensive awareness creation programme on the SDGs. He pointed out that a multi-stakeholders committee has been formed to drive the process and collaborate with other stakeholders. Other speakers at the forum included Prof. Joseph Kieyah, Programmes Coordinator, The Kenya Institute for Public Policy Research & Analysis (KIPPRA); Mr. Julius Chokerah, Ag. Chairman, UN Sustainable Development Goals Working Group; Mr. Henry Maina, Regional Director, Article 19 (EA); Mr. Vincent Kimosop, Policy & Governance Expert, Sovereign Insight.