An afternoon of reflection and connection marked Freedom Café 2026, hosted in Nairobi by the Friedrich Naumann Foundation for Freedom. The gathering brought together partners, colleagues, and leaders from media, civil society, and policy spaces to exchange ideas on strengthening partnerships in a rapidly changing world.
The Freedom Café series continues to provide a platform for open conversation on democratic values, freedom of expression, and collaboration across sectors. This year’s meeting also offered an opportunity to welcome Ralf Erbel, the newly appointed East Africa Director of the foundation, as he begins his leadership role in the region.
The afternoon created space for meaningful dialogue, reflection, and networking among participants working to advance democratic governance, media freedom, and civic engagement. Conversations focused on the importance of partnerships and collective action in addressing emerging social and political challenges.
Among those who participated were Zubeidah Kananu, President of the Kenya Editors Guild, and Linda Bach, CEO of the Guild, alongside other partners and stakeholders from the media and civil society community.
The gathering underscored the value of dialogue and collaboration in strengthening institutions and building resilient networks committed to freedom, accountability, and democratic progress.
