What about African Youth?

Is it? living through a chosen lens

There I was, in the middle of that vast warm land

There I stood, expectant and full of bliss

Warm, green and magnificent in the face of that yellow sun

I watched

As they traversed my space and gave me an identity

Not allowed to react to that Identity, there I lay

I chose to allow that identity upon my frame

Troubled and deeply in pain,

I focused on my priority

To give my branches a new green

Then came those who looked upon my height in awe

Those who thought I was extraordinary

The source of their thoughts not defined

Rather cast upon a glance at a branch, at some branches

Those that resisted the unkindness of the undefined sun

Those that retained their green

Then I began to bear a new kind of seed

A different kind of seed

One whose dispersal was uninhabited

One whose skin was hard and resistant

One that gave me a hope of universal influence

The lens slowly tilted

A new identity I got

One awash with word on my new kind of seed

One influenced by the resilience of this new seed

Some dispersed never to return

Some dispersed and finding their way home

All I loved with one embrace

Senegal; the sky that bears the vision of democracy

People who have met me can attest to the fact that I love my country. I am deeply and madly in love with Kenya. I take pride in my Nationality. I take pride in the excellence of my country men and women. I am what they call, Mkenya Halisi (Truly Kenyan). This love for my country informs my identity, it cannot be displaced, it cannot fade. Kenya is my one and true love.

But a funny thing happened. In May, 2011, I met Senegal. I was on transit to Cape Verde for the 3rd African University on Youth and Development organised by the North South Centre of the Council of Europe. I had tried to get a Senegalese visa for the 36 hours I was going to be in on transit through Dakar. However, the French Embassy in Nairobi could not process the Visa for the reason that the notice given was too short (not to mention that it was over five days). So here I was, staring in awe at the expansive exotic city of Dakar protruding beautifully over the clear blue Atlantic waters. I felt a tiny spark of love, mid air, for this city. I thought it was magnifique.

I looked in awe from the KQ aircraft at the African Renaissance Monument. I couldn't help but notice that the representation of the male figure of the monument, was supporting and leading the female, and carrying the child sitting on its shoulders. I immediately thought of how much I would have loved to hate that depiction of patriarchy, (atleast to my eyes), and in turn dismiss the city of Dakar, quietly wish away the 36 transit hours and embark onto the culturally rich country of Cabo Verde.

(I shall not delve into a discourse about this monument at this point)

The first 24 hours went by rather fast I must admit. They say first impressions last, well I didn't get to feel Dakar outside the confines of the Leopold Sedar Senghor International Airport, but I had ideas of how it could possibly be. An Airport police Officer, (I did not get his name, I wish I did!) out of the kindness of his heart ensured that we (my friends Cate and Job were with me) were fed and comfortable in the tiny holding space at the Airport. I was thrilled at the gesture. I was humbled and wondered if the Kenyan Authorities would do the same. Well, I think I'm pushing it....

In March 2012, the 3rd Congress of the Global Young Greens and 2nd Congress of the Global Greens were set to happen in Dakar. I was excited about two things; that I would meet most young green advocates at this congress and secondly, because I would actually get the chance to tour Dakar and explore the spark I had felt mid air close to an year before. The notable thing to mention is that I arrived in Dakar on 25th March 2012. This was the day of the Presidential run-offs. With a mixture of excitement and fear of the unknown, here I was, having chosen to focus on the greater likelihood of a peaceful election. I wasn't alone, hundreds of Green advocates had come to Dakar for the congresses.

Later that night and into the morning of March 26th, courtesy of the Honourable Minister for Environment in Senegal, Hon. El Ali Haidar, we got out to the city in a convoy to celebrate the victory of the opposition in the elections. On the streets I noticed that different people had different expressions. Some gleamed with great excitement, others looked solemn. Yet there they were, on the streets openly sharing their feelings without fear of being attacked.

That will always be one of the most powerful experiences in my life. To see a country with diverse political preferences choose to respect this diversity. It was a powerful message for me, a peace advocate. I swore to document it. It reminded me of the change of regime in Kenya in the year 2002 and the united celebration of the victory of the opposition. I was young, I couldn't vote and may not have appreciated the unity as much I did in Dakar. It reinforced my hope and love for African States. It symbolised the possibility of a united Africa.

I experienced the power of a peaceful relegation of power. The hope of the fruits yielded by a constant struggle for democracy. I was moved to tears especially because I only qualified to vote in the Kenya General Elections in the year 2007. I had blamed my vote for the thousands of people who had been displaced in the post election skirmishes. I needed reassurance that democracy, peace and elections could indeed be bedfellows. I felt the joy of the Senegalese people. I felt proud. My friends coming from other parts of the world looked on at the magnificent show of democracy in a continent they had possibly read negative literature about. I fell in love with this democracy and with it ignited the spark into a flame of affection for this country, for the Senegalese people, for the democratic values they demonstrated.

During the congress, I witnessed selfless service from young green Senegalese volunteers. They brought with them rich discussions. Within these discussions, a constant reminder that progressive decisions could only be made by people ready to listen and accommodate one another. These lessons saw the re-birth of the Federation of Young African Greens. This Senegalese spirit breathed democracy into its processes and a sense of unity we Young Greens from Africa share.

I made special friends at this congress. I struggled with the little French I had picked up along the way and learnt a few Wolof words. I returned in July, en-route to Cape Verde and re-affirmed the strength of my affection for Senegal. I am still exploring this affection, I am learning the language of her people,the language that she inspired me to study. I am hoping I can get time to stay in Senegal for no less than half a year in the future, volunteer as an English teacher and discover the special things about this African State. I am hoping that the tears shed in Dakar can flow to Nairobi and reinforce the strength of Democracy Kenya almost lost in the years 2007/08.

Olympics reinforcing the pride of my Nationality

Every four years I watch in awe as the Kenyan Olympics team sweeps the medals in various track events in diverse cities around the world. The best part comes when the Kenyan National Anthem is consistently played during the medal conferment ceremonies. I stand at attention, I sing along, taking time to internalise the powerful words of that National Anthem. I pay tribute to the excellence of my Nation and the dedication of my countrymen and women. These moments consistently remind me how proud I am to be Kenyan.

 The London 2012 Olympics have reinforced the power of togetherness as a Nation. As Olympics and World Record Holder and Kenyan David Lekuta Rudisha crossed the finish line in the 800m race, the Nation was ecstatic of his win. He did not just represent the uniqueness of Kenya's athleticism, but also had the whole Nation united in this moment of pride.   

It is worthy to remember that when we choose to disregard each other, we disregard our Nation, its future and that of its future generations. When we choose to turn unto each other, we kill the unity that has defined us for so long. We dim the chances of raising a generation of Kenyans that not only shines in athletics but in many other fields in Africa and the world.

 We need not forget where we come from or the tribe we belong to. Having 42 tribes in Kenya reinforces our diversity. What we need to do is rise above definition by tribe. We need to stop allowing a select group of politicians to polarise our oneness. We need to embrace this diversity and make it work for the glory of this African giant we call home.

I tell a story of a girl who set out of her home in central Kenya and out of her comfort as a Kikuyu into the rich and beautiful valley in the Rift for her University education. There she experienced the unparalleled friendliness of her Kalenjin countrymen and became fascinated by the Luo dialect.  I tell a story of a girl who refuses to part with these good things because of a single unfortunate incident of tribal politics turned nightmare. She believes we can rise above this tribal curse and learn to enjoy the vastness and splendor of our Kenyan soil.

Let us always remember as stated by the late Hon Prof George Saitoti that there comes a time when the Nation is greater than an individual.

 My fellow countrymen,

Let the consistent message of our National Anthem playing in London this year remind us that the excellence of our countrymen and women comes to all in our Nation, regardless of our ethnicity. If we dedicate our lives to bringing pride to our Nation, we dedicate ourselves to a course that reinstalls pride in our Nationality. The athletic excellence has been with us for generations, it reinforces our oneness with the wild, because we run in the wild and shine in the world. 

We are Kenyan!