Kenyans converge abroad

By NG’ANG’A WA MUCHIRI
Published July 10, 2009

What do H.E. Peter Ogego, Kenya’s ambassador to the United States; renowned political scientist Dr. Ali Mazrui; Christine Miako, founder of Africa Alumni; Gabrielle Fondiller, co-director of Hatua Likoni; and Chris K. Gaturu, senior recruiter/diversity specialist at the Federal Reserve Bank of Boston have in common?

They will all be in attendance at the Association of Kenyans in the Diaspora’s (AKD) first annual conference, dubbed “The Kenya Renaissance & Empowerment Conference (KREC) to be held at Bridgewater State College in Boston, Mass., from July 17 to July 19.

“One of the objectives of the conference will be to celebrate our diversity, shun apologizing for who we are and to recognize that there’s beauty in it all,” said Paul Waithaka, one of the directors of AKD.

“We have tried to be as representative of Kenya’s communities as we can and have invited someone from every part of the nation. Unfortunately, time constraints have barred great leaders like Wangaari Maathai, and Prof Ngugi wa Thiong’o from attending.”

Lemayian C. Kimojino

Out of that diversity, the organizers hope the conference will be a breeding ground for ideas. “We are trying to link youths, born of Kenyan parents in the United States to their Kenyan culture. In addition, we want to provide an opportunity for young Kenyan professionals to find mentors,” said AKD director, Lemayian C. Kimojino (KJ).

KREC, true to its name, envisions the rebirth of Kenyan culture. “Young Kenyan-Americans face serious an identity crisis,” said Kimojino. “This is a crucial issue that needs to be discussed.”

Waithaka has traversed the United States and after conducting close to 300 interviews found no umbrella organization able to harness the potential of Kenyans abroad.

It is with this mission in mind that in February this year, he and a group of people mooted the idea of hosting a conference in July.

Bishop Joshua Wambua of Rapture Harvest International Mission was among the people, who worked closely with Waithaka to make the conference a reality.

“There exists a vacuum for young teenagers. They arrive here expecting to pluck dollars from trees, but encounter harsh reality, replete with bills-rent, tuition etc, which dim their dreams,” Bishop Wambua said. “This conference will formulate a transition for the young people, so they can attain what they set out for.”

Bishop Wambua attributes some of these problems to the dysfunctional families that exist in Kenya. As a spiritual leader, he has seen the cultural crisis manifest in the church, where even some ministers have divorced and separated from spouses.

“This is a land of opportunity,” he added, “but without a strategy one cannot hit target.”

Karen Mwaniki, a Kenyan graduate of Wellesley College cannot agree more.

“The conference sounds like a great idea,” she said “It is vital for people to network and to seek ways to be involved in development.”

Paul Waithaka

KREC intends to bring together several Kenyans from all walks of life and their friends. Some of the conference’s highlights will include discussions on Kenya’s Vision 2030, investment and entrepreneurial opportunities, and honoring US-based Kenyan-American students graduating from high school and college.

“In addition, we’ll have a mission day, where we will all go out to the community and contribute our time,” said Kimojo. “This will show others that Kenyans do not just come together for selfish interests, but that they also care about those around them.”

On Sunday July 19, KREC will mobilize participants to volunteer at a local Massachusetts food bank.

“This is one of the ways we have tried to make this conference different from others,” Kimojo said. “We have also tried to involve other conferences in order to foster cooperation, synergy and avoid unhealthy competition.”

At the end of the conference, AKD intends to hold a post-mortem press conference and avail recordings of the conference, which will be vital for Kenyans who will not be able to attend the conference, the organizers said.

For more information visit www.kenyansdiaspora-fbevent.eventbrite.com and AKD’s web site, www.kenyansdiaspora.org for registration tickets, information on accommodation, transportation, general information and updates on the conference.

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