Dispatch from Edwin on Helping Kenya

The last few weeks have been tough ones for Kenya and Kenyans. We have seen what started off as a political problem sparked by the December elections turn into violence and tragedy. While I continue to be hopeful that current mediation efforts led by Kofi Annan will lead to a return of some level of normalcy across the country, I also recognize the destructive spiral things are taking in some parts of the country, notably in the Rift Valley. Every passing day without a solution makes this become a longer entrenched conflict that is beyond the elections. And I fear we have turned that corner.

All leaders at all levels need to understand that the current increase in militia activity is just a marriage of convenience. Once the “reason” for the sponsored conflict is resolved, the young men will still be there, hungry, with no incomes, with machetes in their hands. And they now know how to kill and maim.

Current Red Cross numbers indicate about 1000 people dead, and over 300,000 displaced. The conditions in the make-shift camps across the country are simply
heartbreaking, which is why with a growing group of young professionals via the Pamoja Youth Foundation, we have launched “Jaza Lorry!” Literally translating to “Fill the Lorry/Truck!”, the initiative is motivating assistance for those displaced, and channeling it to them through the Kenya Red Cross.

• For individuals in Kenya , you can buy items and
  drop them off in the Jaza Lorry box at every Nakumatt, Uchumi and Tuskys.
• For those outside Kenya ,
  we have partnered with mamamikes (http://www.mamamikes.com)
  Kenya ’s leading online marketplace to channel donations and vouchers.
• For any donations which do not fall into any of the above categories (e.g., in kind donations from companies), feel free to email me back and we can discuss the most appropriate way of channeling them.

Please give what you can.

This is a long road we are on, and it will take quite some work to heal the tears we
have experienced in our social fabric. Let us have the courage to take the first step.

-edwin

macharia2007@gmail.com