Why I will sing the Kenya national anthem at 1pm today February 28!

For 38 years I was a Kenyan because I was born in Kenya! Then during my sojourn to America I was gifted the opportunity to chose. Now, I can proudly say I am Kenyan by choice. But it was also a decision fraught with much anguish because that meant that I was also choosing that my daughters, during their childhood, will also be Kenyan. For that reason I must make sure I bequeath them a better country than my parents gave me.

This is why I will be singing the national anthem at 1pm today February 28. To thank God for the many blessings he has given us as Kenyans. I am especially grateful for the signing of the peace accord brokered by Kofi Annan on February 28, 2008. Following the horrific weeks after the announcement of the presidential elections on Dec 30 2007.

I will also be singing to seek strength from God for the hard work ahead, to make a better Kenya for all, beginning with the implementation of the new constitution

For those wondering why I chose Kenya, I must confess that the reasons are partly motivated by the good things I enjoy because of my privileged (not rich) background;

• the weather (perfect in some parts like Nairobi, the central highlands and central Rift Valley), 
• the beautiful features in the country from the ocean at the coast to the deserts in the north, the mountains and the great Rift Valley, the amazing national parks from the Masai Mara to the Shaba national reserve, the rivers and the lakes, amazing tea farms and forests! 
• the inspiration I draw from the incredible people in the daily struggle; creative, annoying, hard working, peculiar, warm, greedy, enthusiastic. The cultural diversity from the many mini nations (aka tribes) and folks from other nations is beautiful and frightening to behold.

And yet there is still so much to be done;

• it is embarrassing that so many so called leaders are so small minded, 
• it is shameful that we still have internally displaced people (IDPs) following the post elections crisis 3 years ago, 
• it is unacceptable that, almost 50 years after independence from British colonial rule, so many still lack the basics necessities of life; sufficient food, adequate shelter, access to clean drinking water, access to education and medical services. 

It is the later that motivates me, an opportunity to do my part alongside many others, to make some of these wrongs right! The new constitution is a great statement of the determination of the people of Kenya to make things right; it took 20 years. I know that collectively we can make this a better country for all who are proud to call it home. This is why I will be singing the national anthem at 1pm this afternoon; February 28, 2011.

"O God of all creation
Bless this our land and nation
Justice be our shield and defender
May we dwell in unity
Peace and liberty
Plenty be found within our borders.

Let one and all arise
With hearts both strong and true
Service be our earnest endeavour
And our homeland of Kenya
Heritage of splendour
Firm may we stand to defend.

Let all with one accord
In common bond united
Build this our nation together
And the glory of Kenya
The fruit of our labour
Fill every heart with thanksgiving."