Just arrived in Dubai, transferring to Singapore. Have been in Africa for quiet long time. When you enter the terminal building of Dubai it's like entering another world. Modern technology is back, wrapped in abundance. You can purchase Ferraris in the tax free shopping area. Typing this post on a free wireless connection with my laptop. On my way to Banda Aceh.
Holland seldomly makes the Kenyan news. Today it did twice.
1. Dutch citizens are voting today for the European constitution
2. there are more sim cards in Holland than people.
Now, how would you connect these two?
Kenya today is celebrating Madaraka Day (self-governance), the day that Kenya acquired self-governance in 1964. Jomo Kenyatta became the first president of the fresh Republic of Kenya. He was the one who institutionalised the Harambee in Kenya, meaning 'collaboration'. People should work together, and support each other in hard times. You can still see it in Kenya, the daily meaning of Harambee. It happened last week. My house girl came and told me there was a Harambee. 'The swimming instructor on my daughter's school died in a car crash. We want to support his family with the funeral.' It wasn't the first time that I would be part of a Harambee. Funerals in Kenya are just one of the things that are too expensive for the people. Usually a large group of relatives and friends take part in a Harambee. For me it shows that in Kenya, despite it's tribal issues and political skirmishes, there lies a deep solidarity that can be hard to see. It's the 41st Madaraka Day, and the word Harambee is incorporated in the national crest.