I AM KENYAN

The I AM KENYAN project is a Kenyan youth led reconciliation campaign that uses photography as a unique platform to advocate for countrywide reconciliations and individual responsibility for peace especially during the upcoming Kenyan elections in 2013. The initiative aims to unite all Kenyans from all walks of life, all over the world to affirm their Kenyan Identity, in all aspects of their lives and Stand up for Peace, imperative for co-existence, economic prosperity and political stability in Kenya.

To “Stand Up For Peace," individuals take a photo of themselves with the caption “I am Kenyan” and upload it onto the website or Facebook page.  These pictures will be blown up to black and white posters that will be posted on various media platforms including social media, newspapers, billboards and television adverts across the country. 

Achievements and Expected Outcomes

Three months after launching, the I am Kenyan project has managed to attract wide-spread attention and support, evident in:

• The daily average statistics of 1,500,000 views on the I am Kenyan Facebook page. 

• The collection of over 6000 photos  from at least 60 countries, including but not limited to the Czech Republic, Russia, Japan, Singapore, USA, UK, South Africa, Nigeria, Ghana, Zimbabwe, Morocco, Tunisia, Senegal, India, Ukraine and Armenia.

• The  prosperous photo shoot sessions in an array of places both locally and internationally; Madrid, Segovia, London, Dakar, Johannesburg, Rabat, Fezur, Nairobi, Korogocho, Kariobangi, Mathare North, Baba Dogo, Huruma and Mukuru Kwa Ruben are just some of the many locations in which the project has taken root. 

• The  various corporates including USAID(PACT Kenyan) , G4S, Scan-Ad, Brookside, Red Oak Communications, and several individuals in their personal capacity who also support the campaign. 

With the support of the Nairobi Provincial Commissioner we  successfully launched the “I AM KENYAN” day on August 11th where a public city march followed by a family friendly concert.  A wide array of Kenyan public figures and vibrant youth were united in a show of solidarity in their Kenyan identity. The “I Am Kenyan” team drafted a pledge, which was signed by present individual, as a  promise that each of them will uphold peace and avoid hate speech in the run up to the 2013 elections. We collected 2000 signatures where we shall present them to parliament in a bid to show the Kenyan leaders that Kenyans are ready to stand up for peace and are ready to hold their leaders accountable for their actions. We aim that these all these signatures be blown up and placed on billboards around Nairobi and serve as a reminder of the promise that each individual made. 

Future Plans

• We aim to have similar  peace march and photo shoot session activations around the country.

• Conduct more pledge signing activities around the country in a bid to promote individual peace responsibilities.

• Initiate Individual Resettlement Schemes for Internally Displaced Persons.

• Initiate global cultural understanding and community using  “ I AM”  as a platform.

Our Requests: 

• Spreading the awareness of the campaign.

• Financial assistance.

Email: info@iamkenyan.or.ke
Website: www.iamkenyan.or.ke
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/IAmKenyanProject