I have fumbled around trying to figure out whether to have number 40 as a summary of all the other 39 or look for an all new reason to express my undying love for Kenya. I chose the latter; which I must add is not the final reason for my love for Kenya; but to crown the Patriot’s Diary series.
My 40th reason is what, in my books, makes Kenya iconic; we are a country strategically placed. Kenya may not be smack in the middle of the African continent but it is in such a central place on the coast of the East African coast and the equator perfect for business and travel.
Kenya has been a haven for all her neighbours in the midst of political turmoil. Our brothers and sisters from Somalia, Sudan, Ethiopia, Uganda, Rwanda and the DR Congo have sought refuge and established their communities and families in Kenya.
Kenya has brokered several peace deals. And is Africa’s UN home, with the headquarters of UN-Habitat based in our capital Nairobi. Kenya is one of the few countries in the continent with an immense number of diplomatic missions from states across the globe. And the US (as expected) leads the pack with the largest diplomatic Mission in Sub Saharan Africa based in my beautiful capital; Nairobi. States such as Russia, Britain, and the European Union (EU) as well as member nations of the EU have bases here. Pakistan, Indonesia, Lebanon, Korea, Israel, Thailand, Russia, Saudi Arabia, Iran, Chile, Venezuela; the list is endless. I think nearly every state on the face of the earth may have a diplomatic mission in Nairobi.
Kenya is an economic hub for Eastern Africa. You may have heard the phrase; when Kenya sneezes East and central Africa get a cold. 28 of 50 East African companies are in Kenya. With the largest being Safaricom; Kenya’s leading telecommunications company.
We have a NASA launch station in the town of Malindi. With our Kilindini harbor and Jomo Kenyatta international airports, both under expansion, serving as major entry and exit points for imports and exports for the East and Central African region.
Kenya’s strategic location is amazing. Kenya is a jewel! It isn’t just a blessing to be Kenyan it’s a privilege. And a privilege that I will continue to yell from the roof tops! Not just for the conventional tourism, but for economic growth and cultural versatility. Kenya is a nation of endless potential that needs to be saved and protected from the demeaning political shenanigans. I can ramble on for ages because there is a lot to gloat over as a Kenyan. But it is my duty as well as yours, whatever country you hail from, to protect and nurture your nation’s destiny not for yourself or your children but your great great great grandchildren as well.
With this final entry into the Patriot’s diary I salute all my fellow countrymen. A salute of honour and respect! And a call to stand up and seize the moment NOW to restore the dignity of our beautiful land! Kenya Milele! (Kenya forever!)
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