Promote Peace and Patriotism in Kenyans primarily through Photography to ensure a Safe 2013 General Election.
MAKE THE PLEDGE
I pledge,
- To put the interests of our motherland and all its citizens above any personal, economic or political agendas I may have.
- To do everything in my power to fight all social evils including corruption, poverty, hunger and insecurity within my country.
- To be truthful, just and fair in all my endeavors with integrity and honor.
- To do everything within my power to ensure Peace, Love and Unity in the coming elections and in Kenya’s foreseeable future.
- To respect all people of all nationalities, race, religions, and celebrate their differences rather than look down upon them.
- To carry the name of Kenya with dignity in the diaspora and to always be an Ambassador of the nation.
- To diligently play my part in the development and general advancement of my country, Kenya.
- To keep the youth and the future of this country at heart and to make them proud, not only in my words, but in my day to day actions.
- To stand up for peace.
- I Pledge all this because...
I AM KENYAN
WEKA AHADI YAKO
Naahidi,
- Kuweka mahitaji ya nchi yangu na wananchi wote mbele ya manufaa yoyote ya kibinafsi, kiuchumi au kisiasa.
- Kufanya juhudi zote kupiga vita, maovu yote ya kijamii katika nchi yangu, ukiwemo ufisadi, njaa na umaskini.
- Kuwa mkweli, na wa haki katik amajukumu yangu kwa maadili na heshima.
- Kuimarisha amani, upendo na umoja katika uchaguzi mkuu ujao na katika siku za usoni.
- Kuheshimu watu wa matabaka mbali mbali bila kujali Uananchi wao, kabila, au dini.
- Kulibeba jina la Kenya kwa taadhima nikiwa ng’ambo na siku zote kuwa balozi mwema wa taifa hili.
- Kutekelez wajibu wangu katika kuendeleza taifa langu.
- Kuweka maslahi ya vijana moyoni mwangu na siku zote kuwaridhisha sio tu kwa maneno bali pia kwa vitendo.
- Kupigania amani.
- Naahidi haya yote kwa kuwa...
MIMI NI MKENYA
About
The I AM KENYAN project is a global initiative whose roots lie in Kenya. The project aims to promote peace and patriotism primarily through photography.
IDENTIFICATION OF NEED
On December 31st 2007, the results of the Kenyan presidential elections sparked tribal clashes. The severity of the Kenyan 2007 post-election violence intensified in the 59 days that followed, and by the 28th of February 2008, there were 1500 deaths and over 600,000 Internally displaced persons. Although the immediacy and timing of these clashes can be blamed on the irregularities in the election results, tribal tension can be traced through history where inter-ethnic struggles have stemmed largely from the ethnicization of politics.
To this date, the ethnicization of politics is still being used as a campaigning strategy by a vast majority of Kenyan politicians. As the country approaches the 2013 election year, there is growing concern that this campaign strategy will lead to yet another post-election violence. With the volatile state of the country during this period, Kenya cannot afford further ethnic division at the expense of political gain. Therein lies the need to remind the Kenyan nationals that before they identify themselves by their ethnic groups, they need to identify themselves, and each other, as Kenyan.
I AM KENYAN (SOLUTION)
Responding to the need above is the I AM KENYAN project. The I AM KENYAN project is a globally backed, Kenyan driven, awareness campaign that uses photography as a platform to promote peace during the upcoming Kenyan elections in 2013. Photography is a powerful story teller and when Kenyans, both locally and in the Diaspora, come together to tell of and confirm their identity through this powerful platform, a strong message is sent to the Kenyan public encouraging them to see themselves as Kenyans before identifying themselves ethnically.
I AM KENYAN!
Phase 1
Individuals who are willing to participate, are requested to take a photo of themselves on a plain background with the words "I AM KENYAN" written in any language anywhere in the picture making a funny, happy or silly face. Each participant is encouraged to be creative. The I AM KENYAN project is not limited to only Kenyans, but is open to persons from other nationalities. This show of solidarity will largely be a means to asserting our identity as human beings despite our different places of origin; we are citizens of the world despite our individual uniqueness. Getting this message to Kenyans across the country prior to the elections would be greatly helpful in preventing the "us" and "them" mentality that was adopted four years ago.
If one sends in their picture to the "I AM KENYAN" project as a contribution to promoting peace in Kenya, they are consenting to the use of their photo for the "I AM KENYAN " project; this picture may also be used, posted or displayed in websites, social media or publications that are aimed at promoting peace in Kenya.
Phase 2
After collecting the photos, they will be blown to black and white 2mX3m posters that will be plastered on public walls in urban areas, rural areas and Internally Displaced Persons camps across the country. This will be done through public marches that will be followed by concerts and a public display of the photos.
Phase 3
The initiative is a continuous process that aims to continue spreading its message of peace by launching school clubs and youth forums.
Get Involved
One sending in their picture to the "I AM KENYAN" project is a contribution to promoting peace in Kenya, therefore you are consenting "I AM KENYAN" to the use your photo for the "I AM KENYAN " project. The "I AM KENYAN" project reserves all rights to use images for awareness, display, publication, or other purposes.
The I AM KENYAN project also allows you to participate NOW by taking your Picture using your computer. Click on the below link to start.