• Many Kenyans turned up to sight-see in tourism sites that were free for the day
• We should document our cultural history and heritage as we uphold our identity
Happy Jamhuri Day, dear reader!
Sixty years since we became a republic is not a joke.
Genuinely speaking, we wouldn’t be here if it were not for our founding fathers… and mothers, if it counts.
Still in the spirit of Jamhuri, it is true that we have achieved a lot over the years, but are we there yet? Certainly not, but you can agree to disagree with me.
The self-liberation and Independence we got doesn’t really feel the same today. It doesn’t feel like we were actually set free.
Yet again, my observations and thoughts equally do not reflect yours.
We are not going to politicise this writing but rather, we are going to focus on what defines us away from the common politics.
On the national holiday, I was very much impressed by how the government made the announcement of free entries to national parks, museums, reserves and even monuments.
I found it a good thing before the government finalises on starting a new year with increased rates to those visiting our beautiful sites.
Another impressive thing was the number of Kenyans who turned up to go and sight-see, and they brought their kids along, which was also a beautiful thing.
It brought joy to my heart seeing so many people post about how they spent their holiday, appreciating our national heritage.
To see young children who have probably never visited parks or museums get a chance to learn about our history even in the simplest way possible.
We really took the 'Daima, Mimi ni Mkenya' slogan to the heart.
If you celebrated yours in a different way that truly signifies your love for your country, well done, dear reader! Daima, Wewe ni Mkenya.
As we uphold our identity as Kenyans, my hope and prayer is that we document our cultural history and heritage.
Whether it is the good or bad, we still need that kind of information to be carried on to future generations.
That is what makes us and is still making us who we are.
Every one of us has contributed to the prosperity of this great nation in one way or another, and we plan to uphold that even if it is within or without the country.
My hope and prayer is that we see more writing and storytelling on who we are, and we get to learn everyday from each other, the old and young.
You read and interact with me on this platform of Tamaduni Zetu, and I learn a lot from you as you learn a lot from me.
This is my way of documenting part of what makes us who we are so that more and more people can benefit from my writings, which are pretty conversational, if I may say so.
It goes on e-paper and also still goes online because we live in a digital world that is ever evolving.
How are you documenting your Kenyan story to contribute to our history?
Let’s purpose to look for more ways and explore more ideas on how we can continue forging forward as a great nation and writing as well rewriting our history.
We do not want to be forgotten, so let’s get creative and continue making Kenya the capital of Africa as many people in the global north think we are.
We might be at crossroads most of the time, but we cannot let that deter us.
Again, happy 60 years, dear reader.