I was so excited that I was part of the team that was coordinating and facilitating the Pan-African conference. This was so fulfilling in all angle. One it was fulfilling being that I was an IR student, this was so relevant to my course, and I was getting an opportunity to have a physical feel of diplomacy, integration, foreign policy and many other aspect of my course. I was going to interact with diplomats, Head of States, dignitaries, politicians, fellow like-minded people who inspire to advance their career in the IR world. Secondly, I was being paid for the services that I will be offering. I had already planned for that cash. Apart from spending the money in getting myself new outfit, the most valuable thing I used that money for was to apply for my Kenyan passport. A diplomat in the making must have a passport!
The other exciting bucket list that I was checking was the fact that I was going to spend a whole week in a five star hotel. I had such an amazing experience. And to make it even sound more enjoyable is the fact that I had earned it. Like it was through my appointment to facilitate the event that had earned me such an opportunity. You clearly don’t know how many offers I turned down from ‘men’ offering to take me to Kepinski and the likes and even vacation to the coast. I really wanted to have those experiences but I just could not allow myself to have it from them. I did not want to feel vulnerable to someone. I always convinced myself that I will afford and earn those experiences through my hard work. I would constantly repeat to myself “it is just a matter of time and I will be able to afford all the luxury that life has to offer. But for now, I am contented with my life as it is.”
Like they say, your network is your net worth. I was eager to create a great network during the conference. I had also challenged myself that I will participate during the conference. This was to have my voice be heard in what I felt that Africa as a continent was doing wrong when it comes to Foreign Policy. My key point was on South-South Relation. I do not embrace it. African countries just blindly adopted the engagement without paying keen attention into the policy of engagement. The Chinese came up with all the rules of engagement and all we did was to ratify it without giving our input. This is a sad affair. We were fooled with the non-interference policy which is not true. By all facts, China, Japan are interfering with our sovereignty as a country, In Kenya, we have given our port as a security for the loan that China has given us. In the construction of different highways, road and even the railway line they are bringing raw materials from their country yet we have the same material in our country. This means we are subjecting our local market to die. They are also carrying labour from their country in the name of expatriate yet we have able engineers and all relevant task force to accomplish the same task.
I was going to make myself be noticed. I remember during my contribution in one of the forum, one gentleman came telling me that he sees a great potential in me. That I need to just establish what it is and then pursue it. (I wonder why people who normally tell you such kind of statement don’t objectively tell you that this is what you are good at, so work towards it.) You just have to figure it out yourself.
I was also going to face my fear head on. Stage fright. I am still timid when I am communicating to an audience. This is still work in progress, I will soon overcome it and have the confidence while at it.
This has been between me and self. I can’t believe that I am opening up to something that I wanted to be just be known to one. This was the first time I ever stepped at the airport. I had just seen airport on movies and how people hold those boards with name written on it at the…. To pick their visitors. I was the usher in charge of receiving all delegates to the country. I was to pick them to the airport and take them to their respective hotel. This was awesome. I enjoyed the task. I was finally experiencing only what I had seen on moviesJ do not laugh that much, in the same year I did border a flight. I experienced so many blessings in that year.
In my stay at Sarova, I ensured I enjoyed all the facilities they offered. From swimming, the gym, steam and Sauna, to massage and food and all the room services. How will you know that a villager takes an awesome utility of the opportunity offered? I even brought my friends to enjoy the experience with me… Hahaha
During the conference the discussions were on policies that would ensure that Africa as a continent voice is heard and respected in the International real politics in order to neutralize the forces of neo-liberal globalization, which favours capital and markets. This was to be achieved through strategizing on how to achieve self-advocacy, access to justice, political participation and post-2015 development. There were dialogue on what self-advocacy networks that Africa has, the tools or resources needed to build and sustain self-advocacy networks. In my opinion the event was chaotic to me with nothing amicable that was agreed upon, only battle of ideas. It was full of politics with everyone insisting that their view was to be adopted. There was also no proper means/tool that was established to ensure that the policies would be implemented and also any measure for accountability. Our leaders were just there to be seen with minimal contribution to the discussions. At least I got to take selfie with them huh!
Pan African Congress sought to address issues relevant to Africa today: youth unemployment, the environment, the abuse of women and girls, the continued exploitation of Africa’s resources; the role of the Africa Union in the march towards continental integration, and regional economic blocs. In the era of the social media, the Movement is presented with unique opportunities and challenges to use these platforms to improve communication; re-brand itself in a progressive light and help to create the new Africa. These require new methods of mobilisation to engage as many forces, factions, and groups as possible. The Movement must re-awaken Africa. The movement should speak truth to power.
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