Kenya - Blog Posts

Kilima Camp, Maasai Mara, Kenya

#cw. Warning: Scary pictures. Hello beautiful people, I hope y'all have had a great day. These are your queer siblings in Kenya once again looking for your support. The voiceless lgbtiqa refugees in Kenya going through torture and lives lost. We condemn these acts, laws and bills against lgbtiqa

Our houses were being set on a blaze and now looking for where to sleep. Are voices are not heard because Kenya does not allow gay marriage but instead the communities in Kenya keep fighting us and now they burnt down our homesteads. Our people were caught in the fire and are nursing wounds as y'all can see in the pictures below. For those that may want to donate, please donate below as we are looking forward to getting money so that we can enclose our community with a fence and limit such attacks. We are sure with one love plus solidarity we shall have peace for all queers everywhere.

Let's collect $3000 and we put up a terrific ironsheet fence. Very sure it will helpus a lot.

We also struggle to get food as we are not allowed to work in any company or organisation due to our gender but instead the support we get from y'all keeps us satisfied with food and medicine. Please continue with that heart.

Gofundme

GoGetFunding

SUPPORT LGBT PEOPLE FROM KAKUMA REFUGEE CAMP

Hello world,Hope this finds all well. We are looking forward to supporting queer communities in east Africa especially asylum seeker from Ug

Let's be one, let's transform lives of all queers

re upload, free palestine!!

Hello, I hope you and your family are well. Can you please help me recycle the post on my account? 🌺 And help rescue my family from the war in Gaza? 🙏 Thank you.

https://gofund.me/198b6d57

please spread this account!!! As many notes as possible !!! Reposting my watermelon miku and if you can join the watermelon miku trend to show support! Use go fund if you can and get this account the help it needs! (Use as many hashtags as possible to get this to spread!!!!💚❤️🖤🤍

Guess who’s cosplaying Bruce Banner at school to help boost my confidence to do an oral report on Kenya (I painted my hands to look like I was hulking out but it faded a bit)

Top Eco-Friendly Destinations to Add to Your Bucket List

Traveling sustainably doesn’t mean compromising on breathtaking experiences. Around the world, stunning destinations are leading the charge in eco-tourism, offering travelers opportunities to explore responsibly while supporting conservation and local communities. Whether you’re a nature enthusiast, a cultural explorer, or simply looking for guilt-free luxury, these eco-friendly spots deserve a spot on your bucket list.

1. Costa Rica: A Pioneer in Eco-Tourism

Costa Rica has long been a leader in sustainable tourism, protecting over 25% of its land as national parks and reserves. Known for its lush rainforests, pristine beaches, and diverse wildlife, it’s the perfect place for adventure and relaxation. Visit eco-lodges, join guided wildlife tours, and zipline through the treetops, all while supporting conservation efforts.

2. Bhutan: The Carbon-Negative Kingdom

Bhutan is the only carbon-negative country in the world, prioritizing environmental protection and sustainable development. The country’s strict tourism policy focuses on low-impact, high-value travel. Visitors can explore breathtaking Himalayan landscapes, vibrant monasteries, and rich traditions while contributing to Bhutan’s commitment to preserving its pristine environment.

3. Finland: Europe’s Greenest Destination

Ranked one of the most sustainable destinations in the world, Finland offers eco-conscious travelers pristine lakes, dense forests, and clean air. Opt for a stay in eco-cabins, immerse yourself in the country’s sauna culture, or visit Lapland to witness the magic of the Northern Lights. Finland’s focus on renewable energy and sustainable infrastructure makes it a green traveler’s paradise.

4. New Zealand: Land of Adventure and Conservation

With its breathtaking fjords, mountains, and unique biodiversity, New Zealand is a dream destination for nature lovers. The country is committed to preserving its landscapes and wildlife, offering eco-tourism activities like guided nature walks, whale watching, and stays in eco-friendly accommodations.

5. Kenya: Safaris with a Purpose

Kenya offers unforgettable wildlife experiences while championing conservation. Many safari lodges operate with sustainability at their core, working to protect endangered species and support local communities. From the Maasai Mara to Amboseli, you can experience the beauty of Africa while ensuring your visit contributes to its future.

6. Slovenia: A Hidden Green Gem

This small European country is making big waves in sustainable tourism. With its abundance of green spaces, eco-certified accommodations, and locally sourced cuisine, Slovenia offers a perfect blend of adventure and sustainability. Visit Lake Bled, hike in Triglav National Park, or explore Ljubljana, one of Europe’s greenest capitals.

7. Galápagos Islands, Ecuador: A Haven for Biodiversity

The Galápagos Islands are a treasure trove of unique wildlife and landscapes. Strict visitor regulations ensure that tourism here remains eco-friendly and doesn’t harm the fragile ecosystem. Snorkeling, kayaking, and guided tours let you witness the islands’ wonders while supporting preservation efforts.

8. Iceland: Where Nature Takes the Lead

Iceland’s otherworldly landscapes, from glaciers to geysers, are matched by its commitment to sustainability. Nearly 100% of the country’s energy comes from renewable sources. Visitors can explore geothermal spas, hike on volcanic trails, or watch puffins in their natural habitat, all while supporting Iceland’s eco-friendly initiatives.

9. The Azores, Portugal: An Atlantic Eco-Paradise

This archipelago in the Atlantic Ocean is a haven for sustainable travelers. Known for its dramatic volcanic landscapes and vibrant marine life, the Azores offer eco-conscious accommodations and activities like whale watching, hiking, and geothermal bathing.

10. Palau: A Tiny Nation with Big Goals

This Pacific Island nation is a model for marine conservation. Palau has created the world’s first shark sanctuary and enforces strict eco-tourism policies to protect its coral reefs and marine life. Snorkel in crystal-clear waters, explore WWII relics, or relax on pristine beaches while contributing to a sustainable future.

Why Choose Eco-Friendly Destinations?

Traveling to eco-friendly destinations not only allows you to explore the beauty of our planet but also ensures your adventures have a positive impact. These destinations prioritize the environment, support local communities, and offer experiences that are both memorable and meaningful.

Lake Turkana in Northern Kenya. In the setting scene, Venus can be seen peeking over the clouds. 

Credit to  Babak A. Tafreshi 

Sign the Petition

Justice For IRENE GAKWA

Sign and share to spread awareness for this missing woman!

An amazing speech by Kenya at the UN Security Council regarding Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, 22/02/2022 (video excerpt from this reddit post)

Transcript:

Kenya is gravely concerned by the announcement made by the Russian Federation to recognise Donetsk and Luhansk Regions of Ukraine as independent states. In our considered view, this action and announcement breaches the territorial integrity of Ukraine. We do not deny that there may be serious security concerns in these regions, but they cannot justify today’s recognition of these regions as independent states. Not when there are multiple diplomatic tracks available and underway that have the ability to offer peaceful solutions.

Mr President, this situation echoes our history. Kenya and almost every African country was birthed by the ending of empires. Our borders were not of our own drawing. They were drawn in the distant colonial metropolis of London, Paris and Lisbon with no regard for the ancient nations that they cleaved apart. Today, across the border of every single African country live our countrymen with whom we share deep historical, cultural and linguistic bonds. At independence, had we chosen to pursue states on the basis of ethnic, racial or religious homogeneity, we would still be waging bloody wars these many decades later. Instead, we agreed that we would settle for the borders that we inherited, but we would still pursue continental, political, economic and legal integration. Rather than form nations that looked ever-backword into history with a dangerous nostalgia, we chose to look forward to a greatness none of our nations and many peoples had ever known. We chose to follow the rules of the Organisation of African Unity and the United Nations Charter; not because our borders satisfied us, but because we wanted something greater forged in peace.

We believe that all states formed from empires that have collapsed or retreated have many peoples in them yearning for integration from people in neighbouring states. This is normal and understandable. After all, who does not want to be joined to the brethren and to make common purpose with them? However, Kenya rejects such a yearning from being pursued by force. We must complete our recovery from the embers of dead empires in a way that does not plunge us back into new forms of domination and oppression. We rejected irredentism and expansionism on any basis including racial, ethnic, religious or cultural factors. We reject it again today.

Kenya registers its strong concern and opposition to the recognition of Donetsk and Luhansk as independent states. We further strongly condemn the trend in the last few decades of powerful states including members of this security council breaching international law with little regard.

Hello world, we're here begging for your help as LGBT refugees in kakuma refugee camp located in the turkana west of kenya, we have been in Kenya for four years of suffering up to now, all bad things happened to us and others lost lives. It's so unfortunate that right now Kenya doesn't want us anymore 💔, recently we had a dialogue with officials and they openly informed us that we're no longer accepted in Kenya and as am talking we're remaining 7 LGBT refugees in kakuma camp, unfortunately we haven't gotten any means of resources to help us relocate 💔 and any time soon they promised to check door to door, so we're all in fear of what may happen next! We need to raise 175,000ksh equivalent to 1,150USD.

For any kind of help here is our donation link, https://www.gofundme.com/f/lgbt-refugees-in-kakuma?utm_campaign=p_cp+share-sheet&utm_medium=copy_link_all&utm_source=customer

There was an article I read a while back, by a reporter who was travelling abroad. (Sorry I can't find it right now). And wherever he went, he liked to run each morning. Well, this time, he was in...Kenya? Or maybe it was Tanzania. (I just remember it was that section of Africa's east coast.) He went on a run, and all was good as he followed a trail along the outskirts of the city he was in. And then the brush around him started 'cackling'. He stopped, and immediately made best speed back into the city. He was being hunted and he knew it. Returning to the city he was safe. But he described how unnerving it was to realize that he was actively being surrounded by Hyenas and hadn't noticed.

I wanna pet a hyena so bad but that would not end well for anyone.

Wangechi Mutu and Her Post Human Kenyan Mutants by Edgar Arceneaux

Edgar Arceneaux: I did have a third category of how I see you using materials, which is synthetics, be it hair, mylar, sheets of vinyls that look like wood. These are things that have the qualities of being natural but are actually made with machines. Blurring the lines between organic and synthetic imbues your backgrounds with additional associations to concepts of science fiction. When we talked about particles, bleeds, and strains of interactions in your art materials, these are also the same fear-inducing qualities of the antagonist in much of science fiction, fantasy and horror genres films today. Dispersions of airborne viruses producing zombies or wiping out of society with an incurable disease, or on the genetic level, dealing with bio-technology, genetic manipulation, mutation, genetically altered foods and the cloning of human beings. All cause radical restructuring and conflict within both the human body, as well as the societal body. In most Hollywood films, disfigurement is treated as something to be suppressed, pushed back into the shadows, but in your work, you use it as a means to dispel illusions. In spite of that, your work is very seductive to so many people, could you talk about why you think that is?

Wangechi Mutu: I don't even know what people are actually seeing, I can only see through my eyes, or how it feels to be making it, or what if feels like to see these characters created in their environments. I do know that I have a deep fascination in what is considered to be "not-normal," what is considered to be the quintessential look where an ethnicity is considered to be normal. Who came up with and why? What is the purpose of coming up with those delineations and categories? In many ways I see it as a thread running through my work. I see it in pinups, in female insects to cyborgs, everything has this question of beauty, appearance, perception, our claim to understand a person's history and their intentions is based on appearance. That is why I play with this notion of what draws you in, what gives you a sense of comfort, gives you a set of codes that allows you to judge this person. "Oh, I know this person, they're morally in the right place," and I can therefore allow them in. As a non-American, as someone bureaucratically and officially alien, that term itself raises questions about what that means anyway. If you see any depictions of alien in Hollywood or mass media and apply it to yourself, there is inevitably going to be this disconnect or questioning. That's where some of those things come from.

Protests in Kenya

Hey guys, I'm not sure if you've heard, but there are protests happening in Kenya. As someone living in Kenya, I want to keep you updated and inform of what happening, preferably as soon as possible (I've already delayed like a week) before the internet cuts become more serious (which hopefully it doesn't, but you never know. Or there might be national blackout)

Okay, let's start with some context. So I believe it was last Sunday, June 16th was when the Finance Bill was introduced. The Finance Bill basically goes over the budget for the government, and the measures the government is going to take to finance the budget. This bill was widely unpopular because of the amount of taxes introduced on basic necessities, such as bread, feminine hygiene products (pads and stuff), diapers, cars (not buying a new car, but literally just having one on the road), vegetable oil, fuel, and sugar. They even taxed medical treatments, such as cancer treatments and Mpesa, which is a mobile money service that so many across the country use to send and receive money, as well as pay for anything.

This is coupled by the fact that the government doesn't really do all too much for the average Kenyan, so all these extra taxes will not come back to the people. Just in the past month, our president, William Ruto, was going from country to country on our tax dollars. Just in this year alone he has done 20 international visits, and the year is only about halfway done. A lot of the tax dollars go to 'confidential expenditures', which is just whatever the officials want it to be. All of this money being spent by top government officials, but our public school system is not good, we still get frequent power outages (unless you live near State House (where the president lives)), water isn't guaranteed (my family once had no municipal water for months, and had to buy a water tank and supply our own water), youth unemployment is high, healthcare is lacking, the roads are not well built, the cost of living is higher than it's ever been, the shilling is doing badly (especially against the dollar) among many other issues.

So, fed up with all of this excessive taxation, and the corruption of the politicians, many people, especially young people have taken into the streets to protest. If you read Kenyan news, you may hear the word 'maandamano' being used to describe it, just know that it means protests, basically. Starting in Nairobi City Center (or Town, as it's locally called), the protests have spread across the country to almost every major city. Of course with protests comes police pushback.

Teargas has been used against the crowds, although some protestors are brave enough to just through it back to the police. Water cannons have been used, and recently guns. At least 5 people have died in the protests, with a couple hundred injured.

Amidst all of this, the government has decided to amend some parts of the bill, getting rid of some taxes, such as the taxes on cars and Mpesa, or changing some, such as now only imported feminine hygiene products and diapers will be taxed; domestic ones will not. This happened late last week, I believe Friday June 21st or so, and is expected to go into effect July 1st. However, this is still not enough, as the protestors were calling for the bill to be rejected completely, and led to more protests happening yesterday, Tuesday, June 25th, and more planned for tomorrow (Thursday, June 27th). Yesterdays protests were a lot more intense, with the parliment building being breached and set on fire (it didn't burn down in it's entirety), and the crowds being larger than usual.

This led to Safaricom, one of the biggest internet and cell service providers to basically disconnect us yesterday afternoon. As someone who has a Safaricom sim card and home internet, I can confirm that the internet was unbearably slow. Some social media sites, such as Youtube or Pinterest worked, although many things didn't load. Snapchat and Whatsapp worked as well, faster than the first two, but still noticeably slower. I could not get into Tumblr at all yesterday, which is what prompted me to write this long text post. If I disappear for a couple of days, you know what happens. There's also the possibility of a national blackout, but that's kinda not new. Sometimes, Kenya Power is just 'silly' and there's no power in the entire country. It's happened at least once in the past year.

So, what can you do? Personally, I think just being aware and speaking about this is probably one of the best things to do for now. Other than a national blackout, I don't see this situation devolving into full-scale violence, and I'm hoping really hard that it doesn't. If you have any friends or relative in Kenya, perhaps reach out to them and make sure that they're okay. In addition, as you keep the situation of Kenya in mind, be sure to also keep in mind what's happening in other parts of the world, such as Palestine, Congo, and Sudan. We're not free until everyone is free.

Anyways, thanks for reading, I'll drop links for further info below.

PS. I forgot to mention that firstly, we've sent police to Haiti, even though I'm fairly sure that we're not allowed to do that. Secondly, the government has threatened to shut down KTN, a major news broadcasting service in response to this.

PPS. I forgot to mention that this isn't the first time that there were protests against him. It happened around summertime last year as well, although those protests were organized by his main opposition, Raila Odinga, who was basically pulling a Trump. I believe the national blackout happened in the midst of all of that, so my fear for a national blackout is not unfounded.

Update (27/6/24) : So, the finance bill has passed in Parliament, but Ruto has refused to sign it, which you might consider a win, right? Well, not really. Since Parliament has already passed it, if they don't rescind it, it will become law in 21 days. All he's done is kinda bought himself time to oppress the protestors since if Parliament doesn't' rescind it, it'll go into effect later than July 1st.

I'm trying to see if I can find what the government has allocated funds to in order to paint a picture of how the government is misuing our tax money, but I can't seem to find a credible source, just things put on social media. A starting point, for sure. I'll be back this afternoon to continue looking

Also, I'm okay! I'm safe, and will most likely be for the time being! There are some protests near my house but I personally have not physically been at the protests. Today is another scheduled day for protests, so we'll see what comes out of this (hopefully no violence, but I did talk to a guy who went Tuesday, and he said that someone got shot right next to him, so... yikes.)

Okay, I'm back, and here's what I found. This article from the Nation, a Kenyan news source, goes over the budget for the deputy president, Rigathi Gachagua. These figures seemed to be the source of what many on social media are quoting, so I'll link the article here.

Nation

MPs question allocation of Sh2.6bn for renovation of Gachagua’s office

Lawmakers take issue with an allocation to renovate the DP's Harambee Annex office and Karen residence.

As well as this video from Tiktok that goes over what the article is saying:

I will list the prices in the infochart from the Tiktok in USD so you can get a sense of how much money this is. Keep in mind that this is just for DP Gachagua alone. Conversion rate is 100 shillings to 0.77 dollars.

Karen Home Renovation (For context, Karen is a wealthy residential area in Nairobi where the deputy president lives): $5,106,382.97 (5.1 million)

Harambee Annex Office (His office) Refurbishment: $3,558,994.19 (3.56 million)

Confidential Expenditure (Whatever he wants it to be without reporting what exactly it was): $6,808,510.63 (6.8 million)

Drug Abuse Fight*: $1,934,235.98 (1.9 million)

Medals: $1,934,235.98 (1.9 million)

Motor Vehicles: $1,547,388.78 (1.5 million)

Household Appliances: $19,342.36

Office Furniture: $290,135.40

Educational Aids*: $15,473.89

Laundry: $16,247.58

Internet Connection: $77,369.44

Accomodation: $704,061.89

Gas: 4,023.21

*The reason the person in the video laughed at this is because politicians here have a history of allocating funds to public works but the money gets taken. That's why a lot of roads are half finished, some official took the money that was meant to finish the road.

Also, to give a sense of the purchasing power of the Kenyan shilling, my daily commute costs about 160 ksh. A six pack of hot dog rolls is 120. Snickers is like 224. I got oatmeal and chia seeds for 789. Some Sony Bluetooth headphones are going for about 7,000. So please let that sink it how much money that is, and why we're so mad and insistent on not paying any more taxes.

(7/24/7: Reblogged this with more updates.)

en.wikipedia.org

List of international presidential trips made by William Ruto - Wikipedia

List of international presidential trips made by William Ruto - Wikipedia

http://www.parliament.go.ke/sites/default/files/2024-05/Finance%20Bill%2C%202024_0.pdf

Amnesty International

Authorities in Kenya must release all individuals who have been arbitrarily detained.

These abductions of at least 12 people, which have occurred over the last five days and intensified last night, are a gross violation of hum

Al Jazeera

Several killed as Kenyan police open fire on anti-tax bill protesters

Parts of Parliament building set ablaze as crowd attempts to storm the complex in Kenya’s capital, Nairobi.

#Repost @natgeo (@get_repost) ・・・ Photo and caption by @petekmuller. Along the Mathioya river, the sound of rushing water makes the world beyond feel like tracing. Deep in Kenya's Muranga County, the river meanders between hills and sustains artisanal tea plantations, which in turn sustain the community. Foot paths span its banks, from which I cast my fly line with rainbow trout in mind. Owing to Muranga's high altitude, the days are both radiant and temperate at once, allowing for comfortable wading in pursuit of fish. In between assignments, I visit Muranga as often as I possible. It is, perhaps, the most serene and restorative place I know. Follow National Geographic photographer @petekmuller for observations and adventures from #Kenya and beyond. #Kenya #Africa #rivers #outdoors #nature #fishing

The last species of the Equidae family, The zebras! Zebras have three distinctive species and 10 subspecies. It is probably the most beloved of the equines, (apart from the horses of course) and it is indeed a very particular animal. 

On the other hand, to solve the mystery of the color of the zebras once and for all (if they are white with black stripes, or black with withe stripes), I can assure that these ones are black with white stripes.

Grevy’s Zebra or Imperial Zebra: The largest and the most threatened. Its population has declined from 15000 to 3000 since the 70′s. Although since 2008 it’s population has been stable. It differs in behavior from the other species because it doesn’t form big harems. It has narrower stripes and bigger size. Its main problem was hunting since its skin was highly appreciated in the market. Today the Grevy’s Zebra is protected in Ethiopia and Kenya making a decline in the hunting. However, habitat loss and competing for natural resources with livestock became its main issue. Posters in my store: Here 
  Follow my Instagram: Species of the World

An amazing speech by Kenya at the UN Security Council regarding Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, 22/02/2022 (video excerpt from this reddit post)

Transcript:

Kenya is gravely concerned by the announcement made by the Russian Federation to recognise Donetsk and Luhansk Regions of Ukraine as independent states. In our considered view, this action and announcement breaches the territorial integrity of Ukraine. We do not deny that there may be serious security concerns in these regions, but they cannot justify today’s recognition of these regions as independent states. Not when there are multiple diplomatic tracks available and underway that have the ability to offer peaceful solutions.

Mr President, this situation echoes our history. Kenya and almost every African country was birthed by the ending of empires. Our borders were not of our own drawing. They were drawn in the distant colonial metropolis of London, Paris and Lisbon with no regard for the ancient nations that they cleaved apart. Today, across the border of every single African country live our countrymen with whom we share deep historical, cultural and linguistic bonds. At independence, had we chosen to pursue states on the basis of ethnic, racial or religious homogeneity, we would still be waging bloody wars these many decades later. Instead, we agreed that we would settle for the borders that we inherited, but we would still pursue continental, political, economic and legal integration. Rather than form nations that looked ever-backword into history with a dangerous nostalgia, we chose to look forward to a greatness none of our nations and many peoples had ever known. We chose to follow the rules of the Organisation of African Unity and the United Nations Charter; not because our borders satisfied us, but because we wanted something greater forged in peace.

We believe that all states formed from empires that have collapsed or retreated have many peoples in them yearning for integration from people in neighbouring states. This is normal and understandable. After all, who does not want to be joined to the brethren and to make common purpose with them? However, Kenya rejects such a yearning from being pursued by force. We must complete our recovery from the embers of dead empires in a way that does not plunge us back into new forms of domination and oppression. We rejected irredentism and expansionism on any basis including racial, ethnic, religious or cultural factors. We reject it again today.

Kenya registers its strong concern and opposition to the recognition of Donetsk and Luhansk as independent states. We further strongly condemn the trend in the last few decades of powerful states including members of this security council breaching international law with little regard.

update: he’s got lineart and flat colors now

i’ve seen so many sketches and drawings of fantasy deer people, but I feel like they’re always based on deer commonly found either in Europe or in the Northern United States, so here’s my OC Adimius but with features characteristic of Kenyan Gazelles, because I need more african-based fantasy art in my life

Redrew Kamba Miku , had one of those moments when I was like “i like this… but I can do better” so I did better lmao

jumping on the trend with Kamba Miku :3

Starbucks 2016 Black KENYA Gold Elephant Stamp Mug. 14 FL oz/414 m #Starbucks #coffeemug #teamug #starbucksforlife☕️ #starbuckscoffee #starbuckscup #Elephant #ElephantCoffeeMug #starbuckskenya #coffee #Kenya #drinkware #cups #mugs #ChristmasSeason #2016 #Holiday Kenya with #gold Elephant Stamp Ceramic Mug Cup #KenyaCoffee (at Starbucks)

Window Seat, Kenya

||| night sky over kenya |||

village ball

|||trigger|||

chillin