During the post-election violence of 2007 and 2008, impoverished youth in Kenya were routinely bribed by the nation's political elite to carry out acts of violence in their communities. Idleness among the youth, combined with the nation's history of tribal rivalries, were cited as a key factors to the violence, culminating in the deaths of over 1,200 Kenyans and the displacement of over 600,000.
Since the violence, many youth have begun to seize active roles in the reform of their nation. After moving around the country interacting with young people, United States Ambassador Michael Ranneberger said he sensed “a sea change of attitude” among youths, “a tidal wave below the surface. The youth have woken up.” Various grassroots initiatives led by youth have begun to improve the quality of life for those living in the direst of conditions, and young people are using gardening, waste removal, education and athletics to encourage their peers toward a self-respecting and self-sustaining community. Termed “youth groups” on the street, these initiatives could represent the future of long-term socioeconomic development in Kenya while laying the groundwork for a more peaceful election in 2012.
Additional thoughts: There has not been much visual representation of this phenomenon as it is taking place in Kenya. Last month I returned from my second trip to Nairobi to work on this project since the post-election violence, and though the photographic coverage of the violence was vast I think it is imperative that the world take note of this encouraging story that is happening as a result. Impoverished adolescents truly are leading the charge toward a better way of life in Kenya. This project was started while I was a college student and continued during my time as a graduate student, and would be my first installation.
