Every morning, I try to wake up earlier than usual (Between the hours of 6am- 9am) so that after I spend time emptying my thoughts and reflecting by myself, I can spend time reading the news online. Alternatively, I listen to BBC radio 4 when I'm feeling lazy.(Mum and/or Dad, if you're reading this, I know you'll be pleased that I listen to 'worthy background noise' as opposed to the usual which I can assure you is followed shortly after).  I giggle as I type this knowing some of my peers might find my 'morning ritual' odd but; in my house (at university) that is the best time to catch up with current affairs. 
So, I usually read the Independent or Metro online but on Thursday morning, I decided to read Huffington Post and the first thing I saw was that Kenyan President Mr Uhuru Kenyatta has legalised polygamous unions. When I had first read about it, I was quite shocked that it was even a consideration; as my Mum would jokingly say to myself and others about certain things "It is 2014!"
However after I had finished reading the post, I realised that this is something that doesn't affect me directly.

If a child isn't exposed to the best of both worlds from a young age or at all, then they cannot know any different from their surroundings and the culture that they are brought up in. Having been brought up in the U.K from an early age, the norms and values from my tribe weren't introduced to me until I started to become curious. Even now, my girls and I talk about the possibilities of us moving back and whether we would be able to fit in because of what we are used to. Nevertheless, that doesn't take away the fact that we are still eager to know more about our heritage. I guess that is down to the fact that we are happy that we somewhat represent the best of both worlds, and yearn to know more about ourselves in that way.

As I had mentioned before, I am not affected by the legislation directly however; depending on ones opinion, it can be viewed as either a backward move or, that the government are simply reinforcing tradition. With 42 tribes in Kenya it certainly makes life interesting and I'm sure, it'll become more interesting with the new law.

Would I consider a polygamous marriage? As of right now (and I say right now because we are forever changing), my thoughts on it are this:

In Matt. 19:4 we are told by Jesus that God created one “male and [one] female” and joined them in marriage. Mark 10:6-8:"But from the beginning of the creation, God 'made them male and female.' 'For this reason a man shall leave his father and mother and be joined to his wife, 'and the two shall become one flesh'; so then they are no longer two, but one flesh.

The two as one is the pattern on how marriage was to be conducted from the start.

Although I may not read and know my Bible at the 'back of my hand' and I admit that it took me a while to find those scriptures, because I knew that somewhere in the Bible teaches about monogamy. That is the way I have been brought up and the only way I know a relationship can work!


Sharing is caring and sharing the love is wonderful without a doubt but, I personally cannot fathom the idea of it.

We all seek to find love, success and happiness in our lives!!  With regards to marriage, I believe as long as both (or all) partners respect, love, and trust each other then that, is all that should matter!

The Beyond Zero was set up to target the Kenyan government to mobilize resources to fund natal as well as, post natal access for women.
During 2013, the organisation of First Ladies against HIV and AIDS in Africa, met to deliberate on how they can make a long-lasting change for females in the future.
H.E the First Lady of Kenya, made it a responsibility to work toward eliminating new HIV infections among children and mothers. This year, the campaign is going to be focusing on matters regarding HIV, maternal and child health. This is a brilliant transition that is happening in Kenya and I am sure, that our First Lady will do wonders for all the women and children in need. 


After the glorious weekend we had in London, with the First Lady running and completing the marathon as she was cheered on by many Kenyan supporters; it is truly inspiring to have an example that we, as young women, can look up to!  We have all chosen charities that we feel we have a personal connection or goal to achieve with them and this is what, for me, the Beyond Zero Campaign represents. The hard work and passion behind the campaign, has encouraged me to achieve my goal with a different outlook on making a difference.
During Mrs Kenyatta's interview after her training in London, she was explaining her reasons behind running the London marathon and said something that struck a cord "...to involve the Kenyan people, to get them involved themselves, to join me. So that they can own it!" 
The wonderful thing about charity events is that it brings people together creating a sense of unity among people; create a common ground that attendees will be able to share and most of all, it is an enjoyable way to learn about something new as well as, see what people (near of far) are doing to benefit the less fortunate. So I am thankful, for being inspired in more ways than one by our First Lady.

My aim in the pageant is to make a positive change no matter how big or small
that may be!
At first, I hesitated about applying to be a contestant for the Face of Kenya as I had ony viewed it as a beauty pageant forgetting that there is a lot more to it than that.
   
"Change your MIND and it will change your LIFE! Sometimes we need to re-evaluate
how we're thinking to get to where we want to go!"
Now, that may seem 'far fetched' however, it helped me remember what the pageant stands for and, as Kenya is my homeland I want to take this opportunity to give back.
I believe as young men and women, we have a lot of potential to make our home a better place and a fine example of this is a show called 'Young Rich'. It presents the young and successful Kenyans who are making a positive impact in Kenya and I, would also like to be one of those people!

Regardless of whether I win or not, my goal is to fundraise for Ingrid Children Education Centre.
I strongly believe that education is a right, not a priviege and what this charity does is focuses on improving over 150 childrens lives by running a feeding program as well as; giving informal education.


 

I am an undergraduate student studying International Relations at the University of Lincoln. 
Since secondary school, I have always enjoyed practical lessons and been heavily involved in performing arts; joining the youth company at my local theatre; being part of a dance team.
My main hobby is dancing as that is where my passion lays; I also enjoy reading self developing books and taking part in projects that will enable me to gain new skills. I am a visual and kinesthetic therefore, I prefer to keep active hence being the Vice-President for Lincoln Afro-Caribbean Society.

I would love to be the representative for the Face of Kenya UK because I believe that personal growth and development is important for everyone. I try and challenge myself in ways that I feel that no matter the outcome, I will have learnt something from whatever I am doing.  Having grown up in the U.K most of my life, I am grateful for the opportunities that I have had so far and take none of them for granted. However with how Africa is developing, one of my long-term goals, is to go back home and start something of my own as there are markets which are slowly emerging which makes the possibilities and opportunities endless.