Teaching communities to separate politics and violence is a vital part of the peace process, writes Joshua Orawo, 24, a Correspondent from Kenya, but sometimes the lessons are short-lived. Following the 2007/08 post-election skirmishes in Kenya which left over 1,200 people dead, approximately 300,000 displaced, several houses, businesses and property looted and destroyed; a myriad …

"Do we forget peace lessons so fast?" Read More »

With one year left until the target date for Millennium Development Goals, Eric Omwanda, 23, a Correspondent from Kenya takes a look at progress on implementation, especially in Kenya.  Millennium Development Goals were set in the year 2000 at the United Nations Convention in New York. All of the set goals had their target and timeframe. …

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Kenya’s government has promised to reform the public service sector, but Joshua Orawo, 24, a Correspondent from Kenya, argues that the attitudes of elected representatives also need reform if the public is to see any change. I had to travel to Kisumu (my home county) a fortnight ago because I had a number of meetings …

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Team Commonwealth is an apt theme for the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, says George Stanley Njoroge, 28, a Correspondent from Nairobi in Kenya, who argues that teamwork – especially among the youth of Commonwealth countries – is the key to sustainable development and an equitable future. This year, as the 20th edition of the Commonwealth Games continue …

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The politics of division is a threat to harmony, writes Eric Omwanda, 23, a Commonwealth Correspondent from Nairobi, Kenya, who argues that citizens need accountability from their politicians, rather than exploitation of differences.  I was born and raised in Nairobi, Kenya. I have lived to see the beauty of my country from the migration of the …

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Small Island Developing States face potential devastation from climate change even though they not major sources of greenhouse gas emission, writes Eric Omwanda, 23, a Commonwealth Correspondent from Nairobi, Kenya, who argues other countries must show leadership in limiting climate change impact. Today as we are speaking the Kyoto Protocol is in place to help …

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Kenya has created new laws to give women protection and equality, but Brian Dan Migowe, 23, a Commonwealth Correspondent from Kenya, says gaps in legislation and lack of enforcement mean women still face hurdles. In the recent years, Kenya has put into place important legal protections for women. These include  provisions of the Bill of Rights in …

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Women can help bring peace and development to Africa, writes Amina Adhan, 22, a Correspondent from Nairobi, Kenya, who reports on a forum that examined the hurdles and the opportunities for women looking for political and social empowerment. Kigali, Rwanda, recently hosted a forum sponsored by the African Union, seeking to understand the challenges for women’s …

"Silencing the guns in Africa by 2020: women's role" Read More »

The majority of people live under policies made by a minority, writes Eric Omwanda, 23, a Commonwealth Correspondent from Nairobi in Kenya, who says the injustices that can result must be remedied. Today as I walk down the streets of Mathare slums, I am touring part of my beloved country. I know that I should never …

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Young people in Africa have many ideas for community development, but Joshua Orawo, 24, a Correspondent from Kenya, argues that consolidating those ideas is an important step in turning plans to action. A fortnight ago, I received a phone call from a young Kenyan with a passion to impact his community through certain developmental initiatives. He is lost …

"We succeed together or fail alone…" Read More »