2008.01.07: January 7, 2008: Headlines: COS - Kenya: Safety: Associated Content: Peace Corps Volunteer Mike Hardin Talks About the Violence in Kenya
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2008.01.07: January 7, 2008: Headlines: COS - Kenya: Safety: Associated Content: Peace Corps Volunteer Mike Hardin Talks About the Violence in Kenya
Peace Corps Volunteer Mike Hardin Talks About the Violence in Kenya
"Kenya is one of the largest Peace Corps countries and the Peace Corps volunteers have made a large impact on farming, business, public health, and education. Currently [Peace Corps volunteers from] all regions have been evacuated to Uganda and Tanzania except where I am at the coast; so with 10 out of the 150 volunteers working there is not much that we can do until things calm down."
Peace Corps Volunteer Mike Hardin Talks About the Violence in Kenya
Peace Corps Volunteer Talks About the Violence in Kenya
Just after Christmas, Kenya erupted into violence and rioting over Kenya's disputed Presidential elections leaving hundreds dead so far. Until this recent outburst of violence, Kenya has long been seen as one of the most stable and prosperous countries in its region of Africa.
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have been in contact with Peace Corps volunteer, Mike Hardin, who has been in Kenya throughout this conflict. Mike is currently stationed in Mombasa, on the eastern coast of Kenya, and although it has not been a major center of recent violence, they are far from unaffected. Here is my interview with Mike Hardin, Peace Corps volunteer in Kenya:
Mike, what exactly is going on in Kenya right now?
"Things are starting to get back to relative calm, but there are protests and rallies being held daily. Price inflation has swept everything from Matatu rides to shops. There is a sense of uneasiness and vulnerability in Mombasa."
How long have you been in Kenya and what have you been doing there?
"I have been in Kenya for 4 months and have been learning culture and language and have been trying to get started with working with street kids here in Mombasa, as well as Junior Achievement programs. I can not do any work until the schools open back up."
What positive impact is the Peace Corps currently having on Kenya and what impact has it had in the past?
"Kenya is one of the largest Peace Corps countries and the Peace Corps volunteers have made a large impact on farming, business, public health, and education. Currently [Peace Corps volunteers from] all regions have been evacuated to Uganda and Tanzania except where I am at the coast; so with 10 out of the 150 volunteers working there is not much that we can do until things calm down."
How near have you been to the current situation in Kenya?
"I have heard and seen more than I would ever like to see. The gun shot sounds have stopped at my house two days ago, but I still hear the protests and whenever I am out of my compound there is much tribal hatred expressed and people are very upset."
How does the situation make you feel?
"I have always felt safe overseas, until now. The hardest emotion that I feel is one of frustration. I am frustrated that a people group that has nothing is losing their homes, businesses, and overall peaceful nation. Kenya is a beautiful place, and one of the countries of Africa that has done well in development, and now they have to step back and are losing the tourists and other contributors to their economy."
Finally, with what you know of the situation and the Kenyan people, what kind of outcome do your foresee? Do you think it will happen soon?
"I have no idea what to expect with the future; it is unpredictable at best. I know that there has been much damage to the economy and overall trust in the nation's leaders. The Kenyans are strong and will survive, but they have lost much. I pray that negotiations will go well and that we can start cleaning up this mess."
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Headlines: January, 2008; Peace Corps Kenya; Directory of Kenya RPCVs; Messages and Announcements for Kenya RPCVs; Safety and Security of Volunteers
When this story was posted in January 2008, this was on the front page of PCOL:
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Story Source: Associated Content
This story has been posted in the following forums: : Headlines; COS - Kenya; Safety
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