Kenya should take lead in push for pan-African identity

Kenya has long been a reliable ally to our neighbours in East Africa, with whom we share historical roots of trade, exchange and cohabitation of a gloriously green part of the world. Though our Kenyan identity is strong and must remain so, being a part of the East African Community not only enriches us culturally, but economically too through commerce. Likewise, as a leader in the efforts of Amisom, the Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) works to build peace in the region and create long term stability for our people and beyond.

Africa as a whole, however, still stands fairly fragmented as it is today. The continent lacks a collective vision for where we see ourselves in the future and how we can help each other. Some African citizens have a harder time than Europeans getting a visa to visit other African countries. Xenophobia exists between African countries, and instead of exchanging goods and intelligence with one another, we often exchange it with Europe and North America.