Lupita Nyong’o has done Kenya proud

By Editorial

Once in a while something whips up Kenyans’ emotions and reminds us of our indomitable spirit and uncanny ability to succeed in whatever we concentrate on.

This past week, Lupita Nyong’o has made us feel good about ourselves in spite of looming high inflation rates, political squabbles and grand corruption.

But those who have interacted with her would tell you her single-mindedness and passion for performance art started before the critically acclaimed ‘12 Years A Slave’. When she came back to Kenya in 2008 to publicise her brilliant but locally under-appreciated documentary on albinism (In My Genes) it was clear that hers would be a path of greatness and firsts for Kenyan artistes.

Her well-deserved burst into the global limelight could not have come at a more opportune time. For the first time, thespians in Kenya are being recognised for their efforts and acting is finally being accepted as an employment option in a country with unacceptably high unemployment rates. Over 200,000 youth will miss out on secondary education. More will never make it to university. Those who proceed to higher levels of education are seldom encouraged to pursue their true talents and passions.

However tempting it may be to invoke Kenya’s favourite prayer - serikali itusaidie - the buck this time stops with parents. Parents should support their children’s passion. Who knows, maybe your child will be the next Oscar nominee?  As we wish Lupita well in her budding career, let us also nurture talents around us.