There has never been a time such as this. A time in history when the world realizes the importance of standing together for what is right, a time when continents merge in an effort to protect interlinked economies and livelihoods in the face of collapsing capitalist systems.

A time when a formidable enemy, a rapidly depleting environment poses a deadly threat to life and prosperity forcing leadership to confront the issue of sustainable development with seriousness and sobriety.

A time of changing family structures and choices with the rich and famous adopting children born in Africa, making them American parents and living with them in Asia of Europe. Could this be the solution to the age old prejudice based on race and pigmentation?

It is a time of anxiety and tension mixed with hope as many watch the meteoric rise of a man with African roots from a poor community, come dangerously close to ascending the throne of the world's super power!

It is a time of hope for many impoverished children in the world who have long been judged and discriminated against due to their race, their lack of family clout, their own poverty and the neighborhood they are born into!

It is truly a time of renaissance for youth growing up in the age of u-tube, ipod, face book and my space where boundaries shrink and a teen in Africa can dress like an American teen, watch the movies they watch, listen to the music of an Asian pop star and date an Australian teen all from the comfort of their homes. A true global village?

It is indeed a time of both gains and horrors with the gains made towards peace, tolerance, connectivity and good being balanced again the horrors of unfettered freedoms, too much porosity in exchange of values and lifestyles, negative influences and habits also moving in rapidly, terrorism and other deadly isms and schisms threatening the moral fabrics of many continents.

It is a time that calls for responsible leadership that wears a human face and at times lays down the chase for higher G.D.P with the moral fiber to protect the environment, promote peace in distant lands and protect the survival of our present civilizations.

Scribes can no longer afford to be simplistic in their coverage of issues or be confined to their borders in attempts to play their watchdog roles and agenda setting roles as those who can positively affect society.

I am truly honored to be a journalist in this interesting times! I endeavor in my own personal journey as a journalist to stay focused on our global village and give issues a holistic interpretation!

My own journey on earth though spanning slightly over three decades has seen me make full use of these times to play my part in contributing to peace initiatives in my African continent.

I started out as a Lawyer, then went back to University of Nairobi to study as a journalist. While working at becoming a good scribe, i was sponsored to attend a peace-building course at the University of Ghana which opened my eyes to the need for all disciplines to work together towards peace initiative in Africa.

I have used training from my three disciplines to be more effective and creative in my search for fair and balanced reporting, in agitation for human rights, in contributing towards peace building campaigns and in ultimately making a difference.

My employment as Senior Programs officer with Tatua Communication and Research for 5 years has seen me work tirelessly to push for the promotion of peace projects within our organization.
Did i mention that this organization is a purely Kenyan initiative whose efforts have had regional impact?
While with Tatua, I have traveled to the Eastern Part of Congo to empathize with and advocate for the plight of the sexually violated women in that area largely neglected by donor support. I have written locally and internationally, online and in print on their unique and yet to be addressed plight. I accompanied an all American women citizens team for this peace mission organized by the Christian Peacemaker Team based in Chicago, Illinois.

I have also supported the work of Tegla Loroupe Peace foundation, a foundation that organizes peace races that target warrying communities in the East and Horn of Africa region and exchanges the warriors arms for sports shoes with amazing results for peace. The same passion saw our organization write feature stories for her organization, organize unique fundraising events as well a increase her profile and visibility in accessing funds for her peace runs and related projects. Tegla Loroupe is a two time winner of the New York Marathon in the late nineties.

Tatua has also used communication and advocacy to empower youth from impoverished areas in the Nairobi city to seize opportunities, aspire for leadership roles, make positive lifestyle choices, fight HIV/Aids and protect their environment. A member of a youth group we once trained, Kamaliza Youth group, is now a first time Councillor at the Nairobi City Council.

Tatua has also mentored young journalists by inaugrating a young journalists program that saw children from upmarket schools learn the nuts and bolts of journalistic practice.

Another personal initiative has been rallying other journalists to register and form the Professional Journalists Association of Kenya.
This project is still in its infancy, though I serve as the Association's pioneering secretary.

I am also an active member of the African Democracy Forum and have offered my communication and peace-building skills towards their work in promoting peace and democracy in the African Region.

There truly never have been times as this and I am glad to eye witness to an important and defining moment in our history with pen in hand!