University strengthens city’s global relations with Kenyan celebrations

A vibrant celebration of 50 years of independence for Kenya has taken place at York St John University where 100 delegates met to celebrate the milestone and cement international connections.

The Kenya Golden Jubilee York Celebrations event was organised and hosted by York St John University in partnership with Glasgow based charitable ministry, Heart for the City.  The University has long established links with organisations in Kenya and arranged the event to help celebrate independence and create further partnerships with Kenyans in the North of England.

The audience of 100 was made up of members of the Kenyan diaspora, charities and projects involved in Kenya, YSJU students and staff and Students Union representatives.

Speaking on the day were Hugh Bayley MP, Chair of the All Party Parliamentary Group on Africa and Member of the International Development Select Committee; honorary guests from Kenya High Commission; Perez Ochieng, Social Entrepreneur with extensive experience in SME start-ups in Africa and Councillor Sonja Crisp, Cabinet Member for Leisure, Culture and Tourism, who outlined the support from the city for this gathering.

Delegates were welcomed by Reverend Lukas Njenga, Chaplain at York St John University and the event was introduced by Professor David Fleming, Vice Chancellor at York St John University.  The event was followed by an evening of traditional Kenyan singing, dance and prayer.

Attendees were also invited to ‘Clinic Hour’ the following day to speak with the Kenya High Commission team to develop connections made at the anniversary event.

Says Sue Reece, Pro Vice Chancellor (Development) at York St John University, “We hope to create opportunities for integration and social cohesion among various community groups represented in the University.  In joining with Kenyans on this great occasion we have created meaningful networks as well as charity and business opportunities.”

Michael Sali Mandu, Commercial Counsellor, Kenya High Commission, London says, “Madaraka Day is the single most important day in the Kenya National Calendar of events as it commemorates the day that Kenya attained internal self-rule in 1963.  It is also the day when we as Kenyans reflect and take stock of the State of our Nation and also chart the way forward to a more prosperous future.  We are delighted Kenyans have been brought together to participate in these celebrations.”