Kenya

Most of you know that I am meant to be visiting Kenya for the Easter holidays; however, there is still some uncertainty concerning the flight (surprise, surprise!).

Most of you are asking me why this is and so I thought now would be a good time to give you some information on the current situation in Kenya.

Kenya, situated in East Africa, is a well loved tourist destination for people around the world. Many people visit the country for the superb wildlife, beaches and the hospitality of the people.

A general election took place in December 2007. Unfortunately civil unrest became apparent because supporters of the opposition leader, Raila Odinga, have claimed that the general election was rigged. Since December 2007 the following has happened:
1,000 people have been killed in political violence since the December 27 elections

600,000 people have been displaced

50 per cent of these are in camps

347 settlement camps for refugees have been set up

12,000 displaced Kenyans have fled into Uganda

45 per cent of the registered refugees in Ugandan camps are children

$47m planned US aid and humanitarian donation to Kenya this year

Sources: OCHA; Kenyan Red Cross; USAID

Many charities are being overwhelmed by the Kenyan situation and with tourism at a bare minimum it could be suggested that Kenya will suffer tremendously in building its reputation as a holiday destination.

There are some very informative websites and articles including this one from 'The Times' http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/world/africa/article3379100.ece
and the newsround site on the BBC http://news.bbc.co.uk/cbbcnews/hi/newsid_7180000/newsid_7186200/7186219.stm