Last Blog from Narok and Nairobi

Packing my bags for the States. It’s been a great month in Kenya. Thanks to everyone at Sisi ni Amani, cinematographer Dan Adeli, the St. Clair family (best hosts in the world!), and everyone else who helped with our work the past weeks. I’m posting a few photos and and an iPhone video from recent shooting in Narok and other places we’ve been.

Dan and I had a great 3 day shoot in Narok –  both the town and the rural communities in the County. Narok Town is a bustling place and meet-up spot for folks buying and selling goods and services.

Community leader and environmentalist Nickson Kamoye introduced us to a Maasai family near his home in Narok County. They discussed the effectiveness of the SMS platform in promoting civic education and peace among other things. A highlight of the visit was seeing their recently installed bio gas tank which uses manure, a readily available resource in this herding community, to generate energy.

Dan gets a quick lesson on motorcycle skills from Narok Chapter community leader Pastor Wilson Musonic. Motorcycles are essential modes of transport on the very rugged dirt roads.

Click here to view and hear hip hop infused music performed prior to a Baba Dogo debate.

Sisi ni Amani Coordinator George Ohoko and his musician friends had a practice session in Baba Dogo several weeks ago. Great, eclectic music from African tunes to Christmas favorites. I hope to hear George and his other band during my next visit.

A group of young boys helped with camera composition at one of Denno’s football (soccer) matches played in town of Dagorreti just outside Nairobi.

Tony and Kelli take on set designer rolls prior to our interview with Tony. The puppets pictured here travel with Tony’s troupe – CHAPS –  to communities to educate about good governance and peace.

Following my final afternoon shooting a debate screening in Mathare, my eyes caught this giant billboard promoting democracy and civic engagement. The campaign, “My Voice, My Vote, Our Freedom” was created by photographer and activist Boniface Mwangi, Picha Mtanni and many artists and social media activists.