Quick post: Safety in Lamu

As promised, before I ruin your lives with pictures of my news digs and such, I will give you a quick overview of the security situation in Lamu.

In June of last year, more than 60 people were killed near Mpeketoni, Kenya, by Al-Shabbab militants (at least they claimed responsibility for the attacks).  The attacks happened in predominantly Christian towns, and Christians were the targets.  This was obviously a terrible event, but I want to point out the differences between Mpeketoni and Lamu island. 

First of all, places where violence has occurred in Lamu county are in towns along trading routes and on the Somali border.  Lamu is not a major trade hub and is actually very isolated.  There is a small airstrip on neighboring Manda island where visitors fly in, and then the only way to access the island is by a boat. 

Lamu island is a predominantly Muslim community.  The island is very peaceful, and while Muslims are in the majority, they live in peace with members of other religions here.  All religious traditions are respected, but Muslim values heavily influence life here.   

You can check out the maps below to see where I am located on the coast in relation to the more insecure internal mainland towns.  Feel free to send any questions my way!

I'm Back!

As many of you may know, after a few months at home in Minnesota, I decided to return to Kenya for a new internship in Lamu.  Sound familiar?  Lamu island is where I was going to complete my practicum for grad school before an attack in Mpekotoni, which is part of Lamu county, forced me to relocate.  Now before I go on, I want to make absolutely clear that this island is very safe.  I will write a full blog on this later, but it is important to note that Lamu county is very large, and the insecurity exists on the mainland, especially on the Somali border.  The island itself if very isolated, quiet, and safe. 

OKAY!  That is out of the way (for the moment).  A few other questions you may have:

1.  What is you internship this time, Erin?

            A:  I am working with a CBO that helps capacitate local youth to have a voice in their community and participate in civic affairs.  They are especially interested in the conservation of Lamu’s unique bioculture.  I will do whatever they need help with to build their capacity.

2.  Why don’t you have a real job yet?

            A.  Great question.  I am still actively applying and am in the interview process with a few jobs.  It takes about 6 months to get a job with my degree, and a lot of the people who graduated the year before me are still looking.  I wanted to stay active and continue working in my field in some capacity while I look.  Why not do this while having access to a beach?

3.  Can I visit you?

            A: You are legally bound by the laws of our friendship to visit me.

4.  How is your Swahili?

            A: HELLO MY NAME IS ERIN YES I AM HAVING A FINE AFTERNOON HOW IS YOUR AFTERNOON AND EVENING.  THIS IS A CHAIR THIS IS A CAT THIS IS A DOOR.

5.  Would you describe Lamu as paradise?

            A: Yes.

That's all for now, folks.  I was out on the boat all day and I'm just exhausted.  Oh, tough life for Erin.