Peace returning to Kenya

A graffiti-covered car, burned at a roadblock in Nairobi's Kibera slum. REUTERS/Radu Sigheti.

The wording on the vehicle above echo's a strong message. Much of the violence in Kenya is ending and many people are able to get on with their normal lives again. Kofi Annan, seems to be doing an amazing job as mediator between the current Kibaki regime and Raila Odinga's opposition party. All Kenyans are waiting patiently as conflicts are resolved peacefully through negotiations and non violence.

The Daily Nation reports that even Kenya's Flower industry had a monthly export record for cut flowers despite low expectation for the industry following post election violence that displace many of its workers.

Today is Valentine's Day. A day of love and appreciating those closest to you. We wish all our fellow Kenyans a very Happy Valentine Day.

Remember! Have a great time, but please wear your seat belts at all times and don't drink and drive!

Nairobi Traffic Jam Shows Softer Side

Dear Friends
Yesterday I was caught up in one of the biggest and longest traffic jams I've ever experienced in the last 21 years in Kenya. What normally takes me 15 minutes from my office to my house took just over 2 hours! A big trailer had flipped on its side in the middle of the Langata Road and traffic was stuck on either side of it.

Motorists were doing the usual thing - making two lanes of traffic into five as they jockeyed for position. The people on the opposite side of the trailer did the same and the result was a mess! It was 4:00 in the afternoon. It was very hot and very dusty from people driving on the dirt verges and overall the situation was pretty miserable. Most of the cars had no air conditioning and people were trying to make the best out of being crammed into overcrowded buses and matatu's.

However, one thing that struck me the most was that although people were all trying to get from A to B, they were all behaving in a very polite manner. Even the matatu's, which usually act very aggressively and annoy everyone, even on a good day, were behaving themselves. People were courteous and let each other into lanes when possible.

Considering Kenya's recent political unrest and spate of violence, this came across as something short of miraculous. It was a perfect opportunity for people's tempers to flare and problems to arise. I would be lying if I said that I wasn't more than a little uncomfortable being trapped in the midst of a huge gridlock for two hours with nowhere to escape to.

To me, this was a huge statement for the people of Nairobi. Everyone seems to be tired of the violence, the fighting and the politics. The average Kenyan citizen wants to go to work, feed their family and pay their bills. They just want to get on with life in a calm, peaceful manner.

It reminded me of the weeks that followed after the horrible incident of 9/11 when terrorist planes hit the Twin Towers. New York taxi cabs were silent for the first time since anyone could remember. Normally New York City is a buzz with the sound of hooting horns from the thousands of cabs that operate on the streets 24 hours a day. But after 9/11, the cabs were silent and everyone was nicer and more compassionate towards their fellow man.

I hope the politeness seen in this huge traffic jam yesterday is a sign of hope for the people of Kenya as well. We need to pull together and start the healing process of this amazing country we all call home.

Stay Informed During Times of Civil Unrest

Dear Friends
We often put our head in the sand when it comes to hearing bad news. It's human nature. We get overloaded with it and just don't want to hear the "bad stuff" anymore. I overheard a group of women yesterday saying how they just couldn't face listening to the news or reading the newspapers anymore. It was just too depressing.

The political unrest in Kenya has gone on for over a month now and people are fed up with not being able to live their normal lives. Many people are frightened and confused, so they have a tendency to "switch off."

However, when you are living in areas of conflict where situations can arise at anytime, it is crucial that you keep informed at all times. You should listen to all news bulletins put out by the local media, read the newspapers, watch the news, call your regional security officer at your local embassy, contact your security company for updates and sign up for security news bulletins. Otherwise, you could easily find yourself caught up in a dangerous situation.

Kenya is Crying

Kenya is Crying is the title of the picture on the left, sent to me via e-mail today. I think it summarizes how the majority of people feel concerning the ongoing violence and deaths that are occurring unnecessarily. It is truly heartbreaking to see our country and our people suffering so much.

All of the staff at Glen Edmunds Performance Driving School send their condolences to all of those that have lost loved ones and friends during this time. We send prayers for those that are displaced and have lost their homes.

We plead to all those that live within the borders of Kenya, to reach out to their fellow Kenyans, no matter what their tribe is or who they voted for. We are all Kenyans and are one family. Violence is never the answer. Peaceful negotiations are the only way forward. Please pull together and pray for Amani (Peace).

Dakar Rally Countdown to Cancellation

Dear Friends

We were recently sent the above time line published in Jan 10, 2008 version of Autosport Magazine, pertaining to the events leading up to the cancellation of the Dakar Rally. Glen Edmunds is waiting to hear from the ASO, the French organizing committee, regarding the future of the Dakar Rally event as well as repatriation of funds lost due to the cancellation. He and his team "Kenya Kwanza" are trying to figure out exactly what to do next that will suit the car, the team as well as fit into our busy schedule at Glen Edmunds Performance Driving School. Some of the event options for "Kenya Kwanza" are competing in races in the following countries:

1. St Petersburg, Russia to Bejing, China
2. Aregentina
3. Morocco

Keep reading the blog and our website: www.GlenEdmunds.com to see what the future holds for Glen Edmunds and his "Kenya Kwanza" team! Let us hear from you! We'd love to hear your views.

Glen Edmunds Offers New Security Driving Course!

Like everyone, we are deeply saddened by the recent events in Kenya. We can only hope and pray that the violence and destruction will end and peace & unity will be restored very soon. Meanwhile, it's critical to be informed of security issues at all times. If you are traveling, contact your local embassy or police hotline for current information before your departure.

In order to help everyone during these troubled times, Glen Edmunds Performance Driving School has developed a new course that is specifically designed for those people that want to learn how to stay safe in hostile and unexpected crisis situations. Topics include: understanding mob mentality, what to do if you are caught up in a riot, dealing with illegal road blocks, driving through fire/tear gas, vehicle control under threat and much more. Contact us for further information, price and course schedule.

DAKAR RALLY CANCELLED

Glen Edmunds and Dez Page-Morris were bitterly disappointed about the cancellation of the Dakar Rally. There had been so much work and effort in the preparation for the last 12 months and they had already passed the difficult part of scrutineering. The car was parked in parc ferme and all was in place to start the race. The cancellation was received 12 hours prior to the start. The French governing body of the event (the ASO) blamed the cancellation on terrorist threats from Al-Quaida cells in Mauritania. To read the full report log onto http://www.glenedmunds.com/diary.html