US Senator Holds Town Hall at UON

Abstract

27 years ago, he was in Kenya as a student at the University of Nairobi (UoN) and volunteered as a relief worker. Today, he returns as a United States Senator, to a country that is developing economically, politically and socially. Christopher Coons the US Senator from Delaware is a man whose heart is in Kenya. He still remembers bits and bits of Kiswahili and the different parts of the country he visited. He heartily describes Kenyans’ hospitality during his stay in the country. In his remarks to the University community, Senator Coons highlighted Kenya’s great potential especially in regard to its plans as highlighted in the Kenya Vision 2030. However, according to Coons, “the real challenge is to provide opportunities for development especially for the youth. Kenyans need to embrace democracy, in order to be an all rounded developed country.” According to the senator, Africa is the continent of the 21st century. To this end, the world needs to change and see Africa’s incredible potential. Coons quoted Mahatma Gandhi who once said that the best way to find you is to lose yourself in the service of others. The senator has dedicated his time and effort in serving the society. He has worked for several nonprofit organizations including the education oriented “I Have a Dream Foundation” of Delaware.Coons are the chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Subcommittee on African affairs which is subordinate to the Foreign Relations Committee of the US senate. The town hall was attended by Prof. Peter Mbithi, Deputy Vice Chancellor, Administration and Finance, UoN, US Ambassador To Kenya Scott Gration, Dr. Manu Chandaria, Chairman, Comcraft Group, Dr. Fr. Dominic Wamugunda, the Dean of Students, UoN, various university officials and students.