Once again on my way to Nairobi

For a brief moment, there I was, back on Kenyan territory. But it was a very brief moment, as it only lasted ten minutes. Maximally.

Location: the embassy in The Hague. The Kenyan flag is waving invitingly. My visa for Kenya has been granted a long time ago. But according to that visa, I should have entered the country before the 1st of March. Hence my call to the embassy, to explain that I have not been able to leave for Kenya yet, due to the security situation. “Hang on, dear!” – followed by a long consultation with the Immigrations Officer. Yes, of course my entry date could be extended, “no problem”. I just had to come by to get my visa adjusted.
So here I am, my passport glued to my hand. Briefly back on Kenyan territory. Unfortunately, the Officer has just left the building. “Sorry, dear.” Maybe I could return later? Of course I could, but there is not much left for me to do in The Hague. Mail proves to be the next best alternative: once refreshed with new stamps, my passport will be sent to me by registered mail.
“Asante sana,” I thank the lady of the embassy. “Karibu, dear!” she answers with a smile. To me it feels like I really have visited Kenya again, albeit shortly this time.

A careful first step, once again on my way to Nairobi. This time I will definitely take that flight to Kenya, or at least that is what I hope. And this hope is supported by the success of Kofi Annan’s negotiations. Mwai Kibaki and Raila Odinga have finally signed the agreement to share power.
The two men are agreeing. Which leaves it to the rest of the 36 million Kenyans to also embrace the deal. Hopefully they will all support the compromise. So a new start can be made, with all the wounds healing slowly and the disrupted economy getting back on track. “Back to normal!” – the biggest wish of every Kenyan.