An Uneasy Election in Kenya Looms Over SLU Travel
St. Lawrence University prides itself on its diverse study abroad programs, and the Kenya Semester Program is one of the most sought-after experiences. Sixteen students from St. Lawrence University are making Kenya their new home. During this program, students have the opportunity to immerse themselves in the culture, language and environments of this east African country. This fall semester has started with some delays and setbacks with planning homestays and excursions: Kenya is currently undergoing an election. In the past, Kenya has known violence during these elections.
In Kenya, the President is elected by a popular vote in a public election. The elections are held in August every five years. The Kenyan elections have seen violence in the past due to a decision to elect President Mwai Kibaki. In 2007, Kibaki’s opponent Raila Odinga encouraged his supporters to protest Mwai’s win. Violence was targeted toward the Kikuyu ethnic group, foreigners and even the Chinese community in Kenya. Even though Kenya has come a long way from the bloody violence of 2007, it still haunts the community. Some St. Lawrence students in the Kenya Semester Program have been briefed on the violence before departing for their trip.
Kassandra Wood ‘24 gives her perspective on the situation. “I heard about the elections first in our orientation meetings at SLU, when they were warning us about how the program could change depending on them, Wood said, when asked how she heard about the elections in Kenya.
“They told us that we would have to depart for our trips later than usual,” she continued.
When asked about what she is most worried about regarding the current elections in Kenya she replied, “I am most worried about the violence because of what happened in the 2007 and 2014 elections, the candidate that lost in the elections this year lost in 2007, and if the election is not in his favor, he could encourage violence again in Kenya.”
Due to the violence of past Kenyan elections, the directors of the study abroad program at St. Lawrence University have put precautions in place to protect students in their semester abroad program. The staff has done a good job protecting the student’s best interest as well as listening to their concerns. The ability to respond and adjust the programs proceedings exhibits the strength and flexibility of the Kenya Semester Program. Despite fear surrounding the current elections, the students are still hopeful that the program will resume as planned. The students are excited about their homestays and are awaiting many grandiose adventures including hikes, game drives and visiting many different of Kenya’s natural landscapes. Overall, the university has made it a priority to update students while also educating them about the elections and politics in Kenya.