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Kenyan Men in the US Unite to Form Empowerment Group
A section of Kenyan men in the United States have launched an empowerment network that will focus on empowering members living and working abroad.
The network, Dubbed Kenya Men Empowered Network (KEMEN), was formally launched on Saturday in Taunton, Massachusetts in a function attended by more than 150 Kenyan men from across the US.
The group participated in various activities including a golf tournament, empowerment workshops and nyama choma eating.
Speaking during the launch, founder member Antony Kamnao said the network aims at providing a forum where Kenyan men in the diaspora can address issues that affect them.
“Through the KEMEN platform, the association will engage, inform and educate the community of Kenyan men on how to address the challenges of their daily lives,” said Kamnao.
“The ability to generate, access, and use information has become a key factor in personal, social, and economic growth. That’s why through free flow and sharing of information, this forum will expand its global outreach to the Diaspora society in reshaping our personal, education, and social activities and values.”
Dr. David Angwenyi, founder of Global Connections Kenya (GCK), said KEMEN forms an avenue for Kenyan men in diaspora to empower themselves.
“The open discussion and the sheer talent that was on display at the launch should send a strong message to anyone who is quick to dismiss this organization. In one sentence, KEMEN has opened a new frontier for Kenyan men in the Diaspora to move the great ideas and unity of purpose into action, and the power that would come out of this organized group of men is simply unstoppable.”
2017 presidential aspirant Japheth Kavinga Kaluyu, who graced the event, expressed optimism that KEMEN will achieve its objectives.
“For me, KEMEN is a practical approach and a refuge for men issues on both Diaspora and domestic fronts,” he said.
“As I leave here today, I have learned that many times Kenyan men don’t ask for help. It is an ego thing. Don’t let ego kill you,” a participant in the launch said. “You cannot squander this opportunity now that we have a group dedicated to men.”