The Board of Directors of the U.S.-based support group, Friends Of Kenya (F.O.K.) extends, on behalf of its members, heartfelt good wishes, congratulations and encouragement to the people of Kenya and your newly elected government as you embark on a renewed journey toward democracy, justice and economic development. We applaud you for the peaceful, open and inclusive elections held in December. We affirm you and support you in the process of nation building. We take hope in President Mwai Kibaki’s efforts to construct a cabinet and governing structure comprising competent, reform-minded and honest persons reflecting, and committed to, the citizenry it will serve. Of particular significance to us, as a sign of this reform mindedness, is the appointment of environment protection advocate, Dr. Wangari Maathai, to a post in the Environment Ministry. Dr. Maathai’s Green Belt Movement is an F.O.K. grantee and she is globally recognized for her courageous defense of Kenya’s natural resources. Such distinguished new leadership can only enhance Kenya’s image.

F.O.K. members are former U.S. Peace Corps Volunteers who have served in Kenya since Uhuru. A nongovernmental, voluntary service organization, F.O.K. is dedicated to promoting Kenya’s interests in America and the world through advocacy and education. We also encourage investment and tourism in Kenya and raise funds for grassroots development, health and environmental projects. F.O.K. is proud to have been represented on the international elections monitoring team and to continue its partnership with Kenyans through volunteers working in your communities and through its ties with Kenyans in the U.S.

Kenya is at a pivotal juncture in its development as an important African democracy. Friends around the world wait and hope as a new Kenya leadership begins the challenging task of reform. Most important is reform to protect the human rights of all Kenyans and residents in the country. We believe that a key instrument in accomplishing this will be the adoption of constitutional reforms guaranteeing an independent judiciary, free expression for everyone and clearly articulated governing policy to address issues of corruption, incompetence and inefficiency.

F.O.K. has faith that you, the people of Kenya, will take hold of the opportunity now available to rebuild the nation’s economy and create a just and open civil society and system of government. As the process of reform unfolds in the coming months and years, F.O.K. will strive to affirm and bring attention to the gains made by and for the people of Kenya.

Sincerely, together with you in the spirit of Harambee,

FOK Board of Directors January 2002