"A Brand New Kenya"

“It is time for a new brand of a brand new Kenya,” said Caroline Nderitu
in her poem at the promulgation ceremony for the new Kenyan Constitution. Even I could feel the excitement as I watched through my apartment television a few miles from Uhuru Park. I was amazed by the enormous crowd as the camera showed sections of people breaking into excited dancing and others climbing trees to catch a glimpse of the excitement.

All weekend since the ceremony, I’ve been asking cab drivers and Kenyan co-workers how they feel about the new Constitution…

“We are so happy – you will now find us all smiling here in Kenya.”
“Now we are really happy – there are so many good changes. Now even a normal Kenyan can finally get something.”
“Now we can go and see our Ministers, tell them what we want.”

In each response – hope, optimism, empowerment.

I rarely see direct, concrete examples of how structural-level change at the policy level can truly affect individuals’ mental health and well-being. But I think that this Constitution has the potential to do that in a very tangible way. People are waiting and hoping for increased support from their leaders – and this hope is already translating into improved moods and renewed motivation to reach goals in individuals and families.

I am traveling to Muhuru Bay again this week and I will be excited to hear what they have to say.