Kenyan flag

Allen arrived in Sydney on Sunday and switched his 30°C hot hometown Nairobi in Kenya with Sydney to participate in the World Youth Days. Allen, 24, is a member of the catholic internet community VaticanFriends.com

1. What's the connection between WYD, your country and you?

More than half of Kenya's population is under the age of 35 and young people in Kenya love and live their faith.  WYD is a beautiful opportunity for them, for us to share it with friends from all over the world. I  went to the last WYD in Cologne, and I always prayed that it would be possible for me to come to Sydney as well - now I am leading a group of 26 young Kenyans.

2. How many pilgrims are coming to Sydney from Kenya?

At the last count, during our second last briefing in Nairobi, there were about 170 pilgrims. 26 are participating in the Ignatian pre-WYD program, MAGiS08. Many more are accompanying us with their prayers all over Kenya!

3. What are some of the main Dioceses, cities, and groups represented?

The Archdiocese of Nairobi has the largest contingent of pilgrims, but most the other 30-plus dioceses have got repesentatives as well.

4. Will your country be represented in the 'Papal Plate' WYD Soccer Competition?

The Kenyan group has not registered as yet, but be sure to watch out for the Kenyan flags and lots of singing in Swahili in many of the main events!

5. Is your country having a National Gathering at WYD and if so, when and where is it on?

We have not organized a formal National Gathering, but I am quite sure that there will be quite a number of get togethers in Sydney. With 26 Kenyans already staying at St. Ignatius College in Riverview, it should not be too hard to have a Kenyan party going!!

6. Are there any migrants from your country living in Australia – if so how many?

I am not sure of the numbers, but there certainly are lots of Kenyans either working or studying in Australia.

7. Any National Foods of interest?

Oh yes, Ugali, which is made from maize meal and nyama choma (Swahili for roast meat!)

8. Any National Pass-Times of interest?

Watching the Kenyan 10000 metres athletics team compete against teams from Ethiopia and Eritrea.

9. Describe your country in three words?

Athletics, athletics, athletics!

10. What little souvenirs will your country's pilgrims bring to WYD to share their nationality with other pilgrims?

Probably Maasai beads!

Image courtesy of kevinzim (Creative Commons License), Flickr.