King Charles Might be a King, but Kenya: You Remain the MVP in This Relationship

May Kenyans, Our Esteemed President and Fellow African Countries Never Forget That

"You are a gifted surgeon with a brilliant mind, Meredith. Don't let what he wants eclipse what you need. He is very dreamy, but he is not the sun. You are."

Those were Christina Yang's last words to Meredith Grey on Grey's Anatomy, the popular TV series. 

Meredith was a brilliant general surgeon married to an equally intelligent and dreamy neurosurgeon—Derek. Christina was making sure her best friend wouldn't let the prestige that came with Derek's neurosurgeon status dim her brilliance or MVP status.

That conversation echoed when I heard King Charles was visiting my country–Kenya. Especially in the wake of the past two or so years that have seen so many Western countries aggressively woo African countries.

Germany did it with its new African policy that is forever being tweaked.

The US is wooing Kenya with a new trade currently under negotiation, not to mention Vice President Kamala Harris's visit to Ghana, Zambia and Tanzania.

The EU is also at the forefront with its many Africa-EU summits that always seem to be held in Europe.

Russia and Wagner strut around the continent with their weapons and promises of security. How interesting that the security never seems to materialize.

Japan recently renewed its relationship with Africa through Tokyo International Conference on African Development (TICAD).

And who can forget China? Mr. Good Guy with all the loans and the infrastructure. If China ends up taking a lot more out of the continent through illegal capital flight or export of raw materials somewhere along the way, no biggie, right? After all, look at all the roads!

Finally, France. Well, maybe we shouldn't talk about France right now.

But you get the idea. 

Africa has become the king of old, with a harem of choice concubines all vying for her attention. However, this isn't a typical harem because the concubines hold all the power.

African countries tend to bend backwards to accommodate whatever foreign country is trying to vie for their attention. They make trade deals that favor these foreign countries more at the expense of the African people.

African countries forget that they are the sun. You will see it with King Charles's visit to Kenya, and you will see it many more times before African leaders wake up. But here is my plea to Kenyans and Africans.

Be as Cunning as the Hare

A popular children's story is narrated in Africa about "Why Hyena and Hare are not Friends." The gist of the story is that the hare worked with the hyena for as long as he needed him. On the side, the hare schemed and planned for a future where he could exist without the hyena's help by stockpiling food.

Of course, the hyena eventually found out, and now they are no longer friends, but one can always get other friends, no?

It sounds ruthless, but it's brilliant because the rest of the world is also ruthless when dealing with Africa.

 "The world's interactions with Africa are not necessarily motivated by altruism, but by the self-interest of states seeking to maximize their opportunities and minimize their costs, often at the expense of those not in a position to do either."
― Wangari Maathai, The Challenge for Africa

So, Kenya & Africa:

"You are a rich continent full of unparalleled resources and brilliant minds.

Do not let what the world wants from you eclipse what you need.

The world is full of rich and powerful countries, but these countries are not the sun. YOU are!

They should revolve around you, not vice versa.

And while at it, be as cunning as the hare."

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