"Please join me in a toast of gratitude to 2011..
For all that we GAINED in our lives this year, all that we LOST.. All who we fell in LOVE with and for all who we ended our relationships with.. Those who we introduced in our lives those we said goodbye’s to, those we wish we could see,touch, hug and kiss again to those we will never see again to all those who supported all those who hated.. I raise my glass in gratitude and cheers to 2011… Cheers!!"

Ahmed Salim….

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#Westgate #Nairobi #Kenya (Taken with instagram)

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#Nairobi #Kenya #westlands (Taken with instagram)

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Like father like son #nairobi #kenya (Taken with instagram)

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#Nairobi #Kenya (Taken with instagram)

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#Kenya #Art #Culture (Taken with instagram)

"I am grateful and proud of all of you. I may NOT payback what good you all do - but be assured, the Almighty God will reward you. I received an award last night which isn’t just for me or about me, but about each one of you who stood up to make a difference. We are NOT going to stop this, We will continue to do what it takes to make a difference. As I believe, We need not to be awarded for being reactive, but awarded for being proactive!! GOD BLESS YOU ALL."

My name is Ahmed Salim and I’m a Kenyan

God bless YOU God Bless KENYA!! 

If I look at the mass I will never act.. Mother Teresa

I type this with a lot of anger not with anyone else but MYSELF!!

I was having a conversation with someone I once went to school with and now she is settled in Canada.  I asked her “when are you coming back home (Kenya)?” she responded “When the country is less corrupt and safe to be in” that got me a little surprised, so then I asked “Does that mean we living here are not humans and do not see that there is a problem?” that conversation dint end really well… which actually triggered a lot in my mind and thus me removing it on this blog!!!

Do we as Kenyans realize NOTHING will happen if we continue to RUN away from issues or continue being in our comfort zone? NOTHING will change if we say that Kenya is corrupt, it’s not safe, it’s not a place to live and have hopes etc… WHO is KENYA??? It isn’t just the land, beautiful sceneries, wildlife NO!! Kenya is YOU Kenya is ME Kenya is US ALL!!! If we run away from Kenya aren’t we running away from ourselves? Why go to a foreign country in the name of security or less corruption and enjoy what other people have built through war, fights, sacrifices and self initiatives? WHY can t you take ownership be responsible and be the 1st to make the difference. Be the first to ask for change? Who said it’ll be easy or everyone will agree with you? BUT, all you need is a group of committed people with the same mind set. CHANGE never happens by big names or big people…. CHANGE comes from small names from small people!!! WHO are these small people? YOU and ME!!! It’s YOU and ME who will change this country. It’s YOU and ME who will need to sacrifice our lives, our happiness, and our comforts for the future of this country. And if this country is bigger than all of us, then certainly even if you do not get to see that change happen, atleast you did your part and left it for the next person to continue… But no matter where you will end up, history will have it you did it, you were part of it, you acted and you made that change that there is!!!!

We have ONE very powerful thing with us, CHOICE!! Its either we decide to run away talk about it and watch this country go down, OR we UNITE hold hands and speak one language. A language of hope, love and growth!!!  The country is with no doubt better than how it was 15years ago – but still we have a long way to go, but still we have a lot to change, but still we need the right leaders for the right job. AND these all can’t just happen; we need to make them happen.

I rest my case

The only real prison is fear, and the only real freedom is freedom from fear

My name is Ahmed Salim and I’m a Kenyan

God bless YOU God Bless KENYA!! 

Kenya, Lets rise together..

To every single Kenyan, every individual from the bottom of my heart I say THANK YOU THANK YOU and THANK YOU!!!

Your support, your courage, your inspiration, your votes, your nominations, your calls every single act has kept me geared to do more for this country. And do you know what that means? It means we all want a better country a better place we can be safe, a country where your thoughts and talent matters. Today I tell you – TOGETHER, we will build this Nation, Together, we WILL make this a country we all dream of. We have with us knowledge, talent, and US the people UNITED!!!

Thanks to you all who nominated me to accompany Kenyans4Kenya and the Kenya Red Cross Society to Turkana – gave me the opportunity to be there with the people we all rising to help. It was an experience and a half. I wouldn’t want to get into detail of the trip all I can tell you is it was really bumpy!! No roads at all plus the distance was insanely far. But all in all worth it to be there with  the people for the people.

We got to a feeding center in a Primary school where they have 8 classes but only 3 teachers. I asked one of the teachers how they manage… “children here want to study they have dreams of what they want to be, but due to hunger, lack of resources some are forced to leave school” he added “we are only 3 teachers, the only way we cater for all is by teaching each class 20minutes instead of the normal day” I asked him what his request would be if there was anyone who’d listen, and he replied “Man power.. we need teachers, this place has future leaders”

Then I also saw a lady with a sick baby, you can see in her eyes all she had was hope nothing else… she was standing in a queue where The Kenya Red Cross Society were having a medical stand…. The baby was looking directly in my eyes with no facial emotions you could see he was in pain and maybe even tired of crying because of how he was feeling.. I couldn’t help but try make him talk, or cheer him but he dint move a muscle… I asked his mother what was wrong; her response.. “Mgonjwa, hakuna chakula, maji shida hakuna dawa” asked her what do they normally do  before the medical team set the camp – her response really hit me hard…. She said there was a place they go have their kids checked – but, they are forced to pay 100 Kenya shillings… the question is, where do you expect they get the money from? So what do they do – they just continue living in hope and waiting for their day….

The people there are NOT farmers, they are pastoralists esp. the elderly people some are survivors from the dispute with the Pokot. Some don’t even believe they are in Kenya, I was told once someone said, “Salimia watu wa Kenya ukirudi huko kwenu” and this makes me ask – Have we forgotten our people? Do we have the right people in power? What happens when the people in Kenya still think its Moi in power? Seriously? They only see their leaders when they are visitors visiting or elections – do they even vote? These are Kenyans, Human Beings, Creation of the Almighty the same Almighty who has give YOU health, wealth, knowledge, a shelter, food and a family… We can’t help our own people???

Questions have been raised about long term solutions… relief distribution isn’t a solution…  I can’t stand and point out what is being done but I can stand and suggest a lot that can be done to make Kenya a better place.

We need to ask ourselves, Today its them… what if tomorrow its us?

My name is Ahmed Salim and I’m a Kenyan.

God bless YOU and God bless KENYA!!!

ps: please check out some of the pictures I got from the visit… please share it with ALL :)

http://on.fb.me/pDHNOg

Tweets I thought I should share with you!!! #FeedKE

 

@paulocoelhoPaulo Coelho  Follow your dreams, even if that includes going through some nightmares

 

I have a passion for Kenya and finding ways everyday to make this country a better place. Let’s join hands and together we will build Kenya.

#FeedKE belongs to the people of #Kenyaand we will make it as one!! #Kenyans4Kenya.

Charity begins at home, we were there for our neighboring countries but now home needs us more #FeedKE

Regardless the tribe or colour of ur skin, as long as u r Kenyan on Kenyan soil we will represent u #FeedKE

We miss a meal or two and we all grumpy, imagine the children n mothers who don’t see food for weeks????? Act today and #FeedKE

The Almighty has blessed you with health and food everywhere u go.. Thank him n share a plate today - His rewards r huge #FeedKE

Always wished of a United full of love peaceful Kenya.. Where u trust ur leaders with no questions- it YOU only who can build that. #FeedKE

Take PRIDE n accept who WE are - let’s join hands together and build this Nation. Let’s start by supporting our people #FeedKE

Dnt do any humanitarian act for money, fame or self interest. Do it because U want to and for the Almighty’s sake #FeedKE

No matter how bad the past was, we learn from it - but we MOVE forward. We knew our roadblocks then, let’s not accept any NOW let’s rise

Asked why I’m I doing what I’m doing? Well it’s a passion!! Passion for peace, love and unity. Last I checked that’s what #Kenya is about

We all hold hands regardless ur tribe ur colour ur past we all believe in ourselves and our neighbour n I promise u nothing will divide us

If we all look at the bigger picture which is our common goal then all efforts would be appreciated and acknowledged.

Some freedom fighters died without bein acknowledged, but does it matter to them? They achieved what they had at heart.

Take the step u know will make a difference, “they” may own the media but “they” will never own The SocialMedia! Where truth is transparent

If I inspire 1 or 2 people I’l b satisfied at heart as it’s for a good cause. And I hope the 2 will inspire 2 more. #FeedKE

Gone r the days u need money fame or power to b in the spotlight! Heck who cares where the spotlight is-we doing what we do cause of passion

If helping people n doing the right thing will make me new enemies so be it!! Influence will NOT stop me from doing what’s right!! #FeedKE

We need to encourage, appreciate and support individuals trying to make a difference NOT discourage them or treat them as toddlers

Age n experience doesn’t matter what matters is what have U done? Who have U supported with ur money power n fame? Who’s life have U changed

And bottom line in whatever YOU do, be HONEST!! u might make enemies but atleast for the right thing!!

My fellow Kenyan, this is US, OUR TIME let’s join hands rise together and start off by #FeedKE!! We are ONE say it!!!

Lets do this KENYA:

• Mpesa: PayBill to 10,000 AC “FeedKE”
• Airtel: Nickname “REDCROSS” Ref “FeedKE”
• Online - www.kenyaredcross.org

M name is Ahmed Salim and Im a KENYAN!!

May God bless YOU and GOD BLESS KENYA!!! 

Power Of Social Media - 1 more Time!!

2weeks ago I initiated “Sacrifice A Meal and Feed Kenya campaign” online. A campaign where my initial target was Kenyans Online to sacrifice a meal and donate the money to the Kenya Red Cross Society.

The response has been amazing and I appreciate all who helped spread the word not to mention who participated.

The money was collected directly by the Kenya Red Cross Society and I believe no matter how small it still counts and makes a huge difference.
I would like to thank every individual, public figures, a few corporates, politicians and every Kenyan Online for making FeedKE what it is!!

Till date through various channels and individuals Kenya Red Cross have managed to raise Ksh:1,232,385.70/=
This makes me a proud Kenyan!!

We are in this together and we can do alot more!! Let’s all share this if not let’s all sacrifice one more meal and feed Kenya.

To my Muslim brothers and sisters I would like to wish you all Ramadhan Saeed and Saum maqbul inshAllah!! May Allah accept all your fasts and prayers. Please remember our brother n sisters in your prayers.

My fellow Kenyans let’s do this one more time:

Mpesa- pay bill 10,000 AC FeedKE
Airtel - nickname REDCROSS ref FeedKE
Online - www.kenyaredcross.org

Take pride today

My name is Ahmed Salim and I’m a Kenyan

God bless YOU and GOD BLESS KENYA!!!

"

Ramadan has a special relationship with the Qur’an, of course:

“The month of Ramadan is the one in which the Quran was sent down, a guidance for mankind, clear proofs for the guidance, the Criterion; so whoever amongst you witnesses this month, let him fast it.”

"

(cf. Surah al-Baqarah 2:185)

To ALL Kenyans!!! PEACE LOVE and UNITY @Kenyans4Kenya #FeedKE  

10 DAYS and Counting #FeedKE

After 10 days of full dedication to an initiative I started off with just one tweet has taught me a lot. I have met, talked and interacted with all sorts of people. Got all sorts of comments both critics and applauds which I took all positively!!! I knew this wont be easy, but the way Kenyans Online looked up to me and expected results there was no way I would let the people of Kenya Online down. I had to sacrifice a lot esp work and time to make this work. A campaign that is ongoing for more than a week with no offline help makes me proud to say Social Media is our future. We are free to express our thought and eventually the right shall be done.

This has been very tough but the support I get from all of YOU keeps me saying, ONE MORE TWEET, ONE MORE REPLY JUST ONE MORE and here I am 10 days down the line still requesting for the ONE more RE-TWEET. I was honestly about to give this up and support all the other ongoing initiatives , but after I had a word with Abbas Gullet, Tariq Twaha and Rosemary Mutunkei all from Kenya Red Cross Society – they inspired me and encouraged me to keep doing this. Do you realize for the 1^st time Kenyans Online all over the world are doing something as ONE with ONE common goal??

The support im getting online on all social platforms just boosts my energy to ask for one more tweet – and you know what? WE WILL MAKE IT HAPPEN. I am NOT stopping as yet – together we will Feed Kenya.

My take on the idea of this initiative, I leave it to the people of Kenya and the Almighty to decide. My GOAL is to raise money to Feed Kenyans and to make it as transparent as possible not to mention Kenyans to own it!!!

Till date of this post we have raised Kshs.624,602.20/= from 1130 donors via Online, Mpesa and Airtel

This is really a good sign of what we Kenyans can do – it takes time but eventually we will get there.

I also would like to thank KAPA OIL REFINERIES LTD for their donation of 1.5 Tones cooking oil worth 250,000/= (excl taxes) toward FeedKE

Also extend my appreciations to Martha Karua for a call to all Kenyans Online to take part in the initiative and to also the one and only Vice President Kalonzo Musyoka – on behalf of all Kenyans Online I say Thank You!!!

 

We are all Kenyans and let’s keep everything else behind us today and stand proud to do something for this country – lets Unite and speak one language. A language we all have asked for many years a language of PEACE, LOVE and UNITY!!!!  Take some time and check this video I did exactly 1 year ago and you tell me if my message is any different: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2bBqOaszGX4&feature=related

Kenyans WE can DO this together – We can show our strength as ONE – We can make a difference just as an individual. Your say counts, your participation counts, your heart counts and more your ACTION counts.

Sacrifice A Meal Today; Take pride, stand for Kenya and support FeedKE:

• M-Pesa Paybill to ‘10,000’ Acc ‘feedke’
• On Airtel nickname ‘REDCROSS’ reference ‘feedke’
• Online: www.kenyaredcross.org 

Ps: all funds are collected directly by the Kenya Red Cross Society and a report is available on request.

 

From the bottom of my heart I say thank you all who have made this happen and also request you all NOT to give up we have reached a point we will NOT look back…. Lets finish the race together, lets all meet at the finish line as proud Kenyans!!! And may The Almighty protect, bless and guide you in whatever you do and shower you with endless blessings and success!!!

 

My name is Ahmed Salim and I’m a Kenyan!!

May God Bless YOU and GOD BLESS KENYA!!!!

I have YOU, The Kenyan by my side…

“Oh God of all creation
Bless this our land and nation
Justice be our shield and defender
May we dwell in unity
Peace and liberty
Plenty be found within our borders.” 

The words of our National Anthem have always been my inspiration to go out of my way and do what I do for Kenya. It alone stands as a PERFECT prayer to the people of this country!!!

A little about me, I wasn’t born nor brought up on a silver platter – iv been through a lot during my childhood while my Mother struggled every single day not giving up on finding ways to feed us!!! We shared a plate my mother, brother, and I at one point in life which I’ve never forgotten – thus I know how it feels.

This initiative is just ONE of what I’ve done in the past – and I do it as an individual with only 1 goal – Making a difference in someone’s life in one way or the other. I only partner with people with the same objective and only use the people to spread the word. Some people may NOT like my approach of how I do things, but I’m sorry this is what I do and I use only what I have which for me till date is YOU the Kenyan and the internet. Like I said it earlier I’m just an ordinary Kenyan who loves his country and would like Kenyans to take PRIDE in making a difference by themselves.

I made it clear yesterday – I am in  NO COMPETITION with any other initiative out there, infact I’m happy Kenyans are rising to support this cause in a different approach, which eventually is for the same purpose!!! Also raised  which I would like to make clear: I DO NOT work for neither Kenya Red Cross nor do I own any charity organization. Im just an individual who has taken up the initiative and challenge to involve as many Kenyans as possible.

I will be among the happiest people when we all reach our targets and we all take pride that we as Kenyans did it!!!  What matters to me the most isn’t a name or credit it’s the dying child in this country. These people need us!!!

I would like to say THANK YOU to ALL who have supported this cause and I do hope to raise more money through your help of course – we are in this together and we will rise together.

Im so proud of Kenyans – we are good people and we believe, love and have faith in this country, its us to make that difference we want. Its us who will run this country tomorrow and its us who will for the 1^st time choose our leaders wisely!!! BUT for NOW – We all need to UNITE and FEED KENYA!!! This country is bigger than us all and God is the Greatest who we have with us.

Till yesterday afternoon we managed to raise: Kshs 335,554.20/= by just ordinary individuals out there.

ALL donations GO to The Kenya Red Cross Society DIRECTLY, I kindly request you to Sacrifice A Meal today and together LETS FEED KENYA!!!

• On M-Pesa Paybill to ‘10,000’ Acc ‘feedke’
• On  Airtel nickname ‘REDCROSS’ reference ‘feedke’
• Online: kenyaredcross.org

Ps: all funds are collected directly to the Kenya Red Cross and a report is available on request.

My name is Ahmed Salim and I’m a Kenyan!!

God Bless YOU and GOD BLESS KENYA!!!!