Kenya: African Snaps advert and SMS campaign launch

800 school children, 20 Kenyan celebrities and GCAP campaigners launched the African snaps and SMS campaign in Moi Avenue Primary School in downtown Nairobi. Wearing white bands, girls and boys listened to Kora award winner Achieng Abura, Kisima award winner Abbi speak about the importance of the fight against poverty and the Day of the African child.

Achieng declared at the press conference, "We do care about poverty. We are concerned about the growing gap between the rich and the poor in Kenya and very happy to be associated with the Global Call to Action against Poverty campaign." Abbi said, "We are a small representation of numerous African artists that link their music, poetry and theatre to social issues such as HIV/AIDS, poverty and children". They were among prominant musicians, sportspeople, actresses and film-makers. The event was very well attended by the international and Kenyan press. Millions of Kenyans will see the advert as it goes on national television over the next few weeks leading upto the AU and G8 Summits in July. A leading television station, the Kenyan Television Network has offered free air time to the campaign.

William Kassina of Moi Avenue Primary School recited a powerful poem that called on the African adult to stop conflict, end poverty and violence against girls. He said, "although the African child goes barehanded and barefooted, I shall not mourn. We must bring this to an end". The boys and girls were treated to acrobatics, songs and speeches by the artists in front of two three-feet mobile-phones held by mannequins walking on six feet high stilts. The launch took place alongside other GCAP Kenya events in Kiandutu, Thika and Homa Bay that also celebrated the Day of the African Child.