Amanda Namayi

As the year draws to a close and the holiday season wraps its warmth around us, I find myself reflecting on a whirlwind 2024—a year filled with immense growth, high highs, low lows and the kind of moments that shape a lifetime; a year that whisked me from local gardens to global stages.

I began #My2024Purview on LinkedIn as I synthesize and share the learnings from the amazing months that made 2024 what it is to date.

This year has been one rollercoaster ride of a journey, and just like a good Christmas story, it’s one of coming full circle. This Christmas feels extra special, not only for the joy the festive season brings, but also for the pain, loss, healing, adventure and lessons gained thus far.

The Journey Begins: A snowy start

I crossed into 2024 from the United States of America, where I ushered in the New Year from Missouri, Columbia.

I enjoyed the beautiful snow-capped scenery and the darkness that came alive with all the Christmas lights.

I have been to the U.S. before, but mostly to New York and on official assignment. Therefore, being in a “quiet town” during the holidays was a welcome change – it was very cutesy and very demure. Missouri is a key agricultural state in the Midwest region of the U.S. and is known for its farming activities across both its rural and central regions. The state is home to many farms, and farming is a key part of the culture and economy. Inasmuch as I was on vacation, being in a “farming state” couldn’t help but make me think of the farmers and how they contribute greatly to the state’s economy – much like in my home country, Kenya. My father is a farmer, so it goes without saying that farmers hold a special place in my heart. ❤

Even while on holiday, I took time to appreciate the intricacies of food systems, and our shared responsibility to make those systems sustainable. I came across flavoured corn kernels for the first time and it had me thinking of what more we could do to add value to maize back home. It planted a seed of thought – pun intended- that would bloom as the year unfolded.

April: From Kenya to Ghana – Bridging Borders

April began on a high note with the Kenya-Ghana Business Forum that was held in Accra, Ghana on April 2nd 2024. The forum provided a platform for fostering bilateral trade and investment opportunities between the two nations. Graced by the Heads of State of both Ghana and Kenya, it was inspiring to witness the commitment of leaders and entrepreneurs in leveraging collaboration for economic growth. The exhibition booths at the summit comprised mostly of youth agripreneurs and I was excited to see a few favourites have their stalls there.

May: Empowering Youth – Building Decent Jobs for the Future

By May, I was in the vibrant city of Kigali, Rwanda, for the Decent Jobs for Youth Convening organized by the International Labour Organization (ILO). The theme was Young, Green and Digital: Global Conference of Decent Jobs for Youth. The event underscored the importance of empowering young people with opportunities that not only secure livelihoods but also align with sustainable development. The discussions ranged from entrepreneurship to policy advocacy, each reinforcing the power of collaboration in addressing youth unemployment.

June: Better is the end of a thing than its Beginning – Embracing Change in the Wake of Loss

The subtitle aptly alludes to what this month brought to my lap – loss. The unexpected. The unimagined. The loss was so hard and so unceremonious that it took me more than four months to merely allude to it, but could not talk about it in depth. Oh my word! It was painful.

However, I grieved not as one without hope, as the Bible says. God sent me His army to comfort me, to strengthen me, to encourage me, and to lift my chin up. God’s army was made up of the sweetest, high-achieving, funny agripreneurs. Yes, I work within the food systems arena, but this is also my life. These “stakeholders” are my people – my family, my friends, my clients, my vendors, my neighbors, my advisors, my mentors, my confidantes, my churchmates, my teachers, my classmates, my mentees, my soon-to-be employees…. most of whom are in the ag. space. In essence, I never “clock out” from food systems. My all-day, day-to-day is comprised of a living, breathing multistakeholder ecosystem.

And so it was, when Moses held up his hand, that Israel prevailed; and when he let down his hand, Amalek prevailed. But Moses’ hands became heavy; so they took a stone and put it under him, and he sat on it. And Aaron and Hur supported his hands, one on one side, and the other on the other side; and his hands were steady until the going down of the sun. So Joshua defeated Amalek and his people with the edge of the sword.

Exodus 17: 11 – 13 NKJV

These amazing, God-sent individuals anecdotally held my hands up when they were heavy, and they put the stone upon which I sat. Their prayers, calls, gifts, food, hugs, flowers, money, shopping, words of encouragement, nominations and recommendations to opportunities, and so much more; left an indelible mark in my heart. A simple thank you may never be enough but I told God to bless them each in a very special way. ❤

Home for the Holidays: A Full Circle Moment

As the year winds down, I’m back in Mombasa, reflecting on everything that has unfolded. Time fails me to mention about the months between June and now, but that’s what sequels are for. 😉 I will write about it before the year ends. 🙂

The fruits from my father’s orchard—bananas, mangoes, custard apple, avocados—serve as a sweet reminder of the simple yet profound connections we have to the land. The same land that nourishes us, feeds us, and sustains us, just like the holiday spirit that nourishes our hearts. This year has been one of full-circle moments, much like coming home for Christmas.

As I write this, I am surrounded by family, holiday cheer, and the simple joy of fresh fruits from my father’s little orchard and wholesome, gourmet food courtesy of mama’s cooking.

The Gift of Reflection and Gratitude

At this festive time of year, I am reminded of the many gifts I’ve received throughout the year—the relationships, the lessons, the opportunities to learn and grow. I am grateful for the privilege of being able to contribute to the global conversation on food security, climate change, and sustainability. Above all, the season reminds me that we’re in this together, and together, we can create the change we wish to see in the world.

Here’s to a Christmas full of hope, action, and the continued journey of building a future where everyone, everywhere, can thrive.

Merry Christmas to you and your loved ones!

God bless you.

Amanda Namayi