Dr. Karambu L. Ringera is the Founder and President of International Peace Initiatives.

Dr. Karambu is a Lecturer at the University of Nairobi. Born and raised in Kenya, she earned her Ph.D. in intercultural communication in 2008 from the University of Denver. She earned a Masters Degree in Media from Natal University, South Africa, as well as a Master of Theological Studies (with a peace and justice emphasis) from the Iliff School of Theology in Colorado. She received her Bachelor of Education degree and Postgraduate Diploma in Mass Communication from the University of Nairobi, Kenya.

She has used her extensive academic background and international experience working in many countries to design and implement models of effective community engagement, women’s grassroots organizing programs, collaborative problem solving models, pre-emptive and post conflict reconciliation, proactive health campaigns, and a successful, working model of “Amani Homes,” community homes of peace for orphans and vulnerable children. Karambu is a visionary, an activist, a compassionate, committed, formidable force for change, and an inspiration to all who meet her.

From Dr. Ringera:

“I like to think of myself as a peace, healing and reconciliation activist, involved in promoting community based organizing that empowers grassroots people, especially women and children challenged by disease, violence, and poverty. Poverty is not just about lack of money, or absence of violence and disease, rather the greatest suffering in these areas results from lack of access to information, a lack of knowledge and support to successfully utilize and develop local resources to create a better life. My desire is to stand with communities as they learn to listen deeply to the inner knowing of their hearts, identify their needs, craft their own solutions and inspire actions to meet those needs. My role is to support and trust their judgment and promote the implementation of their self-identified solutions. I invite you to stand with me to enable the work of IPI on a path that provides hope and light for all of us.”

Film:  Africa Comeback Women:

Notes from vimeo.com:
2007 – During a second trip to Kenya, Africa, Maida visited Meru at the invitation of Karambu Ringera, Kenyan political and social activist who was building a school, providing space and incentives for small cottage industries with the women of Meru (soap and jewelry), and assisting financially with families in need.

This film short was shot during a 5-day stay in Meru, January 26 to February 18, 2007 where more than 40 men and women were interviewed when Maida participated in training sessions, visited roadside stands and homes, and enjoyed dancing and singing with the Kenya women.  Maida was traveling with her friend and filmmaker, Verabel Call Cluff, Kristin, Eric, and Marc Withers.

Dr. Karambu L. Ringera is the Founder and President of International Peace Initiatives. She is a Lecturer at the University of Nairobi. Born and raised in Kenya, she earned her Ph.D. in intercultural communication in 2008 from the University of Denver. She earned a Masters Degree in Media from Natal University, South Africa, as well as a Master of Theological Studies (with a peace and justice emphasis) from the Iliff School of Theology in Colorado. She received her Bachelor of Education degree and Postgraduate Diploma in Mass Communication from the University of Nairobi, Kenya.

Karambu Ringera was running for national political office in Kenya in 2007. Maida continues to be in touch with Karambu in Kenya.

Video of Ringera talking about her projects and women dancing (DCC Photos:  Africa Comeback Women  Meru, Africa, Africa, Karambu Ringera (folder includes = video  avi.  too large for the system of this media page), many photos; music of boys on the street, other interesting situations in Kenya.

 

 

Collaborations