Kenya project to star in MTV's Obama Inauguration special

• MTV to highlight an American student's role in bringing Internet access to the Omindo Primary School in western Kenya.
• Programme will reach a potential audience of 1 billion viewers in 162 countries, MTV says

A development project in Kenya will be featured in a global MTV programme originating from Barack Obama's “Youth Inaugural Ball” in Washington on January 20.

In keeping with the volunteer-service theme of the inaugural celebration reserved for people ages 18-35, MTV plans to highlight an American student's role in bringing Internet access to the Omindo Primary School in western Kenya.

The initiative in Lihanda, 20 kilometres from the Obama homestead in Nyangoma-Kogelo, is sponsored by US economist Jeffrey Sachs' Millennium Promise organisation.

Mr Obama is scheduled to speak at the Youth Inaugural Ball taking place at the Hilton Washington Hotel. MTV will carry his remarks to a worldwide audience as part of its special programme, “Be the Change: Live from the Inaugural.”

MTV says the programme will reach a potential audience of 1 billion viewers in 162 countries.

“The president-elect has made his commitment to service a priority throughout his life, during his campaign, and it will continue to be a priority in his administration,” says Emmett Beliveau, director of the Presidential Inauguration Committee. “We are truly pleased that MTV has chosen to highlight the importance of service and is helping to bring that message to millions of young people.”

The Youth Inaugural Ball, one of 10 official celebrations taking place in Washington on the night of January 20, is expected to draw more than 1000 young people. Tickets cost $75, half the admission price to most of the inaugural balls.