I take a break from the NGO work to explore a most unusual male Kenyan fashion phenomenon.
Archive for February, 2010
Why Not Wear Shorts?
Sunday, February 21st, 2010Getting Around Kenya: Part One
Thursday, February 18th, 2010I was at the very back, getting airtime on every bump with the people next to me. The bass was rattling windows a block away. Kids in the alleys, pathways and soccer field were jumping out of the way amidst clouds of dust. Parents were raising their fists and yelling at the driver. I have bruises on my ass and right shoulder from the ride.
And you think I would have figured out my camera by now in order to capture the five minutes of WTF??
Nope. User error.
So the next best thing is my short description immediately following the event.
10 Ways To Be Less Canadian in Kenya
Wednesday, February 10th, 2010
“Me and the rest of this city of 4 million play a dangerous game of Frogger, with traffic who WILL NOT STOP FOR ANY REASON other than they’ve already hit you.”
I’ve now been in Nairobi for a month. On my first sleep deprived day here working for an NGO, I was thrown into the chaos of Nairobi traffic, I was shown what life consists of in the impoverished communities (slums), and I was introduced to a new take on what passes for clean. Needless to say, I’ve had to adjust my privileged North American standards very rapidly.
Here are some simple ways for you to get down with the people and not feel and look like a fish out of North American waters.
(more…)
What We Do Here In Kenya
Saturday, February 6th, 2010
In between Matatu rides and inhaling tonnes of diesel fumes, dust, and tire-fire smoke, I get together with a fellow Vancouverite and a bunch of hearty Kenyans to fight the good fight against the heaps of waste that litter Nairobi. We have fun doing it too.
When It’s Your Time
Saturday, February 6th, 2010
There was this one time when a Kenyan man stole a book by US televangelist, Joel Osteen.
Charles Ndung’u Kinyanjui walked into a supermarket on January 19th and, presumably needing some self-help, but unable to afford it, slipped a copy of It’s Your Time under his arm and attempted to flea.
It certainly was his time as he received three months for the petty crime. Three months!
Oddly, and without irony, this passes as news in one of Kenya’s national papers.
What petty crime will get you in Kenya
Saturday, February 6th, 2010
When in Kenya, don’t steal books. Or in this case, a book. Especially if it’s by US televangelist, Joel Osteen.
Charles Ndung’u Kinyanjui walked into a supermarket on January 19th and, presumably needing some self-help, but unable to afford it, slipped a copy of It’s Your Time under his arm and attempted to flea.
It certainly was his time as he received three months for the petty crime. Three months!
Oddly, and without irony, this passes as news in one of Kenya’s national papers.
Don’t Call It A Slum
Tuesday, February 2nd, 2010
photos by R. Chursinoff