Living and studying abroad provides so much more insight into a place than tourism allows. Even after only a week and a half in Kenya I have been able to observe many aspects of culture and day-to-day life in Nairobi. I made a quick list of some of the interesting things I’ve learned about the city so far:
And many more things! This is just a sampling of the things I have already been able to learn/experience. Kenya is a really interesting place that is full of life, culture, and history. I am excited to further my knowledge about it even more as I experience more of the city and its surrounding areas, and study its institutions and history in class.
- Nairobi is very green. There are tons of different plants and trees throughout the city, which gives the city its nickname, the green city in the sun. There are some I recognize (like palm trees) and others that are completely foreign. The Jacaranda trees are the coolest with their bright purple flowers. It’s really nice to have the green element, especially in a city that is so polluted.
- Going off that last point – there is a lot of pollution! As I walk to school numerous vehicles (especially matatus) drive past with a jet of black smoke trailing behind. Because of all the pollution (and dust!) it is socially acceptable to pick your nose in public. I’ve learned to just always keep a pack of tissues with you. There is also a lot of litter everywhere, particularly on the sides of the road, which contributes to the overall pollution of the city.
- Cars drive on the opposite side of the road. This is one of the many remnants of British colonialism. It definitely makes crossing the road a little trickier since you have to remember to look the other way first.
- Most public bathrooms don’t have soap or toilet paper since its expensive to restock and people take it. Hand sanitizer and tissues are your best friend.
- White people are called mzungu. Very often while walking around we hear people shouting “mzungu, mzungu!” While it is not necessarily an insult, it is also not the nicest term.
- Matatus are the form of transportation most Kenyans use. They look like vans that are often packed with people. While this is the cheapest and most efficient method of transportation, we will mostly be avoiding them this semester because of security concerns.
- Never expect power (or internet) all the time. We’ve been here a little over a week and already we’ve had at least two blackouts and there are many times when the Internet isn’t working. It’s just part of the experience.
- Many Kenyans speak many languages. English and Swahili are widespread but most people also speak Sheng, the slang language of Swahili. In Swahili class we have been learning some Sheng, which is helpful around town. There are also many local languages that are spoken throughout the city.
- There is a huge income disparity, particularly in Nairobi. Nairobi is home to Kibera, the largest slum in East Africa, as well as several other slums. There are also areas of the city that are extremely wealthy. We visited a neighborhood just outside the city called Karen, where we observed many huge mansions. Westlands, where we live, is also known to be a higher income area of the city.
- Kenya has many diverse people and landscapes. There are officially 42 different “ethnic groups” within Kenya, many with distinct cultures and languages. But there are also many many more sub-groups that are extremely (if not more) important. Additionally, Nairobi is very different from Mombasa or other areas on the coast and the wide variety of different rural areas. While we won't have chance to visit the coast we will be able to experience some of the different rural areas through excursions and "rural week" where we do a home stay with a family in a remote part of Kenya.
And many more things! This is just a sampling of the things I have already been able to learn/experience. Kenya is a really interesting place that is full of life, culture, and history. I am excited to further my knowledge about it even more as I experience more of the city and its surrounding areas, and study its institutions and history in class.