Uncertainity Remains Heavy in the air in Kenya

by: Jennifer Kumar

I am open to learning and changing my mind about things. That is why I started this blog; to learn about something new and open my mind’s borders, so to speak. Kenya is a country that is foreign, exotic and leaves a lot to my imagination since I have not learned much about it before I started this blog. I say this being 32 years old.

I have lived abroad for two years in India. I was in India during several elections and political violence. Yet, somehow knowing what happened there was dangerous, I definitely downplayed what I reported from my findings so far in the Kenyan elections. Therefore, I am making it up in this post, and deleting the ending of my previous post because it is not what I think now, less than one day later.

What I experienced when I lived in India was the following:
- On election days the roads were barren, eerily silent. No stores were open, including many public telephone operators (pay phones operated by workers). No souls including wandering dogs could be seen in the road. I had to go out to the doctor on that day, and I was definitely shaken by the silence that surrounded me.
- I don’t remember the particulars; I think the local leader at the time was going to be sentenced to jail for breaking the law and her supporters did not agree. This led to busses and trains being stoned and a few busses being set on fire- during rush hours. I was out that day as this news was reported in the mid day, and we were not informed because we were doing field work in the slums, were there were few radios and televisions. I was not affected, but a few classmates had shared stories of being in trains that unexpectedly stopped on the tracks and hearing stones hitting the sides of the trains. They did reach home safely.
- The next day or two after those incidents (stoning and busses ablaze) colleges, schools, government offices and many places were closed and people were told to stay inside and only leave for emergency purposes.

After remembering this in detail, and then reading more about what is going on in Kenya, I agree that what I said in yesterday’s post was naïve and ignorant. How can that compare with election violence in U.S.? In U.S., we can go outside during elections. Election days are unlike any other, work goes on as usual without any fear at all. Though there has been election turmoil, it have never seen it result in closing of towns, cities, government offices, colleges, being unable to go to buy food and supplies, fires being lit in streets, killings, ‘gun rapes,’ looting, people being unable to return home because their houses had been burned/looted/occupied by bandits, and the many other terrors that are happening in the streets of Kenyan towns and cities since the election results were announced yesterday. These responses forced all media outlets to freeze reporting, and the majority (or all) of news is being reported by foreign news sources outside Kenyan borders. This current turn of events is in stark contrast to the image Kenya has portrayed to its African and world neighbors, as it has held the reputation of a haven of peace and stability in the region.

We all wish for peace, health, happiness and prosperity in the New Year for all. I send my sincerest wishes for this to all in the world, but especially in Kenya during these uncertain times.

More Information:

Al Jazeera


Videos from BBC - Sky News
Wandering the World Blog - Lock Down

Africa Expat Wives Club- Look for Monday, December 31, 2007 (no title link)

Kenya Death Toll rises to 103- Zee News India

I want to go on Living in Kenya - One story from a localite

Hon. Mwai Kibaki Accepts Second 5- Year Term as Kenyan President

by: Jennifer Kumar

Today, December 30, 2007, the results of the Kenyan presidential election were announced three days after the election commenced.

Though, Hon. Mwai Kibaki has completed his election acceptance speech, there are Kenyans not happy with the result. Our friends blogging at Wandering the World, in fact, report one hour after results were announced and Mr. Kibaki's speech, fires are being set in the city and Mr. Odinga "demanding" a recount (source).

In trying to understand the reasons for the ongoing violence throughout Nairobi city and slums and other towns in Kenya. I have formulated some ideas for why this is happening:

1. The election tallies were released very late, forcing most to assume election rigging.
2. The thought of rigging enticed violence, making going out to stores and running errands
impossible for most. (Read "Still Waiting" and "Election violence as many feel they have been
robbed ", both written by expats living in Nairobi, Kenya.) Some even have yet to celebrate
Christmas for reasons I have yet to fully understand.
3. The Winner hails from a different tribe (Kikuyu) than his challenger Raila Odinga (Luo tribe).
With the suspected rigging and voting tallies so close, this increases the tension and,
incidentally reports of looting. (Source article from UK
Telegraph.)
4. Kenya gained independence in 1963 from Great Britain. The country is a relatively young
democracy, struggling to identify themselves and also incorporated a multi-party democracy
which is only 15 years old (source), which would entice growing pains (including a rumor that
the challenger's name may have been left off some rosters - source).

I find it ironic that though this process the American government has been releasing communication (VOA is one source.), but I have not heard this information on local or cable news. I also read that during the tally process, local media [in Kenya] outlets were shut down and news intentionally not released to prevent more violence. Our expat friends on Wandering the World recently returned to Nairobi from abroad and did not know they would encounter "empty streets," closed shopping centers, and people on streets with clubs because, "...updates have been hard to come by on international news channels due to Bhutto’s assassination on Thursday. Her death has been the primary story on every news outlet, making channel surfing a necessity."

In learning about this Kenyan election, I am learning more about the world.

[Last paragraph intentionally deleted by author.]


Further sources: Kenya's Kibaki back in the lead, riots flare | BBC Focus on Africa- Listen now!

Women's Role in Kenya's Elections

by: Jennifer Kumar

December 27 was the Kenyan elections. I don't know much about Kenyan elections, so I am not sure if this date is annual or not. Since most of the population celebrates Christmas, it seems odd to me that this election date would be annual because of possible election violence. It was also stated in some reports that some have not yet celebrated Christmas and will do so once the election, hence tensions, decrease.

I became interested in this topic because of a few news articles related to women's role in elections. Violence is common against women candidates. I wonder if there is violence against women voters as well.

Al Jazeera

Sources: League of Kenya Women Voters Female Candidates in Kenya Say They Face Discrimination, Violence (with video) Kenyan General Election Voting Today

Kenya – New Outsourcing Hub?

by: Jennifer Kumar

Not just a land of lions, giraffes, wildebeests and hippos, but also a land of outsourcing and call centers? Of course wildlife will take center stage over technological infrastructure, but as Kenya’s internet infrastructure has big expansion plans over the next two years, many world business leaders will be coming to Kenya to invest in call centers and hopefully see a lion or two!

I guess it was just a matter of time. Anyhow, maybe Indians are getting sick of working in call centers. Or, their skills are surpassing the original forecasts, and people are demanding more- more in wages, better hours, raises and overall better working conditions?

Of course, now bandwidth cost and availability are major problems in Kenya. To remedy this major players are teaming up with telecom companies in Kenya to improve infrastructure and allow Kenya to stand distinctively as the major telecom hub of East Africa.

As we talk to our friends, family and neighbors about Kenya, it is surprising how many stereotypes abound about Kenya- that it’s only rural, people don’t speak English, it is a poverty-stricken country, only wildlife is to be seen, there is no infrastructure, there are no bustling, modern cities, and the education system is neither good or in English. All these stereotypes are of course, false. Many items on that list do need improvement, just like in any country, but shouldn’t be a barrier to development. This vision coming to fruition will demonstrate that Kenya can offer more than those stereotypes to its citizens and the world.

Kenyans are hard workers and I am sure they will make the best out of the call center culture and surpass international expectations. In the meantime, you can judge for yourself by reading the articles that inspired this post below.

Call Centres Set to Benefit From Cheaper Bandwidth in Kenya Kenya wants to grab piece of outsourcing pie World's next outsourcing hub: Kenya? ICT Park Safaricom Kenya: Plans underway to Create 30,000 Outsourcing Jobs in Varsities

Resident of Nairobi Slum Graduates from University of Manchester, U.K.

by: Jennifer Kumar

Question everything. Anything is possible. Dare to expect the unexpected. Take the path less traveled. Go against expectations.

This is the life story of Sammy Gitau, a lifetime resident of one of Nairobi, Kenya’s poorest communities- a slum in the middle of the city. The story of his life is commendable. He has definitely seen times most of us are afraid to talk about let alone experience first hand.

He knew his studies would take him places. Though he has had only few years of formal schooling, he is now a proud college graduate from the University of Manchester in U.K. with a MSc in International Development Project Management (IDPM).

His story teaches us many things. One of the things that it teaches me is that “there are many ways in and many ways out” and some of those ways are far from conventional. I am sure, for instance the University was ridiculed for accepting such a student. After all, plenty of students ‘formally schooled’ and highly ranked also applied. What did the students think? But, the university took a risk on experience over test scores! How novel!

How did Sammy get to go abroad? Being from a slum, how could he afford the travel and living expenses abroad? Over his lifetime (currently at the ripe old age of 35), he has inspired his neighbors and fellow ‘slum dwellers’ to rise up and have better lives. Without studying books, but knowing his community, his people, and his country he created his own community development programs. These programs had international visitors over the years. His superior networking abilities roped in insurmountable international moral and financial support. It was through his track record on the ground, his grassroots effort paid off, literally. Now, to return to Kenya foreign educated at one of the world’s top institution.

So, two days after Kenya’s 44th Independence Day celebration, one of Kenya’s hardest working ‘regular Joes’ has achieved a new freedom of his own for himself and his people. I wish Sammy all the best in using his new found knowledge to enhance his family, his community, his country and his world!

For the entire article, titled From Slum Dweller to Miracle Graduate click here.
University of Manchester

Carbon Footprint of Kenyan Farmers

by: Jennifer Kumar

As the debate over carbon footprints heats up worldwide, Kenyan farmers are in the spotlight in the U.K. Growing, purchasing and eating local produce is a hot topic in most western countries, such people called localvores are popping up everywhere it seems. Being a localvore, many think equates with having less of a carbon footprint. Is this really true? I explore this in more detail in a full length article called - The Carbon Footprint of Localvores. Read the full length article by clicking here.

Related Video

Social Security in Kenya

by: Jennifer Kumar

I doubt Kenyans have social security numbers. It may be possible in some places in Kenya, people do not know their own birthdays. It may not be part of their culture.

So, what is the social security I am referring to? It is polygamy.

I guess the Christian missionaries in Kenya will continue to ban this practice. On some levels it is a good practice (not for me, but for them), and on some levels it needs updating.

Why do I think it's good? A wife having to raise kids all alone without help is challenging. Ask any mom in the modern countries, and she'll tell you she wants a break. Imagine living in a compound with other wives and their kids, you can at least go to the bathroom in privacy! Of course, living in Kenyan villages is also tough work- hauling water long distances, farming, caring for house and children- the more help the better!

Why it's not good? Well two reasons. Ironically, I endorse this for the woman and not the man! What pressure the man must have in Kenya! Firstly, he needs to provide dowry, then on top of that provide for many wives and even more children! Now if that is not stressful, what is?

But, what happens when the man of the house dies? In [some sections] of Kenyan society, the man's surviving wives - now widows- are 'inherited' by his brother or a male family member. Wow! Increasing stress for the man of the house! But, what does that mean?

The women become members of the household in all ways- even physical intimacy between the new 'wives' and the man of the house commences. Often times, it is thought this is how AIDS is spread, because birth control is non-existent or not utilized.

It is said that presently as more people follow Christianity and polygamy is slowly leaving the social structure, that women don't want to participate in this social security system anymore. This is easier said than done. If a woman is educated and a wage earner (as in most societies) she has a better chance of living without the extended family as an 'inherited' wife in her widowhood.

I am not sure what this means for widows in general. What is the status of widows? Are they accepted socially? Are attitudes changing? Do widows in the countryside fare differently than in the cities? Do widows in different spiritual traditions in Kenya fare differently?

I found this fascinating. To read more about Kenyan culture, pick up the book Kenya (Modern World Nations) by Joseph R. Oppong and Esther D. Oppong. In fact, this post is based on information on pages 52-55. It's a kid's book I think, but I like the way it is written. An enjoyable read.

CARE in Africa

by: Jennifer Kumar

I picked up Bill Bryson's African Diary in the library and recently read it. It's a one hour read (I read slow, though) of about 50 entertaining, heartfelt, intensely emotional, suspenseful pages.

Bill, the Hanover, New Hampshire native, travelled to Kenya to travel far and wide on behalf of Care International to learn about the efforts of CARE in Kenya. He went to Nairobi slums, Mombasa beaches, Gedi ruins of Muslim traders of the past, a secluded desert refugee camp and before leaving, a short safari full of color and wild animals.

Since I spent two years in India, traversing Chennai slums helping residents through Udavi, Asha Nivas and World Vision, many of Bill's descriptions of Nairobi slums ignited memories. Mostly, the intense balance between disparity and hope has influenced me intently. It was the raw humanity of the situation that would affect anyone who experiences these settings. Despite the physical conditions of these places, the people have amazing resolve and always greet you with a smile!

If you decide to buy this book, it seems that the entire profit will go to CARE to help the Kenyans gain a better life.

Thanks for doing what you did Bill, and sharing it with the world!

Read two case studies of clients I worked with in India:
Thenmuzhi, The Sweet Language of a Tragic Situation
Thirumani: Changing the life tune of a great bell

Culture of the 24 hour Shopping Center

by: Jennifer Kumar

Nairobi now has three 24 hour shopping centers, owned by an Indian. The locals have taken to this new concept in a novel way. Since families in Nairobi are just as busy as anyone else in the world, they prefer to shop as a family at night. Parents put their kids to bed in the early evening to wake them late in night for a midnight family shopping trip. A new family bonding experience.

Follow this link for the full article.

Matatus, Kenya's Public Transportation in the News

by: Jennifer Kumar

Informative article on the history and present concerns of the matatu industry in Kenya. Matatus are mini buses, infamous for overcrowding, used as public transportation. The article seems to make me think fares are quite constant across the board. However, I have read several travel blogs that highlight the opposite - that bargining is done both by foreigners and locals alike.

From the article: "Matatu is the Swahili word for three - early fares for a trip in the capital, Nairobi, were just three of Kenya's smallest coins, said Gerishon Ikiara, a top official in Kenya's transport ministry."

See the article here: http://canadianpress.google.com/article/ALeqM5iFa-iZPVYGI1Iyj2xyyEaYcXLoEg

Read an engaging post on public transportation in Kenya on the blog "A Vermonter in Kenya."

Budget Safaris

by: Jennifer Kumar

Today I found this site with 'budget safaris' to Kenya - Tanzania and of course other travels around the world.

The following are the thoughts on the site -Kenya Safari Listings

I browsed a few itineries on the site to Kenya and Tanzania and am really curious how they are so cheap. Maybe the accomidations maybe mostly in campsites. Also, are the itineries guaranteed (ie. if all the slots in a particular tour don't fill) do they proceed or cancel? Anyhow, I sent away for a brochure of one of the tours.

One thing about the site was quite unique is they offer travel blogs for their customers. I browsed some tagged Personal Trip Journals for Kenya,
and was impressed by the amount of blogs available to see, but from my point of view, two things can be improved - Titling the blogs on the index page can be improved by using the name of the country/tour and the dates attended. Far as I could tell, there were no recent blogs from 2007. But, I found a few intriguing I want to share.

Ulmius-Gestrelius Origins of Man Safari Nov 2005
We are making a somewhat different safari in Kenya and Tanzania: to take a look at some sites where findings from the origin of man have been discovered. However, we will not miss the opportunity to watch some wild life also.

Nancy & Tony's Little Break
Excerpts from two days:
“Arusha has the usual problems, ie touts bugging the hell out of you for everything, and can't walk anywhere at night, but we are used to all that now . Interesting place to wake up with 5am start of mosque blaring next to hotel followed about an hour later by cockerels crowing - yes even the big towns have chickens wondering the streets - no bird flu here - yet!” 20 Mar 2006 - Arusha via Moshi

“Lunch was also a highlight as the picnic was next to a beautiful lake full of hippos and zebras grazing nearby but poor Nancy lost her chicken leg to a large brown kite (like an eagle) that swooped from nowhere to scoop the chicken from her hands without laying a scratch on her - she got a big fright though - quite funny to watch though!! hence I ate my chicken in the landrover! (-:” 26 Mar 2006 - Ngorongoro Crater

Please leave your feedback on the blogs or if you have attended any travels - specifically safaris through this site - adventurecenter.com.


Thank you for reading.

Greetings Friends

Greetings. My name is Jennifer.

We have been in process of planning a safari in Kenya and Tanzania for the past two months. I wanted to open this blog to:

1. Share and discuss research I have found.
2. Get others interested in talking about their safari experience including the researching of going on safari, the actual trip and any other details.
3. Share our safari experience (possibly to happen sometime in next one year).
4. Anything related to safari.

Looking forward to your contributions!

Jennifer