Kenya Myth Busters (August 31)

Now that we have been living in Kenya for a couple of weeks, we feel we have a duty to confirm or dispel to our friends in America some of the preconceived notions that one may have about going to Kenya.

·      Statement #1 – “You will only eat rice and beans. Any ‘luxury’ food should be brought and savored from whatever can fit in your luggage”

Verdict – BUSTED!

Tim enjoying his fresh caught fish with
Swahili sauce and fresh tomato
and avocado salad

While we have had a meal or two of rice in beans in the villages, we have been eating like kings since we have arrived in Kenya. Much of that has to do with the fact that we haven’t made a single meal ourselves, but overall Kenyans enjoy a very rich diet – everything from their nyama chomo (roast meat), to ugali, to cooked greens, to chai, to straight up sugar cane. We have had amazing local foods while in the village for the children’s camp, and the seafood on the coast from our great chef of our beach house is the best we’ve had.  Krista has also been spoiling us with homemade desserts nearly every night. Basically, we could eat like this for the rest of our lives and be happy.

·      Statement #2 – “You will never find a paved road in the country. Be prepared for a bumpy ride”

Verdict – BUSTED! (but often times true)

A typical sight blocking the roads

The roads of Kenya go with the flow like the people. There are definitely nicer, paved roads in the city (no lines painted of course), but in remote villages it’s dirt or bust. The highway we traveled on from Nairobi to Mombasa was pretty smooth sans a couple spots and close encounters with oncoming trucks. Overall, it hasn’t been too much of an issue, but we may think differently when we’re in our 60’s.

·      Statement #3  - “People only live in mud huts, don’t’ they?”

Verdict – BUSTED!

Village hut in Menzamwenye

While we have been visiting villages for the last couple weeks, mud huts were indeed the main dwelling we saw, but many people also have nice stone homes. In Nairobi, a city of over 2 million, many houses are modern and sophisticated. Where we will live in Kisumu will most likely be a furnished apartment with all or most of the amenities we enjoy in America.

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·      Statement #4 – “People will see your white skin and ask you for money”

Verdict – Verified!

Tim getting solicited on the beach to
pay Omad's school fees

Yup, it’s the truth. Kenyans see the “mzungu” and the price automatically doubles at the market or the plea to have you help pay for their school fees or sick grandma ensues. Not all people are as blunt about the ask, though, and are simply trying to get by. The key is to listen to them respectfully and give an indirect Kenyan response such as “Ahh, maybe tomorrow” when they won't take no for an answer, and to get good at bargaining so we aren’t totally fleeced when paying for things.

·      Statement #5 – “Never take the Matatus (form of public transportation, aka beat-up 15 passenger van driving like a maniac with men hanging out the door to let you in). You will die!!”

Verdict – BUSTED!

A well-kept and not too full
 matatu in Ukunda

While it may not be the “safest” form of public transport in American standards, matatus or simply walking are a way of life here in Kenya. We enjoyed several eventful rides in Nairobi and lived to tell about it. In Kisumu we will be taking them as well. The key is to know where it is going and make sure it's not about to breakdown on the side of the road.

·      Statement #6 – “Never ever drink water unless it is purified 100% Alpine spring water bottled and doubly sealed!”

Verdict – BUSTED!

Tim, Shauen, and the store workers
securing 2 - 2300 liter water tanks
to take to Menzamwenye so the
children would have fresh water

While you do need to be very cautious about the water, especially with a Westerners stomach, we have been able to brushing our teeth the tap water and drinking water that we have simply purified from a filter. Water from boar hole wells is often very clean and the house we stayed at on the coast had a purification system. Water is still a major issue for many Kenyans though. People will travel hours both ways to simply fill a tank for the day. Many NGOs are working to help dig new wells, such as www.givecleanwaternow.org looking to dig in Kenya.

So as you can see, many of the preconceived notions proved to be in fact myths. While Kenya is definitely a different way of life, people around the world have the same basic needs that are met everyday. Any other Kenyan myths we can clear up for you?