This archive report was first published on 14 August 2019.
Published on August 14, 2019, by Nerima Wako-Ojiwa, executive director of Siasa Place.
There's something about the rain in Nairobi that's particularly poignant. It's not just the smell of the soil or the sound of raindrops on the windows that's therapeutic – it's the way the rain exposes the city's stark class divide.
Most people living in Nairobi exist below the poverty line, with many residing in slums adjacent to affluent residential areas. The city's central business district is home to a national park, but it's also a place where the poor and the rich live in close proximity.
Every prime neighborhood is bordered by a slum, a stark reminder of the city's economic disparities. Nairobi's approach to capitalism has created a widening gap between the rich and the poor, particularly among the youth who face limited employment opportunities.
As the cost of living continues to rise, it's predicted that the number of people living in slums will increase. The rain, which can be a welcome respite for some, serves as a harsh reminder of the city's social and economic inequalities.
For those living in dilapidated housing, the rain is a nightmare. Roofs leak, and makeshift bridges are constructed to navigate the overflowing water and sewage. The morning routine becomes a treacherous obstacle course, with residents forced to navigate puddles and mud to get to work.
Shoe shiners make a killing on rainy days, as commuters stop to clean their shoes before heading to work. Others resort to using public restrooms to clean themselves up, a testament to the city's inadequate drainage systems.
As the rain pours down, it's a stark reminder that in Nairobi, only the rich can truly play. For the poor, the rain is a harsh reality that serves as a constant reminder of their struggles.
Nerima Wako-Ojiwa is executive director of Siasa Place. You can follow her on Twitter at @NerimaW.
