This archive report was first published on 9 September 2019.
As I reflect on my time in Nairobi, I'm reminded of a saying that goes: 'Nairobi is like a woman, if it says 'No' to you, you had better pack your things and go back where you came from.' I've had my fair share of run-ins with the city, and I must say, it's a saying that resonates deeply with me.
One of the most memorable experiences was when I was late with my rent. I had to leave my house at dawn, even if I was headed nowhere, and sneak back in late at night to avoid my caretaker. It was a cat-and-mouse game, where I had to minimize my movements to avoid detection. The electricity was on, but I had to operate in darkness to avoid alerting my caretaker that I was home.
But it wasn't just the caretakers that made life challenging. The agents were even more ruthless. They would come to my house, lock me out, and take the keys with them. It was a nightmare, and I felt like I was walking on eggshells every day.
However, I must say that Nairobi has its charm. I've had to change my route to avoid bumping into the garbage collectors because I owed them. I even resorted to carrying my trash every morning, thinking they would stop billing me. But, to my surprise, they were still at my door demanding their pay at the end of the month.
And then there's the issue of bus fares. I've had to compete with other statues in town, waiting for fares to reduce. It's a never-ending cycle, and I've had to get creative to make ends meet.
But, despite all the challenges, Nairobi has a way of winning you over. I've had to peep from behind a closed curtain to see who's knocking at my door, and I've even had to change my surname to Nairobi. It's a city that's full of surprises, and you never know what's going to happen next.
So, if you're thinking of moving to Nairobi, be prepared for the unexpected. It's a city that will keep you on your toes, and you'll never know what's going to happen next.
