This archive report was first published on 11 October 2019.
It's a common phenomenon in Nairobi's rental market: landlords cutting corners to save a coin. They paint with spittle, use sawdust for wardrobes, and opt for the cheapest materials for sinks. This means that six months after moving in, tenants have to fix something every week – a quick screwing, tightening, paint, and so on.
Our fathers, who grew up in a different era, were skilled in fixing gates, splitting firewood, and even finding time for an evening beer. But we're from a different generation, having spent our childhood in boarding school, preparing us for office life where everything is done at our convenience.
Caroline, the wife, is not buying the simple explanation for her husband's 'laziness.' She's had enough of the wardrobe door hanging precariously, the toilet flush system breaking down, and the drawers needing tightening or replacement. The constant reminders of her husband's apathy are causing marital strife every evening.
Despite promises to fix things, the husband's memory is like that of a politician after an election. He keeps forgetting and downplaying the issues, which only boils Caroline's blood further. She's had to call a plumber to fix everything and pay for it, only to spend the next 69 days reminding her husband how less of a man he is.
But the husband can take the insults and pay back the money she used, just to buy peace of mind. After all, the house belongs to the wife, and fixing stuff inside should be her job. Otherwise, how will he find time for beer with friends?
