This archive report was first published on 4 January 2020.
Published on January 4, 2020, I'm writing to you from Yaoundé, Cameroon, where I've been observing the local culture and way of life. One of the first things that struck me was the efficiency of the government's services. In Kenya, we're used to waiting for hours to get approvals or documents, but here, even simple procedures like sim card registration are completed in under an hour.
My Orange sim card was registered and loaded with data bundles for 10 days in just over an hour, despite the language barrier. The procedure was smooth, and I'm now well-equipped to send timely updates back home.
But what really caught my attention was the traffic in Yaoundé. It's chaotic, to say the least, but there's a 'positive' side to it – the young policewomen who control the traffic are a delight to behold. Clad in blue shirts, navy blue pants, white helmets, and white gloves, they carry out their duties with a smile, easing the frustration of drivers and passengers alike.
Perhaps Kenya should consider a similar approach, where fresh graduates from Kiganjo are tasked with controlling traffic in the city. It's an idea worth exploring, don't you think?
Team Kenya is being treated like royalty at Hotel des Deputes, a favorite among parliamentarians. The hotel lobby is a hub of activity, especially during lunch hour, with parliamentarians arriving in style to sample the local delicacies. By local standards, it's a high-end hotel, and our team is being treated like the African queens they are.
But what's really shocking is the state of the taxis in Yaoundé. They're painted yellow, but that's where the similarity with Nairobi's matatus ends. These taxis break traffic rules for fun, with no side mirrors, broken headlights, and seats that are torn to shreds. They're a far cry from the luxury we're used to in Kenya.
