First Week

We are all moved into our spacious apartment and have adapted well to life here in Nairobi. Car rides no long scare me, and we have all been greatly enjoying the food and tea! We have quickly become regulars at a little café called Java Coffee House in Junction, taking advantage of the wifi, the good food, and for me in particular, the Malindi Chai Lattes! We also enjoyed a few drams of whisky the other night. ;) Here are a few pictures of me in front of our apartment gate and at the Junction.

After we got settled in, I started my internship at Faulu on Wednesday. I met with Ann at the main office branch, where she hired a cab to drive me to the kibera branch where I would meet Naomi. Not knowing what to expect, I was greatly surprised to find myself driving into the slums. My cab driver drove me down a harsh dirt road, and I have to admit, I was a bit apprehensive. To make matters worse, my cab driver got a little lost and had to pull over to ask for directions a couple of times. (This actually happens a lot in Nairobi due to a lack of addresses and street signs in parts of town, such as the slums.) So I was a bit nervous when he finally pulled into what was to be the kibera office. He was kind enough to escort me in, to make sure I was at the right place, and everyone at the branch gave me a warm welcome and all the apprehension was gone. Here are some pictures of the people I have been working with outside the kibera office.

The reason why this branch is located in the slums quickly made sense to me after seeing the branch operations. A number of people who live in the slums apply for and are offered microloans. Thus, it is easy for the people to walk to the branch for inquiries, etc. In addition, a large part of Faulu’s microlending occurs in a form called ‘group lending.’ Group lending allows clients to occasionally default on their loan payments with the support of other group members while Faulu maintains financial stability. The process is truly brilliant! Therefore, another large part of my job is attending groups meetings. Each group meets once a week to make payments, discuss issues, and to apply for other loans. I have been greatly enjoy these group meetings, because one, I get to meet so many fabulous people and understand how they do business here, and two, I get to travel all over Nairobi.

On Wednesday, all of the group meetings I attended were located within walking distance from the kibera office, and thus in the slums. Now as for the slums… during the violence that occurred in Kenya post 2007 elections, the slums were essentially a warzone. People were scared and angry, living without food and water, and full of fear for the future. Now, 4 years later, you would never have known that occurred. Now, they are bustling with energy and life as people trade and banter with each other. Besides the stench and trash on the streets, the slums are enjoyable open markets, and many people have successful businesses here. Everyone has treated me with kindness and often ask about the similarities and difference between business in Kenya and the states. Here are some pictures of the slums.

On Thursday, I accompanied Naomi to attend group meetings all over the city. For transportation, we took the Matatu (a small 14 passenger bus), which is an adventure in itself, but allowed me to see so much of the city and experience Kenyan life. Most of the groups meetings we attended today were located in beautiful parts of the city, in restaurants, stores and parks. In fact, one group meeting took place in a beautiful park dedicated as a memorial for a terrorist attack that occurred in 1998 in the city centre. Here are some pictures of group meetings and the memorial park.

But we are all enjoying our stay here and have learned so much! I will update soon about our trip to David Tanki’s village in the countryside. Miss you all! Sending my love!