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!

First Day

We have arrived in Nairobi safely after 3 long flights, full of excitement and anticipation for the adventures ahead. We were surprised at how smoothly we were able to pass through immigration and retrieve our baggage, and before we knew it, we were shaking hands with Mr. Tanki and on our way to our new home for the next month. 

I was more than thankful Mr. Tanki picked us up, for driving here in Nairobi is an adventure in itself – mostly lacking in the strict driving structure that the states rely on! Lanes are just suggestions and speed limits are pretty much ignored.  Plus, people are constantly crossing the street randomly or trying to sell you fruit or purses from the street, while cars pull right out in front of you and pass you by mere inches. But all the chaos seems to work here in Nairobi, and things continued to flow along. 

Our apartment is magnificent! One, it is huge! Entry way, living room, dining room, kitchen, and bathroom on the ground floor, and three spacious bedrooms with double beds upstairs with a bathroom as well. And beautiful hardwood floors throughout the apartment! The beds are a wee bit firm, but after 25 hours of travel, it was a luxury to be able to sleep horizontally.  

We have “hot” water on the ground floor… though I use hot loosely. Our showers are on the colder side of warm, enough to make you shiver but bearable. I was just so happy to be clean after waiting in airports and airplanes for so long that I can’t complain. 

The food so far is delicious! The most amazing juices freshly squeezed to order. I had mango juice this morning and it was divine. And get this! For breakfast at a café not far for our flat they have huevos rancheros and breakfast burritos! The world is becoming so globalized! 

As for work, I begin my internship at Faulu tomorrow and am very excited. Everyone we have met so far are most kind and helpful, and it seems Kenya has a warm and welcoming business environment. We are giving a presentation today to high school graduates about values, time and financial management, so I will soon let you know how that goes. 

As for Nairobi itself, it is amazingly green and lush here. Bright tropical flowers and trees all around our apartment making it feel as if we are staying in a jungle! I just purchased a SD card for my camera, so pictures will be coming soon!

Cheers!

Pre-Departure and Preparations

Jen, Patrick, and I depart for Nairobi this Sunday, and will arrive after a grueling 25 hours of travel time. Nonetheless, we are most excited and eager for the adventures ahead, for we will each take our first steps in Africa in less than a week! We have each been very busy with preparations for our roles as project consultants in an array of sectors. I will be working with Kenya's leading microfinance institution Faulu Kenya. Jen will be working with advertising companies with the focus of developing successful marketing strategies and lines for success for each company. Last, Patrick will be focusing on financial consultation for a company that manufactures and produces animal feeds, and will also give a presentation on personal wealth building.

I am very excited for my 'Kenyan Adventure' and the projects ahead, as well as a tad bit apprehensive for the daunting experience of traveling to a foreign country and adapting to a new culture. I know it will be a worthwhile and enriching experience for me, and hopefully I'll be able to fit in a Safari, or two.