From the Countryside to Nairobi

Written on April 13, from Nairobi, Kenya

By Christine Rose

Whereas most of Village Enterprise Fund’s clients are based in the rural areas, there is a small focus on businesses in the urban areas – particularly the Nairobi region, including businesses in the Nairobi Slums.

The slums of Nairobi are well-known as being some of the most expansive slums in any urban area. For example, I understand that the Kiberi Slum in Nairobi is home to over a million people in a very small footprint. Inhabitants face daily challenges of tight living conditions, poor housing material (primarily corrugated metal in a hot climate), no running water, and no sanitation or garbage services (small culverts running down each street collect human waste, and garbage is dumped on the sides of the street and in the river). Despite the deplorable conditions, I saw in Kiberi what I have seen everywhere else – mothers working, children playing, busy markets, and people being in community together. The human spirit certainly is resilient!

We quickly moved on to Korogocho, which I understand to be the most dangerous slum in Nairobi – primarily because most of the young men are unemployed, use drugs and alcohol, and loiter in the streets. I believe that it’s very rare for foreigners to visit Korogocho (other than NGO’s or aid workers), so a white girl walking down the streets of Korogocho is not something that is easily ignored – and a great target for theft. I knew that going into it – but heck, we had businesses to visit, and I was with my Kenyan guide; I was prepared to part with my camera and the few shillings in my pocket if anyone approached me… Well, the experience turned out quite differently – why am I not surprised by now!

As we began walking through the East side of Korogocho (the most dangerous area), we were quickly met by one of the small business owners that VEF has provided with a MicroGrant. We chatted briefly, I enjoyed hearing about their business, and we moved on. I didn’t take much notice to the fact that the business owner was walking with us – I figured they were enjoying the conversation. As we approached the next business, the same thing happened – after the interview, the business owner joined our group – and it happened again, until I realized that I was being escorted by a group of six individuals who lived in Korogocho. They were sending a message of “don’t mess with her – she’s with us” – and sure enough, the mood eased. Even the young men where shouting hello to me, rather than being threatening. God had provided protection in the form of the very business owners that Village Enterprise Fund is supporting – and it worked beautifully!

There are so many fascinating stories, even in Korogocho Slum…. The man who was born and raised on the streets of Korogocho, who as a young man drank and looted, and now he has changed his ways and has opened a youth center, hoping to occupy the young men of Korogocho with better activities. Oh, and he offers toilet and shower facilities (which don’t exist in Korogocho), and is currently working on grand scheme to convert the waste into cooking gas…!

Maggie and Joyce are two strong, proud women who have created their own success even within their circumstances in Korogochu (benefiting from the hand-up from VEF). Maggie makes jewelry and goes to hotels and conferences to sell her wares (Maggie shared how she loves interacting with the businessmen and women). Joyce sells French fries on a street corner – and oh are they yummy! Joyce has such a warm nature, she is clearly the “Korogocho Mama.”

Clearly there is extreme hardship for those living in Korogocho and Kiberi, but it is refreshing to see that even in the most challenging of situations, men and women can see improvements, given the smallest opportunity.

I enjoyed getting back out to the countryside surrounding Nairobi, away from the hustle and bustle of the city for a bit. Our final visit of the day was with Anna – previously she sold used clothing in a small kiosk at the market; with the help of the MicroGrant, she now she has her own storefront where she runs a tailoring business. Wish I had time to get some clothes made! (Photo to left)

As I close this blog entry, I am very much looking forward to Kevin’s visit to Kenya! He arrives in Nairobi on Thursday, and I will have the joy of sharing “my Kenya” with him for a week. I will pick up my Longevity Study work and continue this blog towards the end of April...

Best,
Christine