It is to be noted that Nairobians’ have continued being the same despite the post election skirmishes that happened at the beginning of the year and the positive economic growth that has started to pick up only recently.  Granted that there might be new CCTV s monitoring our CBD streets and traffic lights that are managing to keep the jams at bay; but we remain the same with our stubborn ways of doing things and our very special sense of humor.

There is a sign on Uhuru Highway (as you drive to Westlands from the University of Nairobi round about) that clearly & expressly reads “No stopping for buses & matatus” (or something of that nature) afterwhich the Nairobi City Council logo is proudly displayed.

Yet everyday Nairobians gather under the sign, craning their necks in anticipation of a matatu that would be plying the route to Westlands/Kangemi/Uthiru/Kinoo et al would stop to fill up their allowed 14-seater capacity. Usually if one such public means vehicle does stop it only has space for one person or at most two. Meaning that the patient, well dressed & seemingly well mannered crowd under the explicit sign all over sudden scrumble – even managing to push the conductor out of the way to get those few coveted seats. Once inside the passenger straightens their clothing – that came almost came apart; and gingerly places his/her bag on their laps, proceeding to blend into the facade of “A Nairobian calmly headed to work” that adorns all the other passengers.

I was part of the melay today morning and as I sat at the one of the window seats of the City Hopper that risked all to stop to collect us, I saw the sign once more and giggled to myself… I know not of another city that I would want to spend my morning rush hour in…