Humans of Africa: JJ (Kenya)

Nomad
Jul 19, 2016
2 min read

Kenya

“Jambo/Sema* ! ”

JJ, Human of Africa

“Kenya is where the seed was planted. It’s where I was born, where I was raised. It’s where I’m from. It’s where my parents and grand-parents still are. It’s an unbreakable tie – no matter where you go, you can’t break that bond. It’ll forever be apart of you and I’m proud of that.”

“Kenya is also a beautiful country. There’s always that homesick feeling, it’s a part of who you are – you can’t get rid of it. When you go back you get a sense of fulfillment, you’re back to your memories, friends, family. It just brings a lot of joy!”

“Wearing my “Kenya” bracelet every time I go out, my “Kenya” belt, having my cousins in Hamilton makes me feel at home – family is always the closest thing to being back home. With the internet I also get to keep up with what’s going on inside the country, outside the country.”

“I see myself going back in the future. Definitely visiting for sure! I want to continue developing the country with the professional skills that I have.”

“If you’re visiting Kenya, I’d recommend the typical safaris, which everyone knows about; Mount Kenya if you like hiking; for the beaches go to Mombasa. Go to a market inside or outside the city and buy handcrafts – it’s a common trade in the country.

If you really want to experience Kenya, go to the city and take a matatu (local transportation). If you’re into humanitarian, go visit the Kibera slums (on a guided tour) – the largest slum in Africa. You’ll get to see both the rich and the poor. DON’T VENTURE INTO THE SLUMS SOLO!!!

If you know someone in Kenya, try to visit their Ushago (village). You’ll get to see how people live outside the urban environment.”

“Foods you need to try in Kenya include Ugali (maize flour with hot water, which when solidified become like a cake) and Sukumawiki (kale or collard greens). Ugali is dry so you need something to accompany it. A common go-to is sukumawiki or some meat stew. Another one is Nyamachoma (which literally translated to “burn meat”) which is essentially goat meat grilled on coal. You should also try fried tilapia and Githeri (maize and beans).

There are 42 tribes so if you’re adventurous talk to locals to see what their staple food is.” (JJ is Kikuyu).

Kwaheri/Baadae (**) !

(*) Jambo is “Welcome” in formal Swahili, while Sema is its informal Swahili equivalent.;

(**) Kwaheri is “Goodbye” in formal Swahili, while Baadae is its informal Swahili equivalent.

“When you go to the city the Swahili is a broken version of the real Swahili. The proper Swahili is spoken in Mombasa.”

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About the author - Nomad, The Ndebele Sista

Nomad is a Sista Tweet blogger, co-creator, External Relations Manager and Strategic Thinker.

She's a lover of international cultures and foods and when she's not on Sista Tweet or growing her career at her day job, she's busy planning her next trip around the world.