I have a love-hate relationship with Nairobi. Like, that one Ex you've had 15 breakups.
The only redeeming bit is the Holy Grail of Meru tribe - Tearoom Bus Terminus.
It feels like cultural treason if I do not join my kinsmen in that dingy pub called Muringa. It stinks, man - like they built it atop an open sewer line.
What amazes me, though - is the bustling business at Tea Room. I have family here. We get to bond.
Like, Anto - he's earned his bread at Tearoom for the last decade, all without a specific job description.
On a BAD day, Anto makes over 800 bob daily as a 'Matatu Setter'.
What's that? You ask.
A Matatu Setter's job description is to 'fill up vehicles' on the waiting bay.
Once the next Matatu gets on line, Anto and Co. board - act as passengers. You'll come, see a half-filled Matatu and think you are departing next moment.
Except, as one passenger gets in - one Setter gets off. Plus one, minus one.
Anto and Co. earns 20/- each per Matatu. Imagine that.
If you take the job seriously, report at 5am. You'll be a Setter on more than 80 Matatu's that depart for Meru on SLOW days.
Do the math. Peak seasons, Anto works half-day 😂 Man needs a break!
That's the beauty of Nairobi.
You cannot sleep hungry, especially if you can leave your ego and pride at home.
And so we write ✒©️
#storytelling #nairobi #newpost