10 Things Kenyans Can’t Live Without

As Kenyans, we have a lot of things that we seemingly can’t live without but rarely appreciate the fact that we have them. Have you ever thought about the things that you can’t live without, probably due to the fact that these things are in so much abundance?

No worries. I took the time to think about this on your behalf and came up with a list.

1. Ugali

Ugali is arguably the most popular dish in Kenya and has been the staple food to most of our country’s 42 ethnic communities. It is a common dish in almost all Kenyan homes and is best served with greens (sukuma-wiki) and a side of fried beef.

When you hear the word ugali, even in the diaspora, Kenya comes to mind. You haven’t had a proper meal if it wasn’t ugali, ask a Luhya. Other African countries may have the same delicacy, but ugali also known as ‘sima’ or ‘sembe’ is just Kenyan.

2. Kenyan Tea

Tea with milk is how Kenyans love their tea made. It is the most common drink brewed in the morning for breakfast and is best served hot with a side of bread or mandazis.

Kenyan tea is also very popular if you are getting together with friends in restaurants in town no matter the time of day. Tea is also served in almost every Kenyan home when guests come to visit while bearing milk and bread as gifts for their hosts.

3. Matatus

You cannot live in Kenya and avoid using matatus. Cheap, convenient and sometimes a tad chaotic, matatus are the choice mode of transport for most Kenyans.

Almost all Kenyans depend on matatus to get to work, to school or wherever you may be heading to. Privately owned and managed, the matatu culture is so well organized and efficient that Kenyans find them quite reliable apart from the few times they have gone on strikes.

The few times the matatus have gone on strike has left thousands stranded with no form of transport to their destinations.

4. Nyama Choma

There’s no denying Kenyans are passionate about their Nyama Choma. If you are a Kenyan, then without a doubt, you have gone out with your friends for ‘Nyama Choma’ on one occasion or another.

This tasty delicacy is so popular with Kenyans that we have whole regions (Kikopey) dedicated to this activity.

You will find ‘Nyama Choma’ in every corner of the country, from the smallest butchery on some obscure street to the highest rated facilities such as the ‘Southern Sun Mayfair’ in Westlands. It can be said that almost every Kenyan, as long as they are not vegetarian/vegan, have a thing for Nyama Choma.

5. MPESA

The only truly Kenyan invention that even America could not snatch from us! Mobile money in Kenya through M-Pesa has truly revolutionized our lives in Kenya.

Early this year, M-Pesa was ranked number one in the top ten brands in Kenya in a survey carried out by Superbrands.

Last year in December, M-Pesa services were temporarily down affecting millions throughout the country and leaving them stranded and distraught. This goes to show just how much Kenyans depend on M-Pesa for their daily activities.

6. The Evening News

At exactly 9 pm, in almost all Kenyan homes, the tv or radio is tuned in to watch and listen to the news. Our Kenyan dads instilled this funny culture in us by insisting on changing the channel and clinging to the remote when the 9 o’clock news came on.

Kenyans love to be informed on the current affairs taking place in the country. It is no surprise that even bars have to knob down the music when the news come on even though there is nothing new happening in the news.

7. Social Media

From the young to the old, Kenyans are all about social media. This is an avenue for everyone to say their piece of mind.

There was once an ongoing debate on whether or not ‘KOT’ (Kenyans On Twitter) is the most powerful voice in the country.

The truth of the matter is, as a democratic nation, Kenya has made it possible for every single one of her citizens to have a voice; to stand up for something and social media is the one avenue Kenyans use the most for this purpose.

8. Politics

We get civil, we get volatile, we get jubilant, we get worn-out and we get angry. These are all emotions brought about by our local politics. Yes, Kenya is a peace-loving nation. We are easy going people.

We are, however, so engrossed in our local politics that sometimes we forget that we are peaceful people. Our local politics can either bring the country together or tear it apart, that is how passionate we are about all this.

9. Second-Hand Clothes

Most commonly known as Mtumba, second-hand clothes have flooded the Kenyan market and Kenyans have embraced them with open hands.

Hawkers are in their hundreds especially in the capital city selling these clothes from as low as 100 shillings. Surprisingly, these clothes are very fashionable and do not look old nor worn out. That is the reason why Kenyans love these clothes and buy them in abundance.

10. Family

Kenyans have a strong sense of family. We take this bond very seriously and as a people, some of the most influential forces in our lives are our families. This is a big part of why we look forward to the holidays.

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