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A Kenyan Adventure
A funny thing happened on my way to Kenya. . . well actually it wasn't that funny as my bag didn't arrive at Nairobi airport. My only consolation is that I share this experience with Barack Obama (in his excellent book 'Dreams from My Father). It eventually turned up 4 days later minus a few items.
Things got better after that, staying with Jack Wafula (Project Co-ordinator) and his family who proved wonderful company, especially 4 year-old son Kuka who is adept at using a water pistol (thanks Rosella!).
Arrived at the office in Kitale (having chickened out of using a motorbike, well there's only so much excitement a guy can take) to find Jacklyne, the new accountant in place with her own computer. Absolutely magic as this was a complete surprise, and so I was able to go 'route 1', implementing 'Mango' accounts and some training. The project - SMART Initiative - is a sustainable agricultural programme to aid the farmers of West Pokot.
I also got some treats, including a visit to Delta Sanctuary (run by Jack's uncle) to see some game - white rhinos, zebra, eland, impala, ostriches, turkeys, and Tommy the Twiga (giraffe). Saturday nights were spent downing some Tuskers at the Village Inn, watching the footie with Jack and the locals. They all seem to support either Arsenal or Man Utd and taunt each other loudly and mercilessly when results go the wrong way. I tried to convert a few waverers to Newcastle United but failed miserably.
A field trip to a couple of farms was especially memorable. I was greeted by song and dance, and after speeches all round was given gifts of a carved stool and a 'leader's stick'. At the second farm I planted an avocado tree - my visit was viewed as auspicious as I brought the rain.
And then a funny thing happened on my return flight from Kitale to Nairobi. . .I missed it. The taxi driver that we booked got involved in an accident and so I didn't arrived at the airstrip until 1155 to catch the 1215 plane.
There's only one flight a day and it had already left at 1130, much to my chagrin. Luckily my flight home wasn't until the following morning and so an 8 hour minibus journey finally got me to Nairobi (staying at the Sarova Stanley Hotel, also following in Mr Obama's footsteps).
Guess I got more of an adventure than I bargained for, but the results of my efforts, and the gratitude of my hosts, were more than an ample reward.
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