Jambo is a genuine kiswahili greeting or mode of knowing one's welfare. It simply means "How do you do, or how is your wellbeing" The correct answer is "Sijambo" meaning I have no problem or I am fine. Many people may not know of the correct response.
@@concernedc7818 I guess you meant "ujambo? " coz that's the best way to ask someone. so it's either you say "mambo"-Reply;" poa", or "Ujambo? "-Reply;" sijambo". From a Tanzanian perspective by the way.
@@concernedc7818 U are right. But thats too stilted...kind of at a distance greeting. Too formal. She is an insider now, and at home now. Jambo? Nah! Hey mambo? Sasa? 😂
I’m in Nairobi now from New York it seems like you just need help from a local. Mpesa is different but not too complicated and you don’t need a local bank account to load it I just use Remitly . Your groceries can be a lot cheaper just depends on where you go the local supermarket might be more expensive depending on the area but most food is way cheaper especially vegetables and fruit. I did notice how people don’t greet as much and I’m getting use to it but it depends on the environment. People also don’t say mambo or jambo as much mostly just Sasa and poa. I’m no expert I’ve only been here a few more days then you but having a local help me has made a huge difference.
The problem with greeting everyone in Nairobi is there is lots of grifters and beggars on the street who will waste your time so people will always be wary when you approach them.
In Kenya, traditionally, dogs are meant to guard and protect the home and they sleep out in kennels. Though we're gradually appreciating them as pets in our houses.
Kenya can be expensive if you want to be expensive & cheap/Best bang for you buck depending on the kind of Lifestyle you want,but there's plenty of ways to save money & live affordably!
As a repat from Texas, it does take a bit of getting used to the norms here nothin' to crazy though. Just watch out for cons and don't expect anything to be on time and you'll be cool.😃 Other than that great people, great food and lots of fun! Karibu Kenya!!
Imported products are expensive but locally available ones especially agricultural products and groceries are very cheap also depending on where you do your shopping
Kenyans are polished when it comes to voice control and class on how you carry yourself in public. Don't just be too loud to even people who don't need to hear your conversation. Be humble in your environment. It doesn't mean that you are weak.
Sister shop where the local people shop if you you live tourist neighborhood they're going to charge you a lot of money Nairobi it can get very expensive if you don't know what you doing
In Kenya, particularly in Nairobi, strangers' greetings are often met with suspicion. Many assume that such interactions are a prelude to a request for money or other favours. This suspicion, however, tends to disappear when the greeting comes from someone familiar.
You don’t necessarily need the Kenyan bank account for mpesa at least in the short term. You can use remitly or send wave apps to send money from your US account
Send wave is the fasted. It actually comes in less than 3 mins. Additionally there's also world remit that you didn't mention but world remit and wise take longer to get to your mpesa than send wave
A shopping for 300 dollars is a lot in kenya. Did you spend 30, 000 sh or 3000 sh? This could be an exchange mixup . I believe you spent 3, 000 sh and not 30, 000 sh($ 300)
They are not ignoring, in most African countries people don't respond verbally after someone say "thank you". They will nod or make the "understood" facial expression then walk away. "Please" is also a word of desperation, people don't throw it away lightly. When someone is begging and they say "please" it usually indicate that they are down bad and desperately need your help. Those who have been exposed to American culture will use the word the same way you expect but the rest wont. It's not like they are being rude or nothing
We say karibu when someone says thank you. Even in my mother tongue we acknowledge. We say please and thank you in our local Kenyan languages. Stop the stereotypes
@@bellaolum9768 im Malawian. We don't do this. I just want her to be aware. Reread my comment. I'm not saying we don't acknowledge, we just do it differently
My dear sister. Sorry to hear of your experience with your dog (Poodle). The screams you hear from the people could be to do with the appearance of your poodle, even though it is harmless. Poodles are not common in Africa. Maybe the people innocently think (and I mean no insult) that it is a stuffed toy animal suddenly come to life!!
It will be so much easier..if you have a kenyan lady friend to take you around....for awhile atleast to help you get the street feel and lingo...plus the chemistry of nairobi life...culture, swahili, food and places to visit....etc Wellcome home...karibu sana..enjoy. Also. Do ..get in touch with Troy and auston holleman...they are on you tube...to guide you..
Generally speaking as africans we are just opening up to guys walking their dogs. Its fairly new to us. Depending on where you are or live, some people will be warmer than in other places. In the city guys are just trying to survive through the day. Its tough out here it ain't personal. Once you get your footing you'll be alright. Wish you all the best.
Thank you for this wonderful useful information because I thought Kenya was affordable like Thailand. I think Nairobi is just one of the most expensive cities in Kenya and the other cities in Kenya are less expensive.
Nairobi is like mini NY people are on their hustle they don't have time for small talk or pleasures, especially in this current encomic hardship the country is going through
Kenya is not so much expensive, make sure you do your shopping in supermarkets, find a Kenyan friend to help you buy things, i know why am giving you this advice, am happy you are in my country welcome
Dogs in Kenya are for people with space. Either moderately rich or wealthy people with own compounds or rural peasants. It's not an urban culture to keep dogs in apartment, walk them in crowded streets or go with them in malls or restaurants. Around 10% are Moslem so they generally don't like dogs especially some subsets. The rest of the general pop'n maybe are just scared of dogs from mental scars of being chased and sniped at by village dogs. Village dogs are not generally taken care of very well. In wealthier neighbourhoods, dog-walking is a common pastime but even them don't go out shopping or walking in the streets with their dogs. They generally do it within their gated estates. Most establishments don't allow pets.
Hi you definitely have style and your hair is wonderful. It seems like you might not be knowing where the wholesale shops are at. Shopping at the supermarkets will be expensive but you need to try going to the fresh food markets and meat markets which are a lot cheaper and fresher and they are ones that supply the supermarket with these same goods. Also downtown there are hair products like Auntie Jackie, Cantu, Shea Moisture, etc that are much cheaper. The supermarket goods will also be marked up higher due to their expense overheads like rent. If you shop at the more leafy suburbs like westlands, lavington and kilimani it will be much more. About the collaborations please do your due diligence to ensure they are authentic - if someone doesn't have website or specific location or clients that can attest to their work, you need to steer clear but politely let them go. Remember femicides increased in late last years so as female you need to be extra careful nowadays. You may need a Kenyan friend who can take you round and ensure that you don't get exploited ( I often do that as it bugs me to see prices be inflated when they hear an accent). In Kenya the pet culture is not so much there as most Kenyans have grown up with guard pets especially dogs but were are slowly getting around this. About the greetings its because Nairobians are in the grind of making their bucks as the economy has deteriorated to an all time low so you need to get your hassle on to bring basic meals to the table Your observations were very much on point. I hope it doesn't seem like I'm rambling - just trying to help a sister out. Karibu Kenya nyumbani kwako (you are always welcome home)
When you say Thank You, most will respond You're Welcome but in a small voice or they may not look you in the face. Others may nod slightly but not a loud enough answer. I have never thought about it until you said it so maybe it's a difference or problem here. Maybe when you say it loud, you draw too much attention so they try to defuse that by talking in low voice. Most Kenyans or East Africans speak in low, respectful tone and associate loudness with rudeness. Nigerians visiting here are often accused of being loud and rude. It's just a thing and for many, the women will speak in even lower tone. If you speak to an older (stranger) person in a loud, animated way while looking at them directly in the eye they may consider it a deficiency in upbringing. Other people may turn around thinking it's an altercation...basically it draws a lot of attention to yourself. Mostly shouting and being loud is considered uncultured moreso if it's in a woman or a mental issue. Having said so, people are....not that quiet, just less loud. The locals like Afro Americans and are familiar with how they talk and their general demeanour from movies and media, so you should generally get positive responses everywhere. Maybe it's the dog. Having said so, Kenya now has lots of immigrants from lots of countries including a few in the neighbourhood who may not have the same social graces. Most educated Kenyans are pleasant and will have mannerisms that range or blend from those of a laidback coastal East African, an English countryside gentleman, confident office-worker or a homely and happy African farmer villager. A few local cultures may have a general suspicious nature about strangers especially if they come from pastoralist communities who though consist less than 20% of the populace and their uneducated ones probably half that. I doubt it's only these people you are meeting. Customer care is definitely getting better and I do say thanks a lot sometimes its met with a smile or a 'no, thank you' but not a very quick 'you are welcome'. That's mostly the younger generation. Most will say 'sawa' which rough;ly translates to 'okay' I can see why a foreigner may think this is a bit weird but it's perfectly normal for us. 'Sawa' is a word-filler that is utilized in many situations.
When/If you come to Nairobi I hope you meet up with a stray lion on langata road or a hyena. Then you will know that some animals belong to the category of avoid..
About the fear of dogs in Africa and among blacks at large, it is because many Africans were psychologically conditioned to fear dogs when the animals were used as tools of racial hostility toward the black community during colonial era.
Since childhood, we've always had dogs. My father loved his dogs and I've carried this into my family. You must be referring to apartheid in South Africa 😅😅😅
Some people are not used to be told Asante or thank you. So when you tell them they don't know how to react or because they don't expect it they don't hear it. Even the greetings. Beautiful girls like you in Nairobi don't go around say hi to people. Sadly 😢. So again people don't expect it. Maybe they think you are greeting someone else and not them. 🤷🏾♂️ But don't let any of it change you. Keep doing you. I like who you are.
Different supermarkets have different prices ... depends also on the neighbourhood. So avoid shopping in high end areas ... There is a Jamaican called Jam Tours Africa helping immigrants with technical issues. Don't go for it alone to avoid getting taken advantage of
The greetings thing is not common here in Kenya we don’t really talk to people we don’t know so when some random stranger says hi we think it’s weird or they want something. Don’t take it the wrong way when people ignore your greetings, we’re just not used to it.
Dogs are not a common thing in kenya so people are reserved Shop locally not where expats are, local is cheaper About being loud once you settle you will automatically become softer because thats the energy around you Becareful with people wanting to work wit you, better hook up with black Americans that have been here longer because scamming is real. eg residential tourist, auston Holloman, Dont rush into doing things before you research things through, i can already tell you didn't really reseearch because some of things wouldn't have shocked you..research research and research some more
@@alexchui3511 I would say to her one foot in one foots out, get to know both and to have some people she can cross check things on. Lets be honesty even we as kenya have to be careful especially on matter business...
Nairobi is expensive. There are cheaper, friendlier, calmer places. with more dogs. Keep exploring. If you have a Wise account you can top up Mpesa from Wise.
I also noticed that people no longer greet in Nairobi. In many of the villages people still greet each other, I guess there is less of a stranger feeling there. From some discussions I have seen, it seems like crooks and swindlers use to start out with polite greetings and eventually made people weary of strangers.
about the prices you need to look for locally manufactured altanatives to the products you know. if you go for brands you know they will properbly imported and so the cost in higher than the local brands. about greeting in Nairobi every one mind his/ her business so you will find mixd reactions but you dont have to change on that account even some of us locals face same chalenge in the city but we keep doing it and you will be suprised there are many people who never pass without greeting ; hi, hello, morning, hey. when you say thank you some times people dont respond because it like it has become clishe to say dont "mention" as responce to the thankyou so much that it the usnpoken responce so they appreciate only that they find it unrealistic to keep saying the same word 100 times a day. you just have to understand that they are genuine in what ever they do for you.
You don’t really need a bank account you can use an international sending money app to send it to you mpesa. And that is how you will be recharging your mpesa without any inconvenience 😊.
Moved here over a year ago.. 1. $300 for groceries is wild. Explore more local markets. Get your greens and vegetables from a 'kibanda' rather than the supermarket. When you go shopping for other stuff, like masaai stuff, you might want to have a local because once they hear your accent, they will double the prices. 2. For the greetings, most people will be suspicious about why you are greeting them. Most will feel you want something from them. Try just nodding your head and keep it moving instead of a 'hello'. 3. For the asante and karibu, I find Kenyans will respond more often than not. Especially if you already interacted with them. This may be about the exact area you are staying and not a city culture. 4. I think you already said the answer for your poodle debacle.. 😊 Enjoy your stay! Kenya is lovely! 😊😊
300 dollars for groceries?! is that the same Kenya I live in. I think getting a trustworthy local improve your experience and make it less expensive, love your videos ,Keep up the good work.
Majority of Kenyans are not used to living with dogs in the same space. Secondly, as you mentioned, most of the ones people keep locally are vicious. In Kenya people keep to themselves. Mostly do not talk to strangers. Reduces chances of meeting con artists or unwanted interactions.
I traveled with my kids from the USA and my son kept saying thank you and get no response so he would repeat himself. Kenyans don’t respond to thank you. It’s a one way communication and not rude just the culture.
Kenya can be/is affordable if you know the right place to get stuff and the lifestyle you pick.But generally Kenyans are very humble and very friendly. You'll connect with them with time. Nairobi is fun and has a variety of activities to chose from. Im sure as you stay ,youll learn them with time.
300 dollars worth of groceries for 1 week,.. Girl that's way too high. And I guess it's for 1 person, assuming.?... You need to know holes (mashimo) 40k can pay 1 month rent, buy groceries for a month and save some
Africans are just beginning to raise dogs as pets. It depends where you are living or walking your dog. Low income folks from rural backyards are still timid & close minded to the idea of dogs as pets. A lot of em have just migrated recently to da city. About greeting strangers, we’ve gone through cultural changes over the last two decades or so. People in Nairobi used to say Hi to strangers but not anymore. I myself having been born here then relocated to America & back recently been experiencing the cultural shock you’re talking about. I guess it’s because of an exponential explosion of the city population which brews mistrust of strangers. But in rural Kenya people will remain warm for generations to come. I’m sure as time wind down you’ll be fully acclimatized to Kenyan culture. It is a very easy culture to assimilate into….Ooops! Also make sure to choose your friends wisely. Remember, Kenya is a 3rd world country with tons of poverty, some people may look at you as a DOLLAR SYMBOL or a fellow black from America who will Airlift em into da “Land of Milk & Honey”…
So who ever don’t have dogs as pets is timid? lol another fool falling with this one sided western mindset. Dogs have always been used as a guard for millions of years so no u think by having them as pets u have evolved? Each to their own fools
you come to Kenya expecting life to be cheap in high-end areas... That can never happen. you move to other areas like (suburbs) like kiserian, kahawa, kiambu, or other towns likeThika, Nakuru, Eldoret, you have almost similar vibes and life is way cheap affordable and you get more than what you asked for
The greeting people thing is just that we are becoming socially aware of the rise of people with bad intentions and so, being a stranger, it can be difficult for people to acknowledge you because they don't know what you're about. Don't take it personally. Also, the expense is just a matter of where you live. If you live at a high end neighborhood, the prices will be high and if you live in the ghetto, the prices will be friendly. But then again, there has been a terrible inflation if you've been keeping up with the news, you probably came across the strikes because of it. The trick to live in Kenya, is find a local you can trust who can help you adjust. There is a lady who relocated from California? She's a Nairobian at this point, I'll link her RUclips in my reply, maybe some of the things you've pointed out, you'll get at least a kind of picture of how it is? Welcome to Kenya by the way❤
African here. We call dogs "it", over here. They are not "she", "they/them" or "he". They are dogs... animals. When you have time and money to spend on an animal that assumes you have fed your family (including extended) and have finished helping humans who are in need and STILL have so much more that you don't know what to do with it so you spend it on an animal. It's not a cultural difference. It's a moral one.
Also, majority of Kenyans may not know dog breeds. At least not enough to tell the difference between the friendly ones and vicious ones. And we generally speak at lower tones.
😂 Kenyans have and love dogs. Most people are used to Africanis and related dogs. People are also used to spitzs, terriers, shepherds and even exotic breeds like dachshunds and boerboels. However a poodle is like an alien here. That will take a lot of getting used to for Kenyans.
People fear dogs for different reasons, especially if you meet a stray dog. Maybe some had negative experience with dogs as a child. In my case, i grew up around dogs because we always had one. My dad always kept at least 1 dog at any given time so we got used to it. Mine is a pet and it sleeps indoors.
Hi welcome to Kenya. Yes you are well deserving of all the compliments. In retrospect of the fear of dogs. We have a long colonial history of killer dogs that were trained to be Anti African by colonial settlers in Kenya. They frequently unleashed these animals on innocent people, and this created a huge fear for dogs. Anyways, all the best in your endeavors in Nairobi and beyond. Great Content!!
Please dont say Jambo , thats for the white flakes....Say Mambo , thats what we expect from a sister😊😊 😊...
Kweli
Jambo is a genuine kiswahili greeting or mode of knowing one's welfare. It simply means "How do you do, or how is your wellbeing" The correct answer is "Sijambo" meaning I have no problem or I am fine. Many people may not know of the correct response.
@@concernedc7818 I guess you meant "ujambo? " coz that's the best way to ask someone. so it's either you say "mambo"-Reply;" poa", or "Ujambo? "-Reply;" sijambo". From a Tanzanian perspective by the way.
@@concernedc7818Using any of these would sound corny af to most Kenyans. They’re not wrong, just overly formal
@@concernedc7818
U are right. But thats too stilted...kind of at a distance greeting. Too formal. She is an insider now, and at home now. Jambo? Nah! Hey mambo? Sasa? 😂
Love your self-awareness. So proud of you and I pray you thrive in Kenya!
Thank you for the support!
I’m in Nairobi now from New York it seems like you just need help from a local. Mpesa is different but not too complicated and you don’t need a local bank account to load it I just use Remitly . Your groceries can be a lot cheaper just depends on where you go the local supermarket might be more expensive depending on the area but most food is way cheaper especially vegetables and fruit. I did notice how people don’t greet as much and I’m getting use to it but it depends on the environment. People also don’t say mambo or jambo as much mostly just Sasa and poa. I’m no expert I’ve only been here a few more days then you but having a local help me has made a huge difference.
The problem with greeting everyone in Nairobi is there is lots of grifters and beggars on the street who will waste your time so people will always be wary when you approach them.
Gotta be careful with interaction because many grifters can rob you
I moved to Tanzania in 2020. I love it here. Welcome to East Africa sis!
Amazing what a you doing in Tz? like work
We love you, feel at home... we're here to support you unconditionally
In Kenya, traditionally, dogs are meant to guard and protect the home and they sleep out in kennels. Though we're gradually appreciating them as pets in our houses.
Thank you for watching
Having dogs in the house is not a good development. In Africa we don't stay in the same house with animals
@@afroman6172Not a good development? 🧢🧢🧢🧢🧢🧢
Mine is a pet, a little black dog that sleeps indoors. She's our best friend 😍
@@afroman6172there are so many people who live in apartments in Nairobi who keep their dogs indoors. Especially the little ones.
Kenya can be expensive if you want to be expensive & cheap/Best bang for you buck depending on the kind of Lifestyle you want,but there's plenty of ways to save money & live affordably!
As a repat from Texas, it does take a bit of getting used to the norms here nothin' to crazy though. Just watch out for cons and don't expect anything to be on time and you'll be cool.😃 Other than that great people, great food and lots of fun! Karibu Kenya!!
Imported products are expensive but locally available ones especially agricultural products and groceries are very cheap also depending on where you do your shopping
Kenyans are polished when it comes to voice control and class on how you carry yourself in public. Don't just be too loud to even people who don't need to hear your conversation. Be humble in your environment. It doesn't mean that you are weak.
Sister shop where the local people shop if you you live tourist neighborhood they're going to charge you a lot of money Nairobi it can get very expensive if you don't know what you doing
In Kenya, particularly in Nairobi, strangers' greetings are often met with suspicion. Many assume that such interactions are a prelude to a request for money or other favours. This suspicion, however, tends to disappear when the greeting comes from someone familiar.
What part of Nairobi do you live in?😅😅😅
You don’t necessarily need the Kenyan bank account for mpesa at least in the short term. You can use remitly or send wave apps to send money from your US account
Yep. PayPal too!
Yes very cool
Send wave is the fasted. It actually comes in less than 3 mins. Additionally there's also world remit that you didn't mention but world remit and wise take longer to get to your mpesa than send wave
The natural hair is superb, hopefully, you'll find a salon or stylist to maintain it.
A shopping for 300 dollars is a lot in kenya. Did you spend 30, 000 sh or 3000 sh? This could be an exchange mixup . I believe you spent 3, 000 sh and not 30, 000 sh($ 300)
Low tone is a sign of respect in a way. I can’t think of any other way to explain it.
They are not ignoring, in most African countries people don't respond verbally after someone say "thank you". They will nod or make the "understood" facial expression then walk away. "Please" is also a word of desperation, people don't throw it away lightly. When someone is begging and they say "please" it usually indicate that they are down bad and desperately need your help. Those who have been exposed to American culture will use the word the same way you expect but the rest wont. It's not like they are being rude or nothing
Come back to Malawi when you get a chance
We say karibu when someone says thank you. Even in my mother tongue we acknowledge. We say please and thank you in our local Kenyan languages. Stop the stereotypes
@@bellaolum9768 im Malawian. We don't do this. I just want her to be aware. Reread my comment. I'm not saying we don't acknowledge, we just do it differently
Welcome home 🎉🎉🎉.
You are a beautiful person period!
My dear sister. Sorry to hear of your experience with your dog (Poodle). The screams you hear from the people could be to do with the appearance of your poodle, even though it is harmless. Poodles are not common in Africa. Maybe the people innocently think (and I mean no insult) that it is a stuffed toy animal suddenly come to life!!
😂
Where are you shopping? There are places that are cheaper than Carefore or Naivas. Ask around.
A new subscriber. Much love from KE
Welcome to the family and thanks for watching!
You need to explore some more there are ares where you'll find affordable groceries.
It will be so much easier..if you have a kenyan lady friend to take you around....for awhile atleast to help you get the street feel and lingo...plus the chemistry of nairobi life...culture, swahili, food and places to visit....etc
Wellcome home...karibu sana..enjoy.
Also. Do ..get in touch with Troy and auston holleman...they are on you tube...to guide you..
Generally speaking as africans we are just opening up to guys walking their dogs. Its fairly new to us.
Depending on where you are or live, some people will be warmer than in other places. In the city guys are just trying to survive through the day. Its tough out here it ain't personal.
Once you get your footing you'll be alright. Wish you all the best.
On the Dogs issue, it depends where you went. There are many Kenyans who have them as pets not just guard dogs
You have a great laugh.
You'll be just fine, enjoy
Thank you for this wonderful useful information because I thought Kenya was affordable like Thailand. I think Nairobi is just one of the most expensive cities in Kenya and the other cities in Kenya are less expensive.
Welcome home, please stay forever
Nairobi is like mini NY people are on their hustle they don't have time for small talk or pleasures, especially in this current encomic hardship the country is going through
thank you, we damn expensive!!!! but you will get the drill
Am glad you in Kenya. Karibu sana tunakupenda, feel at home.
Kenya is not so much expensive, make sure you do your shopping in supermarkets, find a Kenyan friend to help you buy things, i know why am giving you this advice, am happy you are in my country welcome
Based on what you have said, Your personality fits better in Nigeria. East and South Africans are different.
Nah. 🧢🧢🧢
@@Jimmykarinski her DNA is west african too..nothing wrong here.. but these repats dont want to live in chaos in their ancestors land of west africa
Dogs in Kenya are for people with space. Either moderately rich or wealthy people with own compounds or rural peasants. It's not an urban culture to keep dogs in apartment, walk them in crowded streets or go with them in malls or restaurants. Around 10% are Moslem so they generally don't like dogs especially some subsets. The rest of the general pop'n maybe are just scared of dogs from mental scars of being chased and sniped at by village dogs. Village dogs are not generally taken care of very well. In wealthier neighbourhoods, dog-walking is a common pastime but even them don't go out shopping or walking in the streets with their dogs. They generally do it within their gated estates. Most establishments don't allow pets.
Hi you definitely have style and your hair is wonderful. It seems like you might not be knowing where the wholesale shops are at. Shopping at the supermarkets will be expensive but you need to try going to the fresh food markets and meat markets which are a lot cheaper and fresher and they are ones that supply the supermarket with these same goods. Also downtown there are hair products like Auntie Jackie, Cantu, Shea Moisture, etc that are much cheaper. The supermarket goods will also be marked up higher due to their expense overheads like rent. If you shop at the more leafy suburbs like westlands, lavington and kilimani it will be much more. About the collaborations please do your due diligence to ensure they are authentic - if someone doesn't have website or specific location or clients that can attest to their work, you need to steer clear but politely let them go. Remember femicides increased in late last years so as female you need to be extra careful nowadays. You may need a Kenyan friend who can take you round and ensure that you don't get exploited ( I often do that as it bugs me to see prices be inflated when they hear an accent). In Kenya the pet culture is not so much there as most Kenyans have grown up with guard pets especially dogs but were are slowly getting around this. About the greetings its because Nairobians are in the grind of making their bucks as the economy has deteriorated to an all time low so you need to get your hassle on to bring basic meals to the table Your observations were very much on point. I hope it doesn't seem like I'm rambling - just trying to help a sister out. Karibu Kenya nyumbani kwako (you are always welcome home)
Love your video, Thanks for sharing your experience
By the way sis you look beautiful
Thank you! And thanks for watching!
@@4thecultureco welcome
When you say Thank You, most will respond You're Welcome but in a small voice or they may not look you in the face. Others may nod slightly but not a loud enough answer. I have never thought about it until you said it so maybe it's a difference or problem here. Maybe when you say it loud, you draw too much attention so they try to defuse that by talking in low voice. Most Kenyans or East Africans speak in low, respectful tone and associate loudness with rudeness. Nigerians visiting here are often accused of being loud and rude. It's just a thing and for many, the women will speak in even lower tone. If you speak to an older (stranger) person in a loud, animated way while looking at them directly in the eye they may consider it a deficiency in upbringing. Other people may turn around thinking it's an altercation...basically it draws a lot of attention to yourself. Mostly shouting and being loud is considered uncultured moreso if it's in a woman or a mental issue. Having said so, people are....not that quiet, just less loud. The locals like Afro Americans and are familiar with how they talk and their general demeanour from movies and media, so you should generally get positive responses everywhere. Maybe it's the dog. Having said so, Kenya now has lots of immigrants from lots of countries including a few in the neighbourhood who may not have the same social graces. Most educated Kenyans are pleasant and will have mannerisms that range or blend from those of a laidback coastal East African, an English countryside gentleman, confident office-worker or a homely and happy African farmer villager. A few local cultures may have a general suspicious nature about strangers especially if they come from pastoralist communities who though consist less than 20% of the populace and their uneducated ones probably half that. I doubt it's only these people you are meeting. Customer care is definitely getting better and I do say thanks a lot sometimes its met with a smile or a 'no, thank you' but not a very quick 'you are welcome'. That's mostly the younger generation. Most will say 'sawa' which rough;ly translates to 'okay' I can see why a foreigner may think this is a bit weird but it's perfectly normal for us. 'Sawa' is a word-filler that is utilized in many situations.
where do you buy your groceries? the place is proportional to the cost
My first time was at navias 😅
I’m sorry, but I laughed so hard at them being scared of your dog. Wow lol. I hope Kenya is good to you! 🫶🏾😊
When/If you come to Nairobi I hope you meet up with a stray lion on langata road or a hyena. Then you will know that some animals belong to the category of avoid..
You should visit Nairobi, Mombasa and kisumu
About the fear of dogs in Africa and among blacks at large, it is because many Africans were psychologically conditioned to fear dogs when the animals were used as tools of racial hostility toward the black community during colonial era.
No Africans ave dogs as pets. Wat are you sayin
why do you always have to tie everything to colonialism?
@@1lluv Did I say that?
@@Eddyke Go read this article " The People Who Are Scared of Dogs " by Benoit Denizet-Lewis.
Since childhood, we've always had dogs. My father loved his dogs and I've carried this into my family. You must be referring to apartheid in South Africa 😅😅😅
Some people are not used to be told Asante or thank you. So when you tell them they don't know how to react or because they don't expect it they don't hear it. Even the greetings. Beautiful girls like you in Nairobi don't go around say hi to people. Sadly 😢. So again people don't expect it. Maybe they think you are greeting someone else and not them. 🤷🏾♂️ But don't let any of it change you. Keep doing you. I like who you are.
Different supermarkets have different prices ... depends also on the neighbourhood.
So avoid shopping in high end areas ...
There is a Jamaican called Jam Tours Africa helping immigrants with technical issues. Don't go for it alone to avoid getting taken advantage of
Watu wakae kwao sasa.
Sometimes I notice some people say hi back but because they are so soft spoken you don’t hear them 😅
Welcome to Nairobi Kenya 🇰🇪
The greetings thing is not common here in Kenya we don’t really talk to people we don’t know so when some random stranger says hi we think it’s weird or they want something. Don’t take it the wrong way when people ignore your greetings, we’re just not used to it.
We glad you finally got to Kenya...hopefully you find a home there and get to enjoy chapatis!
Dogs are not a common thing in kenya so people are reserved
Shop locally not where expats are, local is cheaper
About being loud once you settle you will automatically become softer because thats the energy around you
Becareful with people wanting to work wit you, better hook up with black Americans that have been here longer because scamming is real. eg residential tourist, auston Holloman,
Dont rush into doing things before you research things through, i can already tell you didn't really reseearch because some of things wouldn't have shocked you..research research and research some more
@@alexchui3511 I would say to her one foot in one foots out, get to know both and to have some people she can cross check things on. Lets be honesty even we as kenya have to be careful especially on matter business...
It's affordable but depends on where you do you're shopping.
you are shopping in the tourist supermarkets
Welcome to Nairobi kenya...
Asante sana
Nairobi is expensive. There are cheaper, friendlier, calmer places. with more dogs. Keep exploring.
If you have a Wise account you can top up Mpesa from Wise.
Try and get groceries from local place Supermarket products are expensive and vegetables are not organic
Thanks for the tip!
@@4thecultureco go shopping with a Kenyan and tell them you are a regular person and not a celebrity, and not rich
That is Tanzania sis! They are so polite and always greeting. African people do not like dogs especially inside of the house. LOL
haha it depend where you are ,in Kenya people don't mind about the don't that person was just bad person
I also noticed that people no longer greet in Nairobi. In many of the villages people still greet each other, I guess there is less of a stranger feeling there. From some discussions I have seen, it seems like crooks and swindlers use to start out with polite greetings and eventually made people weary of strangers.
If you have a local friend, please reach out to him or her and ask for cheaper places to shop it can be a bit expensive for foreigners out here.
They do talk very softly here
Thanks for the info!
Thank you for watching!
about the prices you need to look for locally manufactured altanatives to the products you know. if you go for brands you know they will properbly imported and so the cost in higher than the local brands. about greeting in Nairobi every one mind his/ her business so you will find mixd reactions but you dont have to change on that account even some of us locals face same chalenge in the city but we keep doing it and you will be suprised there are many people who never pass without greeting ; hi, hello, morning, hey.
when you say thank you some times people dont respond because it like it has become clishe to say dont "mention" as responce to the thankyou so much that it the usnpoken responce so they appreciate only that they find it unrealistic to keep saying the same word 100 times a day. you just have to understand that they are genuine in what ever they do for you.
You don’t really need a bank account you can use an international sending money app to send it to you mpesa. And that is how you will be recharging your mpesa without any inconvenience 😊.
Kenya is affordable but If you shopping on how to highend malls, it can be bit expensive... It all depends on the lifestyle you want to project
You shopped in those high end shops.....look around for better deals...
You’ll understand sister. In African most animal is trying to eat you! That’s something you’ll just have to get used.
Affordability in kenya depends on where you are leaving and your lifestyle.
What are your thoughts? Do you agree or disagree with my first impressions?
Moved here over a year ago..
1. $300 for groceries is wild. Explore more local markets. Get your greens and vegetables from a 'kibanda' rather than the supermarket.
When you go shopping for other stuff, like masaai stuff, you might want to have a local because once they hear your accent, they will double the prices.
2. For the greetings, most people will be suspicious about why you are greeting them. Most will feel you want something from them. Try just nodding your head and keep it moving instead of a 'hello'.
3. For the asante and karibu, I find Kenyans will respond more often than not. Especially if you already interacted with them. This may be about the exact area you are staying and not a city culture.
4. I think you already said the answer for your poodle debacle.. 😊
Enjoy your stay! Kenya is lovely! 😊😊
300 dollars for groceries?! is that the same Kenya I live in. I think getting a trustworthy local improve your experience and make it less expensive, love your videos ,Keep up the good work.
Majority of Kenyans are not used to living with dogs in the same space. Secondly, as you mentioned, most of the ones people keep locally are vicious.
In Kenya people keep to themselves. Mostly do not talk to strangers. Reduces chances of meeting con artists or unwanted interactions.
Nairobi is expensive depending on the neighbourhood you live in. Some areas are affodable but high end areas can be super pricey
True,,,you look good,,,l like what l'm 👀!
Thank you! 🤗
Karibu kenya❤
I traveled with my kids from the USA and my son kept saying thank you and get no response so he would repeat himself. Kenyans don’t respond to thank you. It’s a one way communication and not rude just the culture.
6:30 😂get over it....we say in Kenya ZOEA....meaning get used to 😂otherwise you might end up hating kenya😂
😅That's true. We all have phobias of dogs. We all have been chased by dogs as kids. 😂😂.
Kenya can be/is affordable if you know the right place to get stuff and the lifestyle you pick.But generally Kenyans are very humble and very friendly. You'll connect with them with time. Nairobi is fun and has a variety of activities to chose from. Im sure as you stay ,youll learn them with time.
Nairobi is expensive and zakayo is making it worse for us .
@@duduville you can choose a cheap or expensive lifestyle in Kenya. I didn't include politics.
$50 can buy you more than enough enough fresh groceries at the open air market. You only need to know your way there.
300 dollars worth of groceries for 1 week,.. Girl that's way too high. And I guess it's for 1 person, assuming.?... You need to know holes (mashimo) 40k can pay 1 month rent, buy groceries for a month and save some
May your spouse come from Kenya 😅
We will wait and see 😌
Your American accent is what is making them shy its not that they are ignoring you.
Africans are just beginning to raise dogs as pets. It depends where you are living or walking your dog. Low income folks from rural backyards are still timid & close minded to the idea of dogs as pets. A lot of em have just migrated recently to da city. About greeting strangers, we’ve gone through cultural changes over the last two decades or so. People in Nairobi used to say Hi to strangers but not anymore. I myself having been born here then relocated to America & back recently been experiencing the cultural shock you’re talking about. I guess it’s because of an exponential explosion of the city population which brews mistrust of strangers.
But in rural Kenya people will remain warm for generations to come.
I’m sure as time wind down you’ll be fully acclimatized to Kenyan culture. It is a very easy culture to assimilate into….Ooops! Also make sure to choose your friends wisely. Remember, Kenya is a 3rd world country with tons of poverty, some people may look at you as a DOLLAR SYMBOL or a fellow black from America who will Airlift em into da “Land of Milk & Honey”…
So who ever don’t have dogs as pets is timid? lol another fool falling with this one sided western mindset. Dogs have always been used as a guard for millions of years so no u think by having them as pets u have evolved? Each to their own fools
you come to Kenya expecting life to be cheap in high-end areas... That can never happen. you move to other areas like (suburbs) like kiserian, kahawa, kiambu, or other towns likeThika, Nakuru, Eldoret, you have almost similar vibes and life is way cheap affordable and you get more than what you asked for
Fantastic video. When opening your bank account, consider I&M Bank.
The greeting people thing is just that we are becoming socially aware of the rise of people with bad intentions and so, being a stranger, it can be difficult for people to acknowledge you because they don't know what you're about. Don't take it personally.
Also, the expense is just a matter of where you live. If you live at a high end neighborhood, the prices will be high and if you live in the ghetto, the prices will be friendly. But then again, there has been a terrible inflation if you've been keeping up with the news, you probably came across the strikes because of it.
The trick to live in Kenya, is find a local you can trust who can help you adjust.
There is a lady who relocated from California? She's a Nairobian at this point, I'll link her RUclips in my reply, maybe some of the things you've pointed out, you'll get at least a kind of picture of how it is?
Welcome to Kenya by the way❤
youtube.com/@beauty_is_universal?si=kPLUAn1Ff5cT9OX2
In kenya especially in Nairobi, if you are greeted by a stranger they think you want to scum them.
African here. We call dogs "it", over here. They are not "she", "they/them" or "he". They are dogs... animals.
When you have time and money to spend on an animal that assumes you have fed your family (including extended) and have finished helping humans who are in need and STILL have so much more that you don't know what to do with it so you spend it on an animal.
It's not a cultural difference. It's a moral one.
I'm not going anywhere without more than enough money. I'm just saying!
My neighbor has a dog that is as big as a half, it made me screem coz its huge😂😂
Exchanging pleasantries Mombasa fits you perfectly but not Nairobi
Also, majority of Kenyans may not know dog breeds. At least not enough to tell the difference between the friendly ones and vicious ones. And we generally speak at lower tones.
karibu kenya
Asante sana
😂 Kenyans have and love dogs. Most people are used to Africanis and related dogs. People are also used to spitzs, terriers, shepherds and even exotic breeds like dachshunds and boerboels. However a poodle is like an alien here. That will take a lot of getting used to for Kenyans.
People fear dogs for different reasons, especially if you meet a stray dog. Maybe some had negative experience with dogs as a child. In my case, i grew up around dogs because we always had one. My dad always kept at least 1 dog at any given time so we got used to it. Mine is a pet and it sleeps indoors.
😅😅. 300 Dollars on groceries and shopping did they Rob you , that's too much 100 dollars. max
hey girl lemme sho u around😂...
Jambo is old school greetings no one pays attention to.
Looking fwd
Hi welcome to Kenya. Yes you are well deserving of all the compliments. In retrospect of the fear of dogs. We have a long colonial history of killer dogs that were trained to be Anti African by colonial settlers in Kenya. They frequently unleashed these animals on innocent people, and this created a huge fear for dogs. Anyways, all the best in your endeavors in Nairobi and beyond. Great Content!!
Girl 300 what?? 😅😅😅😅you need to know the streets.....