Two Sides of a Coin: Kisumu’s Unique Characters
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- April 11, 2023
There is an interesting dualism about Kisumu ( like the Chinese philosophy of the yin and yang that believes in good and evil occupying the same space in a fine balance of nature and life) with unique and ironical contrasts make it an exciting place for its residents and visitors alike.
Business hours
Kisumu is said to slumber early and wake up late, way past sunrise business-wise. Shops in town, public transport, and other public amenities shut down by 9 pm. It’s a character that’s oftentimes used to stress the point that Kisumu people are not as industrious or enterprising as those in other urban hubs. Yet this place is indigenous to the Luo, who are a tribe that is known to be hardworking and genetically strong. The town’s expansive Juakali sector is a big cog in its economic progress and sustenance. During the day, mechanics get busy at work, and metal artisans, tailors, food vendors, mitumba traders, construction workers, and factory laborers get it on consistently and diligently. Fishermen prowl the vast lake at night for a fresh catch by dawn and markets teem with traders. Hardly a people or town you would call lazy or slow. Maybe we don’t like early mornings and late nights at work; a certain healthy pace and spacing must be struck. The cyclic rat race can chew and spit you out if not well-checked. No?
Cash flow crisis
Another interesting observation is the lack of cash flow here. Towns like Kisii and Eldoret are said to have much healthier cash flows than Kisumu, yet it’s more developed than them. This may be because Kenyans of Asian origin own most big businesses in Kisumu. Kisumu makes lots of money in a day. Still, it doesn’t circulate or trickle down to the masses well enough because a big part stays in the Indian community, a minority and quite tight-knit socially and economically. A good chunk of what they make in Kisumu is invested in other places, even abroad.
So yes, the cash flow isn’t as lush as it should be, and yet, again, Kisumu has the most vibrant nightlife and clubbing scene, with revelers spending thousands upon thousands of shillings each night from Tuesdays to Sundays, only resting on Monday to catch a breath and reset. It’s a mini Las Vegas over here, attracting even those from out of town; people fly and drive in from far away places like Nairobi to sample the party scene and the many good accommodation facilities and leisure attractions.
All big banks in Kenya have set base here, some with more than 3 branches. Banks follow cash flows, so? Add that to the fact that all big supermarket chains, both Kenyan and multinational, operating in Kenya have outlets here, again some with more than 2 branches. People only go to the supermarkets for one activity, to spend.
The super and hyper markets, like banks, follow the money. Cash flow crisis? What cash flow crisis?
Due to the passionate and aggressive nature of Kisumu people in everything they do, ranging from sports, partying, work to politics, tensions always flare around general elections and political seasons and degrees of destruction do get witnessed in the C.B.D. It’s a tag that’s stuck with the city as unsafe for businesses and insecure yet again the levels of insecurity in the day to day life here is pointedly better than say, Nairobi. You’ll hardly see those daring broad daylight street robberies you see or hear of in the capital city nor will you encounter lots of kidnappings and blackmails.
Cases of violence in town and residential areas are not high like in Nairobi, that rarely gets the stick for being hostile as Kisumu does. Kisumu people are generally a carefree, friendly lot in the social sense of things.
What an interesting cup of mixed conflicting flavors our city is. You got to live it to understand it, and so far i am not complaining. Assuages my taste buds just the way I like it. Hot and sweet all in one.
