Kenya Works
Feb 12, 2020
Updated: May 3, 2020
You made my school life enjoyable. We had maziwa ya nyayo (milk) three times a week in primary school. It was a wonderful welcome for those of us who carried boiled pumpkins for lunch every day. We loved the trips to the Statehouse and song preparations for national holidays even though I personally never qualified to sing. But, I loved listening to my friends sing and the excitement in school during these times. I also remember a huge Jomo Kenyatta lorry (truck) that brought in new textbooks every school term and made us all so happy! I was among the students chosen to collect the old tattered books and bring in the new ones. I can still remember the smell of all the fresh, new books.
In high school, Nyayo (Moi’s nickname, meaning "footsteps") buses were introduced for students. And did we pay 5 shillings? Or was it one? I do not remember the amount but I do remember the relief, comfort, and peace I experienced traveling on the buses.
Those buses meant so much to me, my sister and other girls my age. We had problems getting a bus or matatu (minibus taxi) that did not harass us, think we were too big and or too shy. The matatu tout (fare collector) would say anything--inappropriate, often body-shaming words--so, going to and from school was very stressful. The Moi/Nyayo buses changed our lives. He was truly a friend of children. Ulipenda Watoto Baba Moi--
May your Soul Rest In Peace.