Power Cuts...

That's right, POWER CUTS! It is not occasional; it is USUAL!!! How can I explain… It is part of routine daily life in here. Yes this occurs in Nairobi despite the fact that it is supposedly a majorly developed African city. In my opinion, not so…But that is not our subject in this post.

During the rainy season, dry season, winter, and any timeframe you can think of, there are power cuts. Some days the power cuts last for hours, some days they last all day! First I thought this would be expected during the rainy season, but I have learned from living here over a year that this has nothing to do with the weather. This way of life that people are so accustomed to, (so much so that people do not even bother to complain about it or make comments about it, you feel like people have accepted this, as something that will never change  is like), it is the same thing for not having clean water or a sewage system...

When talking about power cuts, it is important to know that it effects everything around you including hospitals, schools, roads, safety and many more. I think that’s why generator companies make so much money here. You can see their offices when you drive around! This ties into my conspiracy theory that something is going on with those generator companies. There are so many power cuts that if one wants basic human needs on a daily basis, you have to purchase a generator which costs (depending on the size) around $2000 or more!

To make matters worse, in most cases when there is a power cut there is also a water cut! You get one and second one is free! And, strange enough it happens on evenings or weekends! This again goes to my major conspiracy theory. Imagine, you are home (not to mention if you have children) and there is no water and no power!

So, here is your options: You either buy a generator and extra water tank, which is usually huge because you need a tons of water, or you deal with having no power and/or water during most of your week. Just a give you an idea: imagine yourself coming home from work with long hours of driving through potholes, we you open your door there is no power or water.

For example, last night we had no power (well, we did… we have a inverter, which it was probably the smartest investment we have made!) and a huge sound was coming from outside. Guess what it was… the neighbor’s generator!!! But, do not worry, you get used to it.

So here are the facts on this issue: If you are planning to move Nairobi, be prepared for for many power cuts and/or water cuts. Make sure the place you are renting has an extra water tank. At least you do not have to spend money on this. And, buy a generator or preferably an inverter (worth extra money, but it makes no noise and the battery life is much longer!).