Kariamu: We should all make money in Nairobi and spend it in rural areas

Some towns have strange names. One is Kariamu on the edge of the infamous Happy Valley, overlooking the Aberdares to the east. The small town is about seven kilometres from Ol Kalou, the headquarters of Nyandarua County.

I recently stopped there on a trip to Kenya’s hinterland. I love visiting the countryside, it’s very therapeutic, away from the hectic city life. The trip from Nairobi to Kariamu took me about three hours. Hungry in a group of three, we stopped by a small hotel for snacks. Each of us took two mandazis and a cup of tea.

The mandazi were very tasty, and we ordered six more takeaways or to go, as Americans put it. The hotel could not sit more than 10 people, in my estimation.

The seats and the tables were simple, with photos of food on the wall. We were the only customers. Will share the hotel name later.

Then came the bill. I asked a group of my students to estimate the total. It ranged from Sh90 to Sh200. Kenyans in Majuu gave a much lower estimate.

That was not surprising, used to hard currency, they probably think things are cheaper in Kenya. The total was Sh240. I even asked the young girl to redo the maths.

I recall taking tea in three Nairobi hotels. A small pot with only two small cups was Sh400 in one hotel, Sh250 in the other, and Sh700 in a five-star hotel.

Tea at Kariamu was tastier and milkier for only Sh20. Dairying is a key industry in Nyandarua.

Aandazi was Sh15 and bigger than Nairobi’s. Calculate how much tea and mandazi could have cost us in these Nairobi hotels.

Traffic jams

The snacks at Kariamu made me think. Maybe, we should all make money in Nairobi and spend it in Kariamu or the rural areas. Maybe we should retire in the rural areas where life is cheap and the air is fresh.

And more silent without traffic jams and fear of crime. Was that not the spirit of devolution? Suppose we ensured good medical facilities, some recreation, adequate power supply, and internet. Why would one not retire there peacefully and gracefully?

Many would love that, but they lack “connection” to those places, and loneliness would weigh them down. Some tried shifting to the counties after devolution.

They regretted or still operate from the big towns, including some governors, Members of the County Assembly, and professionals.

The low prices reflect a lack of demand and vibrancy. It is worse for the youngsters. Does that explain why alcoholism and betting are common in rural areas? How can we make rural areas more vibrant to attract money? Devolution never answered that question. County leaders have their work cut out, but they must live by example.