Some numbers in your phone book can be a difference between life and death, respect and embarrassment and above all a stake in whether you get stuck or move with Nairobi's fast life.
Here are some;
Boda boda, cab
Nairobi is a bustling city where everything moves fast and so should you. Emergencies are inevitable considering the estates most Nairobians live in and it's crucial that one has their trusted cab or boda-boda guy on speed dial.
Neighbour
Most Nairobians whiz faster than lightning at the strike of dawn for jobs or maybe school and it's quite understandable if you've never seen your neighbour.
Nonetheless, the nyumba kumi initiative had a point. Situations could get difficult or urgent needs could strike at unexpected moments and the closest person you can rush to is the jirani next door.
Thieves break into estates, you lose keys to your apartment or better yet, you have a visitor and taboos necessitate that you don't share the same bedsitter! This is Africa.
Caretaker
This is important. Any issues in your area of stay, this is the guy to rush to. If you are the party type, you cannot be banging the gate at 3 am if you can just call the caretaker, right? The relationship is mutual, caretakers are the people who are on the ‘ground’ 24/7 and can loop you in on anything that is going on.
Mama mboga, mutura, nyama
Do not bite the hand that feeds you. The mama mboga, mutura or butchery guy is a life saver. With the ever present traffic snarl-ups and unannounced guests, the individual can sort you out.
Cultivate relationships, be it small.
Police
If you live in Nairobi, you would understand why the number is crucial. In some areas, the state of security is appalling. The lifeline is to be prepared, get the number, emergencies happen.
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