Common Misconceptions Created by Kenyans that have Refused to go Away

by Michael Musyoka on Tuesday, 21 August 2018 - 7:35 pm

If Jumping to conclusions was an Olympic Sport, athletics would be edged out of Kenya’s medal haul in the quadrennial global event.

Let’s face it-due to our twisting of facts or sheer misinformation-the Kenyan society has created quite a number of misconceptions which I kid you not are now part of us.

Top on that list are Kenyan politicians who use the misrepresentation of facts to gain political mileage and popularity in preparation for elections.

[caption caption="Kenyan politicians during a rally"][/caption]

Let’s jump in and highlight some of them;

1. Serikali saidia

Everytime tragedy strikes like a fire, landslide, accident or even simple social problems like marital problems and it happens to be aired on our local TV stations, then there is always an appeal for the government to intervene - (Serikali Saidia or tunaomba serikali).

Most of the people make this plea believing that since the media has covered the incident, the government has taken notice and will act on it.

It is a chronic syndrome ingrained in us since our one-party days in the 90’s where the National Government was in control of everything.

However, things have since changed and now there are structures set in place to tackle some of these calamities. For example in cases of emergency, then institutions like Kenya Red Cross and the Kenya National Disaster Management Unit are always present to take charge.

For domestic quarrels, then your local chief can surely handle that.

On matters development, most things are now centered around the County Governments and thus your governor is in a much better position to come to your aid. And since he’s not that easily reachable, then your MCA will come in handy.

2. Dreadlocks, Piercings & tattoos = Drugs and Crime

Why are guys with dreadlocks, piercings and tattoos viewed as the evils of society? This is a misconception especially in the older generation and the religiously staunch communities.

[caption caption="Man with tattoos"][/caption]

But with changing times, a more dynamic and fluid working environment coupled up with traverse fashion trends, anything goes.

And before anyone comes out to reprimand us, remember former Chief Justice Willy Mutunga had an ear piercing, not to mention a multitude of successful artists who have tattoos and are forces to be reckoned with in their industries including Victoria Kimani, Kambua, Nick Mutuma, Adelle Onyango, Shaffie Weru and many more.

Can we also forget Nairobi Governor Mike Sonko who has had his fair share of different?

3. There is no money in art

Another misconception that has been peddled all the way from Mombasa to Marsabit is the fact that there is no money in the Arts.

Most young people since time immemorial have been discouraged from pursuing careers in music, photography, acting, comedy and production in the umbrella that they are not well paying and sustainable.

Tell your parents you want to be a photographer and you’d be lucky if they don’t admonish you from their home immediately.

The reality, however, is that the Arts do pay- look at some of our musicians who are rolling around in German cars and globe-trotting everywhere performing for multitudes of people and cultures.

[caption caption="Sauti Sol during one of their performances"][/caption]

Photography, comedy and web have also evolved into multi-million industries supporting thousands of people.

4. Good paying job after graduating

After acquiring their first degree, most graduates always have this misconception that they will immediately start earning 6 figures and will be well on their way to their first car.

They have a misconstrued narrative of how the job market works and always overlook the fact that titles and niceties in the world are earned and not necessarily awarded.

Statistics show that 80% of educated Kenyans today earn less than Sh 50,000 gross salary and therefore in the words of Kendrick Lamar, ‘Sit down, be humble!’ and start small.

[caption caption="File image of a graduation ceremony"][/caption]

After some years in the industry, then you can have that sense of entitlement.

5. You have no control of your bundles

This has to be the biggest of them all and many can relate to how our hearts skip a beat everytime you get the message telling you have used up all your data bundles. That feeling of anger, disappointment and helplessness.

This happens so many times most of us have been convinced that our talk time, data and everything else are not in our hands but are entirely controlled by the network providers.

Wrong!

At least not for Safaricom’s Flex.

Safaricom’s Flex bundles give you the flexibility to do whatever it is that suits your needs. If today, your hustle demands more of data, then you have the option to take that. If calls or texts take priority the next day, then the choice is yours to make.

For the “flexer” who is juggling between work, some side hustles but still wants to be in touch with their friends and family, then flex offers the much-needed value.
[caption caption="Flex "][/caption]