Kenyans' civic sense
Mombasa in Kenya is a bustling city and as the premier port of all eastern Africa, expanding in all directions, humming with new constructions, commercial/industrial activities and a population bursting at the seams. This is my observation after a decade of visits here. It is Dhaka all over again. But there is a difference!
Traffic: Fleets of the latest cars, hundreds of Mutatus (passenger mini-buses), motor-cycles, diesel tuk-tuks (3-wheelers) and bicycles clog the roads, but everything keeps moving. Horns do not blast away, no curses from drivers, no cutting in, overtaking on wrong side or speeding. Everyone respects the right of way and allows others onwards with a smile. I have seen few traffic cops, people without seat-belts or using mobiles while driving. Above all, no traffic lights, pot-holes or pollution!!
Most residences and apartment complexes are modern, spick n span maintaining cleanliness and a belt of flowery greenery outside their boundary walls and trees abound everywhere (shame on our crorepati landlords)!
The politeness of people and willingness to be of service is obvious whether it is the vegetable cart vendor, beach snack sellers, the plush mall staff, servicemen responding for LPGs (no extra money), plumber, electrician etc. Even the few mosquitoes quietly take your blood without singing to your ears or disturbing your sleep. Two weeks on, no load shedding, water shortage or car bashing. And they call this “Darkest Africa”!!!
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