It’s another Wednesday and time for our Man around Nairobi segment which celebrates the men who live, work and play in Nairobi. Our Man Around Nairobi today is Brian Koyoo. Brian Koyoo describes himself as a random nerd. Because badass isn’t allowed as a job title he is a copywriter at Squad Digital where his biggest achievement to date is that he hasn’t been fired… yet. He is a lover of life and an up-and-coming adult. You can follow his rants on Twitter at @yenyewe.
1. Did you grow up in Nairobi?
Yep. I was born and bred in the city. I grew up in Satellite where Ngwata Francis would start the weather forecast with “Ukiangalia picha ya Satellite.” I assumed he would do that with every hood so when we moved I assumed he would do “picha ya Komarock.” I think he was attached to Satellite. I Loved it.
Did the full-on childhood experience with “Doof mpararo” and fishing in streams (Like white children with the notable difference being that the fish were tadpoles.) Nairobi toughens you up. Teaches you a whole lot. Then it takes you out on dates and shows you a good time and doesn’t call you back….Wait what was the question?
2. What do you love about Nairobi?
The city has a way of surprising you. I love the differences that the city throws at you. You can also shop for “dawa ya mende” while a preacher lets you know how you’re going to hell if you don’t contribute to their fare and replace that with beautiful and quiet spots like Karura and Arboretum. Nairobi finds ways to match your level of crazy.
3. What would you change about Nairobi?
I would love it if there were more green spaces outside the CBD. A place to just sit down and relax and think about simple things like the geopolitical situation in Crimea. *Strokes imaginary beard* But seriously the green spaces, a solution to the traffic and better hygiene would go a long way in making this city easier to live in. Naomba serikali….
4. As a professional how is it working in Nairobi? Is Nairobi open to what you do or what could be better?
I made it mama. They called me a professional. Nairobi provides a perfect platform for what I do. I work in advertising and this is the heartbeat of commerce.
Nairobi also gives me the chance to network with bright minds within and beyond the industry. Ideas live everywhere in this city. From a quiet moment in a coffee shop creepily watching a couple to the random conversations on Twitter by the ever-imaginative Twitterati.
5. If you had a tourist friend coming in from outside the country what three things would you say to sell them the idea that Nairobi is worth visiting?
Hmmmm. Tough question. The First would be Karura Forest. The waterfall there is absolutely magical.
Secondly, I would have them catch a sunset from the top of KICC. A bird’s eye view makes Nairobi look rather tame.
What visit to Nairobi is complete without seeing wild animals? So I would have them go to Langata and just wait for more lions to escape.
If you would like to interact with Brian find him on Twitter at @yenyewe.
