Every Wednesday we have our Man Around Nairobi segment where we feature men who work, live and play in Nairobi. Our Man Around Nairobi this week is Waihiga Mwaura. Waihiga Mwaura is a journalist at Citizen TV. He is also a MA student at Daystar University. He has won a couple of awards including the CNN Award – sports category for 2012 and the Mo Amin Award in 2015.
1. Did you grow up in Nairobi?
Yes, I grew up in Nairobi. I was born in Donholm estate, Eastlands. My memories of Donholm were fighting with the boys in the hood, riding my bicycle, running around barefoot and going to the shopping centre to spend my hard-earned 10kshs. Life was so much simpler back then.
2. What do you love about Nairobi?
I love the fast pace of Nairobi. This city never sleeps. Get out of your house at 4 am and you will probably see people walking to work. There is never a dull moment in this melting point of cultures. The people are usually friendly, prices are negotiable and if you look really hard there are good things happening all around. I love the fact that there are genuine success stories out of Nairobi in the midst of the challenges that a majority of Nairobians are going through trying to eke a living.
3. What would you change about Nairobi?
The usual…a poll I recently read about stated that most Nairobians were concerned about corrupt systems, overpopulation which puts a strain on resources, large numbers of unemployed youths, choked drainage systems, traffic jams etc. I totally agree with all that.
4. As a professional how is it working in Nairobi? Is Nairobi open to what you do or what could be better?
Working in Kenya has its pros and cons. There are opportunities for growth in Nairobi, adequate training institutions etc. I dislike the inequalities of the city – we must do more to make Nairobi a better place for everyone, reduce corruption and oh yes traffic jams.
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?
Well, there is a lot you can do in Nairobi. Visit the Nairobi National Park or go feed crocs at Mamba Village or go rock climbing in Parklands. The choices are endless. Maybe run a city marathon if you get the chance.
If you would like to interact with Waihiga find him on Twitter @waihigamwaura.
