The unpleasant Nairobi experience that made me appreciate Nakuru touts more

On Friday, I was in Nairobi, and as always, the contrast between the capital and Nakuru was clear from the moment I arrived.

Nairobi moves fast not just the people, but the matatus and motorbikes too. Everything feels like it's in a hurry.

After wrapping up my errands, I decided to kill time exploring the streets before boarding a bus, hoping to avoid the notorious Thika Superhighway traffic. 

Eventually, I got on a bus, but I wasn't entirely sure where I was supposed to alight. I had hoped to sit close to the makanga (tout) so I could explain, but luck wasn’t on my side I ended up a few seats behind him.

When we had covered some distance, I opened my window and told him I needed to get off at a place called Ghorofani. He nodded, and I settled in, trusting he would remember just like touts back home in Nakuru always do. 

I was calm until the matatu veered into a road that was not part of the direction given, since I had been told it is near the tarmac road.

As we stopped to drop off other passengers, I slid the window open again and asked him, “Bado hatujafika?”

He looked at me and replied, “Madam, hujui ni wapi? Pole sana, itabidi tufike ndio tukirudi tao nikushukishe.”

That moment hit hard. Back in Nakuru, touts are attentive. They confirm your stop, remind you in advance, and even check on you if you seem unsure. Nairobi? Not so much.

They say you don’t know the value of what you have until it’s gone and they were right. I want to give a heartfelt shoutout to Nakuru touts.

You go above and beyond for your passengers, especially those who are new or unsure. You make travel feel a little less chaotic.

So, next time you're in Nairobi and unfamiliar with your stop, do yourself a favor have a backup plan. Otherwise, you might end up spending an extra 40 minutes touring estates with strangers, just waiting for the bus to circle back.