Kalokol

Kids gather around us from all over the town, controlling them is not easy but we try. From a distance you could see the lake, its waters look fresh but in real sense it is saline. I recall seeing a man carry two huge fish heading home I presume, that’s when it all comes together. The lake is their source of livelihood.

The view is remarkable from a far distance and as we drive into the town, I want to go closer and closer right to its shores. We set up our equipment right in the middle of town. The town is not that big, more like a Kilometer stretch, with different businesses on both sides of the main road. One side is flooded but doesn’t seem to bother them. In fact I can see kids playing in the water, they seem to be having a lot of fun as they shout and play with water Jerri cans.


Main mission as to why we are here is to create awareness and pass information about what is going on around them, specifically in the county. Darkness slowly creeps in and we are set, ready to show the film. Behind me, a crowd is eagerly waiting as to what I will show them. As the film plays, the crowd giggles, and laughs. We watch though I cannot really comprehend what they are saying since they are talking in their native language. I didn’t know this is how it feels when you talking a native or foreign language to someone and they can’t comprehend.


Anyway it comes with being in a foreign land, and I like it here. It’s true what they say, east or west home is the best for various reasons that I now understand. I miss home but I got to finish what I started so got to stay strong.

First time in Lodwar

It’s been a week, the normal temperature is 38⁰C of dry heat. The wind during the day is crazy and explains why vegetation can’t bloom since the fertile soil has been eroded away. I’m by the river which flows right next to the house, carried away in my thoughts. It is silent and all I can hear are birds and kids talking at a far distance. It’s peaceful and beautiful. Trees that grow by the river are ever green, they seem to protect it – in fact they form a wall all the way downstream.

The homes next to the river enjoy the light breeze and shade from the scorching sun. The kids of the area enjoy swimming in it, which doesn’t really have much water at the moment but I’ve been told it floods when it rains.

Anyway let me inform you on a few things that you might not know. Yes, there is tap water in some areas. Yes, there is electricity (diesel generators, solar & wind power) also in some areas. There are so many motorbikes that mainly transport people from one place to the next. The most common cars are 4*4 vehicles e.g. land cruisers, VX’s, Hilux and Fortuner among others. Ooh the Probox too is a common means of transport. The roads are terrible but most are under construction. The dust is a norm ordeal, no one seems to be bothered by it. Most people walk to wherever they are going. The worst hour to be outside is between 12pm-4pm since the sun literally burns, its closer to the surface here it seems.

Their culture is rich! Well preserved and they are amazing people. Very friendly and welcoming. The neighbouring households are mainly manyattas. The highest population is mainly children and the youth. The old are mainly women. The town is always packed especially over the weekend even on Sundays.