Ghost town

From : Nairobi, Kenya //

Nairobi is notorious for having very heavy traffic. It has become such a problem of late that they are working on building an alternative roadway for vehicles that do not need to go through the city center.

Today was different though. While the residents were waiting in long polling lines, all the stores were closed, public transportation was not running and the roads were left completely empty. It was eerily quiet.

Hopefully as the results continue to come in, the peace that has swept through the majority of the country will hold. All the people that I have come in contact with just want to be able to return to work in the morning. They want to go about their daily routine without worrying that politics may turn neighbor against neighbor like after the last election. 

On the campaign trail

From : Nairobi, Kenya //

As the election nears, there is a lot of energy and anticipation. I watched this group of residents in Kibera (an urban slum area in Nairobi) crowd around a “public” TV to catch up on the pre-election coverage. Last minute campaigning is everywhere—from formal rallies to traveling busses. Each complete with loud speakers and followers shouting slogans and passing out caps with party logos. These kids are wearing hats for The National Alliance Party.  

No matter the party affiliation, there is much hope for a fair and peaceful process. The violence after the last election is still fresh in everyone’s mind and seems to have shaped the approach for this time around.

Swept away

From : Chyulu Hills, Kenya //

This indigeous shrub has a basil-like taste and scent. It is not only used by the Massai as a herbal infusion, but also as a natural broom to both clean up and freshen any room. I’d love to bring a batch back to New York.

Vintage bling

From : Turkana, Kenya //

These beautiful status symbols are carved rings made of cow bone and are worn by male tribal elders in the remote northern region of Turkana. I love their shapes and striking simplicity. 

Morning rush hour

From : Turkana, Kenya //

Just when I thought the roads were all clear, we came across some traffic.

Cow Crossing

From : Outside Nanyuki, Kenya //

It came from where?

From : Nanyuki, Kenya //

Mrs Annah Warutere, the director of Nanyuki Spinners and Weavers www.spinnersandweavers.org was kind enough to let me in on how she and her ladies make the most amazing dyes from plants, trees and flowers found naturally in the bush. When she told me that the vibrant red came from collecting and fermenting the small whitish looking beetles that grew on cactus, I must admit that I was skeptical… but seeing is believing.

Rather revealing

From : Laikipia Plateau, Kenya //

When I first saw this piece, I was instantly drawn to the raw design of it, but rather baffled by it’s purpose. I thought that it was perhaps some kind of jewelry. Turns out that it is a Massai warrior skirt worn over a loin cloth. Hmmm… gives new meaning to idea of wearing a mini. 

Cheetah whisperer?

From : Laikipia Plateau, Kenya //

I wish, but this sweetie is quite tame. He is part of Ol Jogi’s animal rescue center. They have an inspiring program to help rehabilitate some of the most endangered animals on the planet and protect their habitats. 

I met with Kimani who is in charge of conservation education. He took me through the state of the art facilities and explained their leading edge approach and philosophy. Part of his job is to help with community development projects which makes a lot of sense because protecting the wildlife definitely does take a village…  

I’m looking forward to meeting with the groups he has engaged in the surrounding areas. I’m told that there are some very talented artisans working with techniques passed down through the generations.