Unlike many other cities around the world, Nairobi is one of those known for having notorious pedestrians. In a city where you do not have definite pedestrian-traffic rules like who should keep left and who should keep right, you cannot expect much.
Here are some of the notable traits of ‘shoebaru drivers’ in Nairobi
1. Always busy on something
I know I am not the only one who has noticed this, but quite a number of pedestrians are always busy on something. They are either talking on phone, texting, maybe even just looking at the phone to get into the ‘busy mood’. It is not strange seeing someone on a 30-minute call!
2. I am in a hurry Ladies especially are always in a hurry.
On weekdays - Wednesdays to Fridays evenings are unbearable. You bump into every shoulder that passes by you, only to get the same person enjoying a samosa, comfortably slow, outside Mojos. Or maybe waiting for someone outside National Archives.
3. Conversing on pavements
How do you just stop in the middle of a pavement that everyone uses, and start a conversation? Ask Nairobian pedestrians, who never seem fazed by the fact that somehow they cause congestion and confusion while doing such.
4. Most unapologetic
Nairobian pedestrians have that ‘sorry-for-who’ attitude. They are never sorry for anything. You brush shoulders with someone who was busy on their phone, and they look at you like they will shoot you the next minute.
5. Zebra Crossing dramatists
I think one of the reasons a footbridge and metallic barrier was placed on university way was because of zebra crossing dramatists. Apparently, pedestrians could be in a hurry, but a zebra crossing is their time; they intentionally slow down on zebra crossings. It always feels like payback to motorists.
6. I am in a rush, my life can wait
Pedestrians always look like they make a choice between their lives and hurrying; most of them run across busy highways and avoid footbridges or zebra crossings. Recently, the police department has been making a kill out of fines paid by such defaulters... It takes such penalties to make them love their own lives.
7. Buying from hawkers
Most common with female pedestrians. They always buy things they do not need from roadside hawkers. The only reason hawkers are so many around Globe roundabout is probably because there are pedestrians.
8. Mr and Miss insecure, paranoid
You will never find a pedestrian save for a journalist, giving any concentration to these young beggars, or any beggars. In fact, pedestrians accelerate just when nearing them. Generally, pedestrians feel very unsafe with anyone. Even asking for direction is impossible.
9. The higher you go, the lesser they are
Pedestrians are choosy. You will get most of them on one side of town. Tom Mboya Street, Moi Avenue, River road have many pedestrians. As you get to Muindi Mbingu it gradually reduces. 10. Attracted to drama Whenever anything happens around the city, the first crowd will be pedestrians. Pedestrians will crowd an accident scene but offer no help. How annoying, right?
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