| How I felt when I got the Job |
So I got a job!!!! Yes I know. After months
and months of applying and waiting and despair. I finally have a job. Glory be
to God because this would not have been possible without him.
| Look on my face when |
My office is very strict I was informed of a dress code, which kind
of threw me off because I thought such things were only schools (uniform
schools) or some universities. I was even given a document specifying what was
to be worn and how (skirt suits).
So being the planner that I am, I started shopping for skirt suits
in this beautiful city that I call home a week in advance. I devised a strategy:
start from the inner city (or the CBD as it’s commonly referred to) and
gradually work my way out. I was very confident with this plan and knew that I
wouldn’t have to go outside the CBD. So I cautiously and painfully withdrew
some money (what I thought was enough to buy at least three suits) then was on
my merry way.
Sure enough I hit the jackpot on the first try. I went to a stall in
a shop called Limoda. The lady was very welcoming and helpful. She showed me
what she had and even gave me some ideas on how to accessorize the suits. Then
when I was satisfied I asked the all-important question. How much is it? She told me 12. I was like omg that’s super!!! Great!!!
So with that confirmation I proceeded to try on three suits
which all looked really good (well good for a skirt suit…). I then asked the
sales assistant if she could reduce the price so that I could buy another one;
she was more than willing. When I went to count the money and give it to her
she said “Madame, nilisema 12” which translate to “Madame, I told you 12,000
Kenya shillings”. I was under the impression that she meant 1,200 Kenya shillings. I apologized
profusely and dashed out.
I couldn’t help but think 12,000
Kenya shillings for a suit? That’s absolutely insane. For the average Kenyan that’s rent or the
better part of your monthly transport budget but a suit?
Heck no!!! I went to a few more shops and it was the exact same thing. 12,000
7,000, 10,000 and 9,000. After the fourth try I decided to give up on shops in
the CBD. So now I’m left with two choices: go buy some material and get a
seamstress to sew me three suits or go for second hand clothing (which are
donated clothes from the ‘First World….)
On my way home I couldn’t help but
wonder about Kenya’s textile industry. What happened?
Was it ever there to begin with? Something needs to change; second
hand clothing from the west that was originally meant to help the poor and
needy and ridiculously overpriced imported clothing can’t be all that’s
available for Kenyans. Kenyans we need to step up and address this issue!!! Am
I the only one that
feels this way?
I couldn’t get round to buying any suits because of the
current Obama-mania that’s going on… Thankfully I have a very generous mother
who shared her wardrobe with me… Stay tuned to see what I decided…
