Tuesday, December 13, 2005

Revolution



It's something that Karl Marx would have deemed impossible. A spontaneous continental revolution in just a decade. We're talking about the introduction of mobile phone networks in Africa. In Kenya the first network Safaricom was launched in 1992, and by 1999 it had 15,000 subscribers. Together with new comer Celtel there are two networks now, with a total count of almost 4 million subscribers. There are only 250,000 landlines.

Another shrewd example is Somalia, that country that has plunged into anarchy since 1991, when Siad Barre was toppled. There is still no functional government, and warlords and bandits are competing in a brutal war. There are three national mobile networks operational.

By me credits!

posted @ 10:21 AM | Feedback (21)

Nairobi Day



After having slept for many hours after Madhouse hurds of Kenyans in the weekend go to Village Market, a South Africa inspired shopping mall in the Runda area. You'll find a balanced selection of international fashion shops, restaurants, a bowling, theatres, and: a pool! Remarkably the place is visited by people from all classes in society. If you don't have money, you just don't shop, but still you're part of that magic rich men's world. The picture is taken pool side. For 150 Shilling you can give your children the day of their life. Just have a beer, and enjoy the cool breeze.

It shows that Africa is more than reed huts in semi desert areas.

Enjoy.

posted @ 10:07 AM | Feedback (18)

Nairobi Night



Club New Florida, Nairobi - Kenya. 3.45 AM Saturday.

Travelled a bit, but nowhere in the world I saw a place like New Florida in Nairobi. Known as Madhouse it is visited by hundreds of 'girls' looking for a better future, and an ever rotating group of lonely international expats, and also Kenyans. The club is a mushroom shaped structure on top of a filling station on Koinange Street. Inside it is packed virtually every evening, and everybody seems to be glued together by the never ending pumping beat. If you're new there, you'll definitely get the famous Nairobi handshake by one of the girls. Just try, you'll be captured from the moment you climb the lush stairs...

Cheers.


posted @ 10:02 AM | Feedback (32)