Grid Lock Nairobi Style

On Wednesday evening we meet Sarah, Abraham’s wife and daughter Esther, a beautiful little girl. Also we were introduced to Deng and Nyuon the sons of Abraham’s sister who will join Abraham and Sarah in Australia.  Sarah and friends prepared a great meal as a celebration of our arrival.

On our way home after a delightful meal which I’ll let Ruth describe in a latter blog we encountered an extraordinary gridlock. Its origin was the way the direction and number of road lanes is determined by those with the greatest need or the biggest vehicles. I think a car had broken down. The gridlock was filled with a couple of large trucks, buses, vans, and sedans on the side of a hill. The drivers are extraordinary. They can drive within millimetres of each other.

The point of gridlock was at road works without security barriers, security or police which seemed to be everywhere except with us last night. The gridlock developed over the top of the road works. Vehicles came from every direction. No one turned off engines; the air filled with fumes. Pedestrians and motor bikes weaved thru’ the jam adding to the congestion. No one seemed overly concerned about safety.

Eventually buses unload and drivers converged at the centre of confusion. After bouts of discussion decisions were taken about solving the dilemma. Consultations began with individual drivers, convincinng them to back up. Slowly cars and buses retreated. Some were bounced sideways. Wheels became stranded in mid air; others bogged in the soft sand.  Just as order was established and space to move was created, a car would jump forward and further discussions would have to begin.

Amazingly I didn’t see any road rage or ugly hand gestures, nor hear any raised voices. Drivers were spoken to like lifelong friends. And eventually there was cheering by everyone when the traffic flowed again

The traffic cleared at about 9.30pm after sitting for 40 minutes. Sorry I didn’t take any photos as there were no street lights.