Ugali nation: Why Kawangware has more posho mills than drinking dens

Most areas in Nairobi the average urbanites buy maize flour from supermarkets but to the residents of Kawangware a posho mill means a lot. The slum is located 15 km west of the city centre between Lavington and Dagoretti with a population of 133,286 people. There are many posho mills than the shops and bars. It’s simply ugali nation. Posho mills in the area are either powered by diesel or electricity and they operate 24 hours.

As early as 7am people start trooping to the posho mills and in half an hour high human traffic is witnessed as they wait for their turn. The meandering queues are a symbol that posho maize meal has dominated and is a major staple food. When there are no lights in Kawangware the residents are depressed but when lights come back the entire slum is full lightens up!