10 silly questions Kenyans like to ask

A conversation with a Kenyan is like an elaborate game of chess [Courtesy, Freepik]

Kenyans are sneaky. They have mastered the art of speaking without saying anything, and the finer art of obtaining information through seemingly innocent questions. A conversation with a Kenyan is like an elaborate game of chess, one which would completely baffle a foreigner if they were to listen in. But it is also a treasure trove of hidden meaning, jokes and subtle insults.

1. Hapa unalipa rent how much?

Kenyans don't like to throw compliments around. They would hate to actively appear to be impressed, which is why they hide their true feelings behind faux-negative comments like 'Haukai vibaya' or 'Umejaribu'. When a Kenyan visits you for the first time and one of the first things they ask is how much rent you pay, they are trying to determine just how impressed they should be.