Kenyans are arrogant and rude, neighbours say

It’s a fact that Kenya is the ‘bigwig’ of east Africa, judging from its economic, academic and social development. Politically it’s quite arguable, considering the number of corruption cases and scandals being unearthed each passing day. It remains a mystery as to when we shall get rid of this monster that’s eating away our moral fabric, leaving as naked as the day we was born.

In as much as we are held by the mire of corruption plenty of foreigners living in Kenya, either to study work or seek political asylum like our South Sudanese brothers. Our neighboring countries are abandoning us in development projects such as the Ugandan pipeline deal and more importantly the mega SGR project.

What could be the reason? I went out to ask the foreigners what they really thing about Kenya and Kenyans at large. Here’s what they had to say:

Kenyans are very rude

Marley, from Uganda, is really disturbed by how many of us lack courtesy. In public transport and virtually everywhere one shops, he says that very few people say ‘thank you.’

“In Uganda even when you buy anything, even if it costs 10 shillings, the vendor will say thank you countless times,” he says with a sad face.

Kenyans are always hurrying

Hurry is inherent, deeply rooted in our genes. When we are eating we are in a hurry, the matatus overlap dangerously because we are in a hurry. But where to? Mullen, a Burundian wonders? She thinks Kenyans hurry to do nothing.

Corruption

It seemed to be ingrained in your system, Joshua opines. He narrates how people hike the prices of their goods once they realize they are foreigners.

"Corruption is everywhere, but yours men is just on another level," he says shaking his head. 

Ignorance of what is happening in other countries

Marley says he was quite surprised when he learnt that Kenyans root for Besigye. He says that Museveni is much loved by people all over Uganda. Kampala is the only stronghold of Besigye where the media covers, leading to Kenyans thinking he is popular, yet he isn’t.

"We love Museveni. Besigye is a puppet of the west and will erode our ideals should we elect him," Marley says.