The relative economic and political stability in Kenya as compared to other East African nations has served as a powerful magnet where people from neighbouring countries come to seek residence for various reasons.
The Congolese, for instance, started flocking the Kenyan capital around a decade ago (from 2000) due to the political and economic instability in Congo fuelled by the continued war and insecurity.
In Nairobi’s Umoja Estate, there are numerous Congolese who have made it their home. Interestingly, they prefer living in isolated plots as groups while also being secretive about their personal lives.
Some of them make sweet mandazis which are uniquely prepared, others work as barbers, music teachers and keyboard players.
They also have special festivals which they organize and attend as a community.
Fredreic Kasadi, a Congolese living in Umoja Estate explains that the reason they prefer staying and working in groups is because they feel more secure together.
They also live together in groups of three to around ten because they claim it makes life easy for them due to cost sharing.
A typical home for the Congolese in Umoja Estate would consist of a husband, wife, children, relatives and friends, and in other situations just friends who traveled together from Congo.
Some even start their own churches and Alain Mutombo argues that they do this because they have different worship procedures back at home and wish to continue with them in Kenya.
“Our songs and prayers are a bit different and may not be understood by Kenyans and that is why we prefer starting our own churches,” he said.
Mutombo added that he loves Kenya because of its peaceful nature and conducive business environment.
“We also find it easy to communicate since we have a common language Kiswahili,” he adds.
Naturally, the Congolese are artistically gifted and it is no surprise that they form some of the best bands in the country.
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Most churches hire them as guitarists, singers and drummers and boy don’t they deliver!
They have also been employed as barbers and hairdressers and their thoroughness and attention to detail have made them one of the most sought-after hair stylists.
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