The Great Migration

Every year, right on schedule—just after schools close, offices start pretending to be busy, and landlords begin sharpening their December rent machetes—the Great Kenyan Migration happens. From every corner of Nairobi, from Roysambu to Rongai, from the trenches of Githurai to the high-altitude apartments of Kileleshwa, young people pack their bags and head home. Loaded with shopping, dust and heartbreak.

This is not just a holiday.

This is not just Christmas.

This… is Return to Sender Season

The moment you step off the matatu at home, your mother looks at you like she’s opening a report card.

“Eeh Aton, you’ve even lost weight. Nairobi is finishing you."

Your mind races to the few hours of sleep you always get because in Nairobi sleep is for the weak.

"Anyway—umekuja peke yako?”

That's the question. That's question whose answer nobody believes at home

Before you even answer, your aunt appears from nowhere like an NPC in a video game:

“With all those beautiful Nairobi girls, you’re still single? Ama you are too choosy?

Ama they refused you?”

This one comes more blatant without decorum. At least your mum serves you a little respect

The uncles will pretend they don’t care—until they catch you taking tea.

“My friend, this life is not...