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Four things to expect while in Mombasa


So, Sauti Sol’s are taking their Live and Die in Africa tour in Mombasa this weekend and you and your gang are in tow. Well, we’ve got you covered. Here are four things you should expect while in Mombasa:

1. The talkative tuk tuk driver

The population of tuk tuks in Mombasa is steadily growing by the day that has made other motorist on the roads of Mombasa complain on the increasing traffic jams caused by them.

However, if you happen to be visiting Mombasa and you don’t fancy the hustle and bustle of commuting on a matatu, tuk tuks are the best mode of transportation for you, since they take you door to door and this may come handy to someone who is not familiar with the place. And they’re everywhere.

Tuk Tuk operators in Mombasa protest along Digo Road accusing the county government of frustrating their operations in this picture taken on February 24, 2016. PHOTO | LABAN WALLOGA
Tuk Tuk operators in Mombasa protest along Digo Road accusing the county government of frustrating their operations in this picture taken on February 24, 2016. PHOTO | LABAN WALLOGA

However, the luxury and comfort of being the only passenger on the locomotive comes with a price. By the time you reach your destination, you would probably have been told a brief history of Mombasa and its people, his own (the tuk tuk driver) biography plus any other business that he sees relevant.

It is as if they have developed a sixth sense to spot the non-locals whom they see easy ‘prey’. There is no way to escape this, but to just nod your head like you understand everything while you count the minutes to when you will get off.

2. The conductor who will literally beg you to ride in his matatu

Like, Seriously? Matatu conductors in Mombasa not only beg you to ride with them but they can also get to blows with each other all in the name of one ‘stealing’ the other’s client. It’s a common occurrence while walking down a street near a bus stage to suddenly find yourself sandwiched between two matatu conductors, each trying to convince you to board his matatu. This can be frustrating, especially for the ladies who are easy target for the touts.

President Uhuru Kenyatta greets commuters in a matatu on the streets of Mombasa.
President Uhuru Kenyatta greets commuters in a matatu on the streets of Mombasa.

3. The ‘walahi’ people

If need to distinguish a Mombasa-born person from those from bara (upcountry), then the use or non-use of the word ‘walahi’ could help you make that distinction. The word punctuates almost every sentence that indigenous locals here utter. Walahi, which is a swear word, is a common phrase among the locals that is used to establish how truthful a person is. So if you want to blend in you, know which word to use!

4. Hot food hawkers

Viazi karai, mkate wa sinia, vitumbua, chapati, mshakiki among others are just a few of the many food items you will find being sold on the streets of Mombasa. The snacks are usually sold in the afternoon after the scorching sun begins to set. There is no map or directions required for this, just step into Mombasa town and you will be spoiled for choice on what to eat!