For my first week in Nairobi, I stayed with Lilian, one of Kiva’s partners from Strathmore University. She was a wonderful host–I learned to cook Kenyan cuisine, travel efficiently around the city, and discuss Kenyan politics with her—we watched the news every night at 9pm! 90% of the news is about the International Criminal Court trials of President Kenyatta and Deputy President Ruto for the alleged crimes against humanity committed during the post-election violence in 2007 and 2008.

While staying with her, Lilian hosted a party to celebrate her sister’s birthday, and I was excited to attend.  Similar to an American celebration, there was a decadent cake and all the young children were glued to Sponge Bob on the TV. The whole family partook in the celebration, with 5 out of 6 siblings present with all their children! They deemed it just a “small gathering,” but I enjoyed the front row seat to an upper middle-class Kenyan family gathering. Discussions about favorite grocery brands, recent furniture purchases, and how much new clothes cost spoke to the purchasing power and upward mobility of Kenyan middle class.

While I’ll miss Lilian’s hospitality (and Kenyan cooking), I’m excited to move into my apartment and meet my new roommates soon!