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Clearly there is a Light the Night initiative in effect in Nairobi as streets that were born dark have become lined with street lights. The street I have lived on for 7 years in Karen, was honoured with light a few months ago. Driving down the road illuminated in bright white light made me wonder how I could have used that road under any other condition.
Clearly not all streets are completely dark. I remember driving from Muthaiga to town one evening without head lights. That was easy to pull off because I took a route that was lit with street lights all the way so I did not notice my lights were off until I turned down a dark street.
But this was no longer the case for Magadi Road toward Rongai. I had plied up and down that road for years in the dark. I inhaled the turns that lead to my front door. Not only did I not need street lights, I am pretty sure I could have done it with my eyes closed.
Then one day tall pylons appeared on the road with the promise of ... Something. It was that way for a month or so, long enough to think they were some strange roadside decoration. Then the wires connecting the pylons and then the lights covers appeared and then, wait for it, lights came on! I have to admit, it was very exciting. I no longer had to feel my way home. I no longer needed my brights to squint in the dark towards my destination.
My excitement did not keep my questions at bay. Why in the need for renewable energy, aren’t they using solar power? Then I get to more basic reflections: I have passed through Kibera at night where the only light is a lone light bulb in a kiosk or a kerosene lamp on a lean – to table selling dried fish.
For the lucky corners of Kibra there is a lone light post that lights up a mile in all directions, preserving the sanctity of many young girls. Then the countless Kenyans who live their whole life without street lights or electricity for that matter.
Humans are chameleons. We adapt to so many conditions. Living on dark streets in Nairobi has pretty much been my experience in Africa. I am humbled to witness, Nairobi moving ahead, one street light at a time.
