OAIC Nairobi Part 1

Most of my last day in Nairobi was spent with David Warui of the Organization of African Independent Churches. OAIC is comprised of many small local and regional churches across Africa. As opposed to the large denominational churches that were mostly colonial (Presbyterian, Anglican, Methodist, etc.). OAIC has its office in Nairobi, but has regional offices throughout Africa.

OAIC, like NCCK, operates a wide variety of programs, but today we're going into the slums to visit two different micro-loan groups. I've already seen several groups, and am bit disappointed that I'll be seeing more of the same. But David proves that there are still a few new angles on this model.

David picked me up at the AACC guest house and we head for Mathare, a vast slum and home to more than half-a-million people. It's a city unto itself, with the gleaming buildings of the downtown Nairobi a world away. The streets are teeming with pedestrians, cars, trucks, handcarts, hawkers, bicycles, motorcycles, and matatus. The pedestrians make the best time, since they simply step around all the other congestion. David obviously knows the area well, and pulls into a gas station, pays the owner for parking, and we dodge the traffic as we cross the muddy street.

We enter an unmarked metal shack -- the Free Pentecostal Church of Mathare -- and are greeted by Naomi, Rehab, and Rosemary. The church doubles as a school, with plain wooden benches, a raggy sofa, and a small table that is the teacher's desk and the altar. In the back corner the 'music system' hangs on the wall, consisting of two drums. Leaning against the wall below the drums is the pastor's bike. The earthen floor is pounded hard, and the light comes from the open door.



At first there's a bit of awkwardness, as we shake hands and exchange the peace of Christ; it's clear this group is here to build their business and deepen their faith. We sing a hymn (rather they sing and I hum, since I don't know the words), have a short prayer led by Naomi, and settle in to talk.

The name of the group is Mwiyukirie, meaning 'let us stand,' expressing the desire to stand together in solidarity with each other against the turmoil, oppression, and politics of Kenyan life, and to stand on their own feet, seeking independence. As Naomi, pointed out, "instead of getting a hand out, we got a hand-up to get out of the troubles." The 'troubles' are the gangs, tribal fights, destruction, and displacement over the last decade or more as violence swept across Kenya. This upheaval wasn't limited to the capital -- we heard of the same problems in Nyeri and Kisumu. As a result, many women were compelled to support themselves and their children, and to build new lives and new homes often in a different part of the city or country.

Rosemary is recent member of the group. At her kiosk she makes and sells mandazi, deep-fried bread dough -- sort of like doughnuts. Her original loan was 20,000 Ksh, or about $225 Cdn to get some utensils, flour, baking supplies, oil, and pay the initial rent for her kiosk. On a good day, she sells 3,000 Ksh worth of mandazi, and clears about 800 Ksh or a little less than $10 Cdn, on which she supports herself and her two children. Rosemary insists on giving us some mandazi and drinks, and steadfastly refuses payment. The mandazi are hot and sweet and taste of coconut milk.





Naomi runs a hotel -- selling prepared food for eat-in at a counter, or for take away. It's one of the larger businesses, housed in a concrete building with running water and electricity. Despite the size of the slum, people live in tight-knit communities; as we head back to the car, two young mechanics at the garage greet us. They're regulars at Naomi's "Mama Safi Hotel," and want to meet us.

Both Rosemary and Naomi employ a couple of people to help out in their kiosks, so the benefits of the loans reach further than just Naomi's and Rosemary's immediate families.

Charity of the best sort is part of the purpose of the Mwiyukirie group. All the members contribute every week to support Wangui, their adopted grandmother. I never did get Wangui's story -- she spoke no English and was incredibly shy -- but, I did learn that she was quite alone in the world, had limited mobility (arthritis?), and was virtually destitute. The women of Mwiyukirie keep her fed, clothed, and with a roof over her head, otherwise she would be on the street.

Just before leaving, I asked is there was any message I could take back to Canada for them. Naomi paused for a moment and then replied: "We are honoured by your visit, and we ask that you continue to pray for us, as we will continue to pray for you and for your church in Canada." We then sing a hymn -- one they're sure I know, "Jesus loves me."