Kenya Blog 6

Sunday 29th July

The internet café was open and no one was using either of the two PCs. A sticky mouse and a dodgy keyboard did not deter me from sending my blog. I had limited time, but this is one of the faster downloads times I have found in Kenya, a mere five times slower than broadband (approx). The cost is a miniscule 150cents (1p) per minute, so no complaints on the cost front.

The reason time was limited was due to being asked to attend the first service, (they have two), of Life Reformation Centre. Fortunately, we arrived too late for me to have to give any impromptu speech. We were just asked to stand up and wave at the 500 or so congregation. Our VIP status was, however, marked with an invitation for tea and a cake with Pastor Komo, before he returned to the auditorium to repeat the first service. Auditorium may create the wrong image. It has walls on three sides and is basically a huge gazebo, with a galvanized iron roof, rather noisy when it rains, but invitingly cool on a hot summer’s morning in Kenya.

Road travel is always easier on Sundays, thanks to so many attending church meetings, although it is not the quiet day it once was. Most market stalls open seven days a week. In Githurai where we are the dusk tracks that pass for a high street have turned to thick mud and lakes of various shapes, sizes and depths. Those who have slept in the street all night contend with the hideous conditions alongside those in their Sunday best. It’s a carnival. Matthew is initially greatly amused and immediately admonished for spraying the contents of one such pond over the legs of several unexpectant folk as we sped passed. Mind you his driving is generally `top drawer`.

We arrived at Umoja for another show piece tournament organized by Steve Mucheru. We have been working together since Matt and I first went to Kenya in 1998. He had arranged it so that members of SCIFC were running the whole thing; refereeing, coaching the teams, administration, first aid, you name it, Steve had it all covered. The field, (this is a loose term that means a mixture of stones, gravel, earth and dry grass. The surface denied the opportunity for easy ball control, but these lads displayed wonderful touch. There were two pitches, two pools of four, seven-a-side, with semi finals and finals. Matt and I met up with old acquaintances, some of whom were with Mucheru even before we met him. His positive influence on their young lives is a testimonial to be more than proud. He is the essence of what SCI is all about and he carried the same vision prior to us coming on the scene.

A presentation followed the usual round of speeches and votes of thanks. This was followed with a bottle of soda for all and a loaf of bread between two, there main meal of that day. If only we could find the funding to employ Mucheru so that this work could be further developed, with daily coaching. It is more than just football, so beloved by Kenyans. It keeps the boys out of other mischief, and gives them the opportunity to work in a team. They learn leadership skills and the value of a disciplined life. In the UK such a gifted person would be snapped up by the FA.

In the evening everyone involved directly with SCI had a meal together at The Sportsview Hotel, where Matt and I are staying. It was the first time I had the opportunity of meeting and talking with all the wives and children of the trustees of SCI-K. Steve Mucheru and his wife, Milka, gave excellent speeches about the work they do, which both encouraged and challenged us all to reaffirm our efforts. It was a very happy time. Everyone was happy to share their thoughts. It augurs well for future.

As I write, Matt and Mike, our spanner man (do anything, fix anything), are ferrying the Mucheru`s back to Umoja. They are taking a long time. When Matt eventually arrived back at the gueathouse, seeing another two accidents and getting stuck in more agonising traffic jams has totally put him off Nairobi. He's had enough!

A day to remember.