The First Meeting - Nairobi, Kenya

I scheduled to meet Frederick at the Udugu office in Westlands (an area in Nairobi). Without a car, and having to rely on public transportation, he told me it would take at least 2-3 hours to get to the area from where I was staying. He was saying in a nice way, that it was practically impossible for me to know where and how to switch. Although I was discouraged, I took his advice and sent a text to my driver (whom I met at the Marriott hotel 5 star downtown), to arrange to pick me up and take me to Westlands.

Just a little background - Connections, and their importance
In Africa, one of the best places to get direct (almost accurate) advice, is to approach the concierge at the nicest 5 star ( if available) hotel in town. There they are always willing to help, and give you the most knowledgeable advice. I met Moses at the Marriott, through the door man (where security is so tight, you have to go through a metal detector prior to entrance) whom became my driver in Nairobi for the next couple months. Without him, I would have never learned or seen Nairobi, safely. He also provided me with connections throughout all my travels in Kenya. Africans are very networked. Once you are welcomed into their network, you are given opportunities and invitations for a lifetime.

I walked into the Corporate Headquarters of Udugu Society of Kenya. I remember being slightly confused, as there was no site of a receptionist when entering the building. But, I waited patiently (patience - you learn this quickly in Africa), and was greeted politely by an employee and escorted to Frederick’s office. We met and discussed my interests in meeting with producer groups whom they are partnered with. We had a great conversation, but he realized that, Alice whom ran their Fair- Trade gift shop a few floors down would be of better help. Frederick introduced me to Alice. From then on, she became my connection to this new chapter that taught me a lot about Kenya culture and the survival needed to live. She taught me and introduced me to many of their artisans throughout Kenya. I was very excited to work with Alice, as she knows a lot about the industry, and was full of smiles. Since I can’t speak Kiswahili fluently, we decided that I would possibly need a translator to accompany me to meet with some of the artisans.

We had a brief discussion, and shortly there after, we worked to set me up to meet with Bombolulu Workshops in Mombasa. I would return to Nairobi in the next week to meet with local Artisans there.