My parents own a small kiosk (shop) so from time to time I go and help them in running their business. Given the curfew predicament, one would expect that people will purchase whatever they need earlier so that they get home before the so-called temple run begins, but that is not the case. Minutes just before the curfew begins, we have multitudes suddenly at the kiosk to purchase an item or two. Indeed, Kenyans really love the last-minute rush! Earlier this week, a customer came to buy rice past 7 pm. Coincidentally, the police were running a patrol and just after I gave him the rice the police started shouting at him. In the panic of the moment, the customer fled from my sight and left his change which the police almost snatched away from my hand.
So spending most of my time indoors due to the coronavirus pandemic has been interesting and boring at the same time. Interesting in the sense that I spend most of my time with all my family members, try out new challenges trending on social media, for instance the tissue challenge.
The experience has been equally boring in that I must remain within our compound and may easily find myself idle if I am not deliberate about how I utilize my time.
Coping with the pandemic is not an easy affair. I try my best to follow all the stipulated measures on hand washing and social distancing, as directed by the Government. When I go anywhere outside my home compound, the minute I return home, I soak my clothes in soapy water and take a shower. I also purchased a mask. I recall wearing it on my way to the market; a hawker looked at me in shock and asked me, “Kwani Corona imefika huku,” (You mean, Coronavirus is here?). I have also been teaching customers who frequent our shop on the difference between hand wash and sanitizer, since some of them believe that hand wash is the same as the sanitizer.
A great lesson that the pandemic has taught me and which I hope to constantly remind myself of is that physical contact is important. Human beings are social creatures, in as much as we use technology to connect. Also, simple things such as washing one’s hands with soap for about 20 seconds has now become a norm that may never go away.
During these unusual times, I spend my day reading articles and novels, trying new recipes, exercising with my dad who is trying to lose some weight as well as entertaining myself with music and trying new dance moves.
After the covid-19 pandemic I look forward to going back to campus, visiting my friends and grandparents, joining the dance club, visiting recreational places more often and, of course, having my freedom back to travel freely without feeling anxious. As for now, I will obey and do my part in flattening the seemingly ever rising curve of COVID-19. May God help us!