The Vibrant Heart of Kisumu: Kondele

• HelloShikamoo
  [shee-kah-moh]
• GoodbyeKwaheri
  [kwa-heh-ree]
• YesNdio
  [nn-dee-oh]
• NoHapana
  [hah-pah-nah]
• Please/You're welcomeTafadhali
  [tah-fah-dah-lee]
• Thank youAsante
  [ah-san-teh]
• Excuse me/SorrySamahani
  [sah-mah-hah-nee]
• How are you?Habari yako?
  [hah-bah-ree yah-koh]
• Fine. And you?Salama. Na wewe?
  [sah-lah-mah. nah weh-weh]
• Do you speak English?Unazungumza Kiingereza?
  [oo-nah-zoon-goom-zah keen-geh-reh-zah]
• I don't understandSielewi
  [see-leh-wee]

• I'd like to see the menu, pleaseNingependa kuona menyu, tafadhali
  [nee-ngeh-pehn-dah kwoh-nah meh-nyoo, tah-fah-dah-lee]
• I don't eat meatSili nyama
  [see-lee nyah-mah]
• Cheers!Mambo!
  [mahm-boh]
• I would like to pay, pleaseNingependa kulipa, tafadhali
  [nee-ngeh-pehn-dah koo-lee-pah, tah-fah-dah-lee]

• Help!Usaidie!
  [oo-sah-ee-dee-eh]
• Go away!Nenda zako!
  [nen-dah zah-koh]
• Call the Police!Piga simu polisi!
  [pee-gah see-moo poh-lee-see]
• Call a doctor!Piga simu daktari!
  [pee-gah see-moo dahk-tah-ree]
• I'm lostNimepotea
  [nee-meh-poh-teh-ah]
• I'm illNinaumwa
  [nee-nah-oom-wah]

• I'd like to buy...Ningependa kununua...
  [nee-ngeh-pehn-dah koo-noo-noo-ah]
• I'm just lookingNatazama tu
  [nah-tah-zah-mah too]
• How much is it?Bei ni ngapi?
  [beh-ee nee ngah-pee]
• That's too expensiveHilo ni ghali sana
  [hee-loh nee gah-lee sah-nah]
• Can you lower the price?Unaweza kupunguza bei?
  [oo-nah-weh-zah koo-poon-goo-zah beh-ee]

• What time is it?Saa ngapi?
  [sah-ah ngah-pee]
• It's one o'clockSaa moja
  [sah-ah moh-jah]
• Half past (10)Nusu saa kumi
  [noo-soo sah-ah koo-mee]
• MorningAsubuhi
  [ah-soo-boo-hee]
• AfternoonMchana
  [m-chah-nah]
• EveningJioni
  [joh-ee-oh-nee]
• YesterdayJana
  [jah-nah]
• TodayLeo
  [leh-oh]
• TomorrowKesho
  [keh-shoh]
• 1Moja
  [moh-jah]
• 2Mbili
  [m-bee-lee]
• 3Tatu
  [tah-too]
• 4Nne
  [nn-neh]
• 5Tano
  [tah-noh]
• 6Sita
  [see-tah]
• 7Saba
  [sah-bah]
• 8Nane
  [nah-neh]
• 9Tisa
  [tee-sah]
• 10Kumi
  [koo-mee]

• Where's a/the...?Iko wapi...?
  [ee-koh wah-pee]
• What's the address?Anwani ni gani?
  [ahn-wah-nee nee gah-nee]
• Can you show me (on the map)?Unaweza kunionyesha (kwenye ramani)?
  [oo-nah-weh-zah koo-nyoh-nyeh-shah (kweh-neh rah-mah-nee)]
• When's the next (bus)?Bas ijayo itakuja lini?
  [bahs ee-jah-yoh ee-tah-koo-jah lee-nee]
• A ticket (to ....)Tiketi (kwenda ....)
  [tee-keh-tee (kwehn-dah)]

Kondele, like much of Kisumu, has deep historical roots that trace back to the early settlements of the Luo community in the 19th century. Its proximity to Lake Victoria made it a vital area for fishing, trade, and cultural exchange. As Kisumu began to grow with the arrival of the railway in 1901, Kondele emerged as a crucial neighbourhood for both residential and commercial activities.

During the British colonial period, Kondele saw significant infrastructural development. The establishment of the railway brought an influx of traders and laborers, which transformed the area into a bustling hub. The colonial administration's policies often marginalized local communities, leading to socio-economic disparities that would shape the neighbourhood's dynamics for decades.

Kondele was also influenced by the broader political movements in Kenya, including the Mau Mau Uprising of the 1950s. The struggle against colonial rule resonated in the community, with many residents participating in the fight for independence. This period marked a significant awakening of political consciousness among the people of Kisumu and particularly in Kondele.

Following Kenya's independence in 1963, Kondele experienced rapid urbanization and population growth. The neighbourhood became known for its vibrant market life and cultural diversity. However, the challenges of urban planning, housing shortages, and infrastructure development continued to affect the area, leading to informal settlements and economic struggles.

Today, Kondele is recognized for its lively cultural scene, with numerous community events, music, and traditional practices that reflect the rich heritage of the Luo people. The neighbourhood is home to various ethnic groups, which fosters a unique blend of customs and traditions. Moreover, Kondele's markets and social spaces play a crucial role in daily life, contributing to its identity as a vibrant urban centre within Kisumu.

Kondele is easily accessible from various neighborhoods within Kisumu. If you're coming from the city center, you can take a matatu (shared taxi) heading towards Kondele, which operates frequently and costs around 30-50 KES. Alternatively, you can hire a taxi for a more comfortable journey, which will take about 15-20 minutes depending on traffic.

Kondele is well-connected by public transport, including matatus and boda bodas (motorcycle taxis). Boda bodas are a quick way to navigate the bustling streets and are particularly useful for short distances. Walking is also a viable option for exploring the neighborhood, especially the local markets and eateries.

Kondele is generally safe, but caution is advised, especially after dark. Areas near the Kondele market can experience petty crime, so it is wise to avoid displaying valuables. Always stay aware of your surroundings and avoid isolated areas at night.

In case of an emergency, dial 999 for police assistance or 999 for ambulance services. Kisumu has several hospitals and clinics, including Aga Khan Hospital, which is equipped for emergencies. It is advisable to have travel insurance that covers medical emergencies.

Fashion: Do dress modestly, especially in local markets. Avoid overly revealing clothing. Religion: Do respect local customs; when visiting religious sites, dress conservatively. Public Transport: Do give up your seat for the elderly and be polite. Don't engage in loud conversations. Greetings: Do greet people with a handshake and a smile. Eating & Drinking: Do try local dishes and accept food offerings. Don't refuse hospitality, as it may offend.

To experience Kondele like a local, visit the vibrant Kondele Market early in the morning for fresh produce and local crafts. Engage with vendors; they are often eager to share stories about their products. Try local street food, such as samosas and mandazi, from reputable vendors. Join community events or local church services to immerse yourself in the culture.