Our Kenyan colleagues belong to the middle class of Kenya, a group that is growing larger and more influential. The book 'The African Dream' offers a fascinating insight into the world of these Nairobians, making it a must-read for your visit to Kenya!
Carien Westerveld
Carien Westerveld is a Dutch writer and journalist who lived in Kenya for several years with her husband, who worked for a dairy company, Bio. During that time, she wrote extensively for De Groene Amsterdammer about life in Nairobi, often spending time with Kenyans to get an authentic perspective. A few months ago, her book ‘De Afrikaanse Droom’ was released, which focuses on the middle class in Nairobi. The book explores questions such as: How does the middle class in Nairobi live? What do they value, and how do they envision the future?The big city of Nairobi
There is a huge difference between the big city, Nairobi, and the countryside of Kenya. While some tribes still live in small manyattas, primarily concerned with the size of their cattle herds, in the city, very different things are important. The capital is home to a growing group of urbanites who embrace new lifestyles. These are the drivers of progress, portrayed in "The African Dream" by Westerveld. Alongside them, she visits mega churches (including the young bling-bling priest) and attends courses on how to become as rich as possible as quickly as possible. Feminism and single mothers—how does this affect such an apparently conservative society?