Mpango wa kando

So we have been hearing quite a bit about 'mpango wa kando', or the 'plan B' or 'spare tyre' since we arrived in Kenya. It started out as a campaign slogan with good intentions in terms of HIV/ AIDS education. The idea is that, if you're being unfaithful to your husband or wife you should be honest with them, or you risk passing on HIV. So far so worthy...

Needless to say all has not quite gone to plan for the campaign. Infidelity in Kenya is massive. It's a religious society and marriage is very much for life. On the other hand, quite a number of traditional Kenyan societies had no issue with polygamy, and so the seed is there (for men in particular*) to think that adding another string to their bow might not be such a bad idea. The result is your 'plan B' or 'spare tyre' - a girlfriend (or occasionally boyfriend) kept in reserve for a rainy day.

Mpango wa kando has hence become something of a boys' club joke - 'you got a spare tyre? High five!'. Now, instead of encouraging people to be honest, it's just a bit of back-slapping for the chaps.

Mpango wa kando has only been the first of many interesting insights into Kenyan ideas about marriage and relationships. On a lot of matatus the radio blares constantly, and Classic FM is a popular choice (and ideal if you like listening to Kenny Rogers, Mel C and George Michael on the way to work). One morning on our way in we heard one of the DJs starting a discussion all about 'Why are women so mean to their exes?'. The question posed was: 'Ladies, if your ex called you from jail asking for bail money, what would you do?'. Errr....

The weekend problem pages have been full of insight too (when are they not?). Check this out:

At 39, I am yet to find a woman who loves me

However, in the last few weeks we've met with lots of strong, independent Kenyan women who really don't fit the stereotype, and who are tough cookies perfectly prepared to stand up and say their piece.

Either way, we look forward to picking up our newspaper or listening to the radio.

Just a final note to close: apologies to Jo (of awesome duo Jo and Gareth) - in a previous post I may have implicated her in Gareth's Yorkshireness. Many apologies for this racial slur Jo.


*no pun intended!