By Shazia Majale,
KANDUYI, Bungoma- The little town I call home is not so little anymore. The changes that have taken place since it was decided it should host this year’s 61st Madaraka celebrations have been so drastic. Not that it hadn’t changed before, just at an amazing rate than before.
Its glowing, looking beautiful, it’s promising alot for the future.
This little town Bungoma, I’ve loved to hate it. I’ve hated how slow it has been developing over the years.How alot of things have remained the same , almost being eyesores.
Sure we do have impressive homes,nice facilities but my visits to other towns just made me demand more, better.
Nothing was satisfactory. The little development here and there still felt underwhelming. Dont get me started on people from Bungoma. This town knows everyone and their business.
Sneaky links know each other,mums know all their kids shenanigans, your mum’s friends have the right to embarrass you anywhere and your dad’s acquitances hit on you on a daily.My town! Huh!
The love though, transcends everything.Habitants of this town know how to hold each other down. In death,in celebrations,in new beginnings,in moving forward.The women chamas are the real deal.This women can rally for one of their own in such selfless ways.
In this town we love strolling about unless ofcourse we are in a hurry or lazy or feeling fancy.We don’t have to announce our coming,we just show up.The shenanigans will leave one in stitches though.People from Bungoma know how to keep in touch.
This is my kindergarten best friend.That was my primary school classmate and the other one,our mums are friends.
Happy as I am about this changes,I still can’t help but feel a kind of way.with the coming of the new,it means the old has no room.
For instance, how street lights mean only few kisses can be stolen on a night promenade between lovers, the Milimani roads won’t be covered with purple delicate flowers from the Jacaranda trees, going to church means increased scrutiny from security personnel due to the new state lodge that replaced the DC’s residence.
How Uwanja Ndege isn’t lively anymore with different sports activities and teens hanging out and how the real CBD, Kanduyi junction has a whole new face that’s different from it’s usual rusty, dusty,busy business face. There’s a whole new aerial view when you are atop Lorio hills.
In with the new though is that street lights everywhere ensure security for everyone, tarmac roads equals less dust and it’s easy for the athletic people, the town can be planned, the renovated stadium means matches and entertainment grounds and not to mention prospects at further and better developments.
A walk on these streets, old or new,however will always have bitter sweet memories of growing up.Friends, lovers.
They will always evoke all kinds of feelings.I do wish some people stayed long enough to witness these moments.
On these streets new memories shall be made, friendships fostered,new buildings will rise above old ones, landmarks shall be renamed.It will all change.
Viva Bungoma!
