Today we went to Machakos to deal with a few governmental issues.  That is never a favorite thing for me to do but it had to be done.  I was actually pleasantly surprised with the outcome.  It went fairly smooth and I believe much of that is attributed to Chuck’s attention to detail.  The one thing that I had to laugh about, ok actually a couple of things I had to laugh about but I’ll get to that later, was on the government forms they listed three different types of documents which would be accepted as proof of dependents the employee would be claiming.  The employees at C4KK supplied baptism records and immunization records for their proof, which was listed on the form.

The gentleman helping us said the employees must have a birth certificate to prove dependent status….Chuck pointed out the list on the government form telling him that is what we followed but he proceeded to cross off the baptism record and immunization record on the form and said “we don’t accept those, just birth certificates.”  And yes, I laughed…internally of course so as not to offend this guy!  It’s just another example of how things work, or don’t work, here.

The other small laughable matters were –

• the fire exit was completely obstructed by desks, computers, chairs and other non-used office equipment.  I really wanted to take a picture but didn’t want to be arrested (I’ve heard you can be arrested for taking photos in government buildings, not sure if it’s actually a law but why chance it, right?)
• as we walked into the offices 2 workers were playing games on their computers
• I normally carry tissue with me for those instances when toilet paper is unavailable (and this happens more than not).  You guessed it, I didn’t have any tissue but I did have a wet knap…at least I had something other than my hand!
• Found out restaurants are called hotels and hotels are called restaurants here in Kenya.  Confusing I know but if you are staying the night you are staying in a restaurant and if you are eating out you are eating at a hotel.
• This one is not funny….they have fast internet in Machakos and I loved it!
• As we were asking questions to the government employee he began showing us examples with actual clients information….ID numbers, dependents, where they work, etc.  He would put in someones ID number, turn the computer screen around for us to read and explain the situation!  I know, I couldn’t believe it either!

Overall it was an ok trip and Machakos has some beautiful scenery for the drive: