A field guide to “niko karibu”
What your friends say when they’re running late, and what they actually mean.
Field guide1 min read
Every city has a language for lateness. Nairobi’s is advanced. After extensive research (every Saturday of our lives), here is the official translation table.
- “Niko karibu.” I have not left the house. I may not be dressed.
- “Niko kwa jam.” There is a jam somewhere in Nairobi. I am near it, spiritually.
- “Two minutes.” Forty minutes. Possibly an hour. Time is a construct.
- “Nimefika stage.” I have looked at the stage from my window.
- “Nakuja sai.” A promise, made in good faith, that will not be kept.
- “Anzeni bila mimi.” I am actually late, and I feel bad, but not bad enough to hurry.
- “Niko hapa nje.” The only phrase in this table that is ever true.
How Togra helps (a little)
When you leave something that only opens when everyone’s there, the waiting is visible to everyone: “5 of 6 here”. Nobody is tracked and nobody’s location is shown. It just becomes very obvious who the one is.
Social pressure, it turns out, is faster than any matatu.
Made you want to go somewhere?
