by Magu Nguru

Created on: April 04, 2008   Last Updated: April 05, 2008

One thing about Kenya that really displeases me is the level of courtesy the people have. Kenya is one country where you can be walking on the street and someone just hits you and walks on, it's a country where cars never give way for the other driver leading to senseless accidents. It is a country where when you enter a restaurant, people shout and yell at the waiter without finding out her name and literary order for food. It is sad to say that this has led to many peoples rights been trampled upon causing them to be more vicious and rude. They say it's a tough world out there and Kenyans seem to have taken it literary. May be it's the impact of watching to many gangster rap videos or a reflection of a stressed society, whatever the case Kenyans are not really courteous.

Our neighbors, Tanzania, across the border are the direct opposite. My recent visit to the country made me realize just how different the country is. When I entered a bus, someone politely asked me please to create for him room so that he could pass to alight from the vehicle. Later, at a restaurant, a waiter asked me to please take my order. I thought I was dreaming and after a while I left much more relaxed and peaceful. Actually, I now realize that for the week I was there, I did not get hit by anyone on the sidewalk. I wonder what other different things I encountered.

This leads me to the real core of this article, helping Kenyans and anyone out there to be more courteous me included. I think we should really aspire to consider others more highly than ourselves and display some Christian principles that 80% of us claim to have. The first step is to use the three all important words more often starting with please.

The next time we go somewhere and we need a service, lets use the word please. If you find an empty seat in a bus and need someone to create space for you (not move up for you- lets me courteous also in writing) then please ask them to kindly create that space. When you go to a restaurant, smile find out the name of the waiter and then ask them please to serve you food. Finally to your friends, especially your wife or girlfriend, ask her please to help you with anything you may desire (not want). It will show that you value the service that the person is offering you and its likely they will serve you better.

After they have helped you out please use the word thank you; thank you. When you are served in a restaurant, say thank you, when created for room, say thank you, after using

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