5 Cultural Norms in Kenya That Surprised Us as Americans

[@TravelCheckIns]

We’ve been living in Kenya almost 4 months now and think it’s good to share some things Americans may not know about the country. Today we’ll share, 5 Cultural Norms in Kenya That Surprised Us as Americans! 📍Want our help planning a trip or move to Kenya? Click here: calendly.com/germaineandsaidah/30min 📍 More tips for living in Kenya: kzbin.info/aero/PLiU08jt1dSM1kkU_DZt0NenluPW2b5Cy0&si=Kpd5bTEA5b1MLtsm

[@wendyomanga]

A maid here is very affordable. I always pay someone to cook and clean for me when am too busy or tired. So, I always enjoy my life in Kenya as a single lady. It's affordable and not a big deal. This i can't do in America because it's too expensive.

[@ShamNgash]

The weather been doing you justice you really look amazing ❤

[@TravelCheckIns]

@@ShamNgash we appreciate the kind words.

[@raymondomollo6748]

Traditionally or culturally, polygamy is/was quite common in Africa in general, not only in Kenya. However, although still allowed culturally and is in fact embedded in the statutes, there's a shift in society away from the practice. Today, many marriages are between husband and wife. That's not to say that there are no polygamous unions. Hope this answers your question.

[@jaynewanjira3541]

A maid or a househelp which is what the name has slowly evolved into is like having a nanny in America. Plain and simple. It is not abuse. The same way some Americans need nannies to baby sit their kids and some even cook for the family but rarely is the same thing the househelps do but more. Nannies are very expensive in America but depending on the location you live in but in Kenya it also varies. So think of a househelp like a nanny but does so much more.

[@HeraAnyang]

Househelps after a while become like part of the family. I have had my current house manager for the last 23 yrs. Started working for me when i was 27 yrs old in a,one bedroom apartment . She was a single mum of 3 boys living in a slum. Her kids have grown, gone to college, working in corporate jobs - and she really does not need to be a househelp. I moved out of Kenya for work 6 years ago and come home 2 or 3 times a year, she looks after my apartment and does general dusting. I will provide her a retirement package and also considering paying for her last born to pursue his MBA abroad, given the longterm impact it could have for all of them and the community at large. I say all this to amplify the fact that houselps for a,number of Kenyans is,more than transactional.

[@kimaninjuguna2231]

Proverbs 31 woman. We can help uplift these honorable women by empowering them so that house helping is not a forever job.

[@TravelCheckIns]

Yes we see that

[@jbNutrition]

polygamy is more for cultural and for muslims

[@IFan-md2vk]

@@jbNutrition polygamy is a tradition on the African continent. Also traditionnally for the woman who just gave birth she is having a rest from sexual interactions, she is feeding her baby for a long time, used to at least 2 to 3 years, in the meantime the husband has another wife, or several wives. As for muslims I cannot explain.

[@IrenesConcierge]

If this video was on mute I’d assume the lady is Naliaka from luhya land the gentleman is Kariuki from Nyeri 😂👍🏾. Truly Kenyan 😍

[@TravelCheckIns]

@@IrenesConcierge thanks for the feedback and for watching. ☺️🙌🏾

[@planetI911]

They are not??

[@tomatosoup6440]

Stop embarrassing us with your tribalism.

[@MamaDC493]

@@tomatosoup6440 I didn't see it as such , but to be honest she looks like some of my family members

[@LillianeBwire]

Kenyans have no body image issues coz we didn't grow with race skin or body discrimination. We even know the strengths and weaknesses of each of our tribes and jibe each other about it while on a nyama choms party. It's forgotten and well understood until the politician invite people to fight, then things change.

[@Be-Rean]

African time is only applied to events such as weddings and parties but not with professional matters

[@TravelCheckIns]

Good to know

[@karonebuguss2616]

true. only for social events.. but in a blue chip corporatey atmosphere we keep time.

[@Africaisthefuture-zh8bo]

We will be late for EVERYTHING except classes, work, and professional meetings/business meetings.

[@CherieDeDieu]

I am Kenyan and was raised in the 80s. Both my Mum and Dad worked all our lives; my Mum probably earned more but she was always very submissive and very good at taking care of us and the home generally. They are both retired; my Mum is still submissive and I think that explains why they are still married more than 45 years later. About maids, you'll hear a good number of people call them that but we mostly call them house girls or househelps. Also, I love that y'all are born again Christians and are living your life with biblical principles. Halleluyah!!God bless you! 😊

[@TravelCheckIns]

Thank you. Blessings to you

[@IrenesConcierge]

Thank you for making Kenya home and accommodating our country with its roses and thorns. As believers we thrive wherever our feet step on as the Word of God says.

[@TravelCheckIns]

@@IrenesConcierge 🙌🏾 Amen!

[@freedomm]

For middle class families with a house with a compound/backyard, it's normal to have a househelp and a gardener. The wealthier ones have a driver.

[@TravelCheckIns]

Understood

[@karennnelnw3995]

The house helps, house managers really help working mum's and they free you to do other things, run ministry, businesses, etc.

[@TravelCheckIns]

We get it. In America most can’t afford one

[@4Waridi]

@@karennnelnw3995 👍like the Proverbs 31 woman. We can help uplift these honorable women by empowering them so that house helping is not a forever job.

[@martino6205]

@@TravelCheckIns But in many cases, wives don't let maids cook for the husband or touch his clothes. Though depends mostly on the wife.

[@waridi9]

As a Kenyan living in the USA, when I first got here, most Americans told me I was rude. Lol, I was direct

[@IREENKAIRUTHI]

😂

[@theafrinado]

No time to take corners! Talk to me directly! What will they do with Nigerians now😂😂😂​@@IREENKAIRUTHI

[@shundrachamberliss9352]

Lol so true because us Americans put sugar on everything so it easy to swallow 😆

[@muthoni632]

I had to quietly learn them to avoid being judged.

[@lillianmagellan8939]

Yet you mean no ill. We're so direct as Africans we don't do euphemism

[@Chaochao762]

We mostly don’t call them maids, we would call them aunty.. she’s there to help us and she gets paid but we also needed to show respect. At least that’s what my parents taught us.

[@clyomu]

Maid is such a condescending word and she uses it repeatedly

[@ubaachieng4668]

That is probably the correct term in English.

[@estherwangui8449]

Yea this are lies we don't call them maids

[@Bumblebee-macan]

Yes in Africa we respect our aunties

[@MamaDC493]

You won't call them maids but in a conversation with a friend you would say , I have a maid.

[@Jabali777]

Saida, your hair is beautiful

[@TravelCheckIns]

Thank you!

[@korirvtl]

Saidah, Love the new hair. And I also love the new trajectory of the videos. Good job!

[@TravelCheckIns]

I appreciate that!

[@markorenge9840]

Our directness is crazy I just love us ❤😂😂

[@TravelCheckIns]

We love it too, honestly.

[@andrewchege1224]

Love the truthfulness in you guyz, it's good to learn from you about America, come to mombasa and find a whole different culture.

[@TravelCheckIns]

That’s definitely on the on the list after the holidays

[@velichkaomukuba36]

Welcome home guys thanks for such a polite video expressing your opinions in such a respectful manner. I learnt a lot about us and also learnt a lot about you. This was nice. keep them coming.

[@TravelCheckIns]

Thanks for the thoughtful comment.

[@Legen12250]

I've had the same house help over 2 years now. Maids are definitely needed and appreciated.

[@wanjirarosegikonyo2090]

Saidah,looks really beautiful in the braids.❤Love you guys .Hoping one of these days you will record video,of your Faith has it grown since moving?..have you found a community of believers? etc etc😊

[@TravelCheckIns]

Thank you. Hopefully we will do that in the not too distant future

[@kariukiwambugu1628]

I definitely thought dowry would make the list of top societal and cultural differences. Love your content.

[@TravelCheckIns]

The topic of dowry is coming in a future video from a different context than cultural differences. It was hard voting it out of this video, but we don’t want to make the videos too long. We appreciate you watching.

[@LillianeBwire]

We are oriented from British aristocracy rulership where titles like maid were respectable and not abusive intent. I think the context of America is different because the old helpers stemmed from forced labour of slavery . Here it's a choice job.

[@Africaisthefuture-zh8bo]

No, we dont use the word maid anymore especially because it came from british aristocracy. A house help or house manager is the more recent term.

[@maryalice5772]

We do use maid because it's the correct term in the English language. It's the title of a job role and is not derogatory

[@Commentthat]

I love how you two work together

[@TravelCheckIns]

Thanks!

[@beatsl6943]

I'm kenyan but live in the USA, and I totally understand the culture shock.. but miss the luxury of having a house girl, the African time is deep in our DNA, well enjoy Kenya it's beautiful and the people are awesome

[@TravelCheckIns]

Thank you for the thoughtful feedback. We really like it here.

[@trendingwwwandw]

Thank you for sharing this great information about Kenya really like the informative aspect of this video. Thank you for sharing us.

[@TravelCheckIns]

Thanks for watching!

[@salomekitali1922]

Welcome to Kenya,welcome home!

[@TravelCheckIns]

Asante!

[@vanessaedwards54]

Thank you, guys! Another awesome podcase. 🥰👑🙏💪

[@TravelCheckIns]

Our pleasure! 😊 Glad to hear you enjoyed this one.

[@LillianeBwire]

Our Kenyan families also live with many different family relatives.We do the black tax, it's almost compulsory, supporting relatives to get jobs work or education, they live with you and offer domestic chores in appreciation or as part of family.

[@Ruttobillions]

We had house help from Uganda here in America for 9 years, and she raised our kids so well and cooked delicious East African dishes. We are not rich, but we'd rather split our incomes and have a decent, balanced life! Having house help is the best thing ever.

[@TravelCheckIns]

I get it but I don’t think most AA know how to get African house help or how much it costs

[@Ruttobillions]

@@TravelCheckIns True, but us Kenyans in America know how to source them. We are full-blooded Kenyans, but we've made here home for 2 decades. Glad you are enjoying Nairobi

[@jane-t]

Even in Kenya we call them house helps or house managers. Maid is demeaning, atleast for a majority of us

[@TravelCheckIns]

I hear different takes on that but house help does sound better to use

[@maryalice5772]

How is it demeaning. It's the correct term in English

[@wanguikariuki7673]

I think because of the demands of work, most households women work full time and even run businesses on the side like I did. Having a househelp really helps me to be able to accomplish the demands of work especially corporate fields which is very competitive, to provide for our children and inadvertently help the househelp to provide for their children or family back in villages. Most times you'll find the employer helping to pay schoolfees for their children in addition to paying her salary. It's a symbiotic relationship

[@TravelCheckIns]

I understand. In America most can’t afford house help

[@telegrphavenuetv]

In Malawi, we call them house girls. We also have garden boys. I know alot of Americans wouldn't like that terminology

[@TravelCheckIns]

It’s because in the US it had a different meaning but I think sensible people would understand

[@telegrphavenuetv]

@TravelCheckIns it was colonial and it stuck lol

[@FunandBudget]

@@telegrphavenuetv Ah...so it being colonial will give it the same negative connotation we (Americans) have. The British/colonizers would call black people boys and girls even when they were clearly men and women and never were we given honorifics.

[@telegrphavenuetv]

@@FunandBudget yes. Somehow people just haven't gotten around to changing it. They still refer to servant quarters as "boys quarters"

[@orisenabritt]

i used to think a janitor is a high profile job in US.. its brutal to call them cleaners 🤣

[@vanessaedwards54]

Your husband be cracking me up. 🤣🤣🤣

[@TravelCheckIns]

😁

[@InternetMillionare-yz1en]

For business and job Kenyans are gonna show up very early but when it comes to dates, church, and occasions.

[@lee81721]

You just got yourselves a subscriber . Welcome to Kenya

[@TravelCheckIns]

Asante! 🙌🏾

[@beajustme]

Saidah your braids look awesome!!

[@TravelCheckIns]

Thanks friend!

[@patriciamuenimulwa1808]

We say in africa they have time,in western world we have clocks.😅.

[@TravelCheckIns]

😄

[@shaddykiamba4022]

Even in the villages, no hurry😅 we say haraka haraka haina baraka, polepole ndio mwendo😂

[@TravelCheckIns]

I get it for sure

[@erickmoenga1206]

I love the how the man didn't want people abused

[@angelanderito6482]

Germane is right.... we abuse and misuse our maids.

[@TravelCheckIns]

We just saw a news segment today about a maid being abused and having to jump from a 4th floor balcony to get away from her employer. 😤😢 I’m glad my husband mentioned he didn’t want people abused as well.

[@angelanderito6482]

@TravelCheckIns That incident is just the tip of the iceberg. Our maids are often verbally and physically abused and extremely underpaid. This is the norm. Sad.🤨

[@TravelCheckIns]

@@angelanderito6482 that is heartbreaking to hear. Employment laws will need to change in order to protect domestic workers and provide legal recourse for such abuse.

[@erickmoenga1206]

@TravelCheckIns in kenya they have rights but in Arabic countries they don't....normally they come to Africa of house help workers they end up abusing them.

[@AmosNjoroge-x9s]

Much love guys ,Karibu Nyumbani🇰🇪🤝

[@TravelCheckIns]

Asante sana!

[@bellaolum9768]

Rarely do we call them maids, we mostly refer to them as housegirl/househelp/nanny or just call them by name. Our kids call them aunty. Nowadays we call them DM (domestic manager). Looking at her as a 2nd wife is so wild! I've kept my current one since my 1st born was in kindergarten, shes now a working adult.

[@TravelCheckIns]

Thank you for the thoughtful feedback and clarification.

[@harrietnimo296]

You are right the word maid I don't remember the last time I heard it infact even most kids calls them auntie

[@papd3532]

Keep up the good work . In the future you can build a vacation home for your kids and relatives to visit you regularly and support the infrastructure upgrade of schools outside the cities as the student populations increase .

[@TravelCheckIns]

It is work convincing Kenya is not what they’ve learned over the years. But over time I think things will change. We’ve got one family member that says they want to visit. We’re taking it one person at a time.

[@papd3532]

@@TravelCheckIns 👍

[@zedekiahkwame640]

Good points to share, interesting ‼️

[@TravelCheckIns]

Thank you for the thoughtful comment.

[@nashkinmurugu884]

You guys are at peace with yourselves, your very respective, sound & behave like highly experienced professionals, very well travelled & aware of what's real & fake. Welcome to Kenya.

[@TravelCheckIns]

Asante sana!

[@MJcreatives24]

You are our siblings from the US. karibu nyumbani. 🌹🌹

[@TravelCheckIns]

Asante sana

[@soniagodlieb1896]

LOVE YOU GUYS. GOD BLESS

[@TravelCheckIns]

We appreciate you!! ❤️😊

[@TheCodeFather254]

We call them house help or Domestic manager not maids any more. Growing up they sort of became part of the family in some homes, I try to do the same with mine now. Get her to go to some vocational training, learn how to drive etc and make a better life beyond being a help. Plus our home is always open to her.

[@TravelCheckIns]

I do see that happening here

[@FunandBudget]

Hmmmm...the company I use has "maid" in the company name. But as you know, all they do is the basic cleaning...if you want them to do the fridge, baseboards or windows...it will be an upcharge.

[@TravelCheckIns]

Facts. Maid over here means something totally different

[@RachealKibaiya-r2p]

Welcome to Kenya. Karibu Kenya 🎉🎉

[@TravelCheckIns]

Asante 🙌🏾

[@gathonilynn0816]

Saidah I love your new hair style the braids look good on you❤❤ You're so pretty 😊

[@TravelCheckIns]

Thank you so much 😀

[@monicamwangi3313]

Hi beautiful couple… Thanks for residing in Kenya. I reside in America now for 21 years, l do come often , wish l could meet you show you around. I have house help for my aged mom who live in as a caregiver/ househelp.

[@TravelCheckIns]

My friend actually has house help. We probably will be in and out because we love to travel. Send a message when you’re here and we’ll try to coordinate

[@Tripple_MMM]

I have lived in both worlds, and keeping up with your roles is important. Also, adjusting is important. Keep an open mind.

[@TravelCheckIns]

Thanks for the thoughtful feedback.

[@lifefaithworks]

a lot of times a househelp was an unemployed relative.. until they get a school or other work. The commercialization happened more recently

[@TravelCheckIns]

That makes sense

[@chikaabtwn2244]

I was born and raised in Nairobi grew up in the 70s we had no polygamy in the city, but it was practiced in the countryside .

[@TravelCheckIns]

That is consistent of what we have been hearing

[@tanyabarnes4899]

Great video. While it's okay to be direct, it's also a good idea to be mindful of the words we use. I think there's direct and there's rude. We don't know how others may struggle with the "thing" we choose to be direct about, and it could be a sore subject for that individual. Im starting to hear more and more AAs talking about hiring maid services. I hired one about 2 years ago and it was just so strange. I've always cleaned my own house. I am thinking about hiring another one. LOL

[@TravelCheckIns]

The culture is different here. So being direct is different. I assume you are still in the US because you said maid “service”. Also people told us not to say maid here. I’m still mindful because I still have those US sensibilities.

[@tanyabarnes4899]

​@@TravelCheckIns LOL...yes, I'm in the U.S. I understand. Thanks for sharing.

[@Mundia.]

Patience. It's very key in day to day life.

[@TravelCheckIns]

No doubt

[@ewm4266]

He did have a surly face in the beginning 😅👀, I'm elated he's smiling😊...Pia kama ameshangaa wakati wote😂

[@wanguikariuki7673]

@@ewm4266 I noticed that. He was very stoic nice to see him lively and relaxed. Beautiful couple.

[@TravelCheckIns]

I feel the same but I’m glad you are warming up to my personality

[@princess68064]

From a Kenyan - Correction: One - we also don't like the maid name. Secondly - polygamy is actually quite rare in the middle-aged and younger ages. It's definitely not a norm.

[@TravelCheckIns]

Yes….we stated the younger generation are far less inclined to choose a polygamist relationship. From what we have experienced, 50 years and younger are less supportive of it. Thanks for the thoughtful comment.

[@emilyjones1083]

Very good insight there both of you. I love that you are enjoying your time there. Im a Kenyan in the UK and wanted to just say that the polygamy marriage is not legal because the law only recognizes just one woman. I can say its just practiced by a few tribes still.

[@Kazara-z7d]

Are you denying an African tradition due to westernization? Polygamy is legal in Kenya.

[@TravelCheckIns]

Thank you

[@williamkamau1167]

We Reealled the Colonists European Law about monogamy... Kenyan men can now marry multiple wives ...ie we , Africans are back to our indigenous marriage traditions...

[@joycewangui9093]

Its legal if its a traditional marriage and can be registered too.

[@tdunde]

I love these videos because we get to see Kenya through visitors' eyes. Maids are helpful in Kenya, but wives should take good care of their husbands by cooking for him in the evening and taking care of his cloths, otherwise...😂. You are right, Polygamy is normal in Kenya, especially among the older generation (50 years and above). It had its advantages back in the days. For example, if a wife was not able to have a baby but she wanted the respect that came with staying married, she would agree for the husband to have a second wife. In the US, I think polygamy is not accepted because of family taxes. I don't think it has anything to do with Christianity. If that was the case, gay marriage would not have been accepted, don't you think so? About Kenyans being direct😂, you are right. When my auntie calls my wife fat, it means I am taking good care of you. Please don't be thin, they will say I can't feed my wife. The fastness I am referring to is not the KFC fastness. Most Kenyan women are blessed with extra flesh. We love them the way they are. Thin women are included, and there is no discrimination 😂.

[@TravelCheckIns]

I agree with everything you said except the marriage in America and taxes. Gay marriage is a recent thing and a lot of states and people still don’t won’t it. The supreme court is why it became legal. Truthfully they are slowly taking the Bible out of things hence the moral decay we are facing.

[@evelynwanjuki2936]

Some Kenyan's have Nannies That Takes Care of the Children, plus a maid, their personal chauffeur, a yard care person that takes care of their property, The Maid, The Nannies, and the Person that takes care of the Property, lives on the property. the Chauffeur leaves in the Evenings. I grew up with Maids in Our home and a gardener. So I, do not find it Strange.

[@TravelCheckIns]

Great! Thanks for watching.

[@estherwangui8449]

Even here in Kenya we don't call them maids we call them house manager

[@TravelCheckIns]

In the US we do but we have been told not here

[@lillianm.munyao7793]

Welcome to Africa ...... ❤

[@TravelCheckIns]

Asante!

[@lornake9634]

❤❤ love your hair.

[@TravelCheckIns]

Thank you!!! 😊

[@wendyomanga]

Dont be afraid to have helpers when in Africa. Its normal and super affordable. Enjoy this luxury because you cant enjoy it elsewhere.

[@TravelCheckIns]

It’s been hard trying to find one. I’m not sure where to start. Any ideas would be helpful.

[@korirvtl]

there are alot of girls looking for jobs. my advice will be to look for someone from the village, preferrably younger. Thats what I would do. City girls would give you an headache

[@Jabali777]

There are bureaus online to assist.

[@alexchui3511]

​@@TravelCheckIns Check with legit house help bureaus, they are everywhere in town. Referrals is another way to go about it.

[@marym-w2e]

@@TravelCheckIns jusk ask the apartment where you live

[@CarolineChepchirchir-i2k]

I like how sensitive your husband is, careful with his choice of words is in respect of our culture. Our house managers are everything since most Kenyan women bare the burden of supporting their families financially while maintaining a balance at home. Our husbands won’t help with house chores hence.

[@TravelCheckIns]

It’s pretty much the same in the US but house help is not affordable for most households

[@CarolineChepchirchir-i2k]

@@TravelCheckInsoh dear that’s tough.

[@binti-mfalme]

There are some that help, but very few and also most were not trained as young boys. It’s up to today’s parents to raise men who share in household duties but it may be a challenge without good role models. But change is needed.

[@wanjikukim]

You are right, my AA friend keeps pointing how direct am😅

[@TravelCheckIns]

Really? I hope the video gives you a clearer understanding of why. Are they offended or do they admire the characteristic?

[@patriciamuenimulwa1808]

I think in US you have nannies and au pairs. It's almost same concept. There are very few day cares in kenya particularly out of the big cities.

[@TravelCheckIns]

@@patriciamuenimulwa1808 a nanny starts at around $50,000 USD which is more than the average Americans annual salary. Meaning most middle class Americans can’t afford one. It’s more Doctors, Lawyers, Engineers, Executives etc. can afford helpers, but not so much teachers, nurses, service workers, etc. A nanny or au pair in the states is a luxury.

[@echonga]

In Some tribes in my country Uganda, when a man loses his wife, the wife’s family gives the man their other daughter as a replacement especially if she left kids behind.

[@ubaachieng4668]

I think some people think that the deceased's sister will take better care of her sister's kids than a stranger step mother would.

[@VictorViper-y3b]

The directness of Kenyans got me laughing coz I just told my cousin that he is fat and needs to work out

[@TravelCheckIns]

😂🤣😭😁😆 No you didn’t. An American cousin would be so upset and maybe want to fight. 🤣😂😭😅

[@SuperInspired]

Does it mean algorithms know I am a Kenyan😅 . Great video 👍

[@TravelCheckIns]

Yes 😆😭

[@lonelion8098]

Did you guys Manage to get Amazon products to Kenya I commented on how you can do it on an earlier vlog

[@TravelCheckIns]

We didn’t order anything from Amazon while here in Kenya. We made a note to use Jumia, which was recommended in previous comments, but I am not sure if we saw your previous comment.

[@betsysindani3171]

This American mrembo (Swahili term for beautiful) looks Luhya. She has facial features of Luhya ladies. Before I read American, I thought she was Kenyan living in America. Arab slave traders used the Kenyan coast to ship slaves. You never know. We have a tribe in Kenya called Kamba. A group of Africans who have physical features like Kambas were traced to some village in South America. It's said their ancestors must have been shipped by Arab traders to South America to work in plantations. The most surprising thing is they have a culture similar to the Kambas back home in Kenya. We forgive Caucasians for taking the best of genes out of our beautiful continent.

[@karennnelnw3995]

You never lose money if you are in the will of God. You are paying it forward, God will repay.

[@TravelCheckIns]

Thank you

[@jw3169]

The maid thing is a hang-over from the British colonialist. Africans adopted the practice and even use terms like "maids" and "servants." AS,a Kenyan I think it is sad.

[@TravelCheckIns]

People seem to have various thoughts on this

[@RoneyNgala]

It largely depends on context, intent, and the attitudes of the one using it... Focusing on the role rather than the historical or gendered implications is what makes it what you/ others think. Personally, I believe it's a neutral term, describing a specific job.

[@LillianeBwire]

@@jw3169 You know it's impossible for Kenyan mama and dad to work especially in cities and leave newborns and young ones alone! We often opted for older relatives them house helps until free education came and everyone went to school do these days it's morphing into part time helpers, day scholars helpers 'mama fua' or washer women for alot of young singles. If I'd share my story; I lived in with a young orphaned girl aged 16 for 10 years she'd help and we encouraged her to go back to school which she couldn't afford. Today she is a well trained teacher married and with a maid, it's a circle because there are more poor people in our nation than US.

[@e.t9996]

They are not second wives they help with labor work . Most kenyan women work thus a requirement. In Kenya when a man loves you he won't let you do house chores ... Like the menial stuff .

[@TravelCheckIns]

I assume if he can afford the help he won’t

[@marcellbryan9017]

The correct terminology is a “ Domestic Helper. There in the Caribbean culture as well but they have specific duties like some don’t wash and iron clothes, you need a wash person, live-in help, taking care of kids is a nanny. Anything more is abuse 😊

[@TravelCheckIns]

Yes. We were told that helper is the correct term here. The word maid was so the US audience could relate. But I will say the word maid”helper” is starting to circulate there also

[@LillianeBwire]

In America all work is well paid as per minimum wage. In Kenya domestic chores are low paid frowned upon and don't take a professional regard, if it becomes expensive then in future maids would not be hired. Hiring maids and houseboys is also part of job creation. When here please hire some for gardening too, it changes poor families. Poverty is high here, most maids come from rural areas where jobs are non existent, with a progressing society everyone wants to make it and one of the route is doing those menial job. In the past girls were sent to be maids in order to get school fees for the boys, or forced into marriage to gain dowry for the men and boys.

[@TravelCheckIns]

This seems to be changing

[@NuptamTv]

Dr.Dre is a straight shooter. True G.

[@TravelCheckIns]

Asante

[@martino6205]

When you go searching for a house, you will notice 'Servant's quarters". During colonialism, it was common to have cooks, gardeners and maids. And because black people were not allowed to live in Nairobi and major towns, Europeans had to build Servant Quarters, because they had to live with the boss.

[@TravelCheckIns]

Thanks for sharing. We didn’t know that.

[@wanjalajesse1694]

@@martino6205 let's not blame it all on the Europeans or colonialist, before the we had kings and chiefs who had servants and they still do have them go to UG , Swaziland, Nigeria and Ghana,, they had their quarters too

[@martino6205]

@wanjalajesse1694 We are talking specifically about east Africa, and the influence of certain cultural aspects in Kenyan society and their origin. Only at the Sultanate areas of Mombasa, etc where slavery and such things happened

[@fmbida]

Have you noticed that in countries with CPT, there is more joy than in nations where it is not normal? The people are also more likely to engage with each other and with strangers (conversations and the like) than in nations where time is money.

[@TravelCheckIns]

Overall I think it’s true

[@trooth9066]

Christmas in America is boring, everyone inside and outside feels like a ghost town.

[@TravelCheckIns]

I can see why you would say that. However most working aged Americans like it because they get time off of work to relax.

[@enidgachunku]

❤ good

[@TravelCheckIns]

❤️🙌🏾☺️

[@philipkamau6618]

Big fan . Bro get a better house deal.they are better deals out here

[@TravelCheckIns]

Deals yes. But we haven’t seen anything cheaper with the same perks

[@Sunflower09929]

We do have maids, in the usa for the rich like u said. In my grandmother era a maid was called a maid. Especially, my parents and grandparents; from generation to generation. My grandmother was a maid in the usa. The help is a name i have never heard in the usa. But it is from the book called the help, in the usa. Poly is heavy, in the usa. But, it's not legal and u can't be married by law.

[@TravelCheckIns]

My great aunt was a maid for a wealthy family in Long Island, NY when I was a child. I have also known women who did domestic work in the South as a second job or side hustle. I remember when my MIL had a lady from her neighborhood cleaning and doing laundry for her. We didn’t call her a maid though, she was just a lady down on her luck who did work for my MIL. The (maid) situation is leas official within the black community sometimes.

[@JustusOrori]

There are laws to protect, domestic-helps, and I am for that. I want them protected and respected. My mother is my greatest hero, we had more than two young girls in our house helping. My mother trined us to treat them as part of us. They did not do more than us, they went to school and enjoyed family benefits like us.

[@TravelCheckIns]

Ok. I think the system is a little different here but there are similarities

[@jonpatnyokabi6537]

Well came africa guys

[@TravelCheckIns]

Asante

[@citoyenglobal3348]

Our marriage laws allow it. It was done that way to cater to various religions. There is one for Christians (Monogamy), Muslims (polygamy of up to 4 wives), Hindu and then finally African traditional religions (as many wives as one wants). If yours is a civil marriage (before the magistrate/judge) it is assumed that you have chosen monogamy. One chooses which law to use. You choose your law but don't mix. If you choose monogamy/civil marriage you could be jailed for marrying twice (bigamy, having two marriage certificates). How you marry determines how you divorce. Our constitution outlaws marriages of the same gender (gay).

[@TravelCheckIns]

That was informative

[@S.A-2-17]

Last statement is not particularly accurate, we have not had such a conviction, but if one chooses civil or Christian marriage whatever arrangement comes after would not be recognised as marriage

[@xoxomacx2539]

To be honest the house managers as we call them these days are doing a lot more. Some take care of the children while the parents go overseas for months on end. They are the parents. For very little money compared to the work load. It has some very painful repercussions long term. But it is the way of life from colonisation, when the woman was expected to join the workforce.

[@TravelCheckIns]

It looks like it depends on the circumstance

[@AkinyiOrwa-h5z]

I'm 44 and grew up with a maid and both my parents were working coming home very late. We were 6 kids and still had aunties who also helped with the chores. We now have 2 maids. One for cleaning the house and laundry and the other for cooking and she stays with us. We have had them for years. It's also creating jobs too to provide for their families. There are poor people who will eve beg to do your laundry for money. Most of us work full time so there's no time for chores. Polygamy is there but its not that much right. Mostly with our grandparents but not Gen X, Millennials or Gen Zs..... Noon is 2pm in Kenya 😂😂😂Kenyans are only on time for flights, schools and church! Social events expect lateness but they will stay longer 😂😂😂 Sadly Americas praise gays, trans but real men are looked down on ...exactly toxic masculinity. ...Thanks for sharing! God bless you

[@TravelCheckIns]

God bless

[@mistermumo]

Fun fact, maids are called auntie so they are basically part of the family even after they are fired, the kids still see them as auntie.

[@riithowetu3265]

The African time & forehead discourse has cranked me up. Hilarious indeed! 🤣🤣🤣

[@TravelCheckIns]

No need to hide it!😂

[@rosemarywanjiru1213]

Point of correction not maid but house manager // nanny

[@TravelCheckIns]

We’ve heard those terms and more

[@lillianmagellan8939]

We don't call them maids at all . We would say House help even in her absence. Or "msichana wa kazi"but when she is around we call her Untie

[@TravelCheckIns]

We understand. That’s just the word people in the US will understand

[@philipkamau6618]

In kenya we live social lives maids become part of the family

[@TravelCheckIns]

If we are able to stay here long term I would like that for us. Thanks for sharing.

[@Africaisthefuture-zh8bo]

We dont use the word maid. We say househelp or house manager. And we assist them, we dont abuse them. So if you plan to have one, remember they can revenge if you mistreat them. We treat them like family and we help them daily. We dont give them everything to handle while we sit around.

[@TravelCheckIns]

Our friend has a helper. We are talking Americans and Kenyans so some of the terminology we use is to convey to the other audience what is happening. We never plan on mistreating a helper or anyone else, here or in the US. If you watch us enough you’ll see that we do our best to be respectful to everyone.

[@Africaisthefuture-zh8bo]

​@@TravelCheckIns alright that's good to hear. Was worried there for a second😂

[@julietouya7832]

😂😂 Yeah Kenyans can be too direct sometimes especially my tribes men the luo people my mom is so direct that i sometimes get embarrassed on her behalf 😂 she just says it the way she sees it

[@TravelCheckIns]

😄

[@lillianmagellan8939]

About directness, we're just naive....like the child naivity

[@LillianeBwire]

The maids here come from poor and vulnerable or disadvantaged sometimes we take them to school or training or college to give them a second chance in life. It's never for life it's for a period to afford school fees or food or support to poor families. Today many Kenyans go to the Gulf countries to do this maid work as professional and have lifted their families economy.

[@TravelCheckIns]

I’ve seen them on KZbin in Arab countries

[@saintsoftheking]

Gen 2:24 - "Therefore shall a man leave his father and his mother, and shall cleave unto his wife: and they shall be one flesh." It says "wife" not "wives" 🙏🏾 My two cents: Put the one True God on your throne, submit to His way, make Him your King, and see all His promises come to pass 🙏🏾 Btw, Saidah I'm giving you Ugandan and Germaine, I'm giving Sudanese, but definitely east Africa 😂 I've got the east African forehead too. God bless y'all

[@TravelCheckIns]

God bless you fam!

[@vanessaedwards54]

Amen.

[@pharoadon]

@saintsoftheking You seem to have used your own understanding to explain a passage , instead of using what God says about Himself and marriage. Here are some things to consider... Christ refers to the church as His bride, singular, even though we are many. He is one with us, and we are one with Him. In Matthew 25:1-13, Christ tells a parable where He Himself is a bridegroom about to marry 10 virgins, but 5 are not prepared when He returns, so He marries the 5 prepared ones only. In Ezekiel 23, God says that He is the husband of two adulterous sisters. He goes into great detail about how they betrayed Him, even using sexual language to detail the betrayal. If God Himself uses polygyny to describe Himself, even if it's only analogy (He is God, if polygyny is not His will, why not use any other analogy?), and He legalized polygyny in His Word and created laws to govern it, and if most of the great and godly men in scripture were polygynous, and enjoyed God's blessings, and if most of the great and godly women of the Bible were wives to men who were polygynous, how is this a problem for the women of today? Women who were virgins, never touched by any man, were accepting of it and blessed in their marriages, and were used greatly by God. Most women today cannot offer virginity or purity to their husbands, but expect something the godliest women in history didn't require. Can you explain that? Do you understand how God's order works? Jealousy only works down in God's order with regard to authority, never up. God has many sons. He loves them all, but Christ only has one Father. Christ has many servants/followers. He loves us all, but I can only have one Lord. A man may have multiple wives. He should love them equally, but a wife must have one husband. A woman can have multiple children. She should love them equally, but a child can only have one mother. Can Christ be jealous that God has more sons? Can I be jealous that my Lord has many servants/followers? Can a child be jealous that his/her mother has other children? The answers are no. Neither can a wife be jealous over her husband. There is no biblical justification or precedent anywhere in scripture for a wife demanding monogamy. That choice belongs to her husband and her God. Nairobi women following the Godless examples of the west is no badge of honor. They are not strong for refusing polygyny, just deceived. Satan deceived Eve by tempting her to desire something she had no right to desire, being like God. He has done the same to women in this instance as well. Rome and Greece, two goddess worshipping societies have used their power and influence to force monogamy on the world, and the results have been catastrophic. God is not to be placed in our little ideal boxes according to our worthless sense of morality and/or fairness. We follow His example. He doesn't follow ours. We trust Him, His ways, and His Word, without fear. Stop teaching that things are wrong or bad that God Himself has justified countless times in His Word. Be blessed, brothers and sisters in Christ.

[@vanessaedwards54]

@pharoadon God ordained husband and wife anything else is all man made. This is why Moses had to come down with the 10 commandments due to the sins of the Israelites. The Bible also said God's ways are not like men's ways and God's thoughts are not like man's thoughts. In America it is now ok and a law for a man to marry another man and a woman to marry another woman is that God's way? Is it ok now because man made it a law? Sin is sin. Those men had lots of wives in the Bible but look at the price they had to pay. The Bible also says sin leads to death, keep reading the results of what happened to those men of God who were led by their own sexual desires. If you want to live by the Old law you are going to have to live COMPLETELY by the old law. The old law God was not playing. Thank God for his son who sacrifices life for sinners like You and I. If it wasn't for Him we all will be wiped off the face of the Earth. 🥰🙏 God ordained families his way, not man's way Ephesians 5.🥰🙏👑💪

[@pharoadon]

@vanessaedwards54 Once again, stop calling things a sin or wrongful that God has not said was a sin or wrongful! Your argument makes no sense at all. Every man made law you mentioned has been condemned in scripture by God Himself. If you want to have a truly productive discussion about this, please just explain why God would ever refer to Himself in terms of polygyny. Would He ever use sinful terms to discribe Himself or His relationships? Why did He tell David He would've given him more wives? Why did He say "I gave you your master's wives" in reference to giving David Saul's wives? You are leaning to your own understanding, instead of what God has clearly said and how He has literally described Himself. "Let God be true, and every man a liar". I can show you countless passages of God condoning and blessing polygyny, but you cannot show me one passage condemning it as wrong or sinful, or less than ideal. You are stating things that aren't biblical, and that contradicts what God has said. Thus, you are lying. Also, monogamous marriages have as many problems or more than polygynous ones. No matter what kind of marriage a man chooses, to be successful, Christ must be at the center as the focal point. Marriage should be a reflection of His relationship with His church. As long as bringing Him glory is the focus, any form of marriage will thrive that He has authorized, including polygyny.

[@lucymunyi1180]

We don't call them maids. we call them househelps , housegirls or domestic managers

[@TravelCheckIns]

We know. 😊 The video goal is to shine a light on cultural norms. In the USA we have (maids) and in Kenya (house helps, house girls, etc.) who do similar jobs, but with vastly different structure. Thanks for watching.

[@lillianm.munyao7793]

In some tribes, here in Kenya, if a woman is baren, she can choose a woman for her husband, who will bare children for her with her husband 😊

[@TravelCheckIns]

Interesting!

[@ewm4266]

​​@@TravelCheckInsSome women marry wives if she never married or husband is dead ..she doesn't sleep with her though

[@sherefulkam2885]

​@@ewm4266I think I heard a story on that once. Even though the word marriage is used it's not in the traditional sense. You're right they don't sleep together they are not lesbians.