The lions devoured the calves that we were breeding and we've been eagerly waiting 9 months to see the outcome, Agaba, a scientist at the International Livestock Research Institute (ILRI), tells my colleague Nick and I. A few months ago they also got in and killed 40 sheep. They killed all 40? Agaba chuckles no the sheep freaked out and stampeded each other. It must have been a relatively bountiful and easy smorgasbord. This usually only occurs during 'the migration'.
The research that ILRI and BecA conducts is cutting edge research to develop famine, pest and virus resistant crops and livestock. This research is conducted in world class labs nestled in an immaculate, self sufficient, lush and rolling campus. Their self sufficiency includes housing, a motor fleet service garage, a pool, travel agency and a bar amongst other things.
After my first run at the soaring elevation of 5400ft I was ready to 'carpe diem'. Arriving through the ILRI entrance there was an atmosphere of celebration, being my first Friday in Nairobi I am unsure if this is protocol. My colleague and I make what is now a routine trip to cafeteria for our morning coffee. The speakers in the cafeteria, previously mute, were humming some 80s classics. Next stop, the pastry vendor, who is conveniently located in route from the main entrance to our office space. We grab numerous expertly wrap and stuffed and thoroughly fried samosas.
We were then invited to a lively tradition branded 'Friday Morning Coffee', that ILRI uses as a platform to welcome new visitors or staff into their family over coffee or Kenyan tea (which tasted like Indian chai and I will come to find out that a lot of 'Kenyan' food is really just Indian adaptations chopaty, samosas, Kenyan tea, a rice dice called pulaos or basically biryani). The structure of the introductions, visitors are summoned to the the center of a make shift semicircle, are gifted a microphone, and requested to provide, the inquisitive science educated staff, a synopsis of self. The introduction a brief 30 second clip along passing the baton along to my colleague and the an Australian lady who is embarking on a year long volunteer position in communications at the Hub.
To accentuate the celebratory atmosphere and complement 'Friday Morning Coffee' ILRI partakes in the Kenyan tradition of 'barbecue'. A tradition that takes place on Fridays afterwork with friends over beer and barbecued meat. ILRI's version, an open charcoal fired grill, cooking chicken, lamb, burgers and flank steak at their campus bar. Scientists slowly populate the cozy space and place orders with the chef.
Because I had just been introduced over coffee people wanted to get to know their new family member. They inquire, what I am doing and where am I from. Waiting for my barbecue and for the first time trading the indigenous Tusker (a Kenyan lager) for a Guinness, I meet a Lithuanian scientist who shares her passion for Kenya, her sadness in having to depart for Lithuania after 3 years and encouragement to explore the amazing and diverse landscape of Kenya. As now an official part of the ILRI family I offer to help her carry her and her 3 year old son's barbecue, navigating through the cozy bar to a small table.
One warm introduction after another. Earlier in the day following a stakeholder meeting with the Director of Finance we are invited and indulge in lunch with the Director of Finance. An amazing Nairobian woman, who studied in Nova Scotia and then the UK, and after 15 years of working with a number of organizations in Africa (including implementing a woman owned, operated and managed clean water supply company in Ethiopia through Action Aid)she has finally come home to Nairobi. She shares stories of Kenya, her work experience and travels over a generous helping of pulaos (a rice dish that tastes a lot like biryani).
I already love working here. The work will be challenging but the environment is amazing, the people are phenomenal and the work is exciting. I am inspired they conduct research to improve food for the world's poor! One of three of the most basic human necessities Water, Air and Food. And the pressure of being able to contribute to such a necessary cause overwhelms at times....
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