Kenya Day 2: From Nairobi to Nyamira

Our first full day in Kenya began gently and beautifully.

Between 8:45 and 9:15 AM, our team slowly trickled into breakfast at the Kingfisher Nest Hotel. The dining area opened into a bright atrium, where golden morning sunlight poured in as we sipped coffee and cappuccinos and eased into the day ahead.

During breakfast, we spent time talking with Michael, one of the hotel’s security guards, who is from Kisumu in western Kenya. He shared with us that the Luo people are the primary tribe in that region and spoke warmly about the impact of visiting medical teams. He told us how deeply appreciated medical outreach efforts are across Kenya’s 47 counties, and how Americans who come to provide care are remembered with gratitude.

Michael also offered a brief history lesson. In 2010, Kenya enacted a new constitution that fundamentally reshaped governance in the country. Power was decentralized and shifted away from centralized authority, creating a system of 47 counties designed to give citizens more local representation and voice. It was a meaningful reminder that Kenya’s story is one of growth, resilience, and intentional change.

Setting Out

At 9:56 AM, we gathered as a group to discuss the day and the journey ahead from Nairobi to Nyamira. We were warmly greeted by Chris, a Kenyan CRNA, who welcomed us and shared important guidance for the week. We also met our safari guides for later in the trip, including Zablon, who spoke proudly about his country. He shared a sentiment that stayed with many of us — that Kenya has millions of people and millions of smiles, especially when visitors come with open hearts and helping hands.

Zablon and his team surprised us with small welcome bracelets in the colors of the Kenyan flag — green, red, black, and white — a simple but powerful gesture of hospitality.

By 10:44 AM, we pulled out of the hotel and began our journey to Nyamira.

Seeing Kenya Unfold

As we moved through Nairobi, the city revealed itself in layers. At 10:58 AM, we passed vibrant street markets overflowing with fruits, vegetables, flowers, and cookware. On one side of the road, bustling commerce and color; on the other, worn tents, piles of trash, and rooftops layered with corrugated metal. The contrast was striking and humbling.

Gradually, the city gave way to countryside — farmers tending fields, herders guiding livestock, and people selling fruit along the roadside. At one point, a woman stood quietly in a skirt with a walking stick in hand, surveying her partially planted field — rows of freshly tilled land waiting for the next season.

At 11:49 AM, we reached the Great Rift Valley and stopped briefly near a cluster of roadside shops. One store was filled floor to ceiling with African masks and carved figurines. For some of us, the experience of negotiating prices felt exhilarating; for others, it was a bit anxiety-producing — but all of it was memorable.

By 12:27 PM, we learned that the masks and figurines were carved from Ebony wood, which begins as a lighter block with a deep, dark core. Artisans carve carefully to reach the ebony center, transforming it into striking works of art.

By 12:38 PM, everyone was back on the bus.

The Road to Nyamira

After a quick stop around 3:14 PM, we continued on our way. During the break, Tracy handed out Jolly Ranchers to a group of children — who responded with sweet hugs that melted hearts all around.

As the afternoon wore on, the landscape changed again. By 5:15 PM, we passed through lush tea fields, their freshly bloomed leaves almost neon green against the rolling hills.

At 5:51 PM, trucks driving ahead of us announced our arrival with signs reading “Free Surgical Camp.” People along the roadside watched our bus pass by — curious, smiling, children waving enthusiastically. The streets were alive with color: men and women dressed in bright clothing, women wearing mid-calf dresses and aprons in red or blue gingham, practical for keeping dust from collecting at the hem.

The road climbed steadily upward, higher and higher into the hills.

Arrival in Nyamira

At 6:12 PM, we pulled into the drive of Nyamira County Referral Hospital. We were met with a warm, enthusiastic welcome from hospital staff, along with many curious community members who had gathered to see us arrive. Cameras were raised, smiles exchanged, and inquisitive glances met our own. We are outsiders here — for now — but we could already feel the openness and anticipation.

The hospital has been promoting our visit for some time, and along the road into town it was clear that people knew why we were there.

By 6:45 PM, we arrived at our hotel, checked in, and carried our bags upstairs — some climbing as many as four flights. At 7:30 PM, we shared a wonderful dinner of ugali, rice, vegetable curry, chapati, stir-fried beef, and managu, a leafy green that quickly became a favorite.

At 8:02 PM, Billy gathered the team for a daily recap and to set expectations for the next day. On Sunday, we’ll dine from 8:00–9:00 AM before heading to the hospital to begin patient screenings for surgery. We’ll bring all medical equipment with us, unpack, and begin sorting — officially launching the heart of this mission.

As we turned in for the night, tired but full, it was clear: the journey here has already begun to change us.