Early in my time here I was introduced to the phrase “Kenya
Standard Time”. This isn’t an actual time-zone but more the time that people
operate at. For example, you call a taxi they tell you two minutes, it turns
out to be five minutes. Five minutes becomes ten minutes, and anything over ten
is really a guess as to when they will get there.
Now, I know what you’re thinking “Well Wya..err Peter, it’s
because of the traffic. Duh..” Well you’re almost right. Let me provide further
evidence for the existence of KST.
Our Kiswahili class is about an hour and half long. After an
hour we are given a “five minute break”, ten minutes later we all return to our
seats and talk for another five minutes before actually starting.
“Well, maybe it’s just one professor Wyatt!”
My other courses are three hours long. After about an hour
and a half the professor asks us if we would like a break. We all nod, and they
ask how long. Usually we say ten or fifteen. We take our break then return
before the time is up. About ten minutes later the professor strolls back into
the classroom and waits another five minutes.
Kenya Standard Time is very real. And my Kiswahili professor
even admitted it today!
“Well what’s the problem? Everyone enjoys taking their time”
Anyone who knows me, or my family knows that punctuality is
not something we joke about. I just started wearing a watch daily, so I don’t
have to look at my phone all the time for the time, and it’s set a minute or
two early. One of my favorite sayings is “If you’re early you’re on time, if
you’re on time you’re late, and if you’re late you’re fired”. It's Wyatt Standard Time. I know, I know,
it’s not a very nice saying but seriously people don’t just be on time, be
early. It’s not a hard concept to grapple with!
And so the perpetual struggle of Wyatt Standard Time versus
Kenya Standard Time will continue.
Despite recognizing that many of my classmates are adapting KST, I will
never hesitate to use my favorite saying “Hey [insert name], did you happen to
bring the tardy sauce?”.
Don't be the one to bring the tardy sauce.
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