The first few moments in a new situation can leave you feeling out of sorts.  Thankfully this only lasted a couple days–and mostly due to jet lag.  I arrive in Nairobi late on Tuesday night, and show up to work bright and early on Wednesday morning, possibly a little too ambitious.  I set my laptop down on an empty desk, suck down a mug of coffee, and head into the factory for a tour.

The factory is completely unexpected.  It’s large, open, clean, organized, operative, and up-to-par on OSHA safety standards.  In my limited experience in this industry, this is often not the case, but a welcome surprise.  I find out that most of the machinery is new as of the last couple months, and very well received.  It’s a new process with a lot of potential for improvement, and I’m encouraged to use my fresh pair of eyes.  I am greeted warmly by people working in all areas of the plant.  Without wasting time I am introduced the the production manager who initiates a series of hands on production line learning.

I gear up with a lab coat, gloves, safety glasses, earplugs and a dust mask.  The factory is fresh with dirt, dust, metal shavings, and other particulates.  This is also quite common to the current dry season in Kenya.  I start by rolling sheet metal for combustion chambers, weaving chrome rods to build a fuel grate, and welding the two together.  Next, I’m drilling holes, folding tabs, and forming feet.  From one line to the next I am helplessly slow in keeping up an efficient flow.  After a brief introduction on every line I choose a spot and start working.  My fingers have never been worked quite so hard, and the pressure of not being the weakest link makes me sweat profusely.  My fellow line workers chat in Swahili every few words glancing in my direction with a smile.  I can’t tell whether or not I’m accepted… but I’m not being asked to leave.

4:30 precisely all lines and units shutdown.  Work day starts at 7:00a.m., Tea break at 10:00a.m., Lunch at 1:00p.m., and Clean up at 4:30.  Like clockwork, these craftsmen function as a machine.  Thursday and Friday I work on different lines, tougher to keep the speed, and meet their schedule.  I manage to fit in (as best as possible).  Checking my fitbit, I’ve hit 12,000steps between 8:30a.m. and 4:30p.m.  We depart from work at 6pm.  Dirty, exhausted, perfectly-whelmed.