Ten odd ways city singles beat cold weather blues

Being a bachelor or bachelorette might seem like an easy way to avoid the responsibilities of marriage for many Kenyans. However, life as a single person isn’t always a walk in the park—especially during cold and rainy weather seasons as the one we’re currently experiencing. Nairobians in this category often resort to creative (and sometimes archaic) ways to survive the chilly season. So what are some of their strategies?

Hot water bottle

A hot water bottle becomes a constant companion throughout the night. Every evening, she boils water and fills the bottle to provide a comforting source of warmth. Sipping warm beverages throughout the night helps ward off the cold, though it means frequent trips to the bathroom to ‘offload’ the excess.

Netflix and chill

Ensuring the Wi-Fi bill is paid is a top priority. She uses her phone or laptop to stay busy, as sleep often eludes her for most of the night. From binge-watching movies to endlessly scrolling through social media, these activities help her survive the long, cold hours.

Duvet mbili

He invests in heavy-duty blankets from Kamukunji to guarantee warmth in bed. Sometimes, he doubles up on the duvets. Gone are the days of sleeping in just a vest and a pair of shorts, or birthday suit. Now, he bundles up in layers of pajamas, including sweaters, socks, and even jeans, to keep the cold at bay.

Plenty of tea or uji

Beyond warm water, she prepares plenty of uji (porridge) and stores it in a flask to sip regularly. A ritual of three steaming cups before bedtime is common. As she cuddles her hot water bottle, she might even find herself regretting why she ever left her ex.

Attend night vigils

Despite the cold, some bachelorettes attend keshas (overnight prayer meetings), even without invitation. Others opt for clubbing or dropping in on friends unannounced. The goal is simple- spend time where people gather rather than enduring the night alone.

Relocate to boyfriend’s house

It’s no surprise that temporary “marriages” and unexpected pregnancies peak during this season in Kenya. Some women pretend to visit their boyfriends, only to gradually move in. Piece by piece, she brings her belongings until the boyfriend realises she’s already settled in. Of course, she promises to leave as soon as the cold weather ends.

Stock up on the charcoal

That bachelor who rarely cooks suddenly becomes a fan of charcoal during the cold season. A sack of charcoal (gunia ya makaa) appears in his house to help heat his space, rather than prepare meals. If you see this guy, remind him to be careful to open the windows for fresh air.

Recall children from the countryside
A single mother who sent away her children to stay with relatives, often her mother, may decide to bring them back during this season. Their presence helps warm the house, even if she still has to face the cold nights alone.

Befriend neighbours

She has never been in good terms with the neighbour, but this time round, she begins to strike a rapport. She starts making friendly gestures, such as inviting him over for lunch, dinner, or movies—all under the pretext of keeping each other company during the cold weather.

Stay indoors

She and cold weather don’t mix, just like water and oil. Venturing outside during rainy or chilly conditions is unthinkable. She spends entire days tucked in bed, only emerging to prepare food. She might even feign illness to avoid going to work.