20/07/2026
One thing Nairobi taught me is to never accept an extra service before asking the price.
Last year, I walked into a barbershop thinking the haircut would cost around 100 bob as usual at my local kinyozi. After I was done, I was ushered to the sink. A beautiful lady appeared from nowhere and had my head scrubbed like a stubborn floor. I was directed to another seat at the corner. The shampoo girl asked, "Boss, how about a quick face scrub and head massage?"
I thought, worst case, I'll pay like 150 or 200 more. It had been long since I gave myself a good treat. I decided so be it.
She picked some sweet-smelling oils from a nearby shelf and started massaging my head, neck and shoulders. I almost started thinking I had made it in life. She also gave me a face scrub. When she was done, I reached for my wallet to pay her.
"Payment is at the counter, boss." At the counter they asked, "Haircut? Scrub? Massage?" I answered yes.
"Your bill is 1050."
I for the first time felt I have let down my ancestors. Luckily I had some money with me meant to clear a friend's debt. I paid but completely blamed my mouth for accepting, the whole day.
Since then, whenever the barber asks, if I need a scrub, I answer 'No' before he finishes the sentence.
-Kimani Kabengi