Nothing says Nairo-versary like spending six hours in the OR with seven other surgeons, trying to give a 21-year old a shot at a better life. Pelvic tumor excision? Check. Sore back and numb legs? Absolutely! But my heart? Completely full. Surgery may be a grind, but moments like these remind me why I chose surgery in the first place.
Three years ago, I packed my bags, hugged my loved ones tight and leapt into the unknown. Moving to Nairobi for ortho residency was a decision marked by excitement, hope, and embracing a calling that felt larger than life. Was it everything I hoped it would be? Would I make the same choices if I knew then what I know now? Probably not! But one thing's for sure: Nairobi has given me exactly what I needed- some tough love, some big wins and more lessons than I could've ever imagined.
Looking back, the last few years have helped me grow into the person I need to be to have the future I dream of. To borrow a popular Kenyan saying, my character has been developed (in both good and some not-so-good ways😀). Today, as I reflect on these years, I see more growth, resilience and transformation than I ever imagined possible.
When I first landed in Nairobi three years ago, I was greeted by a city buzzing with life- a whirlwind of new languages, cultures and the relentless hustle of dream chasers. It was vibrant, it was chaotic and it was where I'd call home for the next few years. Figuring out a new healthcare system, navigating the city (hello, never-ending traffic!), trying to make friends, and finding my groove in a demanding residency program felt like running an obstacle course blindfolded. And Swahili? Let's just say, if language bloopers were an Olympic sport, I'd have a gold medal by now! 😂 I’ve turned “kidogo” (a little) into a full personality trait.
But let's get real for a second: Nairobi is not for the faint- hearted. This city can be tough and doesn't always care how you feel. These streets are wild- everyone's hustling, and you quickly learn that you can't be too soft, too kind, or care too much. Some time ago I came across a Facebook post where people shared experiences about life in Nairobi. Someone said something I thought was a very apt description. They said Nairobi is for business- not romance, not friendships. Sounds harsh but this city can be savage. People will test you, teach you, and sometimes let you down. But it's all part of the Nairobi experience. You toughen up, set boundaries and keep your eyes open. Lol.
Still, Nairobi hasn't just given me challenges, it's given me a fresh start, my chance to carve out a space for myself in both the OR and in my personal life. It pushed me, tested me and taught me things I never knew I needed to learn. I've learned the importance of showing up every day, no matter how messy it gets. Nairobi has taught me to find my groove even when things feel wildly out of sync.
If you've been following the blog for a while then you know from my previous posts that surgery residency is a wild roller coaster with no seat belts, and it demands every ounce of you- your time, your energy, and sometimes even your sanity. Over the past three years, I've faced burnout, heartbreaks, and countless moments of 'what on earth am I doing here?'. Balancing training, studying and life outside the hospital sometimes felt like juggling flaming swords. But if there's anything I have learned is that growth happens outside of your comfort zone.
There are difficult surgeries, sleepless nights, and that sneaky imposter syndrome- being a woman in surgery, a girl far from home trying to fit in. But here's the real kicker: everytime I doubted myself, everytime I felt overwhelmed, Nairobi had this way of reminding me that I was right where I needed to be.
In those moments of vulnerability, I have found my strength. Each challenge chisels away the rough edges, revealing a stronger, more determined version of myself- one that keeps going even when quitting feels like the easier option. The struggles have humbled me (fr, fr), taught me more resilience, and moulded me into a more compassionate doctor and person. And for that, I am endlessly grateful.
The wins keep me going. Every smile and thank you from a patient, every 'you're doing great' from a mentor or teacher, and every successful surgery is a little light in the middle of the chaos that is residency. I've grown more independent, more confident and sure of my place in the OR. I've had the privilege of attending and presenting some of my work at international conferences, diving into research that fuels my passion and steadily inching closer to the dreams in my heart every day. And guess what? Another graduation might just be around the corner!😊🙈🤐 Maybe it's time for a "life lately" update post because God has been truly sooo good to me!
The relationships I've fostered along the way have been a lifeline for me here —friends who hold my hand on good days and bad ones, mentors who guide me, colleagues who inspire me, and patients who trust me—have all played a part in my incredible Nairobi stories. They've reminded me that when you find your tribe, people are really everything and that no matter how tough it gets, you never have to do it alone.
My three years here have not just shaped me as a surgeon; they have helped me rediscover myself. I've tried things I never thought I would (like hiking? Who am i?😆), found joy in places I never expected and learned to embrace the wildness. I've stopped striving for perfection and started embracing progress- even if progress sometimes looks like just getting through the day with a smile.
I'm filled with excitement and purpose for the future. With two more years of training to go, I'm excited (and maybe just a little nervous) for what's to come. For sure, there will be more hurdles but I'm ready to keep learning, growing, and pushing the limits of what I can achieve. I'm no longer afraid. The tough days are just part of the ride and I'm here for every twist and turn!
My heart overflows with gratitude- for the opportunities, the challenges, and the lessons I've picked up along the way. Nairobi has become a part of me, and this journey has been one of the most rewarding experiences of my life.
To every aspiring doctor, dreamer, or anyone chasing something that seems impossible, here's my message to you: the road might be rough but it's so worth it! Eight years ago, I couldn't have dreamed of the life I have now. Keep going, keep believing, and let every challenge be a stepping stone to your greater purpose.
Happy 3rd Nairo-versary to me! Thank you, Nairobi, for being the wild, unpredictable, and transformative ride I didn’t know I needed. Here's to more growth, more learning, and all the amazing possibilities this beautiful city holds.
Until next time,
XOXO
A few photos from one of my several trips to the Giraffe Centre