Nairobi is sprawling with Beggars, how do you identify the genuine ones and the frauds? Who should you give and who should you ignore?

My analysis

Young Children sprawling in Nairobi

You will normally spot this kids around major shopping outlets like Nakumatt. They are very strategic in their advances, they will approach you when you are with a lady friend, laughing, or, whispering something to her ear. They know for certain that you want to keep that moment going and you are likely to give them some money hastily to stop them from ruining your moves.

I never give such kids money! My reasons?

1. The kids are way too jumpy to be hungry! They dash from your left to your right side in amazing speed, pull your hand, hang onto your legs and many other acrobatics that require the body to have plenty of energy to perform. They are lying to you. They had breakfast, lunch and supper, if you give them that money, they probably take it to their boss at the end of the day and get a commission. Same as you in your pathetic job! yet you decided to spare some money, thinking you are doing some good for this world.
2. The children always run away from police. Why do they have to run? What are they hiding?
3. Like my good friend Linda asks, what is a six year old doing outside in the middle of the night? What sort of parent would allow that?

Blind beggars who corner you while you devour your chapati madondo in a restaurant or hotel.

I am tempted to speak of beggars who time you during lunch while you devour your “kuku steaky” with Ugali with similar harshness. Problem is, this guys are normally genuinely blind! You will never be approached in a hotel by a beggar with sun glasses. No, they know how to work your guilt! They expose their damaged eyes so that if you turn them away, and continue enjoying your juicy steak, you will qualify as a Hitler re-born! Someone incapable of mercy. My advice is, help this guys, or, invite them to join you for a meal. After all, they are human, just like you.

Beggars who approach your place of work with petition papers.

This are the most dangerous and I personally do not waste any of my time reading the papers. I realize that there might be a few genuine petition papers, but, the people who give the beggars this papers should search for alternative methods of donation because the transparency of that system has been overrun by con men and thieves. Most of this beggars pretend to be deaf and dumb. They enter your office and place the petition papers on your desk for you to read, while leaving, they grab the papers and your mobile phone or anything else of value that might have been on your desk. They then thank you, give you Gods blessings and head to their brokers to sell the kill. If you happen to catch them in the act, please don’t beat them to death, lynch them or anything else tantamount! I do not support such methods. Please report the matter to the nearest police station.

Civilians who claim to have been robbed or just lack bus fare for some reason.

My advice, don’t give them anything! This has become a business. Sorry! Walk all the way home. While in college I didn’t have bus fare. I walked more than 10km everyday. If I could do it, you can too. Get your walk on..

Beggars who carry a plastic bag with their intestines and other body organs inside.

I will let you decide what to do on this one, but, I never give them money for 2 reasons

1. I don’t feel like my 50 bob will help in anything. You need serious help. Go to a doctor or an N.G.O. I am sure there are able bodied organizations that are willing to help.
2. Its just wrong carrying and showing your internal organs to people.

Beggars playing musical instruments

Give them, just think of it as paying for the act