I think not only of the environment but of health. The people don't seem to stop and think about the bacteria and what it can do to them. For instance, in Voi town you pass a pile of garbage by the road. Not only is it drawing flies and mosquitos which can carry disease, but it also draws animals from the park (which the people don't like and complain about). The Sheldrick Trust had to relocate three elephant bulls who knew about the garbage pits and were regularly leaving the park becoming regulars "dumpster divers" there. They felt eventually someone would shoot the elephants so they moved them out of the area for their own safety. Burning the garbage just contibutes to environmental problems. I don't know what the rules are in Kenya, but it would appear that digging a big hole and burying the garbage might be a safer alternative.

As to men being the lazier sex , where ever I go where I know the staff pretty well I kiddingly ask the guys if any of them help at home. It is interesting that the older guys feel "it is Mama's job" - and yet many of the younger guys do help a little. I praise them for it. I explain how in many places men and women share work types both at home and at work - and it is nothing to be ashamed about. For instance, because of my husband's frequent hip operations, he is unable to mow the lawn so I will do it - while he often cooks supper if I'm busy. I then explain that even though the guy may be working hard at a lodge/camp, he at least has times of day to himself where he can get away from the pressures, but Mama is tied up 24/7 with the kids, house, shamba, etc. Thus I suggest that when they go home on "off days" they give Mama a break. Some of the guys are now doing just that.

Change will come slowly, but hopefully not as slowly as you feel Carsten

I think you all have a very valid point -

Without being hard and please do not read me wrong; you must also understand the "African" way of life -

Atravelynn correctly stated "In some areas could it be that surviving is taking the brunt of the energies?" -
Jan - you are 100% correct where women do most of the work and Kipper - often the buck is passed on.
We in the so called developed world see this as rubbish and a back spot - but at night we have a warm bed to go to and coffee in the morning with sugar if we want...... they see and have life in a very different manner.

Nico:

Playing Devil's advocate here, it seems the "African way of Life" just hasn't worked of late for most Africans due to politics and tribal cultures. All the countries are struggling. One can say, they are young countries since Independence. However, Malaysia became independent the same year as Kenya, and look how much farther ahead they are.

Thus it would seem that some of the "African way" must change if they want to better themselves. They don't have to copy US, Germany, Britain etc. but look at things that are successful in those countries and see if they can't pick and chose things to make changes to suit their own countries.

We all have to face changes in our lives that we may be resistent about. With 35 million people in Kenya now, it will be up to 50 million in twenty years. That means that changes need to be made now before it is too late to help their own people.

Correct - but I really wonder how they will manage. They must take example of their leaders..... what example? No help or education given either on this level! This is a very tough one!