Update on Pick-Pocket Experience

God blessed me with contributions to more than make up what was stolen! Indeed, He is good!

My Mom ordered a “theft-proof” hip pack online for me. Some friends from Nairobi who were just in the States have brought it for me. I'll likely have it this week.

I’ve initiated action on replacing most of my various cards. The thief doesn’t seem to have attempted to use any of them. Apparently he was thrilled enough with the wad of cash!

• My US bank had already issued a new ATM card for me. However, it was mysteriously lost in the mail when my Mom mailed it to those same friends (who were in the States).
  
• I’ve applied for a new ATM card from my Kenya bank. I should have it in a few more weeks.
• I’ve applied for a new alien card. What a joke that whole experience was! I first went to Nyayo House (where the immigration offices are) and was told I had to have an “official police abstract”. So, on another day, I went to the Karen police station. First thing I had to do was make my own photocopy of the form! Good grief! Once that was accomplished, the female officer filled it out with the sketchiest information. But, it was duly stamped, thereby making it “official” I guess! She then informed me that I had to go to Langata CID for an “official receipt”. Oh, for Pete’s sake! On another day, I went back to this same police station, only to be told that particular department wasn’t open. On yet another day, I went again. This time I found the proper department open; however, the young man was unable to find the receipt book. He dug and dug through – literally – four-foot high and haphazardly piled books of records. As if this sort of thing happens daily for him and as if I have nothing better to do with my time, he matter-of-factly informed me I could go to one of three other CID’s in the city... or come back another day. Since I had to pass through town anyway that day, I headed to the one at Railway Station. Once in the general area, I had to ask three people before I found someone that could direct me to where the police station was located. I amazingly found – not only the correct department – but, to my good fortune, it not only was staffed but the receipt book was available! I waited in the short queue and, after paying 50-bob, was presented with my “official receipt”, also duly stamped. On yet another day, I went back to Nyayo House with my two “official” – yet practically-speaking (in my opinion) worthless – pieces of stamped papers. The woman at the counter seemed pleased that I came bearing them. However, I’d forgotten several photocopies of other documents that were necessary. This, of course, required me to leave the building and find some place that makes photocopies. After returning with them, she told me that “lost cases” cost 2,000 shillings ($30)! Aye! I was shocked; the original is only 1,000/= per year. Fortunately I had barely enough on me to pay it, without once again leaving the building. I was then told to wait until my name was called. Then I was escorted to a dingy waiting room to again wait. When my name was called... again, I was finger-printed (again), not once per all ten fingers, but twice! I now wait 5-6 weeks for it to be “processed”.
• I have yet to apply for a new Smart Card from Nakumatt. (These are used to accumulate points based on how much you spend on groceries, etc. The points can then be redeemed at various values for groceries, etc.) I’m supposed to pay $7.50 for a replacement, even though the original one was free.
• I’ll replace my Nebraska drivers’ license when I next return to the States.