The Dandora dumpsite in Nairobi is a place that many would avoid, but for 19-year-old Andrew, it has become his home. Born in Minnesota, USA, Andrew’s life took an unexpected turn when he moved to Kenya in 2019 at the age of 13. What was supposed to be a fresh start quickly became a journey of survival as he navigated the complexities of family changes, a new environment, and a language barrier.
After his parents’ separation, Andrew found it difficult to adjust to his new family dynamics. Without a strong support system, he ended up on the streets of Nairobi, struggling to communicate with those around him. “The streets were brutal and unforgiving,” Andrew recalls. “I didn’t speak Swahili, didn’t have a Kenyan phone number, and was constantly bullied.”
His life, however, took a positive turn when he met John, a streetwise local who introduced him to the world of music. John, also known as ‘Jonte’, was struck by Andrew’s rapping talent and decided to mentor him. “I thought he had money, but he was just a cool kid from America,” John says. Their bond would eventually lead them to the Dandora dumpsite, a place John had become familiar with over the years.
At first, Andrew was frightened by the chaotic environment of the dumpsite, where people fought over scraps, and danger loomed in every corner. “I fell sick most of the days because of the garbage,” he admits. “But I had no choice. This was the only place where I could survive.” Over time, however, the harsh realities of the dumpsite became a part of his life, and Andrew began to adapt.
Today, Andrew has a few Kiswahili words under his belt and a greater sense of belonging. He’s learned to navigate the rough terrain of Dandora, understanding that survival here requires not only physical endurance but also emotional resilience. “This is my home now, but I know I want more,” Andrew says quietly, dreaming of one day owning a music studio.
Though his circumstances remain challenging, Andrew’s journey from the streets of Nairobi to the Dandora dumpsite highlights the resilience of the human spirit, the power of mentorship, and the silent dreams that keep us going, no matter the odds.
