Washington D.C. is just Kenya’s Harambee Avenue – Kasmuel
By Arnold Ngure, July 24, 2025Activist and ODM youth leader Kasmuel McOure has likened Washington, DC, to Parliament Road or Harambee Avenue.
During his visit to the United States capital city on Wednesday, July 23, 2025, Kasmuel remarked that the mood in the predominantly administrative district was official with fewer leisure activities.
“After a morning of meetings and formal engagements in, I linked up with a few friends to explore the city. I was particularly drawn to the Federal Triangle; the stretch between the White House and the Capitol, often called America’s Main Street,” Kasmuel said in a statement on Thursday, July 24, 2025.
Administrative city
“D.C. is a thoroughly administrative city. It carries a heightened stiffness akin to Parliament Road or Harambee Avenue. There are a few scattered benches to catch your breath, but overall, it felt very function over leisure to me.”
The mood in Washington, D.C. is often described as dynamic and driven, reflecting its role as a political hub.
A pervasive sense of purpose and professionalism permeates the city, with a significant portion of its population engaged in government, policy, and related sectors.
However, this also means the city can be prone to political intensity, especially during significant events or legislative sessions.
US capital city
While D.C. holds a significant influence on the world’s politics and socio-economic decisions, it sits on a mere 159 square kilometres area compared to Nairobi’s 696 square kilometres.
Equally, D.C. also has a lower population of at least 700,000 residents, but the number rises during weekdays to close to a million due to tourists and heightened administrative activity in the area.
Comparatively, while Nairobi is home to many industries, large, medium, and small businesses, D.C.’s economy is heavily dominated by the federal government, which is its largest employer.
Additionally, while Nairobi is bustling with a unique blend of different cultures and ethnic composition as well as a lively urban subculture and language, D.C. has a distinct culture heavily influenced by its political role. It’s often perceived as a city of professionals and policymakers.