ODM youth leader and activist Kasmuel McOure has drawn comparisons between Washington, D.C., and key administrative streets in Nairobi, describing the U.S. capital as a city of serious business and minimal leisure.
Speaking on Thursday, July 24, 2025, following his visit to Washington the previous day, Kasmuel likened the mood of the city to that of Parliament Road or Harambee Avenue, saying it exudes a strictly official atmosphere.
“After a morning of meetings and formal engagements, 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,” he said.
He added: “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.”
Washington, D.C., is often described as dynamic and driven, reflecting its central role in American political life. The city hosts a significant number of professionals working in government, policy, and affiliated sectors, resulting in a culture shaped by purpose and professionalism.
McOure also noted the contrasts between D.C. and Nairobi. While the U.S. capital covers just 159 square kilometres, Nairobi sprawls across 696 square kilometres. Washington’s population stands at about 700,000 but rises significantly on weekdays due to administrative activity and tourists. Nairobi, in contrast, has a larger, more diverse population engaged in a variety of industries and businesses.
Economically, Nairobi boasts a vibrant blend of large, medium, and small enterprises, while Washington’s economy is largely dominated by the federal government—the city’s largest employer.
Culturally, McOure observed that Nairobi offers a rich mix of ethnic backgrounds and urban subcultures, whereas Washington, D.C., maintains a more reserved and professional identity, influenced heavily by its political functions.
