Mitungi as … thinking about urban space and infrastructure with the jerry can

Abstract

At first glance, there is hardly anything more boring and mundane in the urban landscape of Nairobi than the plastic jerry can, or mtungi in Swahili (pl.: mitungi). An inconspicuous thing that is constantly used, re-used, and re-purposed but remains somewhat invisible in its ubiquity. Its most common and important function however is to contain, store, and hold water. Yet, given Nairobi’s erratic and heterogeneous waterscape, mitungi do not just hold water for vendors and households. Rather, they hold the entire city together. Based on a longstanding connection to Nairobi as well as empirical research in 2021–2023, I present mitungi as more than just boring things or receptacles, but rather as incredibly multiple devices for engagements with African/southern urbanisms. Ultimately, my reflections argue for a joyful and unapologetic fascination with the supposedly mundane as an approach to engaging with contemporary cities, spaces, and infrastructures.