Personal Space Should be a Fundamental Right

“Your right ends where my nose begins.” I am sure that we are all familiar with this old adage. However, my concern is that very few of us put it into mind

in their daily affairs.

I am currently under the impression that Kenyans do not understand the meaning of personal space. Let me take this chance to shed some light on the issue. Personal space implies that the area of comfort that an individual enjoys around his/herself. Personal space can also be linked to breathing space; it is equally important. When you infringe on this comfort zone one is left without personal space.

According to the Kenyan constitution, Every person has the right to privacy, which includes the right not to have-- their person, home or property searched; their possessions seized; information relating to their family or private affairs unnecessarily required or revealed; or the privacy of their communications infringed. In simple terms, we all have the right to be left alone.

The right to privacy is not my area of concern today but personal space is. In the spirit of appreciating an individual’s need for privacy, the delegates at the Geneva Convention should have considered the importance of personal space.

Being petite does not mean I have no personal space. Day in day out, I have too deal with plus size ladies and gents who push me around in ‘Matatus’, streets and even banking halls. I know most of you will tell me to quit complaining since public means no consideration for personal space. Sorry but nothing will stop me this time round.

If you do not appreciate personal space, I am sure you do not mind a mother who throws an infant at you and an overweight handbag without requesting for your assistance. You would also be comfortable with a man putting his arms across your chest so as to open a ‘matatu’ window (for ladies). If you are the kind that moves for an extra passenger in a 14-seater matatu then you have no regard for personal space. I almost forgot; there is no need to force people into meaningless chit chat in a ‘matatu’. At times you come out as a total nuisance.

We all need some breathing space and that is why I am emphasizing on personal space. If you are in the habit of making others uncomfortable, try and imagine how you would feel if someone deprived you of oxygen. 

You have no right if you are making somebody else uncomfortable. I have nothing against the plus size, in fact ten year ago I was in that group. All I am saying is, accept yourself, try and accommodate others and they will accommodate you in return.

For our dear mothers, nobody is under any obligation to assist you fulfill the wonderful role bestowed upon you by nature. People offer a helping hand because they are driven by human compulsion. Not everyone is driven by humanity and you should respect that.

To conclude I would like to emphasize that, your rights end where my nose begins.

“Your right ends where my nose begins.” I am sure that we are all familiar with this old adage. However, my concern is that very few of us put it into mind in their daily affairs.

I am currently under the impression that Kenyans do not understand the meaning of personal space. Let me take this chance to shed some light on the issue. Personal space implies that the area of comfort that an individual enjoys around his/herself. Personal space can also be linked to breathing space; it is equally important. When you infringe on this comfort zone one is left without personal space.

According to the Kenyan constitution, Every person has the right to privacy, which includes the right not to have-- their person, home or property searched; their possessions seized; information relating to their family or private affairs unnecessarily required or revealed; or the privacy of their communications infringed. In simple terms, we all have the right to be left alone.

The right to privacy is not my area of concern today but personal space is. In the spirit of appreciating an individual’s need for privacy, the delegates at the Geneva Convention should have considered the importance of personal space.

Being petite does not mean I have no personal space. Day in day out, I have too deal with plus size ladies and gents who push me around in ‘Matatus’, streets and even banking halls. I know most of you will tell me to quit complaining since public means no consideration for personal space. Sorry but nothing will stop me this time round.

If you do not appreciate personal space, I am sure you do not mind a mother who throws an infant at you and an overweight handbag without requesting for your assistance. You would also be comfortable with a man putting his arms across your chest so as to open a ‘matatu’ window (for ladies). If you are the kind that moves for an extra passenger in a 14-seater matatu then you have no regard for personal space. I almost forgot; there is no need to force people into meaningless chit chat in a ‘matatu’. At times you come out as a total nuisance.

We all need some breathing space and that is why I am emphasizing on personal space. If you are in the habit of making others uncomfortable, try and imagine how you would feel if someone deprived you of oxygen. 

You have no right if you are making somebody else uncomfortable. I have nothing against the plus size, in fact ten year ago I was in that group. All I am saying is, accept yourself, try and accommodate others and they will accommodate you in return.

For our dear mothers, nobody is under any obligation to assist you fulfill the wonderful role bestowed upon you by nature. People offer a helping hand because they are driven by human compulsion. Not everyone is driven by humanity and you should respect that.

To conclude I would like to emphasize that, your rights end where my nose begins.

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