Jambo Kenya Korea Winter Edition 2011 - Get a Free Blog

Winter Edition Vol. 4
Kenya @ 48
With a promising future
Christmas smile
KCK visits the Orphaned
Fashionista
Dressing for winter
Jambo Kenya Korea
A quarterly Newsletter of Kenya Community in Korea
Saluting
Ombudsman
December 2011

What makes Kenya special? Proudly Kenyan
Highest
concentration of
Olympians in the
world
Producer of highest
quality coffee in the
world
Hosts the only UN
headquarters in the
Third World
No. 1 exporter of cut
flowers to Europe
At Jambo Kenya Korea, we offer affordable advertising rates at all times!
Jambo Kenya Korea is a publication of Kenya Community in Korea (KCK) that provides news,
events, scheduling, opinion pieces, announcements and advertisements to the Kenyan Community
in Korea, business entities, government and non-governmental agencies. Jambo Kenya Korea
has had a growing readership since its inception. The newsletter is also distributed electronically
through websites, blogs, and social media.
Highest number of
wildlife parks in the
world (59)
Home to the 1st
African woman to get
a Nobel Peace Prize
Home to US President
Obama’s biological
father
No. 1 producer of
pyrethrum in the
world
To advertise here email:
kenyakorea@gmail.com
The KCK Fratenity sends Christimas
Greetings and Best Wishes to the
President of the Republic of Korea, and
to the Korean People.
May the Season Bring True Joy and
Prosperity in Your Hearts and Minds.
Merry Christimas
&
Happy New Year
The Pride of Africa
www.kenya-airways.com
Are you in the KCK mailing list?
If you haven’t been receiving updates
from KCK please notify the General
Secretary at kenyakorea@gmail.com
Also join KCK facebook:
Kenya Community in Korea

Jambo-Kenya Korea
“The start of a journey should never be mistaken for success.”
“Merry Christmas,“ ladies and gentlemen
Ladies and gentlemen, receive my warm
felicitation for the festive season. Merry
Christmas! It has been indeed a journey for
us in KCK. Of particular note is the closing of the
year with our fourth edition of Jambo Kenya Korea.
This publication, as you may recall, began simply by
faith - faith that its existence shall be long-lasting, its
development steady and its impact transforming. But
that was the first step of a long journey, which, should
never be mistaken for success.
Ours is an understanding that whether the pace be
slow, moderate or swift, we shall abhor stagnation by
all means. Like Martin Luther King Jr. said, “If you
can’t fly then run, if you can’t run then walk, if you
can’t walk then crawl, but whatever you do you have
to keep moving forward.” We are on forward march.
KCK has had quite a successful year, yet there is
much that would have been done or are to be done. For
the things accomplished, we say bravo in humility, for
the things to be done we direct our confidence toward
them; and in both, I salute all Kenyans and friends who
have contributed to the togetherness, participation and
the sense of family that we’ve had.
At the beginning of this year, we had an inaugural
meeting during Solal holiday, and then the executive
board had its first meeting in Cheonan where significant
resolutions for KCK were crafted. Thereafter we a
series of activities including Kenya Culture Day,
Seoul Friendship Fair, International Community Day
Merry Christmas and Happy 2012 to you all! Safe
journeys to all of you travelling home for vacation
and to see your loved ones. Enjoy this season more than
any other time. May the joy of Christ be renewed in all
readers and may the true meaning of Christmas be lived
to fullness.
The year 2011 has fast come to its close. Looking
back it’s been a great year but challenging. 2011 has
been marked by incidences of “people power” against
dictators. It is the year when Osama, Gadhafi and Kim
Jong Ill passed on. There was also a royal wedding of
Kate and William who engaged in Kenya. Back home,
the implementation of the New Constitution ongoing,
the Ocampo cloud still hanging over, the weakening of
Kenya shilling against the dollar, the sky rocketing oil
prices have also been experiences of 2011.
For KCK we have had a great year in which most
our programs were achieved. From IAAF Daegu
participation, Busan Summer Retreat and the AGM
where we had the former minister for Science and
Technology of Korea attending and sharing his insights
with us. Toward the closing event at M-Dream
children’s home, we made them children smile by our
visit and being with them. We thank God and all of
Publisher: Kenya Community in Korea (KCK)
Managing Editor: B. K. Kamary
Editor: Oketch-Aoko & Christine Kathurima
Writers: M. Wanjiru, E. Kangogo, P. Njoroge, I. Cheruiyot
Layout/Design: B.K. Kamary
in Gwangju, Global Gathering in
Busan, Migrants’ Arirang festival
in Changwon among others. But
perhaps the most exciting was the
IAAF championships in Daegu
where Kenyan athletes stamped their
authority in middle and long distance
running. Ladies and gentlemen, the
memories remain fresh and plenty
but expectations even greater.
Back home, the wave of change
May the New Year come with greatness of joy
you for making it a success and
we pray that God will sufficiently
be the help of all those children
and staff. Oh, and we got our
KCK website: www.kenyakorea.
org which is currently under
construction.
As we start 2012, it’s my prayer
and wish that we will be more
vigilant and assertive to achieve
our dreams as individuals and as
-African Proverb
B. K. Kamary
KCK, Secretary/
Managing Editor
is setting in. The judiciary has undergone transformation
never seen in the history of Kenya. Fundamental structures
for elections, executive leadership and devolution are being
laid down with firmness and vigor. I bet next time the world
will hear about Kenya, it may not only be about marathon in
the streets of the world biggest cities but also in economy,
education, industries and other key aspects of life.
Back to the Christmas season. Unfortunately, I would
argue, the Christmas season has been ‘commodified’ so
much so that its elemental meaning is either lost somewhere
in the midst of consumerism or miserably syncretized with
contemporary cultures. The season that otherwise merit a
sense of reflection in commemorating the birth of Jesus
Christ, has become the peak of product sales, pleasure
indulgences and exuberant spending.
I hope that while we celebrate the season, the true
meaning of Christmas will dwell among us and bring joy,
peace and above all love to God and among people.
Merry Christmas and happy New Year!
Patrick Ntonja
KCK, Chairman
a community. And we will be able to build our nation as
Diaspora and even when we are back home.
We congratulate all those who have successfully
completed their education and are preparing to go back.
God bless you all and be the great you can as you live all
your dreams and more.
Also, on behalf of KCK, we thank the Embassy and H.E
Ambassador Ngovi Kitau and KCK fraternity and friends
for all the support materially and through time sacrifice.
We look forward for the same and more in 2012. Merry
Christmas again and Happy New Year! God bless you all
and your families. God bless KCK and God bless Kenya.
KCK Motto:
“Together we stand!”
The Editor welcomes
comments and letters from
readers. Write to
kenyakorea@gmail.com
1

2
Jamuhuri Day: Kenya turns 48 with a promising future
Ngovi Kitau
Kenya Ambassador to
the Republic of Korea
Your Excellences the ambassadors, Head
of missions, Representatives of the
Korean government, fellow Kenyans,
members of the private sector,
ladies and gentlemen,
I am honored to welcome you all as we
celebrate the 48th Jamuhuri day. Jamuhuri
day is significant in Kenya’s history as it marks
the day on 12th December 1963 when Kenya
gained full independence.
We remain indebted to our freedom heroes
and heroines who sacrificed so much to
achieve liberation. Since then, Kenya’s national
development agenda has been to improve
the livelihoods of our people and to create a
globally competitive, prosperous and equitable
nation.
Fellow Kenyans, the commemoration of this
day provides an opportunity to reflect on the
journey we have travelled as a nation despite
many challenges, we have witnessed significant
progress in national development.
Annual economic growth jumped from less
than 1% in 2002 to the current 5%. This boosted
revenue collection from just Kshs. 200 billion
in 2002 to 600 billion shillings last year and
the government is now able to fund most of its
budget.
Embassy, KCK at Jinju International Agri’ Expo
By Staff Writer
The Jinju International Agriculture Expo 2011
was held in November 9 to 12, 2011 at the Jinju
Complex Stadium. The expo featured exhibits
and lectures on various agricultural topics
including biotechnology, crop production
and processing, farm machinery, livestock,
forestry and agricultural services to name a few.
Approximately 4million people attended.
The Kenya Embassy and Kenyans in Korea
were among hundreds of exhibitors at the Jinju
Agrex 2011. The Kenyan booth, located at the
Food Court Section, displayed and sold Kenyan
foods, mainly Chapati and Mandazi which
has now become Koreans’ favorite snack. The
team also gave out pamphlets and magazines
to promote Kenya. Throughout the three days,
including the opening and closing days, Kenyan
booth received hundreds of visitors from around
the world.
The expo was organized by GnA International
Co. Ltd., K. Fairs, Jinju MBC and supported
by several government and private
institutions including the Rural Development
Administration, The Korean Farmers and
Fishermen’s NEWS and the Korea Horticultural
Research Institute among others.
Concurrently, other fairs were held in Jinju
including Korean Native Seed Fair 2011, 9th
Jinju Chrysanthemum Exhibition 2011, 13th
Jinju’s Top Export of Agricultural Products
Award and 16th Farmers Day Event.
The Kenya Embassy and Kenya Community in
Korea have been active in Fairs and Exhibitions
with successful outcomes in terms of promoting
Kenya’s culture, tourism and other aspects.
Some of the exhibitions and fairs that Kenya
has featured in the recent past include: Seoul
Friendship Fair, Changwon Migrant Arirang
Fest, Kenya Culture Day, Busan International
Travel Fair, Gwangju International Community
Day and Global Gathering.
Kenya Embassy
...achievements in various sectors of our economy have set a firm foundation for
national transformation and implementation of our vision 2030.
This increased revenue has given the
government the resources needed to implement
Kenya’s development plan- vision 2030. In
consequence, various sectors of our economy
have recorded positive growth, for example, in
the energy sector over 1.7 million households
are now connected to electric power compared
to 500,000 when the Kibaki administration
came to power in 2003.
“ Annual economic
growth jumped from less
than 1% in 2002 to the
current 5%. This boosted
revenue collection from
just Kshs. 200 billion
in 2002 to 600 billion
shillings last year”
In the financial
sector 18
million Kenyans
have access to
financial services
compared to less
than one million
ten years ago.
In the roads
sub-sector we
have witnessed tremendous growth in funding
from both the government and development
partners from a budget of kshs.13 billion in
2003, funding for the sub-sector has increased
considerably to over 110 billion shillings.
We have also made great strides in education
sector. Today, close to 10 million children are
enjoying the benefits of free primary education
and government is paying tuition fees for all
students in public secondary schools.
These achievements in various sectors of
our economy have set a firm foundation for
national transformation and implementation
of our vision 2030. Our country will hold
general elections next year and we will be
convening a pre-election national cohesion and
reconciliation conference early next year.
On its part, the government has spearheaded
preparations for the next elections by facilitating
the appointment of an independent electoral and
boundaries commission and enacting IEB act.
The IEBC will supervise elections. We have
also enacted political parties act which will
guide operations of political parties, and we
now have elections act which spells out how
polls will be held.
The bilateral relations between Kenya and
Korea have grown from strength to strength.
We have witnessed deeper levels of cooperation
in areas such as trade, tourism, education,
health, agriculture, transport and energy to
name but a few.
The economic development cooperation
fund (EDCF) administered by Korea export
and import bank has contributed to Kenya’s
development projects in technology and roads
sector.
Furthermore, under the Korea international
cooperation agency (KOICA), Kenyan
professionals have been able to undertake
courses in various Korean learning institutions.
In conclusion, I wish you all happy Jamhuri
day celebrations, a blessed Christmas and a
happy and prosperous new year.
Kenya Embassy in the Replublic of Korea
Address : 243-36, Itaewon-Dong, Yongsan-Gu, Seoul, Korea
Tel : 02)3785-2903~4
Fax : 02)3785-2905
E-mail : info@kenya-embassy.or.kr
By Bus
Take bus # 402, 405 and get off at Bus Stop “Grand Hyatt
Hotel”
By Subway
Get off at Hanganjin Station on Line 6
Take bus #405 and get off at But Stop “Grand Hyatt Hotel

KCK News
Kenyans celebrate Chritmas with Korean children
By Oketch Richard
For the KCK fraternity this year’s Christmas
season was a very special time. It is the time
when KCK members from all corners of Korea
gathered in Gwangju city to remember what it
is that makes Christmas special for them. Being
far away from it is the childhood memories,
the family gatherings, or religious beliefs and
traditions that come to mind at this festive time.
KCK members decided that spending time
with the greater Kenyan family and sharing our
quality time with less fortunate members of the
host community (Koreans) as the best way to
celebrate this year’s Christmas as Oren Arnold
put it “Christmas gift suggestions: to your
enemy, forgiveness. To an opponent, tolerance.
To a friend, your heart. To a customer, service.
To all, charity. To every child, a good example.
To yourself, respect.”
As a community, about 25 KCK members
came together with support from the Kenya
Embassy in Korea and contributed funds and
gifts to make 10th December 2011, a very
special day for M-Dream Children’s Home
(Moedung, Gwangju city). This is a special
home for children collected from abused
families, orphanages and homeless ones etc
of various ages ranging from 6 months to 18
years. During this occasion special Kenyan and
Korean food was prepared, decorations, gifts
and various performances all went towards
making it really a day to remember for all. KCK
members realized that they were doing much
more than giving Christmas gifts and having
a special meal, they are creating memories for
themselves and the children at the M-Dream
home. For it is believed that if you have good
Concrete plans are already underway to establish
a KCK branch in Kenya spearheaded by KCK
“alumni”. This new branch will welcome all KCK
Members who were formerly in Korea but are now
resident in Kenya and any Kenyans and friends of
Korea in Kenya. It will work closely with the main
KCK in Korea to coordinate its all its plans and
activities.
“Top on its agenda is continued liaisons with
Kenyans in Korea for the mutual benefit of both
sides. Other key objectives will be to provide a
source of networking between Kenyans in Kenya
for KCK members in Korea.
It will endeavor to provide a forum through which
Kenyans who have lived in Korea can meet and
discuss ways to grow socially and economically
through the cooperation with mainstream KCK
in Korea and work towards being part of the soon
to be formed Kenya- Korea Association with the
purpose of bringing Kenyans and their Korean
counterparts together for education, cultural
and language exchange, tourism and business
activities,” elaborated Oketch-Aoko Richard, KCK
Ombudsman soon relocating to Kenya this winter.
He added that the KCK Kenya branch will provide
memories of the Christmas Days when you
were young surely you would like to give your
children similar memories and if you are one
of the unfortunate ones whose early Christmas
Days were less than enjoyable you should
not want your own children to have the same
experience. “Christmas... is not an external
event at all, but a piece of one’s home that one
carries in one’s heart.”
The busy program of the day started with
mixed feelings as expressed by Wilfred Odoyo,
the event’s coordinator, “it doesn’t usually
snow in Gwangju at this time, KCK members
have brought some blessings to this city of
light!” but there were fears too as too much
snow would definitely jeopardize our planned
outdoor bonding activities with the children.
Eventually everything went on fine despite the
delayed start as we waiting for other members
KCK expands as new branch opens in Kenya
necessary information
to Kenyans wishing to
visit Korea or newly
arrived Kenyans from
Korea and liaison with
the Kenyan Embassy
in Korea and Korean
Embassy in Kenya and
other organizations
wherever this shall
Mr. Hillary Kamuyu
become necessary for the
benefit of members.
Currently top on the agenda of the KCK Kenya
branch will be identifying a suitable recipient
of the money collected in the Famine Relief
campaign done by KCK members in Korea.
‘The current KCK Executive Board is in full
support of this new branch” commented the KCK
chairman Mr. P. Ntonja, “There is already good
ground work being done by Hillary Kimuyu,
Nzai Odanya and A. Kamanthe in pursuit of this
project.” A Facebook and email contacts etc will
soon be posted on the main KCK Facebook page
and the soon to be launched KCK website.
3
KCK Chairman,
Patrick Ntonja
(right) and Kenyans
in Korea present
gifts to M-Dream
Children’s Home
during this year’s
annual KCK
charity event at
Gwangju.
Photo/Courtesy
already on the way to arrive. Bonding session
was heartwarming as every member had his/her
hands full with many children literary hanging
on any available limbs of our bodies…talking
to us in their little but impressive English. They
were extremely happy to receive KCK members
and we were truly gratified. KCK members
who were proficient in Korean language like
J.Towett, M. Rotich and B. Sambu had the
most ‘fans’ since they could answer some of
the inquisitive children in Korean language,
something that the kids loved. Some other
members like Eric Omondi, Paul Musyoki, and
B. Okech asked jokingly if they could adopt the
bundles of joy they held lovingly in their arms.
The performances in the hall were like a
festival with kids of various age categories
Continued page 4
Christmas Laughter...
hahaha
Q: How do sheep in Mexico say Merry
Christmas?
A: Fleece Navidad!
Q: Mum, Can I have a dog for Christmas?
A: No you can have turkey like everyone
else !
Q: Doctor, Doctor I'm scared of Father
Christmas
A: Doctor: You're suffering from Claustrophobia.
Patient: My problem is that I keep stealing
things when I go Christmas shopping. Can
you give me something for it!
Doctor: Try this medicine...and if it doesn't
work come back and bring me a new video
camera.
Compiled by Elias Kangogo

4
Kenyans stir crowd in Global fest
KCK Dance Troupe from Busan. The group performed during the “Encounter Korea Festival” organized by Mannam volunteers
By Staff Writer
On that raining afternoon, clad in their
dominantly traditional Maasai colors,
they looked stunning. And as they waited
for their time to get on the stage, you could see
them fidgeting obviously out of cold rather than
nervousness; after all the KCK Busan dancers
have been on stage occasionally.
Prior to that, the organizers had expressed their
worry if the Kenyan troupe will be traditional
enough worthy of displaying at the main stage.
Unfortunately they unwittingly succumbed to
their fear.
In fact, and rather disappointing to the dancers,
they had been programmed to perform on a substage
outside of the arena. “I was personally
disappointed; it would have been the first time
for a KCK dance to be placed away from the
main stage. I knew they had underestimated us
and that is why I protested,” said KCK Secretary
General, Mr. Kamary who also dances with
KCK troupe.
Cornered by the rains, no performance could
be staged outside the gymnasium therefore the
Kenyans were on the main stage – and they
did not disappoint. Their presence aroused the
crowed who clapped and shouted along with
Jambo Bwana rhythm. A number of audiences
were surprisingly familiar with the words of the
Kenya’s popular classic song particularly with
the “hakuna matata” climax.
By the time Mwana wa Mberi beats boomed,
the gymnasium had gone wild – enthralled. The
dancers then crowned the time with Taunet ne
lel. You can guess the reaction but for a hint,
many were seen many finding their seats back.
KCK also operated a booth where hot mandazi
were fried amid light but length rain. At the
background was Kenyan music keeping the
booth alive throughout the day. Rain or no rain,
Kenyan’s spirit of resilience and inspiration lives
on.The event was organized by MANNAM,
Korea’s biggest volunteer group.
KCK members after this year’s annual humanitarian event at M-Dream Children’s Home in Gwangju.
KCK News
AGM 2011: You need
‘Saemaul Undong’,
Kenyans told
Prof. Chung Keun Mo,
Advisory Members of
Kenya’s National Social
and Economic Council
(NESC)
transformational movement that converted
A Korea from poverty to prosperity may be
what a country like Kenya requires. Speaking to
Kenyans during the annual general meeting, Prof.
Chung Keun Mo a nuclear scientist who is also one
of the four foreign Advisory Members of Kenya’s
National Social and Economic Council (NESC)
under the Office of the President, encouraged
Kenyans to get the development fundamentals
right.
He was referring to Saemaul Undong movement
that, the government proposed in rural communities
to inspire the people, particularly farmers, leading
them into development path. Noting that Kenya
has big potential with majority of population
composed of the youth, Dr. Chung added that
Kenya’s new constitution should be a milestone
towards progress. Prof. Chung is one of the key
figures that addressed Kenyans during Katiba Day
celebrations last year.
Kenya Ambassador, Ngovi Kitau, commended
Kenyans in Korea for being diligent and asked
them to take seriously their experiences in Korea.
He emphasized the significance of the diaspora in
building Kenya. Also in the AGM was a delegation
of Kenyan businessmen, KOICA officials, Mannam
Volunteers officials among others. As KCK
Chairman Patrick Ntonja noted in the last edition
of this newsletter, the basic spirit of Saemaul
Undong Movement is “diligence, self-help, and
cooperation.”
After the devastating Korean War in 1950-53,
Koreans basic belief focused on togetherness.
Each village was a community of new living and
working, having common purpose of wellbeing.
Seamaul indeed was a fight against old and deep
pessimistic views, the thoughts of ‘Poverty is our
fate’ or ‘We cannot do it’.
Kenya and other countries can learn from Korea.
Korea’s Saemaul was exemplified as a model of
growth to African countries, Asian, and South
America.
Kenyans share a lot from Korean desire to
develop. In fact, Saemaul ideals are somewhat
similar to the Kenya’s 4K clubs. Kuungana (unite),
Kufanya (act together), Kusaida (help), Kenya. If
Kenyans subscribe to simple values of hard work
and self-help and working as a community, the
hunger will be a thing of the past. Since Kenya
enjoys great weather throughout the year, and even
has more natural resources than Korea, Kenya’s
transformation is bound to be magical.

Regional Round-up
Kenyans win second prize in Int’l community day
By Odoyo Wilfred & Brian Sambu
Kenya Community in Korea won second
prize during an International Community
Day held last weekend, October 29, in the City
of Gwangju. The KCK booth which attracted
many visitors from around the globe was voted
second best after Vietnamese booth.
Kenyans from Busan and Gwangju let nothing
to chance as they marketed Kenyan products
and food stuffs. Mandazi, Samosa and chapatti
attracted big numbers of visitors craving to
have a Kenyan taste particularly after the
announcement of the ranking.
“Photo with Kenyans” session also attracted
many who appreciated Kenyan traditional
attires. Children were seen pulling their parents
as they insist to take pictures with the Kenyans
in Maasai clad.
The community’s booth also had Kenyan
traditional and contemporary ornaments, KCK
banners, Kenyan flags and publications about
Kenya.
In the recent past KCK, arguably one of the
most organized foreign communities, has
been active in cultural events. In the month
of October, the community has participated
in three major international events including
Mannam Encounter Korea Festival in Seoul,
Busan Global Gathering in Busan City and
Gwangju International Community Day in
Gwangju city.
Chief
Chef!
Geoffrey Kitetu, famously known as
the ‘Chief Chef’ makes a thumb-up
gesture during the International
Community Day in Gwangju.
African Students in Korea
For more
information visit
AOCSU,
www.aucsu.org.
Learn about
African students
in Korea and
conferences
information.
One such
conference on
28th Dec., 2011
at the Yoido Full
Gospel Church.
Hongera! From left: Wilfred Odoyo, KCK Vice-Chairman, Patricia Njambi and Petronila Kolil pose for
a picture with one of the event organizers after winning 100,000Won prize.
KCK’s Christmas gift to Gwangju orphaned children
Continued from page 3
show casing their singing dancing artistic
performances to the delight of the members
present. It was so cute seeing innocent children
go about their paces with gleeful radiance all
over their faces but again the ever lingering
question; “Why would a human being be so
cruel to a little angel like this?” those kids didn’t
just deserve to be in a shelter they deserve to
be with their real families,” commented one
member who was touched. ‘Christmas, my
child, is love in action.
Every time we love, every time we give, it’s
Christmas’- Dale Evans. KCK members led by P.
Njoroge also performed various skits and dances
the outstanding ones were ‘Jambo Bwana and
Mungithii, finally Kayamba’s “I love You….let
us go!!!!” All this time the children were being
generously served with hot mandazis made by
Irene Wachira, Dolly Ntonja, C. Kigen and Trish
Njambi.
The KCK Chairman, Ntonja P. then gave a
brief address where he stressed that KCK as
a community was happy to always associate
with and assist members of the host community
especially in charity events like this one.
‘Christmas is doing a little something extra for
someone else,’ he concluded.
He also presented various gifts and
consumables plus a donation from KCK
members and Kenya Embassy in Korea. The
Centre’s director and Assistant director thanked
KCK for the kind gesture and hoped that this
will be a long partnership. They also wished
GWANGJU, THE CITY OF LIGHT
KCK members a good, happy and prosperous
stay in Korea. One comment that was left
ringing in the minds of all those present was:
‘Christmas is not a time or a season but a state
of mind. To cherish peace and good will, to be
plenteous in mercy, is to have the real spirit of
Christmas.’ C. Coolidge.
KCK members then hosted the M-dream
Centre to a Kenyan Special dinner with plenty
of Githeri, Ndengu, Chapati, Nyama Boil, Kuku
ya soup, na Sukuma wiki fry, which the children
and centre staff plus Kenyans present ate with
relish and satisfaction in a real Christmas family
spirit. “I have never eaten African food before,
it’s so ‘berry berry’ delicious!” commented one
young boy from the centre seated next to J.
Mullah (event photographer).
Of course- there was a little Korean food too
as no meal is complete without the ‘world’
famous Kimchi, Ramyeon and crab meat. All in
all, this grand dinner took 2 hours and then the
KCK members left for an End of Year Party in
downtown Gwangju courtesy of KCK Gwangju
Branch led by J. Wachira. Reliable sources
hinted to ‘Jambo Kenya Korea’ that this party
went on throughout the night and only ended
after 2 pm on Sunday (11th/12/2011) after
another round of Chapati and nyama in Dr.
Odoyo’s house.
From home to home, and heart to heart, from
one place to another, the warmth and joy of
Christmas, brings us closer to each other!
Salutes all Kenyans and Friends who contributed towards KCK Charity event... Thank you!
5
KCK - GWANGJU

6
Busan: KCK Booth attracts
hundreds amid downpour
Petronilah Sirma takes a pose in front of KCK booth
during the Global Gathering Fest in Busan
Kenya Community in Korea participated
in the 2011 Busan Global Gathering held
on October 22 at Naru Park, Busan. The
community ran a booth decorated with
ornaments, attires, KCK banners, Kenyan flags
and publications about Kenya.
This year KCK operated its own booth as
opposed to previous years when the group
jointly ran booths with African Students of
Kosin University.
Despite the rainy day which led to cancellation
of stage performances, hundreds of visitor
stopped by the KCK tent to make a purchase,
get information about Kenya or to take pictures
with traditionally dressed Africans.
Busan Global Gathering is an annual
event organized by the Busan Foundation of
International Activities, BFIA, and usually
attracts thousands of people from around the
world including about 100 exhibitors.
Regional Round-up
Visit: kckbusan.wordpress.com
Three Busanians graduate
Paul Kihiro Milton Kabunge Gordon Odira
Three KCK Busan members have graduated. In
a colourful graduation ceremony held at Kosin
University, Gordon Odira, Milton Kabunge and
Paul Kihiro (former chairman of KCK Busan)
were excited to have completed three years of
Masters Degree course.
They soon returned home eager to contribute
their efforts in building Kenya. We congratulate
them and wish them success in their next
venture.
Meanwhile, some KCK members at Kosin
University joined foreign students and
professors in a carol-singing campus tour on the
night of December 5th.
The group matched around the campus in the
singing selected carols in the annual event.
They made stops at the library and dormitories
handing out candies to Korean students most of
whom were surprised but appreciated the unique
event. The event took about an hour.
KCK-Busan joins fellow International communities on ferry tour
By Patrick Njoroge
KCK-Busan Chapter participated in an
educational trip organized by the Busan Metro
Government on 28th November 2011. The
trip involved foreign students from different
universities in Busan. It was a real demonstration
of the creativity of Dynamic Busan team which
has put systems in place to make life easy for
foreigners in Busan. The foreigners’ assembled
at the Busan office of Education and Planning
from where they were to start the tour.
First they visited the UN Memorial Cemetery,
a park established in honor or the fallen soldiers
who died during the Korean War. There they
were met by a wonderful Korean guide who is
very fluent in English. They also taken round
the cemetery and it were a moment of deep
appreciation to those that sacrificed their lives
for the peace of the in the Peninsula. It was also
a touching time to note that the youngest soldier
who died then was only seventeen years old.
The next treat was a two hour ferry trip. To
some, it was the first time to be at sea. Foreigners
had a lot of fun time chatting and dancing aboard
the ferry. They also interacted with the ferry
crew freely and very friendly captain as well. A
lot of photo-taking sessions in the course of the
sea trip made everyone excited.
KCK Busan members with fellow interanational students from around Busan during a ferry tour last month
Helping foreigners feel at
home away from home...
http://www.bfia.or.kr

Regional Round-up
KCK Contitution amended to reflect broadness
By Oketch Richard & B. Kamary
KCK constitution has been amended to reflect
the current structure and broadened community.
The quest for the constitutional change begun
about a year ago when new leadership took
over and made transforming resolutions that
warranted constitutional changes to allow
implementations.
The following amendments were therefore
unanimously passed during the KCK AGM in
October this year.
Article 4. Objectives
KCK shall:
Section 4.01 Provide a source of networking for
KCK members
Section 4.02 Provide a forum through which
Kenyans living in Korea can meet and discuss
ways to grow socially and economically
through the mainstream KCK and its registered
branches.
Section 4.10. Shall Work closely with the
African Community in Korea to promote Kenya
and our objectives.
Article 9. Duties of the Executive Board
Section 9.01. The executive board shall:
h) Address matters and where necessary
constitute KCK branches and sub-committees
to carry out the activities of KCK.
j) All associations formed by Kenyans or in the
interest of Kenyans in Korea shall fall under
Kenya Community in Korea and the KCK shall
oversee their elections. The KCK shall give any
assistance where necessary.
Article 17. Participation in KCK activities
KCK expects all its members to take an active
role in all its activities.
Kenyan couple stage classic wedding in Seoul
By Millicent Omollo
It is typical of most weddings, particularly
in Africa that the family makes a vital
component. However, a Kenya couple
defied odds last weekend when they tied a not
in a glamorous wedding far away from home.
Isaac Tanui and Eusla Kigen wedded in a
church in Bosan, near Seoul.
Without the presence of their family and
childhood friends, one would expect that this
wedding would be a quick rush of events just
to get it over with. It was not. Compared to a
typical contemporary wedding that usually
takes for at most an hour, this Kenyan wedding
in a church ceremony conducted by Nigerians,
time was never an issue, so it seemed.
I remember a story about a white man,
while in a tour of Africa, pondered why most
Africans seem not to be sensitive to the clock.
His African host answered, “See, in Europe you
have clocks, but in Africa we got the time…
relax, Sir!”
Right after the signing of the marriage
certificate by the newly wedded couple, and
their close associates, the wedding procession
relocated to Hotel Yullim for the reception.
Quite obvious I realized how much of fashion
mix I had missed due to my tardiness because
it was very apparent that majority of those who
attended the wedding had dressed to kill.
At the background was African section music
sometimes booming guests to nodding their
heads or shaking their legs. The bride looked
Kenyans in a past event to celebrate inauguration of the Kenya Community in Korea (KCK). Photo?file
lovely, a sight for sore eyes if you asked me, and
her smile in that white gown and the long veil
did not make it easier for the single men in the
room (I can bet you it was rather obvious from
the looks in their eyes) .The groom, on the other
hand, was impeccable in a deep black suit.
The opening remarks were said by the Kenya
Community in Korea (KCK) secretary general,
Mr. B. Kamary. He thanked the guests for
honoring the newlyweds with their presence
and asked them to support them in the new
marriage journey. KCK chairman Mr. Patrick
Ntonja later in his remarks added that, “it was
wonderful to have an African style wedding
away from home.” He wished the couple a
successful marriage life. Others who spoke in
the wedding include representative from the US
Military where Eusla works, pastors and friends
from Eusla’s church.
The hall was full. This couple had good friends
I tell you. When the time for the first dance
came, an African music was played and because
I loved the song so much, I found myself on my
feet and dancing to the music with the crowd
cheering on.
The crowd joined in and turned the scene
into a kind of standing ovation to the newest
couple in town. The jigging stopped only at the
intervention of the master of the ceremony. Just
like a typical African style celebrations, guests
chimed and ululated with excitement. Finally
came the meal time.
d) KCK branches are obligated to adhere to
the KCK constitution in the conduct of their
activities. They shall be free to organize their
local branch activities and elect branch officials.
Further to, they will annually submit reports to
the KCK Secretary General for incorporation
into the KCK AGM reports.
Isaac and Chirry during their wedding at Bosan,
Seoul. Behind them is the pastor who united them.
The menu was exotic. There was pilau, fried rice
with mixed seasoning spices, beef stew among
others. The dishes were so delicious and that
memory of home dishes became real especially
with chapatti.
The wedding, which started at 2.00pm at
Redeemed Church of God, ended at around
8.00pm at the reception. Now that might be half
the time for a real African wedding back home
but where else can you witness such a length
wedding in this side of the globe?
7

8
The editor welcomes reader’s letters/opinion. Send your
contribution to kenyakorea@gmail.com
Restrospect: Why judging a book by its cover is so wrong
I
once thought this certain guy was full of
himself! Honestly, I don’t know why I ever
thought so. He dressed impeccably and wore
some of the best shoes I’ve ever seen men wear!
He was good looking too. This guy though, never
acknowledged my presence. I watched the said
character for some time and still, no change! I
just couldn’t understand! I’m not that bad, if you
know what I mean, yet nothing!
So, my conclusion was that he was full of
himself. As time went by, however, I got to know
him and surprisingly, he was not full of himself
at all! Infact, we’re very good friends now. I
had judged him based on my own assessment,
without even knowing him one bit. We very often
do it. If someone doesn’t fit the description and
definition of right living and right attitude that
we have conjured up in our minds, we ostracize
them.
I was almost caught up in this vicious cycle
again. A new member joined a club I’m actively
involved in. He’s a young man and being
surrounded by equally young and beautiful
young ladies, he was eager to show off his swag.
I detested the way he walked, with his nose high
in the air, and also how he acted; expecting all the
ladies to be all over him and talk to him. (It’s quite
easy to tell just from observing.) Anyway, he is
talented and very good at what he does. #Saving
grace! His attitude nonetheless, kept getting to
me. It got so bad that I could not call him by his
How I miss Christmas festivities back home
Elias Kangogo
Seoul, Korea
Christmas back
at home has
always been a
day worth longing for.
As December rings in
the heads of nearly all
Kenyans, bottle sounds
fill up the roads nearby,
you could feel the mood
of a festive season fast
approaching.
That’s when kids get
filled with excitement
while parents have a hard time balancing their
finances but making sure the day is as special
as it can be.
What we all miss is seeing travelers especially
from western part of Kenya turning up with all
their living room at the bus terminals in the big
cities especially Nairobi.
Everything from chairs, beds, mattresses all
have to be loaded onto the bus before the long
journey across the rift valley begins. And same
when they get back on the New Year after all the
celebrations are done.
Another thing is that just a few days before
the D-day, goats would be signing there will
be lots of bloodshed for some ‘Nyama Choma,
Karanga...” and so forth. A Christmas would not
be a Christmas without some bottles of Sodas,
Chapo and rice. It used to be a time where
I could enjoy a bottle of soda at home unlike
name, but referred to him by what he does, say,
‘The Painter’. The situation was not getting any
better. If anything, it was slowly getting out of
hand. A fellow member, a girl, felt the same way
I did and we found plenty of things that were
‘not right’ with ‘The Painter’ and this worsened
our attitude towards him. At some point, I sat
and thought and realized that how I was acting
was not right, so I confided in someone I trust. A
person who has a neutral stand point.
This friend, whom I talked about earlier,
reminded me of how I initially thought he was
full of himself and how I realized he wasn’t
once I got to know him. I tried to come up with
differences between the two cases, but really,
they were just excuses. After that talk, I decided
to change my attitude towards ‘The Painter’ and
more to that, talk to him.
Within the first five minutes of the conversation,
I realized that my poor attitude towards him,
which was crystal clear and bright as the noon
day, had discouraged him from ever talking to
me. He wasn’t even sure if he should talk to
me then. I sort of scared him with my tyrantlike
attitude. I had to quickly change the game
plan. This was someone new and instead of me
welcoming him making him feel comfortable in
the group, I was busy acting like he should leave.
What that must have made him think of me!
So, first of all, I stopped referring to him as ‘The
Painter’ and called him by his name. That alone
other days where you’ve got to go to the shops
to doso.
During the Christmas day, majority of
Kenyans go to the church in the morning.
Children are all dressed up with lovely, colorful
new clothes making the road to the church all
smelly of new clothes. Service usually starts
with the Sunday school children presenting
some Christmas carols after which they’re given
some presents (plates, cups etc.). The Church
choir too has her own turn for some carols then
the sermon about the birth of Jesus Christ by the
local pastor.
Now comes the testimony session, this is
where anyone with a word he/she wants to
share with the church stands in front that tells.
It’s one precious time where the village drunk
stands up and confesses sins and promises not
to drink again only to find him the next day with
‘kasuku’ It’s a time when some long forgotten
members of church share their stories and offer
advices.
The big feast comes after the church when
families get to their homes to have a grasp on
thefried/roasted steak of the goat slaughtered in
the morning or the previous night. Mixture of
great food and beverages.
This kind of food would go on a day or two
or couple of days depending on the strength of
the family finances. That’s just a brief typical
Christmas day in some parts of Kenya. Merry
Christmas and Happy new year.
made all the difference.
At the end of that
conversation, we both
left smiling.
We always want to
think we’re the best,
always right and are
justified to do whatever
we want when we want,
including treating others
wrong. While we may
feel that they’re the ones
on the wrong, we forget
Opinion/Letter
Martha Wanjiru
Seoul, Korea
that we too could be and at most times are wrong.
We fail to consider what those other people
think of us. We think we’re the only ones with
a say because of our positions, wealth, looks and
whatever else we may have that makes us think
we have an edge over others.
We think we are the good ones, but those others
end up having the same loathing for us because
of how we act. The problem is that so many of us,
as my friend would put it, are riding on our high
horses and it’s time we got off and started treating
others right, with the respect they deserve.
When we find ourselves entangled in such
messes, we should endeavor to come out of them
and when we are inclined to think of others as
villains, we should ask ourselves what they think
of us!
Kidding off the KCK AGM
Now let us report this Nuclear Science
Professor to Dr Mzalendo Kibunjia,
Chairman of the National Cohesion and
Integration Commission and Kenya Vision 2030
Director-General, Mugo Kibati. He incited KCK
members that for Kenya to achieve Vision 2030
we have to be involved in a “movement’ like the
‘Saemaul Undong’ movement that transformed
Korea.
He also said (and I am willing to be witness
no. 12) that we have to change our Attitude…
not cosmetic change but drastic change from the
inside. We have to change the way we feel, the
way we see, the way we do things.
That for real change it must be done
systematically with all on board. He also
incited Kenyans in Korea that we have to invest
in education because we must have a trained
manpower to spearhead our ‘movement’ to
Vision 2030.
He said he had secured training for a few
young Kenyan scientists to train in nuclear
science…in fact 8 of them with full scholarships
and that Kenya could have nuclear power within
3 years…no more blackouts etc…
I almost thought he was campaigning for the
presidency 2012 only that he was Korean….
Wait a minute! Don’t we allow dual citizenship
now? I will tell you his name so that you can talk
‘well’ with him, the Kenyan way: Professor Dr.
Jung Keum Mo, National Social and Economic
Council, Kenya (NESC). Aoko Oketch
Chuncheon, Korea

Opinion/Letter 9
The editor welcomes reader’s letters/opinion. Send your
contribution to kenyakorea@gmail.com
Here’s my 2012 wish-list
Elias Makori
Nairobi, Kenya
My wish is that
sanity prevails
in the electioneering
period and that we
peacefully elect a new
Head of State who will
consolidate the gains
made so far, especially
regarding infrastructure
development. IDPs
must be resettled. Koffi
Annan said the IDPs are
“an open wound that
politicians must heal.” Sports 2012 is all about
London Olympics, riding high on the success of
the Kenyan team in Daegu.
My wish is that it turns out to be Kenya’s most
successful Olympic Games ever! We also have
medal prospects in other sports, like swimming,
and it would be good to see more sporting
disciplines supplementing the traditional triumphs
in track and field. It is also my wish that Harambee
Stars succeed in the qualification matches for the
2014 World Cup in Brazil. Diaspora involvement
in the development of Kenyan sport must be
embraced and more opportunities and facilities
sought for our sportsmen and women by Kenyans
in the diaspora. Sports is a great public relations
vehicle for Kenya and we must do our best, all of
us, to promote Kenyan sport. God bless Kenya.
I’m dreaming of Christmas and its past memories
In my mind no holiday can compete with
Christmas. I love Christmas, I adore
Christmas and hen it comes around, imagine
having the power to paint the world in three
colors – red, white and green. Christmas holds
a special place in my heart and this is my
Christmas story
For as long as I can remember, Christmas
was spelt with three letters, “f-u-n”! I can still
remember the sound of footsteps on Christmas
morning as my dad sneaked away from our
bedrooms. We would wake up to find socks
filled with candy and chocolate, and even
though they were his socks, we loved it!
My elder sister and I shared a bedroom and
my younger brother and sister another room.
This was the one morning where my elder sister,
would not bundle up and go back to dream land
(laugh).
We woke up and raced to find our parents. We
followed the sounds of Boney M’s, “Mary’s Born
child Jesus Christ, was born on Christmas day”
and lo and behold there was mum rhythmically
moving to the beat and dad comfortably reading
the newspaper by the tree. It was Christmas!
Fast forward – over twenty years later - gone
is the candy, gone is the Boney M music and
my family live on different ends of the earth,
but does a memory that I love have to disappear
all together? I think not.
I believe it’s a choice
we make what to do
with what we consider
important. Here to stay
is my yearning to spend
the holiday with people
I care about and for
me – far away from my
family, I’ve learned that
new friends are the new
family we have.
The truth of the matter is that we may not be
able to turn the hands of time but we certainly
can set new traditions and create new Christmas
stories for ourselves. We can make sure we
are there for each other, especially over the
holidays.
It has been said that most people remember
how far away they are from home – over
the holidays; most people remember family
members they have loved and lost - over the
holidays. It can be a tough time but it doesn’t
have to be.
With just a little effort to make time for each
other we can extend an invitation to a new or an
old friend, and make sure that they don’t spend
Christmas by themselves. What a way to spread
holiday cheer…by our actions
this site with nice
shoes –e-bay. Cheap
price but then the
shipping cost! I don’t
give up surfing and
viola. On g-market I
find it. Big size 270
kachi wow! Good
stuff. Wait a minute
the heel; 10, 9, 7, 6
cm designers think the
higher the better! For
the beautiful ones!
Christine Kathurima
Seoul, Korea
No calm in the land of calm as I search for my shoe-size
Ihave been here for four years now. Korea a
land of lovely hills and valleys similar to the
Austrian hills I saw in the Sound of Music
movie when I was young. Koreans are such a
good people like non I have known. They say
uri (our) aboji, halmoni, oma etc. Different from
the Western notion of my father, my mother, my
style. They even say uri husband; say that to an
African woman “our husband”!
South Korea has a major problem of the guy up
North (RIP) who erupts and gets the whole world
worried; low birthrate and suicides, and then, our
problem though minor, the foreigners living in
Korea. Last month our sister, Cheryl, talked about
the problem of hair, boy! ...oops!
Sometimes it feels like am an alien here.
Remember that song? An alien in New York?
Well I can say I am a black tall woman in Korea.
Even singing those words in that song is difficult,
hard or almost impossible whatever - that’s life
in Korea, for a woman with a big long foot.
Back home I wore size 8. I am not sure how that
translates to Korean size.
Big size in Korea is 255cm. May be size 6 or
7. On arrival it is not a big issue, why? You still
have your summer shoes from home. Then comes
winter; first of all the cold has a way of making
feet expand.
So you need a size bigger than the normal size
to fit in with double socks you must wear to keep
your poor toes from going numb.
One day, pent up with frustration of “big size
not available” elsewhere in downtown stores,
we went to E Mart department store. There they
had some new arrivals with big size tag on them.
Long story short, I tried one on. “Ooh! Ooh! It
has gone in” you are lucky yo! (It fits).
My girl friend shouted in amazement. She had
earlier tried them on and I tell you if the shoe had
any rights it would have sued for harassment/
defilement, whatever, because her feet are bigger
than mine! I slowly stood up to try walking in
them. They were tight. Ugh!
I dared ask the question “Kungko opsoyo?” The
attendant reluctantly answered “ne” running off
to bring it. Miracle! Praise God I got me a winter
boot, the price 60000 -70000 won (not sure). My
little footed sisters pay as little as 9,900 won.
Back home you buy a shoe in Gikomba and wear
it all year round. Here I am spending $70 on a
shoe I will wear for 3 months only, –ugh!
I decide to try the sneakers. Unfortunately here
sneakers are not unisex! Bingo! So I go to the
women section in this K-swiss shop. Oh! Oh!
Bluh, wow! Beautiful women sneakers. I pick up
one I like and ask for my size. Sorry we don’t
have that size.”AISH” I decide to move on to the
men section and all the attendants look at me in
bewilderment. Pick a pair of white sneakers size
8 Europe, 9 US, 42 UK.
And ever since I have been going around in
sneakers! In Uganda that would be a ‘no’. One
wonders how you do that. I wear the unisex shoes
and I don’t care macho look as life goes on. Then
came the whispers yoja? namja? On the bus!
Can’t they see I have br****s? that story next
time!
Then while surfing the internet recently I find
Irene Wachira
Gwangju, Korea
By now I decide to measure my foot. So I get
paper stamp on my foot and with the diligence of
a new young mom I trace my foot.
Now what to do? My toe is protruding on the
top like Kilimanjaro ice cap and my heel nicely
rounding off on the opposite side?
Aha the genius in me. I draw straight lines
across the tip of the toe and heel and measure the
distance between 200 and s…. I couldn’t believe
275cm! Yes that’s my size. How then on earth did
I fit in a size 260 I got from E-Mart?
Not without enduring ‘kufinywa’ for a while
until the shoe gives in to the overpowering force
of the feet! It seems all the kimchi and rice I eat
settles nicely in my foot.
Somebody help crack that one. God who
blessed me with an x long x large foot will bless
you X big!! Next time I show up in my husband’s
shoes spare me the embarrassment, don’t ask
why. Merry Christmas!

10
Surviving
There’s an American term, the “winter
blues” that defines how many people who
live in countries that experience bitter,
snowy winters feel during the winter season.
People are said to experience mild depression
and lack of energy and physicians have labeled
it “Severe Affective Disorder – S.A.D.”. In
Korea, winter lasts around four months and it
gets very chilly - it’s ushered in at the end of
November by a calm, chilly wind commanding
all to adorn heavy outer wear to combat the
dropping temperature
Fortunately, you can survive a Korean winter.
Here are some ideas:
1. Dress Appropriately:
I remember my first winter in Korea. I felt
prepared to face it – after all, before moving here
I had been warned about the cold temperatures
and therefore made sure I packed my two
warmest jackets with me - but surprisingly
they were no match for the temperature.
Recommendations: “Uniqlo” heatech under
garments, woolen hats (75% heat loss through
our heads), lined stockings (Dongdaemun)
2. Fall in love or Stay in love
Ever heard about the “chemistry” of love?
It could be an odd statement but it’s not,
since science proves that falling in love and
fanning the flames of love produce “feel good”
chemicals (amphetamines) in our bodies. So,
this Christmas; be proactive and romance your
partner. Buy her some fresh roses, take him out
to his favourite restaurant, plant a surprising
kiss when they’re least expecting it and Merry
Christmas to you!
3. Relax!
Spend time with people you really like. Take
time off from your busy schedule and give
your cell phone a break. Don’t spend the entire
month shopping and spending money; this can
leave you more depressed.
4. Avoid Binge Drinking
Binge drinking is having a minimum of 5
alcoholic drinks at a time. A warm glass of wine
or a sip of brandy may seem especially inviting
indoors when its chilly outdoors and pacing
yourself is the key to staying healthy. Exercise
caution because alcohol is a mood depressant
and can negatively affect moods
5. Give
It has been said that “giving is the highest form
of living”. We get “fuzzy” feelings inside when
we do good things for others. Sharing from the
heart without expectation of return is the true
meaning of Christmas. As a great ma once said
“give of your time, talent or treasure”
By Christine Kathurima
Winter in Korea
In the Photo:
Natasha Odawa
Global Green Stewards (GGS)
“We advocate for environmental stewardship and adoption of renewable energy”
www.ggstewards.wordpress.com
Winter Special
KENYANS Vs Winter
Pictorial
Nice & Affordable!
Clothes and shoes in Seoul?
Looking for your sizes and style?
Then go to Dongmyo Station Line
6 or 1 and exit gate 6. Find an
building adjacent to gate 6 on your
right. At the 7 and 8th floor shops,
you may get your favorites! Try
out... It’s popular with foreigners.

Winter Special
Winter Fashionista
Staying warm without sacrificing your fashion sense
Christine Kathurima
Features Editor
Even though
its brrrrrreezy
outside, we might
need to attend an office
party or Christmas
brunch that requires us
to looks presentable.
We can’t escape such
commitments just
because the season has
changed.
The only problem is that
when it’s cold, we tend
to use a self-preservation mentality, thinking
and muttering to ourselves, “I just want to be
warm” and our fashion sense seems completely
lost
Although keeping warm is the priority,
wouldn’t it be super if we could keep warm and
look good at it?
Winter Fashionista: Tips on hats…
Like it woolen? Love some leather? Stylish
trapper hats can keeps your head and ears warm
and still express your personality. Playful,
youthful.
For ladies wondering how to wear a hat and
still keep your hair in place – fear not. Make
your hair work for you by leaving some of your
locks over your face in bangs or locks freely to
the side. This can create a feminine winter look
that you can dress up (with accessories) or dress
down
If you’re looking for creative designs, look no
further than the streets of Korea where you can
make a statement of your own.
“And finally Winter, with its bitin’, whinin’ wind,
and all the land will be mantled with snow.”
- Roy Bean -
Jambo! Welcome to Magical Kenya. No
other country on earth can offer the visitor
as much to see and do. Within the borders
of a single country, you will find savannahs
rich with big game, timeless cultures
unchanged by the modern world, pristine
beaches and coral reef, equatorial forests
and mighty snow-capped mountains,
searing deserts and cool highland retreats
and endless opportunities for adventure,
discovery, relaxation; more than you would
ever expect...
Kenya, the best Safari destination...
http://www.magicalkenya.com/
The
Ombudsman’s
Critical Eye
11
ABC of my Korean life & lessons
Ajumma, I learnt
that the woman
and the mothers are the
engine and heartbeat of
the nation in Korea. An
Ajumma is always right
and never engage into
any altercation with her
because even if she was
wrong she will always
win. Coupled with this is
the positive Korean culture of respect for age…
anybody (stranger or not) older than you deserves
your total unwavering respect 24/7.
Bias Koreans have
a BIG Bias for
Americans and anything
American…correction
(White American). and
it is from USA then it
is good or the best, no
questions asked. This bias
prompted me to change
my citizenship at least verbally several times if
it could afford me an advantage= ‘Miguk?” ---
“Nee!” and I would earn instant respect from
any Korean. But this worship for America should
not be confused further than respect because of
Korean War and continued protection against
North Korean Missiles; Koreans are fiercely
patriotic and genuinely and proudly love their
country. A trait I wish Kenyans would borrow
heavily in words and action Love for our
motherland!
Continued...page 13
For updates visit
www.kenyansinsouthkorea.wordpress.com
Calls to Kenya... Longest than Ever!
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for Kenya and even locally from
anywhere any time.
Send 17,000Won to
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Acc. No. 1002-543-029377 - Woori Bank
then call or text on 010-5811-4620
24/7 Service...

12
The story of the
Ombudsman!...
He works behind the scenes more than he does at the podium. Others might be quick to
ask, “who doesn’t know Oketch?” But before you jump the gun, you should pause to hear
the story of arguably the most influential KCK leader. Vocal yet diplomatic, frank yet friendly,
the man has been the unifying pillar in KCK. If you like, call him the moderator. Sadly, his
time is up and he now has to hang up his boots. This is the story of the Ombudsman as
narrated to Benson Kamary. Read on…
Your full name, Sir: My full name is Richard Aoko
Sumba Oketch. I was born in a corner of our house
in Ruwe, Ugenya Siaya at around 2 am. That was
was on June 3rd 1968. I have seen the exact spot as
showed to me by my elder sister who was present
during my birth…interesting! My timeline name is
Oduor which means one born in the middle of the
night. Oketch is my surname.
How was your childhood like: I had a difficult
but interesting background. My father married two
women and my mother was the second. Unfortunately
I lost my mom in a car accident in Nakuru in 1976.
From the age of 8 years I went to live with my aunt
in one month after her demise. A very difficult time
for me adjusting to new family but it hardened and
taught me a lot. I lived with my aunt through primary
school, did C.P.E in 1980 and passed with 35 out 36
points but my dream of joining the then prestigious
Nakuru National High School came to naught.
I went to Menengai High School instead. I joined
Garbatulla National High for form 3 and 4 passed
again and went to Maseno National School for
A-levels. My dreams for studying law went up in
smoke when I acquired the minimum 14 points but
they (JAB) increased it to 15 points due to the 1985-
86 double intake of university students. I joined Moi
University and studied for Bachelors in Education
and graduated in 1990 and was posted to Ramba
secondary school as an English teacher…later on
to Chemelil Academy as deputy principal then on
to Mustard seeds schools Nakuru as Principal then
in 2007 late to Korea as foreign Language instructor
Korea... When and why?: I first came to Korea…
believe you me on an E2 visa in November 2007.
Yes, E2 visa gotten through the Korean Embassy
at Anniversary towers. A friend Joshua Ochieng
and fellow English language teacher (mentioned
elsewhere in this newsletter) had got the opportunity
to come here earlier in August 2007. He heard
about this offer to teach English from contacts at
Jogoo House who were connected to a principal of
a high school in Korea. But in December 2007 we
run into problems with Korean immigration office
that realized their mistake and revoked the E2 visas.
We changed then to D-2-C …then later enrolled as
graduate students at Kangwon National University to
study Applied Linguistics which I am doing to date.
History had been made we were the first Kenyans
to hold E2 and actually do the work successfully. It
can happen.
Your experience here?: My experience has been
both rewarding and at times frustrating. First I was
fined 7 million won April last year allegedly for
working as a teacher illegally for 2 years this was
reduced to 3.5 million which I paid through the nose.
My old head has refused to internalize the Korean
language or else I would have graduated long time
ago. I finally passed the written Korean language test
defended my MA thesis in Applied Linguistics which
investigated “How Korean University Students learn
the Spoken English.’ I am set to graduate in February
2012, but I am going home early to start tarmacking
at the beginning of the year.
The food is fantastic but expensive; I realized that
many weeds in Kenya are actually food. We should
be starving at all. Korea is still racist no doubt….I
have many friends but if the worst comes to the
worst the Korean becomes the worst especially to the
African. I have learnt the virtues of hard work and
good planning in Korea. We need to love our country
and be dedicated and committed in whatever job/
task that we do and do it well. I have also learnt that
Kenyans are not tribal when they are in the Diaspora,
I don’t know what happens once they land at JKIA.
Kenyans in Korea, what does that mean to you?:
As said earlier they have adopted the Korean culture
of being positively busy at all times. I like their
attitude towards KCK and commitment to KCK but
more needs to be done. Kenyans in Korea though
many are students are not that ‘poor’ they can pull
resources together and do something worthwhile
back at home and in Korea if we are dedicated and
united and organized.
The birth of KCK, how was it like?: “KCK ina
wenyewe!” was the motto. There were many forces
that were bent on creating parallel KCK’s but we
stood close to the people’s (members) heartbeat.
We worked together, used our own money to travel
to meetings and organize functions so we had to
sacrifice a lot of time and money and battle resources
to keep the dream alive. I am happy to see KCK
moving forward.
Is Ombudsman a Luo word or English? Never
mind, what’s your job?: I am supposed to be
the eye and eye of the members’ oversee that the
officials are doing the right things for the benefit
of the organization and its members. If they divert
then I should raise the flag. Summarily; overseer and
recipient of any complaints by members about KCK.
Kenyan Embassy and KCK. What say you?: We
have a good cooperative Ambassador, the Kenya
government is recognizing the contributions and
importance of the Diaspora; KCK membership
should not let this opportunity by pass us. We must
shape and be part of the whole new process and new
Interview
Mr. Richard Aoko Sumba Oketch.
The outgoing KCK Ombudsman Photo/File
found relationship. The Ambassador (Ngovi Kitau)
has already shown us he is ready and willing to take
us through his good new road. Kenya government
needs to partner more with Korea there is a large
market for our agricultural products here such as
beef and milk, not forgetting the ‘weeds’ we slash
and burn but are vegetables here. Infrastructure
development and security are two lessons Kenya
must learn from Korea. We cannot develop without
these two.
Hobbies... Does Ombudsman play?: I love to
coach/play/ referee/watch soccer, play scrabble
chess and badminton. I also love drama and theatre
and poetry, plus music of course. Travelling and I
cherish and love my friends!
Menu?: Ugali na matunbo (mbuzi) fry and traditional
veges…manago..osuga…..cowpeas leaves…
Smagyetal(whole chicken boiled-bila ‘madoiodo’
mob). Tusker beer.
Facebook status: Married with son.
Dream for Kenya, Africa?: A peaceful, less potholed,
less politicized but developed Kenya where houses
don’t have the massive burglar proofing that is the
case now.
Philosophy: PRAY…then Be good, Do good, Work
hard…then PRAY again!
Wrap up: Long live KCK! Best regards to all
Kenyans wherever they are!

Reflection 13
ABC of my Korean life & lessons
Continued... from page 11
The
Ombudsman’s
Critical Eye
Churches are a big thing in Korea….everybody
has a church or sort of and there are churches
everywhere, above shops underground etc and
everybody wants you to attend their church. Many
don’t realize that Christianity came to Africa long, long
time ago and some of us even studied the bible like an
academic subject and –passed! The only qualm is that
as much as many are Christians their attitudes/behavior
rarely reflects the tenets of Christianity. Care for (animals/environment) Koreans
take exceptional care of their pets some live more luxuriously than the average
Korean. There are few stray dogs and cats not that they wouldn’t end up on your
plate but the care and protection given to the animals is worth emulating if we
can afford it that is. Is Nairobi green city in the sun? Far from it almost all streets
in major cities in Korea are aligned with flowers and trees and they don’t yank
them down during demonstrations or strikes. Our city planners should try and
borrow this idea of environmentally friendly cities.
Diligence, Koreans work hard that’s the truth! There
is no idling about here or else you will just die and
be cremated. Kulega lega and waiting for handouts
from ‘serikali’ or donors or relatives is not their style.
It’s sometimes painful to see Ajoshis and Ajummas (60
to 80 year olds) scavenging garbage for valuables to
sell to recycling firms. Looking at them working hard
a Kenyan may wonder “Kwani hakuzaa watoto ama
wajukuu wamsaidie?” That’s the other thing we need
to borrow heavily….proper and organized disposal of
wastes and garbage to enable recycling. There is a lot of money and employment
opportunities in this recycling business. What I never discovered during my stay
was whether Koreans also recycle tissue paper!
Dressing, this is an issue that we need to be careful about….especially young
ladies Koreans don’t mind much about the minimal ‘madiabs’ that God gave
them but take exceptional care for the mammary section. It is not uncommon
to see flimsily dressed ladies walking around in bare minimum clothing and the
good part is: it’s none of your business!!!! Korean clothes also have a life term
mostly a year or two or less. You cannot wear clothes for 3 to 4 years here they
may not last the washing machine or so to speak –fashion.
Education, is the key to all development or else
who will manage the ultra-modern Tatu city, the
new Thika Super Highway, a computerized new
Lamu port, the electric train, our nuclear plant etc? We
Kenyans must invest heavily in quality education and
manpower development and maintain the personnel to
be a developed country. Koreans enjoy and struggle to
work in Korea and not abroad…we Kenyans fight to
work overseas. We complain about students being given
tuition during holidays in Kenya while Koreans study
all the time every time everywhere. Kids go to school from 8 am and leave
school to go to hagwons (tuition schools) up to midnight for some of them and
almost 6 days a week. Entertainment …Koreans get entertained in a variety
of ways…they love shows and festivals…they love their mountains (hills) and
climb them every weekend all their lifetime. Their love for nature and scenery
is something we should emulate. We have the hills and mountains the rivers the
waterfalls the list is endless. Domestic tourism must be encouraged and made
affordable in Kenya to sustain the tourism industry. We have a country 5 times
bigger than Korea with flora and fauna ranging for deserts to lakes to wildlife to
snow peaks…..It’s a perfect adventure country. Koreans would love and enjoy
visiting Kenya only if they knew more about it and we improve our security and
infrastructure. They also love their ‘soju’ and drink it responsibly. Every ‘bar’
sells drink and food …or food and drink and it’s compulsory in some of them.
They don’t need “Muthutho laws” to govern their drinking habits because like I
said, you don’t work in this country you just die!
Foreigner, you will always be an outsider in Korea even if you have Korean
citizenship. The Koreans are very jealous of their ‘blood’ and don’t like
it being adulterated with foreigner blood. Foreigners married to Koreans and
“Without culture, and the relative freedom it implies, society, even when perfect, is
but a jungle. This is why any authentic creation is a gift to the future.”
- Albert Camus
Koreans married to foreigners are victimized and looked
down upon. This is a very negative trend and perception.
Friendship: Koreans are friendly people very curious/
wary about foreigners but generally a friendly people
who value their friends very much. Friendship here is by
rule never across the ages it should be within your age
bracket. Food: Korean food is good, with lots of variety
and well balanced but mostly hot. During my stay in
Korea I learnt there is no need to cook vegetables as we
do in Kenya, we don’t need lots of frying, we should eat
more of those plants we call weeds….and that we should never starve in Kenya
if we are creative. Many different kinds of our foods can be preserved for use
during lean times. I also felt we should adopt the use of chopsticks to eat certain
kinds of food but we cannot afford the over 20 side dishes meals that they have.
We simply cannot afford the cost of the dishes or find enough different kinds of
food to fill them.
Ginseng is a wonder plant here like the Loliondo
stuff ...It cures all sorts of ailments and is found in
multiple products.
Hosting, this is basically an economic income
generating undertaking. Koreans are ready to host any
event especially if it involves foreign countries. It gives
Koreans business hence they have hosted numerous
meetings events shows etc. This is something Kenya
and Kenyans must also adopt. Our country is peaceful
and has necessary facilities and infrastructure to do
so. Hosting an international event/meeting can never translate into a loss
whatever the nature. Honesty: Koreans are honest people and expect the
same to be reciprocated by foreigners. They mostly keep their promises and
don’t lie about their ages, matrimony status and other details. Conning fellow
Koreans is almost abominable offence. I wish Kenyans were as honest and
things like ‘mipango ya kandos’ corruption and petty conning stuff would
reduce significantly. Hair: Koreans value their hair most and take long hours
and invest on it heavily. A Koreans hair is his/her temple and they can clean the
hair at the expense of the body. This is to me too much and I would not wish
to import it as a culture.
JOy: Koreans love receiving presents and gifts. This spirit of giving and
thinking about others is worth emulating.
Korea: Anything made in Korea is the best! Koreans are proud to buy made
in Korea and those goods etc are not cheap because most goods made in
Korea for Korean market are thoroughly tested and certified and mostly of high
quality. We Kenyans should be proud of “Made In Kenya and buy our products
always!”. Kimchi is the Korean food brand, it is their national identity and it
is good anywhere any time of the year for your health. A meal is not complete
without it. It is cheap and easy to make and a great substitute to the expensive
“kachumbari”.
Luxury: Koreans love luxury goods and items but who would not want to be
pampered once in a while if not all the time- if you can afford it? Lifespan:
Koreans have a long lifespan. It is not unusual to see many very elderly people
around doing various chores to survive. I wish that Kenyans would also live
long but be strong and useful in their old age not burdens.
Mountains: A mountain to a Korean is God sent! It is a leisure resort and
they will climb it up and down every day …it is business. Motels: these
are numerous and mostly clean. The uses of motels are varied but they are not
always associated with negative connotations. Lodgings in Kenya are taken to
be brothels or place where people go to engage in illegalities. Yes, they should
be made clean and attractive for hosting visitors for meetings and conferences;
they should not be tied to bars because that is where the temptation starts.
Noodles: This is part of the main stream Korean easy to make and is eaten
everywhere all the time. It’s a snack that I would love the Kenyan youth
to adopt as long as they can access ‘clean hot water’ and master the use of
chopsticks. North Korea: remains an interesting and fearsome place. The threat
of attack is never too far nor too near the South Koreans minds. It’s the outside
world that hypes the possibility of an attack of S. Korea by N. Korea. One thing
I learnt about this relationship is that the best way to deal with your rival is to
be better than him/her.

14
This world of puzzles is actually puzzling me
Isaac Cheruiyot,
Seoul, Korea
Speaking of puzzles,
puzzles my heart in this
puzzled world full of
puzzles: puzzled world,
word puzzle, super
puzzle, just to mention
the least.
Although the basis of
a ‘puzzle a day maybe
less of a puzzle than a
puzzle, I declare it is
easier said than done.
From the same
premise, the origin
of a puzzled world is a riddle to be puzzled in
itself but am skeptical due to the fear of having
the whole puzzle, puzzle my perception about
puzzles; hard to piece together but not as
puzzling as a puzzle of multiple puzzle count,
unlike the previous puzzle, puzzled by puzzling
me, my sweet puzzle, my puzzling name
sake and his double puzzle: it took a puzzling
six hours to puzzle the puzzle by the puzzled
quartet!
Although my puzzle hinted that it will take
a life time to puzzle this puzzle am putting
down, I choose not to take that line of puzzling
but accept her puzzling as one puzzle missing
and puzzling as it might have been finding it,
has been found anyway! That beside the point,
puzzling the puzzled world is like mining in
the jungle, so dangerous a puzzle but relatively
practical in some puzzling parts of our planet
where mining sites have turned out to be
puzzling death traps, short of basic necessities.
Jamuhuri
Day
Such a puzzle is as the case in point, the latest
incident in Oyugi (NTV, 13th October 2011),
where three gold miners were in one such
puzzle not to mention a similar case in Migori
two weeks earlier. It is puzzling to imagine
a miner doing his puzzle with bare hands less
the bare minimum protective gear in the search
for the big puzzle, into the hungry bottomless
dungeons. That’s a puzzle!
From my previous puzzle, I had brought into
the limelight a puzzle; the Migingo Island, our
lost puzzle in the middle of nowhere, but tiny as
it may seem, it’s a puzzle necessary to make a
complete whole.
On a lighter note, from a puzzling talk I
overheard and also borrowing from Herman
Cain, a GOP presidential hopeful, is the
puzzle to erect an electric fence as a measure
to curb border security, terrorism and illegal
immigration puzzle. Cain’s description of the
fence is going to be 20 feet high. It’s going to
have barbed wire on the top. It’s going to be
electrified. And there’s going to be a sign on the
other side saying, ‘It will kill you – Warning!’,
(Huff Post Politics, October 19, 2011; the
internet newspaper: news blog community)
However it is gallant to applaud the government
for the effort it has so far exerted towards
curbing the Alshabaab menace through the
“Linda Nchi initiative “as widely covered by the
puzzle, the fourth estate.
Through the KCK, I do hereby extend my
congratulations to the Kenya defense Force
(KDF), the African Union, African Union
Mission in Somalia ( AMISON), IGAD, the
KCK members join the Kenya Embassy in Seoul for Jamuhuri
Day celebrations on December 15, 2011. The event took place at
the Lotte Hotel and it was attended by diplomats, government
representatives, businessmen among other invited guests.
Jamuhuri is an annual Kenyan national holiday.
www.kenyansinsouthkorea.wordpress.com
Here n’ There
United Nations Security Council, Transitional
Federal Government ( TFG)the east African
Community, the Arab League, The Red Cross,
patriotic Kenyans and all allies who have agreed
to be part of the puzzle.
It is that time of the year, where the puzzle
takes a new direction, where we all focus on
the festive season from different perspective.
However, the Holy Book asserts the need to
celebrate the birth of one great Christmas
man, Jesus Christ the son of David, the son of
Abraham, the first born of the Virgin Mary who
had just been betrothed to Joseph, before they
came together!
The puzzle surrounding the birth of Jesus
calls for all of us to reconsider the significance
of His birth. Two thousand years back, ancient
prophecies foretold of His birth: that He will be
called Immanuel” (which means, God with us).
He was born of a virgin, from the Holy Spirit.
Unlike the other babies, he was born in a manger
in Bethlehem of Judea, he was visited by the
angels, shepherds and the Magi from the east
who saw the star from the east and had come to
worship him presenting the baby with gifts of
Gold, incense and myrrh. On the contrary,
He had to seek asylum in Egypt to escape the
wrath of the puzzled King Herod. That’s the
story behind the season, hoping that one and
all align our season’s puzzles accordingly. I
wish my beautiful loving puzzle, everyone and
everybody else a merry Christmas and a happy
new year full of puzzles of blossom.
Email: ismota@yahoo.com
The Kenya Community
in Korea (KCK) sends
Christmas Greetings and
best wishes for New Year to
all Kenyan Missions Abraod
and to all Kenyan Diaspora
Communities.
Heri Njema za Krismasi...
Mwaka mpya wenye fanaka...

Discussion Forum
This is a forum where KCK members can express their
opinions and views on various current and topical issues
affecting us here in Korea and back home in Kenya.
“What is your new year wish for Kenya and Kenyans in 2012?”
Ruth Bett: My new year’s wish for Kenya and
Kenyans is being election year, may peace prevail
throughout the year!
Millie Achieng Leemar: My new wish for
Kenya is for us to be a one people nation, even
if we are focusing on politics let it be politics,
and we should not bring tribalism in politics, that
way our leaders can focus on important matters
rather than trying to make sure their specific
communities gain power. It is not about power
anymore we already gained our independence a
long time ago; we do not have to fight anymore
because we all are KENYANS GOVERNED BY
KENYANS. My new year’s wish is to see our
politicians focusing on important matters at hand,
issues we elected them to give first priority. There
should be character change coupled with concern
for humanity and brotherly love for positive
development and it is time we all worked like ‘we
are one nation’.
Mark Rotich: I wish we achieve a stronger sense
of unity as a republic and have a higher sense of
purpose and achievement through a collective
endeavor putting God and the country above
our individual life agendas. May Peace be upon
all Kenyans! This is my hope, wish, prayer and
action.
Danny Ranks Mutiso: I wish that someone will
do something about the high food, fuel and basic
commodities prices and that all Kenyans at home
or in the diaspora realize what a beautiful and
blessed country we have. Patriotism is the first step
to national building lets all take the responsibility
to make Kenya the country it’s meant to be. It
is high time we dropped the... ‘naomba serikali
itusaidie’ attitude.
Rashid Mwagi: The Kenyan political leadership
be touched by the spirit of a brand new year
and choose the rule of the law over anarchy and
impunity.
Muthoni Wairagu: Two things: One, inflation- a
solution should be found to curb the ever rising
inflation. I was dismayed to discover that we do
not have fuel reservoirs, which means that we
have to buy fuel even when prices are exorbitantly
high. This is worrying given the ripple effect fuel
prices has on everything else. A lot of problems
we have in Kenya can be simply solved by having
proper policies in place. Second, the elections- it’s
another election year. I pray Kenyans will be wise
as they choose their leaders and maintain peace
despite their differences.
Flo Kiki Kinyua: I wish Kenyans a happy hopeful
year, for where there is hope, there is direction.
There is energy to move and a positive map to lead
them.
Hiram Mashaa: My wish for Kenya is that
we may have a prosperous new year 2012 and
peaceful elections come December.
Julius Okelo: I wish Kenyans would stop
being too clan-centric and obsessed with taking,
receiving without wanting to give. My secondary
wish is that the Kenyans adopt a more mature
approach to politics.
Beatrice Okech: All I ask for in 2012 is:
1.ACTUAL LEADERS!!! 2. For my fellow
Kenyans to develop a questioning attitude, and
question themselves for it is they who have
actually having contributed immensely to their
current problems e.g. by perpetually taking bribes
every election year and electing the wrong leaders
and also by allowing them(leaders) a chance to
continually abuse their offices 3. Peace!
Prince Frank: My wish to Kenya is that 2012
may bring Joy, Unity, Peace, Love and fear of
God!
Bridget Mutuma: I’m a big believer in economic
growth. Kenya has developed a lot economically
despite the global economic crisis. However, our
main challenge is greed and corruption which we
must work hard to stop. I wish that in 2012 Kenya
will be in a better position economic-wise and the
ongoing financial crisis will be resolved before
and after usher in a new government. I also wish
that in 2012 Kenyans will exploit their potential
and the chief producers in the agricultural sector
will benefit fairly. Wishing all Kenyans a happy
2012 and peaceful elections!
Andrew Bukuku: My wish for Kenya is that
we may have a prosperous new year 2012 and
peaceful elections come December to expand
that community and to be EAST AFRICAN
COMMUNITY.
Wilfred Odoyo: When we say we are proud to
be Kenyans, we actually put in the first place,
Kenya’s interests as a nation. Coming together
in 2012 to elect leaders should not be a dividing
factor but a base and a foundation for improving
that nation we profess to love and proud of. Let
no one cultivate any seed of hatred in you against
your own brother with whom we should build the
nation together. One Nation, One Country, One
People. Happy 2012!
Josie Gachwe: “There’s way too much hatred
for “those people” (i.e. anyone who’s not me
or from ‘my people’) and the thinking that “as
long as I benefit, I don’t care for the other guys”
is poisoning us. I wish we would love each
other more and treat everyone we came across
as a living life- ‘like a living human being with
feelings! I wish we would value one another more
(which by the way always show how much value
we have for ourselves) not like trash. Otherwise,
the horror stories we hear of; violent robbery,
Random
Questions
with
Oketch-Aoko
murder, rapes, corruption, greed, mistreatment
etc will ever increase. All Kenya really needs
is a little love. Let’s be more neighborly to one
another in the coming year. Let’s see for ourselves
if it makes our society better or not because our
current ‘hatred mode’ isn’t really working.”
Francis Orero: I pray that Kenya will begin a
fresh 2012 with spirit of unity where everyone
smiles and every citizen lives as brothers and
sisters. Above all peace should prevail.
Lynzie Lazizi: I wish Kenyans unity and oneness
as we head to the general elections. Robeuh Robin:
I wish that Kenyans will stop pointing fingers and
all tasks to the Government and change the past
life styles. I urge all Kenyans to change. All the
best.
Richard Masha: My wish for Kenya and Kenyans
in the new year is that we get to think of each other
as brothers and sisters even as we go to elections
and also to continue taking care of each other as
they did this year with the Kenyans for Kenyans
campaign it shouldn’t just be a one-time thing.
Wachira Julius: I wish Kenya will finish the
war against Al Shabab before Christmas and the
soldiers can celebrate the New Year with their
family peacefully and happily.
Cheryl Wanderi: Lol! I thought I could simply
be passed by if I did not have an answer... May
Kenyans choose new leaders who love their
people and seek to serve them like the KCK team,
it’s terrible when people are still discussing voting
in leaders who they know have been in leadership
so long but have only led Kenya to chaos. I will
take the courage to vote for a different leader, I
hope other Kenyans could do the same for the sake
of our people. Irene Wachira my wish for Kenya
is a safe/mature election and post election period!
B. Kamary: My desire is that Kenyans will
remain united against divisive politics driven
by radical tribalism. I also hope for the wave
of genuine change across all sectors of life to
continue in the new year so that by the end of
2012 we’ll look back and say, “We dwelt in unity
and justice was our shield and defender.” And
of course, I hope for above all, for attitudinal
change among Kenyans so that they may love
their country, it’s people and its products.
Kenyans have been accused of being too politicized
‘kupiga piga siasa’ kila mahali na kwa “kila kitu”…
so this forum will offer KCK members a platform to
react to random questions posed by the Editor.
NB: The Editor reserves rights to edit all
submissions.
Answers to the CrossWord:
Orero, Nzai, Mbondo, Kitau, Gitia, Benson,
Kamakia, Ndinda, Omondi , Towett, Kitetu,
Mwango, Dolly, Chirry, Kathurima, Wachira,
Muthusi, Beatrice ,Oketch, Babirye, Odoyo
15

16
Readers can send any article or interest to kenyakorea@gmail.com
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email kenyakorea@gmail.com
MEN
With bullish groggy eyes
We bare butterflies naked
With lascivious images
We devour prey in silence!
WOMEN
My mind riddled with questions
My ‘she’ eyes glued to his,
Search for salient succulent
clues
Is it my bum or balloons?
Dress or face, shape or scent?
By instinct my gaze slants
Weighing the pants!
Adapted by Oketch Aoko
KCK Calendar: Major Events
EVENT DATE VENUE
Solal February Seoul
Easter April Regional
Retreat July Busan
AGM Sept./Oct Seoul
End Year Dec/Jan Gwangju
NB: Dates and venues for meetings or projects and
humanitarian services shall be given upon determination of
the KCK sub-committees in charge.
Are you in the KCK mailing list?
If you havent been receiving updates from KCK please
notify the General Secretary at kenyakorea@gmail.com
Also join KCK facebook: Kenya Community in Korea
BAMBWA
‘Kamera’ Spy!
Na
CROSSWORD PUZZLE
Across
1. Baptized 'Mweshimiwa!' in Korea
3. Kenyan Hollywood made in Korea
5. Kenyan port Master
6. He plays for "Manchester United'
12. Keeps the won dancing in the bank
13. He can teach, write and show
Excellency
14. Rules the sub-way game parks
16. Engineer recently turned business
administrator
17. Black African Ninja- one and only!
19. Doesn't let the buns burn
20. This name is in short supply in KCK
21. Product of a subcontinent wed in Kenya
Entertainment
Down
2. Can make Maina Kageni jobless!
4. You name it in Seoul- he’s got it!
7. Therapeutical hands
8. Compares Koreans to everything
9. Has eyes that make ladies blush with envy
10. Our Korean bred pastor
11. Our only ‘Crane’ among the ‘Simbas’
15. Nuptial Salute!
18. He is a vice and has vice-like grip on KCK
activities
HINT: Find answers
somewhere in this newsletter..
Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

KCK Annual Humanitarian Event
Jamuhuri Day Celebrations
Madaraka Day Celebrations
Chuseok Gathering
2011 Review
2011 Daegu IAAF Championships
Gwangju Int’l Community Day
Busan KCK Annual Retreat
Kenya Culture Day
Busan Travel Fair
KCK 2011 AGM
Seoul Friendship Fair
Encounter Korea Festival
Arirang Festival-Changwon
Busan Global Gathering 2011
Jinju Int’l Agri. & IT Expo 2011
Solal Meeting
Regional Meetings
Cheonan KCK Officials Meeting
Busan World Culture Program

Najivunia kuwa Mkenya!
Proud to be Kenyan!
Jambo-Kenya Korea, a publication of Kenya Community in Korea
kenyakorea@gmail.com / www.kenyansinsouthkorea.wordpress.com