january-2019

ENJOY YOUR FLIGHT / 5
“These routes grow
tourism, trade and investment,
a goal for 2019”
Cover Image: Tariq Zaidi
January 2019 edition 153
kenya-airways.com
Off The
Chain
Exploring the
➔
Seychelles
Magical
Metropolis
The best of
Barcelona
FREE
to Take
Home!
January 2019
Tricks in
Dandy
Brazzaville
Kenya Airways World
Travel Awards
• Winner Africa’s Leading Airline:
2016, 2017
• Winner Africa’s Leading Airline,
Business Class: 2013, 2014, 2015,
2016, 2017, 2018
• Winner Africa’s Leading Airline,
Economy Class: 2011, 2018
Dear guests,
Happy New Year, and warm
greetings as we begin 2019!
As we start a new year and a new
chapter, it is with a sense of pride and
satisfaction that we look back on a
year that has, in many respects, been
challenging but positive.
In October, we launched our first
non-stop flights between Nairobi to New
York – a historic event for both Kenya
and East Africa. This milestone gives us
the opportunity to offer a unique travel
solution to our guests.
In the same month, we returned to
Gabon with the launch of direct flights
between Nairobi and Libreville. Just a
few months before, we launched nonstop
flights to Cape Town, increasing our
frequencies to South Africa to cater for
the growing number of customers who
travel between Nairobi and the “Mother
City”. These routes not only cater to our
passengers’ needs, they also grow tourism,
trade and investment, a goal for 2019.
Last year, we unveiled a revamped
catering service. This was designed as
part of our strategy to elevate our
passengers’ experience, by offering more
value and a service that is authentic and
true to our brand proposition: “The
Pride of Africa”.
Sustainability is one of Kenya
Airways’ key values, so we like to feature
achievements in this domain as often as
possible. Now that plastic pollution has
become recognised as a major problem
worldwide, it was especially pleasing
when Kenya banned single-use plastic
bags last year. This step forward was
helped by the desire and commitment
of one man: James Wakibia. We detail
his inspirational story in this month’s
business interview.
Also within the environment theme,
this month’s trend story investigates
innovative methods of agriculture – such
as vertical farming, which requires no soil
and less space than traditional practices
– that are helping to combat the effects of
climate change.
For most of us, the image of a man
dressed exquisitely in flamboyant haute
couture while walking through a rural
African community, would make us
wonder if we were in a dream; but in
Brazzaville, in the Republic of the
Congo, such a sight is commonplace.
Here, local people doing local jobs parade
through the streets during their days off
in immaculate attire, and they are revered
like rock stars. We treat you to a full
exposé of the Sapeurs as we delve into
the history of a fascinating culture.
Thank you most sincerely for flying
with Kenya Airways.
Sebastian Mikosz
Group Managing Director and CEO
Kenya Airways

CONTENTS / 7
Travel & Nature
10 The Lost World
The Meroë Pyramids
18 Travel Essentials
Packing for Seychelles
20 Off The Chain
Spectacular Seychelles
51 Guess And Win
Travel quiz
52 Magical Metropolis
Barcelona guide
30
52
Arts & Culture
13 Habari
Kenya & the world
30 The Oracle Orators
African TED speakers
43 Biko On Board
The inaugural flight to New York
58 Fresh Debonair
The Sapeurs of Brazzaville
Publisher Kenya Airways | Manager Operational Excellence Evelyn Kabui Mwangi Corporate Communications Executive Mercy Agnes Mwamba Advertising MediaEdge Interactive
Ltd. | Managing Director Esther Ngomeli Head of Media Rose Kagori Concept, Content & Production Hearst Create | Director Loes van Dokkum Managing Editor Irene Bauer
Senior Designer Gaby Walther Subeditor Ben Clark Proofreader Julia Gorodecky Photo Editor Monique Kolmeijer Design Concept Sabine Verschueren Production Manager Hans
Koedijker Contributors Joost Bastmeijer, Yvette Bax, Jackson Biko, Peter Chege, Shalini Gidoomal, Annemarie Hoeve, Saskia Houttuin, Desiree Hoving, Annette Lavrijsen, Joseph Maina,
Dhaval Patel, Robert Michael Poole, Gijsje Ribbens, Chantal van Wessel/Vizualism, Hanna Wieslander, Tariq Zaidi Lithography Ready4Print Printer Walstead CE, Kraków

8 / CONTENTS
Fly Guide
65 Highlights
Inflight entertainment guide
75 Safari Njema
News & service
81 Flying Blue News
83 SkyTeam News
84 Route Maps
89 Cargo
90 Get Comfortable
20
Business
46
36 Aircraft Facts
Parking
38 Crop Up
Vertical farming in Kenya
44 Somalia
At a glance
46 Not My Bag
Interview with James Wakibia
Contact details Kenya Airways Marketing & Corporate Communications, Nairobi, Kenya, +254 20 642 2000, msafiri@kenya-airways.com Website kenya-airways.com, msafiri-magazine.
com Facebook Kenya Airways Twitter @kenyaAirways Instagram @officialkenyaairways Mediaedge Interactive Ltd. Nairobi, Kenya, +254 20 420 5000 / +254 723 140187 / +254 734
271488, msafiri@mediaedgeke.comHearst Media Nederland CV, Spaklerweg 52, 1114 AE Amsterdam, the Netherlands +31 20 7943500, Website hearst.nl/hearst-create
No part of the contents may be reproduced without prior written permission. While every care is taken to ensure accuracy in preparing the magazine, the publisher and Kenya Airways assume no
responsibility for mistakes and effects arising therefrom. The publisher has made every effort to arrange copyright in according with existing legislation. Msafiri is available on all KQ flights and
at select hotels and businesses in Nairobi. A digital copy is available for free at kenya-airways.com.
CRE A T E

10 / NATURE / Views /
NATURE / 11
The Lost
World
Swept by the desert
sands of Eastern
Sudan, the MEROË
PYRAMIDS are
crumbling tombs of
the powerful Nubian
kings and queens who
ruled this land for
600 years.
text Annemarie Hoeve
WHILE THE ICONIC pyramids
of Giza draw millions of tourists every
year, few people know that Sudan has
more than twice the number of pyramids
as Egypt. Nearly 200 of these stand in
Meroë, an ancient city on the eastern
bank of the Nile, some 200 km northeast
of Khartoum.
They were built around 2,000 years
ago, when Meroë was the capital of the
mighty Kingdom of Kush, which was
centred here between 300 BC and 300
AD, and once dominated the region,
extending into Upper Egypt.
The tombs were looted long ago,
yet ornate reliefs remain, offering a
fascinating glimpse of this great
civilisation. Archaeologists have also
uncovered countless historical treasures,
including horse harnesses, pottery and
coloured glass, indicating early trade
with the Mediterranean.
But perhaps the best treasure of all
is the solitude: you can have this magical
place virtually to yourself.
Kenya Airways flies direct to Khartoum
International Airport from Nairobi’s Jomo
Kenyatta International Airport.
Robert Harding

160
The Seychelles
were once a pirate
hideout. It's thought
that treasure, worth
US$160,000, is still
buried near Anse
Forbans bay on Mahé.
Habari
HABARI / 13
According to the World Health
Organization, Liberia has some
of the world's cleanest cities.
Communication art
Black Royalty
Adeyemi Adegbesan examines
what it has meant to be black
throughout history. Approaching
art as a means of communication,
the artist explores the themes
of royalty and Afrofuturism, by
creating royal portraits of black
contemporary artists, such as
Erykah Badu.
@yung.yemi

14 / HABARI
HABARI / 15
The Royal Palace, on Dam
Square, was Amsterdam’s
grand city hall until Napoleon’s
brother Louis declared himself
King of Holland in 1806.
Nairobi
Monrovia, the capital of Liberia, is
named after James Monroe, the
fifth US President.
Underneath one of New York’s
most famous hotels, the Waldorf
Astoria, is a “secret” train
platform that’s an extension of
Grand Central Station.
What’s On
Rising to a height of 828 m,
Dubai’s Burj Khalifa is the world’s
tallest building.
Taste of India
Open House
Restaurant
If only the two brothers who
own Open House Restaurant
would share their secret.
Although this Indian restaurant
has been here for over 13 years,
it feels like forever. From chilli
paneer to butter chicken and
Malai kebab, the food here is
all delectable. You can make a
great meal for a week, a month
or even a year, but to do it consistently
for over a decade is
rare culinary magic.
Authenticity is at the core of
the menu and experience. For
a slice of India while staying in
town, this is where you should
hang your hat.
~ openhouserestaurant.co.ke
Shutterstock
Animal art
Kioko Art
Gallery
A renowned global sculptor,
Kioko Mwitiki is known for
turning scrap metal into art.
Sculptures of animals are his
forte, an ode to our national
pride that brings wildlife closer
to people. His creations are on
display at Jomo Kenyatta
International Airport as well
as on the green lawns of the
State House. Check out his
small and cosy new gallery in
Nairobi Lavington, along
James Gichuru Road.
~ @kiokoartgallery
“The younger
generation needs
to know where
they came from”
– Jocktan Makeke –
Award
Sarova Stanley
The five-star Sarova Stanley hotel recently won a World Luxury
Hotel Award as Africa’s Top Luxury Historical Hotel 2018. The
oldest hotel in Nairobi – established in 1902 – the Stanley has
hosted world leaders, renowned authors and international celebrities.
The Sarova hotel chain is the largest indigenous, privately
owned hotel group in Kenya. Stay at any of its locations across
the country to learn why this chain is a consistent winner.
~ sarovahotels.com
Nightlife
Kiza Lounge
Nairobi at night goes hard, never home. Want to plug into the
electric nature of the city? The upscale club Kiza Lounge is just
the place. Here, the party gets going just after 11 p.m. The music
is legendary, with the best DJs in town on the decks pelting you
with the latest hits. So, did you pack your dancing shoes?
~ kizalounge.co.ke
Shutterstock
Nairobi page text: Jackson Biko
Habari text: Joost Bastmeijer & Saskia Houttuinen
Shutterstock
Sports equipment
Run like a Kenyan
If Kenya has some of the world’s best
runners, why is there no such thing as a
Kenyan running shoe? That’s the question
asked by the founders of Enda, who create
running shoes that are made in Kenya.
Enda incorporates the country’s history,
culture and skills in its products. A pair of
these kicks comes in black, red or green –
the colours of Kenya’s flag – and can be
yours for US$100.
~ ke.endasportswear.com
Car show
Perfect for petrolheads
Classic car owners, collectors, experts and enthusiasts, take note. The annual
London Classic Car Show will take place from 14 to 17 February. Dealers,
manufacturers, clubs and cars will be under one roof at ExCeL London.
There’s an indoor road upon which the cars are paraded.
~ thelondonclassiccarshow.co.uk
Valentine’s Day
Romantic Times
Looking for a place to spend
Valentine’s Day? There’s no
better place to say “I love you”
than New York’s Times Square.
At one of the most special
locations in the Big Apple, you
can even surprise your spouseto-be
with a proposal on a huge
LED screen. On 14 February,
Times Square will also be the
stage for several wedding
ceremonies and vow renewals.
~ timessquarenyc.org
Shutterstock
Q&A
Amateur
Night
“Amateur Night at the Apollo” has been a
stepping stone for black artists like Ella
Fitzgerald, Billie Holiday, Jimi Hendrix,
Stevie Wonder and D’Angelo. A performance
on the New York stage can be the
start of a great career, but you have to make
it past C.P. Lacey, aka “The Executioner”.
What is your role as The Executioner?
It’s my job to rid the stage of all unwanted acts. Once
the “crowd boo meter” reaches a certain height, the
siren wails and that’s my cue to get them out of here,
while singing and tap dancing.
You’re famous for your outfits. What’s your favourite?
Of all my many Executioner costumes, the James
Brown outfit suits me best. You can’t think about the
Apollo Theater and not think of the “Godfather of
Soul”.
Amateur Night has launched many careers, including
James Brown’s. What do you need to survive it?
You need three very important things: talent, talent
and talent. That’s all the audience will allow on stage.
Sorry, but nice clothes and a cute face won’t get you
by on the Apollo stage.
~ apollotheater.org/amateur-night
Shahar Azhan

16 / HABARI
HABARI / 17
Most houses in Amsterdam’s
canal belt were built on
wooden poles in the 17th
century, which explains why
so many are now crooked.
The Bight of Benin, in the Gulf of Guinea,
was known as the Slave Coast due to its
association with the Atlantic slave trade.
Until 2015, Dubai had no
addresses or postcodes. Now,
every house has a unique
10-digit code to help identify it.
Music & Culture
The world’s biggest cruise ships are
registered in Liberia. This is due to its
relaxed employment laws.
Festival
Zanzibar’s Cultural Landmark
From 7 to 10 February, the Sauti za Busara Festival will celebrate
African music on one of East Africa’s most beautiful and wellknown
islands: Zanzibar. Over 400 musicians perform live on
three stages in unique venues, such as Stone Town’s Old Fort.
The lineup includes: Afrigo Band (Uganda); Mokoomba (Zimbabwe);
Mkubwa Na Wanawe Crew (Tanzania); Hoba Hoba Spirit
(Morocco); Dago Roots (Réunion); and Lydol (Cameroon).
~ busaramusic.org
Jackson Biko
The Hand That
Rocks The Cradle
I ended 2018 with some rather deep introspection, because I
decided that, in 2019, I would not tolerate people who don’t
punctuate their WhatsApp messages; especially those who write
“am” when they mean “I’m”. That breed, specifically, gets my
goat. This introspection happened by mistake.
I was at a café nursing a masala tea as I waited for an interviewee
whose Uber had mistakenly taken him to an abattoir on
the other side of town. (Things happen for a reason.) I thought
to myself, “What does my left hand do exactly?” Because with
my right hand I eat, point at things, scratch my face, elbow
away the armrest from the chap on seat 54C, and poke in my
PIN code at the ATM. My right hand squeezes shower gel and
lemons and tubes. I even use it when someone asks me to check
their temperature, which, unfortunately, is not as often as I
would like.
“Uber had mistakenly
taken him to an abattoir
on the other side
of town”
So what on Earth does my left hand do apart from fixing
my watch to my wrist? (The sun can also tell the time.) Because
even when I dream, I never dream that I’m using my left hand;
it’s always my right hand that frantically waves off the burly
man in a straw hat, approaching me with a teaspoonful of
cough syrup. (Don’t ask.) My left hand isn’t as coordinated as
my right hand. Hot tea never burns it. Yet it expects the same
treatment as my right. I think it’s unfair. So right there, sipping
my masala (with my right hand, no less), I decided that my left
hand had to earn its keep.
So this year, apart from not tolerating poorly written
WhatsApp messages, my New Year’s resolution is to use my left
hand more, and see if it will adapt to being my go-to hand. (I
realise that this might lead to some hypocrisy regarding my
WhatsApp New Year’s resolution.) I’ll try to be ambidextrous. I
can’t wait to start greeting folk with my left hand. Because most
right-handed people think they own the world, they will always
assume and extend their right hand in greeting. I will be, quite
rightly, extending my left hand; then we’ll see who’s boss.
You might not be able to tell, but I’m continuing to write
this last part of the article after taking a week’s break. A lot has
happened, key being that I’m starting to regret this New Year’s
resolution. First, eating food with my left hand is proving to be
tedious. Apart from it taking so long, I now eat like a baby:
food keeps falling off my spoon. My WhatsApp messages are
replete with typos, and sometimes typos lead you to abattoirs.
It’s hard to open a bottle of wine with your left hand, especially
if you’re trying to come across as debonair, cultured and sexy. I
look like an oaf. But if you manage to get through that embarrassment,
you’ll realise that pouring wine into a glass using
your left hand looks exotic and suave. It feels French.
But I shall stick to this New Year’s resolution and join the
ranks of famous left-handed men and women like Oprah,
Morgan Freeman and Lady Gaga; hell even Justin Bieber is
left-handed. The thing with left-handed folk is that they aren’t
in your face; they don’t extend their right hand in greeting
assuming everybody is right-handed. I bet it’s the right-handed
brigade that coined the phrase, “extend a helping hand”. It just
seems like something a right-handed person would say.
I will keep up with this for a little while longer. Let’s see
where it leads.
Illustration: Hannah Wieslander
Film costumes
Pre-Colonial
Fashion
“I’m inspired by the pure African life before and during colonialism,”
says Jocktan Makeke, a Tanzanian costume artist who
creates traditional outfits for use in films and music videos. “My
designs are reimagining pre-colonial African culture and history,
using the by-product from animals and plants, such as skins,
bones, animal horns and bark,” says Makeke. “Other African
fashion designers only work with African prints, like khanga
kitenge and batiki. They’re not pure African traditional designs.
To me, it’s very important that we pass on our own traditional
customs to the younger generation. They need to know where
they came from in order to preserve and maintain our culture.”
Makeke says he wants to take his fashion designs to the next level
this year. “I’m presenting my own fashion event, ‘I AM
MAKEKE 2019’. It’s my goal to promote African culture all
over the world, through fashion.”
xxxxxx
Concert
Jazz on The
Rocks
A combination of the South
African summer sun, a glass
of South African wine and
some jazz tunes in a truly magnificent
location, Jazz on The
Rocks has it all. Jazz fanatics
from all over South Africa
flock to this five-day event,
which starts on 28 February.
The festival is held near
Paternoster, right in the Cape
Columbine Nature Reserve.
~ jazzontherocks.net
Alamy
Playlist
Feelgood Tunes
Since Spotify found its way to
South Africa earlier this year, there
are now some catchy playlists
online. Here’s a favourite.
Feel good look good
Start 2019 in a positive way by
tuning into this up-tempo playlist,
with artists like Yemi Alade and
Kelly Khumago.
~ spotify.com
Peter Bennett
Getty Images

18 / TRAVEL / Essentials
Central Park in New York has been
featured in more films than any
other location in the world.
Packing for Seychelles
Ndola is the capital of the
Copperbelt province in
Zambia. It’s also one of the
country’s biggest cities.
Hardcover photo book of mesmerising
moonlit landscapes by Darren Almond.
US$70, Taschen.
12.0 megapixel
water-resistant
digital camera,
Olympus Tough
TG-5, US$448.
Olympus.
Swimming
shorts,
US$95. Okun.
Beoplay H8i wireless
headphones cancel
out any “annoying”
wave noises,
US$399. Bang &
Olufsen.
Clement Black Apricot
sunglasses, US$60.
Komono.
Sybile shell
choker necklace,
US$198. Heimat
Atlantica.
Bikini: Bill Bra
(US$110) and Bill
Bottom (US$185), for
that flattering 1950s
shape. Norma Kamali.
Aurélie Turtle
Drop Earring: a
gold-plated version
of the Seychelles’
symbol, US$95.
Aurélie Bidermann
Carry-All Tote:
a paper straw
tote bag with
leather strap.
Perfect for
carrying books
to beaches,
US$113.
Arket.
Be the bestdressed
snorkeller on
the island in the
Hightide Wetsuit,
US$265. Cynthia
Rowley.
Selection: Gijsje Ribbens

20 / TRAVEL / Seychelles
TRAVEL / 21
OFF THE
CHAIN
Modern tourism, pristine beaches, rare
animals and environmental protection all
meet in the SEYCHELLES, some 1,500 km
east of the mainland.
text Robert Michael Poole
Male Red Fody sits on a
plant. Right page: Petite
Anse bay, Mahé.
Getty Images
Robert Michael Poole

22 / TRAVEL / Seychelles
TRAVEL / 23
FLYING DUE east from Nairobi to the Seychelles islands,
my imagination is filled with vibrant Technicolor images of
exotic nature and landscapes, and luxurious resorts overlooking
some of the world’s finest palm-fringed beaches. What surprises
me, however, is that the most colourful spot of all stands in the
heart of the capital, Victoria, as a monument to the diversity of
history and culture that has passed through the islands of this
very young and tiny country.
Just off Revolution Avenue in the tiny capital city on the
main island – Mahé – the Hindu temple Arul Mihu Navasakthi
Vinayagar ascends from the ground in layers of decorative
figurines depicting Hindu gods and deities in bright blue, yellow
and pink. Named after the Hindu god of safety and prosperity,
the temple is a reminder that these tiny isles lay on ocean trade
routes between India, Africa and the Middle East. It turns out
that the nation’s short history is as rich in culture as it is in
flora and fauna.
Even the names on the tourist map of the town have me
enthralled: Sham Peng Tong Plaza, the Pierre Poivre Statue and
the Victoria Clock Tower all speak of the country’s heritage.
The Seychelles are named after Jean Moreau de Séchelles,
former King of France Louis XV’s Minister of Finance during
French rule, before the islands were passed to the British (but
were settled by native Africans). My self-made walking tour of
the tiny capital quickly gives me a sense of the pace and heartbeat
of a nation – relaxed, proud and confident – that’s like a
Caribbean island in different waters.
The Victoria Clock Tower, which dates back to the colonial
era and was built as a memorial to Queen Victoria, has been a
focal point since its construction 115 years ago; the Seychelles
has exactly one island for every one of those years. The 115
islands, which form an archipelago, stretch from the fabled
UNESCO-listed coral-rich Aldabra – discovered centuries ago
by Arab traders – to private eco-islands such as Frégate Island
Private, and the modern Instagram star island of La Digue,
where I’m keen to see if the Anse Source d’Argent rock beach
lives up to expectations.
A TALE OF TWO BEACHES
Before venturing off to islands afar, I decide to split my
Mahé experience between north and south, from the secluded
and sedate Vista Do Mar in the north, to the truly splendid
Petite Anse bay farther south. And that means getting four
wheels; a decision that turns out to be an unanticipated stroke
of genius, since I quickly discover that Mahé is a joy for drivers.
Full of winding mountainside roads enveloped in thick jungle,
it’s a challenge to avoid stopping to admire all the panoramic
views and filling umpteen memory cards with idyllic seascape
images. >
“I swap four wheels for two, and quickly find myself
saying ‘hello’ to fellow cyclists while riding
around town”
Where to stay
Four Seasons Resort Seychelles and
Desroches Island
A jewel in the Four Seasons crown, FS
Seychelles has a new sister on the nearby
Desroches Island too. Petite Anse, Mahé.
fourseasons.com
Frégate Island Private
Frégate offers a private island that has
pioneered sustainability and the ecolodge
concept. Frégate Island Private. fregate.com
Le Domaine de L’Orangeraie
The only high-end option on La Digue is ideal
for honeymooners, and has a pool bar well
worth a visit, even if you can’t get a room.
Anse Sévère, La Digue. orangeraie.sc
Le Repaire Boutique
Pearched on the beachfront, this hotel is
close to the centre of town. The staff can
help arrange excursions. Anse La Réunion,
La Digue. lerepaireseychelles.com
Above: Common
White Terns (top);
Kids riding their bikes
to school, La Digue
(bottom left); Creole
House, La Digue
(bottom right). Right:
Anse Soleil tropical
beach, Mahé (top);
Denis Private Island
(bottom left); Tropical
fruit (bottom right).
Robert Harding, Alamy

24 / TRAVEL / Seychelles
TRAVEL / 25
Catamaran in front
of granite rocks,
Curieuse island.
“The cherry on top,
though, is the series of
seven beaches”
Robert Harding

26 / TRAVEL / Seychelles
TRAVEL / 27
Left page: St. Paul’s Church
in Albert Street, Victoria,
Mahé (top); Honeymoon
paradise (bottom left);
Hindu Azul Mihu Navasakthi
Vinayagar Temple on Quincy
Street, Victoria, Mahé
(bottom right)
Right: Local men
(left); The Victoria
Clock Tower in
Victoria, Mahé (right)
Robert Harding, Robert Michael Poole
Many resorts are entirely self-contained in the Seychelles,
but on Mahé, the Beau Vallon bay offers a stretch of beach
shared by multiple hotels and restaurants. It marks the start
and end point of the North Coast Road, which loops right
around the northern tip of Mahé, always clinging tightly to
the water’s edge. In one secluded spot, I settle down for two
nights at Bliss Hotel, a rustic boutique property that recalls
Mexico’s seaside town of Tulum. Stylish beach beds made of
driftwood face Praslin island, and when the tide is out, the
elegant façade of the hotel can be seen from under the palm
trees, and farther away on the golden sand beach.
Facing westwards on the south side, the Four Seasons
Seychelles offers views over the beach below too, but with a
very different vibe. Even as an experienced traveller, I find myself
in awe of the natural surroundings here; the villas – all with
private pools – cascade down a mountain side, half-encircling
the crescent-shaped bay like a Greek theatre. The sunsets here
are among the most beautiful I’ve ever witnessed, and I make a
point of rising early to climb above the entire sprawling complex,
where a rocky outcrop makes for an ideal yoga spot.
IN THE LAND OF GIANTS
Getting between the islands, I have a few options to consider,
but none gives a better view than helicopter, and ZilAir offers
rides to dozens of destinations from right next to Seychelles
International Airport. I head to Frégate Island Private, playing
a game of spot the swimming turtle, while flying over the calm
waters to the small island now famous for three outstanding
qualities.
The first discovery here is the beautifully wild nature. And
that’s taken a vast effort to achieve: years of intensive agriculture
had removed all woodlands and animal species, but since
2014, Frégate Island Private has become a world-leading icon
of ecology, with 10,000 indigenous trees replanted – including
the return of rarities like Wright’s Gardenia and the Indian
mulberry – and the recovery of the near-extinct Seychelles
Magpie Robin. Rare and endangered day-nesting turtles
frequent the beaches, and most fun of all, 2,200 giant tortoise
call the island their home. During one morning here, I’m
offered breakfast high in the forest canopy amid the homes
of 13 species, all vying for my croissants; some are more
brave than others to steal my morning meal.
Skirting the coast of the island are private pool villas,
immaculate home-away-from-home residences designed
for families or couples. Immense in scale, they’re the height
of private-island holidaying. I can’t think of what to ask
my butler for, since all the luxury of nature and hospitality
is already at my fingertips. It’s a question of whether to
enjoy the surroundings on a daybed, in a pavilion, >
“The Victoria Clock Tower…
has been a focal point since its construction
115 years ago”
What not to miss!
There are a lot of inspiring adventures
to take advantage of in the Seychelles.
Here are a few fun suggestions.
Marianne Rock
One of the best diving sites in the Seychelles, expect
underwater dramatic rock formations and keep an eye
out for grey reef sharks, whale sharks, giant moray eels,
turtles and more.
On Yer Bike
The best way to get around La Digue; cycle through
canopied tunnels and over the hills to reach quiet beach
coves, and enjoy cruising back down on your return to
town.
Do Go Chasing Waterfalls
A short walk and easy find from Port Launay Road – on
Mahé’s west coast – Sauzier Waterfall offers a cool and
refreshing spot you can even jump into.
Hike The Eagle’s Nest
The peak of La Digue is a mere 333 m, but with other
islands in close sight and a small restaurant on top, it’s
the most idyllic sunset-viewing spot around.
Creole Festival
Held each October over 7-10 days, this island-wide
festival includes musical shows, art fairs, dance and
theatre. Make sure to catch the parade in Victoria, which
includes contingents from Creole-speaking neighbours:
Madagascar, Rodrigues, Réunion and Mauritius.

28 / TRAVEL / Seychelles
TRAVEL / 29
Left: Bleached coral reef
(top); People walking
along Market Street in
Victoria, Mahé (bottom
left); Tropical fruit at the
market, Mahé (bottom
right).
“The beaches here truly
trump anything I’ve ever
encountered”
or in my Jacuzzi.
The cherry on top, though, is the series of seven beaches,
one of which, Anse Victorin, has been named the world’s best.
Its combination of soft white sand, coconut palms and granite
stones are all to be admired, but for me, the real beauty is how
easy it is to have everything to yourself.
“Even as an experienced traveller,
I found myself in awe of the natural
surroundings here”
Where to eat
La Grande Maison
The home kitchen of chef Christelle
Verheyden serves delights like Creole
bouillabaisse, tapas for lunch and has
a tropical garden and live music too.
La Plaine St. André, East Coast Road,
Au Cap. @lgmsey
Chez Jules Cafe
Hidden on the east coast of La Digue with
sea views, expect grilled fish fillet, octopus
salad and more fine fare. Anse Banane, La
Digue. @ChezJulescafe
La Plaine St. Andre
Located in a former Plantation House founded
in 1792 along with a rum distillery, this
restaurant offers traditional food and some
modern Creole cuisine too. La Plaine, East
Coast Road, Anse Royale. takamakarum.com
Marie Antoinette
Dine in this century-old house from a menu
unchanged in 46 years, including bat curry.
Serret Road, Mahé. marieantoinette.sc
RUSTIC CHARM
I leave La Digue – named after a French ship – until last,
dropping in by helicopter to the island’s west coast, where the
only town is located. Consisting of a few rustic and romantic
lanes leading to guesthouses, cafés and small stores, it’s clear
that La Digue offers another alternative to the islands I’ve
already explored: a chilled and easy-going location where the
younger travellers can mingle.
Here, I swap four wheels for two, and I quickly find myself
saying “hello” to fellow cyclists while riding around town.
Better still, it’s here where I have the chance to try the local
Creole cuisine, including rougay, a dish of salted fish in tomato
and onion sauce, fried up with garlic, chilli and ginger and
served on rice. The smoother coconut curry, however, quickly
becomes my daily favourite.
Cycling south, most visitors head for Anse Source d’Argent,
where massive granite rocks tumble into the ocean in a scene
that’s reminiscent of a lost world. The reality is, though, that
you’ll need to come early to find tranquillity here. You’ll also
need to pick the right season since the waters are sometimes
thickly carpeted in seaweed. I advise pedalling the hilly roads
south, getting in some exercise en-route to the three giant
coves that face southeast: Pointe Grand Anse, Pointe Petite
Anse, and Pointe Anse Cocos.
The beaches here truly trump anything I’ve ever encountered.
Fringed with rocks that are deceivingly shiny and metallic,
the beaches’ soft sands have a pink hue when the clear waters
wash over them, and the sea itself is like a pristine warm bath:
the waves creating a natural Jacuzzi effect. It’s fitting, then,
that my last stop is the place I’d be most keen to return to
next time, ready to explore so many more of the islands the
Seychelles has to offer.
➔
Plan your trip
Book your flight to the Seychelles
on kenya-airways.com
Robert Harding, Alamy, Robert Michael Poole
Lagoon surrounded
by typical granite
rocks on La Digue.

30 / PEOPLE / TED speakers
PEOPLE / 31
The Oracle
Orators
“Every woman has the
right to make choices for
herself”
As Africa hosts pioneering global TED
conversations and independent events, some
remarkable TED TALKS from African speakers
are inspiring millions of people.
text Shalini Gidoomal
Mercy
Akuot
Born
Bor, South Sudan
Age
25
Current Location
Kakuma Refugee Camp, Kenya
Best known for
Support work with women who have
experienced perilous personal situations
Milestone
Escaping from a forced marriage in South
Sudan
Follow
‪@AkuotMercy
TED Talk
How I escaped child marriage to
become a women’s rights activist.
(TEDxKakumaCamp 2018)
BY HER EARLY teens, Mercy Akuot had been
displaced twice. First by the outbreak of civil war in
South Sudan – that forced her family to flee to Uganda
– and then later by a marriage arranged by her parents,
which left her with a man of 56 when she was just 15.
Escaping that union forced her first into foster care,
and then to Kenya to the relative safety of Kakuma
Refugee Camp.
Arriving at the parched dry lands of northern
Kenya in 2015 was tremendously hard. She had no
money and knew nobody. Living alone, she barely had
sufficient food from rations to survive as she began her
life yet again. But Akuot has a fierce resilience and an
eloquent way of presenting herself; characteristics that
quickly earned her a job as a team supervisor with the
Danish Refugee Council, monitoring and mentoring
women who have undergone similar experiences. She
earns the maximum amount allowable to a refugee
– US$100 each month – while she teaches life skills
and helps women deal with trauma.
In the three years she’s been at the camp, Akuot
has created a remarkable life from nothing. She met,
and is now living with, a fellow South Sudanese with
whom she has a child. They’re both following their
love for music: she’s a singer and he’s a producer.
This passionate and pragmatic combination singled
her out as a perfect choice for the June 2018 TEDx
event, which was the first to be held in a refugee camp.
It also serves Akuot’s wider ambitions. She wants to
study PR or journalism to take her cause to an international
level. Like most refugees, she also dreams of
resettlement.
UNHCR/Tobin Jones

32 / PEOPLE / TED speakers
PEOPLE / 33
Dr Dixon
Chibanda
Sisonke
Msimang
Born
Harare, Zimbabwe
Born
Manzini, Swaziland
Age
50
Age
44
Current Location
Harare, Zimbabwe
Current Location
Perth, Australia
Best known for
Pivotal role in bringing mental health treatment to
the masses
Milestone
Bringing the Friendship Bench to rural areas of
Zimbabwe… and now New York
Follow
@friendshipbench
TED Talk
Why I train grandmothers to treat depression.
(TEDWomen 2017)
Image: TED/Stacie Mcchesney Quote: Zimbabwe Situation June 2018
Best known for
Writing and incisive storytelling
Milestone
Becoming Executive Director at Open Society
Initiative for Southern Africa
Follow
@Sisonkemsimang
TED Talk
If a story moves you, act on it. (TEDWomen 2016)
Nick White
“Imagine all the wisdom and wealth of experience
someone has by the age of 80”
“You can’t force justice. It’s the result of working with people,
listening and creating opportunities for change”
MORE THAN 300 million people worldwide suffer from
depression, which, according to the World Health Organization,
mostly occurs in low- and middle-income countries, where suitable
treatment is scarce. In Zimbabwe, for example, there are only 12
psychiatrists for a population of 16 million people.
In 2005, Dr Chibanda was rocked by the death of a patient in
her mid-20s who couldn’t afford the bus fare to come to see him
for necessary treatment. In an attempt to find a solution to this
problem of depression, or kufungisisa (thinking too much), Dr
Chibanda began working with “grandmothers”, who, for decades,
have had a traditional role as community health workers in clinics
nationwide.
Using locally developed techniques – kuvhura pfungwa
(opening the mind); kusimudzira (uplifting); and kusimbisa
(strengthening) – supported by digital technology, he was able to
create an Evidence-Based-Therapy process that allows the grandmothers
to successfully treat depression and anxiety. And not even
in a clinical space, as treatment takes place on wooden benches,
where the grandmothers administer their unique therapy.
Today, in Harare alone, more than 40,000 people have
received treatment from hundreds of grandmothers on the socalled
Friendship Benches. Advice is also practical: helping with
income-generation and creating structures that people can use in
order to progress. The results are phenomenal: research shows
that six months after receiving treatment from a grandmother,
people were still symptom-free.
Dr Chibanda has gone on to establish Friendship Benches in
Zanzibar, Malawi, the Caribbean and even New York. Constantly
driven, he practices tai chi, and pursues and refines his work
helping people to receive effective mental health treatment.
“WE LIVE IN a time where we’re witnessing the decline of
facts,” says Msimang during her TEDWomen 2016 Talk. “A
recent report by the Pew Center on trends in America indicates
that only 10 percent of young adults under the age of 30 ‘place a lot
of trust in the media’.” Conversely, they do have more respect for
storytelling, which sets a dangerous precedent.
According to Msimang, facts are needed, together with stories,
to move the needle towards social justice. Even stories written
with the best intentions can have negative consequences by glossing
over real issues when they don’t include all of the facts of a given
situation. Msimang has a lot of experience dealing with people’s
everyday stories, which are often different to those that enter the
mainstream. In her recently released memoir, Always Another
Country, she speaks of “bearing witness to stories” while leading
the oral storytelling programme at the Centre for Stories in Perth,
Australia, where she helps refugees and diverse people to find
their voices.
Forged by a peripatetic lifestyle that wheeled her through
Zambia, Kenya, Ethiopia and Canada as the child of South African
freedom fighters in exile, Msimang’s outlook was heavily shaped
by her parents. “They had the capacity to respect the dignity of
each person, which is central to how I think about my work,” says
Msimang. On returning to South Africa in 1990, she entered the
world of activism, before moving towards journalism as disillusionment
with the Rainbow Nation dream set in. “The most
poignant story can get in the way of social justice,” she says in
the Kirkus Reviews (November 2018). “You feel like you have...
befriended that death row inmate. But you didn’t. So stories
become useful only if they allow you to think about the world,
become more critical and act in better ways.”

34 / PEOPLE / TED speakers
PEOPLE / 35
Dr Kamau
Gachigi
Dayo
Ogunyemi
Born
Nairobi, Kenya
Born
Ibadan, Nigeria
Age
52
Age
45
Current Location
Nairobi, Kenya
Best known for
Gearbox/makerspaces
Milestone
Setting up the first Fab Lab at Nairobi University
Follow
gearbox.co.ke
TED Talk
Success stories from Kenya’s first makerspace.
(TEDGlobal 2017)
Image: Africa Knows Quote credit: Success stories from Kenya’s first makerspace (TEDGlobal 2017)
Current Location
New York, US
Best known for
Connections to innovation via various different
disciplines
Milestone
Setting up a virtual community linking diasporic
Nigerians in the early 1990s
Follow
@AfricaMET
TED Talk
Visions of Africa’s future, from African filmmakers.
(TEDGlobal 2017)
TED
“The world’s going through the Fourth Industrial Revolution...
a merger of the physical, cyber and biological worlds”
“Tech and media were very different things, but
have come together in life-changing ways”
SEVERAL YEARS ago, Facebook’s CEO Mark Zuckerberg
visited Nairobi. There’s a picture of him viewing a roof tile next to
the smiling Dr Gachigi. This is no ordinary tile; aside from keeping
house structures watertight, it also captures solar energy and diminishes
electricity costs. And Dr Gachigi insists they beat the
better-known Tesla to the market with their product.
It’s the sort of radical innovation so often found among the
digital fabrication machines set out at Gearbox, an experimental
arena for hardware entrepreneurs to prototype, trial and refine
their inventions. It’s a factory for factories that enables engineers
and creatives to develop their products and bring them to market.
Out of here have come plasma cutters, biogas producers,
speed governors, clean cooking fuel, data integration systems,
medical technology innovation and a host of other fascinating,
locally grown applications. Gearbox was created and is run by Dr
Gachigi, an engineer who cites his parents as prime influences in
the direction he has taken.
“My dad extracted silver from X-rays, and did brass casting
when I was young, which is where I think my interest in material
science arose,” says Dr Gachigi. “Both parents were also
community minded; my mother worked with immigrants and
refugees, and dad consistently impressed on me the importance
of giving back.”
His current project focuses on those in the Jua Kali (“hot
sun”) sector who operate outdoors or in makeshift kiosks, doing
handwork, frequently with rough tools. They represent 80
percent of Kenya’s workforce. Collaborating with KCB Bank
Kenya Ltd. and Africa Innovation Ecosystems Group, Gearbox
will provide training, initially to Jua Kali metal workers, showing
them how to use digital fabrication to improve their work.
“I THINK a lot about digital colonialism. There’s much information
out there... Who decides what we can read or find?” says
Ogunyemi as he describes being defeated by Google algorithms in
an online search for a specific clip about a Kampala taxi driver.
Digital colonialism is a theory that the mass media is becoming a
new empire itself by controlling the minds of the many. It’s part of
the issue Ogunyemi takes with not just the vision of Africa in the
eyes of the rest of the world (think famine and war), but also the
myopia with which the continent sees itself.
Largely educated in law and business in New York,
Ogunyemi moved back to work in Africa after 9/11. Despite his
training, he gravitated towards media, and his firm, 234 Media,
recently authored a report analysing key trends in African film. It’s
here that he’s anchored his belief in how media can be a key part of
a progressive continent-wide shift. “The US has 1 screen for every
8,000 citizens, India has 1 for every 100,000 and Sub-Saharan Africa
has 1 for every 6 million. It means the West can access African
films better than we can,” he says during his 2012 TED Talent
Search Talk in Kenya.
“When we are able to solve issues about how to distribute our
films, we can begin to see how it helps us chart our own destinies,”
says Ogunyemi. “So far, we’ve had some 50 years of US indoctrination.
Given that images play a big part in perception, we need
more Africans to access their own filmography and music to forge
common identities.”
Given that film contributes some US$1 billion in GDP annually
in South Africa and Nigeria, its influence cannot be overstated.
Add to that the access to people that mobile technology
provides (millions continent-wide), and the potential for change
is enormous.

36 / TRAVEL / Facts
Jomo Kenyatta International
Airport achieved Category One
status, the top security rating,
in 2018.
Parking
Kenya Airways’ 787 Dreamliner
automatically adjusts its wing control
surfaces for a smoother ride during
turbulence.
At the parking bay/apron
engineers add service
oil and do the required
technical checks.
The chocks prevent
the aircraft from moving
while it’s parked.
The parking surface is
made from asphalt or
concrete, which can
withstand any temperature.
The area outside the terminal building where aircraft
stop is called the “ramp” or “apron”. “Aircraft are
parked, (un)loaded, serviced for the next flight,
refuelled and checked for routine maintenance at
the ramp,” says Kenya Airways Captain Dhaval Patel.
The crew calls this area the “parking bay”, while
passengers know it as the “gate”.
“Each airport has a specific procedure for directing
an aircraft towards its assigned gate,” says Patel.
“The ground controller, in coordination with air traffic
control, usually assigns the aircraft an address,
consisting of a ‘street’ or ‘highway’ (taxi lane) and
‘house number’ (gate) the pilots should take. In
addition to the ground signals, signs and air traffic
control instructions, we use an airport layout map,
either in paper or electronic format, to locate the
parking bay.”
Once the aircraft has come to a halt, the ground
crew secures the “chocks” around the wheels,
which prevent accidental movement once the pilots
release the aircraft’s parking brake.
If the aircraft is parked facing the terminal building,
or if it’s in an area where engines cannot be started
(because of the hazards associated with the
exhaust gases), the aircraft is pushed back by a
tow-tug. If it’s parked nose out, away from obstacles
or the terminal building, the aircraft will “taxi” (drive)
to the runway.
text: Annette Lavrijsen image: Getty Images

38 / TREND / Vertical farming
TREND / 39
Crop Up
“The hydroponic system
supports the growing of
all leafy vegetables”
To address food shortages, experts say that
agriculture needs to move onwards and upwards.
New methods that require less space and no soil,
such as VERTICAL FARMING, are gathering
momentum in Africa.
text Annette Lavrijssen
In November 2017, biochemistry graduate Samson
Ogbole (35) dazzled the audience when he took to the TEDx
stage in Lagos, Nigeria. He demonstrated cutting-edge farming
methods that could ensure the future of food worldwide.
“To me, agriculture is more than just food production; it’s
the foundation for sustainable development, job creation and
healthier living,” he says. “I believe farmers must be smart about
the climate, adopt a business mindset and embrace technology,
automation and data.”
HOUSTON, WE HAVE A PROBLEM
According to a 2017 report by the Food and Agriculture
Organization of the UN, farming has become increasingly
difficult due to climate change, unpredictable weather, desertification,
changing precipitation patterns and high crop instability.
Although this is a global problem, the need for farmers
in Africa to employ new farming methods is more immediate;
natural resources and soil are being exhausted because farmers
have insufficient time and space for an adequate fallow period.
Furthermore, overcutting and overgrazing have become the
norm, resulting in fertiliser misuse and improper crop rotation.
The issue is compounded by the growing global population,
which is expected to reach 9.73 billion by 2050. More
than half of this boom will happen in Africa, where Nigeria
will see the biggest increase (to about 450 million). Given that
the average age of the Nigerian farmer is 60, and young people
are unwilling to pick up agriculture because conventional
farming has become more difficult, the need for new farming
methods is even more apparent. >
The perks of soilless
farming
• It’s a one-time set-up with a fast
return on investment.
• Maintenance is cheap compared
to soil-based farming.
• It’s more sustainable, as the use
of tractors, fertilisers, herbicides
and insecticides are drastically
diminished or eliminated.
• Production costs are stable
throughout the seasons.
• Vertical farming methods need
less space to grow more crops.
• Growth time is reduced and the
plants produce a higher yield.
• Studies show that plants
grown without soil have higher
levels of phytochemicals and
antioxidants, compared to crops
grown in soil.
Getty Images

40 / TREND / Vertical farming
TREND / 41
CLIMATE-SMART FARMING
Ogbole has devoted his time and resources to building modern
farms that explore the latest technologies for agriculture, which
may address some of the greatest problems the world is facing
today. He’s producing more crops in less space, while minimising
environmental damage. Innovative technologies, such as aeroponics,
hydroponics and aquaponics enable farmers to grow
crops in vertical stacks without soil. This sounds high-tech, yet
the basics are simple. “The function of soil is to act as support,
retain water and allow for aeration,” says Ogbole. “If we can use
alternative materials in this function, we can grow crops without
soil. Try it at home: if you keep some vegetables inside a few
bowls of water and leave them for three to seven days, the roots
will come out. Add fertiliser to the water and you will be carrying
out hydroponics.”
HOW IT’S DONE
Hydroponic farmers grow vegetables in stagnant water
(needing aeration via air stones) or flowing water. A liquid nutrient
solution is added as a growing medium, while essential
minerals sustain plant growth. Aquaponics pioneers are taking
it a step further by combining the cultivation of plants and fish
into one ecosystem, which is comparable to a fish tank with a
garden on top. The waste – urea or ammonia – produced by the
fish is the foundational nutrient for leafy vegetables, so it’s used to
feed them. The circular system allows for the growth of vegetables
without regular water replacement, as the plants recycle the water
by cleaning it.
Aeroponics is sometimes considered to be a type of hydroponics
because water is used to transmit nutrients, but the system
is different because it grows plants in the air without the use of
“Hydroponics and aquaponics
enable farmers to grow crops in
vertical stacks without soil”
soil or an aggregate medium. The roots hang suspended in the
air, while the nutrient solution is sprayed onto them in the form
of a fine mist.
Choosing the best soil-free system depends on the type of
crops and space available. For tuber crops, such as potatoes and
yams, aeroponics gives the best results because it provides easy
access to the root (tuber) region. The YIIFSWA-II project, led
by the Beninese agricultural engineer Dr Norbert Maroya, pairs
scientists from the International Institute for Tropical Agriculture
with farmers. They are collaborating in order to establish a seed
system that ensures that high-quality seed tubers – of various yam
varieties – are readily available to smallholder farmers. “Seed
tubers are the most crucial elements in the livelihood of yamgrowing
communities, such as Nigeria and Ghana, and food
supply is heavily dependent on the seed security,” says Maroya.
“Although farmers save about 30 percent of their yield with seed
tubers, the majority is ridden with pests and diseases that have
Getty Images
accumulated in the tubers and soils.” Maroya and his team are
using aeroponics to facilitate a rapid and safe multiplication
of yam seed tubers. Their objective is to achieve a 30 percent
increase in the productivity of yam cultivation for at least
320,000 farmers in Ghana and Nigeria.
MORE CROPS, LESS IMPACT
“The hydroponic system supports the growing of all leafy
vegetables, herbs, fruits and starchy foods,” says Peter Chege,
entrepreneur and founder of Hydroponics Africa. Hydroponics
and aquaponics are often considered a cost-intensive enterprise,
but Chege is convinced that it doesn’t need to be. Over the
years, the Kenyan entrepreneur has learned that many farmers
incur high costs for animal feed even though the quality is often
unsatisfactory. To address this problem, he and his team started
developing hydroponic systems that enable farmers to grow
animal feed at low cost, while also providing them with the
means to grow vegetables.
Evidently proud, Chege says, “Since 2015, we have been
rolling out our simplified hydroponic systems, which are not
only practical, but cost-effective too. We’ve developed an optimal
nutrient solution specific to various crops, which directly irrigates
the crop’s root through the watering system. This minimises wastage
of both nutrients and water (excess water is being recycled).
For the substrates, we use recycled materials, such as pumice,
wood chips, mattress tissues and even plastic cups. The water
system is fully automated and powered by integrated solar panels,
and there is zero use of herbicides. As there is no competition
for nutrients, the crops are highly nutritious compared to crops
grown under conventional methods, and they mature 30 percent
faster, resulting in more harvests per year.”
EMERGING POTENTIAL
The impact these new farming methods have on production
is significant. “If you want to grow tomatoes in the soil, it will
take you three months; with a hydroponic system it takes you,
at most, a month. Growing wheatgrass in the soil takes three to
four months, with this system it takes only seven days; without
any pesticides, very little fertiliser and no soil,” says Ogbole in
his TEDx Talk.
Will these vertical, soil-free farms unleash a “green revolution”
in Africa, as proponents love to call it? With just three major
suppliers, hydroponics is still an emerging industry, but according
to Chege, business is booming. So far Hypdroponics Africa has
installed more than 5,000 hydroponic systems in Kenya, Uganda,
Rwanda and Somalia, and the company has extended its presence
in Burkina Faso and Nepal. Based on the current high demand,
they expect an exponential growth of 70 percent in the next few
years.
Soil-free farming systems are inseparable from the global
movement that seeks to make agriculture climate-smart and
future-proof. Most governments now recognise the need to
develop interventions, and some have already taken action.
As one of the first in Sub-Saharan Africa, Kenya launched
the Climate Smart Agriculture Strategy 2017–2026, in which
the government declares its objective to make agriculture more
sustainable and resilient through collaborations and education.
“The major challenge is knowledge,” says Ogbole. “By
training people and making them aware of the potential of
vertical and soil-free farming, agriculture becomes a tool to
build the nation we so much desire. I’m not saying we should
eliminate soil, but I do believe we should complement soil.
Vertical, soilless farming is one of the ways to ensure the
future of food.”
30
Urban aeroponics gardens can grow in half
the time it takes for them to grow in soil,
with a yield of 30% more.
90
Aeroponic farming requires around 90%
less water than soil-grown crops.
6,400
The biggest aeroponics farm in the world
is being built in Newark, US, with 6,400 sq
m of cultivated spaces without soil.
8,000
By using aeroponics, a farmer can produce
up to 8,000 lettuce plants in a 3 m x 1 m
space each year.
50,000
A yam tuber that is multiplied using
aeroponics can get more than 50,000
tubers annually.
Peter Chege
Sources: Environmental Assessment Agency PBL, International Institute for Tropical Agriculture (IITA), YIIFSWA-II project, IITA University of Chile 2015.

Inaugural flight / INTERVIEW / 43
Biko On Board
New Kid on
The Block
On board the inaugural flight to New York,
Jackson Biko talks to Blessing Samii, who’s
travelling with her son, the youngest passenger
on the aircraft. She hopes that this experience
will encourage him to travel and see the world
when he’s older.
Blessing Samii
Nationality
Zimbabwean
Profession
Nurse
Place of Residence
Cape Town
Why New York?
Begin her son’s travels
with one of the world’s top
destinations
Parents often want to live their lives
through their children. Personally, I’m
flipping this narrative on its head; I want
my son to live his life through me, and be
curious and go beyond where we live. To go
farther away without losing where we are,
who we are. I think the world is too vast
and too diverse to die not learning a bit of
what it has to offer.
Although we live in the lovely age of
the Internet, we can’t explore the real
world online. We have to pack a bag and
see it for ourselves, and not be influenced
by what other people think. This is why
I’m on this flight to New York with my
son Malachi. He will be turning three in a
few days, and I wanted it to happen there .
I like to think that he will get a head start
by seeing one of the world’s top cities on
his first journey. I can’t wait to see Times
Square. I’ve seen it a lot on TV. New York
looks wonderful and I hope it meets my
expectations.
We will spend 10 days in the US.
Malachi might not remember this trip
when he’s older, but I hope that some part
of it stays with him, such as travelling on
the subway, seeing the many bright lights
in Times Square, or the beautiful autumn
streets. I hope he remembers that he had a
great time in New York. I hope to plant in
him the seed of travelling and of curiosity.
I think that when you travel, you open
yourself up to a different world. It’s like
discovering new doors to a house, going
in there and finding a totally different
experience. I love travelling even though I
haven’t done much of it because of cost
and work obligations. Italy is also on my
wish list. I want to go there for the wine
and that festive, bonhomie Italian vibe.
I’ve been told that Malachi is the
youngest person on this inaugural flight.
I hope that one day he will know that he
was part of this great history in the making.
So far he’s having a great time. The food is
great. The inflight entertainment is good
too. Kenya Airways has obviously catered
for child travellers as well. We are having
the time of our lives and the atmosphere is
just magic.
“I like to think that he
will get a head start by
seeing one of the
world’s top cities”

44 / BUSINESS / Country at a glance BUSINESS /45
At a glance
Somalia
Have a closer look at the potential of Somalia.
The most relevant FACTS AND FIGURES,
touristic attractions and social trends of today.
text Yvette Bax infographics Chantal van Wessel/Vizualism

46 / BUSINESS / Interview BUSINESS / 47
NOT
MY BAG
Seeing PLASTIC BAGS littering the
landscape enraged James Wakibia so much
that he took matters into his own hands;
thus began a modern-day hero’s journey.
text Joseph Maina
James Wakibia
Born
25 January, 1983 in Matuiku, Nakuru
County, Kenya.
Profession
Photographer, environmental activist
and public speaker.
Education
Bachelor of Arts degree in
Communication and Media from
Kenya’s Egerton University (2014).
Greatest achievement
Kenya’s 2017 ban on single-use
plastics.
Motto
Less plastic is fantastic.
What inspired your interest in the
environment?
While I was at university, I took a
three-month environmental science module,
taught by Dr Stanley M. Makindi, a
very environmentally conscious man.
His passion for the planet, his faith in
humanity and his belief that everyone
has the ability to make a difference – far
and wide – by taking the first steps
themselves, lit a fire inside me that has
never gone out. That’s when I began
really talking about the environment.
And that’s when I took action.
I embarked on my path in 2010. My
first step was nothing particularly special.
I just took my camera with me to
Mathare – a slum in Nairobi – and took
a picture of plastics clogging a nearby
river. It looked like a river of plastic; it
was an environmental disaster. But it
wasn’t until I saw the rubbish in the
Nakuru dumpsite that I truly understood
the significance of that image.
That scene was the turning point; that’s
when my activism began in earnest.
Describe the situation at Lake Nakuru
Nakuru town’s dumpsite is on an
elevation, with the town in the middle
and the lake on the lower side. When it
rains, most waste leaves the dumpsite and
heads to Lake Nakuru, which has had
quite a beating from pollution, mostly as
a result of urbanisation.
A study conducted a few years ago
revealed that up to 20 tons of plastic
debris was being collected every year in
and around Lake Nakuru National Park.
Flamingos in the lake were disappearing,
and this was often because of plastic
pollution.
Why are plastic bags so harmful to the
environment?
They don’t biodegrade, and they’re
often thrown away after being used once.
That’s the most disturbing thing that
came into my mind. Some day you’ll go
shopping for five commodities and carry
them in five different plastic bags. After
that single use, these bags are often discarded
and live for hundreds of years, >

48 / BUSINESS / Interview
while destroying the environment. Even
if they break down, they break down
into micro-plastics, which are even more
dangerous because they’re carried off
into the rivers and oceans where they’re
eaten by fish. And we end up ingesting
them too, when we eat the fish.
dumpsite, carrying placards, all the way
to the Nakuru County headquarters.
There were so many of us. I felt proud.
We were very motivated at this point.
I looked in the eyes of my allies and I
had goose bumps. I could see that the fire
was inside them too. I was excited. We
were doing something meaningful that
was also fun. That sort of satisfaction is
hard to describe.
Our message was heard, because two
but I didn’t see lack of money as something
that could stop me. I had university
friends, and we knew we could do it. I
had social media. If I needed to print
something, I had classmates to do a few
posters. Even today, I say that if more
money had been available at the time, I
would have done more. But it never
What did you do to get the
government’s attention?
I started taking pictures of the Gioto
dumpsite in Nakuru town. I then organised
a petition, seeking 10,000 signatures
from residents of the town to relocate
the dumpsite or close it down. I collected
about 5,000, and then I marshalled my
classmates, who bought my idea that we
should do a protest from the dumpsite as
we deliver the petition to the governor.
On 27 July 2013, we walked from the
Timeline
2013
James Wakibia and his campus colleagues
start campaigning for a ban on single-use
plastic bags.
28 February, 2017
Kenya announces the ban on use,
manufacture and importation of all carrier
and flat plastic bags used for commercial
and household packaging.
24-25 August, 2017
Kenya’s Ministry of Environment and Natural
Resources, in conjunction with National
Environment Management Authority,
organise the annual Alternative Eco-Friendly
Exhibition to sensitise manufacturers,
retailers, distributors and the public to
alternative packaging material.
28 August, 2017
Ban on plastic bags takes effect in Kenya.
“We were doing something meaningful that was also
fun. That sort of satisfaction is hard to describe”
weeks later the county’s minister for the
environment told me that, though it
would be difficult to close down Gioto
dumpsite, they would try and manage it.
Of course, I noticed later that it wasn’t
the dumpsite’s fault. The problem was
plastics. So I started talking about plastic
and why we need to ban it, and control
plastic pollution. I wrote opinion articles
in local newspapers and took a lot of
pictures of plastic pollution. I then
shared them on social media.
Which of your activities had the most
impact on government policy?
My petition against the use of plastic
bags in Nakuru County, which was later
tabled before the Nakuru County
Assembly, was the launchpad for the
ban. My relentless lobbying on social
media was also influential because it
culminated in an endorsement on Twitter
by Judy Wakhungu, who was Kenya’s
Cabinet Secretary for Environment,
Water & Natural Resources at the time.
In September 2015, she sent a tweet
supporting my hashtag: #BanPlasticsKE.
This was a game-changer in the war
against plastics in Kenya. From this
point, Wakhungu propagated the antiplastic
campaign through her Twitter
channel and gave it greater momentum.
What were the main challenges?
I didn’t see challenges. You know,
when you are mad about something, you
don’t see anything that can stop you. I
had no money – a potential challenge –
crossed my mind that I didn’t have money,
because I was so passionate.
How do you feel now about the
movement against plastic pollution?
I am very optimistic, because so
many people and governments are
talking about plastic pollution. I think
people are becoming conscious about
the plastics they use in their daily lives,
and the impact these plastics have on
the planet.
What are you working on at the
moment?
I’m starting a new project called
#RethinkPlastics, which is basically
trying to tell people to rethink their use
of plastics, especially single-use plastics.
If you don’t need it, please don’t use it. If
you don’t need that straw, leave it. It will
not be reused, and it will never be recycled.
Once you use it for those five or so
minutes, its usefulness ends there, but it
remains on the planet for hundreds of
years.
What are your hopes for the future?
I hope to see a more sustainable
world: a greener world, with less singleuse
plastics. I want my son to grow up in
a world free from them, where we don’t
have single-use cups and bags. I don’t
want him to grow up in a plastic world.
I want the world to develop in a more
sustainable way, where everything can
be reused or recycled, and there is less
waste; a world where what we call waste
can be used by somebody else.

50 / TRAVEL / Quiz
Guess
and Win
We give you five clues about a
KENYA AIRWAYS DESTINATION.
Which city are we referring to?
Post your answer to Facebook, Instagram
or Twitter using #msafiriquiz,
and we may surprise you with a gift.
text Ben Clark
1
Humpback whales can be seen in this city during September
and October, when they migrate from their breeding
grounds in the tropics.
2
This city, know locally as Mother City, was number one in
The New York Times article, 52 Places to Go in 2014.
3
Author J.M. Coetzee, who has won many awards, such as
the Nobel Prize in Literature 2003 and the Booker Prize in
1983 and 1999, was born here.
4
Biltong – dried, salted and spiced strips of beef or game
– is a popular snack in this city.
5
Dr Christiaan Barnard performed the first-ever heart
transplant at Groote Schuur Hospital here in 1967.
Do you know the country? Post your answer to Facebook, Twitter or Instagram using #msafiriquiz. Each month, Kenya Airways will pick a winner
and surprise him or her with a gift. Correspondence about the quiz results will not be possible.
Shutterstock, Getty Images, ANP Foto

52 / TRAVEL / Barcelona
TRAVEL / 53
Magical
5
Metropolis
1
2
BARCELONA, in northeast Spain, is
one of Europe’s biggest tourist magnets.
Annette Lavrijsen, who recently moved
there, has discovered what makes the
coastal city so attractive.
6
text Annette Lavrijsen
3
4
7
Robert Harding, Matteo Colombo, Stocksy
“I’M SO HAPPY for you both, this is the best city in the world.” For a
second, I thought she would burst into tears of joy, but my mother-in-law
simply turned her head and gazed in the direction of the Mediterranean
Sea. Having eaten Sunday lunch, we were having coffee on the balcony,
which also looks out onto the mountains, in the midst of which are the
city’s elegant apartment blocks intersected by wide avenues and, in the
distance, the heavenly towers and cranes of the Sagrada Família church.
“Surely everyone living here would describe this place in the same
way?” I thought to myself as I leaned over the balustrade and watched the
whirling leaves on the street announcing the arrival of winter. By the time
spring kicked in, we had moved into a small apartment in Barcelona’s
centre, where I became engrossed in architecture, food culture and
unapologetic creativity. >
1. Outdoor cafés at Plaça Reial 2. Windows of Plaza Batlló 3. Spanish tiles 4. A tourist
at Avinguda Diagonal 5. Sunrise at Barceloneta beach 6. Art Deco pharmacy at la
Rambla 7. Rooftop of Casa Milà with a view on the Sagrada Família

54 / TRAVEL / Barcelona
TRAVEL / 55
“Sit down at one of
the many squares for a
coffee or a glass of beer
and some tapas”
ARCHITECTURAL WONDERLAND
Being adorned with brilliant works of architecture, both from the past
and the present, Barcelona’s urban landscape is often described as magical.
The underground transport network, which is one of Europe’s best,
provides efficient access to the spellbinding streets of the central neighbourhoods.
From the Barrio Gòtico – with its enchanting alleyways and
ancient cathedral – to the distinguished Eixample – with its richly decorated,
multi-hued façades and luxury boutiques – and El Poblenou, the
former industrial district that is now a hub for innovation and
creativity, each area has a distinct identity.
Central threads are the modernist buildings, parks and street lamps that
are dotted across the city. Many of these sprouted from the imagination of
the eccentric architect Antoni Gaudí (1852-1926), who was at the forefront
of Catalan Modernism. Taking inspiration from the colours, shapes and
structures in nature, he was a pioneer in his field, and his dreamlike work
led to the creation of some of the city’s most iconic landmarks. Casa
Batlló (Passeig de Gràcia 43), with its polychrome façade decorated with
glass and ceramic, and undulating roof representing a mythical dragon,
may be his most original achievement. Gaudí’s masterpiece is undeniably the
aforementioned Sagrada Família (Carrer de Mallorca, 401), a basilica to
which he dedicated 16 years of his life, living as a recluse in the building
until he was hit by a tram and died in 1926. Since then, he rests in the
crypt of the basilica awaiting the completion of his dream. Don’t miss
out; book your tickets in advance for a look inside.
Or walk a few blocks up to Ayre Hotel Rossellón on Carrer de Rosseló
390, and take the lift to the rooftop terrace for a cocktail and incredible
views of the 7 (of 18) completed towers. Another unfinished gem is Park
Güell, on the slopes of the Sierra de Collserola mountain range, which is
so mystical that you need to see it to believe it. The fairy-tale gardens
with colourful mosaic animals and rock-covered pathways have led some
to believe that Gaudí was under the influence of hallucinogens when he
created it.
CREATIVE CHARM
After visiting this tourism hotspot, you may want to enter “Plaça del
Sol” in Google Maps and follow the route downhill through Gràcia, a
former village that was engulfed by the city but has preserved its smalltown
charm. The area, currently one of the hippest and most artistic in
Barcelona, has fewer tourists, which guarantees a relaxed vibe. Wander
through the narrow streets – lined by small artisan workshops, bric-abrac
shops and vegan bakeries – and sit down at one of the many squares
for a coffee or a glass of beer and some tapas. Besides the Plaça del Sol,
the most charming squares are the Plaça de Rius i Taulet, recognisable by
the clock tower in its centre (where you might stumble upon a live music
event) and Plaça de la Virreina, which evokes a flavour of the old Gràcia,
with a quaint church and locals chatting in the shade of the trees.
From Gràcia, it’s an easy walk to the more central Eixample district,
via the elegant Passeig de Gràcia, where you can find the chic boutiques of
Louis Vuitton, Chanel and Hermès, next to flagship stores of Spanish
brands, such as Massimo Dutti and Zara. >
1. Empty terrace on the beach 2. Sagrada Família 3. A girl with a bicycle downtown
4. Restaurants at Plaça Reial 5. Bike lane 6. Park Güell 7. A narrow street in the Barrio
Gòtico 8. The cable car to Mount Montjuïc 9. Close-up of a fountain at Plaça Reial
WHERE TO SLEEP
Casa Bonay
Located in a neoclassical building from
1869, which was brought back to life by a
team of designers, chefs and local artisans.
At the weekends this is a place where the
cool crowd hangs out. Gran Via de les Corts
Catalanes, 700
casabonay.com
Hotel Grand Central
A five-star hotel with a luxury spa, sky bar
and rooftop pool that offer panoramic views
across the city. Via Laietana, 30
grandhotelcentral.com
Margot House
A home away from home with an elegantly
decorated living area, complete with kitchen
and library. Paseo de Gracia, 46
margothouse.es
WHERE TO EAT
Terraza Martínez
Have lunch here and enjoy some of the best
views of the city. Afterwards, walk off your
meal on Montjuïc and take the cable car
down to the beach. Carretera de Miramar, 38
martinezbarcelona.com
Mauri
The best way to cope with Barcelona’s late
dinner hours is to have a merienda around 6
p.m., traditionally consisting of hot chocolate
and a sweet snack. The cakes are legendary
here. Rambla de Catalunya, 102
pasteleriasmauri.com
Pez Vela
Share a paella at this contemporary classic,
on the groundfloor of Hotel W. Paseo del
Mare Nostrum 19/21
grupotragaluz.com
Boca Grande
Go here for the best cocktails in Eixample.
Passatge de la Concepció, 12
bocagrande.cat
Collage Art & Cocktail Social Club
For a more intimate experience try this
cocktail bar in El Born. C/ Consellers, 4
collagecocktailbar.com
Robert Harding, Stocksy, Getty Images, Alamy
2
1
4
5 8
6 7 9
3

56 / TRAVEL / Barcelona
TRAVEL / 57
1
2
3
4
5
8
“It didn’t take long
for me to find out that
life in Barcelona revolves
around food”
THINGS TO DO
• Watch a flamenco show or music concert at
the Palau de la Música Catalana, which is
beautiful inside and out (palaumusica.cat).
• To avoid the flocks of tourists, book the first
walking tour of the day (most are for free) and
explore the Barrio Gòtico at its best. Highlights
are the Plaça de Sant Felip Neri, Plaça Reial
and the old Jewish street Sant Domènec del
Call, which has recently been renamed Carrer
de Salomó Ben Adret.
• Visit the stadium of the legendary football club
FC Barcelona or, in short, Barça. However,
never say “Barça” when you mean the city of
Barcelona, lest you want to come across as a
guiri (ignorant tourist).
• The Picasso Museum is the city’s most
famous museum, but just as interesting are
the Fundácio Joan Miró, showing works by
the Catalan artist and more contemporary
surrealists, and the CaixaForum Barcelona,
an odd mashup of a warehouse and a castle
by modernist architect Josep Puig i Cadafalch,
boasting epic seasonal shows loaned from the
world’s most important museums. For shows
see: museupicasso.bcn.cat, fmirobcn.org and
caixaforum.es/barcelona.
• Explore El Poblenou, a district buzzing with
creativity. Highlights are the Design Museum
of Barcelona and Torre Glòries, La Rambla del
Poblenou, and the Palo Alto artistic colony,
which often organises food markets at the
weekend.
URBAN BEACHES
Blessed with a Mediterranean climate, Barcelona has soft winters and
sunny days most of the year, which are probably best enjoyed on the
Barceloneta seafront. Once the home of fishermen, this area now offers
1,100 m of sandy beaches, surf rentals and xiringuitos (beach bars) as the
main attractions for visitors.
Shelter from the sun can be found in Barceloneta’s back streets, where
you’ll walk under a ceiling of drying clothes and eat like a king in the
plethora of traditional bars and restaurants. All-time favourites are Bar
Bitácora and Bar Jai-Ca, where you’ll find reasonably priced tapas and
good vibes, and seafood restaurant Montolio Can Maño. Or follow the
scent of fried fish and find yourself a spot in La Cova Fumada, an oldschool
bodega that is known for its oily pa amb tomàquet (tomato bread)
and the tastiest bombas (breaded potato and meat balls served with aioli
and brava sauces) in town. It’s greasy, but good.
FOODIE HAVEN
It didn’t take long for me to find out that life in Barcelona revolves
around food. Conversations among friends or relatives always seem to
end up with a discussion on what, where and how to eat. I wonder if
there’s a causal relation with the astoundingly high density of restaurants
that, apart from the tourist traps around La Rambla, mostly offer good
quality for a very decent price. A smart option is the three-course menu
del dia, which usually costs between US$12-18 (including a drink), and is
often outstanding.
Whereas the choice in modern international cuisine is increasing,
most restaurants still serve traditional fare, as defined by the many
migrants from other regions in Spain. Worth a try are the Catalan butifarra
(sausage) and arroz negro (black rice), Galician seafood, Andalusian
tapas, Basque pintxos (small snacks) and Asturian meat stews and cheeses.
Streets that are well-known for their food scene are Carrer d’Enric
Granados, a semi-pedestrianised oasis a stone’s throw from Eixample’s
most-visited monuments; the unpretentious Carrer de Blai in Poble-Sec,
which is the place for a midday vermouth and some pintxos; and the
streets around the Santa Caterina market in El Born.
With a vast array of wine and cocktail bars, El Born is famous for its
cosmopolitan nightlife. But, just as interesting, is the wide range of concept
stores, art galleries and local designer shops, where you can find unique,
custom-made pieces by Barcelona’s creatives. El Born’s main shopping
streets are Carrer de la Princesa and Carrer de l’Argenteria. Don’t forget
to browse the little streets for the most special gems.
THE WHOLE PACKAGE
In addition to what I’ve mentioned above, probably one of the
best things about Barcelona is its convenient location – with easy flight
connections to all major European cities – and close proximity to the
Mediterranean Sea and mountains. A while ago, I was having dinner
with a friend who described his day to me: he had woken up early to go
skiing in the Pyrenees, stopped on the way back to take a dip in the sea,
and went shopping in Passeig de Gràcia before meeting me for a relaxed
dinner. All in one day! I expect that it won’t be long before I start telling
people that Barcelona is the best city in the world.
6 7 9
Robert Harding, Stocksy, Getty Images
Kenya Airways operates flights to Barcelona
via Amsterdam from Nairobi’s Jomo Kenyatta
International Airport.
1. Street light with Catalan colours 2. Interior view of the Sagrada Família 3. Quimet and
Quimet tapas bar 4. Street in the Old City 5. Torre Glòries (formally Torre Agbar) marks
the gateway to Barcelona’s technological district 6. Light and ceiling inside Casa Batlló
7. A paddle board 8. La Boqueria Market 9. A restaurant menu in the Barrio Gòtico

58 / HERITAGE / Fashion
HERITAGE / 59
Celestin (67) cuts a stylish figure outside a
local shop. He has been a Sapeur since he
was 12. He has four children and works as
a mason and builder. His favourite item is
his pair of Giorgio Armani braces.
Kass (42) has been a
Sapeur for 20 years. He
has three children and
sells clothes in a small
shop. His favourite item
is his pair of J.M. Weston
shoes, which can cost
hundreds of dollars.
© Tariq Zaidi
FRESH
DEBONAIR
Milan, Paris, London and...Brazzaville?
The Republic of the Congo’s capital might be an
unlikely hub of haute couture, but its SAPEURS
have given “dapper” a new meaning.
text and photography Tariq Zaidi

60 / HERITAGE / Fashion
HERITAGE / 61
Below: Elie (45) has been a Sapeur
since the age of 10. He has one child
and owns two taxis, which he rents out
in order to save up for his Ganni bag,
J.M. Weston crocodile shoes and Louis
Vuitton cane. But his most prized item is
his blue Ruben O suit. Right page above:
Arle (33) performs the signature Sapeur
greeting of stamping and clicking his
heels together. He has been a Sapeur for
eight years and works as a driver. Right
page below: Celestin (67) is a builder
who has been a Sapeur for 55 years. He
shows off his beloved Emmanuelle Khanh
sunglasses and Giorgio Armani braces.
IMMACULATELY DRESSED in
a pink three-piece suit, bow tie and
sunglasses, Maxim wouldn’t look out
of place on a catwalk at Paris Fashion
Week. But he happens to be strutting his
stuff in Ouenzé, a suburb of Brazzaville.
Despite the sewage-strewn streets, crumbling
concrete homes, chickens pecking
the dust around his feet and, of course,
the intense heat, this 43-year-old Sapeur
looks like a million dollars. Followers of
Société des Ambianceurs et des Personnes
Élégantes (the Society of Tastemakers
and Elegant People) aka La SAPE, the
Sapeurs will spend US$3,000 on a suit
when they don’t even have running
water, and go without food in order
to save up for the right designer accessories.
Most have ordinary day jobs as
taxi drivers and gardeners, but as soon
as they clock off, they transform themselves
into debonair dandies.
Defying their circumstances by
sashaying through the streets, the Sapeurs
are treated like rock stars as they turn
heads and bring joie de vivre to their
communities. Spending money on ornate
umbrellas and silk socks might seem
surreal when almost half the population
of the country lives in poverty, but the
La SAPE movement aims to do more
than just lift spirits. Over the decades, it
has functioned as a form of resistance,
social activism and peaceful protest.
La Mairie or De Guy, bars on the
dusty streets in Brazzaville, may not
look like churches or temples, but every
Sunday evening the Sapeurs visit these
well-known places of worship. Their
god is fashion and, as you’d expect, the
ceremonial robes are spectacular. From
the tips of their Armani fedoras, to the
soles of their shiny J.M.Weston shoes,
these men are dressed to the nines. As
they click their heels, showing off flamboyant
braces while twirling their canes,
© Tariq Zaidi
“The true art lies in a Sapeur’s ability to put together a
look that is European, but has an African twist”
they’re in stark contrast with their slumlike
surroundings. The Republic of the
Congo is one of the poorest countries in
the world, and yet for followers of La
SAPE, labels are everything – knock-offs
are not accepted – and they prefer to
get their clothes directly from Europe,
waiting for friends to travel to Paris or
London to buy clothes from designers
such as Dior, Gucci, Jean-Paul Gaultier,
Armani, Kenzo, Yamamoto and Versace.
The gross national income per capita
(per year) in the Republic of the Congo
may be US$1,710, but the Sapeurs will
think nothing of spending that on a
single pair of shoes.
Most of these men will save up for
years or borrow huge sums to fund their
lavish wardrobes. They will also share
clothes to maintain the appearance of
affluence, pick up items from fashion
boutiques in Brazzaville, or have pieces
made by local tailors. True “Sapologie”
is about more than expensive labels; the
true art lies in a Sapeur’s ability to >

62 / HERITAGE / Fashion
HERITAGE / 63
put together a look that is European,
but has an African twist.
The movement can be traced back
to the Congolese resistance in the 1920s,
when young men sought to adopt and
imitate French and Belgian clothes as a
way of combating colonial superiority.
Congolese houseboys spurned their
masters’ secondhand clothes and became
defiant consumers, acquiring the latest
fashions from Paris by spending their
small monthly wages extravagantly.
After independence in 1960, Kinshasa
– the Democratic Republic of the Congo’s
capital – and Brazzaville became centres
for a new African Francophone elite.
They travelled to Paris and London,
returning with designer clothes. Congolese
people are known for taking pride
in their appearance – their maxim being
that they would rather dress well than eat
well – yet La SAPE takes the art of looking
good to the next level. Papa Wemba,
the famously dapper Congolese rumba
singer credited with popularising the
Sapeur look, said inspiration for La
SAPE came from his parents who, in the
1960s, were, “always well put together,
always looking very smart.”
Although during the 1980s there
were campaigns to ban Sapeurs from
public spaces, they have been resurgent
in recent years, and are now treated
with respect as a vital and life-affirming
part of the country’s cultural heritage.
Sapeurs of all ages continue to gather
to dance, talk and have friendly fashion
face-offs as they compete for the bestdressed
title. In a country torn apart by
colonialism, corruption, civil war and
poverty, the Sapeurs have found that
shared sartorial ambitions – and their
gentlemanly civil code of conduct – can
help to heal the infighting. “I don’t see
how anyone in La SAPE could be
violent or fight. Peace means a lot to
us,” says Severin (62), whose father was
also a Sapeur.
The La SAPE movement is constantly
evolving beause the country’s disenfranchised
youth see fashion as a way of
navigating the journey from developing
country to a more hopeful future.
Despite being a tradition passed down
the patrilineage, many Congolese women
have begun donning designer suits, in
order to become “Sapeuses”. And the
increasing La SAPE following across
Central Africa is being helped by the
region’s exuberance and freedom of
expression.
As Papa Wemba once said, “White
people invented the clothes, but we make
an art of it.” Indeed, a quick perusal of
the images herein should leave you in
little doubt as to “who wore it better?”
Boukaka (30) has
been a Sapeur for 25
years. He works as
an electrician, has a
child and is married.
Although he loves
his Ray-Ban glasses
and Tissot watch, his
favourite accessory is
his earring.
“The Sapeurs
will spend
US$3,000 on a
suit when they
don’t even have
running water”
© Tariq Zaidi
Above: Maxim (43) has been a Sapeur
since he was seven years old. He mixes
labels such as Yves Saint Laurent and
Christian Dior with suits that he has made
himself. Now married and the father of
two children, he teaches others the art of
dressing elegantly. Left: Nino (31) takes a
stroll through his neighbourhood with his
Mississippi-style wooden pipe. He paints
houses and fixes roofs, but in Sapeur
mode, he’s treated like a rock star.

ENTERTAINMENT / 65
Kenya Airways
offers its passengers
complimentary inflight
entertainment.
The programme will
vary in different aircraft
types. Check your
screen to view the
selection on your flight.
Relax & Enjoy
Discover our complimentary blockbusters, new releases,
African films, all-time favourites, Bollywood films, TV, audio and
games during your flight. These are this season’s highlights.
Gravity
(read more on the next page)
“ You just point the damned thing at Earth.
It’s not rocket science”
– Matt Kowalski –
Played by George Clooney in the movie Gravity
MOVIE RATINGS
G Suitable for all ages PG Some material may not be suitable or children PG-13 Some material may be inapproriate for children under 13
R Under-17s should watch only with parental approval Please note: at certain periods of the month the programming may differ from that shown.

66 / ENTERTAINMENT
ENTERTAINMENT / 67
New Releases
New Releases
Gravity
Sci-Fi
Alfonso Cuarón approached the
creation of Gravity with one clear
theme in mind: adversity. From
this sprung the image of a lone
figure spinning into space.
Gravity follows medical engineer Dr.
Ryan Stone (Sandra Bullock) as she
embarks on her first space mission.
Alongside her, on his last expedition
before retirement, is veteran astronaut
Matt Kowalski (George Clooney).
When debris strikes their shuttle, causing
irreparable damage and killing all
but Stone and Kowalski, the two are left
stranded with little hope of rescue.
Though intent on survival, they must
overcome extreme conditions and acute
isolation as they fight to make it back to
Earth. On more than one occasion, the
looming maw of space forces them to
confront their own mortality.
Cuarón and his team were faced with
unique challenges as they worked to
accurately simulate the physics of space.
They were pushing the boundaries of
film-making, and at times it seemed as
thought their dream was impossible to
execute. Four years of dedication and
innovation later however, Gravity came
to screens in all its cinematic glory. It
has since been lauded for its cinematography,
visual effects, musical score and
direction. Sandra Bullock’s performance
was also met with much critical acclaim.
Tag (2018) COMEDY
Every year, five friends meet to play tag, which they’ve done since school. This
year, the game coincides with the wedding of the only undefeated player.
Jeremy Renner, Ed Helms, Jake Johnson. R, 100 mins. Director: Jeff Tomsic.
Crazy Rich Asians (2018) COMEDY
This contemporary romantic comedy, based on a global bestseller, follows
native New Yorker Rachel Chu to Singapore to meet her boyfriend’s family.
Constance Wu, Henry Golding. PG-13, 120 mins, Director: Jon M. Chu.
Modern Life Is Rubbish (2017) COMEDY
Brought together by their shared love of music, Liam and Natalie are at
breaking point. In their case, opposites attract in the short term.
Ian Hart. R, 105 mins. Director: Daniel Jerome Gill.
Ocean’s 8 (2018) ACTION
Just out of prison, Danny Ocean’s sister and criminal mastermind, Debbie,
gathers a crew of female thieves to pull off the heist of the century.
Sandra Bullock, Cate Blanchett. PG-13, 110 mins. Director: Gary Ross.
The Darkest Minds (2018) SCI-FI
After a disease kills most of America’s children, the survivors develop superpowers
and are placed in internment camps. A group of teens escapes.
Mandy Moore. PG-13, 103 mins. Director: Jennifer Yuh Nelson.
The Predator (2018) ACTION
When the universe’s most lethal hunters return to Earth, only a ragtag
crew of ex-soldiers and a teacher can prevent the end of the human race.
Yvonne Strahovski, Olivia Munn. R, 107 mins. Director: Shane Black.
Sandra Bullock, George Clooney.
PG-13, 91 mins. Director: Alfonso Cuarón.
Did you know
~ It took more than three years to create the film’s visual effects.
~ During filming Sandra Bullock was placed inside a giant, mechanical
rig for up to 10 hours at a time.
The Mercy (2018) ADVENTURE
The incredible story of amateur sailor Donald Crowhurst and his solo attempt
to circumnavigate the globe.
Rachel Weisz, Colin Firth. R, 112 mins. Director: James Marsh.
The Wedding Guest (2017) COMEDY
Returning home for his ex-girlfriend’s wedding, Adam must convince himself
and everyone else that he is truly happy for her.
Lea Thompson, Cobie Smulders. R, 105 mins. Director: Ryan Eggold.
The Meg (2018) ACTION
After escaping an attack by what he claims was a 21-m shark, Jonas Taylor
must confront his fears to save those trapped in a sunken submersible.
Ruby Rose, Jason Statham. PG-13, 113 mins. Director: Jon Turteltaub.

68 / ENTERTAINMENT
ENTERTAINMENT / 69
African Highlights
Bollywood
My Story
Dear Mummy B
Film
Picks from
the continent
We’ve selected the best of current African cinema,
including drama and comedy.
My Story (2018) DRAMA
A civil engineer supervising a building in a poor village takes a liking to a
poor boy. Things take an interesting turn when the engineer takes the boy
with him to the city.
Zubby Michael, Offiafuluagu Mbaka, Chizzy Alichi. R, 134 mins. Director:
Daniel Chukwueze.
Wet (2018) ROMANCE
A successful career woman, who has been jilted by many men, falls in love
with her assistant.
Ruth Kadiri, Fred Peters. R, 94 mins. Director: Emmanuel Mang Eme.
Dear Mummy B (2018) DRAMA
A single mother’s advice to her daughter’s friend goes viral on the
Internet, bringing with it fame and fortune. It also places a strain on their
relationship.
Ada Ameh, Yvonne Jegede Fawole. R, 100 mins. Director: Tope Oshin.
Wet
Cooked Up Love
Cooked Up Love (2018) ROMANCE
A combination of good looks, charisma and finesse makes Chef Abbey’s TV
show the toast of the cooking community. A twist on the show results in an
unlikely reunion with his ex.
Enado Odigie, Bimbo Ademoye. R, 98 mins. Director: Desmond Elliot.
Blood Brothers (2018) DRAMA
A greedy man attempts to usurp family assets after the demise of his brother.
However, his nephew decides to take measures to curb his uncle’s excesses.
Daniel K Daniel, Chinwe Owoh. R, 132 mins.
After Dark (2018) DRAMA
A ghetto boy invites his friend to stay in his mother’s house, only for his
presence to attract danger and propel his life in a different direction.
Daniel K Daniel, Ebele Okaru Onyiuke. R, 136 mins.
The Friend Zone (2017) DRAMA
Two good friends find themselves in a predicament when their emotions
get in the way of their friendship.
Ebube Nwagbo, Onyii Alex. R, 97 mins.
Wife for Rent (2016) ROMANCE
An ambitious young man seeks out a wife to rent when a colleague tells
him that he is likely to be overlooked for promotion at work because he’s
unmarried.
Seun Akindele, Mimi Orjiekwe, Tissy Nnachi. PG-13, 114 mins.
We’ve selected some recent comedy, drama and musical titles
from India’s Hindi-language cinema.
Newton (2017) COMEDY
A government clerk on election duty in the jungle
tries to conduct fair voting despite the apathy of
security forces and the fear of guerrilla attacks.
Rajkummar Rao, Pankaj Tripathi, Anjali Patil.
R, 106 mins. Director: Amit Masurkar.
The Brawler (2017) ACTION
Aspiring boxer Shravan works day and night to
achieve his dream of becoming a professional.
However, things go awry when he falls in love.
Vineet Kumar Singh, Zoya Hussain. R, 154
mins. Director: Anurag Kashyap.
Blackmail (2018) ACTION
When Dev finds out his wife is cheating on him,
Blackmail
Film
Picks from
Bollywood
he secretly blackmails his wife and her lover as
a form of revenge.
Irrfan Khan, Kirti Kulhari. R, 138 mins. Director:
Abhinay Deo.
Almost Single (2017) COMEDY
After reluctantly joining a dating app, a 35-yearold
widow accompanies an easy-going poet on a
trip to visit three of his exes.
Irrfan Khan, Parvathy, Bajrangbali Singh. PG-13,
125 mins. Director: Tanuja Chandra.
“Long before
me there was
another Newton...
I never understood
what he meant
while I was studying...
but now
while working I’ve
understood it”
Munna Michael (2017) MUSICAL
A young man tries to follow in the footsteps of
his idol, The King of Pop, Michael Jackson.
Tiger Shroff. R, 140 mins. Director: Sabir Khan. – Newton –

70 / ENTERTAINMENT
ENTERTAINMENT / 71
TV
Music Channel Explained: The Channel number for
your favourite music programmes is shown at the end
of each description. It's determined by the aircraft type,
so you will need to know what type of aircraft you’re on.
Please check the safety card in front of you.
Spotlight on
Van The
Man
Audio
Friends
Gillette World Sport
Northern-Irish musician Van
Morrison has touched copious
hearts with his spellbinding music.
With myriad hit songs, such as Brown
Eyed Girl, Moondance, Someone Like You
and Cyprus Avenue, Van Morrison has
become a music legend. His second album,
Astral Weeks, is regarded my most fans as
his best work, and it’s considered in the
industry to be one of the best albums of
all time. Bruce Springsteen said that Astral
Weeks gave him “a sense of the divine”.
CNBC Conversation Fish Life 24: Live Another Day
KQ Radio (with guest DJ)
Our guest DJs bring you some of Kenya’s
biggest hits. B737 CH. 3
Small Screen
Programmes
& Series
We’ve selected the best TV comedies, drama, sports
and lifestyle programmes for your entertainment.
Comedy
The Big Bang Theory, Season 10, Episodes 9, 10, 11: A woman who moves
into an apartment across the hall from two brilliant but socially awkward
physicists shows them how little they know about life outside of the laboratory.
Friends, Season 6, Episodes 5, 6, 7: This comedy hit follows the personal
and professional lives of six friends living in New York.
Fresh Prince Of Bel-Air, Season 2, Episodes 1, 2, 3: A streetwise young
man from Philadelphia is sent by his mother to live with his aunt, uncle and
cousins in their Bel-Air mansion.
Sports
Gillette World Sport, Season 1, Episode 9: A look at sports around the
world.
Super Bowl LII: The 2008 Super Bowl was one of the most sensational
season finales in 52 years, setting several records.
Pure Outdoor, Season 1, Episode 1: A look at the eco sports that people
have now embraced in their leisure time.
Pathfinders, Season 1, Episode 3: Pathfinders follows travellers who seek
adventure and open spaces.
Lifestyle
Dreams Aquamarine: A film that promotes relaxation through the use of
ocean colours and sounds.
Spirited Traveller, Season 1, Episode 1: Chef Kiran Jethwa maps Indian
cuisines and culture.
Cities Turn Green, Season 1, Episode 3: Portraits of New York’s urban
farmers.
Discover
Fish Life, Season 1, Episode 6: Witness the profusion of life that inhabits
the world’s oceans.
City Tour New York: Home to the Empire State Building, Times Square, the
Statue of Liberty and other iconic sites, New York is a fast-paced, globally
influential centre of art, culture, fashion and finance.
News
CNBC Conversation: Coverage of recent economic events.
Real Economy: Real Economy hones in on the economic issues that impact
our everyday lives.
Lasting Legacy, Season 2, Episode 1: Lasting Legacy goes behind the
scenes of some of Europe’s most successful family businesses, to find out
just how family life and company strategy cross over.
Drama
Bones, Season 11, Episode 7, 8: Forensic anthropologist Dr. Temperance
“Bones” Brennan and cocky FBI Special Agent Seeley Booth build a team to
investigate murders. More often than not there isn’t much more to examine
than rotten flesh and mere bones.
24: Live Another Day, Season 9, Episodes 3, 4: Jack Bauer comes out of
hiding in London to head off a massive terrorist attack while being hunted
down by American forces dispatched by President James Heller.
African Classics
The best tunes from classic African artists,
from Angélique Kidjo to Umanji. B737 CH. 4
Jazz
Our highly diverse collection is a must-listen for
the discerning jazz fan. B737 CH. 7
Pop
Enjoy our sampling of all of today’s most-loved
pop music. B737 CH. 8
Dance Hall/Reggae
We offer a fusion of sounds, with a range of
diverse artists. B737 CH. 6
Classical
Sit back and relax to our classical collection’s
awe-inspiring compositions. B737 CH. 5
Chinese Pop
The perfect selection for exploring the sounds
of the Orient. B737 CH.9
Easy Listening
Unwind and take it easy with some laid-back
sounds. B737 CH. 10
Meditation
Sit back, relax and de-stress to the ultimate
meditation mix. ONLY ON B787 and B777
“The first piece of music
that captured my imagination
was probably Ray Charles Live
At Newport”
– Van Morrison –
Getty Images

72 / ENTERTAINMENT
Kids
Animation
Teen Titans Go! To The Movies
A villain’s maniacal plan
for world domination
side-tracks five teenage
superheroes who dream
of Hollywood stardom.
With a few madcap ideas and
a song in their heart, the Teen
Titans head to Tinsel Town,
certain to pull off their dream
of starring in their own film.
But when the group is radically
misdirected by a super villain
and his maniacal plan to take
over the Earth, things really go
awry. The team finds their
friendship and their fighting
spirit failing, putting the very
fate of the Teen Titans themselves
on the line.
Greg Cipes, Scott Menville. PG, 88
mins. Directors: Aaron Horvath,
Peter Rida Michail
Film and TV
The Ones to Watch
These are the most popular films from our selection.
If you’ve already seen these, take your pick
from this season’s selection of 35 family and kids films.
Happiness Is A Warm
Blanket, Charlie Brown
Linus is pushed to his limits when he
learns Grandma is coming to visit.
Austin Lux, Amanda Pace. G, 60
mins. Directors: Frank Molieri,
Andrew Beall
Tom & Jerry (Classic)
Tom, a grey-and-white cat is always
trying to catch Jerry, a little brown
mouse.
Compilation
Captain Planet And The
Planeteers
A quintet of teenagers work together
to encourage environmentally
responsible behaviour.
Season 1, Episode 9
The Flintstones
The misadventures of a modern-day
Stone Age family, The Flintstones.
Season 1, Episode 15

SAFARI NJEMA / 75
Saint Valentine of Rome, who
was executed for performing
weddings for soldiers, signed his
farewell letter, “Your Valentine”.
✈ To book flights to Gabon go to
kenya-airways.com.
Safari Njema
Shutterstock
Five Valentine
Hotspots in New York
1 Brooklyn Bridge
provides great views of
Manhattan as you
walk across it on your
way to your romantic
dinner. It will also
ensure that you have a
good appetite.
2 Frenchette
is a very popular
French restaurant
that’s hard to get a
table at before 10 p.m.,
so if you want to impress
your Valentine,
book a month ahead.
3 Blue Hill
has a menu that’s
based on seasonal
crops grown at nearby
farms; a sustainable
choice for the environmentally
conscious
cupid.
4 Westlight
is a great rooftop bar
in Williamsburg where
you can enjoy cocktails
and toast to the sweeping
views of Queens,
Manhattan and
Brooklyn.
5 Rockefeller Center
provides a great activity
for intrepid romantics:
an outdoor ice-skating
rink. Buy tickets in
advance or just show
up. The last session
starts at 10.30 p.m.

Kenya Airways
launched a carbon
offset programme in
2011, the first African
airline to do so.
News
SAFARI NJEMA / 77
✈ Kenya Airways’ New York route
requires 4 pilots and 12 flight
attendants.
The Flying Blue interview
Company Man
The Flying Blue Gold member and Senior Executive Director of Kenafric Industries
Ltd. was on the recent inaugural non-stop flight to New York. While growing his
business, Mayur Shah has spent countless hours in the sky with Kenya Airways.
Mayur Kumar V. Shah
Nationality
Kenyan
Profession
Senior Executive Director of
Kenafric Industries Ltd.: one of
the largest home-grown and
privately owned consumer goods
makers in East Africa.
What’s your personal story?
I was born in Karatina as the youngest in
a family of four brothers. My father came
to Kenya from Gujarat, India, in search
of greener pastures. After many years, he
began a wholesale business. This is where
I got my love for entrepreneurship. It
runs in my blood. I’m passionate about
positioning Kenafric as the leading
household manufacturer of diverse
consumer goods, from footwear and
confectionery, to food and stationery.
What does Kenya Airways mean to you?
My relationship with Kenya Airways
spans over 20 years. It’s my only solution
when travelling to many destinations. A
national symbol that’s true to its mantra:
it is indeed the Pride of Africa.
What examples do you have that
illustrate this?
Kenya Airways has been instrumental to
the success of my business. The airline’s
robust network has enabled us to penetrate
many markets across Africa. We
export to over 25 countries including
the Democratic Republic of the Congo,
Senegal, Mali, Uganda and, recently,
Ghana.
What keeps you coming back?
The world-class service and care I receive
on board. As a frequent flyer, the
staff recognise me and make me feel
appreciated. The warm, friendly African
hospitality is something I experience
whenever I travel with the airline.
Why is the direct flight to New York so
important to you?
It’s a real game-changer as the fastest
connection from East Africa to New
York. At only 14-15 hours, I get to save
time, which is key for a business traveller
like me. It will also play a pivotal role in
boosting our economy. I see immense
trade opportunities for Kenya and New
York. It will help push up tourist numbers
and promote trade and investment
in both regions.
What makes you feel proud when
travelling?
As a country, we are already known for
our famous game reserves like Maasai
Mara, and our long-distance runners.
Now we can add Kenya Airways to the
list as the first airline in East Africa to
offer non-stop flights to New York. This
is something to be proud of: the feeling
that I’m supporting and building Kenya
whenever I travel the Pride of Africa.
“Kenya Airways has been
instrumental to the success
of my business”
What’s your most interesting travel
encounter?
Once, while travelling to Tanzania, I met
a business mogul on board a Kenya
Airways flight with whom I was able to
close my first deal for Dar es Salaam!
Other important people I have met include:
Ted Turner, founder of CNN,
and Frank and Dan Carney, founders
of Pizza Hut. They helped me to establish
the route I wanted to take in my
career, which has since created a new
destiny for my family and I. Finally, I
must not forget the Kenya Airways crew,
who light up my travels on every flight.

78 / SAFARI NJEMA
Want to know the carbon
emission of your flight?
Visit climatecare.org
and click on the
carbon calculator.
News
✈ Kenya Airways now flies to
Paris more often, with six direct
flights each week.
Leadership
Mikosz Attends Key Meeting
Group Managing Director and CEO Kenya Airways Sebastian
Mikosz joined other African aviation leaders for the 50th
African Airlines Association (AFRAA) Annual General
Assembly (AGA) and Summit on 25 and 26 November
2018 in Rabat, Morocco.
The AGA and summit is a high-profile air transport event
dedicated to airline CEOs and invited top executives in the
aviation industry. It brings together more aviation industry
executives and principal decision-makers than any aviation
event in Africa.
Like any other annual general meeting, the event provided an
opportunity for the sector’s leaders to deal with the most important
issues, which include the trends, challenges and opportunities
in Africa.
Speaking during the CEOs’ roundtable, Mikosz said, “African
airlines should not shy away from the high standards set out
because it’s in high compliance that the African airlines will
soar and thrive to even greater heights. Let’s not compromise
on standards.”
“I must not forget the
Kenya Airways crew,
who light up my travels
on every flight”
Farming
Grafting For
Better Yields
In southeastern Kenya, low and unpredictable rainfall
has caused consistently poor agricultural yields and
negatively affected local communities who rely on
subsistence farming.
Wildlife Works, Kenya Airways’ carbon offsetting partner,
carries out training with communities living in the Kasigau
Corridor in Tsavo using alternative crops that are better adapted
to growing in low rainfall. As part of this, Wildlife Works has
been grafting fruit seedlings since 2004.
Grafting involves joining a scion of a desired high-yield plant
onto a root stock seedling of a drought-resistant local variety.
Grafted seedlings produce high-quality and fast-maturing
plants, and provide tremendous opportunities for small-scale
farmers to enhance their incomes. Wildlife Works demonstrates
the grafting process to local community groups and school
groups (among others), and is proud to support farmers in
increasing yields, reducing the reliance on food aid and
empowering Kenyans to support their families financially.
− Mayur Shah −
Flying Blue Gold member
~ Offset your carbon With your Kenya Airways flight you can help to
protect the environment. Simply tick a box when booking to offset
carbon emissions per journey. Funds go to initiatives in conjunction
with Wildlife Works. Visit wildlifeworks.com to find out more.

80 / SAFARI NJEMA
SAFARI NJEMA / 81
About 80 percent of
Somalia’s population are
pastoralists.
News
✈ To book your flight to
Mogadishu go to jambojet.com
How many Miles did you
earn while flying to your
current destination? Find out
online with the Flying Blue
Miles Calculator.
Flying Blue
✈ There are new discounted award
tickets, or Promo Awards, available
every month, saving you up
to 50 percent on Award Miles.
Expansion
Cargo Flights Begin to The US
Kenya Airways’ inaugural cargo flight to New York’s John F.
Kennedy International Airport from Jomo Kenyatta International
Airport in Nairobi took place on 1 December paving
the way for increased trade between the two countries.
“We have gone through the entire regulatory clearances with
the TSA [Transport Security Authority], and we have been
engaging our customers on the potential. So if I look at the
demand in the pipeline, my worry now is that payload may
become an issue, but the demand is certainly there,” said
Commercial Manager Cargo Kenya Airways Peter Musola in
an NTV Kenya news report.
CEO Kenya Private Sector Alliance Carole Kariuki added, “A
lot of our products – horticultural flowers – have gone through
Europe and that is time lost. Remember, these are perishable
goods, so it means a lot more cost working on all manner of
technology to preserve them. This shortens all of that, meaning
more traffic of our products this way and more fresh products
that would come to the US market from Kenya.”
“The Pride of
Africa flies to
53 destinations
worldwide”
− Sebastian Mikosz −
Group Managing Director and
CEO Kenya Airways
Service improvements
Select Your
Seat
Kenya Airways has introduced a seat selection option
in Economy Class, meaning that guests can now
reserve a Preferred Seat or Extra Legroom Seat and
enjoy a little more comfort for a small fee.
Preferred Seats, which are closer to the front of the aircraft,
allow customers to disembark quicker, while the Extra Legroom
Seats offer a little more comfort than the rest of the Economy
Class cabin.
“We want to provide a choice of seat selection to enhance the
travel experience of those who prefer extra comfort, or being
seated in the front part of the Economy Class cabin for easy
access to the exit points,” said Group Managing Director and
CEO Kenya Airways Sebastian Mikosz.
This product is available on all Kenya Airways-operated
flights. Guests can now purchase their seats any time before
departure on our website – Kenya-airways.com – or any of
our sales outlets.
Kenya Airways flies to 43 destinations in Africa and carries over
4 million passengers annually. The Pride of Africa flies to 53
destinations worldwide. The airline continues to modernise its
fleet with its 32 aircraft being some of the youngest in Africa.
Membership levels
Redeem
Your
Miles!
The Flying Blue frequent flyer programme allows you to earn
Miles for every flight you take with Kenya Airways, Air France,
KLM, Joon, HOP!, Transavia, Aircalin, TAROM, SkyTeam,
or other airline partners. You can redeem your Miles to fly with
Kenya Airways or upgrade your seats to Business Class.
There are four membership levels in Flying Blue, and with each qualifying
flight you take, you gain XP (Experience Points). When you first enrol,
you will be awarded Explorer status, which progresses to Silver, Gold and
ultimately Platinum. The more you travel with Kenya Airways or one of
our partner airlines, the higher your level becomes, which results in you
earning more Miles and enjoying more benefits.
Miles can be redeemed for flights to destinations operated by Kenya
Airways or our partner airlines. Go for an upgrade, a seat with more
legroom or an “a la carte” feast with your Miles. Pay for your hotel stay
or car rental with Miles. Your accumulated Miles are valid for life as long
as you take an eligible flight at least once every two years. The total number
of Miles credited to your account on Kenya Airways-marketed flights is
based on distance, the booking class earning percentage, and the Elite
bonus earning percentage, if applicable.
~ Enrol now and start to enjoy the benefits Flying Blue has to offer.
Go to flyingblue.com for more information and to sign up.
1
Exchange
Reward Miles can be redeemed for a flight to
any Kenya Airways destination or an upgrade to
Business Class.
2
Check
Your choice of destination determines the
number of Miles required for your Reward ticket.
Log on to flyingblue.com to check if you have
sufficient Miles for your choice. It is advisable
to have flexible date options in case your initial
choice is not available.
3
Redeem
Once you have made your choice, you can
redeem your Award Miles by two methods:
A. Call the Kenya Airways contact centres in Nairobi
on +254 20 327 4747; +254 734 104747
or +254 711 024747.
B. Visit kenya-airways.com and go to Loyalty Program,
Flying Blue, Earn and Spend.
For further information, you can always contact us at
kenya-airways.custhelp.com.
4
Tax
Reward Miles do not cover tax charges. These
will need to be paid for separately and this can be
done so via credit card, M-Pesa or a cash payment
at any Kenya Airways office.
5
Easy Does It
Five steps to make
the most of your Miles.
Ticket
Once payment has been received, your e-ticket
will be sent to you by email.
~ Reward tickets are subject to seat availability. The
number of Miles required varies depending on available
booking class.
~ Miles can be used for flights and for upgrades to
Business Class when you have already purchased
an Economy Class Kenya Airways ticket on
Y,B,M,U,K,H,L,Q,T,R,N & V classes for all routes. All
upgrades are subject to seat availability in Business Class.

SkyTeam operates more than
17,000 departures a day to 1,080
destinations in 177 countries, and
offers SkyTeam members 750
lounges in airports worldwide.
SkyTeam
SAFARI NJEMA / 83
✈ Founded in June 2000, SkyTeam is a
major airline alliance that consists of 20
carriers from 5 continents.
2019
Another Exciting Year
for SkyTeam
January is a month to start afresh
and look ahead, so we’ve decided
to reveal just a little of what you
can expect from SkyTeam and its
member airlines in 2019.
This month, Garuda Indonesia celebrates
70 years in the sky, while Xiamen
Air becomes 35 in July. In 2019, Korean
Air turns 50, China Airlines becomes
60, Air France and Aeromexico both
reach 85 and KLM, one of the world’s
longest-operating airlines, will celebrate
its centenary in October. As for Sky-
Team, we turn 19 on 22 June.
Anniversaries aside, there are plenty
more developments to look forward to
in the coming months. Customers flying
with Middle East Airlines from Beirut
will be among the first to see its brandnew
airport expansion; keep an eye out
for updates as we countdown to the
grand opening.
SkyTeam launched its very first lounge
in London’s Heathrow Airport in 2009,
so this year marks our 10th year of
lounges, and the good news is that we
have no plans to slow down; in fact,
we’re adding more! This year will see
brand-new facilities open in Santiago
and Istanbul New Airport, giving you
more opportunities than ever to work,
call loved ones or simply unwind before
your flight.
Elsewhere, Air Europa will give customers
more choice and add two new routes
to its offering: Panama from February
and Iguazu from June. The airline will
also grow its fleet with five new Boeing
787-9s and its first three Boeing 737
MAXs.
They’re not the only ones: China Eastern
Airlines and Aeromexico will also sign
for new aircraft. And the latter has rolled
out a carefully crafted new menu for
Business Class customers on Europebound
flights.
~ This is only a taste of what’s to come this year,
follow us on Instagram @skyteamalliance on
Facebook @SkyTeam or visit skyteam.com.

84 / SAFARI NJEMA
SAFARI NJEMA / 85
Global Network
Kenya Airways Fleet
UNITED
STATES
London
GREAT-BRITAIN
THE NETHERLANDS
Amsterdam
Paris
FRANCE
Boeing 787 Dreamliner
Aircraft 7; Seats Economy 204, Premier 30; Crew 14;
Seat pitch Economy 32”; Premier 75”; Max. take-off weight
227,930kg; Fuel capacity 126,903 litres; Range 14,500km;
Typical cruising speed at 35,000ft Mach 0.85; Thrust per
engine at sea level 69,800lbs; Wing span 60.1m; Length
56.7m; Interior cabin width 5.49m
New York
SENEGAL
Dakar
Bamako
Freetown
SIERRA LEONE
Monrovia
LIBERIA
MALI
COTE
BENIN
Abuja
D'IVOIRE
GHANA
Lagos
Abidjan
Accra
Cotonou
NIGERIA
Djibouti
DJIBOUTI
CENTRAL
SOUTH SUDAN
ETHIOPIA
CAMEROON
AFRICAN REPUBLIC
Juba
Douala
Yaoundé
Bangui
UGANDA
KENYA
Entebbe/Kampala
Libreville
Kisumu
GABON
Kigali
NAIROBI
RWANDA
Brazzaville
DEMOCRATIC
REPUBLIC OF
Bujumbura
Kilimanjaro
Mombasa
Kinshasa
THE CONGO
BURUNDI
TANZANIA
Luanda
SUDAN
Khartoum
Addis
Ababa
Dar es Salaam
SOMALIA
UNITED
ARAB
EMIRATES
Dubai
Mahé
SEYCHELLES
Moroni/COMOROS
ANGOLA
Lubumbashi
MALAWI
Dzaoudzi/MAYOTTE
Ndola
Lilongwe
ZAMBIA
Lusaka
Blantyre
Nampula
Livingstone
Victoria Harare
Falls
ZIMBABWE
Antananarivo
MAURITIUS
MOZAMBIQUE
MADAGASCAR
Mumbai
INDIA
Bangkok
THAILAND
CHINA
Guangzhou
Boeing 737-800
Aircraft 8; Seats Economy 129, Premier 16; Crew 8;
Seat pitch Economy 32”, Premier 47”; Max. take-off weight
79,015kg; Fuel capacity 26,020 litres; Range 5,665km; Typical
cruising speed at 35,000ft Mach 0.78; Thrust per engine at
sea level 26,400lbs; Wing span 34.3m; Length 39.5m;
Interior cabin width 3.53m
Boeing 737-700
Aircraft 2; Seats Economy 100, Premier 16; Crew 7;
Seat pitch Economy 32”, Premier 40”; Max. take-off weight
70,080kg; Fuel capacity 26,020 litres; Range 6,225km;
Typical cruising speed at 35,000ft Mach 0.785;
Thrust per engine at sea level 26,400lbs; Wing span 34.3m;
Length 33.6m; Interior cabin width 3.53m
Johannesburg
Maputo
Chantal van Wessel/Vizualism
SOUTH
AFRICA
Cape Town
Embraer 190
Aircraft 15; Seats Economy 84, Premier 12; Crew 7;
Seat pitch Economy 31”, Premier 38”; Max. take-off weight
51,800kg; Fuel capacity 16,153 litres; Range 2,935km;
Typical cruising speed at 35,000ft Mach 0.82; Thrust per
engine at sea level 20,000lbs; Wing span 28.72m;
Length 36.24m; Interior cabin width 2.74m

86 / SAFARI NJEMA
SAFARI NJEMA / 87
The Nairobi National Park
stopover package allows guests
travelling on flight KQ101 from
London Heathrow to enjoy a
wildlife tour during their transit.
Welcome to Kenya
✈ Passengers travelling in
a group of at least ten
(economy cabin) or five
(business cabin), can
request for a group fare.
SOUTH-
SUD A N
E T HIOPIA
Practical tips
Getty Images
Getting around
On Arrival
TO THE CITY
Jomo Kenyatta International Airport is about a 30-minute drive away
from Nairobi city. Moi International Airport, Mombasa is a 20-minute
drive to Mombasa city. More time is needed during rush hour.
VISA
Most visitors to Kenya require a visa. Multiple and single entry visas are
available. You can apply at any Kenya High Commission or Embassy
prior to travelling. The single entry visa (obtainable upon arrival at the
airport) is US$50 (correct at time of print) or the equivalent in local currency.
You will also require a passport that is valid for three months from
the moment of entry.
Health
Emergency services
Dial 999. Note that
ambulance services are
mostly private. Services
include: St Johns
Ambulance +254 72 161
1555 or Kenya Red
Cross Ambulance
+254 71 771 4938.
Hospitals
Nairobi and Mombasa
have good hospitals.
Medical expenses
Make sure you have
adequate travel health
insurance and accessible
funds to cover the cost of
any medical treatment.
Consultations and
treatments will have to
be paid for at the time,
and the costs claimed
back later.
General
Voltage
240 volts AC, using
three-square-pin,
13-amp-type plugs.
Security
It is advisable not to walk
alone in isolated areas
in towns or on beaches,
particularly after dark.
Tipping
Tips are appreciated. Most
hotels/restaurants add a
10 percent service charge.
Water
It is wise to drink or use
only boiled or bottled water,
and to avoid ice in drinks.
Self-drive
Traffic adheres to the lefthand
side of the road, and
most cars are right-hand
drive. A current driving
licence with photograph is
accepted for up to a threemonth
stay.
Public transport
Nairobi is the only city with
an effective municipal bus
What & How
service. Local (private)
matatus are the main
means of getting around.
Taxi service Uber operates
in Nairobi and Mombasa.
Photography
Taking photographs of
official buildings, including
embassies, can lead to
detention. Photography is
also prohibited at airports.
Embassies & consulates
All embassies are
located in Nairobi.
ID
You must carry a valid form
of ID with you at all times.
Post office
Open 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.,
Mondays to Fridays; and 9
a.m. to 12 noon Saturdays.
Telephone/internet
Phone cards may be
bought from post offices
or international call
offices. Emails can be sent
from most hotels.
Money matters
Currency
Kenyan shilling (KES)
Currency regulations
There are no restrictions on
the movement of currency
into or out of Kenya for
currency transactions.
Banking
Banks are generally open
from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.,
Mondays to Fridays;
and 9 a.m. to 12 noon
Saturdays. Banks in
coastal towns open
and close half an hour
earlier. Most ATMs accept
international VISA cards.
Credit cards
Visa and MasterCard are
widely accepted.
Hotel bill payment
Pay in Kenyan shillings or
convertible currency.
Most hotels also accept
credit cards.
Gulu
UGA N D A
Lokichokio
Sibiloi
Central
National
Songot 1755 m Island
Park
National
Park
Namoratunga
Muruasigar
Stones
2149 m
LAKE
TURKANA
Lodwar
Nasolot
National
Reserve
Maralal
Saiwa
National
Matthew’s Peak
Swamp
Sanctuary
2375 m
Mt Elgon
National
National Park
Kaisungua
Maralal
Reserve
Kitale
3167 m
Samburu
National
Mt Elgon
Kerio Valley
Reserve
Shaba National
4322 m
National Reserve
Reserve
ELDORET
Archer’s Post
LAKE BARING O
Kakamega
Buffalo Springs
Forest Reserve
Lake Bogoria Isiolo
National
Meru
Reserve
National Reserve
National
Kakamega
Park
Ndere Island
Nanyuki
National Park
KISUMU
Meru
Mt Londiani
Rusinga Island
Kericho
3000 m
North
Nakuru
Mt Kenya
Kitu
Lake Nakuru
5199 m
National
Mfangango
National
Park
Nyerri
Embu
Reserve
Island
Kisii
Muranga’a Mwea
Ruma
Hell’s Gate
National
LAKE
National
National Park
Mt Longonot 2777 m Reserve
Park
RIFT VALLEY
VICTORIA
Longonot National Park
Thika
Migori
Narok
NAIROBI
Oi Donyo National Park
Masai Mara
Nairobi
National Reserve
National
Park
Chantal van Wessel
TA NZANIA
South
Turkana
National
Reserve
South
Island
National
Park
RIFT VALLEY
LAKE
MAGADI
Shompole
Conservancy
CHALBI DESERT
Loiyangalani
Mt Kulal 2285 m
OFFICES & AGENTS
Head Office Airport North Road, Embakasi
P.O. Box: 19002 – 00501 Nairobi, Kenya, Tel +254 (0)20 6422000,
Safaricom +254 0711 02 2000, Airtel +254 0734 10 2000
Contact Centre (24 hours) Tel +254 (0)20 3274747
Safaricom +254 0711 02 4747, Airtel +254 0734 10 4747
Email: customer.relations@kenya-airways.com
JKIA Sales Office Terminal 1C – International Departures
Tel +254 (0)20 6423506/8,
Terminal 1D – Domestic Departures Tel +254 (0)20 6423570
Baggage Services Tel +254 0737 33 3954
Email: delayedbaggage.nbo@kenya-airways.com
Kajiado
West
Chyulu Game
Conservation
Area
Amboseli
National Park
Mt Kilimanjaro 5895 m
Marsabit
National
Reserve
Losai
National
Reserve
Marsabit
Marsabit
National
Park
Tsavo West
National
Park
K ENYA
Tsavo
East
National
Park
Voi
Kora
National
Park
Moyale
Rahole
National
Reserve
Mwaluganje
Elephant
Sanctuary
Shimba Hills
National
Reserve
Garissa
MOMBASA
Wajir
Tana River
Primate National
Reserve
Malka Mari
National
Reserve
Arabuko
Malindi Marine
Sokoke
National Park
National
Park
Malindi
Watamu Marine
National Park
Diani
Kisite Marine National Park
Kisite Marine National Park
Boni
National
Arawale Reserve
National
Reserve
Dodori
National
Reserve
SOMALIA
INDIAN
OCEAN
100 km

SAFARI NJEMA / 89
Cargo
Very Important Pet
Golden Ticket
On board the maiden direct fiight
from New York to Nairobi was a
very special guest with a sky-high
cuteness factor: a Goldendoodle
puppy!
Louie made the journey in cargo thanks
to the joint efforts of Kenya Airways,
Avia Cargo and The ARK at JFK's Pet
Oasis. A cross between a Golden Retriever
and Poodle, Louie was bred in Alabama
and was on his way to his new home in
Kenya.
Delivered directly to the aircraft in time
for the inaugural flight last October, Louie
received the VIP experience. He was safely
loaded and secured in the aircraft's temperature-controlled
and pressurised cargo
hold, where he rested during the trip. The
doors opened in Nairobi, and Louie was
carefully unloaded. After a veterinary
inspection and a breeze through customs,
he was united with his owner, who was
pleased to see him in such good spirits,
"I couldn't believe how happy, clean and
excited he was after a 15-hour flight!" she
says. "It not only makes me want to teil
the world to trust how amazing Kenya
Airways is, hut makes me confident to
take Kenya Airways to JFK myself."
Louie is just the first of many animals
that are now able enjoy the ultra longhaul
journey in comfort and safety.
Kenya Airways is committed to providing
the best possible travel experience for
animals in transit. "KQ Live is our safe
and caring service for the transportation
of animals," says Boniface Mugugu,
Cargo Sales Manager Kenya Airways
(KQ). "We offer continuous care for
animals by spe­cially trained staff before,
during and after flights."
KQ Live is available to all Kenya Airways
destinations. As well as accompanied and
unaccompanied pets, wild animals (such
as rescued monkeys in the care of wildlife
associations) are also allowed to travel.
As live animals are the first item to
come out of the aircraft upon arrival,
both pets and wild animals are loaded
last and kept next to the entrance, where
off-loading time is at a minimum. In
most cases, a vet is present before take
off and on arrival as an extra measure.
This is sometimes necessary for wild
animals.
Kenya Airways strictly adheres to a failsafe
process that helps to prevent the
illegal traflicking of wildlife, particularly
endangered species. A dedicated sales
and customer service team attend to all
questions or concerns, and information
about anima! shipments is available via a
track and trace system on the website
after flight departure.

90 / SAFARI NJEMA
KQ won the Best
Business Class in
Africa for five years
in a row from World
Travel Awards.
Get Comfortable
✈ KQ received an International
Safety Award in 2016 and 2017
from the British Safety Council.
What you need to know
Flight Mode
Safety
Please watch the safety demonstration before
take-off and refer to the leaflet in your seat
pocket. Smoking is prohibited on all flights.
Electronic devices including laptops, tablets
and mobile phones may not be used during
take-off and landing.
Hand luggage
Place hand luggage in the overhead storage
or beneath the seat in front of you. Cabin crew
will remove hand luggage from passengers
seated in exit rows for take-off and landing.
1 Get a good night’s sleep, eat a light
meal and take some gentle exercise
before your flight.
Travel
On The Move
Six top tips for a healthy and comfortable journey
2 Wear comfortable clothing and shoes.
3 Keep your circulation going by standing
up and walking in the aisle when
possible. Flex muscles in your feet, arms,
shoulders and neck.
4 Low cabin humidity on longer
journeys can cause dry eyes, nose and
throat. Remove contact lenses and apply
“To get lost is to
learn the way”
– African proverb –
moisturiser and lip balm. Avoid salt,
drink plenty of water and moderate
your intake of alcohol, tea and coffee.
5 When travelling across time zones
your body’s sleep rhythms can become
disrupted, leading to insomnia, loss of
appetite and fatigue. Try to give yourself
some time to adjust to new night and
day cycles when you arrive.
6 On arrival spend as much time as
possible outside. Sunlight helps your
body to adjust to a new time zone.
Seat adjustments
Ensure your seat is upright for take-off and
landing.
Infants
Baby-changing tables can be found in
selected toilets. The crew will help prepare
baby food. Cots are available on some flights.
Inflight service
A hot meal is normally served during longhaul
flights. Special-diet or vegetarian meals
are available when pre-ordered. There is a
courtesy inflight bar service for wine, beer,
spirits and soft drinks.
Entertainment
Seat-back entertainment featuring a range of
movies and music is available on our long- and
medium-haul flights. Please refer to the IFE
guide in Msafiri.
Take-off
The aircraft climbs steeply immediately after
take-off. Shortly afterwards you will hear
a reduction in the engine sound, while the
aircraft continues to climb. All aircraft cabins
are pressurised. Due to a change in pressure
during take-off and landing, some passengers
may experience slight discomfort in their ears.
Relieve this by swallowing, yawning or pinching
the nostrils gently, while keeping lips sealed.
Landing
After touchdown you may hear an increase in
engine noise due to the reverse thrust applied
to assist braking. Remain seated until the
engines are off and the doors are open.