Karibu Magazine July 2022 (updated)

KARIBU 

5TH EDITION 

23TH JULY 2022 

KENYANS IN THE UK MAGAZINE 

LYNN NGUGI 

QUEEN OF CONSISTENCY 

THEM MUSHROOMS 

The Story 

THE MOTIVATS 

Dr Beatrice Lukose 

ANGEL MUNGE 

(VOICE OF THE YOUTH) 

PHOTO 

COLLECTION 

INSURANCE 

NATIONAL BANK OF KENYA 

TSAVO 

Dressed by: 

@elegance_fashion_kenya 

Photo credit: @veejaystudios 

@jony_hairdesigner

EDITORIAL 

Karibu (Kenyans in the UK) 

Greetings and a warm welcome to the 5th 

issue of Karibu Magazine. This indeed is a year 

of renewed victory for many Kenyans in the 

UK especially as we continue to pick up the 

pieces following the covid-19 pandemic. Covid 

19 effectively robbed us of the opportunity 

and freedom to mingle. Nevertheless, we were 

unstoppable. During the Lockdown, we held an 

online version of the event with uninterrupted 

continuity. Our primary focus is to ensure that 

by the end of the event and as you read through 

Karibu Magazine you should be motivated, 

transformed, entertained and inspired. There 

is no better place other than the Kenya and 

Friends in the Park (KFITP) forum to guide and 

help you find key information and investment 

opportunities. 

Key social events such as KFITP have become 

a central and instrumental element in forging 

closer relations between UK Kenyans and the 

host British community, therefore promoting 

progressive positive branding of the image of 

Kenya abroad. This inevitably opens doors for 

more Kenyan products and services mainly aimed 

at the Kenyan market in the diaspora. 

Post-Covid changes in the social-economic, 

environmental and political spheres mean that 

now is the time to focus innovatively on different 

areas of investment, public-private partnerships, 

youth engagement and governance to 

strengthen our community. As business resumes 

back to some normalcy, a renewed and deeper 

bilateral and multilateral cooperation between 

Kenya and the UK in the areas of trade and 

Investment will open greener opportunities 

across the borders. We shall also witness the UK 

Kenyan community continue to grow steadily 

over the years. 

The culture of Kenya, which is a central theme 

of KFITP, reflects a cultural diversity with many 

ethnic groups, cultural values, cultural influences, 

national culture, cultural identity and ethnicity. 

All these attributes make Kenya unique and a 

very rich cultural microcosm of Africa. 

When Kenya and Friends in the Park became a 

2-day event in 2019 this created another golden 

opportunity to bring the Kenyan community 

together for socialising and networking on a 

wider scale. It became a bigger platform to 

Showcase Kenyan culture and a chance to brand 

our nation Kenya differently. To date, KFITP 

attracts over 10,000 Kenyans and friends each 

year. As the Kenyan community grows in the 

diaspora, the Karibu Magazine continues to 

bridge the gap between Kenyans living in the 

UK and beyond. We consistently work together 

with various community stakeholders to facilitate 

the integration of all Kenyans into the diaspora 

lifestyle by harnessing diverse skills, knowledge 

and expertise. 

Karibu Magazine values the contribution of Kenyans 

and friends of Kenya living in the UK. We look forward 

to continued collaboration as we embrace a better 

future beyond the pandemic. 

_____________________________________ 

Lydia Tett Olet 

Chief Editor 

5TH EDITION | JULY 2022 

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CONTENTS 

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EDITORIAL TEAM 

Publisher: 

Baraza J Namunyu 

Tel: +447783662746 

jnamunyu@gmail.com 

Editor in Chief: 

Lydia Olet. 

Tel: +447853207075 

info.karibu@gmail.com 

Sub editor: 

Lydia Jepchirchir Smith 

Tel: +44 7446 082958 

Graphics & design: 

mrkeya (Noah Keya) 

mrkeya@gmail.com 

+447401307994 

Marketing, 

Advertising and Circulation: 

Mercy Kiminta 

Tel: +447403159285 

sales.karibu@gmail.com

6 

5THEDITION | JULY 2022

www.kenyahighcom.org.uk 

THE KENYA HIGH 

COMMISSION 

The Kenya High Commission in London was established in 1963 to pursue Kenya’s national interest in 

the United Kingdom. The diplomatic mission in London is also accredited to the International Maritime 

Organization and the Commonwealth of Nations. Kenya and the UK enjoy cordial relations, and the 

mission’s mandate is to forge closer relations between the people of Kenya and the people of the 

United Kingdom in pursuit of deeper bilateral and multilateral cooperation in trade and investments, 

culture, science and technology as well as other fields for mutual benefit. 

LOCATION 

45 Portland Pl, Marylebone, 

London W1B 1AS 

Phone: 020 7636 2371 

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Monday - Friday 

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Chancery Opening Times: 

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GENERAL ENQUIRIES 

info@kenyahighcom.org.uk 

Phone: 020 7636 2371 

CONSULAR ENQUIRIES 

Email: 

immigration@kenyahighcom.org.uk 

Phone: 020 7636 2371 

7

LYNN NGUGI 


She is a leading Kenyan content creator and 

formidable talk-show host. Her name is a 

strong brand trending on the airwaves in Kenya 

and beyond. Her platform is a means of hope 

and enhancing meaningful change in society. 

Hers is a safe space where people open up with 

ease and tell their story just as it is. She is an 

inborn human-interest storyteller. People say 

that she grabs attention with her eloquence, 

clarity of ideas, and unique sense of humour. 

This is the story of Pauline Nyambura Ngugi. 

But please just call her Lynn Ngugi, or simply 

Lynn. Everybody knows Lynn. But how did she 

get to do what she’s doing today, where does 

her journey begin? 

EARLY CHILDHOOD 

Lynn was born at Pumwani Hospital Nairobi 

before her parents divorced. Their separation 

saw Lynn grow up in a poverty-stricken home. 

Lynn comes from a family of four girls with 

three sisters - Millicent, Ruth, and June. They 

occupied a rented single room in a block of 

flats in Huruma estate, alongside a bridge that 

linked Huruma estate and the Mathare slums. 

Lynn’s early years were rough as ever. Tough life 

gave her a strong determination to become a 

storyteller with a difference one day. 

8 

5TH EDITION | JULY 2022

Amazing Mother 

Lynn is immensely proud of her 

mother Margaret Ngina. To support 

her family, Margret sold shoes 

almost everywhere in Kenya. But 

this was not the life Margaret 

always dreamt of. In her younger 

years, Margaret always wanted 

to go to Kenyatta University. But 

when she found that she was 

pregnant as a teenager Margaret 

had a difficult life choice to make. 

She was now a young mother 

and this changed everything. 

Margaret is a major reason why 

today everywhere she goes, Lynn 

reminds us how her mother gave 

up the world (and her own future) 

for her girls. 

Absent father 

Lynn grew up with an absent but 

wealthy father. Mr Ngugi, who 

died in 2014, was both unavailable 

and unsupportive for most of 

her childhood. Lynn often speaks 

about her father wanting her elder 

sister Millicent (Shiku) to become 

a doctor. Similarly, he wanted Lynn 

to become a lawyer. Lynn asserts 

that her father had no clue how 

Lynn hated law with a passion., 

nor that deep down she wanted 

to become a storyteller. He was 

not a major presence in their lives 

anyway. Nevertheless, Lynn is 

grateful to both parents because 

without them both she would not 

be. 

Education 

Lynn literally fought her way 

through school. Constant lack 

of school fees saw her change 

schools often. She eventually 

completed class eight with high 

marks gaining a straight entry to 

Moi Girls Nairobi. Sadly she lacked 

the money to proceed since her 

older sister Milicent was still in 

high school. As a result, Lynn 

repeated at Ndururuno Primary 

School. She performed even 

better this time and gained entry 

to Kenya High Girls Nairobi. Lynn 

was disappointed again for lacking 

school fees and could not enrol. 

Her younger sisters Ruth Wangui 

and June Wanjiru were also in 

school. 

Magumu High School 

Having missed a chance at Moi 

Girls and Kenya High respectively, 

Lynn joined Magumu High School 

in South Kinangop near Kinale 

Town. It was discouraging, but it 

did not inhibit Lynn from scoring 

high marks in her exams. Lynn 

was exceptionally good at Maths 

and Physics. During her free time, 

she interviewed the students on 

various topics. Thus Lynn built her 

confidence and eloquence from a 

very early age. 

Mr Nandoha 

During her early years at Magumu 

High School, Lynn met a teacher 

who would later inspire her to 

consider Journalism as a career. 

Mr Nandoha spotted a streak for 

journalism in Lynn and encouraged 

her to work on it. He noticed her 

rare ability to sync well emotional 

with storytellers. Even her own life 

story is no doubt a blend of fate 

and luck. Nonetheless, Lynn has 

definitely done Mr Nandoha proud. 

Lynn’s Heritage 

In all respects, Lynn is, first of all, 

a Kenyan citizen, and second of 

all a Kikuyu girl from Muranga 

County. Her paternal ancestral 

home lies in Githuya, in Muranga, 

Central Kenya. Her maternal 

home lies in Kambi Village within 

Maragua. Essence, her father’s and 

her mother’s villages are only 30 

minutes apart in walking distance. 

The Kenya National 

Theatre 

For her KCSE exams, Lynn 

received straight A’s in maths and 

science with a B+ mean grade. 

Again, A lack of cash, bursary, or 

sponsorship to join the University 

of Nairobi sent Lynn away from 

the academic space for a while. 

To find something else to do 

with her life Lynn first considered 

acting and soon found her way 

to the Kenyan national Theatre in 

Nairobi. Successful auditions by 

the veteran David Aliwah ushered 

Lynn into set book theatre. But 

several set book plays later, Lynn 

realised a striking lack of fulfilment 

and she made up her mind to try 

journalism. Meanwhile, at the time 

her mother’s shoe business was 

picking up and Lynn was able to 

start college. 

School of Media 

Studies and Beyond 

Lynn started a course in journalism 

in 2011 at the East Africa School 

of Media Studies. She eventually 

graduated in 2013 from 

EASMS with a diploma in Mass 

Communication and Broadcast 

Journalism. After her college 

life ended Lynn went searching 

for a job in Kenya. After a few 

months of fruitless tarmacking, 

her friend Jackie who was already 

in Dubai (UAE) invited Lynn to 

join her. In Dubai, after a short 

spell of trekking (Kenyans call it 

tarmacking), Lynn landed a job 

at Costa Coffee as a barista. She 

worked for 6 months but was 

discouraged by the working hours 

and money. When she saw her 

former classmates - actress Jackie 

Matubia, photographer Brian 

Mwando, and Hassan Mugambi 

prospering back in Kenya, it forced 

Lynn to seriously reflect on her 

life and she finally considered 

returning to Kenya. But before 

coming home for good, Lynn 

worked as a project manager at 

the Qatar Foundation Research 

and Development organization 

between 2015 and 2016. 

The Kilimani Mums 

Show 

In early 2017 Lynn returned to 

Kenya quite loaded and excited to 

venture out with what she believed 

to be the ultimate talk show. With 

her entire savings and some help 

from a good friend Gregory Kiwo, 


9

LYNN NGUGI 


Lynn produced The Kilimani Mums Show. The pilot episode 

went viral within hours of release. She was trending. Things 

were 

looking marvellous. However, the excitement was shortlived. 

A copyright scandal hit her soon after the show hit the 

public space. Within days Lynn not only lost all her money 

but also her YouTube Channel and both episodes of her 

show. It left her broke and depressed. She was back to square 

zero, without work and without money. Now jobless, Lynn 

did nothing else but listen to messages from TD Jakes for 

inspiration. Meanwhile, a former college mate Edwin Ochieng 

was working with TUKO media house as a cameraman. One 

phone call from him one day would forever change Lynn’s life 

course and set her on a trajectory that put her where she is 

today. 

Joining TUKO - By accident 

Lynn joined TUKO officially as a reporter in a manner she 

often describes as “almost by accident.” Initially, she was only 

a sessional reporter. But TUKO were so impressed with her 

work they offered her a full-time job as a content developer. 

Lynn’s first breakthrough at TUKO followed a touching story 

about street women in Nairobi entitled “How Street Women 

in Kenya Deal with Periods”. The story brought overnight 

success to the TUKO platform. It has since received over 300k 

views and is one of the stories Lynn will live to remember 

most. By the time she left in September 2021, Lynn’s career at 

TUKO had taken an incredible upward trend. 

Leaving Tuko 

On September 2, 2021, speaking from Westwood Hotel, Lynn 

Ngugi confirmed the news about her leaving the Tuko News 

network. In the video, which has over 600k views to date, 

Lynn expressed her readiness to start a new phase of her life. 

She clarified that her exit from TUKO was strictly for career 

progression and not any work-related issues as alleged in 

various media outlets. 

The Lynn Ngugi Show 

Lynn is currently the executive producer of the Lynn Ngugi 

Show, effective September 2021. Her Youtube channel 

amassed more than 230k subscribers within two months 

of leaving TUKO, which is a huge testament to the sway of 

influence at her disposal. At the time of writing, the Lynn 

Ngugi YouTube Channel is in excess of 420k subscribers. Upto-date 

numbers could be significantly higher. 

Marriage and children 

Let’s address the elephant in the room - is Lyn Ngugi married? 

While speaking to Metha Ya Kagoni at some point, Lynn 

revealed that she previously was in a five-year relationship 

that sunk afterwards. Today, Lynn remains unmarried but 

continuously hints at being in a serious relationship. Is Lynn 

a mother? She has continuously denied this. She does, 

however, have a lookalike niece called Courtney. 

Awards 

Lynn has earned a couple of awards so far (and still counting) 

for her life-changing work as a storyteller. In December 2020 

she received a Humanitarian Award from Cafe Ngoma. In 

mid-2021, Lynn scooped the I Change Nations Community 

Ambassador Award. Later that same year, she was selected 

among the BBC’s 100 Most Influential Women. Early this year 

2022 she won the Best Digital Content creator- Women in 

Film Awards. At this rate, the only way is up for Lynn. 

Queen of consistency 

Lynn is all about impacting one life at a time. She does this in 

ways probably no other professional journalist would. Lynn 

knows the times in life when a person is starting something 

new and perhaps people around simply do not believe in 

what they are trying to accomplish. She understands very 

well; she’s been through it all and needs no lessons. Lynn 

has been through the trenches and emerged as a self-made 

personality worthy of society’s admiration, emulation, 

and respect. Perhaps you’re one of those people out there 

struggling as you read this story. If Lynn was speaking to 

you right now, she would tell you to chill out and remain 

consistent in your pursuits. Every successful person went 

through the trenches and prevailed by being consistent. Lynn 

knows it too well. After all, she is the queen of consistency. 

Lynn Ngugi’s contacts: 

Email: lynnngugi4@gmai.com 

Website: www.lynnngugi.co.ke 

Dressed by @elegance_f ashion_kenya 

Photo credit @veejaystudios @jony_hairdesigner 

10 


Lynn is all about impacting one life at a time. She does this in ways probably no othe 

professional journalist would. Lynn knows the times in life when a person is startin 

something new and perhaps people around simply do not believe in what they ar 

trying to accomplish. She understands very well; she's been through it all and need 

no lessons. Lynn has been through the trenches and emerged as a self-mad 

personality worthy of society’s admiration, emulation, and respect. Perhaps you'r 

one of those people out there struggling as you read this story. If Lynn was speakin 

to you right now, she would tell you to chill out and remain consistent in you 

pursuits. Every successful person went through the trenches and prevailed by bein 

consistent. Lynn knows it too well. After all, she is the queen of consistency. 

Lynn Ngugi’s contacts: 

1. lynnngugi4@gmai.com 

2. lynnngugishow@gmail.com 

Website: https://lynnngugi.co.ke/ 

Photo Credits: Lynn Ngugi (Instagram) 


11

SPECIAL FEATURE 


THE STORY 

Every music culture has its story of 

success and endurance. In Kenya, 

Them Mushrooms has outlived 

many groups without losing their 

focus as a creative and performing 

band. Five brothers Teddy Kalanda 

Harrison, Billy Sarro Harrison, 

George Zirro Harrison, John 

Katana Harrison, and Dennis 

Kalume Harrison initially founded 

the group in 1972. To date, Them 

Mushrooms is one of Kenya’s 

most successful bands in a wellrounded 

sense. Their thumbprints 

are evident in every discipline that 

constitutes the music business 

in Kenya. They have also helped 

launch and re-launch recording 

careers for other local artists. 

Jambo Bwana (Kenya Hakuna 

Matata) – the band’s biggest hit 

recorded in 1980, earned the 

group silver, gold, and platinum 

status (discs) for sales exceeding 

200,000. It also entered charts in 

seven different versions, the most 

notable done by Europe’s famous 

1970s disco group Boney M. The 

band’s slogan Hakuna Matata 

was adopted in a recording by 

Jimmy Cliff, which was also 

used as a theme song on the 

box-office hit movie Lion King. 

Them Mushrooms has recorded 

signature tunes for the BBC radio 

(UK), and KBC radio (Kenya) and 

has produced jingles for many 

Kenyan corporates. A British film 

producer of a documentary on 

Kenyanathletes’ likewise featured 

the band’s composition Pongezi 

Wanariadha. 

Ndogo Ndogo - the strongest 

track on the 1985 album New 

Horizons, was adapted as the 

soundtrack of a Kiswahili language 

film titled Mahari – produced by 

Paul Singh, a Kenyan filmmaker. 

In 1988 Them Mushrooms released 

Ukimwi Ni Hatari and Beware 

Of Aids, making the band the 

first to have recorded and released 

songs on HIV/AIDS awareness in 

Africa. 

The death in 1992 of youngest 

brother Dennis Kalume Harrison, 

then band drummer, was 

devastating. The band temporarily 

broke up, but pressure from their 

late (mother) Mrs Mandi Harrison 

and fans brought the band together 

again. The remaining brothers 

have recruited other musicians to 

complete the band’s lineup. Toys 

Of Death a single released in 1998, 

earned the group commendation 

from the International Coalition 

against Landmines. 

Spotlight On Kenyan Music 

Through 2005 and 2006, Them 

Mushrooms was involved in the 

12 



Afro-fusion project sponsored by 

the French embassy and Alliance 

Française in Nairobi. The band 

rehearsed with and backed up 

in concert, a total of twenty-two 

(22) up-and-coming Kenyan 

musicians. These musicians 

went on to record compilation 

albums, which were released on 

the world market. The band has 

performed in every imaginable 

venue among these Kenya’s 

dusty market venues in remote 

districts. Outside Kenya, Them 

Mushrooms has toured in Africa, 

Europe, the Middle East, and 

Asia. To date, Them Mushrooms 

have not only survived tragedy 

and changing times but are an 

institution that has spawned 

musical creativity in Kenya and 

East Africa as a whole. When 

talking about Them Mushrooms 

– 

Kenya’s and EastAfrica’s 

popular music group – their 

hit song Jambo Bwana comes 

to mind unbidden. The 1980 

composition was for years, the 

band’s most distinctive legacy. 

Besides its simple and catchy 

lyrics, its beats and rhythm 

appeal mystically to fans 

globally. 

The New Music 

But in a new quest to 

return to their roots, Them 

Mushroomshas now created 

‘NZELE’ music, which 

essentially borrows its rhythmic 

beats from Mwanzele, a 

traditional beat from Kenya’s 

coast. Nzele’s most distinct 

facet is the ‘Call’ and ‘Answer’ 

style. This involves the lead 

singer, who lyrically “calls” out, 

and backing vocals “answer” 

in a chorus response. The 

instrumental accompaniment 

revolves around the bass 

guitar, drums, percussion, 

keyboards, flute, horns (sax/ 

trumpet), and what the band 

refers to as a “stinging” guitar 

strum. Them Mushrooms’ 

Nzele beat is unique owing to 

its indigenous influence, which 

is artistically creative and 

innovative. The new Nzele-style 

compositions reflect a whole 

new dimension to the group’s 

musical identity. The direction 

the band has now adopted 

ushers in a new chapter for a 

group that maintains a tradition 

of recording ‘evergreen’ and 

somewhat timeless productions 

with uncanny consistency. And 

like their slogan aptly proclaims, 

Them Mushrooms is indeed the 

heartbeat of Kenya’s showbiz 

scene. 

Continues page 41 


13

ALICE NDEBU 

FOUNDER - LIVERPOOL USHIRIKA WOMEN’S GROUP 

My name is Alice Ndebu. I live in 

Liverpool, UK. I am married and we 

have four children Eric, Jack, Jackie, 

and Grace. Eric lives in Kenya with 

his own family. The rest live and 

work in the UK. We are blessed 

with several grandchildren too. I 

was born in Central Kenya, a small 

village called Kabuku in Limuru. 

Our late dad was a civil servant 

and he retired as a Provincial 

Probation Officer. My mum was a 

housewife but she also managed 

small enterprises. My sister and 

I spent most of our childhood in 

various primary schools based on 

our Dad’s work transfers. I spent 

my formative years at St Francis 

Girl’s Primary School and later at 

Mang’u High School. 

My interest in Nursing was sparked 

by my cousin. She was among 

the best four nurses in Kenya. 

She was my role model. I admired 

her uniform, white apron, and 

matching cap. Because of her, 

I pursued a Nursing career and 

now, I have been practicing for 

over 48 years! I started off in 

Mombasa, where I met a smart, 

handsome Kenya Navy officer 

called Samuel Ndebu. Today we 

have been married for over 44 

years. After Samuel took early 

retirement we decided to come 

to the UK to give our children a 

high-quality education. In 2001 

I came to Liverpool on my own 

to secure a nursing role and was 

successful. Six months later my 

family joined me. Life as a nurse 

in the UK came with ups and 

downs. Back in Kenya, I was a 

Senior Nurse running a dialysis 

unit in a large hospital. However in 

the UK, despite my expertise and 

years of experience, I was treated 

like a junior nurse. I nevertheless 

remained positive and let my 

work speak for itself. Eventually, 

my peers and supervisors learned 

that I was nothing close to their 

preconceived notions and began to 

respect me as I deserved. Today we 

are more than colleagues they are 

my second family. 

Community outreach and support 

are traits I learned from my Mother. 

She has always been at the heart of 

the community. Back in Kenya, I ran 

a small low-cost clinic to provide 

affordable village health services. 

I admired her uniform, 

white apron, and matching 

cap. Because of her, I 

pursued a Nursing career 

and now, I have been 

practicing for over 48 years! 

I also joined various “chamas” 

(informal corporative societies) to 

invest our savings. After meeting 

a few Kenyan families in the UK, 

I came up with ideas to support 

the community. In Liverpool, 

I became friends with 5 lovely 

Kenyan women. We met once a 

month to socialise and encourage 

one another. After a couple of 

meetings, I realised that this was 

the exact type of forum I was a part 

of back in Kenya. I proposed that 

we formalise the group’s outputs to 

include savings the same way we 

did back in Kenya with the merrygo-round. 

This was well received 

and that is how Liverpool Ushirika 

Women’s Group was born - more 

than 16 years ago. 

The Pioneers were myself as the 

first Chairlady, Florah Birengo 

(Treasurer), Pauline Ngugi 

(Secretary) alongside members 

Alice Gichuki, Priscilla Kiragu and 

Elizabeth Fikirry. Each of us invited 

our friends and today we have a 

total of 24 registered members. We 

have a rule that the chairperson 

steps down after 6 years. Our 

Mission 

was initially to hold prayer 

sessions, intercessions for family 

issues, and counsel individuals. We 

held monthly meetings 

each first Monday of 

the month. Today the 

group is dedicated 

to mutual support 

morally, spiritually, and 

financially. We have a 

membership kitty. The 

‘merry-go-round’ money 

is shared between 

two members each 

month. We to create 

space for women to network and 

share information. We organise 

holidays both locally and abroad. 

In Merseyside, we reach out to 

newcomers and help them settle 

quickly. On reflection, I see that 

my small idea has grown bigger 

than we initially anticipated. 

Despite some internal conflicts, 

we have stuck together through 

the years. All Ushirika sisters love 

one another. We all look forward 

to each first Monday of the 

month when we meet. Through 

the Liverpool Ushirika Women’s 

Group, our families have come to 

know each other better. I pray it 

continues. 

14 


5TH EDITION | JULY 2022 15

16 




THE MOTIVATS 

Dr Beatrice Lukose 

Motivating Well celebrated 

Love Influencers. 

Top Personalised Love 

Matchmakers in 

Kenya, Africa. 

The Motivats 

(from the word 

Motivate) 

are widely 

renowned 

as one 

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world’s 

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voices 

on love 

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Opra Magazine, Black love, 

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People Magazine, Daily Nation, 

The Voice, NWE Media. They 

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influencers to walk on the red 

carpet in Milan Italy. With 450 

million views on their hashtag, 

and one million-plus followers on 

social media their passion for Love 

skyrocketed last year when their 

daughter (@queenmotivat) started 

posting authentic, easy-tounderstand 

content on 

social media about Love 

and Lifestyle, changing 

the Love narrative 

worldwide. She uses the videos 

to feature her parents’ love life and 

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creativity to bring the message of 

Love in a Motivating and Inspiring 

way. They have authored 3 books 

on relationships i.e Tuning Your 

Relationship to Last a LifeTime, 

What she Needs to Blossom, and 

How to be a Nurturing husband. 

All of them are available in Kindle 

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As a Certified and Professional 

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in Emotional Intelligence Dr 

Bea provides peace of mind by 

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Being the top and first of its 

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and business expertise to ensure 

that they provide top-notch 

services to their clients. Using 

their emotional intelligence 

and data science background, 

18 


they also provide other services like Relationship and Dating 

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matchmaking experience, 

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So are you a Professional 

Single, Influencer, Leader, 

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every match is made with an 

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Matchmakers is ready to guide 

and support you in your love life. 

https://themotivats.com/pages/ 

about-the-motivats 

@queenmotivat 

( Instagram and Tiktok) 


20 


Voice of the Youth 

Angel Munge 

YOUTH CHAIRPERSON - LDSKCF 

My name is Angel Munge and I 

live in Luton, UK. I was born in 

the UK, and my parents are firstgeneration 

Kenyan migrants. 

Growing upintheUnitedKingdomas 

a British-Kenyan youth 

carries many challenges. Some 

Kenyan parents in the diaspora 

often viewusasBritishwhilesomepeopleintheBritishcommunityviewus 

as foreigners. It is 

therefore very easy for a young 

Kenyan person in the diaspora 

to experience an identity crisis, 

trying toforgetheirownidentityinsocietywhilstatthe 

same time 

seeking a bridge between two 

different cultures and two different 

generations. It isn’t easy! 

Luton is a vibrant, diverse city 

with diverse ethnicities and 

cultures. The largeKenyan community 

here has been integral 

to ensuring that Kenyans do not 

losetouch with their heritage. 

Despite many positive aspects 

ofgrowingupwithinsucha large 

Kenyan community, there are 

some negatives as well, a major 

one being the lack of leadership 

opportunities for the Kenyan 

youth, especially the young 

women. Leadership has largely 

remained in the firm grip of 

senior men within the community. 

To facilitate change, LDSCKF 

Youth is the first youth group in 

the community to elevate the 

youth as emerging leaders, using 

practical strategies. 

As current youth chair lady of 

LDSKCF, I am responsible for 

overseeing the youth leadership, 

by liaising with the youth and 

the rest of the community to 

representtheir viewpoints and 

concerns on issues, raise awareness 

around key matters and 

champion social change. I work 

to bridge the gap between the 

youth and the wider community. 

Creating some difficult conversations 

on important topics or 

issuesthat affect the youth helps 

to effectively communicate the 

youth’s perspective in a waythat 

members of the wider community 

can understand. 

The youth leadership team holds 

regular meetings on the important 

matters concerning the 

youth. A major driving force of 

youth leadership is ensuring that 

all the youth are better off today 

than they were yesterday. The 

youth leadership encourages 

the youth to be the best possible 

versions of themselves to 

helpraisethe next generation of 

future leaders who are in touch 

with their culture and heritage, 

which is at the heart of what 

they do. 

Our founder Sally Grant has 

created an opportunity for us to 

be the best version of ourselves. 

Our youth coordinator shares the 

same ethosastheyouth.Heencourages 

us that we deserve the 

best and no limitation should be 

placed on us. At LDSKCF Youth 

we have had opportunities to 

interact with our local Mayor, MP, 

Councilor, Deputy Ambassador, 

and theHighSheriff.Wehaverecentlygotanopportunitytobe 

ambassadors of a podcast that 

will be heard nationally. We 

have various incentives for the 

youths where if one achieves a 

goal, a gift voucher is awarded. 

We are proudto be part of the 

LDSKCF Youth and the future 

looks bright. 


21

PICTURE ZONE 

LESTER LORENZO DANIEL 

Boxing Champion 

22 


ELEANOR 

NJERI MBURU 

Young Budding 

Artist on the Rise 


Eleanor is a young budding artist on rise. Currently 

studying at Stoke Newington High, Eleanor has 

shown to be keen artistic and original in her ideas. 

Recently her work together with others was chosen 

to be displayed in Camden, sponsored by “art bytes. 

Co.uk”. We would like to congratulate Eleanor on 

being chosen as the overall winner. As Eleanor 

responded: 

“Jambo, jina langu ni njeri and I am 14 years old. I 

made this sculpture in my lesson without thinking 

that I would have been selected as having the best 

one and being selected and winning as the best 

model. It took motivation, and patience to make this 

sculpture as you need to be delicate at first with it.” 

School Champion 

Bea Passmore 

Coloured charcoal on 

paper, 20cm, 19cm 

Eleanor Mburu 

Terracotta & glaze, 

12cm, 6.5cm 

Uma Biswas 

Card, brown tape, 

acrylic paint, 

5TH EDITION 

13cm, 

| 

10cm 

JULY 2022 23

Design by Alex email: lensdesign07@gmail.com 

For latest news and happening in our Communities 

www.misterseed.com 

WHO WE ARE 

The biggest community website outside Kenya 

Over 5,000 people have bought properties 

through the website 

Peter Karanja well known as 

Mr. Seed of www.misterseed.com is 

the first Kenyan to create a community 

website since 1999. 

Over 40 couples have met and married through 

the website 

Hundreds of lost friends have met and reunited 

through this great website 

Hundreds of emotional and life changing stories 

through these one stop shop 

Hundreds of orphans and poor children have 

greatly benefited from www.misterseed.com 

“It is the most talked website in the Diaspora” 

GET INFORMATION 

ABOUT WHATS HAPPENING 

IN YOUR COMMUNITY 

www.misterseed.com 

24 

24 


4THEDITION 

|JULY 2019


Njeri wa Migwi-Mwangi 

FOUNDER - USIKIMYE 

Njeri wa Migwi-Mwangi is a Kenyan 

activist who in recent years, has 

been a reckoning force behind the 

creation of refuge and a safe space 

for souls at the end of their tether. 

She has also been a very vocal force 

against femicide, gender-based violence, 

and police brutality, not forgetting 

the oppression of vulnerable 

communities. Njeri was raised by a 

single father. Njeri often accentuates 

him as the basis of her feminism. In 

her eyes, he is the first feminist she 

ever looked up to. Most solutions 

tend to be executed effectively only 

after frustration, anger, and bitterness 

have reached the heavens. But 

not with Njeri wa Migwi-Mwangi. 

She thinks and works differently. 

In Swahili, Usikimye means do not 

remain silent. It epitomizes standing 

out and speaking up. Usikimye 

is run as a non-profit organization 

that campaigns against domestic 

violence and sexual abuse of genders. 

It is a self-funded organization 

that works toward providing abused 

individuals with a second chance in 

surviving the world. According to 

Njeri, Stella her affiliate is a person 

who complements her empathetic 

temperament. Stella is the more 

logical and rational half of the duo 

and thus, always behind the scenes 

checking the organization’s logistics 

of activities. 

Njeri counsels all manner of people 

ceaselessly; she listens to them endlessly; 

she holds their hands shamelessly 

and, she encourages them 

generously. Anyone with Njeri in 

their corner knows they have a force 

to reckon with. 

When she is not being extraordinary 

and saving souls out there, Njeri is 

an ordinary mom to nine children. 

These include five human children 

and four fur babies. Njeri loves cats 

with all her soul, and her love for her 

felines has made her isolate herself 

from some friends who struggled to 

respect her fur babies. As a mother, 

Njeri is a friend to all her children. 

And even though she jokes, plays, 

and cuddles her children, make no 

mistake - she can be very stern too. 

She strives to provide her kids with 

strict life lessons as well as teachings 

that give them guidance. Njeri 

does not believe in caning children, 

an ethic she took from her gentle 

father. When any of her children 

makes a mistake, she sits them 

down and talks to them. Later, the 

children are given an opportunity to 

sit down and write an apology letter. 

In the letter, they must admit their 

mistake and how they are going to 

improve. 

On the outside, because of the job 

she does it is easy for people to 

forget that she is human too. On the 

inside, however, Njeri is a sensitive 

soul. Whenever you are around her, 

be sure that you shall laugh. Yet 

Njeri will, at the flick of a switch, 

fight fiercely for her friends and 

those that she values. 

Phone: 0800-000-999 

(GBV Emergency) 

Mobile: 0718-158-400 

(administrative contact) 

Email: info@usikimye.org 

Website: www.usikimye.org 


25

Special Feature 

Eve Mapanda 

Founder - Africa Healing Foundation 

Eve Mapanda is a mindset and life transformation coach, public speaker, philanthropist, 

mental health advocate and practitioner. Eve is on a mission to empower people to make an 

impact in the world by overcoming their fears and tapping into their fullest potential to achieve 

their dreams. She coaches women on mindset to help them live audaciously and authentically. 

This was inspired by her own personal story of single motherhood. Eve utilises her personal 

and professional experience to empower and inspire her clients using a future-focused 

strength-based approach. 

Eve is passionate about mental health and 

has vast experience working within the 

mental health setting. She has also gone 

through her own mental health challenges 

with a history of suicide attempts, depression, 

anxiety, and her personal past struggles 

as a single teen mum. She has proven 

it is possible to go through and overcome 

adversity and thrive. Her willpower and relentless 

determination to succeed against 

all odds are remarkable and inspirational. 

Eve has been involved in developing and 

strategizing mental health programmes 

and campaigns in organisations such as 

Centrepoint, the Greenwing Project and 

Africa Healing Foundation. She has also 

been involved in speaking and sharing her 

message to create mental health awareness 

on different platforms and organisations 

such as The Kenya High Commission 

and Westminster Council. 

Eve is part of a non-profit organisation ‘The 

Africa Healing Foundation’ which is working 

relentlessly to be part of the solution to 

bring about change in resolving the barriers 

to adequate affordable healthcare in 

Africa. Her drive and passion for this initiative 

were inspired by her father’s fatal loss 

which was the result of malpractice, lack 

of accountability and disregard for human 

life. This left Eve and her family financially 

drained due to the exorbitant hospital bill 

accumulation. This too is the story of so 

many Kenyans and people throughout 

Africa which needs urgent attention. 

‘We should all play an active role in sustaining 

and protecting human life in any 

way we can.’ 

Eve believes that we all have limitless potential 

and as Africans, we need to shift our 

mindset from scarcity to limitless possibilities 

so that we can become a healthier, 

wealthier and happier nation. 

You can find out more: 

www.evemapanda.com 

www.africahealingfoundation.org 

26 



HIV PREVENTION 

We are not done yet 

It has been 40 years since HIV (Human 

immunodeficiency virus) was first identified 

amongst communities in San Francisco. HIV 

causes AIDS (Acquired Immuno-deficiency 

Syndrome), a condition of a collection of illnesses 

taking advantage of a suppressed immune 

system. It became a pandemic since then and 

is still around and being passed on from person 

to person. Research and science have made 

tremendous achievements in finding effective 

treatments and looking forward to an effective 

cure. Meantime, the global civil society continues 

to raise awareness and encourage communities 

to test for HIV. it is proven that early diagnosis 

prevents HIV-related complications and reduces 

onward transmission by far. 

HIV can be treated successfully and avoid getting 

one’s immunity to infections being destroyed. 

One can maintain a healthy life even with the 

virus. But if the virus is left untreated, after some 

years of living with it the amount of the virus in 

the body hikes up. It can destroy the immune 

system to a point that other fatal infections, called 

opportunistic infections, take advantage of. Also, 

people with untreated HIV can easily pass it on to 

others because they have a large quantity of it in 

the body and in some cases without knowing that 

they have it. This is why services to encourage 

early diagnosis are taken to communities for 

rapid HIV testing. Rapid HIV testing is a quick and 

easy way of testing an individual. It only takes 3 

drops of blood and within 5 minutes the result 

is clear. These tests are 99.9% accurate if tested 

after 10 weeks of exposure to the virus. If it is 

negative (Not Reactive), a post-test discussion 

encourages the person to remain negative and 

points out the potential risks of getting a positive 

diagnosis. If the test is Positive (Reactive), a 

thorough discussion is aimed at educating the 

person about managing a positive diagnosis 

and a confidential referral to a sexual health 

clinic is done immediately to be followed up. The 

clinic continues with care and advice with more 

tests done to guide them make decisions about 

treatment. 

Remember: 

• U=U - Anyone living with HIV and on 

effective treatment, cannot pass it on to 

other people, that is undetectable viral load 

= Untransmittable. 

• PrEP - Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis is a 

medication you can take before getting 

exposed to HIV to prevent getting the virus. 

• PEP - Post Exposure Prophylaxis is a 

medication you can take after getting 

exposed to HIV to HIV to prevent getting the 

virus. PEP can only work within 72 hours of 

being exposed to HIV. 

To access Rapid HIV testing 

On the Kenya in The Park weekend, 25th and 

26th June 2022 at Loxford Park Ilford IG1 1JV 

Positive East will be on-site to provide rapid and 

confidential HIV/STI testing. Please check-in. 

Badru Male 

HIV Prevention & Testing Coordinator, Positive 

East, 159 Mile End Road, London E1 4AQ 

● Phone: 020 7791 2855 | 073 76030623 

● Email: Badru.male@positiveeast.org.uk 

● https://www.facebook.com/PositiveEast 

28 


The Higher Education 

Loans Board (HELB) is a 

state body established by 

an Act of Parliament – CAP 

213A in 1995 mandated to 

provide loans, bursaries and 

scholarships to Kenyans 

pursuing higher education 

in recognized Universities 

and Colleges in Kenya and 

the East African region 

and to recover the same 

upon maturity to facilitate 

establishment of a revolving 

fund. The Board is therefore 

well aligned to Chapter 

4, Section 43 (1) (f) of the 

Constitution of Kenya 2010, 

that every person has the 

right to education. 

HELB has been experiencing 

a suppression of loan 

recoveries due to the 

prevailing effects of the 

COVID-19 pandemic. HELB, 

in the spirit of Ubuntu – I am 

because you are, has therefore 

extended a helping hand to 

its beneficiaries by waiving 

all outstanding penalties 

to make it easier for the 

beneficiaries to repay their 

loans in lumpsum. The Higher 

Education Loans Board 

[HELB] officially unveiled the 

2022 100% COVID-19 Penalty 

Waiver Campaign dubbed 

#KamilishaMalipoYaHELB 

on 1 st March 2022 and will 

end on 30 th June 2022. 

The Penalty Waiver is 

also a move intended to 

appreciate loanees for their 

commitment to repay their 

loans, even with the effects of 

the COVID-19 pandemic, and 

at the same time encourage 

the loanees who haven’t 

started repaying their loan to 

do so and repay in lumpsum. 

The funds collected will be 

used to assist in plugging 

the deficit between the 

Government Capitation and 

demand for HELB funding 

which has since substantially 

risen due to reduced family 

incomes caused by job 

losses, salary reductions, 

underemployment, 

retrenchments, failed 

businesses, and general 

rise in the cost of living for 

Kenyans. 

“We wish to sincerely thank the 

loanees who have since responded 

to our Covid-19 Penalty Waiver 

Campaign and have repaid 

their loans in full. We also take 

this opportunity to remind all 

beneficiaries to honor their 

repayment obligations to enable 

us to empower the dreams of the 

75,000 students who are at risk of 

not being funded this year,” said 

Mr. Ringera. 

#KamilishaMalipoYaHELB. Take 

advantage of this waiver that is 

ongoing till 30 th June 2022 and 

let us build back together! 

For more information on how to 

take advantage of this year’s 100% 

COVID-19 Penalty Waiver, 

visit www.helb.co.ke 

Or Email: diaspora@helb.co.ke 


29

Earn While You Sleep 

Between the age of 25 and 60, you 

have 420 payslips that should sort 

you out in your retirement years. 

What you do with them now, is 

your choice, and the repercussions 

are also your own. Back in 2005, 

fueled by this fact, a couple set out 

to create a third source of income 

in addition to their salaries. 

15 years of blood, sweat, and tears 

got Leonard and Emily Mcharo 

to a passive monthly income of 

over Kes 500,000. Surpassing 

their target, they came out of 

the journey with more than just 

another source of income, but also 

with a model to achieve financial 

independence by investing in 

real estate. With the purpose 

to share this great model, this 

couple; a CFA and an Architect, 

founded TSAVO and led a team 

of highly passionate and capable 

individuals to refine it. 

Through research, design, 

experimenting and failure, 

Affordable Amazing Apartments 

proved to be the most 

effective vehicle for financial 

independence, studios and onebedroom 

apartments being the 

key typologies. This made real 

estate investment affordable and 

accessible to many Kenyans with 

apartments ranging from Kes 1.7M 

–2.7M. 

Focusing on the great purpose 

of enabling investors to achieve 

financial Independence, TSAVO 

took it a step further by designing 

a payment plan of up to 5 years. 

This has enabled Kenyans to make 

instalments from as low as Kes 

23,000 every month. That alone 

is not enough to enable you to 

earn while you sleep. By managing 

these Affordable Amazing 

Apartments after construction, 

TSAVO has made real estate as 

passive as an investment could 

get. 

7 years down the line, with 5 

complete projects and over 1500 

happy investors, TSAVO plays 

a core role in the lives of many. 

Putting their hard-earned money 

to a harder task to cater for their 

generations to come as it creates 

for them time with the people that 

matter. Real Estate investment has 

never been more purposeful. 

Understanding that we must 

make each of those 420 pays slips 

count, we must work smarter and 

employ our hard-earned money 

for even harder tasks. This end-toend 

real estate investment model 

is the greatest task you can assign 

your money to do. 

By booking a unit and starting 

your monthly instalments, you 

will have taken a great step 

on your journey to financial 

independence, invest @tsavo.ke 

today! 

30 


NEW PRODUCTS 

BW. CHAZEA 

& MURATELIA 

By King’ori Wambaki 

Chazea is the 5 times distilled version 

of the traditional Kenyan beverage 

Chang’aa. Unlike the potent traditional 

beverage it is made in a distillery 

(where quality measures are taken) 

and it is dosed with passion fruit for a 

zesty sensation. The product itself is 

bottled in 750ml bottles at 40% ABV 

and will be available for sale in a few 

weeks ideally at the end of May. 

We have also maintained the 

traditional elements of using millet 

for fermentation whilst still improving 

the production process and quality. 

We are making arrangements to 

have the product approved by KEBS 

(Kenya Bureau Standards) as well 

as UNBS, TBS, RSB and ESA (within 

East Africa). 

Once the product is approved we 

aim to eventually produce it in 

Kenya by building a winery and 

distillery and doing the same 

within the East African Community 

to grow our market share and 

provide more opportunities within 

the community. 

As a background, our flagship brand 

is Muratelia (traditionally known as 

Muratina) and we will be restocking 

this later in the year as Chang’aa 

currently has a higher margin. 


31

The Realities of 

Gender Based 

Violence 

An article by Susan Wambui Kiongo-Walker (Middle Georgia, USA) 

This topic has, unfortunately, 

taken forefront attention lately 

on social media due to the rise 

in innumerable, horrific and 

very sad cases of gender-based 

violence (GBV) many of which 

have had tragic outcomes. The 

seemingly sudden influx of these 

cases leaves one to wonder what 

has become of our society, and 

why. It is said to gauge the social 

health of a country, community 

or a population, one looks at how 

that group of people treat their 

feeble or weak members, mainly: 

children, those with special needs 

and women. Beforehand, men 

were not included in this group, 

but thanks to the emergence of 

holistic health, we now understand 

that weakness encompasses not 

only physical but also mental, 

emotional, and economic among 

other aspects. Therefore, in talking 

about Gender-Based Violence, 

it would only be fair to include 

men as well because they too are 

subjects of violence. So then, to 

gauge the social health of a people, 

one ought to look at how humane 

those people are. 

GBV is normally considered 

to happen mostly in the home 

setting or in matrimonial or 

love relationships, although 

it does happen in other social 

circumstances such as in offices 

or where people come together 

for a common goal. For the 

sake of this article, we limit our 

discussion to the home setting. 

Perhaps the most disheartening 

thing in this whole matter is 

that when two people fall in 

love, they never envisage a 

relationship of sorrow and tears, 

fears and suspicions, mistrust 

and heartbreak. They dream of 

the wonderful life they shall live 

‘happily ever after’. However, 

things do not always turn out 

the way we dream. And did not 

someone say that dreams are only 

illusions of the mind? It takes 

many by surprise when the sweet 

love life suddenly turns sour, 

then bitter. It is a reality that hits 

many hard and because this is 

usually unexpected, the outcomes 

can be very unpredictable. 

Take the case of Rehema, an 

18-year-old girl who has just 

finished college. She is happily 

enjoying her new job which has 

promising career prospects. She 

has just lost her mother the same 

year she started working. This 

leaves her badly traumatized. 

Her dad, from whom she thought 

she could get comfort and 

direction, remarries within a year 

of her mother’s death and soon 

becomes busy with his newfound 

love. Ushered unprepared into 

the harsh adult world, Rehema 

feels alone and abandoned. She 

desperately seeks solace from 

anyone willing to show any sort 

of concern. Quite unprepared 

psychologically and emotionally, 

she easily falls prey to a much 

older man. he quickly lures her to 

move in with him. He promises 

security and provision for all her 

needs. She believes him and soon 

enough they have two beautiful 

daughters. Then her heavensent 

knight in shining armour 

turns into her worst tormentor. 

He starts having affairs with 

other women, often failing to 

come home at night. He neglects 

Rehema and her children. She 

also learns that he has another 

family. Any attempts to find out 

the truth from him are met with 

harsh rebuttals and threats to 

put her and the children out on 

the street. What happened to the 

loving, sweet man she knew? She 

is living a terrible nightmare. 

And although he is not physically 

abusive, the mental and 

emotional anguish is intolerable. 

Her meagre salary is not enough 

to meet the needs of her two 

children and herself. After 

weighing the options seriously, 

Rehema decides to leave the 

relationship and struggle alone. 

If only she could find peace of 

mind… 

32 


Then there’s Irene, 

a beautiful young cateress 

working at a five-star hotel 

in the big city. Peter is a 

limousine driver in the same 

hotel. he quickly notices her. 

He is not married but he is the 

prince charming that every 

woman dreams of as a future 

husband. They soon form a 

friendship. after 3 years of 

very romantic courtship, they 

have a big wedding - the talk 

of the town for a long time. 

Then, Peter begins noticing 

changes in his wife when she 

is expecting their first child. 

She starts neglecting him 

emotionally. He gives her the 

benefit of doubt, thinking 

the behaviour was due to the 

pregnancy. However, after she 

gives birth, she becomes more 

hostile and disrespects him so 

much. She openly humiliates 

him in his own house. 

She verbally abuses Peter 

whenever they are out together 

in social gatherings or even in 

restaurants. Peter is a Godloving, 

loyal and committed 

family man who wants to save 

his marriage. So he does his 

best to please his wife, but 

things keep getting worse. A 

colleague finally discloses to 

him that his wife is having an 

affair with their boss and that 

everyone in the office knows 

it, all except Peter. He feels 

cheated and betrayed in a big 

way, especially after turning 

down so many promising girls 

and marrying Irene instead. 

Covered with shame and 

unable to face society, Peter 

becomes very depressed and 

was unfortunately sacked from 

his job. He refuses to move 

away from the matrimonial 

home or gives up on the 

marriage. When he couldn’t 

take the pain any longer, 

he decides to end his life. 

Everyone was so shocked. 

but the worst thing is that the 

boss, who is at the centre of 

this misfortune, abruptly ends 

his relationship with Irene. 

These two pictures are just but 

a drop of what is going on in 

society currently. They paint a 

very grim reality of what a home 

or relationship ought to be, and 

this raises many questions: 

“What is the high prevalence 

of GBV telling us about our 

society? What has gone wrong? 

When did it start going wrong? 

How did we all miss to see this 

boat rocking, since what we are 

now witnessing are the effects of 

a boat that has hit rock bottom 

and its weakest victims rising to 

the surface? 

GBV is a terrible reality 

whose ugly head ought to be 

quashed by putting all our 

best efforts together because if 

left unabated it will continue 

causing untold pain and 

havoc. Yes, we can change 

this tide of destruction and 

prevent further damage to 

our broken lifeboat. We owe 

it to ourselves and our future 

generations. Together we can; 

Yes we can. 

The writer is an author, 

Health Coach, Functional 

Nutrition Counselor as well 

as a Biofeedback Practitioner. 

She resides in Middle Georgia, 

USA 


KENYA AND FRIENDS IN THE PARK 

34 



35

National Bank 

NATIONAL BANK OF KENYA 

36 


PCEA WOMAN’S 

GUILD WEEK 

2017 

LONDON 


37

KENYA 

COUNTRYFILE 

How much do you know 

about Kenya? The following 

summarizes key aspects about 

our country and we hope you 

and your children can benefit 

from it. 

Independence from Britain on 12 th 

December 1963. 

Geography & Demographics. 

Kenya is the 49 th largest country in the 

world covering an area of 581,309 km 2 . 

With a population of 45 million the 

overwhelming majority of whom are 

below the age of 50. 

Administration. 

The country was previously divided into 

8 provinces- Central, Rift-valley, Coast, 

Nyanza, Western, Eastern, Nairobi and 

North Eastern. 

After the new constitution in 2010, the 

country is now divided into 47 countieseach 

headed by a governor akin to the 

ones we have in the US- or Nigeria. 

Nairobi remains the political, economic 

and social capital of the country with 

very limited effort to move any national 

foundations elsewhere. 

Politics and governance. 

A presidential system with a president 

elected after every 5 years. 

Two Legislative houses-the Lower House 

- Parliament with 349 members and 

the upper house- The Senate with 67 

members. 

Membership is by election through 

some members are nominated directly 

by their political parties. 

All counties have elected members 

who form regional parliaments and 

governments. 

Kenya has had 4 presidents since 

independence: 

ü 

ü 

ü 

ü 

Jomo Kenyatta who led the 

country to independence until 

his death in 1978. 

Daniel arap Moi from 1978 to 

2002. 

Emilio Mwai Kibaki- from 

2002-2013-todate. 

Uhuru Kenyatta (son to the first 

president)-2013-todate. 

*Hon. Raila Amolo Odinga served as the 

second prime minister of the country 

from 2008-2013. 

Regional hub. 

Nairobi remains a regional and the 

African headquarters of many global 

corporations such as GE, Google, GSK, 

and Microsoft; as well as scientific 

and research organization such as 

the International center for inspect 

physiology and ecology-ICIPE. 

It is the only third world country with 

a UN headquarters-the United Nations 

environmental program located in 

Nairobi along Limuru Road 

Major exports 

· Tea, coffee, horticulture (flowers 

and fruits), pyrethrum, tourism and 

manufactured goods to the region. 

· Sports especially athletes, rugby 

and recently footballer(s). 

key economic sectors 

1. Agriculture, horticulture and food 

processing. 

2. Banking and insurance. 

3. Technology and mobile 

communication. Among the country 

with the highest mobile phone 

connectivity with 35 million active 

mobile phone handsets. 

4. Dairy farming. 

5. Kenya will soon be a major exporter 

of valuable minerals, oil and natural 

gas. 

Major tourist attractions/Places to 

visit: 

· The spectacular and beautiful Great 

Rift Valley. 

· The great Mount Kenya (the second 

highest mountain in Africa). 

· Maasai Mara Game Reserve and 

specifically the wildest migration 

across the crocodile infested Mara 

River.

· The Nairobi National Park in the 

outskirts of Nairobi. 

· Beautiful and spectacular beaches 

at the Kenyan coast. 

· The Fort Jesus along Nkrumah 

Road in Mombasa -Built by the 

Portuguese explorers and opened 

in 1593. 

· Bullfighting in Western Kenya. 

National Anthem. 

The Kenya national anthem expresses 

the convictions and aspirations of the 

Kenyan people. It was commissioned 

in 1963 – Originally in Swahili and was 

based on a traditional tune sung by 

mothers of the Pokomo Community to 

their children. 

Key personalities: 

· Field Marshall Dedan Kimathi 

Waciuri (deceased)- A brilliant 

military organiser who led the 

Mau Mau uprising against the 

British. Captured and executed by 

the British on 18 th February 1957; 

and sadly still buried at the Kamiti 

Maximum security prison to this 

day. 

· Jomo Kenyatta (deceased) - 

Founding prime minister and 

president of the Republic of 

Kenya. 

· Oginga Odinga (deceased) 

– Freedom fighter and 

independence icon. 

· Masinde Muliro (deceased) 

– Freedom fighter and 

independence icon. 

· Daniel arap Moi- Second president 

of the Republic of Kenya. 

· Mwai Kibaki- Third president of 

the republic of Kenya. 

· Raila Amolo Odinga- second prime 

minister of the republic of Kenya. 

· Kipchoge Keino- Most famous 

athlete and sports administrator. 

· Martin Shikuku (deceased)– 

Independence icon and renowned 

MP. 

· Professor Wangari Maathai 

(deceased)- First female 

professor of veterinary medicine, 

environmental campaigner, and 

winner of the Nobel Peace Prize. 

· Professor Ngugi wa Thiongo – 

Renown writer and professor of 

English and literature. 

· Professor Francis Imbuga 

(deceased) – Professor of 

literature and renowned writer. 

· Thomas Joseph Mboya 

(deceased)- Trade unionist, MP, 

Minister and brilliant architect of 

the Kenya’s early economic plan 

and strategies. 

Kenya’s Timeline. 

1. 1952- Mau Mau uprising- the 

bloody uprising against colonial 

rule. 

2. 1963- Country defeats the British 

and gains independence 

3. 1978 - First president of the 

country dies in his sleep. Daniel 

Arap Moi takes over. 

4. 1982- Attempted coup d’état to 

overthrow the government of the 

day. 

5. 1991- The law changed to allow 

the registration of more political 

parties. 

6. 1998 – A bloody terrorist attack 

in the middle of the capital leaves 

230 dead. 

7. 2002- President Moi retires 

and Mwai Kibaki takes over as 

president. 

8. 2007- Disputed elections results 

in very bloody skirmishes and 

the unfortunate death of 1,600 

Kenyans many killed with 

unimaginable brutality. 

9. 2013 – President Kibaki retires 

and Uhuru Muigai Kenyatta takes 

over as president.

DR GILLIAN 

LAKAREBER 

Founder - JOWA Initiative 

I was born and raised in East 

Africa. For the most part, I 

grew up in a township called 

Soweto in Nairobi. I spent my 

early childhood years with my 

grandparents. My formative 

years were challenging but I was 

always excited about education. 

I attended a local nursery school 

and Thawabu Primary school 

up to class 7 before moving to 

England. Always hungry to read, 

I would often rummage through 

rubbish dumps for discarded 

newspapers and books. 

Life in Soweto was a melting 

pot of diverse ethnic cultures 

from Kenya. But times were 

tough in Soweto. Some days 

I walked home from school 

only to find nothing at all to 

eat and then walked back to 

school hungry. Sometimes we 

just drank water in the evening 

and went to bed. One day I 

came home from school to find 

my grandmother locked out 

due to unpaid rent. We were 

forced to relocate to a oneroom 

dwelling which became 

our kitchen, bedroom, and 

lounge. Cracks on the wooden 

walls greeted passers-by on the 

street. When it rained the water 

gushed through a corrugated 

iron roof riddled with holes. The 

cold, muddy floor was littered 

with plastic containers to catch 

rainwater. In Soweto only those 

who adapt to change survive. 

Soweto gave me a sense of 

toughness I have never quite 

experienced anywhere else 

since. 

But as they say, ‘No situation is 

permanent.’ My dream finally 

became a reality when I moved 

to London for a new life. London 

was a total contrast to Soweto. 

Suddenly I had an excess of 

everything. Now I had real hope 

as my misery turned to joy. I 

joined a local high school for 

the second chapter of my life. 

Fast forward a few years later, 

I successfully completed my 

GCSEs, A-Levels, and University. 

After years of perseverance 

and effort, today I hold a PhD 

from California Intercontinental 

University, an MSc degree from 

Liverpool University, and a BSc 

degree from the University of 

Kent. I am also a multi-awardwinning 

professional with 

years of experience in clinical 

research. The hard work and 

perseverance from Soweto were 

key to shaping the person I am 

today. 

Recently, I set up the JOWA 

Educational Initiative to 

collect and distribute books 

to children in Africa. The word 

‘Jowa’ is a Luo/Lwo expression 

for ‘loved ones/our people’. I 

am enthusiastic about helping 

children in rural areas access 

books. I firmly believe that 

education and the power of 

imagination give children hope 

for a better future. Instilling 

confidence in children from 

a young age can help them 

make informed decisions and 

achieve better outcomes in life. 

The JOWA initiative is a way to 

give back to my community and 

encourage children to never 

give up on their dreams. All 

proceeds from my new book go 

to fund educational resources 

for children. 

405TH 5THEDITION | | JULY 2022 

SOCIAL MEDIA HANDLES: 

● Twitter: @jowainitiative 

● Instagram: Jowa initiative 

● Facebook: Jowa initiative


From 

page 9 

THEM 

MUSHROOMS 

Accolades 

• “Silver Disc” - 1982 for hit 

song Jambo Bwana. 

• “Gold Disc” - 1984 After 

Jambo Bwana sales 

topped the 100,000 units 

mark. 

• “Platinum Disc” – 1987, 

when Jambo Bwana sales 

topped 200,000 units. 

• “The Battle Of 

Kenyan Bands’ 

Trophy” –1987, 

awarded after the band 

was voted number one at 

the battle of Kenyan bands 

concert held in Nairobi. 

• “Kenyan Singer/Artistes 

Of The Year’runners-Up 

Trophy” – 1989. 

• Certificate - (from the 

International Coalition to 

BanLandmines) – 1998, 

awarded for the band’s 

anti-landmines song titled 

“Toys Of Death”. 

• “M-Net 2000 Award” – 

January 2000, courtesy of 

the South African M-NET 

television channel. The 

band was voted Kenya’s 

most favourite band. 

• “Kenyan Band Of 

The Decade Trophy” - 

February 2002, awarded 

by the Kenya Music 

Composers Association. 

• “Best Aids Awareness 

Song Runners – Up 

Trophy” – February 

2002, awarded for the 

best AIDS awareness 

song by the Kenya Music 

Composers Association. 

• “Kisima Awards” – 

June 2004, for the best 

group from Kenya’s Coast 

(coastal music category). 

• “Legends Award” – 

October 2012 by Florida 

Night Club, Nairobi 

– Kenya. 

• “Lifetime Achievement 

Award” – November 2012 

at the Coast Music Awards 

• 

1980 - “Jambo Bwana” single 1983 - 

“Mama Africa” 

1985 - “New Horizons” LP 1987 - “At 

The Carnivore” LP 1988 - “Going 

Places” LP 1989 - “Almost There” LP 

Discography 

1990 - “Where We Belong” LP 

1991 - “Zilizopendwa 91” CD Album 

1992 - “Zilizopendwa 92” CD Album 

1996 - “Kazi Ni Kazi” CD Album 1997 

- “Toys of Death” Single 

1998 - “Ni Yiyo” CD Album 

1998 – “Oh! Twalia” Single 

1999 - “Jambo Bwana” CD Album 

2000 – “Zilizopendwa 2000” CD 

Album 2004 - “Uyoga” CD Album 

2008 – “Medawase” CD Single 

2009 – “Jaza Mwenyewe” CD Single 

& video 2011 – “Zilizopendwa Raha” 

CD Single 

2012 – “Asanteni Mashabiki” CD 

Single 2015 - “Ni Jumamosi” CD 

Single 

2021 - “Weebale Nnyo” CD Single 

Tours 

• Them 

Mushrooms 

has had 

performances 

in 

• Dubai/Abu Dhabi/Al Ain 

and Sharjah in the UAE 

• Bujumbura in Burundi 

• Arriccia in Italy 

• Addis Ababa/Dire Dawa/ 

Woliso/Jimma and 

Sodere in Ethiopia 

• Djibouti city in Djibouti 

• Copenhagen in Denmark 

• Gaborone in Botswana 

• Kampala in Uganda 

• Zurich in Switzerland 

• The Africa Centre in 

London, Britain 

• Mount Abu in India 

• Manama in Bahrain 

• Rabat in Morocco 

• Mahe in Seychelles 

• Dar-es-Salaam/ 

Arusha/Moshi in 

Tanzania 

• Athens in Greece. 

When not touring other countries, 

Them Mushrooms perform locally 

adhering to a tight schedule of 

between three to four shows a week. 


41

KISWAHILI 

ENGLISH 

THE KENYA NATIONAL ANTHEM 

Ee Mungu nguvu yetu 

Ilete baraka kwetu 

Haki iwe ngao na mlinzi 

Natukae na undugu 

Amani na uhuru 

Raha tupate na ustawi 

Amkeni ndugu zetu 

Tufanye sote bidii 

Nasi tujitoe kwa nguvu 

Nchi yetu ya Kenya 

Tunayoipenda 

Tuwe tayari kuilinda 

Natujenge taifa letu 

Ee, ndio wajibu wetu 

Kenya istahili heshima 

Tuungane mikono 

Pamoja kazini 

Kila siku tuwe na shukrani 

O God of all creation 

Bless this our land and nation 

Justice be our shield and defender 

May we dwell in unity 

Peace and liberty 

Plenty be found within our borders 

Let one and all arise 

With hearts both strong and true 

Service be our earnest endeavour 

And our homeland of Kenya 

Heritage of splendour 

Firm may we stand to defend. 

Let all with one accord 

In common bond united 

Build this our nation together 

And the glory of Kenya 

The fruit of our labour 

Fill every heart with thanksgiving. 

42 




43

THE BRAND 


By Anyango Omondi 

Since the beginning of time, many 

African cultures have adorned 

accessories inspired by nature. All 

these accessories have related and 

connected to stories in their daily 

lives not forgetting being seasoned 

by nature itself. 

In 2015, Anyango Omondi, a selftaught 

designer, started creating 

jewellery inspired by these old 

traditions. She uses Bones, Beads, 

Brass, and stones in her unique 

creations evoking daily stories 

and the different seasons. This is 

how The brand Zanta Adeyde was 

created. 

Anyango says, “Over the years my 

passion has grown by designing 

and creating pure leather handbags 

and bespoke accessories.” 

All items are proudly hand-made 

in Africa by a collective of young 

and expert craftsmen and women 

based in the Kibera slum. The brand 

directly supports more than twenty 

families with meaningful livelihood 

opportunities. 

In 2020, during a global pandemic, 

the Zanta Adeyde brand finally 

found a home at The Village Market 

shopping mall, nestled within the 

Gigiri Diplomatic District, Nairobi, 

Kenya. 

Anyango adds, “The brand directly 

supports more than twenty 

families with meaningful livelihood 

opportunities.” 

____________________________ 

Zanta Adeyde On Socials: 

Facebook: Zanta Adeyde 

Instagram: @zanta_adeyde 

Twitter: @zanta_adeyde 

____________________________ 

Contact Us: 

Cell Phone: +2547 22 41 40 20 

Email: info@zantaadeyde.com 

Website: www.zantaadeyde.com

MEN’S CORNER 

DOWN MEMORY LANE 

ISMAEL 

MULANDA 

Thinking back, childhood was a 

roller-coaster, with the majority 

of it being a great adventure. My 

earliest memories are living in 

different places in Nairobi but 

always loving the opportunities 

to travel to ‘ushago’ due to the 

freedom it brought additional 

responsibilities, and most 

importantly the comradery of 

extended family members as 

well as hearing great stories from 

older cousins and grandparents. 

I learned to relate to and interact 

with different people (i.e. different 

ages, social-economic statuses,etc). 

In 2001 my mother moved to the 

UK as a nurse with the hope of 

creating a better future for me and 

my two sisters. I was enrolled into 

Soweto boarding school in Kibera. 

It was a great experience that 

helped me develop a great deal 

within the year or two that I was 

a student there. Moving to the UK 

was a great culture shock. I was in 

school in Kenya one day and two 

days later I was in a different school 

in Liverpool with different people, 

rules, etc. I was lucky enough 

to make great friends when I 

moved to the UK after a period of 

adjustment due to the fact that I 

played football and used to score 

lots of goals for the local team – 

although we were the only black 

family in the area everyone in the 

neighbourhood was welcoming. 

Whilst in Kenya, I was able to stay 

focused on education as I did not 

want to repeat any classes and 

waste my parents’ hard-earned 

money (and I always heard the 

mantra ‘education is key numerous 

times’). When I arrived in the 

UK it was quite different and 

because it was quite a culture 

shock at the time, I genuinely 

just floated through school and 

did just enough work to make 

sure I progressed to college and 

then to university where I got 

a degree in computer science. I 

wouldn’t say that I am the most 

gifted academically but I have the 

ability to work hard and do what is 

required. 

There’s a quote that says “If I have 

seen a little further it is by standing 

on the shoulders of Giants.” All I 

am is due to the sacrifices made 

by those that came before me 

and I am forever grateful and 

indebted to my parents, their 

parents, etc my hope is that the 

next generation can say the same 

about us. In terms of my personal 

journey, it has been an adventure, 

coming from Kenya at the age of 

11, navigating through school, 

university, and society, and then 

figuring my way through work 

life. I’ve had some challenges and 

came close to losing my balance 

but it’s by the grace of God. One 

thing that has really been useful, 

especially in the corporate world is 

finding great mentors and utilising 

their experience and knowledge to 

help avoid some of the common 

pitfalls that one might face. 

Another motivating factor is the 

fact that I had a daughter at a 

young age and she has been one 

of my greatest motivations in 

terms of making sure I’m a great 

role model and keep progressing. 

I’m not yet exactly where I need 

46 


Born: Kakamega, Kenya 

Living: Liverpool | UK | 20 years 

Occupation: Civil servant 

(Transformation project manager) 

to be but have the motivation, 

drive, and belief that I will keep 

progressing and maximize my 

potential. 

I think my childhood experience 

has shaped who I am in 

numerous ways. I understand 

how privileged I am as I 

witnessed poverty 1st hand 

and I’m forever grateful for all 

the opportunities I have and 

try to be helpful and give back 

where possible. As mentioned 

in the first paragraph, due to the 

fact that I moved around a lot I 

developed the skill of being able 

to relate to a variety of people 

which is such a useful skill in 

adulthood, especially navigating 

through work. But generally 

having loving parents and a 

great foundation has helped me 

be a better adult without any 

childhood trauma etc 

To me, discipline is proactive and 

educational while punishment 

is reactive and is not always 

the best course of action. For 

example, when I was younger 

and got punished in different 

situations (rightly or wrongly) it 

didn’t really help the situation 

and possibly contributed to 

building resentment in different 

situations. I think its important 

that young people understand 

the consequences of their 

actions both good and bad 

however discipline, especially 

self-discipline is key as it helps 

shape future behaviour in a 

positive light and is genuinely a 

key to successes. 

I think gender-based violence 

is wrong and can be prevented 

by correct education and the 

correct socialization. Luckily 

I have never experienced it 

or witnessed it first hand but 

I have a friend that works in 

this area and we generally 

have discussions as to what 

can constitute gender-based 

violence and I believe a lot of us 

are ignorant about this subject 

area unless it’s extreme and we 

should all educate ourself about 

it further. 

I am happy where I live - I 

am fortunate enough to 

have a great support system 

and friends within different 

social groups as well as being 

connected to the Kenyan 

community mainly through my 

parent. I am a part of a number 

of different initiatives such as 

toastmasters, a running club 

but my hope in the future is 

to reinvigorate the Liverpool/ 

Northwest Kenyan youth 

community – a number of 

groups and initiatives exist 

however they are mainly aimed 

at the older generation. This is 

something I will be planning on 

working on soon so if anyone 

has any ideas on how to do 

so or has done it successfully 

anywhere else feel free to reach 

out. 


47

SHAMMAH 

SPLENDID 

CENTRE & 

SCHOOL 

ABOUT US 

Shammah Splendid Centre 

And School Is located in the 

Kibera slums where several 

families live in dismal poverty. 

Kibera is Highly Populated 

with over half a million people. 

S.S.C advocates for positive 

values including honesty, 

respect, trustworthiness, 

obedience, cleanliness, 

accountability and selfdiscipline. 

We are an openminded, 

outward-looking, and 

perseverant community with 

a big dream for the society we 

serve, and education is the 

pillar upon which this bright 

future is laid. 

Our centre targets students 

who are keen to learn but due 

to unfortunate circumstances 

are not able to access the 

education system. Many are 

orphans or have single parents 

due to the HIV/AIDS endemic, 

have previously been molested 

in some way or have been 

involved in petty crime. Our 

centre has become a beacon of 

hope for them, providing not 

only high-quality sustainable 

education but also giving them 

a chance to feel valued and 

listened to. We see a solution 

to helping students out of 

poverty and preventing crime 

and drug activity through 

high-quality education. 

The students participate 

in co-curricular activities 

besides academic pursuits. 

We have realized that; Success 

is not what you accomplish 

in life but what you aspire 

others to do. We are looking 

for partners to assist these 

students in acquiring the 

necessary life skills, continue 

their education in vocational 

training and develop the right 

attitudes that will help them 

achieve their full potential. We 

hope and pray that through 

our services, and your help, we 

will touch and transform the 

lives of many young people. 

We hope with your support 

to expand our services so that 

more of those impoverished 

can benefit. Truly in unity we 

stand. 

You can be part and parcel by 

supporting us in the following 

ways: 

• Help us with learning 

facilities (textbooks, 

exercise books, 

Storybooks, pens, rulers, 

rubbers, sets, calculators, 

used items such as 

computing machines, 

tables, cooking utensils, 

water tanks etc.) 

• sponsoring of any student 

in any way, sending your 

donations at will. 

• Support our feeding 

programs. 

• You can buy a desk, a 

piece of chalk, a ball, a 

playing kit or any other 

form of help. 

We are living in a dynamic 

world; education is the key 

and the BEST you can invest 

in somebody’s life. Many 

will benefit, when a girl is 

educated, in the future society. 

A life full of serving others is 

a life worth living, We do our 

BEST and leave the REST to 

God. 

Send your donation via Mpesa 

Paybill No:400222 | Account 

No:486825#Your Name 

Additional Contact 

Info Website: www. 

shammahsplendindcentre.sc.ke 

Phone: +254 706 064759 

Email: 

shammahspendindcentre@ 

gmail.com 

Vision I Mission Values 

To provide holistic education 

to the under privileged 

in our community and its 

surroundings with complete 

honesty.· 

To give opportunities for 

learning to the less fortunate 

in the community to enable 

individuals to access adequate 

knowledge, attitudes and 

skills that will equip them to 

be responsible citizens of this 

dynamic world”. Discipline, 

Honesty,Teamwork, God 

reverence, Responsiveness 

48 


CUSTOMISED DESIGNS, 

KENYAN BRACELETS, 

CURVING, BEADS, 

CLOTHES,BAGS, 

SHOES, BELTS, 

KEY RINGS, 

SANDALS 

MERCY 

KIMINTA 


49

HEALTH ZONE 

DR MARY 

THOMPSON 

DIASPORA 

HEALTH MATTERS 

Cosmetic and non surgical skin treatments 

Non-surgical cosmetic 

procedures are big news 

nowadys and the industry 

specialism is booming; it’s 

grown phenomenally over the 

last decade. It’s no surprise 

that people want to look good – 

and with non-surgical cosmetic 

treatments more accessible and 

affordable, they’ve become the 

norm not only for celebrities, but 

for the population in general. 

But which of these procedures 

are the most popular? And what 

kind of effects do they have? 

Are they affordable? 

We are happy to inform you that 

we have proffesionals within our 

community within the industry 

who are accessible and able to 

answer your questions and help 

you deal with all issues related 

to skin treatments. 

In this edition we introduce to 

you Dr Mary Thompson, who 

has almost 20 years in the 

Medical profession. During 

an extremely varied career , 

she has worked in hospitals, 

research publishing in British 

medical journals, teaching, 

public and global health. She is 

passionate about cosmetic and 

non surgical skin treatments 

having also been a patient 

needing several skin treatments 

that top dermatologists were 

unable to treat. She offers a 

range of dermal fillers, skin 

laxity and lines treatments, as 

well as acne and pigmentation 

problems. She has several 

qualifications in Aesthetic 

Medicine and is teaching at 

Harley Academy ( the largest 

cosmetic training academy in 

the UK. 

She will provide you with a 

consultation and recommend 

the best treatment tailored to 

your individual needs. The full 

treatment range is available at 

www.alsonltd.co.uk. 

Alternatively contacts. 

Email: drmary@alsonltd.co.uk, 

Tel: 0775 463 7487 

MODELS 

WANTED 

If you are interested in having treatments to soften facial lines, beautification or 

replace facial volume loss then get in touch . We will have sessions in Central London 

(Dates to be confirmed). Contact us at drmary@alsonltd.co.uk or 0755 463 7487 

MODELS WILL RECEIVE A DISCOUNTED PRICE. 

50 


www.alsonltd.co.uk.



51

LIFE AT UNITY HOMES IN TATU CITY 

WHAT TO EXPECT AT UNITY HOMES DEVELOPMENT IN TATU CITY 

A few years ago Tatu City seemed 

like one of those grand plans that 

remain just that… plans. The initial 

adverse publicity that the proposed 

development received in the media 

did not help to allay the fears of 

Kenyans, already wary of real estate 

developers after losing money in 

some previous schemes. Today, 

however, it is an entirely different 

picture. The massive 5,000-acre 

mixed-use development located 

in Ruiru, Kiambu County, is rapidly 

coming together. There is activity 

across the expansive site, with 

several businesses and schools 

already operational while some 

homeowners have settled in. 

Living or working in planned developments 

is the dream of many. It 

eliminates the usual challenges 

that come with unplanned or barely 

planned settlements – mainly 

congestion, poor infrastructure, 

unreliable service from utility 

firms, insecurity, and insufficient 

or even non-existent social amenities. 

Tatu City was conceived to 

provide an attractive live, work, and 

play environment where 250,000 

people could enjoy a high quality 

of life away from the hustle and 

bustle of urban areas. The City was 

granted Special Economic Zone 

status by the government, meaning 

businesses can enjoy reduced 

taxes, duty exemptions, favourable 

capital and profit repatriation, and 

other benefits. Tatu City has so far 

attracted high-profile businesses 

and exclusive schools such as Nova 

Pioneer and Crawford International 

School, with a number of other 

schools also now showing interest. 

Management has deliberately 

excluded heavy industries from 

development in order to avoid environmental 

degradation and ensure 

a peaceful experience when inside 

Tatu City. 

One of the companies that have 

seized the opportunity to invest 

in Tatu City is Unity Homes. A real 

estate developer established in 

2014, Unity Homes has secured 34 

acres in Tatu where it is putting up 

over 2000 affordable homes targeting 

investors and starter home customers. 

The company first ventured 

into real estate with a 239-unit residential 

development in Eldoret in 

2015. The 2 and 3-bed duplexes sold 

out faster than expected, encouraging 

the company to make further 

forays in the sector. 

At Tatu City, Unity Homes broke 

ground in 2019 to construct over 

1,000 homes which consist of 2 and 

3-bedroom apartments. Phase one 

of the project which has 384 homes 

is complete and has also welcomed 

residents, having been handed 

over in August 2020 in an official 

ceremony graced by Her Excellency 

Ms. Jane Marriott, OBE, British High 

Commissioner to Kenya. “Demand 

for accessibly priced homes in 

a secure environment is every 

Kenyan’s dream ”, says Jason Horsey, 

Executive Director at Unity Homes. 

“There has been a surge in uptake 

from buyers, especially during the 

pandemic, due to the increased 

need to secure a home for their 

future .” With the first phase consisting 

of 384 units fully sold out in a 

span of 18 months, Unity Homes 

has set afoot. They are currently 

constructing phase two which constitutes 

2, 3, and 4 bedroom units, 

and are proud to have already sold 

over ⅓ of the estate with the first 

apartments to be handed over later 

in 2022. This clearly demonstrates 

the appetite in the market for the 

high-quality apartments being constructed 

by Unity Homes. 

Indeed, the bustle at the site is 

evidence of accelerated construction 

and according to Mr. Jason 

Horsey, there are at least 400 

workers spread out on the property. 

The company hopes to complete 

the second phase of 640 homes 

in 2024 and in addition, has just 

launched a new affordable project 

of 1200 homes, all one-bedroom 

apartments also within Tatu City. 

The project will be undertaken in 

two phases with the construction 

of phase one, 600 units currently 

underway, and demand for these 

units equally as strong. 

Mr. Horsey attributes the speed 

of construction to the company’s 

decision to shift from regular brick 

and work to aluminum formwork 

where the entire structure including 

walls and slabs is concrete cast 

on site. “With this formwork technology, 

we are able to complete 

an apartment in 20 hours, without 

having excessive work fronts open 

at the same time.” He adds that the 

main benefit of this technology is 

the unparalleled quality of finish, 

compared to the traditional brick 

and mortar method of construction. 

As the formwork is produced in a 

factory, the dimensional tolerances 

are absolutely precise, which is 

not achievable using conventional 

methods. “The technology is a plus 

to us since the precision and quality 

52 


in the finishing is unmatched giving the 

homeowners more confidence in the 

product,” he says. 

The other factor that has worked in the 

developer’s favour is that the entire 

project team, from design to fittings 

- is in-house. Having a vast range of 

expertise within the team has increased 

the speed of consultation and everyone 

reads from the same script. It also 

ensures alignment along the value 

chain, as the skills are in-house, to 

ensure that the ultimate focus is on the 

quality of the apartments being handed 

over. “Quality is one of Unity Homes’ 

major value propositions. For example, 

we have up to 28 separate checklists for 

each unit that is given over to assure 

the house’s quality,” Horsey noted. 

Unity Homes has gone for a low-rise 

development distributed in small 

blocks of 16 units each as opposed to 

many developers who would ordinarily 

prefer high-rise apartments to maximize 

returns. “We felt it was important 

to consider density per acre and 

visual impact”, says Mr. Horsey. The 

four-storey blocks have ample spacing 

around them, with the road network 

consisting of a colour-paved driveway 

and parking. Because of this deliberate 

layout, the whole development looks 

spacious and oozes freshness. 

The houses are compact and functional, 

yet warm and inviting and each 

one-bedroom unit has a floor area of 

about 45 square metres, whereas the 

two-bedroom units have a plinth area 

of about 76 square metres and the 

three-bedroom units have a plinth area 

of about 152 square metres. Each unit 

has a thick high security steel door 

that opens into the living room on one 

side and the open plan kitchen on the 

other. The futuristic-styled kitchen is 

complete with mosaic backsplash, a 

standard extractor hood, and polished 

Italian-style granite worktops, with 

spotlights and strip lights illuminating 

the space beautifully. Next to the 

kitchen is a utility room with the provision 

for a washing machine and plenty 

of space to put up laundry cabinets and 

additional pantry storage. Aluminium 

sliding doors with a glass railing for the 

balcony were chosen. From the living 

room, one finds the shared bathroom 

consisting of a water closet, shower 

cubicle, and a granite vanity area. Next 

is the en suite master bedroom as well 

as a child or visitors room. 

Residents of Unity Homes 

Developments will enjoy amenities 

provided by the developer and Tatu 

City as a whole. The gated community is 

accessed from Ruiru-Kamiti Road where 

one goes through security checks and 

residents will use a card access system 

to access the estate. Solar lighting and 

solar water heating have been incorporated 

into the design to make the development 

as green as possible and ensure 

that the estate is well-lit at night. Both 

estates border a natural park, which will 

have walking trails, picnic spots, and an 

array of indigenous trees, with the area, 

demarcated as dedicated green space 

and therefore will never be developed. 

A chic circular swimming pool with a 

heated bar pool and a bistro that serves 

drinks and food are operational and 

open to the residents and a gym and 

mini-mart are currently under construction 

with an estimated completion at 

the end of 2022. 

There is no doubt that in the next few 

years, Unity Homes Developments 

and the larger Tatu City will be highly 

coveted communities with a superior 

quality of life where residents can live 

their lives to the fullest. 


53

EXPLORES THE TIME OF BRITISH RULE IN KENYA LEADING UP TO MAU MAU UPRISING AND EVENTUAL INDEPENDENCE IN DECEMBER 1963. 

DARKEST HOURS OF VICTORY 

25TH SEPTEMBER 2022. VENUE: GREENWICH THEATRE.TIME: 7PM 

54 


Explores the time of British rule in 

Kenya leading up to Mau Mau uprising 

and eventual independence in 

December 1963. 

Based on true stories from the 

fighters and their families, we see the 

sacrifices, the fight for justices and 

freedom and the soul of Africa, uniting 

tribes and families in their struggles. 

DARKEST HOURS OF VICTORY 

Date: 25th September 2022. 

Venue: Greenwich Theatre. 

Time: 7pm 

For more information please contact: 

Global Fusion Music AND Arts 

Tel: 0208 858 9497 

55 

25TH SEPTEMBER 2022. VENUE: 

GREENWICH THEATRE.TIME: 7PM 


55

WEDDING 

STACY NJERI 

MUNGA- KENYA 

Hi, my names are Stacy Njeri Munga. 

I have had a lot of people come forward to congratulate me 

following my wedding which took place in Kenya, with the 

majority being Kenyans in the UK coming forward to help with 

the arrangements. The whole affair lasted just under 2 and a 

half months (I’m forever grateful to you all). 

56 


Most people could not understand why I had to go for 

the Kikuyu traditional wedding after living in the UK 

for over 2 and a half decades. Many had never thought 

this could be my pick and were equally shocked to 

see this is what I went for, making one of the most 

colourful, modern Kikuyu weddings yet maintaining 

the standards of the Ngurario ceremony. The decision 

to go for the traditional wedding rather than a white 

one as a result of a journey of self-reflection and 

discovery that I embarked on a few years ago. 

I was like many others impressed to learn just how 

beautiful and dynamic the culture of my people was. 

How it emphasised relationships, values and family 

above all else. In summary, I did a traditional Gikuyu 

wedding for the following reasons: 

1. I wanted to reaffirm the standing, beauty 

and enduring worth of the amazing Gikuyu 

culture which sadly so many of my generation 

and those that followed missed. *Your culture 

is who you are* I feel convinced that every 

Gikuyu in the diaspora need to make an effort 

to gain an understanding of who we the Gikuyu 

people are and what our culture can help us 

become. 

2. I wanted to embrace, celebrate and normalise 

this way of celebrating marriage conducted 

in accordance with our culture after fulfilling 

all the elaborate cultural requirements. It was 

beautiful. 

3. I also wanted it to be a lesson for my three 

sons as they come of age as men to appreciate 

more who they are as African, and Kenyan and 

importantly that they are descended from a 

civilised and beautiful culture. 

4. My traditional wedding called *Ngurario* in 

Gikuyu made me feel very empowered as a 

Gikuyu woman to know I had only followed the 

paths followed by many more women before 

(my mother) me who celebrated marriage as 

a confident people who knew and loved dearly 

who they are. 

In conclusion, every Gikuyu woman 

considering a traditional wedding ceremony 

should have the confidence to know it is greatly 

worthwhile. 


57

MY STORY 

SALLY G. KIMONDO 

Founder - LDSKCF 

My name is Sally (Grant) Kimondo, or 

simply Sally Gee. I am the mother of 

Hope Grant. My parents are the late 

Hon. Kiruhi Kimondo (former MP at 

Starehe, Nairobi) and Ruth Kimondo. I 

am a senior social work practitioner in 

Luton and I am also passionate about 

families and community life. I have two 

sisters (Julie and Janet) and a brother 

(Eric). Our mother is still alive and well 

residing with us in the UK. I grew up in 

Kenya for most of my childhood before 

we relocated permanently to the UK. 

In March 2020 I envisioned bringing 

together Kenyans in Luton, Dunstable, 

and the surrounding areas regardless of 

social identity. My vision was to bridge 

existing gaps with a unique platform for 

community cohesion, engagement, and 

cultural diversity. A key aim was to reeducate 

our youth on Kenyan cultural 

identity. Hence the Luton, Dunstable, 

and Surrounding areas Kenyan 

Community Forum (LDSKCF) was 

born. LDSKCF has two arms; the Youth 

and the Adults. Our adult approach 

is inclusiveness, in particular for the 

over 55s. Our youth now discuss issues 

previously held as a ‘taboo’ such as 

mental health and its impact. They have 

grown in confidence, and this model 

can be passed on to future generations. 

Initially, I expected this innovative 

approach to be embraced positively by 

the wider Luton Kenyan community. 

Instead, I faced discrimination, 

gaslighting, and trolling. I was harassed 

for bringing the different Kenyan tribes 

together under one roof. Some men 

within the Luton and Dunstable areas 

could not accept female leadership 

or from other tribes. I was accused of 

bringing ‘foreigners’ to their territory. 

A WhatsApp group was created to troll 

me. I was called a thief when some 

men and women within the Luton 

Kenyan community insisted that no one 

should pay to register in a group. Some 

haters even sent personal messages 

threatening members to leave the 

LDSKCF group. The intimidation 

made many people fearful, and 

many registered members left the 

group. Some Kenyan pastors in Luton 

dissociated with the LDSKCF due to all 

the threats. 

Even so, LDSKCF is well structured 

with a fantastic leadership team - Tony 

Morton (vice-chair), Jules Karume 

(Group coordinator), Carole Wangaa 

(Secretary-General), Margaret Kaironge 

(Treasurer), Liz Chege (Treasurer), 

Mwangi Muturi (Youth Coordinator), 

Rachel Mwai (Area Coordinator), 

Lawrence K Makokha (Educational 

Welfare Coordinator), and Faith 

Gichangiru (Children coordinator). These 

leaders volunteer their time selflessly 

and have surely stood the test of time. 

Our community account is managed by 

elected treasurers alongside the group 

coordinator who together, maintain 

oversight of all funds transparently and 

accountably. The youth can emulate 

this model because each role within the 

main leadership can be mirrored within 

the youth leadership. We embrace 

a vision of self-funding in order to 

plan our events efficiently. We hold 

regular events including Thanksgiving 

dinners, mental health awareness 

workshops, youth and children’s fun 

days, wellbeing barbeques, etc. In 

one of our recent events, we hosted 

the Bedfordshire High Sheriff, Deputy 

Ambassador Kamere, the Mayor, and 

some Councilors. 

Contact Info 

Admin: 07767 458062 

Group Coordinator: 07884 478848 

Area Coordinators: 07909 164898 

Email: Info@Ldskcf.Org.Uk 

website: www.ldskcf.org.uk 

58 


MARIDADY 

MOTORS LTD 

Maridady Motors Ltd is a 

growing motor dealership 

situated in Nairobi Kenya, 

Ridgeways, on Kiambu Road. 

Since its inception over ten 

years ago, Maridady Motors Ltd 

has helped over 5000 homes 

in Kenya to own cars. In 2019, 

Maridady Motors Ltd was 

crowned a Top 100 SME in a 

competition of SMEs by KMPG 

and Nation Media Group. 

At Maridady Motors Ltd, we 

are focused on helping our 

customers to acquire the best 

cars at the best prices. We 

achieve this by partnering 

with financing institutions 

like banks, microfinance and 

SACCOs. We also run our own 

fully licenced SACCO that 

provides a platform for those 

desiring to save, invest or get 

financing from us. 

Through our Driving 

Academies, we focus on training 

competent safe drivers as well 

as offering life coaching and 

basic business classes that 

prepare and mentor young 

adults into responsible and 

productive adulthood. As we 

say, after doing our driving and 

life coaching classes, youngsters 

can drive cars as well as drive 

their lives safely. 

To impact and transform our 

society positively, we pick 

and invest in different CSR 

Initiatives, currently, we are 

engaged in a community 

Initiative dubbed; Empowering 

The Boy For The Girl. Through 

this CSR Initiative, we hope to 

enlighten and motivate Boys 

and Youngmen in Kenya toward 

positive masculinity. The 

expected results are responsible 

and active men who partner 

with our now empowered 

women to build families and 

who use their masculinity to 

serve the 

world and build social economic 

enterprises. 

To achieve all our objectives, 

we mobilize financial capital 

by partnering with individuals 

from both Kenya and in the 

diaspora seeking to employ 

their capital into profitmaking 

ventures through 

our investment products. By 

partnering with our investors, 

we are creating a positive socialeconomic 

impact in Kenya 

by empowering individuals, 

families and small businesses 

to own much-needed cars. We 

achieve all this while helping 

our investors get a handsome 

return on their capital. 

Whether you need to buy a car 

or you need to invest and get 

a return. You can reach us for 

further engagement through 

our diaspora hotlines and 

relationship managers: 

• Eric, 0792, 777,000 

• Gilbert, 0794, 000, 111 

• Website: www. 

maridadymotors.com 


59

EMMANUEL BAMIGBOLA 

& DENNESE MANYASI 

Step by Step (SBS) Creative Arts Company 

was founded in October 2020 to bridge 

the gap between creative talent and 

service users such as schools, community 

groups, production companies and more. 

We cater to all needs whether it is an 

afterschool club, creative workshop, event 

or indeed music videos. The main focus of 

the company is a dance in all aspects, with 

some of the country’s exceptional talent 

in choreography and teaching being a key 

element. 

60 



We, however, also provide a 

wealth of exciting skills and 

knowledge in our own right 

through our arts and crafts 

workshops. These include tie 

& dye, batik, bead making and 

mask making. They are all carried 

out to a very high standard 

by exceptional artists and 

practitioners. 

Our step-by-step approach 

is such that we will walk you 

through the whole process 

of booking a fun and exciting 

workshop with us through to 

delivery. The immersive power 

of the creative arts inspired us 

to start the company, with us 

both having a deep passion for 

dance. We were able to harness 

this passion to pass on our 

knowledge through workshops 

as well as teaching and 

performing at events. We realised 

that there was an opportunity 

to expand the business through 

taking on different creative 

art workshops such as African 

Drumming, bead-making, Tye & 

Dye and more, which now makes 

the company verydiverse in what 

we offer. 

Our first project was a 

community initiative sponsored 

by WorldRemit, where we ran 

free creative art workshops for 

children. This turned out to be 

very beneficial for the children. 

It also turned out to be a huge 

success despite the workshops 

taking place around the time 

of the Covid-19 pandemic. For 

example, we went on to run 

zoom dance workshops (online) 

as the pandemic had affected 

the face to face contact. We had a 

successful run with the online 

workshops. People enjoyed it 

all very much because it kept 

them busy. We also have dancebased 

afterschool clubs in local 

schools in which our creative 

facilitators attend and teach 

children different dance styles 

every term. Our latest project 

was with Shaka Zulu restaurant, 

where we completed a project 

for the month of December 2021 

in which we created an African 

drumming and dancing piece to 

be performed throughout the 

month. This was a highlight for 

us because we created a strong 

team and generated an amazing 

atmosphere for the customers 

at the restaurant, one that they 

would never forget. 

Our future plans include 

networking with local councils to 

do more community events and 

cover more schools in the area 

with creative arts after school 

clubs. In terms of performing we 

wish to start performing at big 

events and festivals, as well as 

touring internationally through 

dance. 

Contact: Instagram- 

@sbs: creativeartsagency 

Email: sbscreativearts@gmail.com 


61

BEYOND 

SEASONS 

‘ 

DESiGN 

BUSINESS CARDS, FLYERS, 

E-FLYERS, BANNERS, BROCHURES, 

MAGAZINES, ANNUAL REPORTS, 

TSHIRTS WEB GRAPHICS AND 

MAINTAINANCE, PRESENTATIONS 


AND MORE 

62 

‘

Earn While You Sleep 

Between the age of 25 and 60, you 

have 420 payslips that should sort 

you out in your retirement years. 

What you do with them now, is your 

choice, and the repercussions are also 

your own. Back in 2005, fueled by this 

fact, a couple set out to create a third 

source of income in addition to their 

salaries. 

15 years of blood, sweat, and tears 

got Leonard and Emily Mcharo to a 

passive monthly income of over Kes 

500,000. Surpassing their target, they 

came out of the journey with more 

than just another source of income, 

but also with a model to achieve 

financial independence by investing 

in real estate. With the purpose to 

share this great model, this couple; a 

CFA and an Architect, founded TSAVO 

and led a team of highly passionate 

and capable individuals to refine it. 

Through research, design, 

experimenting and failure, Affordable 

Amazing Apartments proved to 

be the most effective vehicle for 

financial independence, studios and 

one-bedroom apartments being the 

key typologies. This made real estate 

investment affordable and accessible 

to many Kenyans with apartments 

ranging from Kes 1.7M –2.7M. 

Focusing on the great purpose 

of enabling investors to achieve 

financial Independence, TSAVO 

took it a step further by designing 

a payment plan of up to 5 years. 

This has enabled Kenyans to make 

instalments from as low as Kes 

23,000 every month. That alone is 

not enough to enable you to earn 

while you sleep. By managing these 

Affordable Amazing Apartments after 

construction, TSAVO has made real 

estate as passive as an investment 

could get. 

7 years down the line, with 5 

complete projects and over 1500 

happy investors, TSAVO plays a core 

role in the lives of many. Putting 

their hard-earned money to a harder 

task to cater for their generations to 

come as it creates for them time with 

the people that matter. Real Estate 

investment has never been more 

purposeful. 

Understanding that we must make 

each of those 420 pays slips count, 

we must work smarter and employ 

our hard-earned money for even 

harder tasks. This end-to-end real 

estate investment model is the 

greatest task you can assign your 

money to do. 

By booking a unit and starting your 

monthly instalments, you will have 

taken a great step on your journey 

to financial independence, invest @ 

tsavo.ke today! 


63

MY STORY 

Lioness 

Afreeka 

Founder - Wimbi La Pwani 

My name is Hannah Wakesho 

Nyangala. Everybody knows 

me as Lioness Afreeka. I was 

born in Mombasa, Kenya. I live in 

Stockholm with my family. I am a 

mother of 2. I am a music artist, 

a talk-show host with The Kenya 

Diaspora Media, and the Europe 

Ambassador for the Talk comsapp 

which allows Kenyans abroad 

to call home at the best market 

rates. I am also a nominee for the 

MTM Award which will take place 

in London in November 2022. My 

music can be found on all digital 

platforms. 

My music career was sown in my 

early childhood and propagated 

at high school. After Aga Khan 

Primary Mombasa I joined Star Of 

The Sea High School and Murray 

Girls High School. After high 

school, I worked with several 

local bands. Eventually, I worked 

with Tred Entertainers in Mombasa 

for almost 3 years before 

joining Senza Musica, a Nairobibased 

Zairean music band, as a 

dancer. My dream to sing turned 

into a reality when I joined the 

famous Big Matata Band as their 

female leadsinger. The group 

was managed by the Legendary 

Teddy Kalanda of Them Mushrooms. 

I performed with Matata Band 

during their Abu Dhabi tour. After 

our return to Kenya, in 2006 we 

toured Italy for a series of summer 

shows. At the time I was 

heavily pregnant. While still in Italy 

I gave birth to a baby girl.But a 

chain of sudden events later and 

I was stuck in a foreigncountrywithout 

a career and with a baby. 

In 2007 I was pregnant again. This 

time I saw tougher days. I even 

remember crying because of 

hunger. One day while 9 months 

pregnant with the second child I 

fell down a flight of stairs, almost 

taking my life and that of the 

baby.But thank God we both 

survived the fall although I broke 

my knee and I was on crutches 

for months. Eventually, I started 

working. In between jobs, I took 

Italian lessons. Soon I was a translator 

for the Italian Commission. 

Sometimes I had only 3 hours of 

sleep in between 3 jobs and my 

music. But as my name Lioness 

indicates, I huntdown every 

opportunity that belongs to me. 

In so doing I find the strength to 

carry on. 

After 14 years in Italy, we moved 

to Stockholm in the summer of 

2021. Little didwe know that 

major doors were about to open 

in Sweden. Today I host 3 online 

interactive shows under The 

Kenyan Diaspora Media platform. 

Wasanii Ughaibuniis streamed on 

Saturdays. I host 2 other separate 

programs on Mondays and 

Tuesdays, Nyota Ing’aayo Ughaibuni 

and Matunda Ya Ng’ambo, 

respectively. 

64 


BENJAMIN FERNANDES 

(Founder and CEO of NALA) 

shares his story and why NALA matters. 

Why did you start NALA? 

“I believe every African deserves 

a chance to turn their dreams 

into reality.” 

When I left Africa in 2015 I knew 

I had to use the opportunities I’d 

been granted to help my people. 

My goal was to pave the way for 

others to achieve their ambitions 

and change the world we live in. 

I also know it takes drive, commitment 

and resilience to make 

that happen – all qualities we 

African people have plenty of. 

But financial support from friends 

and families can make a massive 

difference to those on the African 

continent and its diaspora. 

Why Africa? Why now? 

”My mission is to create community-powered 

financial solutions, 

making it easier to make daily 

payments and do business in an 

increasingly global Africa.” 

Every year billions of dollars 

are sent from overseas to Sub- 

Saharan Africa, earned and given 

by people who decided that 

although missing the family is 

hard, missing an opportunity 

is harder. Millions of Africans 

live and work away from home, 

driven by the vision of a future 

they want to build for their loved 

ones. Growing up in Tanzania and 

watching how mobile payments 

were changing the world around 

me, I wanted to help catalyze 

that change. I left Africa in search 

of these opportunities because 

I was blessed by people who 

believed in me. When I returned, 

one burning question became 

my driving force… 

“How do I bring those same opportunities 

to millions of people 

across the continent I love?” 

So, what’s the plan? 

“Africa is the most expensive 

place in the world to send money 

to. We lose billions in fees every 

year.” 

At NALA we are using the latest 

technology and working 

with local communities to make 

payments as hassle-free as possible. 

Our easy-to-use app allows 

anyone to send money from the 

UK or US to Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, 

Ghana and Rwanda quickly 

and at the lowest rates available. 

But this is just the beginning. As 

NALA grows, we aim to build a 

banking and payment platform 

for Africans, by Africans. I’d love 

you to join us on this journey and 

work with us as we help unlock 

opportunities for Africa and her 

people. 


65

JACK OF ALL TRADES 

MASTER OF NONE 

The peculiar story of 

Baraza J Namunyu 

I am Baraza J Namunyu. But please 

just call me Baraza. Or Balozi, if 

you prefer. In fact, I have various 

‘community’ names, so don’t be 

confused. As a child, I was called 

‘Baruzu’ for many years. In high 

school, I was called ‘Munyuss’. In my 

20s people just called me Namunyu. 

Shortly after I came to live in the 

UK in early 2006 the local Kenyan 

community called me ‘Askofu’ - 

which I carried for almost 12 years. 

In 2020 a WhatsApp friend of mine 

Mr. George Wachiuri ( CEO Optiven) 

renamed me ‘Balozi.’ And now, in 

some other circles recently, I am 

known as ‘Brother Tiger’ (don’t even 

ask!). Bwana George as I call him 

was introduced to me by a fantastic 

lady Maggie Wambugu, the girl who 

proudly wears Optiven like a crown. 

Bwana George and I have been great 

brothers since. 

Just as I have different frames of 

reference, I have different skillsets 

that somewhat have made me a Jack 

of All Trades. How did this happen? 

Please travel with me and I will tell 

you. I was born in and grew up in The 

Salvation Army (TSA). My parents 

are retired TSA ministers ( ‘officers’ 

as we call them). All my life and till 

the day they retired some years 

ago, they served in TSA full time. As 

such I was exposed to rich musical 

and cultural TSA heritage. I took 

much of this with me when I joined 

Dagoretti High School in 1991 and 

became a very successful (pioneer) 

bandleader during my time in high 

school. Our band won many major 

trophies and awards at each Music 

festival. When I finished high school 

in 1994 I wanted to pursue a music 

career through university, but such 

opportunities were very limited 

without a B- minimum. I had a C+ 

aggregate with a very good ‘A’ in 

Music and B+ in English, but obviously 

not enough to get me into university. 

As an alternative, my father insisted 

on either accounting or the KMTC as 

a clinical officer or nurse (he knew 

a contact). As it turned out, none of 

these materialized since my grades 

were too low - to my great relief too; 

neither accounting nor KMTC was on 

my radar anyway. 

As I waited for what next, my dad 

spoke with some contacts in the 

Kenya Police Force and secured me a 

place with the Kenya Police Band at 

their Industrial Area base, Nairobi, for 

6 months. The plan was to join the 

police academy later on at Kiganjo for 

another 9 months when recruitment 

started. Alongside other recruits, I 

attended band practice daily from 

Monday to Friday for the entire 6 

months. But as it turned out in the 

end, I didn’t go to Kiganjo. I dropped 

out at the last minute after I was 

so frustrated by the system after I 

stood out and spoke up against the 

corruption I saw during the time. 

After walking away from the police 

narrative (or so I assumed) I enrolled 

at a nondescript college for electrical 

technicians in the Nairobi CBD near 

the University of Nairobi. During my 

first week in college, a senior police 

sergeant from Kiganjo came looking 

to arrest me. I was to be taken to 

Kiganjo to explain why was not at 

training. As it turned out the officers 

at the industrial area had successfully 

frustrated me out of Kiganjo, but my 

file had somehow reachd the Police 

Training School. Apparently, I was 

AWOL, and it was a gross offence 

and liable for disciplinary action. 

Mind you, all this drama took place 

in my absence, and these intense 

66 


conversations were taking place 

between the senior police officer and 

my father at TSA offices in Nairobi. 

Somehow my father managed to allay 

the situation. The senior sergeant 

relented and returned to Kiganjo. I 

never met him. 

After my training in electricals, I sat 

for the exam and failed. So once again 

my dad talked to some contacts at 

the Kenchic hatcheries in Mlolongo, 

near Ati River town. After a couple 

of months, however, things did not 

work out - I was sacked and was back 

home. I then enrolled at the Kenya 

Polytechnic (now the Polytechnic 

University of Kenya) for a 3-year 

course in Food Technology. I sat for 

my KNEC exams in 1999 but did not 

pass well. The following year (2000) 

I opted to resit the two papers I had 

failed. I passed but I did not know 

where to go next. There were no jobs! 

In Kenya those days, as a young male 

adult if you did not know what to do 

with your life you had three options 

- go back upcountry and farm, stay 

in the city and tarmac, or became an 

idler. I chose to tarmac, but it also 

came with added challenges of its 

own key among them homelessness 

for four years in Nairobi. 

Now that I realise I am running out of 

page room I will cut the story short 

for you. Perhaps in the next volume 

(2023), I will give you more detail 

about what else happened in my 

peculiar life. But for now, here is a 

summary: Between the years 2001 

and 2006 I was in and out of work; 

travelled to and from the UK for a 

high profile TSA Music workshop; 

came back to Kenya and became 

a choirmaster; went back to 

college for a Hotel Management 

course; got married and moved 

to the UK, this time round to 

settle and start a family. Between 

the years 2006 and 2016 I had 

become the chairman of Agape 

Kenya Fellowship Liverpool (4 yrs); 

become a father to three fantastic 

children ( the first two being 

twins); went through university 

for my Foundation, Honours and 

Masters degrees; made some 

stupid choices and got into deep 

debt; tried training to teach but 

did not work out; became a taxi 

driver as a side hustle to recover 

from debt; and all the while (s9nce 

2013), worked at St Helens College 

for more than 10 years to this day, 

where I am part of the Healthcare 

team in the Supported Learning 

Department. My ultimate boss and 

Principal, Mr Simon Pierce, is an 

exceptional leader who believes 

in and emphasises the importance 

of celebrating small victories. If 

you what to know more about this 

great man please look out for next 

year’s edition of this magazine. 

Before I finish, I want to give a 

word of deep thanks to my mentor 

and friend Lydia Tett Olet, who 

has seen the value I bring to my 

generation. I am privileged to 

work with this remarkable human 

being on various issues relating 

to community life in the diaspora, 

and I am especially thankful for 

the opportunity to tell my story, 

in my own words, in this edition. 

Ma’am, I salute you; and forever 

you have my gratitude and 

respect. 

To learn more about St Helens 

College please visit: 

www.sthelens.ac.uk 


KENYA AND FRIENDS IN THE PARK


69

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Join the thousands who trust Taptap Send and make Taptap Send your choice for sending money to 

Kenya everyday! 

Tumia kidogo na utume Zaidi na Taptap Send! 

70 

Darwin Aseka 

Hi I am Darwin and I have been a regular user 

of Taptap Send money transfer since 2020. 

Taptap Send brought the best exchange rates 

coupled with instant money transfers which 

was a game changer in comparison to the 

other services I had previously used. 

I find it the mobile app safe, convenient and 

user friendly to send money to Kenyan bank 

accounts as well as mobile money transfers 

within seconds 


Testimonials 

Moses Langat 

My names are Moses Langat and I am based in 

the United Kingdom. 

I have been using Taptap Send to transfer 

money to Kenya since March 2021. 

Taptap Send is conveniently swift, reliable and 

offers competitive exchange rates.

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2019!! 

UPDATE 

27TH - 28TH 

JULY 2019 

VENUE TBC 


Kenya World Achievers Awards 2022 LAUNCH 

SPONSORS & 

SUPPORTERS 

76 


LIVE 

EVERY WEDNESDY 

LONDON, KENYA 

TIMES: 

6.30PM 

8.30PM 

SHOWING ON 


77

KENYA WORLD ACHIEVERS AWARDS 2022 LAUNCH

Buying Insurance cannot change 

your life but it prevents your 

lifestyle from being changed. 

An illness can wipe up an entire 

family’s savings that they have 

saved for decades by the medical bills, 

get protected to avoid the unseen or 

unavoidable circumstances. 

PROTECTION 

PLATFORM 

‘‘ 

You will not turn bankrupt because of buying 

insurance but you will cause your loved ones to 

turn bankrupt if you don’t prepare for the unseen. 

Some things are unavoidable AND inevitable. 

PREVENTION IS BETTER THAN CURE. 

For more information 

please contact: 

Lydia Tett Olet 

Tel: +44 74 1494 4464 

Email: l.olet@preciseprotect.co.uk 

Website: www.preciseprotect.co.uk 

UK ONLY 

‘‘ 

“Buying insurance cannot change your life but it 

can prevent your lifestyle from being changed.” 

~ Jack Ma ~

National Bank 

NATIONAL BANK OF KENYA

Karibu Magazine July 2022 (updated)

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