Village Beat Magazine. August-September 2011

YOUR COMPLIMENTARY COPY August - September 2011

Khazana Restaurant & Catering

What’s good about Indian food?

VillageBeat

Five Minutes with...

Manisha Patel

Why The Village Market is the

world’s Greenest shopping mall

A Publication of The Village Market

VillageBeat

Contents 14

18

3

Jambo!

Everything’s coming up green…

4

Village news

6

New villager

Enjoying the sweet perfume of success

8

Five minutes with...

Manisha Patel

9

Well being

Self-exam aid can help avoid breast cancer

10

Profiler

A very constant gardener

12

Off the shelf

Book worm: a quick look at the latest bestsellers

The movies: a look at the latest releases

14

Savour

What’s good about Indian food?

16

Culture

Local design talent? It's in the bag

17

Virtuous village

Food aid helps The Village Market staff cope with cost of living

18

Feature

is published by

Why The Village Market is the world's greenest shopping mall

THE VILLAGE MARKET

23

Village diary

24

Still here

You, too, can be a melody maker

26

Escape

Cosy cottage in a setting of great charm

28

News in pictures

Village scene

30

A to Z of The Village Market

The Village Market at a glance

32

Essential contacts & information

PO Box 100-00621, The Village Market Tel: 712 2488/90 • Fax: 712 2477 Email marketing@villagemarket-kenya.com www.villagemarket-kenya.com designed by

Land & Marine Publications (Kenya) Ltd Suite A6, 1st Floor, Ojijo Plaza Plums Lane, off Ojijo Road, Parklands PO Box 2022, Village Market 00621, Nairobi Tel: 020 374 1934 • Email: publishing@landmarine.com www.landmarine.com The opinions expressed in this publication are not necessarily those of the editor, or any other organisation associated with this publication. No liability can be accepted for any inaccuracies or omissions.

©2011 The Village Market

A Publication of The Village Market // August - September 2011

1

WELCOME

Jambo!

Everything’s coming up green…

T

his issue of the magazine is in praise of

In Virtuous Village is an inspiring story about how

the lush, green vegetation that makes

The Village Market management is cushioning its

up The Village Market. Read all about it

staff against rising food prices.

in our Feature.

We’ve also added a new column, Still Here, Our Profiler section takes on the same green

highlighting some of our older outlets that you

theme, focusing on one of our oldest members of

may have forgotten about.

staff – Senior Gardener, John Chege.

There’s something great for the ladies in our Well Spend 5 Minutes With Manisha Patel, of Sugar

Being column. The Liv Kit is certainly a ‘must have’

Candy, as she tells you what it takes to run a

for every woman who cares about her health.

lucrative candy store at The Village Market.

I’ll leave you to it then.

And in the Savour section we tell you what makes Indian food so good.

Warmest regards,

New Villager

We have a New Villager that you should definitely

Ann Gitari

smell. That’s right! Elaine by Balala is offering you

Press Liaison Officer

the best of genuine designer perfume.

ann@villagemarket-kenya.com

A Publication of The Village Market // August - September 2011

3

NEWS

VillageNews For up to date news and information join us online.

Facebook:

Imperial Bank Opens Branch at The Village Market Imperial Ban has opened a new branch at The Village Market. The branch is conveniently located at the 1st Level of the complex next to Fashion Brands. Among the services available at Imperial Bank are credit services as well as forex transactions.

The big Mango sale It’s a sale like never before at Mango. Get affordable European fashion for the modern woman. Buy any single item for KES 400, any two items for KES 600 and any three items for KES 800.

4

A Publication of The Village Market // August - September 2011

Twitter:

THE VILLAGE MARKET

@VillageMarket

Bata opens larger store in The Village Market After two weeks of renovations, Bata has reopened its doors – bigger doors, for that matter, seeing that the new store is larger and more spacious.

But it’s not just the size of the store that has got shoppers talking – it’s the huge choice of shoes. With such a wide variety for all ages and every occasion, there is certainly an ideal pair of shoes here for everyone.

Cinema halls reopen Following a change in management, the cinema halls at The Village Market have now reopened.

Nu Media Cinemas opened in mid July, showing blockbusters such as ‘Pirates of the Caribbean 4’, ‘Jumping The Broom’ and the much acclaimed ‘Hangover Part II’.

To celebrate the reopening, Nu Media Cinemas sold tickets at a special rate of KES 250 all weekend.

For a list of screening times, go to our Facebook page, THE VILLAGE MARKET, or call Nu Media Cinemas on 0720 621111. See you at the movies!

Village Market staff get a chance to enhance their global careers The Village Market sponsored two of its management staff; Marketing Manager, Dominic Mbugua and Assistant Complex Manager, Betty Musyoki for this year’s International Council of Shopping Centre Training that was held in conjunction with the Middle East council of Shopping Centers in Dubai. The five-day programme was held from 5th to 9th June, 2011 at a five star hotel in Dubai - Al Murooj Rotana.

It brought together international specialists in all aspects of retail and shopping centre management.

Mall managers from Egypt, Kuwait, Dubai, the USA, Kenya, Nigeria and Canada were there to learn, network and discuss industry issues and analyse trends.

The programme embraced a comprehensive and rigorous course taught by prominent industry experts from the USA, Europe and the Middle East.

Participants had an opportunity to learn about management, marketing and leasing out of space. Those taking part received useful guidance on how to run a shopping centre more effectively and learned how the essential components of management, marketing and leasing come together.

They also had a chance to explore the basic principles of merchandising and how to apply good economics and leasing strategies in order maximise income and productivity in the retail sector.

Those taking part received a Certificate of Participation from the ICSC/MECSC John T. Riordan Global School for Professional Development.

In addition, participants were given membership of the prestigious ICSC/MECSC organisation. This international recognition means they can now practise their industry skills globally and engage expert members of the ICSC on any issue relating to the retail industry and trends.

As a trend-setting mall, The Village Market is keen to develop its management team and other members of staff with a view to furthering their careers. In so doing, it hopes to achieve its vision of being the shopping and lifestyle destination of choice in East Africa.

The Village Market is not new to the ICSC. Due to its remarkable architectural design, The Village Market earned the coveted International Council of Shopping Centres’ Design Award in 2004.

A Publication of The Village Market // August - September 2011

5

per�ume o � success

Enjoying the sweet

Just last month, Mr Balala swung open the doors of his fourth store, Elaine.

6

A Publication of The Village Market // August - September 2011

NEW VILLAGER

I

t is unlikely for a man to be so interested in

“Then, once again, the time came for me to cast

perfumes, which makes Abdulaziz Balala a

my net back in the water,” says a pleased Mr

special man. His shop, Elaine, is the latest to

Balala. He was now targeting a niche market:

join The Village Market.

the well informed, discerning customer who knows what she wants when it comes to designer

For as long as he can remember, Mr Balala has had

perfume. There was no better place to serve this

a passion for flowers and gardening. He decided

customer than The Village Market.

to explore his interests by venturing into the perfume industry.

Just last month, Mr Balala swung open the doors of his fourth store, Elaine. The shop is strategically

He opened his first store in Mombasa 10 years

located just next to Nakumatt Supermarket on the

ago. As the years went by, his clientele grew and

first level of The Village Market.

so did his business. Clients holidaying at the coast from other parts of the country, especially Nairobi,

Like the other stores that Mr Balala owns, Elaine

loved his genuine merchandise. They urged him to

is already upholding international perfume

expand his business and open a shop in the city.

standards, offering high-end products such as Chanel, Givenchy, Gucci, Kenzo, Issey Miyake and

“At the time, the perfume business was run in

many more.

a shoddy manner,” Mr Balala recalls. “There were lots of grey market products sold out of a suitcase.”

New store Mr Balala was disappointed by this discovery.

It didn’t please him to see designer perfumes watered down or losing the prestige they commanded the world over.

In response to the endless demand from his loyal clients and a desire to sell authentic perfumes, Mr Balala opened a store in the central business

ELAINE

In just two years, his customer base grew. The word was out: there was as an authentic designer perfume dealer in town. It wasn’t long before Mr Balala

INFORMATION

district.

First Level, next to Nakumatt Supermarket Tel: +254 722 890470

opened a third store in the outskirts of the city.

A Publication of The Village Market // August - September 2011

7

FIVE MINuTES WITH

Five minutes with Manisha Patel Proprietor, Sugar Candy

Life can be very sweet – if you run the right kind of shop Village Beat: How long has it been

VB: What’s a normal day like

since you opened Sugar Candy?

for you?

Manisha Patel: It’s been 16 years now.

MP: I start my mornings really

We’ve been here since The Village Market

early with a two-hour jog which

opened in 1995.

gets me ready to start the day.

I then get ready for work and

VB: What does Sugar Candy specialise

give thanks to God before

in?

setting off for work. Once I’m at the shop, I check on the

MP: We are well known for our fluffy

records and progress through

pink cotton candy. Our popcorn is also a

the week or the previous day.

favourite among our customers. I guess that, coupled with our wide selection of

"The Village Market promised to be a big attraction and I had the idea of having a candy shop that would be part of the magic"

top quality chocolates and candy, makes us what we are.

VB: What prompted you to open Sugar Candy at The Village Market?

MP: The Village Market promised to be

I then spend the rest of my day assisting my

MP: I have learned that it is important

customers to pick their choice of delight.

to always have a variety of products for my customers. I need to give them

a big attraction and I had the idea of having a candy shop that would be part

VB: What challenges do you face

something new so that they don’t have

of the magic – an enchanting candy

while managing you candy shop?

buy the same candy every year.

MP: For a candy shop, I can’t say there

VB: What future plans do you have

are that many challenges. I guess it’s

for Sugar Candy?

world where every heartfelt desire would be fulfilled.

always interesting to see a child walk in,

Level 1, Near Toyworld

Tel: +254 20 7122104

8

INFORMATION

SuGAR CANDy

stare at all the different varieties of candy

MP: Since my candy floss is a favourite

and be spoiled for choice. Some just

among my customers, I plan to introduce

want everything we’ve got!

different colours and flavours – something to entice my customers’ taste

VB: What lessons have you learned over the years?

A Publication of The Village Market // August - September 2011

buds.

WELL BEING

Self-exam aid can help avoid breast cancer

D

octors cannot emphasise

information that is passed and stores it.

If you discover a lump, puckering or

enough how important it is

This is known as conditioning. The more

discharge during the self-examination, it

for every woman to examine

information that is stored, the more we

is important to see a doctor right away.

her breasts at regular intervals. Even

are aware of what we feel.

the smallest lump could be a sign of

The Liv lit is available for purchase at

breast cancer. If not detected early,

Liv helps women to be more aware of

Elixir Health, where you can get more

breast cancer can be difficult to treat

what is normal for them. This increased

information about the product.

and also fatal.

awareness leads to early detection, which in turn can save lives.

Self-examinations may not be easy to perform, but they cannot be overlooked.

Many women have found breast lumps

This is not just about checking the

with the help of Liv – mostly normal

breasts for lumps; it is also about gaining

lumps. However, some women have

personal information about your breast

noticed unusual changes when using Liv,

tissue, so that you can be aware of any

and for some, this was the fi rst step to

changes.

their diagnosis.

What is Liv?

Younger women

Liv is a self-examination aid designed to

Women under the age of 40 are not

help women examine their breast tissue.

given a mammogram if they are at

It moulds to the skin and provides a

normal risk with no family history of

smooth surface for the fi ngers to glide

breast cancer. Younger women rely on

easily over the breast tissue.

self-awareness even more and therefore fi nd Liv a valuable health tool.

However, breast self-examination with

Our sense of touch works because of

or without Liv is not a replacement

millions of touch sensors in our skin.

for a mammogram or a clinical breast

These are connected via nerves to

examination by your doctor. There

the brain, which then translates the

are three important components of a comprehensive breast screening programme: • Breast self-examination (around the

same date each month)

ELIXIR hEALTh

• Regular clinical breast examinations

by your doctor

• Mammograms.

INFORMATION

How it works

Level 2, Above Foodcourt Tel: +254 (0)20 712 0217 Email: elixirhealth@nbi.ispkenya.com

A Publication of The Village Market // August - September 2011

9

A very constant

gardener John Chege Mwangi, senior gardener

I

t’s rare to hear of a shopping mall

Chege, as he is popularly known among

He says it’s the ideal time to water and

looking to hire full-time gardeners.

his colleagues, is one of the longest

clean the gardens before the cleaning

But John Chege Mwangi had no

serving employees of The Village Market

crew begin their job.

room for questions. He just wanted a

management. As part of the gardening

job – and a good one at that. At the

team, he has seen The Village Market’s

time, he had been working for five

plants and fl owers grow into the lush

years as a messenger in a busy office.

green gardens they are today.

He was interested in becoming an

“We are the fi rst to begin work, then the cleaners, then the other management

accountant, but he couldn’t afford

While it may seem as if he has simple job,

staff,” he explains. “This routine has

the fees to go to college.

he differs with that assumption. “Plants

to be followed to ensure everything is

are very delicate,” he says. “You have to

in order before the shoppers begin to

So, when his father told him about

treat them like you would care for little

stream in from 9 am.”

gardening jobs being offered at The

children.”

It seems like a good working system,

Village Market, he quickly applied. It

10

Efficiency

wasn’t long before he was confi rmed and

It’s easy to agree with him once he tells

because the last thing you want is to have

became part of the management team.

you how early he has to get up. Chege is

a hosepipe spraying you with water as you

That was 15 years ago.

usually at the complex as early as 6 am.

drink your coffee and read the paper.

A Publication of The Village Market // August - September 2011

PROFILER

But his job is not all about watering plants. As a senior gardener, he is also responsible for trimming, weeding and cleaning the fl ower beds.

Challenges With the right equipment, Chege’s delicate job is simplifi ed. But the weather can be harsh at times. “Dry seasons present a challenge because of the frequent water shortages,” explains Chege. “It rains less and there are also more pests.”

“Plants are very delicate, you have to treat them like you would care for little children.”

Despite these challenges, Chege, together with the rest of the gardening team, have done a good job of keeping the complex green. There is never a neglected fl ower bed, a dry plant or a broken pot. Any plants or pots that may be run over by shoppers while trying to

but he says he has no regrets. He owes a

together and her encouragement keeps

negotiating the parking zone are quickly

lot to his father, who directed him to The

me going.”

replaced.

Village Market when he needed a job.

Away from work, Chege likes to spend

“I love what I do,” he says. “I wouldn’t

ordinary person. Very few people work

time with his wife and three sons. He also

be able to feed my family and educate

for the same company for over 15 years.

outsources his services to private clients

my children if not for what I do at The

So what does it take?

as a landscaping consultant.

Village Market.”

The senior gardener is certainly no

“Just work hard, be patient, humble and Chege may have missed his chance to

Chege says his wife is the key

respect your bosses,” Chege advises.

become the accountant he wanted to be;

motivation in his life. “We pray

“Your effort will be recognised.”

A Publication of The Village Market // August - September 2011

11

OFF THE SHELF

Book Worm

A quick look at the latest bestsellers

TOP 20 KENYA: Dream, luxury, inspiring, adventure

FROM OX CART TO EMAIL: The Kenya Story of Delia Craig

Author: Signature Selection

Author: Natasha Breed

Price: KES 3,500

Price: KES 2,160

Available at: Westlands Sundries

Available at: Westlands Sundries

This premier edition of the ‘Top 20 Kenya’ is a beautiful guide for dream hideaways, pampering and adventurous zones that are carefully selected to spoil your senses. Hand-picked for their uniqueness, quality and service, the ‘Top 20 Kenya’ is an exclusive collection of the fi nest in beach and bush for the discerning traveller who values serenity, individuality and a double touch of luxury. The emphasis for all of the properties is on quality not quantity. Set in vast, open spaces, they all have magnifi cent views, whether on private estates or secluded beaches. Personally recommended by ‘Top 20 Kenya’, a stay at any of these properties will leave you with unparalleled memories that will stay with you forever.

NAIROBI: An Exploration of a City by Photographers and Writers

WALL ART IN KENYA: The Kenya Story of Delia Craig

Author: Kwani

Author: Arvind Vohora

Price: KES 2,900

Price: KES 2,990

Available at: Westlands Sundries

Available at: Westlands Sundries

This book is an expansive lens, impatient with ‘development’ discourse. It celebrates Nairobi through lives rather than statistics, highlights city spaces not as repositories for international development agendas and experiment, but as sites of multiple stories and identities and ongoing temporalities. This book imposes itself against insecure private agendas posing as nationalistic attitudes and ‘visions’ and what they might want to hide. This is a book about the city’s food, dress, movement, death and birth, work, leisure, spirituality and even Nairobbery.

12

What is it about Africa that captures our imagination? Is it the clarity of the sky and the intensity of the colours, or the sight of all those animals scattered across the tree-speckled savanna that makes our heart beat quicker? There is a sense of adventure, a touch of the Wild West, of life lived at the edge. Natasha Breed draws together all these elements in her powerful portrait of Delia Craig, the hardy and resourceful matriarch of Lewa Downs.

This is a story of hardship and joy, of love and tragedy. But, more than anything, it leaves you with a deep sense of longing for times past – and of hope, too. Hope that with the help of remarkable people like the Craigs, there may still be a chance to preserve a fragment of Africa’s wild places. – Jonathan Scott.

A Publication of The Village Market // August - September 2011

Commercial wall, urban or street art was popularised in the international art market by the work of artist Cheri Shamba (b 1956) from Kinshasa during the exhibition in Paris of Jean Pigozzi’s collection entitled ‘Magiciens da le Terre’. This art form has been widely collected by international curators and collectors in Congo, Uganda, Zambia and Nigeria but is less well known in Kenya. The photographs in this book are an important archive of this dying art form as most are untraceable 20 years on and some of their work is unsigned.

The Movies A look at the latest releases

THE CHANGE UP

30 MINUTES OR LESS

Starring: Jason Bateman, Ryan Reynolds, Olivia Wilde, Leslie Mann Directed by: David Dobkin Genre: Comedy Studio: universal Pictures Release date: August 2011

Starring: Jesse Eisenberg, Danny McBride, Aziz Ansari, Nick Swardson, Michael Pena Directed by: Ruben Fleischer Genre: Action, comedy Studio: Columbia Pictures (Sony) Release date: August 2011

Dave (Jason Bateman) and Mitch (Ryan Reynolds) grew up together.

They used to be inseparable, but these days they are lucky if they cross paths every few months. Dave is a successful lawyer and happily married father of three. Mitch is a single sexual dynamo locked in a perpetual state of arrested adolescence. And while Mitch admires Dave for having a gorgeous wife (Leslie Mann), happy kids, and a high-paying job, Dave envies his unhitched pal’s freewheeling lifestyle and ability to bed any woman who shoots him a seductive glance. Then, one night, after having had a few too many, Mitch and Dave voice their mutual admiration, never once suspecting they might be about to fi nd out how the other half lives.

But the following morning, upon waking up, the two lifelong pals discover they have somehow traded places.

Nick (Jesse Eisenberg) is a small town pizza delivery man whose mundane life collides with the big plans of two wannabe criminal masterminds (Danny McBride and Nick Swardson). The volatile duo kidnap Nick and force him to rob a bank. With mere hours to pull off the impossible task, Nick enlists the help of his ex-best friend, Chet (Aziz Ansari). As the clock ticks, the two must deal with the police, hired assassins, fl ame-throwers and their own tumultuous relationship.

CONTAGION

WARRIOR

Starring: Matt Damon, Laurence Fishburne, Jude Law, Gwyneth Paltrow, Kate Winslet Directed by: Steven Soderbergh Genre: Thriller Studio: Warner Bros Release date: September 2011

Starring: Joel Edgerton, Tom hardy, Jennifer Morrison, Maximiliano hernandez, Erik ‘Bad’ Apple Directed by: Gavin O’Connor Genre: Action, drama Studio: Lionsgate Release date: September 2011

‘Contagion’ follows the rapid progress of a lethal airborne virus that kills within days. As the fast-moving epidemic grows, the worldwide medical community races to fi nd a cure and control the panic that spreads faster than the virus itself.

At the same time, ordinary people struggle to survive in a society coming apart.

Haunted by a tragic past, Marine Tommy Conlon (Hardy) returns home for the fi rst time in 14 years to enlist the help of his father (Nick Nolte) to train for Sparta, the biggest winner-takes-all event in mixed martial arts history. A former wrestling prodigy, Tommy blazes a path toward the championship while his brother, Brendan (Edgerton), an exfi ghter turned teacher, returns to the ring in a desperate bid to save his family from fi nancial ruin.

A Publication of The Village Market // August - September 2011

13

What’s good about Indian food?

14

A Publication of The Village Market // August - September 2011

Savour

I

t won’t feature often on your favourite food

food and the right amount will keep your taste

channel and neither is it your first choice for

buds excited.

a take-out, but Indian cuisine is one of the

healthiest, tastiest meals in the world.

Perhaps the greatest advantage Indians have is their ability to blend spices and come up with

The typical Indian menu is as rich as Indian culture

tantalising mixtures. Take garam masala, for

– one that has been inspired by interacting with

instance. It is a powder made by blending five

various cultures over a 5,000 year period.

or more dried spices. The most common are cardamom, cinnamon and clove. To these, one

It is this interaction and discovery that has seen

can add bay leaf, coriander, fenugreek or mint,

the Indian community come up with hundreds of

forming a delectable sweet-and-sour taste. Sweet

succulent meals, each with its unique Indian name,

dishes are seasoned with cardamom, saffron,

recipe, flavour and aroma. The world certainly

nutmeg and essence of rose petal.

owes credit to the Indians for such culinary terms as tandoor, kebab, tikka, paneer, jeera, naan and many more.

‘Must try’ Indian dishes A glimpse at any Indian menu in restaurants

A healthy serving

around the world is likely to leave you spoilt for

Indian cuisine can be termed as largely vegetarian,

choose from, and that’s not including the desserts.

a fact brought on by religion more than health.

But for the first-timer, out to try something new,

Since the Vedic period and the onset of Buddhism,

there are always those ‘must try’ dishes.

choice. There are usually more than 100 meals to

Indian communities considered eating beef a taboo. Strong cultural ties and a strict adherence

Murgh makhani or butter chicken is boneless

to religion saw this practice carried forth from

chicken cooked in rich tomato, butter and creamy

generation to generation.

gravy and flavoured with freshly ground spices. It goes well with black lentils and a green salad. Naan

Unlike most communities around the world that

is yet another favourite, a suitable accompaniment

rely on beef for protein, the Indian community

for chicken, mutton and tandoor fish.

serves up a sumptuous menu of vegetables, rice, whole wheat flour, pulses, lentils, poultry, fish and

And leave it to the Indians to come up with

green, yellow or black grams.

vegetarian barbecue. The tandoori vegetable seekh consists of mixed vegetables marinated and

And it gets better. Most Indian foods are cooked

char-grilled in the tandoor. The recipe includes

in vegetable oil. Peanut oil is also used to prepare

potatoes, cauliflower, cottage cheese, capsicum,

some dishes; and when that is not available,

onion and tomato.

mustard oil is a ready substitute. Coconut oil is also used widely by communities living at the

For all these and other mouth-watering Indian

coast, while other communities use sesame,

delicacies place your order at:

sunflower or soybean oil. Butter-based ghee is

The spice of life Spices give Indian food its unique character. Chilli pepper is one of the most commonly used spices when making Indian food. Black mustard seed, cumin and turmeric are also common in Indian

INFORMATION

used less than before.

Khazana Restaurant & Catering Level 1, Food Court Tel: +254 712 848 770; 735 388 177; 727 329 937; (0)20 251 8981 Email: khanakhazanacat@yahoo.com

A Publication of The Village Market // August - September 2011

15

CULTURE

Local design talent?

It’s in the bag F

rom 21 to 24 July, The Village Market gave top designers of bags and other fashion accessories an opportunity to showcase the best of what the local

market has to offer.

The occasion was The East Africa Designer Bags & Fashion Accessories Exhibition.

Among the fashion designers who featured in the four-day event were Bizzy Lizzy, Adèle Dejak, Rift Valley Leather, Katchy Kollections, Monda African Arts, Sanabora Design House, African Lily, Jewels by Angeline, Maasaen, The Signature, Bombolulu, Viwawa Spot, Designer Basket and Mohazo.

Ladies thronged the exhibition halls to buy the tasteful designs on display. Most accessories bore a recycling element as they were made from reused cement bags, bone, rock and old tyres.

The event was sponsored by Africa Designers in Development (ADiD), a local organisation that not only encourages local design talent but also promotes sustainable development through design.

- Millicent Juma

16

A Publication of The Village Market // August - September 2011

VIRTUOUS VILLAGE

Food aid helps Village Market staff cope with cost of living I

t has not been the best year for anyone

Nearly 90 members of staff are benefiting from

living in Kenya. In the face of inflation and

the programme. Each is being provided with

the rising cost of living, life seems to be

essential items such as maize flour, rice and

getting more and more unbearable.

cooking oil.

Apart from fuel, food prices have hit an all-time

So far, the management has supplied over 100

high, much to the dismay of many employees

bales of maize flour, 200 kg of rice and 400 litres

across the country.

of cooking oil.

This prompted The Village Market management

Budget

to introduce a food assistance programme for its lower cadre staff. They held a crisis meeting to see

Initially meant to run for two months, the food

how staff could best be helped through this harsh

assistance programme had to be extended after

economic period.

fuel and food prices continued to escalate.

“We resolved to take immediate action to

“The management had not budgeted for this

cushion our staff, who were suffocating under

programme at the beginning of the year,” said Ms

skyrocketing food prices,” said human resources

Oloo. “However, we intend to keep it going until

assistant manager Peris Oloo.

things stabilise.”

A Publication of The Village Market // August - September 2011

17

18

A Publication of The Village Market // August - September 2011

feature

Why The Village Market is the

world’s greenest shopping mall T

wo brothers sit down and decide to build a shopping mall.

One is an architect, so coming

up with blueprints shouldn’t be difficult, right? Wrong. His brother, obviously crazy about plants and flowers, thinks the mall should have more vegetation than brick walls. The architect, who is more familiar with angles and straight lines, peers over his glasses at his brother, just to make sure he is serious about this ‘green’ idea.

“Ever seen a village with more bricks than trees?”

With the thought finally hitting home, the brothers reach a compromise. The first rough sketch is shredded and a new one is conceived. It’s not just a sketch; it’s more like a painting. The straight lines and angles are there, but as a backdrop to a colourful display of flourishing vegetation.

As many would like to say, the Village Market wasn’t sketched, it was painted.

A Publication of The Village Market // August - September 2011

19

FEATURE

For the 16 years that The Village Market

Lush vegetation runs along the complex

tourists flock to the mall, attracted by its

has been around, it has stood out for its

from the entrances to the parking lot,

renowned architectural ingenuity.

luscious vegetation. It is unlike any other

cutting across the prestigious Tribe Hotel

mall. Flora seems to peep out of every nook

and around the entire complex. All

and cranny. There are plants on the ground

230,000 sq ft of retail and office space

and plants along the walkways. Potted

seems to be covered entirely by plants and

It is no easy feat to care for over 2,000

plants, some big, others grand, have been

gardens, adding colour to what would

exotic plants and flowers. It takes a

put in place where there is too much brick.

have been just another grey building.

dedicated team with the right knowledge

‘Grasshoppers’

and plenty of commitment. One

Award-winning design

would think that The Village Market

pots attached to the walls. Smaller potted

To complete the picture, and living up to

company. Far from it. The mall has

plants hang from the roof, suspended in

its African theme, there are waterfalls,

invested in a fully fledged Gardening

There are flowers like lampshades, geraniums and marginatas, growing out of

management consults a landscaping

the air, catching the sunlight at just the

rivers and fish ponds. This effort to blend

Department, with well trained staff

right height. And where there are no plants

modernity and nature lends The Village

dedicated to keeping the mall green.

or beautiful flowers, there are trees –

Market a tasteful ambience for great

sometimes in the most unlikely of places.

shopping, fine dining and fun-filled

Popularly referred to as the

recreation.

‘grasshoppers’ by fellow staff in other departments, the gardeners make it their

At the Food Court there are palm trees, standing metres high above the ground.

This innovation has not gone unnoticed.

responsibility to ensure that no plant

Just a short distance from the palms

Owing to its remarkable architectural

is left to die. The 12-man army gets to

is a thriving bottle brush that grows

design, The Village Market has earned

work as early as 5 am and is on call until

relentlessly above the children’s play pen,

numerous accolades including the

sunset. They water and feed the plants,

forming a cool and protective shade – a

coveted International Council of

clean the gardens, replace broken pots,

green contrast to the modern parasols at

Shopping Centres’ Design Awards.

feed the fish and treat plants that display

the opposite end.

Each year, thousands of international

the faintest sign of sickness.

As the mall grows, so do their gardening spaces. It’s another chance to introduce something new. With the help of gardening consultant Celia Hardy, they are trained to accommodate new developments in plant health and care.

Chemical free But it’s not just about planting flowers and caring for them. The Village Market adopts environmental friendly practices to keep its flora thriving. Albert Wandera, head of the Gardening Department, says the team use organic methods to fight plant disease and pests. “Organic options such as bone meal are much safer and healthier for the plants,” he says.

In the long run, organic treatment also means that it is safe for the

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A Publication of The Village Market // August - September 2011

It is unlike any other mall.

Flora seems to peep out of every nook and cranny

‘grasshoppers’ to care for the plants and for shoppers to shop and dine, surrounded by the blossoming greenery.

Children can reach for flower petals without worry.

Sense of mystery Besides creating a naturally cool atmosphere in the mall, the plants give The Village Market an air of mystery.

As Linda, a regular shopper who lives nearby, says: “It’s like enjoying a brisk walk through the woods.”

Rising gracefully in the leafy Gigiri suburbs, The Village Markets exudes a serene yet lively ambience. Its design sits well within the charming weather, fresh air, cool breeze and green milieu of Nairobi’s Diplomatic District, away from the bustle of the city.

A Publication of The Village Market // August - September 2011

21

Village Diary

August

Date: 1 August to 11 September 2011

From Your Heart to Their Plates Time: 10 am to 8 pm Venue: The Village Market

VILLAGE DIARY

Date: 8 to 11 August

Heart of Art Time: 10 am to 6 pm Venue: New Exhibition hall Heart of Art is an art auction that will be the culmination of The Villager Market’s on-going hunger relief campaign – From Your Heart to Their Plates. The mechanics will involve all our previous, current and new art exhibitors and collectors, as well as the tenants and the general public, coming together in an event that will see all donated pieces of art sold. Proceeds will then go to this hunger relief effort.

The Village Market Management has launched a campaign dubbed “From Your Heart To Their Plates” to assist in the ongoing countrywide effort to save starving Kenyans.

Date: 18 to 28 August

Through this campaign, the management hopes to mobilize resources from the community, neighbours, shoppers, tourists, tenants and staff in form of dry foodstuff or cash to buy the same.

Time: 10 am to 6 pm Venue: New Exhibition hall

Annual Eclectic Crafts Exhibition

• Part of the proceeds from our parking collection will go towards this effort.

This year’s Eclectic Crafts Exhibition will feature the best of artefacts and crafts from East and Central Africa. Items on display will include hand-woven rags, lampshades, wall hangings and picture frames. Works by Jimlee Arts, Shanga Shanga, Wukenii Creations, Ben Handa and Fanis Anne Nyangayi will be on display.

• Bonus Card holders can also forfeit their accrued reward points to support the cause. The management will translate the donated points to food upon client request.

September

• Village Market Management staff and Tribe Hotel staff have offered to skip some meals and also pledged to make financial donations, with the employer offering to match the staff’s total collection towards the effort.

Date: 1 to 13 September

In this regard:-

• Cash donation vouchers are also available at our Management Office for those who would prefer to make financial contributions.

• Besides this, there is an art exhibition slated for September whose details will be out soon. The mechanics will involve all our previous, current and new art exhibitors and collectors, as well as the tenants and the general public, coming together in an event that will see all donated pieces of art sold. Proceeds will then go to this hunger relief effort.

• The Village Market has set-up drop-off points outside Nakumatt and at the Foodcourt to be used for the famine relief effort.

Kindly note that all the resources so mobilized will be handed over to the Kenya Red Cross Society and the wider Kenyans for Kenya campaign.

In the spirit of togetherness, we call upon all our shoppers, visitors, tenants and staff to support this campaign through your much needed generous donations.

Recycled Products Exhibition Time: 10 am to 6 pm Venue: Old Exhibition halls and 3rd Level We’ll be going green at this time of the year, dedicating both our exhibition halls to the artistic recycling efforts of local artists. The Recycled Products Expo will feature items made from wood, paper, plastic, scrap metal, stone, glass, beads, bottle tops and much more.

Date: 14 to 26 September

Annual Desert Jewels Exhibition Time: 10 am to 6 pm Venue: New Exhibition hall Here is a chance to sample unique jewellery inspired by cultures from across Africa. Exhibitors will include Bizzy Lizzy, Zanji Art, Lukagwa African Art & Jewelry, Jewels by Angeline, Jewels from Niger (Alhassan Mohammed) and Zawadi Jewelry.

The Playground of Life Time: 10 am to 6 pm Venue: Old Exhibition hall Renowned Ugandan artist Peter Elungat is to hold an art exhibition at The Village Market entitled ‘The Playground of Life’. Elungat’s paintings are mostly of women.

INFORMATION

Date: 7 to 17 August

For more information about any of the events contact The Village Market Management: Tel: +254 (0)20 712 2488-90 Email: pr@villagemaket-kenya.com Facebook Page: The Village Market Twitter Handle: @VillageMarket

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23

P

ast the cinema halls, down the

a proven record and exacting standards,

fl exible teaching hours, makes it easy

flight of stairs on your way to

students at the school are assured of

to grasp course work. With a 15-year

the water park, if you’re keen

professional training.

track record, reliable connections to the

enough, you may hear the sound of

recording studio, Wynton House of Music

or the rhythmic beating of a drum.

Whether you are a serious-minded

musicians.

Should you follow any of these

musician hoping to break into the

sounds, you will be surprised to find

industry or a music lover out to have

something you wouldn’t find often in

some fun and learn something new,

malls across the world: a music school.

Wynton will meet your needs perfectly.

Wynton House of Music is an established

a piano, the strumming of a guitar

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local music industry and a professional

Why study at Wynton?

music. It could be the soft keys of

is the ideal launch pad for all budding

Proven track record

The school’s convenient location at

market leader in both classical and

Wynton House of Music is a premier

The Village Market makes it a safe and

popular music. The school has assimilated

music school that offers the highest

friendly environment in which to study

the curricula of the Associated Board

quality and the best value in music

and play. Personalised training with

of the Royal Schools of Music and

teaching. Thanks to its vast experience,

one-to-one tuition, all worked out in

the London College of Music as its

A Publication of The Village Market // August - September 2011

STILL HERE

Wynton House of Music is a premier music school that offers the highest quality and the best value in music teaching

fundamental course content. The school

Holiday programmes are also available at

careers either as performers or educators

then tailors this to the requirements of its

The Village Market.

in whatever instrument they play.

students.

Adult students

Wynton House of Music

students, the centre provides music

Adults who are not necessarily musicians

lessons in various schools including

but want to learn to play a certain

Peponi School, Rusinga, Oshwal

instrument are also welcome at Wynton.

Academy, St Christopher’s, School of the Nations, Rose of Sharon, Kilimani Junior

The school also caters for professional

Academy, Springdales and Kids Castle.

musicians looking to advance their music

INFORMATION

As well as teaching private walk-in

Level 1, Next to the Mini Golf course Tel: +254 20 712 0568/ 2091365 Email: wyntonhouseofmusic@gmail.com Website: www.wyntonmusic.com

A Publication of The Village Market // August - September 2011

25

Cosy cottage in a setting of

great charm

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A Publication of The Village Market // August - September 2011

ESCAPE

Bush Boutique Creaky Cottage, Nanyuki

J

ust a two-hour drive from Nairobi, 13 km

For those who would rather not cook for

before Nanyuki town, is a turn-off marked

themselves, meals can be ordered from the

by a skeletal wooden fish that reads

restaurant. Arrangements for breakfast and

Trout Tree Restaurant. A little further into the

evening meals should be made in advance,

compound is a tranquil cottage, tucked away

though, as the Trout Tree Restaurant is open to the

in lush, green vegetation.

public only from 11 am to 4 pm.

Creaky Cottage is designed to fi t into the serene

Nestled within the lower end of the Tam Trout

river setting of the Tam Trout fi sh farm. The

farm on the western slopes of Mount Kenya,

cottage is located in a loop of the Burguret River,

Creaky Cottage provides a memorable getaway

which fl ows around three sides of the cottage.

venue for anyone who appreciates tranquil privacy

The trout ponds lie between the cottage and the

in a completely natural setting.

famous Trout Tree Restaurant, built on a huge sacred fi g tree some 200 metres from the cottage.

Creaky Cottage is so named because it is built around a gigantic evergreen podo tree that towers over and shelters the house. On rare windy days, a slight movement of the tree makes a noticeable creaking sound.

Tranquil setting The house, sleeps up to six people, is ideal for singles, couples, families and large groups. Rooms are kept cosy with simple furnishings and soft lighting.

The cottage veranda is equally pleasant, catching some sunlight amid the fl ourishing vegetation

hOLIDAy hOMES KENyA

has a snug fi replace, lending the cottage a warm, romantic feeling even on chilly nights.

The kitchen is fully equipped with cutlery, crockery and modern amenities, making the cottage an

INFORMATION

that seems to hug the cottage. The living room

Village Market Booking Offi ce Level 3, Opposite Tamambo

Tel: +254 713 600 824; 733 824 608 & 020 234 8106 Email: bookings@holidayhomeskenya.com

ideal self-catering holiday home.

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27

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2

4

5

11

7

8

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A Publication of The Village Market // August - September 2011

NEWS IN PICTURES

3

Village Scene 1 Reema Doshi (right), marketing and PR manager of Kingsway Tyres, talks to a clinical officer from the National Blood Transfusion Services during the Kingsway Blood Drive at The Village Market.

2 Assistant complex manager Betty Musyoki welcomes Paresh Raikundalia to The Village Market on the opening of his new shop, Essential Communications Solutions Ltd.

3 Veronica Mbugua and Paul Njoroge, members of The Village Market staff, donate blood during the Kingsway Blood Drive.

4 D’s Boutique hold its annual sale at The Village Market 6

main entrance.

5 The Village Market’s managing director, Hamed Ehsani, and assistant complex manager, Betty Musyoki, congratulate Bata Kenya director Fred Ojiambo and managing director Nasir Rafiq on the reopening of the newly expanded Bata outlet.

6 The best of Adèle Dejak’s designs at the East Africa Designer Bags & Fashion Accessories Exhibition. Adèle Dejak is one of The Village Market’s tenants.

7 Samsung activation at The Village Market main entrance.

8 High Court judge Paul Kihara Kariuki admires a painting by renowned artist Geraldine Roberts (right) during her exhibition, ‘On Earth As It Is In Heaven’.

9

9 VISA activation at The Village Market Food Court.

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29

The Village Market

Fashion & Accessories Adele Dejak Athens Bag Shop Athens Leather Shop Athens Shoes Athens Men’s Shop Bata Barton Mode City Walk Coco Chic D’s Boutique Fabric Gallery Fahari Bridal Boutique Fashion Brands Glamourize Handcraft Centre Identity Istanbul Lavent Fashions Jaishiv (Khazana) Jit Gems Kazuri 2000 Kikoy Made in Africa Mille Collines Moksh Nairobi Sports House One Way Pilotesa

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Sandstorm Slippers Glitter Sparkling Tinga Tinga Trevor Collection Woolworths

Food & Restaurants Amadeus Arlecchino Art Caffe Debonairs Pizza Dorman’s Coffee Shop Epic Restaurant – Tribe German Point Khazana Restaurant Made in Africa Osteria Gigiri Pomodoro Prime Cuts Revive Juice Bar Ro Ro Restaurant Sea World Slush Sofra Turkish Cuisine Steers Tamambo Tapas Taste of Africa Thai Food

A Publication of The Village Market // August - September 2011

Essentials All Times Arabian Corner Bell East Blue Lily Catermart Diplomatic Duty Free Essential Communication Solutions Ltd Kitengela Glass Lifestyle Motoring Moviebuster Nakumatt Nokia Shop Ocram Girap Personal System Power Innovations Ltd Prime Cuts Butchery Pure Flow Safaricom Customer Care Centre Shifaz Veterinary Clinic Sugar Candy Technology House Toy World Westlands Sundries Wishes Zucchni Greengrocers

A TO Z OF THE VILLAGE MARKET

at a Glance

Financial Services Barclays Bank Barclays ATM Cenhi Ltd CfC ATM Chase Bank Chase ATM Commercial Bank of Africa Coop ATM Diamond Trust Bank DTB ATM Eco Bank ATM Equity Bank ATM Imperial Bank Imperial Bank ATM KCB ATM Kenya Commercial Bank NIC ATM NIC Bank Pesa Point ATM Standard Chartered ATM Veritas Financial Services (VSF) Village Forex Bureu

Other Services AA Kenya Bobby Pal Photography DHL Kenya Valuers Estate Agents

Kingsway Tyre Centre KK Security Post Office Tintoria Drycleaners Village Photoshop Wynton House of Music

Home Décor, Furniture, Furnishings & Curios Artz Gallery Blue Rhino Curtain World Home Décor, 1001 Pots Kalabash Kashmir Arts Mini Maasai Market One Der Box Palacina Interiors Persian Carpets Power Innovations Past & Present Pinkopallino Sweet Dreams Tree House

Health & Beauty Aromatic Perfume Bar Belladonna Pharmacy Dance Studio

Dream Nails Elixir Health Grassroots Jaff’s Optical Nirvana Gym & Spa Salon Malibu Salon Natalie Spa Siam (Africa) Village Dental Clinic

Tours & Travel Services Bunson Travel Services Holiday Homes Kenya (Langata Link) Kenya Airways Sales & Ticketing Office Phoenix Safaris

Recreation & Entertainment Dream Zone (Foodcourt) Dream Zone (Rooftop) Hi Tide Waterpark Nu Media Cinemas Put-O-Mania (Minigolf) Village Express Superbowl Tin Man (Pool Hall)

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31

CONTACT INFORMATION

Essential Contacts & information All Times News Stand

Dormans Coffee

Prime Cuts Butchery

Monday to Friday: 8am to 8pm Sunday: 10am to 8pm

Monday to Thursday: 8am to 6.30pm Friday & Saturday: 8.30am to 10pm Sundays & Public Holidays: 10pm to 7pm

Monday to Saturday: 9am to 6pm Sunday: 9am to 3pm

Tel: +254 (0)20 712 2068; 712 4004

Email: butchery@primecuts.co.ke

Tel: +254 (0)736 313 345; 720 695 114 Email: atmina@villagemarket-kenya.com

Tel: +254 (0)20 219 9300/ 351 3506

Email: dorman@village.co.ke

Barclays Bank Prestige Centre Monday to Saturday: 8.30am to 8.30pm Sunday: 10am to 4pm

Tel: +254 (0)20 712 2741; 712 0042; 712 1963 Email: prestige.village-market@barclays.com

Belladonna Pharmacy Monday to Saturday: 8.30pm to 8.30pm Sunday & Public Holidays: 10am to 7.30pm

Tel: +254 (0)20 712 2141; 735 122147 Email: admin@belladonnapharmacy.com

Bonus Card Monday to Saturday: 8.30am to 5.30pm Sunday: 10am to 5pm

Tel: +254 (0)20 712 2488/90 Email: bonuscard@villagemarket-kenya.com

Bunson Travel Monday to Friday: 8.30am to 5pm Sunday: 9.30am to 12noon

Tel: +254 (0)20 712 1235/ 712 4757/ 712 2080 Email: info@bunsontravel.co.ke

Commercial Bank of Africa (CBA) Monday to Friday: 9am to 4pm Saturday: 9am to 12noon Sunday & Public Holidays: Closed

Tel: +254 (0)20 712 0263/346 0710 602 35/ 0737 800 170

Chase Bank Monday to Friday: 10am to 5pm Saturday: 10am to 2pm Sunday: 11am to 2pm

Tel: +254 (0)20 712 1581/419/548 (0)20 277 4224

DHL Monday to Friday: 9.30am to 6pm Saturday: 9.30am to 4.30pm

Tel: +254 (0)20 712 4172

Diamond Trust Bank Monday to Friday: 8am to 8pm Sundays & Public Holidays: 8am to 4pm

Tel: +254 (0)20 712 2270; 712 2271; 235 7982 0711 300 003; 0733 440 074

Kenya Airways Sales & Ticketing Office Monday to Friday: 9am to 6pm Saturdays: 9am to 3pm Sundays & Public Holidays: Closed

Tel: +254 (0)20 712 1072/241 (0)20 642 2790/9 Email: contact@kenya-airways.com

Kenya Commercial Bank Monday to Friday: 8.30am to 6.30pm Saturday: 8.30am to 4.00pm Sundays & Public Holidays: Closed

Tel: +254 (0)712 2012/003 (0)20 712 0483 Email: villagemarket@kcb.co.ke

Management & Security Office Monday to Saturday: 8.30am to 5pm Sundays & Public Holidays: 10am to 5.30pm

Tel: +254 (0)20 712 2488/90

Email: admin@villagemarket-kenya.com

Nakumatt Supermarket

Safaricom Customer Care Centre Monday to Friday: 9am to 6am Saturday: 9am to 5pm Sundays & Public Holidays: 10am to 4pm

Tel: +254 (0)722 002 372 Email: villagemarket@safaricom.co.ke

Shifaz Veterinary Clinic Monday to Friday: 9am to 6pm Saturday: 9am to 12noon Sunday: 10am to 11am Public Holidays: on appointment

Tel: +254 (0)712 4166/ 0722 511 761 0733 775 064

Superbowl Monday to Thursday: 9am to 11pm Friday to Sunday: 9am to 12midnight

Tel: +254 (0)20 712 3141 Email: recreation@villagemarket-kenya.com

The Village Market Taxi Service Available 24hrs daily

Tel: +254 (0)717 207 662

Monday to Sunday: 8.30am to 8pm

Village Dental Clinic

Tel: +254 (0)20 712 2507/8/9

Monday to Friday: 9am to 5pm Saturday: 9am to 12.30pm

Email: mgrvillage@nakumatt.net

NIC Bank

Tel: +254 (0)20 712 2460/ 025 0733 836 5081; 0722 154 903

Monday to Friday: 9am to 4pm Saturday: 9am to 11.30pm Sundays & Public Holidays: closed

Email: villagedental@nbi.ispkenya.com

Tel: +254 (0)20 288 8791-4 0720 365 036/ 0720 364 993/ 0711 041 791-4

Monday to Saturday: 7am to 7pm Sunday: closed

Email: moveinfo@nic-bank.com

Email: tintoria@wananchi.com

Phoenix Safaris

Tribe Hotel

Monday to Friday: 7.30pm to 6pm Saturday: 8.30am to 5pm Sundays & Public Holidays: 11am to 5pm

Tel: +254 (0)20 720 0000

Tintoria Drycleaners Tel: +254 (0)20 712 2984

Reservations Desk Email: tribe@villagemarket-kenya.com

Tel: +254 (0)20 712 2254/ 712 1942 Email: info@phoenix-safaris.de

Village Market Forex Bureau

Post Office

Monday to Friday: 9.30am to 5.30pm Saturday: 10am to 5pm Sunday: 10am to 4pm

Monday to Friday: 9am to 1pm Saturday: 8.30am to 5pm Sundays & Public Holidays: 11am to 5pm

Tel: +254 (0)20 712 1830/ 0735 764 673

Email: info@dtbkenya.co.ke

Tel: +254 (0)20 712 2126; 712 0733 (0)20 712 2901/473

Zucchini Greengrocers Monday to Sunday: 9am to 7pm

Tel: +254 (0)20 712 0403

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A Publication of The Village Market // August - September 2011