Village Beat Magazine - Issue 35, February 2017

beat.

Village FEEL

A PUBLICATION OF THE VILL AGE MARKET

SHOP I EAT I LIVE FEB – MAR 2017

the love

in THIS issue FEBRUARY – MARCH 2017

2 Editorial 4 Village Social

ON SHARE OK FACEBO

6 Village Scene 8 Village Cares 8

Girl Aid Foundation Kaikor Marinatas Sisters

10 Feel The Love

Valentine’s Gifts For Her

14 New Villager

Salvatore Di Francisca

26

16 Village Planner 18 #VMFoodie

10

Urban Gourmet Burger

20 New Villager

Village Market Service Centre

22 Book Reviews

Between the lines

24 A-Z of Village Market 26 Oyunga Pala

18

When We Were Queens

28 Essential contacts

1

beat.

Village

A PUBLICATION OF VILLAGE MARKET FEBRUARY – MARCH 2017

PUBLISHED BY:

VILLAGE MARKET P.O Box 100-00621 The Village Market Tel: 020 7122488/90 Email: pr@villagemarket-kenya.com admin@villagemarket-kenya.com

EDITORIAL COORDINATION BY:

The Writing Agency (K) – info@thewritingagency.co.ke

ALL YOU NEED

DESIGNED BY:

Land & Marine Publications

CONTRIBUTORS: Elixir Health James Njoroge The Writing Agency (K)

PRINT:

Modern Lithographic

DISTRIBUTION: Village Market

HEAD OF PR & MARKETING

Evelyn Ngenga – eve@villagemarket-kenya.com

SALES & ADVERTISING

Damar Padwa – damar@villagemarket-kenya.com Vanessa Odera – vanessa@villagemarket-kenya.com The opinions expressed in this publication are not necessarily those of the publisher, or any other organisation associated with this publication. No liability can be accepted for any inaccuracies or omissions. © 2017 Village Market

2

P

is love

hrasemix.com has a list of 99 expressions for love – (trust the internet to make life too easy). Everything from the honest and heartfelt to the old married couple stuff, down to the understated ‘I’m rather partial to you’, there’s something for everyone at every stage – shall we say – of love?

Just as well, we have a list of our own, of special gifts you can give to your sweetheart this Valentine’s Day. Surely, we cannot go wrong with over 300 stores to choose from. Page 10 should set you up pretty nicely; page 24, even better. Or do what you have always enjoyed doing – take a stroll through Village Market and enjoy some retail therapy.

Speaking of therapy, adult colouring books are all the rage right now. They come highly recommended by the American Art Therapy Association and are said to be good for easing anxiety.

So why not pick up a stack at Between the Lines bookshop. Who knows, they could make an interesting Valentine’s gift and date night activity.

Valentine’s Day aside, our favourite columnist Oyunga Pala celebrates queens this Women’s Day in a unique way on Page 28.

It’s only right to do so; to remember that you too are a queen and all you need is love.

We love you!

Village Village Market @VillageMarket @the_village_market

Christmas and New Year Posts

4

Village www.villagemarket-kenya.com

VILLAGE MARKET DAZZLES IN CHRISTMAS DECOR

Kuona Trust: Art on show at Village Market

Every year Village Market puts up a dazzling display of festive season décor. As early as November, the Christmas lights go up, followed by miniature Santa figurines and pine wreaths of every size. As part of Village Market’s CSR initiatives, one of the main centrepieces was the towering Christmas tree decorated with recycled bottles and the message ‘Reduce, re-use, recycle’.

KUONA RELOADED II Kuona Reloaded II was an exhibition organised by Kuona Trust, a centre for visual art.

The exhibition ran through the festive period and provided a perfect opportunity to purchase the best Christmas gifts. The exhibition had a mix of contemporary visual art, featuring practicing artists in Kenya. The art on sale included paintings and sculptures with prices ranging from KES 3,000 to KES 15,000.

Kuona Trust was established in 1995 and has been at the forefront of developing the visual art scene in Kenya in the last 17 years, with at least 1,000 artists participating in Kuona programmes. Kuona mentors artists giving them skills and opportunities to advance themselves whilst increasing the profile and role of visual arts in Kenya. Kuona provides support and resources to artists to make the great art of today. It is one of the largest organisations in East Africa and have been at the frontline in promoting the role of artists in society since its inception in 1995.

6

Festive: Dazzling décor

Village SCENE Entertainment: Live performances and activities

CHRISTMAS AT VILLAGE Besides the lovely décor all around the complex, Village Market put together an entertaining festive season featuring various activities and live performances by different bands such Redfourth Chorus and Ark Music Band. But it was the acclaimed band Sauti Sol that stole the show and gave their fans an extra special reason to be jolly. On 24 December, Sauti Sol gave a surprise performance at the Food Court. This was also a nostalgic experience for the boy band as it took them back six years when they would sing Christmas carols at the shopping complex.

We hope to see them again soon.

FESTIVE SEASON PROMOTION WINNERS Over the festive season, Village Market partnered with various corporate entities to give shoppers an exciting season promotion dubbed ‘My Village, My Holiday.’ Participants stood a chance to walk away with exciting holiday packages among other items. On 20 January, John Gitau walked away with the grand prize – to the UAE. The package included two business class tickets on Emirates Airlines, six nights in Dubai and Abu Dhabi, a Dhow Cruise for two and two tickets to Ferrari World and Yas Water World. Another 29 lucky shoppers won prizes from Bluebay Hotels, Kaya Spa, Tribe Hotel, Emerald – Dream of Zanzibar, Vacation Advisor, Kingsway Tyres Ltd, Voi Wildlife Lodge, Mika and Safaricom. Village Market thanks all shopper and sponsors for taking part in the promotion.

To host your event at Village Market, email damar@villagemarket-kenya.com or pr@villagemarket-kenya.com

7

GIRL AID: Supporting vulnerable young girls

Village GIRL AID FOUNDATION

G

irl Aid Foundation was founded in 2014 but due to lack of funds, it only became active in 2015 through the support of well-wishers. It was founded to assist vulnerable young girls threatened by harmful cultural practices such as female genital mutilation, forced marriages and early pregnancies. Girl Aid Foundation seeks to create a more dignified, humane and sustainable world for girls through advocacy, reproductive health awareness, and providing the less privileged with feminine hygiene care kits such as sanitary towels.

Girl Aid is driven by the fact that girls make up more than half of the school-going population and they face unique challenges compared to their male counterparts. For instance, the scarcity of female teachers in low income areas, rampant sexual harassment within schools, lack of bathroom facilities – where the ratio of sharing is sometimes 1:80, lack of water and sanitation to menstruating girls (a condition termed as ‘menstruation poverty’) affect the quality of life of these young girls.

MENTORSHIP Girl Aid Foundation believes that every girl has the ability and potential to be a force of change in their community. The organisation provides mentorship classes to girls and much needed information on sexual reproductive health, an issue still considered taboo in our society. Village Market provides a platform for community-based organisations such as Girl Aid Foundation to sensitise and partner with the public in collecting sanitary towels for vulnerable girls.

In 2016, shoppers donated over two thousand packs of sanitary towels. Girl Aid Foundation aims to collect even more sanitary towels for the 5,000 girls that the foundation supports. At Village Market, the foundation has also found help from professionals

8

who prefer to donate their time to volunteer in mentoring the girls in schools. This partnership has resulted in improved retention of girls in school, reduced teenage pregnancies and consequently better academic performance.

The future looks promising as the foundation plans to initiate income-generating projects. This plan will ensure better training and empowerment of adolescents and young mothers. Girl Aid Foundation also intends to lobby government agencies to provide access and availability of free sanitary towels in schools and public facilities. The foundation also plans to facilitate a scholarship fund for the girls under its care and create a ‘safe-house’ for victims of abuse.

Girl Aid Foundation believes that every girl has the ability and potential to be a force of change in their community You can partner and make a difference with Girl Aid Foundation, get in touch via email on: info@girlaidfoundation.org or call 0775 114 002, 0722 935 018

Village CARES

KAIKOR MARINATAS SISTERS

V

illage Market provides in kind support to community organisations that work directly with vulnerable communities. One such organisation is the Congregation of the Sisters of St. Mariana of Jesus (Marianitas Sisters) who arrived in Kaikor, Turkana directly from Ecuador in 2009 to serve the vulnerable communities consisting of women, children and the elderly.

Kaikor is located in the north-west of Kenya and is a gruelling three day trip. It is a remote area which faces insurmountable odds with little government assistance. The area has extremely high temperatures and inadequate rain to sustain meaningful agriculture. Families are known to sleep hungry when there are no relief rations from government and other non-governmental organisations.

The Marianitas Sisters’ first attention when they arrived in Kaikor was to the women. In the same year, the Kaikor women’s promotion work in beads was founded.

The traditional culture is patriarchal and the practices have largely contributed to the abject poverty experienced in Turkana, for instance the main economic activity is pastoralism mostly for dowry payments. Unnecessary violence and destruction erupts out of banditry during the marriage season when morans are expected to pay vast amounts of livestock for young brides.

CHALLENGES Basic amenities are not available and the area is hardly accessible, with a non-existent road network. The locals also lack water and electricity supply system. These challenges lead to an increase in the prices of commodities for locals. Despite this, the Marianitas Sisters work with friends and well-wishers within Village Market who donate and buy the hand-made crafts to support their social and pastoral work.

Marianitas Sisters in Kaikor predominantly intervene in the areas of food security, where they coordinate five nutrition units and kitchen gardens for vegetable and fruit production. As a way of generating income for the women, they have initiated the livelihood project where women are taught tailoring skills.

Adult literacy is important to the community so that the remote communities in Turkana can know of their rights and obligations as Kenyan citizens. The communities are taught how to read and write, and children encouraged to go to school.

Marianitas Sisters also take care of the elderly population with the aim of restoring their dignity in old age. They prepare weekly rations of porridge which is served to more than one hundred beneficiaries who come to the mission. The mobile clinics serve

the locals – in particular children, who are mostly afflicted by common diseases.

CRAFTS The Kaikor Marianitas sisters have been able to work and transform the lives of women such as Dorcas Naleng, who is the principal in one of the crafts groups. She is a widow with six children and has an eye for artisanry and currently a crafts trainer to other emerging crafts women in Turkana. Ruth (not her real name) is one of the young beneficiaries housed at the mission who was defiled and got pregnant at the age of 13. She suffers from psychological problems as a result of her ordeal. Her son is in a special school within the mission. The Kaikor Sisters have provided a safe haven for her and the other women who have been at the mission since inception and are now changing the vision for their life through material and spiritual help.

The long term aspiration for the Kaikor Get in touch with Kaikor Marianitas Sisters is to scale and sustain the Marianitas Sisters via email kitchen gardens in the surrounding commuon: comepicorm@gmail.com nities through irrigation using a borehole.

Facebook: Marianitas Kenya In addition, they would like more marketing Phone: 0728106593, opportunities to sell their handmade crafts, which go a long way in feeding and educat0729238257 ing the children and the elderly in Turkana.

9

Feel the LOVE

VALENTINE’S GIFTS

for her

because flowers aren’t enough

J

ust one day in February defines the entire month – Valentine’s Day. We searched the shops so you don’t have to and made a list of items to gift your spouse, girlfriend (or soon to be either).

TECH STUFF

SHINY STUFF

New laptop, new phone or iPad. Everyone could do with an upgrade.

Find some fancy gadgets at Bose Systems, Power Innovations, Personal Systems, Safaricom Service Centre, Samsung or the Airtel Store.

Another timeless classic. From bracelets to rings to anklets, jewellery is a sweet reminder of your love and a lasting gift nonetheless. Where to get some: Accessorize, Adele Dejak, Elias Jewellers, JIT Gems, Kazuri Beads.

SWEET STUFF If she can shelve her weight-loss plan for a day (maybe a week), chocolate make a wonderful gift: the darker it is, the better. Or say the experts say.

Charm her sweet tooth at Absolute Chocolate or order sweet pastries at Tiramisu.

10

LINGERIE

MAKE-UP OR PERFUME

DINNER

Depending on where things are in your relationship, lingerie remains a timeless classic as a Valentine’s Day gift. Just make sure it’s comfortable and will make her feel good. Where to get it: Coco Chic or Palmers.

You may have trouble picking make up for her so you might as well take her shopping for it. Be patient (and extra sweet) as she tries out different brands and colours. Throw in some perfume while you’re at it.

Your opinion counts. Overall, it’s the shopping experience rather than the item that matters. Top spots: MAC, Lintons Beauty World, Yves Rocher, Aromatic Perfume Bar, Haute Perfumerie.

Again, it’s the experience here. From her dressing up to you picking her up.

Her getting that bouquet of flowers from you, you complimenting her outfit. She’s on your arm, you pulling the chair for her. For something fancy: Jiko (Tribe Hotel) or Osteria Gigiri.

11

Feel the LOVE

THE PERFECT GETAWAY It’s not too early in the year for a night or two out of town. Ditch the humdrum and demands of the year (kids, work, more work…) and find a romantic spot just for the two of you. Your travel agents of choice: Kenya Airways Sales Office or Phoenix Safaris.

SHOES Every woman could do with another pair of shoes (and a new house to fit them all in). But let’s focus on the shoes for now. Pick a pair or four at: Bata, City Walk, K-Shoe Company or Trevor Collection.

But don’t take our word for it. You know you partner best. We know our stores even better. With over 300 shops and services to choose from, picking the ultimate gift should be fairly easy.

new VILLAGER

SALVATORE

di francisca

A

t Salvatore Di Francisca, we specialise in suits, jackets, trousers and shirts produced exclusively in Italy with the finest Italian fabrics. We also stock detail items such as ties, shoes, cufflinks and socks: all 100 per cent made in Italy.

Every six weeks, we visit Nairobi and meet our clients, help them pick their fabric of choice and the style of clothes they would like tailored for them. Once we take their measurements, we return to Italy to process the orders and then bring them back to the clients for a test fitting.

ITALIAN We work only with the best Italian suppliers – Loro Piana, Zegna Cerruti, Reda Albin and Canclini Monti. Our clothes are carefully handmade and are created to last a long time, if the items are correctly used and cared for.

We have had a good run of success in Nairobi. We have had the pleasure of dressing government officials, lawyers and business people, while catering to other customers who appreciate high quality suits available at a competitive price.

14

SUIT UP: Fine Italian fabrics

SALVATORE DI FRANCISCA 1st Floor, Above the Food Court 0729 431684 or 0733 892602 www.salvatoredifrancisca.com

Village

DEC

PLANNER

JAN

donations to the poor and needy in the world. They work to relieve the less fortunate, uplift their morale and develop their societies without discrimination on the basis of colour, creed or race. IIRO extends relief assistance to people and communities in cases of disaster and assists the poor, the needy, orphans and widows. The organisation focuses on education and health institutions, builds training and rehabilitation centres, constructs orphanages and mosques, and sinks surface and artesian wells. IIRO was established by the Muslim World League in 1978. Touching a People will showcase the activities of IIRO, East Africa Chapter. The exhibition is curated by William Ndwiga of the Little Gallery. Free entry!

Oneness

7th Feb to 14th Feb Exhibition Hall, Second Level

Kalabash

Nairobi Sports House

Village Market will host the International Islamic Relief Organisation for a photographic exhibition titled ‘Touching a People’. IIRO works with philanthropists and corporates to serve humanity through

Kalabash showcases authentic African art and gift items at the exhibition hall. Free entry!

14 Artists 14 Days

25th Jan to 6th Feb 2017 Exhibition Hall, Second Level Various artists from Tanzania showcase contemporary art in an expo dubbed ’14 Artists 14 Days’. Experience the creativity of Raza Mohamed, Lutengano Mwakisopile, Haji Chilonga, Vita Malulu, Cuthbert Semgoja, Masoud Kibwana, Amani Abeid, LocalFanatics, Nadir Tharani, Thobias Minzi, Moses Luhanga, Salum Kambi, Cloud Chatanda, and Ludovic Kaija. Free entry!

Touching a People – International Islamic Relief Organisation

16th Feb to 28th Feb Exhibition Hall, Second Level

Event dates are subject to changes. For more information on Village Market events, email: pr@villagemarket-kenya.com or call 020 7122488/90

16

2016 2017

1st March to 14th March Exhibition Hall, Second Level Oneness is a joint exhibition of five Ugandan artists - Birungi Anorld, Anwar Sadat Nakibinge, Mark Kassi, Figgy and Sebandeke Muhammad – who have exhibited globally over the past 10 years. On display will be a variety of paintings on canvas depicting different themes. Free entry!

Paul Kuya

16th to 27th March Exhibition Hall, Second Level Paul Kuya makes his debut at the Village Market with a never-seen-before art collection. Free entry!

1st Feb to 31st March Rooftop Gallery, Third Level

Visit Nairobi Sports House at the rooftop gallery for all your sports and fitness requirements. Free entry!

#vm FOODIE

URBAN

GOURMET: Wholesome, homemade and so tasty

gourmet burger B

urgers, beer and weekend sports are synonymous with good times in Nairobi and most other places around the world. Artcaffe’s Urban Gourmet Burger at Village Market is a sporty, American style diner that aims to bring out the fun side of every customer with excellent meals and a great atmosphere. We had a chat with Mark Muita, Artcaffe’s Sales Manager, and he gave us his take on what Urban Gourmet is all about.

How would you describe Urban Gourmet Burger?

Urban Gourmet Burger is all about elevating the status of the humble burger. We make our burgers full of flavour, so they are less fast food and more of a wholesome, homemade experience. Our ambience

is geared towards creating a fun and sporty atmosphere, where customers can enjoy tasty food and great drinks while watching the latest sports action on HD screens.

What’s on the menu at Urban Gourmet?

Our menu consists of over 12 types of burger, ranging from 100 per cent prime beef to vegetarian options. We also serve other main dishes including steak and fish. The sides of fries and onions rings are a delicious accompaniment to any meal. You can also enjoy fantastic chicken wings alongside our craft beer while watching your favourite sports match on a weekend. Our drinks menu includes our very own craft beer, cocktails, whiskeys and other local and international beer brands. We also have a variety of soft drinks that go well with our burgers, especially the milkshakes.

If you want a tasty treat, we have wonderful desserts for your sweet tooth.

What are some of the favourites from the Urban Gourmet menu?

The fan favourite has to be the Texas, a delicious beef burger that also includes bacon and fried egg. It’s meaty and very filling, just the way Kenyan burger enthusiasts love it. My personal favourite is the French Connection, which comes with toppings of blue cheese and caramelised onion. The Soccer Combo is also one of the favourites when friends gather to cheer on their favourite sports team. It

18

consists of a two litre jug of craft beer and six mini burgers, served with fries or onion rings, and coleslaw or our homemade pickles.

Our Happy Hour every day from 4.00 pm to 7.00 pm is also a great hit with our customers. You can get craft beer at KES 250 a glass and a free cocktail for every two you buy.

How did you choose Village Market as a location for your new outlet?

Urban Gourmet Burger opened at Village Market in January of 2017. We chose this location because we saw a place that brings together families from all over the city and we would like to provide them with a fun and family friendly experience that everyone can enjoy. Village Market is also a location with demand for high quality products and service. We want to provide good quality meals in a laid back atmosphere and at reasonable prices.

What kind of experience should the first time customer at Urban Gourmet expect?

Urban Gourmet is all about having fun. The fun spirit that’s in everyone comes out while enjoying good food, drinks and an exciting sports game. We provide fresh and wholesome meals of the best quality and in generous portions that make the experience completely fulfilling.

URBAN GOURMET BURGER 1st Floor, New Wing www.urbanburgers.co.ke

19

new VILLAGER

village market SERVICE CENTRE V illage Market’s Service Centre brings added convenience to your shopping trip, providing a variety of services that you do not have to go out of your way to look for.

According to Leah Munyua, Village Market’s Assistant Complex Manager, the main purpose of the Service Centre is to make essential but often overlooked services accessible to the customers right here at Village Market.

ALTERATIONS “The Service Centre was launched in 2014. We started off with a few services including key cutting, shoe and bag repair and maintenance, as well as tailoring and clothes alteration. If you need your clothes altered to a perfect fit, you need not go looking for a fundi,” says Leah. “We plan to add a few professional handymen on call, including a painter, electrician, plumber, and any other relevant service that a customer may need to call upon at short notice!”

SHOE REPAIRS: Service Centre will take care of your needs

20

FOR MORE INFORMATION CALL: 020 7122488/90 admin@villagemarket-kenya.com

BOOK

reviews

BETWEEN the LINES

WHO WILL CATCH US WHEN WE FALL? Amin Verjee

Haunted by a past that has kept her from Nairobi for over three years, Leena returns home to discover her family unchanged: her father is still a staunch patriot dreaming of a better country; her mother is still an arch traditionalist, unwilling or unable to let go of the past; and her brother, always the rebellious one, spends his days provoking the establishment as a political activist. When Leena meets a local Kikuyu artist whose past is linked to her own, the two begin a secret affair – one that forces Leena to again question her place in a country she once called home. Interlinked with Leena’s story is that of Jeffery: a corrupt policeman burdened with his own angers and regrets, and whose questionable actions have unexpected and catastrophic consequences for those closest to him.

22

THE GIRL AND THE THE PRIVATE LIFE SUNBIRD OF MRS SHARMA Rebecca Stonehill

Ratika Kapur

East Africa 1903: Iris Johnson is only 18 when she is forced to choose between marrying the frightful Lord Sidcup or a faceless stranger, Jeremy Lawrence, in a far-off land “You need to make a decision, and make one quickly. Lord Sidcup or the East Africa Protectorate.”

Accompanied by her chaperone, Miss Logan, they journey from Cambridgeshire to East Africa, Iris’s eyes are opened to a world she never knew existed beyond the comforts of her family home.

But when Iris meets Jeremy, even the hot African heat cannot warm the chill she feels to meet the man she is about to marry. A cold, distant and emotion-free man.

Trying to make the best of her new life, she falls in love with the landscape and the windswept plains of Nairobi, and the delightful sunbirds that visit her window every day. One day she meets Kamau, a school teacher, and ultimately finds her calling.

But now she has another impossible choice to make…

Renuka Sharma is a dutiful wife, mother, and daughter-in-law holding the fort in a modest rental in Delhi while her husband tries to rack up savings in Dubai. Working as a receptionist and committed to finding a place for her family in the New Indian Dream of air-conditioned malls and high paid jobs at multi-nationals, life is going as planned until the day she strikes up a conversation with an uncommonly self-possessed stranger at a Metro station. Because while Mrs Sharma may espouse traditional values, India is changing all around her, and it wouldn’t be the end of the world if she came out of her shell a little, would it?

With equal doses of humour and pathos, The Private Life of Mrs Sharma is a sharp-eyed examination of the clashing of tradition and modernity, from a dramatic new voice in Indian fiction.

THE BEAUTIFUL COLORING BOOK FOR GROWN UPS Arcturus Publishing Limited

This imaginative collection offers an attractive range of enticing designs and scenes for you to personalise and make your own.

The intricate outlines provide a relaxing way for you to explore your inner artist. Each delightful image or pattern is guaranteed to bring out your creative instincts, enabling you to complete it with colours of your choosing. By the end of the book, you will have a gallery of beautiful artwork as a reward for your efforts, which you will be proud to call your own.

BETWEEN THE LINES 1st Floor, New Wing +254 (0)708 098188 wsundries@nbi.ispkenya.com

we were Oyunga PALA

WHEN QUEENS

By Oyunga Pala

the untold stories of africa’s female presidents

I

n the run up to the US elections, I got invited to a panel discussion on male mentorship in the workplace. A corporate client was grappling with a new gender order in the office space. Several male employees were carrying to work, cultural and social gender-baggage. Female bosses were becoming the norm in this organisation and some guys were not coping too well with the state of affairs. I was one of two guests invited to offer our insights on the dynamics of masculinity.

The moderator started off with an elaborate introduction to frame the discussion. He began by describing a new world order, echoing Beyoncé sentiments: “They rule the world, girls!” He used a number of prominent world leaders to prove his point; Theresa May of the UK; Germany’s ‘Iron lady’ Angela Merkel; Christine Lagarde of the IMF, and he added what he considered the inevitability of Marine Le Pen assuming power in France and, of course, Hilary Clinton in the US. Hilary getting elected as America’s first female president was

The West is the standard from which we model our political systems in Africa 24

a foregone conclusion. Against the misogyny and inexperience of Donald Trump, it appeared highly improbable that world’s only super power would hand over the nuclear codes to an ex-reality TV show host. Well, contrary to expectations, Hilary lost and American patriarchy remained firmly in place.

LEADERS The West is the standard from which we model our political systems in Africa. If the Western world appeared to be embracing female leaders in power, things would also have to change back home.

Curiously, the moderator did not mention a single African example. There was no recall of even the most obvious case of Sirleaf Johnson, the president of Liberia and Africa’s first elected female president since 2006.

Brendan Howard / Shutterstock, Inc.

360 b / Shutterstoc

Yet, women assuming political power is not exactly a rare occurrence in Africa. A cursory glance through Africa’s contemporary history reveals a different picture. The continent has a much more laudable track record of women in power than, say, North America.

Africa has produced seven female presidents in its relatively short history of independent nations. It is now common knowledge that Rwanda holds the world record with 64 percent of its elected parliamentarians consisting of women, but we hardly ever hear of those women who have ruled nations in Africa. How well do we know our female firsts in Africa?

Whenever Africa has needed stability and reason, during times of conflict and anguish, it has turned to its mothers. Ellen Johnson Sirleaf was elected to office after the trauma of a 14 year civil war in Liberia. For all her challenges, peace has prevailed in Liberia since.

PRESIDENT Joyce Banda was President of Malawi from 2012 to 2014, entering the history books as Africa’s second elected female president.

This was after serving Malawi for four years in the capacity of Vice President. At one point, Forbes magazine named Banda as the most powerful woman in Africa. Joyce Banda was a well regarded women’s rights activist and founded her own formidable political vehicle, the People’s Party.

The little Indian Ocean island of Mauritius has shown no reservations placing women in top leadership positions. The glass ceiling was first shattered by Agnes Ohsan Bellepeau, who served as Vice President of Mauritius from 2010 to 2016.

She would become acting President twice; the first time in 2012 with the resignation of then President Sir Anerood Jugnauth and again in 2015 when Jugnauth’s successor, President Kailash

k, Inc.

Purryag resigned. The current President of Mauritius is also a woman. President Ameenah Gurib-Fakim, the third woman to be elected President in Africa assumed office in 2015.

What about Sylvie Kinigi, who was Prime Minster of Burundi from 1993 to 1994 and became the first acting president concurrently during the same period?

GIRL POWER:

Africa's female presidents

ROSE FRANCINE ROGOMBÉ Have you heard of Rose Francine Rogombé, the first female head of state of Gabon? She served as the interim president for a period of five months in 2009 after the death of Omar Bongo.

Rogombé was not allowed to run in the ensuing presidential election, constitutionally as head of the senate. She would oversee the peaceful transfer of power to Ali Bongo Junior.

In the Central African Republic (CAR), Catherine Zamba Pamba held a volatile nation together through 2014 to 2016.

Known for her non-partisan position and wisdom, Zamba-Pamba became the voice of reason, guiding CAR from the brink of an abyss of sectarian killings and back to political stability. For her role, she was rightly dubbed ‘Mama Courage’.

These were the fierce and fearless women who no ceiling could contain. It is apt then, to celebrate them during the International’s Women’s Day in 2017, in keeping with the theme #BeBoldForChange.

The contribution of these pioneering African women leaders should not be so easily forgotten. Despite the Oyunga Pala is a pioneering innumerable trials, Africa’s women columnist, satirist and humorist. have shown incredible courage in politHis literary works can be found ical leadership and it is time we told on his website their stories as loudly as we applaud www.oyungapala.com. those from the West.

25

A-Z of

VILLAGE MARKET list of outlets

ARTS, CRAFTS & GIFTS • • • • • • • • •

Anselm Kitengela Hot Glass Artz Gallery Blue Rhino Enoteca Handcraft Centre House of Jaipur Kalabash The Cedar Box Toy World

ESSENTIALS • • • • • • • • • •

All Times Between the Lines Blue Lily Flower Shop Bose Systems Nakumatt Personal Systems Power Innovations Ltd Technology House Techmart Zucchini Greengrocers

FASHION AND ACCESSORIES • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •

26

Accessorize Adele Dejak Athens Bartons Bata Bossini Canali at Rodeo Drive City Walk Coco Chic Elias Jewellers Et Vous Fabric Gallery Jaishiv Khazana JIT Gems Jooal Kazuri Beads Kikoy Company K-Shoe Made in Africa

• • • • • • • • • • • •

Mille Collines Mocca Moksh Nairobi Sports House One Way Palmers Patrick Mavros Salvatore Di Francisca Sandstorm Titans Trevor Collection Woolworths

FINANCIAL SERVICES • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •

Barclays Prestige Centre Cenhi Ltd CFC Stanbic Bank Chase Bank Commercial Bank of Africa Co-op Bank ATM Diamond Trust Bank Eco-Bank ATM Equity ATM I&M ATM Kenya Commercial Bank NIC Bank Standard Chartered ATM Taipan Forex Bureau VFS International (K) Ltd

FOOD & RESTAURANTS • • • • • • • • • • • • •

Absolute Chocolate Art Caffe Jiko – Tribe Hotel Khazana Restaurant Mambo Gelato Nyama Mama Orchid Restaurant Osteria Gigiri Pizza Hut Planet Yoghurt Pomodoro Pizzeria Prime Cuts Ro-Ro

• • • • •

Sofra Taste of Africa Thai Village Tiramisu Urban Gourmet Burger

FURNITURE & FURNISHINGS • • • • • • •

House of Jaipur Kartel Kashmir Arts Past & Present Pinkopallino Gallery Rus Interiors Sweet Dreams

HEALTH & BEAUTY • • • • • • • • •

Belladonna Pharmacy Dream Nails Elixir Health Grassroots Haute Perfumerie Jaff’s Optical Lintons Beauty World M.A.C Salon Malibu

• • • •

Salon Natalie Taut Body Village Dental Clinic Yves Rocher

OTHER SERVICES • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •

AA Driving School Airtel Store Arabian Corner Bobby Pall Photography DHL Global Forwarding Kenya Airways Sales Office Kenya Valuers Estate Agents Kingsway Tyre Centre Kiwi Stand KK Security Phoenix Safaris Post Office Safaricom Service Centre Samsung Service Centre Shifaz Veterinary Clinic Tintoria Drycleaners Village Photoshop Wynton House of Music

ESSENTIAL

contacts Adèle Dejak

Diamond Trust Bank

Post Office

Tintoria Drycleaners

Monday to Saturday: 9am to 7pm Sunday: 11am to 5pm 0714 946 266 sales@adeledejak.com

Monday to Saturday: 8am to 8pm Sundays & Public Holidays: 10am to 4pm 020 7122270 / 71 / 02357982 0711 300003 / 0733 440074 info@dtbkenya.co.ke

Monday to Friday: 9am to 5.30pm Saturday: 9am to 12.30pm 0735 764673

Monday to Saturday: 7am to 7pm Sunday: Closed 0729 329 404 operationsmanager@tintoria.co.ke

All Times News Stand

Prime Cuts Butchery

Monday to Sunday: 6:45am to 8.00pm 020 2082379 / 0702 978945 / 0719 269 476 dormans@village.co.ke

Monday: 9am to 6pm Tuesday to Saturday: 9am to 7pm Sundays & Public Holidays: 10am to 5pm 020 2199300 / 3513506-7 butchery@primecuts.co.ke

Barclays Bank Prestige Centre

Kenya Airways Sales & Ticketing Office

Safaricom Customer Care Centre

Monday to Saturday: 8.30am to 8.30pm Sunday: 10am to 4pm 020 7122741 / 7120042 / 7121963 prestige.village-market@barclays.com

Monday to Friday: 9am to 6pm Saturdays: 9am to 3pm Sundays & Public Holidays: Closed 0711022709/91/92/81/82 villagemarketslaes@kenya-airways.com

Monday to Friday: 9am to 7pm Saturday: 9am to 7pm Sundays & Public Holidays: 10am to 5pm 0722 00 23 72 villagemarket@safaricom.co.ke

Kenya Commercial Bank

Samsung

Monday to Friday: 8.30am to 6.30pm Saturday: 8.30am to 4.00pm Sundays & Public Holidays: Closed 020 7122012 / 7122003 / 7120483 villagemarket@kcb.co.ke

Monday-Saturday: 9am to 7pm Sunday: 10am to 5pm 0721 170 145 verahb@tricom.co.ke

Monday to Friday: 8am to 8pm Sunday: 10am to 8pm 0721 888222 / 0736 313345 / 0717 866 009 alltimesvillage@gmail.com

Belladonna Pharmacy Monday to Saturday: 8.30pm to 8.30pm Sunday & Public Holidays: 10am to 7.30pm 0715 945 228 / 0738 996104 pharmacy@belladonnahealthcare.com

Bonus Card Monday to Saturday: 8.00am to 6.00pm Sunday: 10am to 6pm 020 7122488 / 90 bonuscard@villagemarket-kenya.com

Commercial Bank of Africa (CBA) Monday to Friday: 9am to 6pm Saturday: 9am to 4pm Sunday & Public Holidays: 11am to 2pm 0710 602 351/020 712 03 46

Chase Bank Monday to Friday: 9am to 5pm Saturday: 9am to 2pm Sunday: 10am to 2pm 0703074590/1/2/3/4/5

DHL Monday to Friday: 9.00am to 6pm Saturday: 9.30am to 4.00pm 0711 017 133

28

Dormans Coffee Shop

Nakumatt Supermarket Monday to Sunday: 10.00am to 8pm 0722 204 936 mgr_village@nakumatt.net

NIC Bank Monday to Friday: 8:30am to 7pm Saturday: 8:30am to 4pm Sundays & Public Holidays: Closed 0711041 871/ 0711 041 891/ 0711 041 732 customercare@nic-bank.com

Tribe Hotel Reservations Desk 020 7200000 reservations@tribehotel-kenya.com

Village Dental Clinic Monday to Friday: 9am to 5pm Saturday: 9am to 12.30pm 020 7122460 / 0719 671 980 / 0722 154903 Villagedental2015@gmail.com

VM Management Monday to Friday: 8.00am to 5pm Saturday: 8:30am to 5pm Sundays & Public Holidays: 10am to 5.00pm 020 7122488/90 admin@villagemarket-kenya.com

VM Security Office

Shifaz Veterinary Clinic

Open: 24/7 0721 943 556

Monday to Saturday: 9am to 6pm Sunday: 11am to 1 pm Public Holidays: On appointment 0722 511761 / 0733 775064

Village Market Taxi Service

Taipan Forex Bureau Monday to Friday: 9.30am to 5.30pm Saturday: 10am to 2pm Sunday: 10am to 2pm 020 7122901/473

Phoenix Safaris

Technology House Kenya Ltd

Monday to Friday: 7.30pm to 6:30pm Saturday: 8.30am to 6:30pm Sundays & Public Holidays: 11am to 5pm 0721 650 889/020 50 10 200 info@phoenix-safaris.de

Monday to Friday: 9am to 5pm Saturday: 9am to 5pm Sunday: 10am to 4pm 020 7122905 / 0722 510343 / 0734 510343 / 0710 888888 shrikesh@techhouse.co.ke

Available 24hrs daily 0717 207662

Zucchini Greengrocers Monday to Saturday: 8am to 8pm Sunday: 9am-7pm 0726 333 446 0721 333 446