One magazine (issue #003) by One Magazine

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one magazine | issue #003

pulse of the nation: THE KENYAN TEAM �� 4 LETTER TO THE EDITOR �� 5

Family

Family Affairs: LOVE ON THE ROCKS �� 6 Fatherhood : WHEN YOU’RE OUTSIDE LOOKING IN �� 10 Step Family Life : Wendy's Story �� 14

Feature story

My Story : the MENTOR �� 16

Health

Health Issue Of The Month: tuberculosis �� 22

RELATIONSHIPS

Love Talk : THE MISSING LINK! �� 24 ROSES & DISHES: SING OUT YOUR OWN TUNE �� 26 Love Gardens blog : BOOMERANG �� 28

.BUSINESS

business: 5 STRATEGIES TO TURN YOUR IDEA INTO A PROFITABLE VENTURE �� 30 Agri-Business : LEST YOU FORGET, BOOK-KEEPING IS VITAL IN AGRI-BUSINESS �� 32

LIFESTYLE

LIFE-QUENCH :WHAT IS THIS THING CALLED HAPPINESS? �� 36 Life Lessons: A CRY FROM THE ROADS FOR REAL MEN IN KENYA �� 38 mirror me: CARPE DIEM �� 40

food

Recipes: MEAT LOAF �� 43

fun pages

housemates : what a day may bring ��44 poetry, movie review and more �� 48

feature story

30 business

life-quench

fatherhood

family affairs

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pulse of the nation

THE KENYAN TEAM

ONE MAGAZINE EXAMINES THE PERILS OF TRIBAL POLITICS

lobally, we are living in a time where race is playing itself out on a grand scale. With the recentcases of the Ferguson shootings in the United States, and the consequent protests, one is leftwondering if racial injustice particularly towards the African race in all its different representations will ever end - From the suspicious looks given to the black man whenever he walks into a pricyshop, to the unjust conclusion that the black man is simply inferior. This whole concept may seemforeign to many of us in this part of the world whose encounters with racial discrimination islimited, but there are very fundamental practical lessons that we can teach the people of the racially divided nations of this earth. The lesson we can teach is that race is not what divides a people, but diversity is the ultimate root. It is not rare to hear people claim that their community is not getting enough government jobs, or tosee politicians play the tribal card in the race for the top seats. Even though there may be those who do deny others opportunities because of tribalism, that person in power is not to blame. We only have ourselves as Kenyans to blame for our failure to see the bigger picture. For as long as we thinkin tribes, politicians will always play on those emotions to divide us further. Are we going to allowit? Remember, these people are not Monarchs, we elect them – who are you voting for and why? The reason we fail so often to see the bigger picture is because we have not drawn the line betweendiversity and division. It is only when we observe what goes on in the world around us that we canbegin to recognise the myopic view with which we view our own diversity. Theoretically when Wafula lands in New York, he is surrounded by Scott Riley, Martin Vasquez, and Linda Johnson. When Wafula therefore sees Kariuki, he is a brother. In fact, even more astounding, when Wafulasees Obinna from Nigeria, he too is

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a brother. If we can see this in the practical sense of beingabroad, why then shouldn't we embrace it in theory while we co-exist with one another daily righthere in our land. It is not that we hate each other, it is that we fail to realise that we are part of a larger world. We arenot separate from Italy, Australia, and China, we share the same planet, and if our country is to go tothe next level, we must lift our mindsets to that level, where we think on the big stage, and onlythen can we play on that stage. For as long as we are stuck; Wafula fighting Kariuki while Otieno cheers on Wafula, and Chebet cheers on Kariuki we will stay in the small stage that our thinkingsets us on. The lesson therefore that we can teach racially divided nations is that the white man is not a naturalracist, he is in fact just like the

FOR AS LONG AS WE THINK IN TRIBES, POLITICIANS WILL ALWAYS PLAY ON THOSE EMOTIONS TO DIVIDE US FURTHER. black man because if as black Kenyans we can spew hatred and evenkill each other, what sets us apart from the white man who pulls the trigger on a calm blackunarmed teen? The minority will always seem more oppressed than the majority, and so the fight isnot black against white, or Kikuyu against Kalenjin but rather against the division that comes withdiversity. Our message this month is simple – we as a country and a world will play on the level at which wethink. If we think as Kenya then we can harness our resources towards the building of a strongpowerhouse ready for its share of the global cake, but as long as we think as micro-nations, thebiggest cake we will ever eat is the national one. It is our choice to make – will we watch othernations come together and become powerful in the ocean of our world, while we fight each other inthe pond that is our country? Make the choice starting with yourself. Lets agree to dump this tired,and backward mentality of tribes, and let us embrace the mentality of the nations and play for theKenyan team.

ONE MAGAZINE

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

Uniting Families Across Kenya

PRODUCTION TEAM Publishing & Production

One Magazine Kenya Ventures Senior Editorial Team

Laton Leparan Jennifer Omondi Writers & Contributors

Jennifer Omondi Laton Leparan Nana Njoki Mwihaki Mithamo Raha Mwathi Desmond Gichuru Samuel Wahome Doud Njoroge Paul Koros James Karundu Wendy Malinda Dr. Melvin D'lima Design & Layout

D&R Mediagraphics Photography

Philocam Media Production Marketing & Distribution

PMS Ltd Printed by

Double Sight Services Ltd

lationship Our Dear Readers, r interactive re ou ue in nt co to ite to us We wish we ask you to wr e, or ef er Th u. as well with yo enjoyed reading ve ha u yo s mn lu ove our about co r how we can impr fo s on ti es gg su as your th you... :) communication wi the Editor on: Please write to kenya.com info@onemagazine

cOVER PHOTO James Karundu was interviewed by One Magazine at his Kumon Centre office at Kasuku Centre in Kileleshwa. PHOTOGRAPHY: Phillip Githinji and Samson Kamau (Philocam Media Production)

Haven Court 4th Floor, Oppo, Lion Place, Westlands P.O. Box 52866-00100 Nairobi, Kenya Tel: +254 20 444 1420 Email: info@onemagazinekenya.com Web: onemagazinekenya.com

Family Affairs

LOVE

ON THE ROCKS Jennifer Omondi carefully unravels the sticky tangle of marital infidelity.

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PART 1

an and Sue have been married for 15 years and have two beautiful children. They have everything a happy couple needs: fulfilling careers, a plush villa in a leafy suburb and their kids attend prominent schools. Everything seems perfect but below the surface there’s a ticking time bomb. Over the years their once strong bond has waned. Between raising their young kids, to constant travel, tight work schedules and other life demands, it all became too much. Soon Dan began working late and bonding with his secretary. Sue too took to the bottle to numb her loneliness. Then came the bombshell, Dan was leaving her for the other woman. Sue couldn’t believe it. He claimed she was no longer attractive, wasn’t there for him and hadn’t cooked a decent meal in a while. The ensuing months were full of turmoil as kids watched their happy family tear apart. Their once strong mother was coiled up in depression. Dan moved out into the arms of a stranger; his new found bliss. Or had he? One day the kids found Sue’s comatose on the bedroom floor after binging on alcohol. Dan got the dreaded call his wife was in a coma and rushed by her side. The kids tearfully asked him “Daddy why did you leave us and mummy, don’t you love us anymore?” Dan wondered if his fling was worth the pain he was inflicting on his family. When Dan and Sue married they intended for it to be for keeps, yet here they were. According to the Janus Report on Sexual Behaviour, more than one-third of men and one-quarter of women have admitted to have had at least one extramarital sexual experience. Adultery is no longer a preserve of the secular world, it’salso taken root in the church. Nobody is exempt from infidelity regardless of the length of marriage. In many cultures and religions adultery is shunned upon and in some it’s punishable by death. The Bible records in the seventh commandment “you shall not commit adultery” and according to the Law of Moses those suspected of committing adultery were stoned to death. Some cultures still continue this practice to date. A marriage vow is a covenant between a couple and God that’s supposed to be honoured till death parts the couple. And yet today vows have become trivial which has led to myriad short-lived marriages. In Ecclesiastes 5:5 it says that ‘It is better not to make a vow than to make one and not fulfil it’. Marriage is a serious commitment that shouldn’t be entered lightly. It requires maturity, selflessness and dedication. And yet none of us enters marriage trained or prepared. It’s said that love is blind but it’s the marriage that’s the eye-opener’. CAUSES Reasons why people commit adultery vary. Dr. Willard Harley, author of His needs, Her needs: Building an Affair-Proof Marriage book states that “unmet needs by either partner are a primary cause of extramarital affairs”. Marriage is like a garden that needs constant nurturing to flourish. For Dan and Sue they stopped watering and nurturing their garden. And soon

According to the Janus Report on sexual behaviour, more than one-third of men and onequarter of women have admitted to have had at least one extramarital sexual experience. the weeds of life chocked the plants and now their garden was dying. Beth J. Lueders an author, award-winning journalist and avid contributor on focus on the family, outlines some factors that can lead to infidelity. 1. Ego - often men turn to adultery to boost their selfesteem. While for women it’s to fill their void for love, appreciation and to feel good about their appearance. Shun from relying on others to fulfil your need for love, value and respect. 2. Miscommunication - when a couple withholds their feelings, lacks transparency and only talks about bills and household tasks it’s a sure sign of trouble. Beth urges couples to engage in small talk to build deeper sharing. 3. Brooding - all couples go through a rough patch but there’s need to fight fair. Bottling emotions or having emotional surges seldom resolves conflict. Unresolved issues drive a wedge between a couple and alienated spouses are prone to looking for an escape route. 4. Date-less - most people stop dating each other when they get marriage. But an old adage says “couples that play together, stay together”. Couple need to plan date nights or weekend getaways. She cautions couples again stall owing life demands to crowd up their marriage. 5. Solitude - couples can be apart due to work, travel, illness or lack of common interests. The author warns that a couple that’s a part for longer periods is vulnerable to temptation and drifting apart. Make time to share in each other’s hobbies. 6. Fatigue - nothing kills romance like fatigue due to life's demands. Every marriage needs refreshing and improvement. Couples need to curve time for each other. 7. Frigid - couples experience seasons of less physical

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intimacy which could be due to stress, pregnancy, illness etc. When left unchecked some succumb to infidelity to meet their needs. But sadly this is never a solution. Beth implores couples to find the source of their bedroom issues instead of looking outside. Often disinterest in sex could be as a result of unresolved past issues. 8. Predictable - the mundane of marriage can breed familiarity and boredom. The author implores couples to find creative ways to enhance their marriage by revisiting the beginning i.e. writing your spouse a love note, planning a surprise diner or giving them a gift. Ultimately, it’s the thought that counts. 9. Denial - this is when couples avoid facing their issues or pretend nothing’s wrong. Not dealing with the elephant in the room only makes the elephant bigger. Beth shares that often people waver because they’re trying to find a way out of the problem. It’s vital to confront your marital problems head on for there’s always a solution. 10. Uncommitted - every married couple comes together because of something concrete. We commit to love, honour and to cherish each other till death do us part. But along the way we forget to live up to those words. It takes hard work, being intentional and determination to honour your vow to your spouse. People often choose convenience instead of commitment but marriage is a covenant that takes sacrifice. 11. Borderless - being married doesn’t shield one from being seduced. People are often attracted to married people making them more vulnerable to temptation. Safeguard your marriage by creating boundaries that dictate what you can or can’t do. Beth cautions couples to avoid afterwork rendezvous, certain hotels on business trips and watching explicit movies alone or perusing explicit magazines or sites. In case you find

yourself attracted to someone tell your spouse, it’s the surest way to neutralize the urge. Keeping secrets flames the fire causing the situation to get out of hand. SIGNS & SYMPTOMS There are subtle red flags that gravitate to obvious display alerting someone that all isn’t rosy. If your spouse displays any of these signs it could mean they’re swerving: • Change of wardrobe or sudden interest in their physical appearance • Regular work trips or working late at night • Evading intimacy or being sexually aggressive • Disrespectful talk, arrogance or verbal abuse • Anger busts or harboured resentment • Constant complaints and comparing you to other people • Excessive spending or lack of financial discipline • Avoids intimate conversation or saying ‘I love you’ • Avoids eye contact with you • Makes excuses for not spending quality time with you • Excessive purchase of gifts for you to alleviate their guilt • Stops complementing you or appreciating your physical beauty • Acts guilty whenever you do something kind for them • Expresses doubts about the future EFFECTS Despite the reasons, infidelity poses grievous consequences and seldom solves any problem. It destroys trust, ruins marriages, harms children and most often leads to many divorces. For people plagued by infidelity there are no easy answers. At the onset it’s very difficult and often many wonder if they can get through it. There’s often a rash of myriad thoughts in one’s mind as one begins to question: Why did they do this to me?’ What did I do to deserve such treatment? Am I not good enough for them? Is this the end of my

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In case you find yourself attracted to someone tell your spouse, it’s the surest way to neutralize the urge. marriage? What will I tell my family and friends? What about the children? Should I stay in this marriage? What am I going to do now? The questions erupt on and on till one gets emotionally, physically and mentally drained. The most common first reactions for ladies are shock, then tears, uncontrollable emotional meltdown, anger, depression, bargaining and then acceptance. All these emotions could take months or even years depending on how one copes. I’ve spoken to single ladies who often state they can’t tolerate any unfaithfulness in marriage. Even married people have their conditions of what they would do if they found out their spouse was unfaithful to them. But the only true gauge is after it happens to you. Most of what people say prior is usually ‘theory’ the real ‘practice’ begins when you hit that marriage crisis. One thing to remember is that you may not have chosen what happened to you but you can choose how to respond. Take time to think with your head and don’t rely solely on your wounded heart, it will mislead you. In every situation you can choose to be ‘bitter’ or ‘better’. The important thing is to take one day at a time as you think of your next step. References • The Janus Report on Sexual Behavior (1993). • Harley, W. F. Jr. Dr. (2011) His needs, Her needs: Building an Affair-Proof Marriage. Ada: Baker Publishing Group • The Bible New International Version (NIV) • Pittmann, F. (2009) What Does the Lord Require?: A Guide for Preaching and Teaching Biblical Ethics. Ada: Baker Publishing Group

Fatherhood

WHEN YOU’RE OUTSIDE LOOKING IN

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With the coming of a newborn, it is possible for a young couple drift apart. Desmond Gichuru examines the simple principle of “first things first” as the key to longlasting love.

“The most important thing a father can do for his children is to love their mother.” Rev. Theodore Hesburgh, President Emeritus of the University of Notre Dame

image source: microsoft.com

ost couples, you were inseparable before the baby’s when they arrival, you will wrestle with feelings are about to of loneliness and sometimes envy. But get married, the greater danger here is when both spend almost of you become accustomed to being the whole disconnected. Estrangement is one of courtship period pounding and beating the biggest contributors to unfaithfulness the mechanical details of their wedding and to marital breakdown. Because long day into shape. Attending pre-marital ago the two loving people did not stop to counseling sessions with a pastor; then notice what went on in each other’s daily rushing downtown for their wedding life, and now they no longer know each committee meeting; visiting relative after other. relative for their blessing—And then “I'm convinced that this is one of the when they can find time to spare, they major reasons why so many divorces spend it inspecting the holes in their happen when the kids are young,” says “big-day” plans —or in each other! To Armin Brott, author of a series of books their peril, they forget the very reason for on fatherhood. “You're focusing on the all this commotion in the first place. kids. You're tired…. You don't go out In the same way, the expectation and on dates anymore. You don't spend time arrival of a baby, while an exciting thing, nurturing your relationship. You don't can quietly create a widening gulf in spend time nurturing each other very a relationship. The child becomes the much.” universe of attention and the subject of The first things that brought you and every conversation. her together must of Quite naturally, loving necessity be sustained parents obsess about as the things that will When you see their children. keep you together. mother and child Whatever As the father, your new, role in childcare will locked in their own external thing that usually be secondary orbit, however, you imposes itself upon to your wife’s. Of your life together course, you should be may feel neglected, must take its place as involved as possible, or even unwanted, as after these first things. but quite likely your though you have no That is, your love, leave period will place with them. common interests expire before hers and companionship and she may need you must not be made to take care of things to give way to things around the house or outside, which that will come and go, such as a career may not directly relate to caring for the or relative and friends —and not even baby. She will get absorbed in the child. a child. Companionship must serve Her hormones and instincts will make companionship. It is the simple principle absolute demands on her affection to of “first things first;” that is, when you ensure that this helpless babe receives all and your wife are doing okay, then the nurturing that she can give. automatically the family is doing okay. When you see mother and child You desperately want to be a good locked in their own orbit, however, you father. Maybe you’ve seen the mistakes may feel neglected, or even unwanted, as your dad made and how your mother though you have no place with them. If and your siblings suffered for them. Or

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A clergyman once said,

“Courtship consists of a number of quiet attentions, not too pointed as to alarm, not so vague as not to be understood.” You decide that despite all the pressure of preparing for one wedding day, that you are both going to invest more in one marriage.

“I'm convinced that this is one of the major reasons why so many divorces happen when the kids are young. You're focusing on the kids..." -ARMIN BROTT, AUTHOR

you’ve seen the mocking image that the media project about fatherhood and you probably have friends or relatives who are real-life stereotype in their roles as fathers. But on your part, you want to excel where other men have failed. That’s a noble call, especially since you are bound to be the exception. The best place to start is during courtship. A clergyman once said, “Courtship consists of a number of quiet attentions, not too pointed as to alarm,

not so vague as not to be understood.” You decide that despite all the pressure of preparing for one wedding day, that you are both going to invest more in one marriage. That the pre-marital counseling will be meaningful and not just a formality. That you will really and truly listen to your parents and relatives’ wisdom, even from those you always thought were dull and ignorant. That you will both plan how you will both remain intimate before the children come, during their upbringing, and after they have gone out. The Bottom Line You will be a much better father to your children if they see that you love their mother. That their home is a safe place from the storms of the world outside, that the promises of your lips and arms of comfort are as reliable as tomorrow’s rising sun. And your wife, when she’s assured of your affection, she’ll be a better mother for it. And with her support you will lead a revolution that will transform Kenya, one family at a time.

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PRACTICAL TIPS FOR MAINTAINING A CLOSE RELATIONSHIP DURING COURTSHIP AND IN MARRIAGE: Talk with your partner: About everything; hopes and dreams, fears, anxieties, having a child together. She is more than likely feeling the same fears as you, and you can both address them before hand. Plan to regularly spend time together as a couple: Going for moonlight walks around your estate, quiet dinners at restaurants, or listening to your favorite music together on weekend evenings. "Have a friend, parent or someone in town take care of the kids for an evening and go out and talk about something other than the kids," says Brott. "What makes people interesting are their interests." Talk about how your lives will change or are changing: Discuss ways that you both can slow down and enjoy pregnancy together. Be prepared and willing to make necessary changes that will enhance your relationship. Take on more household chores: Offer to cook dinner or do the dishes, this will elevate you in the eyes of your exhausted partner. And by your example she will do acts of kindness for you. Work with your partner to get the nest ready for the baby. Help with rearranging things, doing laundry, preparing meals for her for those first few days when baby is home. Re-assure your wife: Tell her often that she is or will make a great mother; this will boost her confidence in herself and in your support. Re-affirm to your partner of your love: Tell her that you desire to be with her. Say and show that you love her. Never assume that she already knows this. Hearing it from you will do more for her than an Aspirin in the evening! Allow your partner to express herself: Let her be open to you about the positives and negatives of being pregnant or being a mother. Don’t try to fix it, though the temptation will be overwhelming. It does more for her if you just listen compassionately than if you kept cutting her short to give her your clever and practical advice. Stop focusing on just the children: Armin Brott, in his book The Expectant Father, tells dads, "Don't allow your relationship with your partner to be based solely on your child.

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Step Family Life

WENDY'S STORY WENDY MALINDA TELLS OF HER OWN EXPERIENCE IN RAISING STEP CHILDREN

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was only six years old or so, yet I could tell that my parents' marriage would one day come to an end. Absurd right? That’s what I also think. I was in my bedroom, standing in between the two beds when the thought crossed my mind. That’s all I remember of that moment. Just that one thought. Well my thought would come true 16 years later. I was about 22 years old, working my first job at a multinational bank and was so proud of my achievements which I considered grand given my age. I had moved out of my parents’ house, living on my own and finally testing my independence. Given my age one would have easily thought I was old enough to understand the separation right? Wrong! I had a really tough time with it. I struggled with it alone, not telling anyone the pain, disappointment and embarrassment I felt due to the fact that my parents were no longer together. I would get envious of my friends and relatives whose parents I thought got along well, had perfect marriages and families. I would later discover that some of them were in the same situation as mine and just like me, were keeping this secret as if it somehow reflected on them as their fault. You see, children no matter how young or old have an innate desire for their parents to always be together. Many children blame themselves for their parents’ divorce or separation when they shouldn’t. Parents on the other hand usually do not discuss the situation with their children. If they are young, the assumption is that they don’t understand and if they are old that they understand. Both of which are wrong. I would eventually get over it and realized that my parents' separation had nothing

to do with me. Now I came from what you would regard a ‘normal’ family: a father, mother and siblings. However, the 21st century family has evolved. We have a lot of people getting children out of wedlock. The divorce rate in Kenya is high and only increasing. The single parent is marrying a partner who is not the biological father or mother of their children, the widow or widower is getting over the pain and loss and embracing new love while the divorcee is giving it a second shot. Families have found themselves adopting their relative’s children after the parents pass on and to write the unthinkable, babies are being born from extra-marital affairs. All this says that step families are here with us, they are the face of this century’sfamily in Kenya. Growing up I never thought I would marry someone with children and become a stepmom. Heck! I don’t think any girl in the world grows up thinking that. We all want our prince charming, and that guy has no children. Well, I did meet my prince charming and he had kids. “Why

You see, children no matter how young or old have an innate desire for their parents to always be together. on earth would you do that? Aren’t there enough men out there with no children? Why would you want to complicate your life like that?” Are some of the questions I received from some friends and family when they found out? It seemed to be a very difficult idea to embrace. Personally, it never mattered to me. I had found someone who was worthy of my love, respect and admiration. His values were right on the money so when he asked, it was a no brainer for me. A definite ‘yes’, I knew it would be challenging but I was ready to do whatever it took to make it work. Family means so much to me so I was determined to have a successful marriage and family.

I started my journey to try and get answers, tips and advice on how I would make this work. Well guess what? I found none. No church, no parenting class not even my pre-marital counselling class touched on the subject of step-families, their unique challenges and how to navigate them. It occurred to me that we are voiceless. With all the challenges we face on a daily basis and I speak from my personal experience surely someone had to step up right? You see, we live in a society that constantly lives in denial of the changes going on around us. The same is the case with step-families. We deny they exist and in so many numbers, we deny that they are different from biological families and therefore cannot be handled the same way, we deny that we are struggling to make them work; we deny that we need help; we deny that we are constantly failing our families and our children and blame one another for it. I was not going to create this great step family that I craved for by denying my struggle nor by sitting around and letting things work themselves out. So I immersed myself in all step-family life related matters in a bid to counter my ignorance with knowledge to build a strong family together with my partner. I went as far as getting certified as a stepfamily coach. What I learnt, I could not keep to myself. It had taken me from despair, stress and hopelessness to action with positive tangible results in my relationship with both my partner and my two step-children. I had to share it with the world starting with my country Kenya and somehow that led to me writing this first article to give step-parents like you and me a voice. To tell all those in step situations that the challenges are classic and they happen to everyone who is in a step-family and most importantly that you are not alone. To provide knowledge and practical skills to tackle these challenges and help you thrive in your families. Isn’t that what we all want? It’s a tough sometimes lonely journey but success is not far from reach, the big question is how far are you willing to go to attain it? Wendy Malinda is a certified step-family coach & blogger Courtesy of www.stepmomcafe.wordpress. com/about-the-blog/

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My Story

THE

MENTOR

JAMES KARUNDU, MENTORING KIDS VIA KUMON & HARNESSING BRILLIANCE IN ADULTS

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f you were to be anyone in the world, who would you want to be? I anticipate common answers would range from business magnate Bill Gates, English businessman Richard Branson, US first lady Michelle Obama etc. But for my guest the answer would be a resounding 'I'. This is evident by his words, work and the values he lives out each and every day. JAMES KARUNDU James is known for his coined phrase 'the only mathematician that is also a motivational speaker'. He’s an author, motivational speaker and mentor. He’s also the founder and CEO of PassionBiz Academy Ltd, a company he recently set up to take his business training and mentorship to the next level. When we meet he's dressed in a blue checked shirt, navy blue trouser and black leather shoes. He has spectacles and a leather gold wrist watch. As we begin to chat I quickly note that James speaks with such clarity of purpose. Every word emanating out of his mouth is seasoned with substance and deep thought. What sets James apart from any other motivational speaker I have ever met is that, he doesn't just leave you with words, but an experience. His words not only carry persuasion, they somehow demand action from you. It's hard to listen to him and remain complacent. He's what I can call a 'transformational speaker'. EARLY YEARS James grew up in Kiambu on a farm and is

the second born in a family of five brothers. Renowned US TV Mogul Oprah Winfrey often said that 'success happens when opportunity meets preparation'. James’ preparation for his found success began on the farm as he learned to milk cows and do other chores before going to school, a skill that instilled discipline in him. His early years began with a 35 Kilometres commute from Kiambu to attend school

I used to give brief motivational talks at the beginning of each class to get students warmed up for the class. in Nairobi. He attended City Primary in Ngara, and then moved to Rift Valley Technical School in Eldoret and later Ndururumo High School in Nyahururu. He later joined Kenyatta University and began his first career as a lecturer at Kenya Polytechnic where he taught for the next 18 years. He shares that his parents ensured that they all attended good schools and didn’t lack. “I gravitated towards teaching since both my parents were teachers”. His dad too was a senior lecturer at Kenya Polytechnic the same place James nurtured his career. He credits his desire to help people from him. "My dad was a

problem solver and always helped people with their issues especially when they were stuck. Even at 74 years old he’s still out there helping people,” he reveals. James hastens to add that even as a young child after school together with his siblings, they used to play around at the polytechnic as they waited on their dad to wind up on work. “I never knew that 20 years later I too would be there teaching there”. Likewise, his mom was always helping other women with their issues and was also a church elder. James’ siblings are in various career paths: one is a lawyer, another is in the building industry, and another is a farmer while his eldest brother is mentally mentally handicapped. “One of the elements of compassion and helping people came as a result of taking care of my elder brother,” he confesses. James’ mom passed away 15 years ago which was a major blow to the family. DISCOVERING TALENT James admits that ironically he had challenges with Mathematics in primary school which saw his father get him some tutors to assist him. It's his interaction with the tutors that impacted his life and made him realise the value of coaching. This lesson resonated with him all through growing up and was evident years later with his excellent performance in Mathematics. This became the main subject James was hired to teach at the Polytechnic. He began teaching immediately after graduating and realized Free talk: James in a free monthly session. He holds these classes on the last Thursday of each month.

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helped is having mentors and coaches”. Since his parents were both teachers this made him a bit hesitant to disclose that he was quitting his teaching career to be a motivational speaker. After resigning his position as a senior lecturer at Kenya Polytechnic, James enrolled in a program by Jack Canfield and read his book The Success Principles. Its Canfield’s program on personal coaching that impacted James’ life.

BEHIND THE SCENES: James with his assistants at the Kumon Centre.They help to make his programs a success.

HARNESS YOUR BRILLIANCE: The classes are held every last Thursday of the month

that his students were older than him. He notes that his students had one thing in common; they had developed the attitude that 'mathematics was hard'. His first mission became to get them to realise that their performance was tied to their mind set. "I used to give brief motivational talks at the beginning of each class to get students warmed up for the class. I looked for something new to share each time. And then I discovered I liked this thing,” James alludes. And before long this became his trademark, his students began requesting for the talks and began consulting him

for answers about life challenges. “The students started performing well and I even got a commendation from the principal,” he expounds. This is when he began to realise that may be there was something there in relation to inspiring and motivating people. “Years later even after leaving the polytechnic students still look for me on Facebook,” he relays. James confesses that though he had found his passion he was terrified. As a result he carried his resignation letter in his briefcase for two years. “I had a young family, debt and doubts but what

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James shares that in his Harness Your Brilliance mentoring program he interacts with well-educated people at the top of their careers that are stuck.

KUMON CENTERS Our team and I meet up at his office at Kasuku Centre in Kileleshwa. It's here that James runs his mentoring program Harness Your Brilliance and his second Kumon centre for kids. His first Kumon centre a franchise from Japan began in 2004 and is situated in South C. Kumon's aim is to help students practice and improve. It provides kids with sharpened skills in Mathematics and English. This is a program that James runs in the afternoon for school going kids. He mainly assists students struggling with school work to reach their fullest potential. “I find myself doing the same thing whether with adults or children; getting people unstuck,” he reiterates. James shares that in his Harness Your Brilliance mentoring program he interacts with well-educated people at the top of their careers that are stuck. He defines Harness as to bring together, to create focus or direction or to narrow it down. “The element I feel I bring is clarity, helping people find clarity and focus. I also help them with accountability,” he underscores. He shares that though he discovered his talent of inspiring people

at the Polytechnic, its only years later that he harnessed it. This is the genesis of his coined phase Harness Your Brilliance which he has personally trademarked. James shares that it’s his earlier struggles with inadequacy, doubts and interaction with coaches that has allowed him to connect with people giving them a safe space to operate from. “I help people who have ideas and don’t know how to turn those ideas into money. I help people to turn what they know into businesses. I help high achievers who don’t know how to get the right clients for their businesses. I help people move forward,” James stresses. Currently he has a staff of four which he says took time to select and train to meet the needs present. He trained his staff to be versatile so they can handle any task presented to them. The extraordinary thing about his Kumon centres is that their rapid growth is attributed to simply word of mouth and no adverts. FAMILY We had the pleasure of taking photos in his home which is situated five minutes away from his office in Kileleshwa. James says that this location was informed by his long childhood commutes to and from school. The living room is adorned in earth tones from the cosy sofas to the exquisite Maasai spear and leather painted hanging. There's a sense of homeliness from the family photos hanging all over the walls and the chocolate toned dining set and coffee table. James is married to Rita Ndinda Njenga and has two daughters Amy Njenga 10 years old and Joy Njenga whose five. (Rita is in business and real estate management.) He shares that one key aspects of his marriage is that he and his wife don’t share the same ethnic background. “I find this interesting because my kids get to grow up in a non-tribalistic environment which is a contribution to our country,” he asserts. Daddy’s girls: “my family is my greatest priority and I love seeing my daughters grow. I love taking them to school”. James shares that taking his girls to school is one of the best parts of his day. “I enjoy hanging out with them, having a laugh and watching TV programs together,”

On vacation in South Africa.

“Hanging out in the evening, assisting with the kids homework though not as much as their mum. I have deliberately created a safe space with the girls by finding a middle ground between firmness as well as leeway,” he reveals. James states that each of his daughters is beginning to develop their own niche. “I would love each to follow their own path as long as it’s within their brilliance”. This is definitely one committed family man to emulate. Work and travel: “I believe my business must provide a way for me to live the lifestyle I want”. Travelling has allowed James an opportunity to explore possibilities and opened his mind to things he didn’t know existed. Most of his travels are related to Kumon conferences as well as family vacations. James’ work has provided avenues for him to travel.

HIS WORK AND ACHIEVEMENTS Author: 7 Keys to Success Beyond Chance, Go For It and Stepping Stones for Top Achievers. Mentoring Program: harness your brilliance which is attended by up to 5070 students per session. Free Monthly Class: James offers a free mentoring class every last Thursday of the month which is his way of 'giving forward'. Kumon centres: the South C centre won an award for the fastest growing centre and he was awarded a trip to the United Kingdom. His Kileleshwa centre has since overtaken it by rapid growth. Newsletter: James writes a weekly newsletter that circulates to 5000 subscribers. Business Network International (BNI): James is also a member of BNI a group that hosts about 100 business people who meet to discuss business, referrals and contacts. He was generous enough to invite us to the upcoming one and introduce us to the group. Secret to his success: he says that his success lies in family support, a good team of staff members and accountability partners.

His first trip was to the United Kingdom for a Kumon conference and later to Japan. He’s been to South Africa severally for Kumon meetings and conferences. He was also in Japan recently for Kumon’s 50th anniversary.

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“One of the greatest breakthroughs was two years ago; I was able to take my family to the Disney world in the United States and recently to South Africa,” he confirms. James shares that it’s such trips that enable him to have a cohesive relationship with his daughters. He’s able to explain to them why he has to work so hard for in the end they get what they also need ‘a family vacation’. Balance: “balance is a myth, you cannot say you’ll dedicate three hours to this or two hours to that, it’s not practical,” he connotes. James instead offers a new word ‘harmony’. “Harmony is when things are working and flowing as seen in an orchestra composed of various musical instruments that produce harmonious sounds”. This is what he calls harmonious balance whereby he makes his family a priority. “Hanging out in the evening, assisting with the kids homework though not as much as their mum. I have deliberately created a safe space with the girls by finding a middle ground between firmness as well as leeway,” he describes.

“we have rituals and practices, things that we always do and have become embedded in our lifestyle like going to church together. Things that we’ve deliberately put in place to form the structure that supports my being there for them,” James affirms. His daughters attend Kumon in the evening after which they ride home together. “You’ll always find us chatting, laughing and playing ball. I always want them to have a safe space and to know that daddy is always there”.

Rituals / practices:

FUTURE PLANS For PassionBiz Academy include: online training programmes, Book publishing and a TV show. ADVICE James urges people wanting to venture into their own business to take a bold step, a small bold step. He shares that “success happens in leaps”. He advises people to get support because it’s hard to escape it. He also shares that there are simple ways to identify if one is meant to be a motivational speaker. Ask yourself the following questions: do you connect easily with people? Do people approach you easily with their problems? Have you been helping people for a while? If you answer yes to all these questions then you

have a gift of motivating others that needs to be harnessed. READING To do the kind of coaching James does one must be well versed with terms. James is an avid reader and he's currently reading a book called 'answer the call. What makes his reading different is that he subscribes to the author's mailing list and even enrols in their programs. This tradition began when he read The Success Principles by Jack Canfield, a book he says transformed him into the person he is today.

we've had an experience that will change our lives. At the end of a very inspiring day, I can describe James in three words: ambitious, personable and generous. He has definitely exceeded his wildest imaginations but still continues to harness brilliance in people. This confirms that there's no mistake in 'being yourself, doing your thing and doing it your way!'

INSPIRATION James is motivated by the fact that he’s discovered his purpose and lives every day helping people get unstuck. “My greatest passion is working with people and helping them to get on track in terms of businesses,” James shares. He’s motivated by seeing people succeed out of his training. He also has mentors like Jack Canfield and is plugged into Masterminds program that keep him motivated. KEEPING FIT James stays fit by jogging in the neighbourhood trail and running marathons. He acquired his high sense of discipline from his 3-months experience at National Youth Service (NYS). The skills that were inculcated in him then remain with him to date. It's NYS that nurtured his organisational skills, early bird tendency and punctuality. It’s evident in the fact that for the last five years he has never been late even once for his 6:30a.m. BNI meetings. RELAXATION James likes to relax while reading a book, hanging out with his family and listening to motivational speakers. Surprisingly he finds a trip to the barber relaxing. BEST QUOTE His favourite quote is: Be yourself, do your thing, do it your way. PARTING SHOT James concludes our chat by stating that “all possibilities are available for you. Start and operate from a point of clarity, start from the smallest point. Stop waiting, get moving,”. IT'S A WRAP What a way to end the day than with a warm cup of well brewed Kenyan tea. We definitely leave James' abode feeling like

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ABOUT JAMES KARUNDU HIS ITINERARY

His plans are on weekly to monthly basis. 5am - 6am: morning devotion and prayer - gives him sanity, time to contemplate and be with self 7am - 7:45am: takes breakfast and takes kids to school 8am: arrives in the office - spends 1 hour to prep for day's work before staff report Training days: has set uninterrupted days for training, takes no appointments Meeting / appointment day: meets with potential clients and protégés Afternoons: he caters for up to 20-50 Kumon students at his centre HIS CHALLENGES

James’ earlier challenges include: Finances - there was difficulty in start-up capital. He had to borrow money but has since repaid all his loans. Finding the right staff - this wasn’t easy and it took time. He had to find the right staff to ensure stability, continuity of service and confidence in business. Balance - finding a balance between services to people and making a profit has remained an on-going challenge. However, he has found a way to tackle it by offering the free monthly mentoring class and inspiring people through his weekly newsletter to 5000 subscribers. Mentoring clientele - this is a current challenge as James endeavours to train and certify mentors that will continue to support his work. For to go and start their mentoring programs while partnering with him.

Health Issue Of The Month

TUBERCULOSIS

WHO Global Tuberculosis Report 2014

37 million lives saved

between 2000 and 2013 through effective diagnosis and treatment

45% decline

in TB mortality rate and 41% decline in TB prevalence since 1990

TB SITUATION AND ACCESS TO CARE EXTERNAL Tuberculosis (TB) FINANCING is contagious IS andCRITICAL airborne. ItTO ranks as the second of death from a single infectious FILLleading GAPS cause AND ACCELERATE agent, after the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). PROGRESS TB BURDEN 9 million people fell ill with TB in 2013, including 1.1 million cases among people living with HIV. In 2013, 1.5 million people died from TB, including 360 000 among people who were HIV-positive. 510 000 women died from TB in 2013, including 180 000 among women who were HIV-positive. Of the overall TB deaths among HIV-positive people, 50% were among women. TB is one of the top killers of women of reproductive age. An estimated 550 000 children became ill with TB and 80 000 children who were HIV-negative died of TB in 2013. The TB mortality rate has decreased 45% since 1990. TB CARE Access to TB care has expanded substantially since the start of this millennium. Between 2000 and 2013, 37 million lives were saved through effective diagnosis and treatment. In 2013, 5.7 million newly diagnosed cases were notified to national TB programmes. Therefore about 3 million people with TB were “missed”, either because they were not diagnosed or because they were diagnosed but not reported.

Fragile progress in MDR-TB diagnosis and treatment but widening gaps in treatment coverage could compromise gains

MULTIDRUG-RESISTANT TB Globally in 2013, an estimated 480 000 people developed multidrug-resistant TB (MDR-TB) and there were an estimated 210 000 deaths from MDR-TB. The number of people diagnosed with MDR-TB tripled between 2009 and 2013, and reached 136 000 worldwide. This was equivalent to 45% of the estimated MDR-TB cases among notified TB patients. Progress in the detection of drug-resistant TB has been facilitated by the use of new rapid diagnostics. A total of 97 000 patients were started on MDR-TB treatment in 2013, a three-fold increase compared with 2009. However, 39 000 patients were on waiting lists, and the gap between diagnosis and treatment widened between 2012 and 2013 in several countries. Extensively drug-resistant TB (XDR-TB) has been reported by 100 countries in 2013. On average, an estimated 9% of people with MDR-TB have XDR-TB. NEW DIAGNOSTICS Xpert® MTB/RIF, a rapid molecular diagnostic test, is being rapidly adopted by countries to detect TB and rifampicinresistant TB. By end June 2014, 3 269 testing machines and 7.5 million test cartridges had been procured by 108 of the 145 countries eligible for concessional prices.

RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT More than 50 companies are involved in the development of TB diagnostics.

TB/HIV CO-INFECTION In 2013, 48% of TB patients globally had a documented HIV test result. In the African region that has the highest TB/HIV burden, three out of four TB patients knew their HIV status.

There are 10 new or re-purposed anti-TB drugs in late phases of clinical development. In the last two years, two new drugs have been approved for the treatment of MDR-TB under specific conditions: bedaquiline and delamanid.

Globally, 70% of the TB patients known to be living with HIV in 2013 were started on antiretroviral therapy (ART).

There are currently 15 vaccine candidates in clinical trials.

In 2013, 5.5 million people enrolled in HIV care were screened for TB, up from 4.1 million in 2012. Of the people newly enrolled in HIV care in 2013, 0.6 million were provided with isoniazid preventive therapy.

FINANCING FOR TB CARE AND CONTROL 2013 and 2015 to US$for 8 billion per year to the US$Between 8 billion per year is up needed a full response is needed in low- and middle-income countries, with a global TB epidemic in lowand middle-income countries by funding of up to US$ year. per year. The 2015, with gap a funding gap 3ofbillion US$ per 2 billion amount excludes resources required for research and develInternational funding is especially critical opment, which aredonor estimated at about US$ 2 billion pertoyear. sustain recent gains and make further progress in 35 low-income countries (25 in Africa), where donors provide more than 60% of current funding.

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National contributions provide the bulk of financing for TB care and control in Brazil, the Russian Federation, India, China and South Africa (BRICS). However, they remain insufficient for scaling up the diagnosis and treatment of MDR-TB.

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Love Talk

THE MISSING LINK!

Nana Njoki analyses the paradoxical situation between the single lady and the single gentleman. Why do they both fear and yearn for each other?

oday’s single lady is no ordinary person; she enjoys prestige previously only dreamt off. She embodies femininity with brains to match, a dream career, cosy abode, hottest car, and female links. Life demands have seen many women join the workforce to better their lives. And to stay on the cutting edge many women have had to strive to attain success in both their careers and education. This has defied the age-old norm of marrying by a certain age. Relationships, marriage and children have taken a back banner in the hope that at the right time all will fall into place. A previous Kenyan census showed that the population of women to men was equal at a ratio of 1 to 1. Presuming that for every one man in existence there was a woman available for them. After attending a singles dinner previously I realized how little impact these findings had on Kenyan ladies. Most ladies I spoke to complained that they could not find one suitable partner to date

leave alone to marry. After all a relationship is what centres a woman granting her a sense of fulfilment. While not all women can get married or bear children at the same time, most women attest that they have an innate desire for love and companionship. It is evident that we are surrounded by beautiful, successful and very charming single ladies. So what exactly is the problem? Or is the male species becoming extinct? Most women believe that for every single man there are seven women competing for him. Speaking of men I got to highlight the ladies predicament and got interesting responses. One man shared that ‘fear of rejection is what kept most single men from approaching successful women’. I probed further and he said that after ‘glancing at a successful single lady he could not see what to offer’. According to him ‘the woman had everything she needed to live a full life’. I disputed that claim by suggesting that men were the ‘hunters’ and needed to find

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their lass instead of burying their heads in the sand. The secret was in facing their fears by narrowing down to one woman instead of concluding on all ladies. Another man shared that he had quit on the ‘love game’ as the last single lady he approached claimed that his life goals were too trivial for her. This bruised his ego and he has since settled for a less educated girl just to keep himself afloat. This dilemma reminds me of the old movie Cast Away (2000) where actor Tom Hanks finds himself stranded on an island after a plane crash. After days of solitude he adapts ways to survive and figures his way back to civilization. Single men and women are trapped in a similar scenario each hanging onto their own presumptions. The solution lies in the two teaming up, shedding off their assumptions and finding out what the other is looking for. The bottom line is the two parties are looking for the same thing, love. Love is a mysterious thing and for ages it has been defined in many ways and dialects. Love is universal but it is also very personal. We all need love but how that love ought to look like or how we go about finding it is another matter altogether. Love is like a menu with various sumptuous meals to choose from. The meal one chooses has to be just right to suit one’s preferences as well as to satisfy. One person’s preference could be another person’s poison. The key is in the choosing.

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OUR COMPANY IS BASED ON THREE PILLARS: • HEALTH • LOVE • SERVICE

After attending a singles dinner... most ladies I spoke to complained that they could not find one suitable partner to date leave alone to marry It is no secret that matters of the heart can be complex but they do not always have to be. Everything can be simplified through effective dialogue. But the best place to start is by analysing yourself; by knowing your persona, preferences, weaknesses and strengths. Most of all know what you want and what you are not willing to settle for. Women by nature tend to bend over backwards to accommodate a blooming relationship and at some point risk losing their identity. Living honestly every day enables the opposite sex to meet you at your point of truth. That way you do not have to camouflage who you are or feel pressure to be someone you’re not. Self-acceptance is a very powerful quality it has to do with embracing yourself totally. When you accept yourself it is very easy for others to follow suit. Often women have to battle peer pressure from society which aims to box them into doing things at certain times. It takes a resilient woman to fend off outside chatter and focus on making the right decision. Sometimes the battle is within, with closer friends who want you to live your life like they do. But you have only one life to live and cannot waste it on mere speculations. Ultimately, it is destined for men and women to cross paths but what matters is what takes place when that happens. Like an actor on stage it is inevitable that at some point the cameras will start rolling and action must begin. The key is to ensure that when the cameras start rolling you know exactly what to do and say. After all Gerry Spence put it well ‘to freely bloom, that is my definition of success’.

An ergonomic product that combines Eastern and Western medicine: The floodlight is designed to move smoothly along your spine and up to your neck and gently massage your muscles along with the effect of moxibustion. Tourmanium heating of internal floodlight Tourmanium is NUGA unique material made with tourmaline, germanium, volcanic rocks and elvan. Tourmanium ceramic of internal floodlight boosts heating and far infrared/anion emission. • Ergonomically designed external floodlight: The 5-point natural jade floodlight is ergonomically designed to fit any part of your body to maximize the effect of Eastern moxibustion. Heat and far infrared rays are designed to be delivered to the target area with minimal loss. • Multipurpose remote controller: The remote controller can adjust temperature for internal and external floodlights. • Simple colours and smooth lines: NUGA Best uses light grey and crimson colours that made a great addition to any colour scheme. Lightweight steel support and beautifully curved design made the unit a decorative item. • Noise-reduced internal power system: The uniquely designed guide rail minimizes friction between internal floodlight and rail and generates almost no noise. The rail only supports light load to improve durability.

AUTOMATIC MASSAGE BED – NM 4000P

Tourmanium ceramic emits far infrared rays and anions NUGA Heating Pad is the wondrous tourmaline ceramic mat made out of tourmaline, germanium, elvan, and volcanic rocks. These minerals are pulverized into micro fine powder and heated up to 1,300 Degree. Comfort your body with tourmaline ceramic far infrared

ray NUGA Blanket!!! • Human-friendly product made with environmentally -friendly materials. • Uses special bronze fibre that is free of corrosion and damage to block electro-magnetic waves.

HEATING BELT – NM90

Waist Heating Belt can be wrapped around your waist anytime anywhere. 1. Uses Tourmanium ceramic that emits far infrared rays and anions. 2. Uses environmentally-friendly materials for men and nature. 3. Compact in size and portable. 4. Simply wrap around your waist for a heated massage anytime anywhere. 5. Uses gold in the centre for maximized effect. How to use

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Connect power cable of temperature controller and connector. Attach the belt on the desired part of your body. Turn on the power switch. Use temperature control knob to set to the desired temperature.

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Mon-Fri 8am -5pm,

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ROSES & DISHES

SING OUT YOUR OWN TUNE "DON’T IGNORE THE QUESTIONS ‘WHO AM I?" SAYS RAHA MWATHI AS SHE EXPLORES WHAT IT MEANT TO "KNOW THYSELF."

very day we see the absurdity of life in the mundane routine of our existence. We push and shuffle not knowing where we are coming from or where we are going. As a child I loved to observe the adults around me and wonder what they were all about. Why didn’t they laugh, sing and enjoy life? Why did everything seem so hard, so dim and small? Even then I found myself asking the question ‘who am I?’ and ‘why am I here’? But life just like for most of us, caught up with me and soon I was drawn to the

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image source: GATAG.com

Even in the case of lifeless things that make sounds, such as the flute or harp, how will anyone know what tune is being played unless there is a distinction in the notes? ~ The New Testament

lines of a routine life. I did as I was told and lived as I was expected to. But deep down I could not ignore the silent voice that whispered within. Parker Palmer

Each of us has a purpose in this life; the one thing that merits our passion and dedication. Some of us find it but sadly most of us forget it in the survival of life. said, ‘Vocation does not come from a voice ‘out there’ calling me to become something I’m not. It comes from a voice ‘in here’ calling me to be the person I was born to be.” And ‘in here’ it continued to call me. Building in me dissatisfaction with the life I lived. I was a soul without peace. I wish I could say I heeded the call as soon as I could but life does not let us off that easy in the choices we make. I felt obligated to go down my expected path but our Creator in His marvelous ways sought to show me that I could change. In his book The Alchemist Paulo Coelho tells the story of a boy who seeks out his treasure and it sends him off in a journey to discover it and in the end he finds it in the place he least expected it, where it had been all the time. As I drank in this story,

suddenly it all made sense. The answer I sought was already imprinted in me. What I was desperately searching for was not out of myself but inside of me. Each of us has a purpose in this life; the one thing that merits our passion and dedication. Some of us find it but sadly most of us forget it in the survival of life. Yet the people we admire the most are those who we see living out their purpose. In Coelho’s book he speaks of the four things that keep us from achieving our personal calling. The first obstacle is the words we hear growing up that tell us our dreams are impossible. Second, the obstacle of love; we know what we want to do but we are afraid of hurting those around us by abandoning everything in order to pursue our dream. The third and fourth obstacles are tied to a common thread, fear. We fear the defeats we will meet on the path and finally the fear of actually realizing the dream. We feel that we don’t deserve it and so even when it may be in our grasp we let it go before we realize it. You and I have a distinct purpose from all others. A tune or song only we can produce that this world desperately needs. We were created for a purpose, a personal calling that God mapped out for you here on earth. We will never truly live life as we should until we reconnect with the purpose we know we hold inside. Don’t ignore the questions ‘who am I?’ and ‘why am I here?’ Like they did me, let them guide you down your path of your purpose. Find out your distinct tune and play it loud for the world to hear.

BE YOURSELF / THE TRUTH OF WHO YOU ARE: How much do you really know about yourself? For greater success in 2015 you must become aware of and embrace the truth about who you really are and what you possess: YOU HAVE GIFTS AND TALENTS

• You are a child of God here for a major purpose, endowed with gifts and talents to provide the pathway for your realization of your full potential. You are already fully loaded

• You are at this moment fully loaded with all that you require to achieve your desired outcomes. • Stop looking at someone else and noticing what they seem to have, and wishing you had it. • For your particular journey, you are already sorted. • Stop waiting for something to happen – make something happen. You are a rough diamond going the polishing process

• Look at yourself more closely. • Look inward. • You have dormant and unused abilities and qualities that have not yet surfaced. • The opportunities and challenges you may be facing are the tools to bring these dormant and unexploited abilities to the surface! • The opportunities and challenges are the ‘polishing process’ so that your light can shine. • So allow your light to shine. • The world is waiting for your light to shine. • You can overcome your challenges and achieve extra ordinary success when you tap into these truths regularly. The ball is in your court now. James Karundu is a speaker and author of 7 keys for Success Beyond Chance, Go For It and Stepping Stones for Top Achievers.

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Love Gardens blog

BOOMERANG GOD CONSISTENTLY REWARDS THOSE WHO ENDURE SUFFERING, SAYS SAMUEL WAHOME

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ack in my shag days…a drunken neighbor used to come home singing naughty songs… and he would make all manner of threats if the door wasn't opened immediately... “Haki Shiru leo utaona”…But after some time … at his door …his tune changed…and he would start pleading… that the cold will kill him… “Ah... Shi…ruuu…Shiiiru’s wangu... haki…Shiru hauna huruma”... and as they went quiet… young Sam used to wonder about many things. OUR TIME: I wish I had learnt something from this family…for while still courting…Nancy and I had our first real quarrel…and thank God it didn't break-up our relationship. It started as an innocent coffee date… at “Burger-land Café-Tom Mboya St”… scheduled for 5.30 pm…but one that aborted…because Nancy didn't show-up for one whole hour that I waited…then I left… a little dejected that I had sat there patiently waiting…

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So I passed through a local pub…to kill “my frustration”…talk of learning my shag’s neighbor’s style. But when I arrived home…a little past mid-night…I couldn't see clearly…for the neighbors’ gate watchman appeared to have a guest…my girlfriend Nancy alright…but she wasn't talking to me…or to anyone else. “Will you give me fare to Nairobi West?”…she demanded. “You came all this way to ask for fare to your bro’s house? Anyway POLE…I can see you are cold…but don’t blame me… come in”…I offered…as I opened the door…But Nancy sat outside…and no amount of my drunken pleading would soften her… IMPATIENCE: An hour later… and I reasoned…” Ngoma inanagio ni guthinjirwo”…i.e. “evil became naughty from sacrifices"... and …so I left…I went to my bed...and then I heard her came in…close the main door…and I must have slept…for I wokeup “ngware” to find that she had spent the night on the sofa…rapped in a table cloth… she had given me earlier…and as she was still “mute”…I passed Shs. 100 that she looked at “contemptuously”… and left “bila kwaheri”.

BUT PATIENCE, A FRUIT OF THE SPIRIT, MUST BE ONE OF THE MOST DIFFICULT VIRTUES TO MASTER…. AND A "LACK OF PATIENCE" CAN CAUSE US TO “MISS A BLESSING

One week…Two weeks…one month…two months later…not only didn't I have my girlfriend back…but we hadn't talked anything sensible… and if I had any “PATIENCE” …I was now running on EMPTY…KWANI…what I did I do wrong?… If she can be this “cross” for so long …now… na tuki-oana? Or she isn't truly missing me? GOODNESS: Anyway, God consistently rewards those who patiently endure suffering, waiting for the fulfillment of His promises, and resting in Him during the storms of life … whether they are to blame for their mess or not… I can say that… today… But patience, a fruit of the Spirit, must be one of the most difficult virtues to master…. And a "lack of patience" can cause us to “miss a blessing”…Men…I could have lost my one and only Nancy… the apple of my life today…the girl who got late coming to our date…because she had no money…and then she decided to follow me…in the night…walking a large part of the way…only to be kept waiting several hours in the cold…with a watchman…till the boyfriend she was waiting for came home staggering…and talking carelessly… No doubt…"good things come to those who wait."…a little more than their laziness tells them…and still a little more until they fully understand what is happening.

REAL PATIENCE: When in a Marriage Encounter meeting recently…I shared how when we had arranged to go somewhere with Nancy… and I went to pick-her up at our church’s mini-hall... as agreed…I found their meeting was still in progress…and I made sure Nancy had seen me…then I waited… and waited…one hour later, I called Nancy but she would not pick my call…other ladies would come-out, talk on their phones and go back…but my Nancy…the only one who knew why we were getting terribly late…waited until the meeting was over…and I still wasn't CROSS with her… “WHY?” one husband asked… “Because”… I joked… “Jacob served seven years to get Rachel, but they seemed like only a few days to him because of his love for her” (Gen 29:20-28)… “Then Jacob said to Laban, "Give me my wife. My time is completed… But … Laban… took his older daughter Leah and gave her to Jacob… and Laban said …”another seven years of work”… And Jacob did so…a whopping 14 years working “slave-like” to earn Rachel to be his wife”… And you think waiting for a few more minutes, or a few hours or a few more days for my darling Nancy are going to kill me? OUR STRENGTH: What almost broke our relationship… became our strength…to some extent… but we are still challenged by people like Fr. Francis Gachunga… who waited for three hours for us at “Love Gardens” the other day…when we had forgotten about the meeting…and he wouldn't even call…Pole Padre wetu SIMPLE ECONOMICS: I still have to look for words to tell Nancy that we must leave home if we are not going to get late for Mass…and on the other hand, it’s not easy explaining about traffic jams like it’s some excuse.. So patience is painful alright…“yes… Ngoja, ngoja… huumiza matumbo”… But it pays to be patient... simple arithmetic For if only I had waited for at that “Burgerland venue” slightly longer…I would have suffered much less pain! For if only I had waited for at that “Burger-land venue” slightly longer…I would have suffered much less pain! Courtesy of Marriage Encounter

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5 business

STRATEGIES TO TURN YOUR IDEA INTO A PROFITABLE VENTURE

THE STARTUP SUCCESS GUIDE With James Karundu

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Most business ideas ‘crash’ on takeoff because of not targeting a motivated niche. No matter how good your idea, if that’s not what ‘they’ want, you will struggle to get clients. From my experience – if ‘they’ don’t want it, free is not cheap enough. Target a problem they are willing to pay to have it solved. 2. VENTURE OUT OF YOUR USUAL COMFORT ZONES The business success and financial breakthrough you are seeking is only available in another location – a location that may be unfamiliar at first. You must step out of the usual and the familiar. This means a ‘business unusual’ approach. Do things differently. Do different things. You must stretch to reach a fruit that is just above your reach. 3. TAP INTO THE HIDDEN WEALTH IN YOUR IDEA Every idea has the potential to generate at least 3 income streams.To make your idea profitable work to unearth the hidden wealth just lying in wait. The secret here is to look for additional + unique ways to be of service to your clients. One possible income stream lying in wait is: teach/train/coach/mentor others to do

THE SECRET HERE IS TO LOOK FOR ADDITIONAL + UNIQUE WAYS TO BE OF SERVICE TO YOUR CLIENTS. what you do. You only need to be one step ahead. Examples of such income streams that I have created for service based professionals and solo-prenuers include:

1. TARGET A MOTIVATED MARKET Your gifts, talents, ideas and solutions must be harnessed, polished and positioned to help a particular group of people with a major challenge or problem – one that they are willing, able and happy to pay to have resolved.

Write Your Book Now– the fast and easy way to write and make money from your 1st book, Harness Your Brilliance– how to create a high impact,high income service business High Paying Clients Master Class– the fast and easy way to find, get and keep high paying clients

4. BE WILLING TO PAY GOOD MONEY FOR PROFESSIONAL SERVICES If you have not yet experienced or felt how it feels to pay good money for a product or service, you will always have internal resistance to charging and asking for higher fees.As a consequence you will not be paid what you are worth and your idea will not be profitable.When you appreciate and invest in what others have to offer it has a positive boomerang effect on your cash flow and bottom line. 5. LEARN TO BOUNCE BACK FROM SETBACKS It is inevitable that in every entrepreneurial endeavor you will make mistakes, wrong moves and experience setbacks of one form or the other.The difference that makes the difference is how quickly you bounce back. Bounce back you will if you recognize what the setback really is – a speed bump. Speed bumps are placed to slow you down, to avoid ‘danger’ ahead, and to alert you of the nature of the section ahead and so on. So learn from your mistakes and setbacks, make the necessary adjustments and get back on the road of serving your clients.Get a coach/ mentor to ‘hand hold’ you as you navigate your way out that situation.

James Karundu is a speaker and author of 7 keys for Success Beyond Chance, Go For It and Stepping Stones for Top Achievers. He the founder and CEO of PassionBiz Academy and teaches startups and service based entrepreneurs how to start or grow a high income business from your passion, brilliance and expertise. PassionBiz academy offers a number of mentoring classes and workshops for startups and service providers including: Market With Confidence, Harness Your Brilliance and Write Your Book Now. For information + FREE CD/DVD or a FREE one to one consultation or to subscribe to our FREE e –Newsletter or FREE monthly talks and business training, send an email to : jameskarundu@consulant.com with subject line ‘I want to Succeed’

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Agri-Business

LEST YOU FORGET, BOOK-KEEPING IS VITAL IN AGRI-BUSINESS|BY MWIHAKI MITHAMO

enya Revenue Authority (KRA) may not require you the farmer to file your annual returns, but that is not reason enough to neglect your bookkeeping. Every successful farmer can attest to the importance of tracking one’s expenses and revenues. As most Kenyan youths have warmed up to the idea of becoming agricultural entrepreneurs, there is an urgent need to educate them on basic bookkeeping and accounts. Arguably, every farmer, regardless of his farm’s size or activities therein should have a general view of the economic state of his farm. Notably, there is no better way to gain such a view than bookkeeping. Bookkeeping also acts as a basis on which the farmer can make future management decisions about the farm or even get loans from financial institutions. Financial institutions (or creditors) only extend their credit to farms that show a capacity

to repay. The only way that capacity is demonstrated is through proper bookkeeping practices. It is crucial for every farmer who is serious about his agricultural business to keep good and accurate records. Such records will be helpful in making the right management, marketing or improvement

Ideally, good farm records should show when a crop was planted, all the resources used during land preparation, planting, harvesting, and marketing, decisions. Through the records, the farmer can determine the efficiencies and inefficiencies in his farm, and based on the same; he can measure the farm’s

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progress or the lack thereof. Additionally, the records give the farmer an idea of what improvements to make. Ideally, good farm records should show when a crop was planted, all the resources used during land preparation, planting, harvesting, and marketing, and the returns obtained after selling the produce. By subtracting all expenses from the sales price, a farmer is able to know his profit or loss margin. Notably, bookkeeping and accounting does not have to be complicated. Farmers who have computers can use basic accounting packages such as Excel while other may prefer the written mode of bookkeeping. Personally, and despite being computer literate, I still prefer good old handwritten records. It’s just a matter of personal preference though. Whichever way one prefers, however, it is imperative to document whatever you spend or earn from your farm. Mwihaki Mithamo is a blogger Courtesy of www.smartfarmingkenya.com

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Tulips Restaurant

Real Estate

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LIFE-QUENCH

"It may be true that happiness is overrated," says Laton Leparan, "but are we talking about the same thing when we speak of happiness?"

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appiness is overrated, happiness is not possible, happiness is a money making facade sold to the public, happiness is bought by money, happiness is real - These are the many things we hear about happiness and we ultimately find ourselves questioning the authenticity of this thing they call happiness. True as it may be that happiness is overrated, it is also under scrutinised, we each have our own idea of what we are talking about when we say happiness, but if we are unable to speak in one voice, we create room for desperate acts, each of us trying to pursue their idea of happiness. We therefore need to establish the most productive, and practical definition of

PEACE AND STABILITY ARE WHAT CONSTITUTE HAPPINESS, BUT IT IS CRUCIAL THAT WE RECOGNISE THAT SOMETIMES WE HAVE TO FORSAKE STABILITY FOR PROGRESS, AND THIS IS WHAT CAUSES DISCOMFORT... happiness that we can. We often describe happiness as joy, but I want to describe happiness as peace. Peace and stability are what constitute happiness, but it is crucial that we recognise that sometimes we have to forsake stability for progress, and this is what causes discomfort which is often a root for trouble in our hearts and minds. We also need to learn how to navigate through life without always making a fuss. Very often we are pushed into situations and circumstances that we simply do not like. We would rather not be going through them but we do not have the option of retreating. Often the only way is through trouble and not over trouble. We donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t always get over, more often than not we have to get through. The good news is that if you had not endured and overcome anything in your past, you would not be as

strong, and as optimistic as you are today. The fruit of your wisdom comes from the tree of affliction whose root is faith. Being able to get ourselves through these moments of trial will eventually result in more wisdom and strength moving forward. The Bible says that hope deferred makes the heart sick. (Proverbs 13:!2). It is the deferral of our hope that makes us unhappy. Having to know that something is coming - holding it as our hope, then having to wait for it. The purpose of God is not to have us sick from deferred hope, the wish is for us to gain strength through the process, because truth be told, nothing matures you faster or as much as a process. Not much has to be done to you, you just need to be shown something then have it taken away and you are told to wait for it - Thats enough to drive you nuts, but it is all for your ultimate good. 'Be at peace with the process' is essentially what we are saying, for life through the train of time is a long process or series thereof. The only way we can enjoy time and not try and hasten it is to make peace with the process. We however need to put a disclaimer - We are not supposed to make a home in the process because the process is also here to pass, this is because if we make a home in the process, we will find ourselves being resistant to real stability or progress, we will rest in the turn and never get to the other side. Though it is helpful to know all this, happiness is still very much an individual affair for you and your God are the only ones truly aware of the journey that you have covered and what happiness really is to you on the basis of your gifts and ultimate destiny and calling. These are the factors that determine for you in your own way what exactly happiness is. This is because we can only find true peace, and fulfilment when we are in the space that we were created to be. Think of a brick. The brick will always be misused; thrown, kicked, broken - as long as it is out of place but once it is locked into other bricks in a building where it is supposed to be, it stands forever. Once you find yourself in that place then you will know that you have arrived where you need to be. Standing here you will be able to look back and make some sense of the road behind you, and this will ultimately empower you for the journey before you.

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Life Lessons

A CRY FROM THE ROADS FOR REAL MEN IN KENYA Dr. Melvin D'Lima examines the epidemic of fatherless homes and how it affects the future character of the sons and daughters enya is in her golden years. We have never had so many cars, we can't build roads and parking lots fast enough, to

accommodate them and there is madness on the roads. Every day we see evidence of aggressive driving, road rage and little courtesy and respect for other road users and pedestrians. Why all this lawlessness and recklessness? Part of the reason is the changing character of the family, which is the basic unit of any society. One school in Nairobi has 70 % of its male students reporting a single mother headed home. An average of 74%

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of male inmates in Nairobi prisons are from single parent homes. Boys from such a background learn to bully or blackmail their mothers while secretly blaming themselves for the lack of a father. Such boys often latch onto a male figure like an Uncle or Grandfather and mimic their behavior. They are often uncomfortable in the presence of older men who are not close relatives and especially those in authority. These boys become vulnerable to

several insecurities and are at risk of developing a passive - aggressive personality type. What better place to demonstrate this aggression but the roads - where you are in control, with no mother to nag you and no father (absentee or otherwise) to show you the big stick. That is until a Policeman pulls you over. Grown matatu drivers suddenly become as meek as lambs when faced by the long arm of the law. The lack of a Father also has effects on mothers. Single mothers become overprotective of their children and take on the additional role of Father.

Single mothers become overprotective of their children and take on the additional role of Father. They try to overcompensate for the absence of the Father ...

They try to overcompensate for the absence of the Father and sometimes just attempt to spoil their children. They are simply put, overwhelmed. They are often in one big rush and true to their ability to multitask they often do just that, on our roads. Women drivers seem to increasingly love speed and when they are not speeding they are driving defensively, to protect themselves from the madmen on the roads and possibly from themselves. Daughters from single parent homes react to their situation by being either supportive of their mothers (blaming the father for abandoning them) or independent of them (blaming the mother for making the father abandon them). They also blame themselves for the absent father and grieve long and hard (just like boys), learning with time to mask their grief with

a sense of gaiety. What kind of drivers will these girls make? They will be defensive and sometimes aggressive and rarely passive. When the situation demands, like in an accident, they can play the indignant damsel in distress, very well. Many policemen and women who are charged with maintaining law and order on our roads have probably been raised in similarly dysfunctional homes. Besides their overzealous approach to their jobs and obvious greed for bribes are they perhaps demonstrating symptoms of absentee fathers (possibly policemen stationed in far flung corners of the country)? So what are Kenyan roads really crying out for? The answer is not more Indian,Japanese and Chinese road engineers and contractors; not more Kenyan engineer supervisors and contractors and certainly not more Government officials to be bribed. Our roads need real men to take up their roles as responsible fathers and husbands so that we can raise a new breed of sane drivers. Our roads need real men to mentor boys (and real women to mentor girls) from dysfunctional homes in our school system and allow them to choose good role models, to heal the wounds of absentee, abusive or intoxicated fathers and in turn become good husband and father material for the next generation. Anybody willing to stand up and be counted with me! About Dr Melvin D'lima Dr D'lima is a Business mentor with a passion for healing emotional barriers to business success and fulfillment. He has a passion for working with business people who are doing all the right things, going to the right schools but not getting the right results. Working together with you he will diagnose the emotional and spiritual malalignment in your life and realign you for success and prosperity.

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mirror me

WE SHUT OUR EYES EVERY NIGHT AND SURRENDER TO THE ABYSS, NOT KNOWING WHAT MIGHT BECOME OF US...

"I CHOOSE TO BE REMINDED T EVERY DAY IS AN UNDESERVED GIFT,"THA DEC ES PAUL KOROS, "A GIFT GIVEN TO US LAR TO DO WITH IT WHAT WE PLEASE"

hen I was 13 years old, I got my first tattoo. I think back to that day and how strange it was that the artist on the third floor of that dingy building along Moi Avenue, barely batted an eye-lid as I walked in. I’d like to believe it was because of my steely stare and the pizazz effusing out of my very pores, but that would be far-fetched even for me. In truth, he probably saw me for what I was even before he actually did see me; just another hormonal teenager in a boy-school, desperately seeking an indelible seal that would elevate him up the trees of this social jungle.

And so I braved the sting of the needle. Perhaps ‘braved’ is too strong a word, for everyone who has passed through this initiation rite knows just how addictive the ‘pain’ is after the first 5 minutes. I got it done on my left bicep, just high enough to prevent mother from cardiac arrest upon seeing it, but low enough for some of my lady friends to take notice. At the top was the ubiquitous cross (for what is a tattoo without a cross) and at the bottom, a Latin phrase. Now my phrase selection process had me more focused than did my impending KCPE exams. My choices ranged from the logo of my team, Arsenal (that would have been disastrous considering they won no trophy for the next 10 years) to the name of my childhood

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sweetheart. Thankfully though, sanity returned to me and serenity engulfed me as I settled for ‘Carpe Diem’. Those 2 words meant little more to me at the time than ‘coolness exemplified’. I mean a 13 year old kid with Latin on his skin? You don’t even find Latin in books anymore! But as time took its toll on the coolness of this kid, sense began creeping in. What did these words truly mean? Literally translated, Carpe Diem means ‘seize the day’. It was coined by the poet Horace in early antiquity, in a poem that captured the mind. “Don’t ask what end the gods have given me or you. How much better it is to endure whatever will be. While we speak, envious time will already have fled: seize the day, trusting as little as possible in the next.” These words made me ponder in silence. We shut our eyes every night and surrender to the abyss, not knowing what might become of us. We open them the next morning without so much as an acknowledgment of the miracle of sustenance witnessed the previous night. Only when thinking of death do I realize how alive I am. How indebted I am. Only in times of lack do I remember just what I have. Just what matters. So I choose to think of death. I choose to be reminded that every day is an undeserved gift. A gift given to us to do with it what we please. A legacy is nothing more than a compilation of days; days chosen to be seized. So I implore you my fellow gift-recipients, let’s Carpe Diem!

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Recipes

The beauty of food like the mind allows us to travel to places we desire through our taste buds. While living abroad I had the pleasure of making my first meat loaf using a crock pot (a slow cooker). The results were amazing and I have to say I enjoyed eating meat in a different way. This is a different way to cook and sample your meat. It’s a great dish for family barbecues, picnics and a nice treat for the kids. The fact that there’s no soup means there’s less messiness and it’s easier to cut and serve to your guests. Why not try this recipe? INGREDIENTS

• 2 eggs beaten • ½ cup ketchup • ½ cup milk • 1 cup Progresso Italian Style Bread Crumbs (or any locally available bread crumbs) • ¼ cup finely chopped onion • ½ kg lean ground beef

Topping

• ¼ cup ketchup

Steps

• Heat oven to 177 degrees Celsius • Combine all meat loaf ingredients and mix well • Press mixture in ungreased 8 by 4 inch loaf pan • Bake at 177 degrees Celsius for 40 minutes • Remove meat loaf from oven and spread ¼ cup ketchup evenly over top • Return to oven and bake for extra 15 to 20 minutes or until the beef is completely cooked. You can remove it when the meat thermometer reads 71 degrees Celsius • Let the meat loaf stand for 10 minutes before serving

PRESENTATION

For great presentation slice it in medium pieces on a chopping board and serve it arranged beautifully on a platter. Enjoy!

image: FLICKR.com

MEAT LOAF

Here's an easy recipe for a great, exotic dish as well as suggested serving for it

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housemates

Episode #3:

what a day “A may bring A SUSPENSFUL THRILLER:

NGINA TRIES TO WARN THE LADY POLITICIAN ABOUT AN ASSASSINATION PLOT. AT THE SAME TIME, WITH EVERYTHING CHANGING, SHE NEEDS TO FIND A FOOTING IN HER PERSONAL LIFE. THIS IS THE THIRD PART IN A SERIES BY DOUD NJOROGE.

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h, Maggie, there you are! How are you darling? You’re not waiting for me, are you?” said Mrs. Chiedu loudly when she suddenly came into the waiting lounge. She was trailing an entourage of personal assistants, office clerks and interns, and her private security personnel. Ngina had been waiting for her in the lounge, browsing through the magazines on the coffee table, most of which carried very flattering reviews about the lady politician. She had preferred to read the day's paper but someone else had it. All her attempts to reach the lady by phone, and at home had failed. She had found out from a talkative P.A. that Mrs. Chiedu was going to visit her

husband’s business office on Standard Street the next Thursday. To look things over while he was convalescing from a heart condition. So she had decided to lurk around there for the lady. Ngina jumped up, shook hands with Mrs. Chiedu and walked quickly alongside her, trying to keep up. “How is Arnold—your boyfriend—was that his name?!” Mrs. Chiedu said briskly. Ngina felt embarrassed by her loud voice. “Mrs. Chiedu,” Ngina said anxiously, “we really really need to talk. This is a matter of the utmost urgency— it concerns your personal welfare—” “Oh, I’m so sorry sweetheart, I just can’t stand still today.” She smiled and pinched Ngina’s cheek playfully. “You know how it is. Call me sometime next week, okay Maggie? And we will absolutely sit down for a chitchat, alright? Say hello to your folks for me, hm?” Then she whizz off with the entourage scampering behind after her. Ngina stood alone in the hallway and sighed in despair. Maggie, Ngina mused with a scowl. Usually, when Mrs. Chiedu couldn’t think of an instant pet name for Ngina, she called her ‘Maggie’ or ‘Margarita.’ Once, in a high school class, while Mrs. Chiedu was still a language teacher, she had called her ‘Saint Margaret.’ This was intended to be a compliment for her behavior, but it earned her a lot of teasing. There was nothing wrong with the name as such. It just did not feel like a natural fit for Ngina, like dangle earrings for a woman who liked studs. Less than ten years previously Mrs. Chiedu’s and her husband had been a retiring countryside couple, living just outside Kiambu Town. Now she was the figurehead of the triumph of womanhood, and the darling of TV profile shows and women’s magazines. She was also dazzlingly beautiful and articulate. Her husband, who at one time sold farm produce at the Kiambu County market, was now an import-export business mogul. Ngina had grown up playing and fighting with their children in the same neighbourhood. Now her father was the Chiedu family chauffer. And her mother, after retiring from teaching, declined a housekeeping job at the Chiedu family villa. Even though they had offered to pay her

He’s an unabashed atheist, she recalled Nolan's warning, I know, you usually figure something like this out about a person after the second or third acquaintance. The dude lays it out flat for you right at the beginning! more than twice her teaching salary. Everything was strange. Whether for better or worse, Ngina couldn’t really say. Ngina then went to Mbagathi Way to meet the house owner about the room she was interested in. When she got there she saw a poster on a wall advertising the vacant room. She looked about surreptitiously, then ripped it out, stuffed it in her bag and walked on daintily. Door "6" was on the second floor of the west wing of Block A3. It was probably the only one in that building that had an armoured door. A burglar’s heart would sink at the sight of the grim wrought iron surface with its riveted panels. She pressed the bell and a muffled ‘dingdong’ registered from inside. Then came the click and clunk of the heavy locks, and the door slowly swung inward. In the doorway stood a man in his thirties. He wore a check shirt with the sleeves rolled up and looked every bit like a Kenya Sevens player: tall with dark, smooth, brawny arms. He even had an armband with the Sevens’ national colours. Ngina guessed that perhaps in a glass frame mounted on a wall somewhere inside was a team jersey. A veritable holy shrine. He presently stared down at her through thin, clear, rimless glasses. “Ngina?” he said. “Hello,” she responded, smiling, and extended her hand. “Apuollo—Ojiemo Apuollo,” he said in a

heavily accented tone, “Please, come in.” He stepped aside and waved her in. The house was as neat and organised as a dentist’s clinic, and yet the ambience was cosy and quiet, and a refreshing pine smell scented the air. His livingroom furnishing was obviously expensive, but very tastefully arrayed. Whatever he did for a living, it paid him opulently. Would he ever let her haul her second-hand clutter in here, she wondered! He offered her a drink and they made small talk about the day’s news. She couldn't remember his name. He had garbled it with his Western inflection. Maybe she had been nervous and inattentive. At any rate, he had a cavalier way about him which was reassuring, which contrasted sharply with Nolan’s sensational description of him. She had expected that he would stave her off outside the door and haggle with her about the room— or perhaps demand a viewing fee before letting her see the room. But no, he had offered her a cool glass of mango juice in his livingroom. He’s an unabashed atheist, she recalled Nolan warning, I know, you usually figure something like this out about a person after the second or third acquaintance. The dude lays it out flat for you right at the beginning! Nolan was a man of contradictions, to offer you his good advice then advice you against taking it! Ngina remained vigilant nonetheless. “So— the room,” the man said at last. “Yes,” Ngina said eagerly. “Remi� my friend, and I will definitely take it! It’s just what we are looking for.” Suddenly his face lost its mirth. “There are two of you? I thought you were taking it alone.” “Well, er, will that be a problem?” “The advertisement specified a single person,” he said, his voice formal. “Yes, but I thought it meant� ‘unmarried,’” she said. She thought that was funny. He did not smile. He said, “It seems we have a misunderstanding.” He rose from his seat. “I’m sorry, there is only room for one occupant here. I wish you all the best in your search.” She set her half-drunk glass of juice on the coffee table and walked out. “Public utilities in this country are so unreliable,” Kung’u said indignantly as he steered out of the GPO roundabout into

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Kenyatta Avenue. “I think someone’s job depends upon their staying that way. This must be working on some kind of problemdelay-solution theory.” Ngina sat quietly in the backseat and endured another political rant from her brother. It was the polite thing to do after he had promised to buy her two pizzas. He also offered to give her a ride home from town if she accompanied him on his afternoon errands. Kung’u was the first born in the family and had championed his own philosophy of self-determination by leaving home a month before his sixteenth birthday. He was mostly self-educated and was now married with children and a distinguished university professor in microbiology and biotechnology. A politically neutral field, you might think, but it sometimes provided him with the pretext to be extremely, even intolerably, opinionated. It was the one of the qualities he imagined sharing with her because she often debated him. They then talked about Ngina’s impending homelessness crisis, as she described it. She had to vacate her Ngara flat in less than twenty-four hours and yet had no place to go. Kung’u promised to ask around his estate for a vacancy. She felt too worn out to keep trying. Friday arrived. It was long expected but it arrived too soon. The landlord stood aloof and smoked a cigarette as he watched the movement of one furniture from the flat after another. He had neither greeted them nor offered his assistance. He previously demanded that Ngina and Remi vacate the space and relinquish the keys by midday. So he had come to oversee their checking out in person. Nolan and Kung’u helped to move the heavy furniture into a hired pickup while Ngina and Remi packed the smaller things into boxes. The pickup driver arranged them economically at the back to maximise the available space. Nolan, an art director at Parlance & Mugoki, a deluxe advertising firm, said he had the day off. Kung’u had taken a short leave from his lecturing duties to help their mother nurse their ailing father and didn’t mind this manual work. “You really don’t know where we’re going, do you Remi?” Ngina said when the men had carried something else out and

“You really don’t know where we’re going, do you Remi?” Ngina said when the men had carried something else out and were out of earshot. “Of course I do,” replied Remi earnestly, but she did not seem to convinced herself either.

were out of earshot. “Of course I do,” replied Remi earnestly, but she did not seem to convinced herself either. She avoided Ngina’s stare. “My buddies have arranged everything there, we just need to have the money ready.” Ngina sighed. “I love you Remi, but you planning skills are not legendary.” “I asked you to trust me Ngina, din’t I? So trust me.” “It’s not you I don’t trust, Remi, it’s the people you trust that I don’t.” “Will you just relax! Jeez!” “And if your buddies fail to come through, what then?” Remi sighed. “You’re always looking for bad things happening Ngina. You gotta learn to be positive. Aren’t you the one who’s always saying, ‘You never know what a day may bring?!’” “Yes! As an incentive for having a plan ‘A’ and a plan ‘B.’” “Well, my plan ‘B’ is making plan ‘A’ work.” “One of your cute movie lines, eh Remi?” “Ngina, you do know that Nolan skived work today for you—“ “That’s a clever change of topic—“ “Think of it, he could get reprimanded or suspended, even fired. For you! The past six months you two have been apart he’s been repenting in sackcloth and ashes� fixing

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your computer for you, doing free graphics work for your business, getting you clients. You know, another woman would have taken him back by now. But you? You are very special, aren’t you?!” Ngina, now avoiding eye contact with Remi, was silent. She was brilliant at witty retorts, but Remi was smarter at pulling the heartstrings. Just before midday the pickup was loaded up and ready to go. The landlord happily received the keys, locked the house and walked off. The pickup manoeuvred out of Ngara onto Thika Road with Ngina and Remi at the front with the driver. Kung’u followed behind in his car and Nolan rode his sporty Kawasaki motorbike behind him. The pickup driver was amused to have the two ladies noisily squabbling next to him. But he kept his attention on the road and remained silent. Just after the Muthaiga pedestrian overpass Ngina’s phone rang. It was a number she did not recognise. “I have reconsidered,” said the caller, “you and your friend may take the room.” “James?—sorry, um, Mr. Apollo—is it?” Ngina said. “That’s Ojiemo,” he said impatiently. “My apologies Mr. Ojiemo. Er, I thought you said you wouldn’t have us.” “Yes, and as I’ve said, I have reconsidered that.” “I see. And why, if I may ask?” “You pulled down all my posters when you came in, didn’t you? And now no other interested party will be calling. I haven’t the time to put them up again, so if you’re not taking my offer you must come and put the posters back up.” “Well, actually, I only just pulled out one—but how did you know? I several blocks away from your house.” “You’re not interested then, I take it?” “No, no! Very interested. Can we come over right now?!” “Fine, but be here in an hour. I’m leaving for work. I’ll need to run you through the house rules later.” Then he hung up. Remi had been watching Ngina during the phone call. Now she squinted quizzically at Ngina large eyes and big smile. “Remi,” Ngina said delightedly, “we need to turn this caravan around right now!” NEXT EPISODE: “A WALL BETWEEN ENEMIES”

Fun Pages

Movie Review

Poetry

Gone Girl GENRE: Drama, Mystery, Thriller STARRING: Ben Affleck, Rosamund Pike, Carrie Coon, Kim Dickens, Patrick Fugit, Tyler Perry, Neil Patrick Harris, Missi Pyle and Casey Wilson RATING: Excellent  RATED: R –for a bloody violent scene, some strong sexual content and language DURATION: 149 minutes

ALMOST THERE By Laton Leparan

Like chains crushing against one another, Like a tug of war in my soul, The past pulling crushingly like a tether, Back to an illusion of comfort trying to regain control.

If you love conspiracies and American crime stories, then this is the movie for you. It combines shocking images, an intense story line and brings thriller to your door step. It’s like a set of investigative series’ fused into one long movie. It’s a story of one college professor and his lovely wife.They seem like the happy couple until she vanishes. All eyes turn to him as suspicion and revelations begin to spill.

Looking forward through the lens of terror, At the promise of a better day that my fear stole, Hoping, praying for that breakthrough from the father, Almost there he says, almost there he speaks to console.

Get ready to go on a wild chase, it’s going to be scary, you’ll feel suspense but mostly you’ll want answers. Actor Ben Affleck brings his dark self to the screen and makes it so believable. The trepidation in the movie is paralyzing. This is an adult only movie and not suitable for anyone who doesn’t like thrillers.

Hope can extinguish a weary spirit like a snuffer, But it torments the doubtful mind as a whole, Like a blind eagle hearing the sound of a rudder, I know I'm close to the goal.

Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good,Very Bad Day GENRE: Comedy, Family STARRING: Steve Carell, Jennifer Garner, Ed Oxenbould, Dylan Minnette, Kerris Dorsey, Bella Thorne, Jennifer Coolidge, Megan Mullally RATING: Good  RATED: PG – Parental Guidanceadvised - for rude humour including some reckless behaviour and language DURATION: 81 minutes Ever had one of those days where everything that could go wrong did go wrong? This movie truly dwarfs that picture. It’s a story about Alexander, a 12 year old boy who’s having a very bad day all at once. It’s a chaotic scene of crazy things happening to him and his entire family as they attempt to get through a normal day. This movie makes your ordinary day look like Christmas. It resembles the movie ‘we are the millers’ only these folks aren’t trying to rob anybody; they’re just trying to get through one day. Discover how one horrible day unifies this family causing them to realize that the only thing that truly matters, is family. Alexander’s insight will force you to question how well you’ve handled your bad days.This movie will give you a new reason to laugh at yourself, your faults and hope again. You’ll learn that no matter how bad a day is it’s never really that bad!

READERS' MOST AMAZING COINCIDENCES http://paranormal.about.com

INSTANT KARMA This happened about 25 years ago when I lived in the town of Lightstreet, Pennsylvania. To this day, it blows my mind. It was nearing Christmas, and my husband and I wanted to help a young married couple with two small children, who belonged to our church, in some small way. We had seen the family in the grocery store, so we decided to anonymously give them a $25 gift certificate to that store,

which I'll call Acme Market. Our pastor helped us pull this off. He assured us he did not tell the couple that the gift was from us. During this same time, I bought a $1 raffle ticket from one of my co-workers. The group sponsoring the raffle was not from my town. A few days after we had given our anonymous gift, I got a phone call from the Rotary Club (or whoever was having the raffle). The caller said I won a prize: a $25 gift certificate to Acme Market! – Ufology LOVERS' COINCIDENCE When I lived in Virginia Beach, Virginia, my daughter met and married a Navy man and they transferred to Pensacola, Florida. She worked while he was sent to sea. One day, she called me, lonely, missing her new husband. She said the only way she could leave work is if it were an emergency. The

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next day, I had emergency and she was at my home from the airport by 2 p.m. I got a call from a friend who wanted me to meet a lady who had just come into town for dinner. I said no because my daughter was visiting, but my friend said to bring my daughter with me. So we went to the given address on the beach at 6 p.m. After dinner, I checked my phone messages. Her husband had called and left a number. I called him back. He said he was in a hotel lobby as the ship had problems and the Navy flew them in to Virginia Beach while ship was repaired. He had no idea his wife was with me. I looked out window and saw that his hotel was right behind the house! Without telling either of them why, I told him to walk out the door and told my daughter to walk out the door and go toward the hotel. I watched as they saw each other and started running to embrace. - Mikeylorene

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