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SSEBO™ EXCLUSIVE

THE MEN WHO DARED TO PRODUCE WINE IN THE SAVANNA

James Farquaharson, a South African viticulturist, came to Kenya on the invitation of businessman Pius Ngugi, who needed someone to help him make wine at his Morendat farm, in Naivasha. Ngugi convinced him to stay and in the past five years he has seen production of hundreds of litres of the now popular Leleshwa wine

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SSEBO™

‘Blessing of the Bikes’ a necessity as rider culture grows on Kenyans

www.ssebo.co.ke | April 2015

Men, men, men, men, manly men Ssebo

TALK TO US

@SseboKE

[Page 24]

@SseboKE

We value your opinion. Please share your feedback on this edition by sending an email to ceo@ssebo.co.ke

Namibian designer Lourens Loux Gebhardt (Left) poses with other models, wearing pieces from his most recent collection.

THE VINTAGE GURU

He started wearing vintage just to stand out from the crowd. He got the attention he wanted and the world is now begging to do it as perfectly as he does. SseboTM speaks to Namibian designer and trendsetter Loux the Vintage Guru.

By Mang’era Moseti moseti@ssebo.co.ke Lead.................................1-6

N

amibian Lourens Loux Gebhardt, popularly known as Loux the Vintage Guru, is a trendsetter.

Game changers .........................8-17

Tired of dressing live everybody else on the street, in 2012, Loux decided to come up with a look of his own, drawing inspiration from the days

Art.........................20-21

Travel .........................22

of yore. A self-confessed ‘hippie’, Loux gets his clothes from thrift markets, and then modifies them to his liking. >>6

Cars and bikes.........................24-31

Sports.....................32-40

Ssebo Socks TM

WWW.SSEBO.CO.KE/SOCKS

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Published by Ssebo Group of companies Nairobi, Kenya info@ssebo.co.ke

Editors: Brian Moseti Danson Jackson Writers: Vesto Moseti Nini Siambai Shadrack Lusweti

Leather and canvas gold

Digital: Benjamin Odunga Jane Joyce

While precautions have been take to ensure the accuracy of the contents of our magazine and digital brands, neither the editors, publishers or its agents can accept responsibility for damages or injury which may arise there from. Unless previously agreed in writing, each individual magazine brand owns all rights to all contributions, whether image or text. Ssebo™ reserves the right to edit comments or choose not to publish selected comments, whether in printed, mobile or digital format. No part of any of our publication, whether in print or digital may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system or transmitted in any form or by any means, photocopying, electronic, mechanical or otherwise without the prior written permission of the copyright owner.

The decision to launch a print magazine in 2015 calls for a stiff drink and a fine smoke.

Sandstorm Kenya used to make tents, until new director Mark Stephenson came in to steer it in a different direction. The company now majorly makes bags and its balance sheet shows nothing but success.

Designer: Siekenye Masego Sales force: Dennis Kifagi Mansood Musa Victonel James Mary Muindi

Editor’s note

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The last of the Defenders Landrover is finally pulling the plug on the iconic Defender. Lovers have until mid this year to place their orders.

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We must confess, however, that from the outset the force inside us was so strong that we abandoned conventional business wisdom. We acted solely on our publishing instinct, and the passion we hold for the subject of this new publication.

Ssebo™ intends to awaken and explore many of the pleasures that drive successful men.

Men like you want to know about great resorts for special vacations, as well as the world’s best restaurants, where fine food and wines are matched with wellstocked humidors.

You want to understand men’s drinks-Cognac, Scotch, vintage Port and fine wine. Here, you will find insights into these potions of pleasure, as well as specific recommendations unlike those found in any other magazine.

Rough track, low stakes Kenyan jockeys wake up to a challenging job everyday.

However, the amount of money they take home is not a honest reflection of the kind of work they do.

Ssebo™ will also explore collectibles, unique trips, emerging hobbies, gambling, fashion and new ideas, in a style different, we believe, from any other men’s magazine. Our editors will travel the world, making every effort possible to keep you reading.

Ssebo™ may not be for every man.

But we do dream about creating a very special magazine for the individual who wants the very most out of life. If you share that desire, welcome. This magazine is for you.

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Virgin Group founder, Sir Richard Branson on a game drive at the Maasai Mara when he visited the country in March.

“There’s something about Kenya that makes you feel there’s magic in the air, wonder at every turn, and an ever-present sensation of oneness with nature. A trip to Kenya can be an incredibly cleansing experience. Open spaces, so vast and untouched, lend perspective and instil a sense of peace. I love to visit the country,” wrote Branson on the Virgin website.

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SseboTM | ssebo.co.ke April 2015

Self-taught fashion genius lives in vintage style suits <<< PAGE 1 “A lot of the vendors [in Africa] don’t really realise the value of what they are selling because not many people are interested in wearing vintage; they just see it as ‘used clothing’… I manage to dress myself cheaply and end up looking like a million bucks.”

But the style gene is one he was born with. His grandfather and his father in both lived in suits, some of which he inherited and

modernizes with novelty patches, pins, or a pair of sneakers.

His grandfather, he says, taught him that dressing properly was a thing of honour.

“My son, fashion is what you adopt when you don’t yet know who you are, make sure you are always well-dressed,” he recalls his grandfather once telling him.

The fashion star, who has in been in Kenya to share his knowledge, is now among the continent’s most sought-after designers

01. A model in a blue suit designed by Loux 02. Loux the Vintage Guru 03. Models in Loux’s designs 04. Loux poses with a female model 05. Loux and his models during a photoshoot

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and he attributes his success to resilience and prayer.

“Keep following your dreams.

The challenges I am facing are preparing me towards my dreams. As I thank God, I applaud myself for the progress and transformation he has turned me into,” he said.

“Life continues to be a journey not an event, thus I live a life of my design.”

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SseboTM | ssebo.co.ke April 2015

01. Wine grapes on trees 02. James Farquharson 03. Bottles of Leleshwa wine

The men who dared to make wine in the Kenyan Savanna

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03 James Farquharson was routinely going through his e-mail when a message from a man named Pius Ngugi dropped in. “Do you want to make wine in Kenya?” read the subject line. That was in 2007 and at the time, Farquharson was in charge of Rosette production at Boschendal, one of the largest wineries in South Africa. He was in a comfort zone, but the invitation to explore new opportunities was irresistible.

The rest of the e-mail explained how Ngugi had established a vineyard at his expansive Morendat farm, in Naivasha, a town to the East of the Kenyan capital, Nairobi, and was looking at prospects of turning it commercial. He (Ngugi) had until then not managed to get any meaningful harvest from the vineyard to feed the roaring winery he had set up in 1993.

Frustrated by the level of progress, Ngugi had linked with agencies in South Africa, seeking someone who had both the know-how and experience needed to give the project the oomph it needed.

“He was looking for a credible viticulturist (wineproduction specialist), who was willing to take up a full-time managerial position at the farm, and that is how he came to hear of me,” said Farquharson.

After further briefing (mainly over email), Ngugi flew Farquharson in for an assessment session and even though “things were not well taken care of ”, Farquharson confesses that he immediately saw

potential in the project.

“The fact that there was some crop growing on the farm confirmed that there was hope for the project.”

He took the job and in early 2008 relocated to Kenya with his wife.

With Farquharson at the helm, the winery at the Morendat farm currently produces more than 430 tonnes of fruit, which yields 40,000 bottles of wine.

This is a long way from the 10,000 bottles produced in 2006. So, what changes were effected to push the struggling venture into profitability?

At the farm, Farquharson’s primary target was to get consistency in yields. To achieve this, he first had to increase the coverage of the vineyard from 26 to 48 acres. During this phase, they uprooted some of the old vines leaving them with only 12 acres of salvageable crop. They then planted 36 acres with 20,000 fresh root stocks sourced from South Africa at cost of KSh2.4 million ($26,000).

Next, a proper irrigation system was set up. This would help regulate the amount of water fed to the vines, hence conditioning the harvest time to fit a desirable production cycle. Initially, the workers at the vineyard had to water individual plants using hose pipes. This turned out to be both time-consuming and labourintensive as they could only cover 2-3 acres per day.

Under Farquharson’s instruction, a drip irrigation

SseboTM | ssebo.co.ke 9 April 2015

system was set up at a cost of KSh11 million ($120,000). The results of these changes were immediately seen with the harvest per acre increasing to 9 tonnes, up from 1.5 tonnes.

With the farm resuscitated, the next step in the plan was to get the winery to operate at optimum levels. One shortfall that Farquharson identified, was that his predecessors were trying to make wine under unsuitably high temperatures. He recommended that a cooling system be set up and even though this set them back some KSh2 million ($240,000). An inhouse Quality and Assurance laboratory was established to ensure that the product leaving the company was of internationallycompetitive standards.

The marketing end also had to undergo some changes. Farquharson and the other stakeholders sat at a meeting in which the first order of business was to come up with a suitable name for the product, hitherto known as Santa Rosalia. Various suggestions were raised and after an elimination process, they were left with two contenders, Omurogi

(proposed by Farquharson) and Leleshwa.

Omurogi, in most Bantu dialects denotes an evil person. It was struck out.

Contrary to common belief, the wine production process is simple and straightforward. Once the grapes are ready for picking, they are placed in 20Kg picking cases and transported to the winery at the back of a trailer. Here, they are dropped into a crusher-distemmer, a machine which hits the grapes of the stems and mashes the fruit. Next, the mash containing the skins, the pulp and the seeds is fed into the press, where it is compressed releasing all the juice onto a collection tray before it is pumped out.

Rift Valley Winery’s press has a maximum capacity of 20tonnes and a minimum of 6tonnes. The juice collected from the press is allowed to sediment, filtered and then yeast is added into it to encourage fermentation. It is then let to sit under regulated cooling for five months before it is bottled.

Farquharson’s first harvest at Morendat came in 2009 and it yielded 20,000 bottles of wine. By 2014, they were making two

harvests a year, yieldeing 80,000 bottles.

According to projections, sales from the latter production are expected to give the company a 27% margin and a turnover of over Sh80million. “It has been a long-term investment, that started as a hobby but has now been commercialized,” says Mbugua Ngugi, managing director at the Kenya Nut Company, the parent under which Rift Valley Winery operates.

The success stems from the fact that Rift Valley Winery delivers a product that is of exceptional quality at an affordable price.

A bottle of Leleshwa Sauvignon Blanc retails at KSh550 ($6) and Shiraz for $6.50).

Because they do not have to contend with the 25% import tax imposed on the other products in their competition, they can sustainably maintain these low prices.

“If the government reduces the duty on imported wine, then we may be in trouble,” quips Farquharson.

At the moment most of the sales are made in Kenya, particularly in tourist resorts and hotels. However, both Mbugua and

Farquharson agree that for the business to make an impact, they need to develop ways of reaching the average Kenyan consumer. The integration of the East African community has also been regarded as an open call for business expansion. The company’s shortterm goal is to reach a processing minimum of 3000 tonnes of fruit (approx. 3million bottles) per harvest, preferably in the next five years.

The greatest challenge the business faces is erratic weather conditions. Wine production requires periods of dry weather, where the crops are starved to allow the fruit to accumulate enough sugar. Unfortunately in Kenya, there is no consistency in weather patterns is the case with the temperate climates of South Africa and Europe. This, therefore, calls for extra effort on the part of the farmer, to ensure that he comes up with a workable cycle.

For instance, when heavy rains fall as the crop is being starved, Farquharson and his team are forced to prematurely harvest it and set up a new cycle.

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SseboTM | ssebo.co.ke April 2015 01. Bags on display at a Sandstorm Kenya shop 02. Tailors working on a bag at the Sandstorm factory 03. Leather travel bags from Sandstormâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s collection 04. Leather straps with brass fittings for bags 05. Sandstorm Kenya CEO Mark Stephenson

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Building a storm within Kenya and beyond The company that curved a niche in the Safari industry now seems unstoppable

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When Scot Keith Steel bought a Kenya-based camping equipment firm, Sandstorm Kenya, in 2003, he was drawn to the reputation for quality and workmanship that the company had.

To him the great brand was an asset that could be leveraged on.

In 2005, Mark Stephenson joined the company as a director injecting new energy into the business and it started diversifying from camping gear to high end travel bags and accessories. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I had spent close to 20 years working on brands that did not have much faith in themselves and products in crowded markets where it is was difficult to differentiate yourself,â&#x20AC;? said Stephenson.

Two years later, Stephenson sold his stake in a UK brand consultancy business and took over as the managing director of Sandstorm. On his entry, Stephenson reorganized manufacturing operations and embarked on preparing the business for growth.

SseboTM | ssebo.co.ke 11 April 2015

05 He says one of the main challenges they faced was raising the profile of the brand and differentiating it from others already in the market. “We live in a world where people often put a shiny veneer on items whose quality is dubious,” he said.

Their first area of focus was production.

Stephenson quickly realized that the only way they could guarantee the quality of the products was if they had control of the whole value chain—right from sourcing of the raw materials to the point of sale.

This meant vertically integrating the production process and paying close attention to the quality of every component that went into their products.

The firm, Stephenson explains, sources raw materials from the best producers. They get their canvas from Tanzania and leather from Bata in Limuru.

Their goal was to build a uniquely Kenyan brand recognized for high quality products.

Today, the firm’s products have a life-time

guarantee, which gives a clear confirmation of the quality of workmanship that goes into them. The guarantee does not, however, cover natural tear and wear.

Once production was well aligned, Stephenson focused on building the brand and sales. In the last eight years, they have added three more stores to their chain; at the Village Market, Diani Beach and at Nakumatt Junction.

“Demand for our products has been growing and we have to be closer to customers,” said Stephenson, adding that they have attracted the interest of distributors across the world.

The challenge now is identifying the right opportunities and partners.

“We do not mass produce our products and there is a limit to the number of pieces we can make in a month.”

Most international sales are generated from the firm’s online shop.

“We have an international portfolio of clients mainly in the UK that we would wish to

expand.”

Sandstorm offers premium products with prices ranging from KSh5,000 ($54) to KSh22,000 ($250). The company recently sold what would be Kenya’s most expensive Safari chair at KSh45,000 ($500). “It was a traditional wooden Safari chair, covered with the same high-quality leather that we use in our bags.

The arms were covered with hand-stitched leather and the initials of the buyer were embossed on the back-panel. The seat came with a special padded carry case that also had the initials of the owner stitched on the side.”

About 70% of Sandstorm sales are generated in Kenya. In the last two years, sales have more than doubled and turnover is expected to rise to KSh90 million ($1 million) by the end of the current financial year.

“The retail outlets have contributed to this strong growth as we are able to serve a much broader cross-section of Kenyans.” Sandstorm maintains a lean team of 36 workers. Mr

Stephenson says finding a “Sandstorm person” is not always easy due the firm’s culture of quality products and service. “The whole team is Kenyan,” he said.

Sandstorm has adopted an open-plan offices to foster dialogue and openness.

“People don’t have to keep knocking on a door every time they want to see me. I want to be accessible at all times.”

Due to its focus on a niche market, the firm depends on word of mouth and recommendations by customers.

“The best form of marketing you can have is a strong recommendation by a happy customer,” said Stephenson.

Of late, the company has been exploring product-placement opportunities.

During the first two seasons of Changes-a Kenyan television drama series airing on MNet, its products formed part of the set and actors’ gear.

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SseboTM | ssebo.co.ke April 2015

Taofick Okoya’s ‘Queens of Africa’ doll is a hit Seven years on, Okoya sells between 6,000 and 9,000 dolls a month, and reckons he has 10-15 percent of a small but fast-growing market.

01 When Taofick Okoya’s daughter told him that she wished she was white, the Nigerian entrepreneur decided to help her fall in love with her natural black beauty. Sensing that her fair-skin worship was due to all of her favorite storybook, cartoon, and toy characters being white, Okoya began to imagine a world where Nigerian girls played with, and looked up to, black characters.

That was in 2007. Eight years later the Queens of Africa dolls outsell Barbie in Nigeria. Modeled after the three biggest tribes in the country, the dolls each represent a different progressive value meant to empower black girls in their youth and in their careers. Nneka is Igbo and represents love. Azeezah is Hausa and is the queen of peace.

In the music video created for the dolls, the Azeezah doll is seen holding a #BringBackOurGirls sign. Finally, Wuraola, the Yoruba doll represents endurance. “Water is soft, this is true, but it can break a rock,” she sings in the “Queens of Africa” song. The dolls are available in various outfits, though the traditional attire is the most popular.

Though the project is successful now, initially Okoya had a tough time convincing Nigerian toy stores to stock his dolls. “They said, ‘black dolls don’t sell,’” he toldElle South Africa. “I then embarked on an educational campaign via various media, telling people about the psychological impact dolls have on children, and [effect] dolls in the likeness of the African child can have on them. It took almost three years.” He also says that in order to get little girls who’d already been conditioned to value European standards of beauty to buy his dolls, the Queens of Africa dolls were designed without the curvy bodies, “fuller facial features,” and rougher hair textures that many of his consumers have come to demand.

He promises that these “identifying African characteristics” as well as an animated series and movie are coming. He also hopes to expand the doll line to include at least one doll for each African country, as well as a limited-edition doll range to raise funds for an African education charity.

The Nneka, Azeezah, and Wuraola dolls are available for sale in Nigeria’s toy stores as well as internationally online. Okoya also sells three princess dolls and a series of books, comics, music, and cartoons that expand on the Queens of Africa world.

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04 01-03. Some of the dolls from Taofick Okoya’s ‘Queens of Africa’ empire 04. Okoya, his wife and two children 05-06. More dolls from Okoya’s collection

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SseboTM | ssebo.co.ke 13 April 2015

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SseboTM | ssebo.co.ke April 2015

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03 01. A Transline Cassic bus, built by Master Fabricators 02. Dharminder ‘Bobby’ Singh 03. The interior of a bus built by Master Fabricators 04. A Mombasa bound ‘Spanish’ bus by Master 05. The interior of a bus body without seats 06. The senior Singh receives a business award

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‘Body builder’s’ success in fabrication business After a shaky start, Master Fabricators grew to be a multi-million dollar company On one end of Likoni Close, off Likoni Road, in Nairobi’s industrial area, sits a compound with a high fence and gate. The name Master Fabricators is emblazoned on the steel gate.

To get to the main office, you have to go through an alley whose boundaries are bus bodies , undergoing some body work in different stages of construction. The end of the pathway opens into a lobby where a young man sits on a computer digitally moulding what appears to be the body plan of a bus. He is too busy to regard our presence, as we are directed to the

managing director’s office.

We wait.

A turbaned man walks in minutes later and introduces himself as Bobby, the M.D. His actual names are Dharminder Singh Virdee, and he says that in 1971, the year he was born, there was a popular Asian film titled, Bobby, “which prompted most Indian parents to assign the petname Bobby to male children born around the same period.”

As he sinks into his leather chair, the jovial Bobby informs us that Master Fabricators is a family-owned business with the

shareholding split between him, his father and a silent partner, his younger brother, a successful musician in India.

The business was born in 1995 when Bobby teamed up with his father to set up an auto body repair shop. The senior Virdee had worked for similar companies for close to 30years and, therefore, brought with him the experience needed to run the operations in their new company. Bobby, on the other hand, had just graduated from engineering school at the University of Nairobi and brought in the technical expertise they hoped

would see them through.

Thinking they had everything they needed, father and son started sailing the murky waters of entrepreneurship. Three years down the line, though, they had suffered a KSh3 million ($33,000) loss because they neither had the name nor the financial backing to help them secure huge projects.

“A bus body was being made for KSh1.4 million ($16,400) and because we were new in the business, we could not getting credit from suppliers,” said Bobby.

It was a disappointing time as the duo had nothing to show for

SseboTM | ssebo.co.ke 15 April 2015

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years of painstaking labour, save for a previously written-off Peugeot 504, which they had managed to resuscitate. With financial challenges hovering over their heads, Bobby one day walked to a local motorshow and mentioned to one of the marketing managers from Marshall East Africa that he had a pick up he wanted to sell at KSh350,000. The deal was immediately sealed and Bobby delivered the car three days later.

The customer had agreed to buy the car at the stated price, provided it was fitted with a body at the back.

The opportunity was as a shot in the arm for Bobby, who went back to his garage and together with his father they customized a body that according to popular complements appeared to have been born with the car.

“I believe that was the best work we have ever done on a body,” said Bobby.

Around the same period, Kenya Breweries Limited was undergoing some restructuring in its distribution platforms and seeing the challenges involved in maintaining its own fleet of cars, had decided to sub-contract the service. Representatives from the brewery spoke to Marshalls East Africa and asked them to present a variety of pick-up models fitted with designs of bodies by various local developers for evaluation.

As fate would have it, the Peugeot delivered by Bobby had not been collected by the owner and was still sitting in the Marshalls showroom.

The design was selected for the initial 82 trucks and Master Fabricators was given two months to finish the job. “There was a lot of outcry from

rival companies, who said we did not have the capacity to undertake such a task.However, by midnight of the deadline we drove in the last vehicle to the Marshalls’ storage area.”

The completion of this project signaled a new beginning for the company because even though no profits were registered, all the losses had been taken care off. “We did not take any loans and we have not done so to date,” said Bobby.

Their workmanship had secured the confidence of an important customer and with time, word went round, yielding more projects for the company.

The firm, which currently employs 338 workers, specializes in the development of bodies for lorries and buses. Its 3000ft2 piece of land has a holding capacity of 80 buses. This is an average 25% annual growth from the capacity of three buses it had in 1995, when it initially opened its doors.

Bobby attributes this growth to innovation, perseverance, timely delivery of service and listening to clients.

Last year, the company registered a turnover of KSh300 million ($3.3 million), and a delivery rate of 19-20 bodies per month.

Building a bus body costs anything above KSh4.2 million ($46,000) and the price increases depending on the size and stipulations of the customer.

The company sources all steel from local mills and fittings from Asia. Over the years, the company has invested in state-ofart equipment including a fiberglass production machine costing over KSh2.5M ($28,000). The

company has also established a Quality Assurance department, which ensures that its products are of internationallycompetitive standards. To illustrate the extent of the faith in its products, Master Fabricators offers all its clients a one-year warranty, irrespective of mileage.

The distribution of clients is within the greater East African region, with 40% of the customers coming from Kenya, 30% from Tanzania, 20% from Uganda and 10% split between Sudan and Rwanda. The Kenyan market, according to the company’s records, is the fastest growing. Bobby views Kenya as the business hub for sub-Saharan Africa and says that opportunities abound for the company, with the rise of the East African Community.

The growth of urban populations and the planned phasing out of the 14-seater matatus has also been received as a blessing in disguise for the company.

“The movement of Passenger Service Vehicles, PSVs, into big buses means that there would be an increased demand for our products,” said Bobby.

Because of the specific nature of the business, the company has had to train all workers at its quarters in Industrial area.

Good working relations and having faith in individual staff members has seen the company retain six out of the initial ten workers it started with.

The greatest threat to the business has been the entry of Chinese companies, supplying Completely Knocked Down units (CKDs). CKDs are automobiles that are either delivered in parts for assembly.

This gives companies dealing with such products the competitive advantage of mass-production because they do not have to concern themselves with customization.

Master Fabricators has not entered into the CKD market because of the prohibitive cost of setting up production facilities. A one-bus CKD development unit costs KSh300 million ($3.3 nukkuib).

Besides, they have already curved a niche in customization with the inclusion into designs of such frills as electric power sockets that can support laptop computers and mobile phones.

Piracy has also been a constant threat for the company, with rivals offering some of Master’s workers tempting monies to tip them on new developments. Luckily, “no two customers have similar needs,” and this means that the company keeps ahead of competition in terms of design.

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SseboTM | ssebo.co.ke April 2015

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02 01-04. 39-year old Weeshe Freeman, who has been blind for 16 years, creates magical music using a guitar he made from a used oil can, a piece of wood and some wires.

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He is blind and his guitar is an old oil can

Born Weeseh Freeman, Liberian artiste Weesay went blind in 1998, aged 23 but that did not stop him from living his dream of becoming a celebrated singer.

Using an old oil can, a piece of wood and a number of wires, Weesay designed himself a guitar and learnt how to play it, first on Monrovia streets and now to millions of online audiences.

His music is like his guitar; rough on the edges but sounds great.

His rise to fame came when a

popular brand of chips asked him to sing a jingle using his tin guitar.

A video of the performance was uploaded online and it has so far, gained more than nine million views and a number of wellwishers offered to buy him a guitar.

He now has several guitars but still loves to play the one he made himself. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I know that I am not a small person-God made me to do something,â&#x20AC;? he said in an interview with SseboTM. 04

SseboTM | ssebo.co.ke 17 April 2015

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SseboTM | ssebo.co.ke April 2015

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The art of Mike Soi Behind the bold colors and cartoon-like characters is a strong social commentary

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“China is hungry for raw materials from Africa. Africa is poor and desperate.

African leaders are seeking trade partners who will not ask questions; so in essence, China is African’s sugar daddy”

In an 18-piece series titled “China Loves Africa” Kenyan artist Michael Soi explores the contentious ChinaAfrica relationship.

His satirical paintings present China as the continent’s neo-colonial master.

In what seems like an interrogation of this relationship, mostly seeking to unearth China’s intent. The artist’s paintings are loaded with profound messaging— the seductive kind that uncovers the exploitative nature of China’s partnership with Africa.

His work views the relationship as a “love affair” from which only one party is benefitting.

“China is hungry for raw materials from Africa. Africa is poor and desperate. African leaders are seeking trade partners who will not ask questions; so in essence, China is African’s sugar daddy”, he said.

Soi describes most of his art as ‘social commentary’.

He regards his work as a medium spotlighting subject matters that are veiled by society.

He depicts Kenyan society in his paintings to build a complete story of what his country experiences. Like any story, his paintings express both celebration and criticism – he believes in standing up for injustice but also has a benevolent, humorous view of life.

One of Michael’s most successful (and certainly controversial) series 03

SseboTM | ssebo.co.ke 19 April 2015

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05 01. Michael Soi 02-08. Some of the paintings from Soi’s collection, provoking discussion on the ‘Chinese invasion’ of Africa

of work, Fat Cats, almost seems like an act of activism in itself. It addresses corruption, prostitution and bribery as an impediment to positive political and economic development in Kenya. But Soi is an artist, not a politician; he wants people to be interested in art and have an emotional connection to his paintings. He wants his creations to be a part of the political commentary that is already occurring in Kenyan civil society and media.

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Although Soi uses his art to criticize aspects of Kenyan society, he truly loves his country and the city of Nairobi, where he was born and he currently reside.

He is a member of what is termed as the second generation of Kenyan artists, which emerged through in the late 90’s.

He began his career as a sculptor and refined his own visual and artistic vocabulary over the years.

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Rare glimpse of Sudan through the eyes of a digital painter The artist has managed to bring forth the beautiful aspects of life in the Northern Africa country Digital painting is one of the most popular and arguably the most difficult to master form of art. It combines traditional painting and art techniques with the high expectations and superior quality requirements that

come with the digital age.

There are many digital artists out there, but only a few can be considered true masters of the arts and one of them is Sudanese Elmoghira Sirajuddin.

Sirajuddin graduated from

Sudan University College of Fine & Applied arts as a Graphic Designer in 2009 and has great passion for art. He loves colors, lines, shapes for the power they generate when perfectly combined.

01. The bar at Punda Milias Camp 02. The dining area 03. The restaurant view from outside 04. Queen and Danny 05. One of the bandas

Just because you will not see it, doesnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t mean it should not look good At Ssebo Wood and Leather, we believe in perfection and that is why we take time to ensure that even our frames, which will be covered anyway, are finished to perfection

Made by Ssebo Wood and Leather, Ngong.

Call: 0721-963-080 | sofa@ssebo.co.ke

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SseboTM | ssebo.co.ke April 2015

Made to measure suits Custom-made suits used to be reserved for the uppercrust. Not anymore.

Kenyan Stylistaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Made-to-Measure program blends expert tailoring with the distinct needs of the customer. Browse a portfolio of fabrics, hand-selected by designer Frankie and find exclusive patterns and colors that will capture your attention. There are a variety of collars, cuffs, lapel styles and pocketing to help you create a garment that is one-of-a-kind.

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SseboTM | ssebo.co.ke April 2015

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SseboTM | ssebo.co.ke 25 April 2015

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SseboTM | ssebo.co.ke April 2015 01

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01. The bar at Punda Milias Camp 02. The dining area 03. The restaurant view from outside 04. Queen and Danny 05. One of the bandas

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Enjoy African simplicity at Punda Milias

The camp in Nakuru could be the perfect weekend gateaway you have been looking for

Punda Milias camp is right on the border of the Soysambu conservancy, 2.5 hoursâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; drive from Nairobi.

Be on the lookout for the sign-board, a small one on the left, but if you are coming from Nakuru, you will most certainly miss it because it is blank on this side.

We arrived there late evening and were welcomed by a couple of big, but friendly, dogs, which we were to later learn belonged to the managers, Danny and Queen.

There was another party to welcome us too - the evening chill - which got pretty cold during the night as the temperatures dropped to about 5 0C. You are, therefore, advised to dress warmly.

Located about 20Km from Nakuru town, you may do well to stock up if you are coming to camp as the drive through the 3km stretch leading up to the tarmac road can be quite rocky.

The staff was friendly and made us feel welcome right from the start. After showing us to our bandas, one of which we rented at KSh3,400.

Meals are made fresh and are served at your time of

choice, but not later than 10am for breakfast and 9pm for dinner.

The showers are open-roofed and the water was warm.

There is a swimming pool, if you need one, although it is a bit on the smaller side.

The camp and grounds on which it set up were gorgeous, with lots of greenery, a restaurant and bar.

The bandas we stayed in were comfortable, although they could do with new night stands.

The Hippo cottage promises the ultimate in luxury camping. It is positioned in a private, secluded area of the camp and comes with a living room, a bedroom, a wellequipped kitchen and a large bathroom. Double doors from the bathroom lead out to a private garden with sunken, outdoor bath for romantic starlit evenings.

An overnight in these tents costs between Sh13,000 and Sh17,000 depending on the number of guests.

The other accomodation options are a family tent, a safari tent and and a dorm tent. You can also have the option of camping on the grounds at between Sh600 and Sh1,250.

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SseboTM | ssebo.co.ke April 2015 01

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01-04. Nairobi bikers receive blessings from Nairobi Chapel’s Pastor Oscar during the 2015 Blessing of the bikes ceremony.

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Riders’ prayer day

‘Blessing of the bikes’ ceremony necessary as rider culture enters Kenya On a fine Sunday morning in February, tens of luxury bikes roared into the Nairobi Chapel for the annual Bikers Prayer Day. Once the service got under way, bikers in their leather vests sat in the main square, alongside hundreds of faithful worshipers.

The pastor addressed the congregation, comprising riders from varied religions, before giving a blessing to the “numerous

participants” of the biker gathering.

Afterwards, the bikers took part in a ride around the City circuit bypasses.

The Blessing of the Bikes is an annual tradition in which riders of motorcycles or bicycles are blessed by a priest in the hope that it will bring safety for the coming season.

The first mass blessing of bicycles was held in 1999 at the Cathedral of Saint John the

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Divine in New York City.

Since its beginning, the ceremony has been ostensibly non-denominational, focusing more on rider safety than religion.

However, the service does include prayers and reading of biblical passages, and bicycles are sprinkled with holy water.

A brief memorial service is held to acknowledge riders who have died in the

previous year.

The popularity of the service has encouraged other localities to follow suit.

Annual blessings are held from Burlington, Massachusetts to Los Angeles to Melbourne, and recently, Nairobi.

The ceremony now incorporates varying degrees of emphasis on religion, environmentalism, fitness, riders’ rights, and safety.

SseboTM | ssebo.co.ke 29 April 2015

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SseboTM | ssebo.co.ke April 2015

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Safari Rally of the old can be revived Rally veteran confident that the good old Safari Rally can be brought back to the world calendar The Safari Rally, in its high days, marked out an entire season in Kenya’s calendar. As part of the World Rally Championship (WRC), hundres of men (and occassionally women) from across the globe braved the challenge.

Even more committed than the drivers, were the audiences. People trooped in both from within and without to share the thrill of their favourite teams struggling through the rugged terrains of what was heralded as the world’s toughest rally.

More than a sporting event, the Safari Rally built a name for Kenya as a tourism destination.

And then it went down.

The event was pulled off from the WRC in 2003 due to disorganization. Its popularity has since been overtaken by various other rally events, but none has yet attempted to surpass its brilliance, passion and earnings.

But all is not lost.

Kenya can regain its status as a rallying powerhouse, if all stakeholders work together.

Azar Anwar, a man who has been in involved in car racing since 1974, and whose fortunes have been crafted through hands-on automobile development, believes that it all boils down to the policy and direction that we take.

Anwar says that there is untapped potential in the sport, both in terms of job creation and foreign currency attraction.

The Kenya Motorsports Foundation (KMSF), the organization that provides licensing to aspiring rally drivers and registers participants to the Major Rallies, follows the Federation Internationale de l’Automobile (FIA) World Rally regulations.

As a result, we are in essence following the thinking of international motorsports which works well for countries that have the kinds of budgets needed to sustain their participation in world events.

Unfortunately, these rules are too stringent and are not tailored to suit local conditions. As a result, they end up deterring would-be young rally drivers from taking part.

“Before a car is allowed into the competition it has to meet certain basic safety and competitive standards,” says Anwar, a man whose first rallywinning car cost him Ksh13, 000. “ The FIA Rules, however, have raised the bar too high making entry into any event a very expensive affair.

Countries such as South Africa have proven that by looking at motorsports from a national level and by having rules that suit your infrastructure and industry, motorsports can reach unprecedented growth levels.

The potential for developing motorsports is massive and all we need to do is change our thinking. We need a shift of focus to a direction that will see the development of rules that suit local conditions.

The colonial regulations that we currently cling on do not provide for use of vehicles that have been developed and/or modified locally.

For one to acquire the kind of professional car that the likes of Anwar use, and based on the FIA regulation that we so acquiescently subscribe to, he must have an initial investment of between Ksh5,000, 000 and Ksh10, 000, 000. Such vehicles cannot be bought locally and access to spare parts is equally difficult. Consequently, we end up sending out millions of shillings instead of using it to raise our industrial standards.

Kenya is also lacking in terms of formalized education in motorsports. Currently, anyone with a driving license can acquire a rallying license for a fee of Ksh17, 000 with seekers of the document not being taken through any particular test. If the country is to compete on an international level, it is high time the government set out to establish a motor sports complex that will have a tarmac racetrack, a rally circuit where two or more cars can race at the same time and circuits for both Quad and motorbikes. Spectator stands that can support thousands of fans will make it easier and safer for fans to attend the events .The facility should also have provisions for the training of mechanics, technical crews and mechanics.

The proactive effort of persons such as Mr Anwar has had its impact in the industry and their efforts are yielding fruits, if records are anything to go by. However, the input needed to raise the desired impact is beyond the reach of individuals.

Among Anwar’s protégés are 2009 Kenya Commercial Bank (KCB) Safari Rally champion Charles Hinga, 2010 KCN Amana Banking Rally winner Adnan Suahil and Suhail’s navigator Absalom Aswani.

Anwar hopes that if KMSF cannot wholesomely relax the regulation, they will at least establish categories for beginners, in which some of the requirements are not mandatory.

It costs Ksh50, 000 to take part in the Safari Rally.

This is deterrent, to an individual who has to spend over Ksh100, 000 in driving gear alone in line with FIA requirements.

Currently, Mr Anwar and a partner are trying to revive the classic rally which they see as bearing the potential to be a world event.

They intend to cut the red-tape and encourage retirees, both local and foreign, to take part in the race, not primarily for competitive purposes, but as a fun event.

“Kenya has the terrain and all we need are the creative minds and willing souls to see the idea through,” said the straight-speaking Anwar.

SseboTM | ssebo.co.ke B March 2015

01. A driver runs through a mud puddle in a past edition of the formely popular Kenyan Safari Rally.

02. Azar Anwar

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SseboTM | ssebo.co.ke April 2015

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01. DJ Adrian’s Volkswagen Beetle at the Concours 02. DJ Adrian 03. The Beetle’s fully-restored engine 04. The Beetle as it looked in 2004

DJ Adrian’s Beetle Tender, loving care makers the top DJ’s volkswagen the most popular in Kenya

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KPN is undoubtedly the most famous Volkswagen beetle in the country; maybe even the whole of East and Central Africa.

But the fame did not just sprout from the fact that it is owned by popular Kenyan DJ Adrian Washika—it is a car that has earned its fame. Known only by the first three letters on its numberplate (it’s registered as KPN 376), the metallic silver beetle has had to undergo years of restoration to be the charmer it currently is.

It was Adrian’s first car, perhaps explaining the delicate attention he has given it.

“I bought it in 2000. I have always loved the VW beetle and once I bought it, I began working on it, just to make it a bit more reliable,” Adrian told XNews.

“I first gave it a bit of a face lift in 2004, but it was only in 2012 that I embarked on a full-off body restoration, which involved putting in a new floor and many hours of metal work,” said Adrian.

The restoration took one year, because most parts were not available locally and had to be sourced from the UK and the US. “The total cost of restoration, including parts and shipping was in the region of Sh500,000.”

But the restoration was not just aimed at returning the car to standard factory build. Adrian wanted it to give it a

personal touch.

“I came up with the concept of how I wanted the car to look, how low I wanted it to sit, the kind of wheels that would look good on it, the body colour and the engine upgrades. But I also got a lot of help from a friend who is a mechanic and also good with body work,” he said.

Among the modifications that went into the car was an upgraded brake system that saw disc brakes installed on the front wheels. Adrian says the disc brakes work far much better than the original drum brakes.

In addition, the engine capacity was increased from 1200cc to 1640cc, giving the torque that Adrian so desired.

“I also changed the ignition system to electric, eliminating the original points and condenser system. The manual fuel pump was also replaced with an electric one installed in the front of the car, feeding the dual carburetor system comprising a pair of 40 Kardons. I lowered the front and rear suspension, giving it a nice stance and installed KYB gas shock absorbers all round,” The interior is mostly stock, but it is fitted with seats harvested from a Toyota Starlet and an EMPI trigger gear-shifter.

The DJ says he does not intend to give the car, which came in third in last year’s Concours d’Elegance, any more changes.

“So far, I am satisfied with it. It drives well and I don’t think I need to add anything else-well, save for a new transmission, which I am still pondering,” he said.

As much as Adrian loves KPN, in which he has covered 250Km on a single trip, he does not consider it indispensable, and will easily let it go to someone who gives a good offer.

“I can always get another bug and build it. It is a hobby I enjoy. An acceptable offer would be around Sh1.5million,” he said.

But the rebuilding bug (no pun) is not one that he is willing to shake off any time soon.

“I am currently working on a 1961 Karmann Ghia , which should be ready for next year’s Concours d’Elegance and a 1969 Mercedes Benz 250SE, W109 model. I am also looking for the old London cab taxis and would like to custom build one,” he said.

His final word for first time restorers: “If you are working on a restoration project you need to do it once and do it right. Also do not be in a hurry. No proper restoration can last less than 6 months. Do not take shot cuts as most of us like doing with jua kali mechanics, who seem to always want to modify everything as opposed to fitting in an original part.”

SseboTM | ssebo.co.ke 33 April 2015

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The flying flea of WWII

01 An artist’s impression of the Flying being used in WWII. 02. A rider on 2010 Royal Enfield Bullet Classic

The Royal Enfield has been in producation since 1893 and it continues to fascinate WWII hit at just the right time for Royal Enfield.

The company’s two founders had died (Albert Eddie died in 1931 and RW Smith followed him two years later)) and the depression was setting in causing sales to plummet.

But the war brought with it lucrative government contracts for gobs of military motorcycles, a

collection that included the famous “Flying Flea”.

The Flea was a lightweight, rugged 125cc two-stroke machine that could be parachuted in with airborne troops.

In those days, one of the major problems faced by paratroopers on raids into enemy territory, was how to get to the intended target quickly and quietly. Paratroopers

were often dropped a distance from the intended target to minimise the risk of being spotted.

A lightweight means for the paratroopers to regroup quickly and reach their target speedily was, therefore, a necessity.

After the war there was a growing demand for cheap and reliable transport so any surviving models disposed of as war surplus were

stripped down and repainted for civilian use.

Royal Enfield also produced a civilian version of the flea bike in the post war years until 1950 when a foot-operated gear change lever was added and the front forks were modified to a telescopic style with internal spring dampening.

--The modern Royal Enfield Bullet

Classic, borrows heavily from the war-time designs. It has the longest production run of any motorcycle having remained continuously in production since 1948.

It is available in 350cc and 500cc options, both of which are stocked by: Spectrum Bikes Kenya Ltd. Call: 077270015 / 0736700151 Email: bikes@spectrumbikes.biz

Spectrum Bikes Kenya Ltd | Call: 077270015 / 0736700151 | Email: bikes@spectrumbikes.biz

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SseboTM | ssebo.co.ke April 2015

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The last of the Defenders Fair warning: You have until June 26, 2015 to order your LandRover Defender

In December 2015, one of the production lines at Landrover’s factory in Solihull, England will grind to a halt, witnessing the final release of the legendary Defender.

Having reached its pensionable age of 65, the ‘Queen’s favourite 4x4’ will be phased out for a more modern replacement.

And those planning to buy one of the last of the Defenders have until June 26 to place their orders.

Why so early?

Well, currently there is a six-month wait between a dealer placing an order and a customer receiving his new Defender.

So, June 26 is when Land Rover will

need to start fixing the production order for the final month of Defender manufacturing at Solihull.

Initial indications suggest that interest in the Defender Celebration Series is high, particularly for the Sh4million Heritage Edition and the Sh9m Autobiography.

Jaguar Land Rover (JLR) confirmed that Defender production will cease but stressed a new replacement vehicle would join the Land Rover model range, which includes the Freelander, the Discovery and the Range Rover.

At the Frankfurt Motor Show two years ago, the company unveiled a macho, testosterone-fuelled open-topped off-roader - codenamed DS100 Sport -

designed to be as useful off-road as the trusty original. it is likely to be one of a small family of Defenders.

It could even be built at their new factory in Puna – whether in knockdown form from kits supplied in Britain, or more radically, in India alone.

John Edwards, the head of JLR’s new individual products division, said the Defender was “loved the world over for its simple, honest and distinctive design” adding: “We are determined that the new Defender will be true to its heritage, while meeting the requirements of a changing global market.”

He also noted that: “Like no other

SseboTM | ssebo.co.ke 35 April 2015

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01. The Land Rover Defender doing what it does best 02. One of the earlier designs of the Defender 03. The Landrover Defender Autobiography 04. Huey, the Defender’s replacement 05. The Queen during her first world tour in 1953

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05 vehicle, the Defender inspires affection and loyalty the world over. It inspires people to go beyond, whether they are explorers, ecologists, UN aid workers or Red cross medics.”

He said the Defender is “known and loved the world over and that its replacement would be ‘instantly recognised” by anyone who knows the current vehicle and the “core values of dependability and functionality’ would be retained.

Mr Edwards added that the new vehicle “won’t necessarily be cheap.”

Land Rover design director Gerry McGovern said: “Replacing the iconic Defender is one of the biggest challenges in the automotive design world; it is a car that inspires people worldwide.”

The proposed new prototype Defender takes its cue from the early canvasroofed Defenders with their fold-down windscreens that still typify the Land Rover spirit of adventure and exploration – but with a wrap-around aero screen and cutdown side windows for exhilarating openair motoring.

The first pilot pre-production model called ‘Huey’ after its registration number, HUE 166, and is fully working and on display at the Heritage Motor Museum in Gaydon, Warwickshire.

The Defender is the name given in more recent years to the original Land Rover which was born in 1948.

The popular 4x4 vehicle, which is exported all around the world, represents the

continuation of the very first Land Rover which came on to the scene in April 1948 and was modelled on the war-time jeeps.

So in 1948 Britain’s answer to the ubiquitous Jeep – the Land Rover was born and launched at that year’s Amsterdam Motor Show as the world’s first mass-produced civilian 4X4. It has been with us ever since. With post-war rationing and steel in short supply but masses of aluminium around, the vehicle was initially made with the lightweight metal. The original sage-green paint was acquired from a fighter plane factory.

Featuring in the Angelina Jolie film Lara Croft: Tomb Raider and in the latest James Bond movie, Skyfall, the Defender name itself can be traced back to 1990. It was

created to avoid confusion with a new Land Rover launched the previous year called Discovery.

Queen Elizabeth II used a specially adapted Defender for her first world tour in 1953, Winston Churchill was given one as an 80th birthday present at his home in Chartwell, while another was used for Pope John Paul II’s tour of England in 1982.

And shortly after ending his love affair with young Princess Margaret in the 1950s, former battle of Britain pilot Group Captain Peter Townsend set off on a 57,000 mile journey around the world in his short Wheelbase Land Rover Station Wagon which he completed in 1957 and chronicled in his book ‘Earth, My Friend.’

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SseboTM | ssebo.co.ke April 2015

01 01. Fans follow proceedings at the 2014 Kenya Open 02. The Karen Country Club 03. Greg Snow in action

Kenya Open to set to tee off The biggest golfing event in East and Central AFrica will start on April 12 The 48th edition of the Barclays Kenya Open will take place between April 9 and 12 at the Karen Country Club.

The four-day event tees off with two Pro-Am events.

There will be 156 players consisting of both local amateurs and professional.

This year’s prize money for the championship is €200,000 ( Sh20M) with the winner receiving €32,000.

Richard Ainley, Dimas Indiza, Greg Snow and John Karichu will lead Kenya’s bid for the top spot.

Maurice Bembridge is a name that stands out in Kenya Open folklore for two reasons. He is the only man in the 47 year history of the event to have successfully defended his title, winning

back to back titles in 1968 &69.

He also boasts the most titles to his name, his third title in 1979coming ten years after his back to back triumphs and his achievements are yet to be matched.

Bembridge turned professional at an early age in 1960 and won the British Assistants’ Professional Championship in 1966 and 1967. He won nine top level professional tournaments in Europe, including six after the commencement of the modern European Tour in 1972, and he also won several tournaments in Africa and one in New Zealand. His best finish on the European Tour Order of Merit was second in 1973 when it was points-based (he finished eighth on the

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money list).

At the 1974 Masters Tournament, Bembridge tied the course record by shooting a 64 in the final round.

After turning fifty he played on the European Seniors Tour, winning twice at that level.

Bembridge played for Great Britain or Great Britain & Ireland in the Ryder Cup four times, winning five matches, losing eight and halving three. He also represented England in the World Cup twice

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SseboTM | ssebo.co.ke April 2015

The real 7s shujaas The Kenya Sevens rugby team had its ups and downs but has not once given up

Kenya Sevens claimed sweet revenge against Argentina, scoring three second-half tries to beat the South Americans 24-21 in the Bowl final at the USA Sevens but that failed to improve their ranking in World Rugby Sevens Series.

The team, coached by Felix Ochieng, collected eight points from Las Vegas but remained 12th in the standings with 29 points. The team will now seek to haul itself to the top 10 in the last four legs in Hong Kong, Tokyo, Edinburgh and London to avoid relegation next season.

Hong Kong leg is up next on March 27 to 29 and Kenya Sevens will be among 28 teams competing in the three-day thriller. It was a swift revenge for Kenya who had gone down 19-14 to Argentina in the pool stages. Kenya had also lost 7-31 to the Pumas at Wellington

Sevens pool stages. In a tight firsthalf, Lavin Asego converted Bush Mwale’s try before Santiago Alvarez leveled for the Pumas.

A double from substitute Leonard Mugaisi and Mwale’s second try opened the match up 24-7 for the Kenyans before Segundo Tuculet and Francisco Merello struck back late for Argentina. But it was too little too late for the Pumas as Kenya held on to win and claim eight points despite the red card on Dennis Muhanji.

“It was a good game,” said Kenya’s Tony Owuor. “The Argentines were tough in attack and we needed to make avenge the loss to them in the pool stages. This win also makes up for losing to Fiji here last year.”

Kenya lost to Fiji 0-35 in Bowl final last year.

Earlier, Kenya earned a final date with Argentina after beating

Samoa 19-5 in one of the team’s greatest show this season. Leading 7-5 at the break through a try to Michael Wanjala, Kenya finished strongly with second-half tries from Lavin Asego and Billy Odhiambo providing the winning margin. Asego, who emerges as man-of-the tour in Wellington and USA converted two of the tries.

Argentina came from 19-7 down to beat Scotland 21-19 in bowl semis.

Kenya reached the Bowl final with a 17-7 quarter-final win over Portugal, a match in which Lavin Asego scored his 50th World Sevens Series try.

Kenya Sevens return to the country on Wednesday 6.30am. The team has been handed a tough Pool D draw in Hong Kong where they will meet USA, England and Wales.

SseboTM | ssebo.co.ke 39 April 2015

What’s on the tube?

Science of Stupid

Vikings

Science of Stupid returns every Wednesday night at 2105 EAT on National Geographic.

The show combines cold, hard science with some of the craziest, most spectacular and painful user generated clips ever recorded.

Richard Hammond introduces all manner of mishaps featuring brave, of misguidedindividuals from around the world and then explains the science behind their failure and humiliation with the use of bespoke animations and super slo-mo cinematography.

Every episode features between 50 and 60 clips of misadventure

– ordinary folk making extraordinary mistakes.

Each week watch stunts involving weightlifting, shooting guns or jumping over cars, which have gone wrong, paused, re-wound, and re-played and analysed to determine exactly what went wrong and why.

Richard explains the physics, chemistry and biology at play, then presents forensic details to explain the stupidity that resulted in failure.

He’ll look at everything including weight, volume, momentum, combustion and even how the

Vikings follows the tales about the Viking Ragnar Lothbrok, one of the bestknown Norse heroes, who pioneers the first daring raids into England with the support of fellow warriors, his brother, and his wife, the shieldmaiden Lagertha.

The series tells the saga of Ragnar’s band of Viking brothers and his family as he rises to become King of the Viking tribes. As well as being a fearless warrior, Ragnar embodies the Norse traditions of devotion to the gods: legend has it that he was a direct descendant of Odin, the god of war and warriors.

naked and afraid Each week, a new pair of total strangers are faced with the ultimate survival challenge: survive for 21 days together with no clothes or supplies in some of the most dangerous environments in the world. In addition to the landscape itself working against the duo, the local wildlife stalks looks to prey on them as well. Of course,

Criminal Minds An elite squad of FBI profilers analyzes the country’s most-twisted criminal minds, anticipating the perpetrators’ next moves before they can strike again.

Each member of the “mind hunter” team brings his or her expertise to pinpoint predators’ motivations and identify emotional triggers in order to stop them. The team is led by a strong

profiler, Special Agent Aaron Hotchner, who excels at gaining people’s trust and eliciting their secrets. Other members of the team include a specialist on obsessional crimes, a quirky genius, and a computer wizard.

the biggest complication for any of the couples might end up being their own clashing egos.

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SseboTM | ssebo.co.ke April 2015

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01. Daniel Adongo in Colts regalia 02. Adongo during a workout session 03. The line-backer while signing his contract 04. Loux poses with a female model 05. Adongo leaves the field after training 02

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Daniel ‘The Beast’ Adongo in fine form The 6-foot-6, 247-pound Daniel Adongo looks like he was chiseled from stone. In his first attempt at the broad jump, the 24-year-old cleared 11 feet, a mark which would have placed him among the top 10 among participants at the 2013 NFL Combined. He joined Colts after ditching rugby and he says he does not regret the move.

After ditching football to join the more lucrative National Football League (NFL), Daniel Adongo was supposed to sit on the sidelines for at least six months. However, on December 8, 2013, four months after he learned how to strap on the pads, the Kenyan made his Colts debut thanks to a tireless work ethic and the suppression of old instincts.

The player, now a confirmed linebacker, has since had little league action but he is not worried.

“I have enjoyed every bit of it and don’t regret making the switch from rugby to American Football. I knew nothing about American Football when I initially joined Colts but I have learnt so much within the short time thanks to my team mates and coaches,” Adongo said.

Adongo was scouted while playing for Strathmore School in the 2006 edition of the Safaricom Sevens to join the Natal Sharks

Academy in South Africa.

He later played for several rugby outfits in South Africa, including the Blue Bulls and the Kings.

A Hong Kong based rugby agent, Johnny Gbenda-Charles, talked to Indiana Colts about the possibility of signing up the player and after watching his videos, the club contacted him.

‘I did not know what to expect back then but accepted the challenge. I know I could transfer most of the skills I learnt in rugby into the game as I continued learning the trade and so far it has worked just fine,’ Adongo said.

‘It’s a huge challenge but with all the established players I’m learning the ropes and I believe I will become a good linebacker in due time.

“I just have to keep working harder and harder and learn as much as I can,’ he added. The 25-year-old lights up when

he speaks about his debut, against the Cincinnati Bengals.

“I was nervous but settled in well when I got into the match. Once I figured out that I had been put in the team, I vowed to give it my best shot, I think I put in a relatively good performance but there’s still a lot I have to learn and improve on and I will not rest until I become good in the game,” he said.

The Colts have been working to convert him into a speedy linebacker.

‘I have always been speedy in rugby and powerful and if I can maintain that, I know I will be a successful American Football player.

“I just have to keep on working hard and constantly keep my eyes on the prize,” he said.

The star’s final word for Kenyans: “If you love what you are doing, never give up. Your time will come, just trust in God and work hard towards your goal every single day.”

SseboTM | ssebo.co.ke 41 April 2015

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SseboTM | ssebo.co.ke April 2015

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03 01. President Uhuru Kenyatta and race horse owners 02. Jockey Henry Muya 03. Race horses after leaving the gates

The Derby is in town The Nairobi Derby is the biggest horse racing event in East Africa

The 2015 Nairobi Derby will happen on Sunday April 12 at the Ngong Racecourse.

Rising from its humble beginnings as a Kenyan variation of the Kentucky Derby, the Nairobi Derby is gradually becoming a centerpiece of the region’s racing industry.

But it has not always been smooth sailing for the event, which has survived extinction severally.

Brought to the country when it was a British colony, and a favored pastime for the former

white elite here, horse racing had been facing a slow decline from its heyday 30 years ago, reports Brendan Bannon.

But now things are changing down at the Ngong Racecourse, the last track left in Kenya, set in 310 forest-side acres in the city’s west.

A sweep of new owners, jockeys and trainers, originally from poor Kenyan families, is stepping in to take over as many of the oldguard died or left the country.

“In the past, we Kenyans did not involve ourselves very much in horses because we saw it as a very niche sport only for white people,” said Joe Muya, 52, a director of the Jockey Club of Kenya.

Born on a white-owned cattle ranch where his father was a plumber, Muya is now a wellheeled hotelier who owns 45 horses and runs a successful training stable in Nakuru. He is “I have been raising horses for 20 years, but there was a time we thought racing was going

to disappear. For it to survive here in Kenya, it must become truly a cosmopolitan mix-up of all people involved,” said Muya.

The Derby is more than just a horse race— it is an experience enhanced by familiar traditions, icons, and images.

Today, the Nairobi Derby continues to attract attention from celebrities, racing fans, and those who simply enjoy smooth cocktails, fabulous hats, and a wager on who will make it to the winner’s circle.