LIFE
CHANGING
EXPERIENCE
| SEPTEMBER - DECEMBER 2019
THE
11th EDITION | KSH 300
DEONYSIAS MWANGI: WALKING WITH OTHERS
FASHION $ STYLE:
YOUTH WITH A FUTURE H: T L G EA
H
N AGI L N A M ICA MED SES CRI
GRACE ADA FROM NORWAY
WAKALUCY PAN TO PLATE:
SCHOLA GITONGA
STITCH AFTER STITCH :INTERIOR SPLENDOUR
YUMMY NUTRITIOUS FISH
SPIRITUAL NOURISHMENT:
BONDS OF HONOUR
Windows give status to your home and office. Dress them with beautiful, classy,unique, state of the art curtains! Pop in at Jesco Interior Designs and select a variety of curtains that suit your needs at pocket friendly prices with a professional touch. We are located at Kasarani Mwiki Road ,Next to Equity Bank Contacts: 0729042614, 0722928289
CONTENTS
The Favourite Magazine | Issue 11
6
FEEDBACK
30-31 ADA
8-13 SCHOLA GITONGA 14-15
YOUTH WITH A FUTURE
18-21
DEONYSIAS MWANGI:
WITH 32-33 KIDS TALENT
WAKALUCY
22-24
36 MANAGING MEDICAL CRISIS
UP & ABOUT WITH SUZIE
26-27 28-29 4 | The Favourite
SPIRITUAL NOURISHMENT: BONDS OF HONOUR
ON 37 THOUGHTS TALENT
EDITORIAL
EMBRACING TALENT
Hello readers, welcome to the 11th edition of The Favorite magazine. The year is progressing on well and I trust your smile is still in place as we weather the storms of life. I reflect on the words of Orison Swett Marden who said, “A constant struggle, a ceaseless battle to bring success from inhospitable surroundings, is the price of all great achievements”. This made me
in their daily lives positively. They looked at the glass as half-full. They made lemonade out of the lemons of their lives. They produced music from the reeds at the riverside and those flutes carried their song far and wide. They too lie in their graves free and contented in that other world knowing they left a rich legacy behind. Then comes us who are living now. What do we have that can bring success from our inhospitable surroundings? Everyday when we wake up and draw the curtains, do we do so with a sigh and a complaint of those others who have made our lives so difficult. Or do we make a conscious effort to smile and be thankful to have yet another day to make our lives and other people’s lives different? As I put together this edition, I interacted with ordinary Kenyans who have taken what they have and changed their destiny and the destiny of those others who may be down there feeling downtrodden. Meet our cover model Schola, an interior designer who has made a mark in her industry. Then there is Wakalucy who has known that the way to everyone’s heart is a dish of sumptuous healthy fish. Many young men have been complaining of being side-lined yet do nothing to improve their lot. In comes Gachiri and Maichocho two young influential football commentators at Iganjo Radio. Mwangi too decided to go out in the streets and help the street families get registration documents thinking of the great potential that is so that they can also be counted as going to waste, is never fully realized bonafide Kenyans. all around us. Someone stated wisely As you read, join me in celebrating that the cemetery is the richest place and advocating for talents that on earth. For within those graves lie abound in this country. many dreams that were so rich but never got to be used. They are locked Enjoy your reading Suzie forever in the land of no return and their owners died miserable. Editor in chief But then again, I thought of many individuals who took the struggles
The Favourite | 5
FEEDBACK
Disclaimer
The Favourite Magazine is a publication of Favourite Suzie Enterprises. All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part without written permission of the publisher is strictly prohibited, while every care is taken in preparation of The Favourite Magazine. The publisher cannot be held responsible for the accuracy of the information held herein or any consequences arising from it. All photographs taken are assumed to be for publishing in the magazine and the publisher assumes no responsibility for unsolicited material.
Photographers:
Denis, Samuel, Njoka
Stylists:
Jasmine -Ruthex Salon 0723674354
Make up Artist Kammi, Naomi
Social Media Manager Charles Njama
Creative design & layout
AMD Studios
Executive editor Suzie
Susannjau3@gmail.com
.
Dear Suzie, Loving the content so far, thank you for adding more lifechanging stories. Very inspiring to read. Ubarikiwe sana. Sharon Karanja Nakuru
Distribution Manager Wangui Njau
Publishers
Suzie Favourite Enterprises To advertise with us, call 0735013552 Share your comments with us, write to "THE FAVOURITE MAGAZINE" Email:thefavouritemag@gmail.com.What do you think of this issue of The favourite magazine? Let us know what is on your mind , please include your name as it may appear in print.
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JOCAK MATHEMATICS Center. It's a special Center that was established under community based organisation. It's aim is to improve the performance of mathematics to all students in lower, upper and higher levels of education. From primary to secondary to university. It's headed by a mathematics lecturer who is an applied mathematician having taught mathematics for 34 years and having written many mathematics books. The centre also helps in guiding the students on the choice of their careers as shown in the table. The centre is OFF Thika superhighway near Kahawa Sukari (Engen petrol station). After Quick Matt super market turn right along Baringo road.
Contacts: 0790 247 247, 0733 753 547, 0725 473 775
Inspiring Lives
SCHOLA GITONGA STITCH AFTER STITCH: INTERIOR SPLENDOUR
By Suzie 8 | The Favourite
We sat at Sunside Guest House in Ruai and as I reflected on the beauty of this place, the ambience that would make me come back again and again and even bring my friends along, I thought of what beauty really means. I concluded that though beauty really lies in the eyes of the beholder, there is a lot of work done behind the scenes to make a place look beautiful. It is a conscious effort that calls for passion, commitment and hard work as I soon realized in my interview with this remarkable interior designer. Schola Gitonga of Jesco Interiors was born Schola MaryMagdaline Kararwa in Karia village, Githunguri Sub-county of Kiambu County. Her parents took her to school and provided a home where she, as the first born of five siblings, learnt what it takes to be a responsible individual. Charles Kararwa and Julia Wairimu gave space to their young girl to housekeep, decorate their house and tend beautiful flowers in the compound. After completing her basic education at Ndireti Primary School, she joined Kambaa Girls for Secondary Education. It is there she discovered home science as a subject and fell in love with it. The cooking and sewing involved pulsated in her veins and Mrs Koigi, her homescience teacher, became her source of warmth in the cold Kimende weather. She had something to do that she really loved. She learnt the ropes of good flower arrangement and couldn’t tear herself from anything artistic. She joined drama club, took part in debates and contested in modeling. In form 3 she was crowned Miss Atoti (the curvacious lady). This went beyond her strutting the catwalk as she also helped other models in their make up and designing various creative attires from feathers, bottletops, hard canvas, newspapers and anything young adolescent girls could get hold of to rock their party. This earned her two certificates for modeling and designing as she left secondary school. With this foundation, she enrolled at Utalii College, Thika Road for a course in Food and Beverage Service and Sales Techniques. Utalii gave the best education in her field
Inspiring Lives and the lifelong skills of handling customers. Her attachment was at a five star hotel, Safari Park Hotel and Casuino on Thika road. This was an eye opener as she learned in all the restaurants and served prominent people. This was excellence and finesse being made her working mantra. Something more was being added to the values she had learnt at home, school and community. After completing high school, she had served as a youth leader and Sunday school teacher in her church. Life has been described as unpredictable. Utalii College had given her a professional certificate and SafariPark a good recommendation. She confidently knocked doors in various establishments like Serena, Norfolk, Stanley and elsewhere but it was all in vain. Politics in Kenya had taken a bad turn; PEV (Post election violence) had put a damper on tourism. She just couldn’t get a job in the hotel industry. They say east or west, home is the best and so, home she went. Being positive minded, she consulted her parents and her father paid for her computer classes at Ikinu. In class one day, the activity involved browsing and she saw very nice designs. She commented to her course mate that she loved designs. Just like that the lady informed her that there was a designer in the shopping centre who trained on design. After classes she was introduced to this seamstress named Ruth and a deal was sealed. From 8.00 – 11.00a.m. she would learn computer and from 11.00 a.m. – 5.00p.m. she would learn to design and tailor clothes. Ruth exposed her to this field in men and women garments for eight months and she thanks her for being a wonderful teacher. This experience took her to Nairobi where she landed in the hands of a woman of God, a motherly figure, a teacher and a professional business lady called Leah Mathenge. The place was Roasters, Mawaki, where what she does now received a fine finishing. She was tutored in the world of interior design: curtain, bedcovers, embroidery and display. Leah never tired of telling her that display ‘ndio kazi’. On completion she went to her mother and requested use of her sewing machine. Her
mother gladly gave her daughter her only sewing machine. She set it in her house in Nairobi and decided to be self-employed. She made tissue holders, toilet sets and aprons. Her cousin Bertha, who she thanks from deep down her heart, encouraged her and became her marketer. Bertha took the items to her friends in church and in the office. Meanwhile, her life was blossoming in another direction. In 2007 while on attachment, she had met a charming young man who was working as a chef at Cafe Kigwa in Safari Park Hotel. Friendship evolved to courtship. Jeremiah Gitonga had set his sights on this girl and gave her support. So he accompanied her to seek market in various supermarkets. Three small scale supermarkets had given her space to display her products. Getting money from this venture called for great patience since you only got cash after the items are sold, but it was a start. One day, Home Depot Supermarket in Zimmerman opened a window for her. One director, Esther, requested for samples and the following day gave an order for Ksh. 7, 000. She was paid cash and this was just unbelievable! She was now on cloud nine and mightly motivated. That saw her make a bold move. She opened a shop and employed one assistant. Jeremiah gave her his support in the birth of Jesco Interiors at Kasarani in October 2009. He visited Tusky and Uchumi to seek orders. Together they visited Kebs and now the business was ready to kick start with the assurance of orders from three major supermarkets. But challenges set in. Foremost was capital. The orders were big and payment came much later after delivery. She required manpower but really had no money to pay them and she couldn’t meet all the orders with her one assistant. She went back home and shared her challengers with her mother. Just like that, her mother gave her seed money as a soft loan to buy another machine. But still it was difficult. In December 2010 she had happily wedded Gitonga in church. It was a time of celebration but which added a new dimension of family. So she had to make a choice. She stopped pursuing the supermarkets deals and decided to concentrate on walk-in customers in her shop. The Favourite | 9
Inspiring Lives
10 | The Favourite
Inspiring Lives Starting a business without capital is never a walk in the park. She became innovative. She would go to Githurai market, buy mtumba curtains, wash, iron and redesign them. At 21 years of age, she was positive minded and rearing to go. Now living at Ngumba Estate, she would walk one way to or from her shop at Kasarani. With walk-in jobs proving elusive, she took photos of her work and wrote introductory letters. She visited posh estates on foot and dropped introductory letters. She is not sure the guards she found ever forwarded her letters. But she never gave up as she went door to door in Kahawa Sukari, Garden Estate and anywhere else she saw potential. She went to boutiques in Nairobi especially Taveta Road carrying a heavy bag of samples and heavily pregnant too. She did this day in day out without giving up and gradually picked customers. To keep her dream afloat, she would visit Eastleigh and touch new curtain materials longingly and with a smile ask the price per metre knowing too well she couldn’t afford even one meter. But her dream and artistic mind kept working. At the home front, her hubby had decided to further his education in USIU as he continued working. The purse strings were tighter. She just had to work. A loan had to be paid up. Her firstborn, barely three months required a nanny, her two assistants at the shop needed to be paid, rent would be due every month. It was tough especially for her small baby and her eyes water with emotions. She recollects this to be her most painful moment in life, the conflict of tending to a young business and a young baby. A lady of faith, she drew strength from God and His favour was upon them. Two years later, the shop became vibrant. She recalls one walk-in customer who gave her an order of Ksh.5,000 and paid a deposit of Ksh.3, 000. This was the breakthrough to new curtains design. In town, she supplied aprons, chef’s hats toilet sets, toothbrush holders. She also did any other job a client requested. With the good tidings her customer, Faith Hari, an editor, brought her, she now fully went into the new curtains specialization and her daily sales trips to town
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Inspiring Lives ceased. She took in orders at the shop now and took up students. She also came up with an innovative design for square mosquito nets with stands. Her ever supportive husband then decided to quit his job. He brought a new dimension to their business. He designed the metal stands for the mosquito nets and branched into furniture work. Their business was now major as hubby did the structural part, the welding and fabrication, and the wife, soft furnishings. Jesca interiors is thus a family unit, doing exceptionally well and oh, so fulfilling for someone who started the design business journey in a home science room to a dusty upcoming shopping centre and finally a big vibrant shop on a major superhighway in Kasarani. A business where the hand of God has multiplied the efforts of hardworking hands to even be known nationally, in outside countries like Rwanda and Ethiopia, and even in the west internationally in US and UK, in terms of clients’ base.
Ten Quick Ones for Schola:
Age : Blessed 32 Best meal: Matoke and Kuku Kienyenji Leisure well spent: Cooking for family, playing with her children, dancing with hubby. Dream home to furnish: Statehouse Motivation: My relationship with God, my family Dream Vacation: China, Dubai, Israel Mentors: My parents, my hubby, my home science teacher in secondary school, my design teachers Ruth and Leah Mathenge, my cousin Bertha. 3 ladies for dinner: Margaret Kenyatta (humility and Composure) Rev Kathy Kiuna (encouraging spirit) Rev Natasha (Godly strength of a woman) 3 influential men in society: Pastor Morris Gacheru (Godly faith, wisdom and passion) Churchill (resilient, creative, nurturing talents) S. K. Macharia (Determination, business acumen).
12 | The Favourite
Inspiring Lives Heart breaking moments: Seeing young people compromising their morals for materialistic reasons. People not honoring God As I looked at this cute lady and noted her ready smile, hearty laugh and accommodating personality, I was inspired that everyone has what it takes to make their lives really worthwhile by developing their talents and being ambitious enough to choose the right path. Women are vain about beautiful things, so I sought to know for myself what are the best curtains for a living room in a modern design. The answer: African curtain designs, using a unique fabric. Since talents empowerment was my motivation for this edition, I sought to know what Schola is doing and my heart rested on realizing that she goes out of her way to empower talented youths. For the last 7 years, she has supported them in areas like beadwork, makuti seats and weaving baskets. She dreams big. To have an interior design school, to have her products in all 47 counties and to have a fashion and design exhibition for models and weddings. Don’t you admire this wife and mother of two daughters and business influencer?
Schola’s parting shot: Enjoy your life and rejoice in the Lord. Trust Him Passion points your destiny, so remain passionate even in tough times.
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Youth and Life
YOUTH WITH A FUTURE:
LIVING CLEAN By Menta T. There is honour and there is dishonour. There are chices that then there are consequences. There is the ideal but also reality.
Proverbs 11:3
cautions us “Honesty guides good people; dishonesty destroys treacherous people”. Now let us be honest to ourselves. We want to be good people, right? We want to live honourable lives, correct? Are we doing those things that bring honour or are we engaged in those that bring dishonour? Life is a tricky affair. Human beings are complex. That is why Apostle Paul in his letter to the Romans 12:910 urged them; “Don’t just pretend to love others. Really love them. Hate what is wrong. Hold tightly to what is good. Love each other with genuine affection and take delight in honouring each other”. When taking our daily walk dear youth, we have to often take pause and reflect on individuals we would rather not be. Characters we want no association with. The villains of this world who have and continue to leave a sour taste in our mouth. Each of us has a dishonour list. The likes of Hitler and his cronies from that horrid past of 2nd world war. He had been given a stage as a world 14 | The Favourite
yet did remarkable things to promote humanity. He touched all ages and all people. Years later, we echo Martin Luther’s words that here lived a man who swept his streets so well. Then governor Joyce Laboso exited too. We saw and heard a family standing together as husband father and children to honour their departed wife and mother in stoicism. That family honour had been cultivated over time. And now to your doorstep. Are you, young person, living a worthy life? Are you cutting corners while convincing yourself it is youthful vanity which you must partake? Are you letting yourself wave opportunities away by the choices you are making daily despite knowing that time lost will never be But then, we turn to the next page recovered? Can you have the grit with stories of honourable people. Some have won world applause while and will power to stand like youthful Joseph, Joshua, David, Shadrach, others remain in the background, Meshack and Abednego? When those their memories etched in the hearts around you look for attributes in you they touched. Dear youth, take an edifying walk with me. Martin Luther to put you in the Young Achiever’s List, will they find them or will you King Jnr., a man of God and a civil fail this important test of honour? rights crusader with a difference. As we part for now, ponder on the He sought to end the indignities of words of Ben Carson in his book the black man in America through The Big Picture.. “A victim walking peaceful methods that would end through sand looks down and sees the bitterness of racism rather than dirt, a victor sees the ingredients violent vengeful confrontations. for building a castle.” Young friend, Nelson Mandela, who spent 27 years life is full of indignities but we have in prison in Robben Island but still a choice: to be victims or victors. came out with a hearty smile and a Take the dirt in your path and build heart big enough to accommodate those who had perpetrated apartheid a castle, a magnificent castle. It will offer you a homely spacious place for many years. Mother Teresa to live in. It will defend you from the who walked the streets of Calcutta vagaries of this life. You shall be the as a nun and decided to give the queen and king of your castle. We homeless a dignified ending by a shall tour it and wonder at its sturdy simple selfless touch. That humility magnificence for eons and eons. impacted on a world that had no Simple, wear the badge of honour honour for its suffering needy. and all these glories shall be yours. Then closer home, Bob Collymore Adieu exited the world scene this July. We celebrated a great man who was not afraid to face his human weaknesses leader but died in dishonour as relates to the Holocaust. The millions who have wasted their lives in drugs and end up living in disgrace. Their existence becomes a sacrilege. We have terrorists who have stormed our lives and left us struggling to make meaning of life. This August we recollected the bombing of the US Embassy in Nairobi. We sadly reflect on the Garrissa University, West Gate and Dusit attacks. What could have made those individuals dishonour the sanctity of human life and our brotherhood? What of the many teenage criminal gangs creating havoc in all our cities and villages but most prominent in Mombasa and Dandora?
Youth and Life
The Favourite | 15
16 | The Favourite
Brains need sharpening, character needs moulding, children need caring. In a world that calls us to have the right competencies, your child requires the best school environment. Enrol your child with us as we walk together to make them a winner in an enriching learning experience.
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Real Life
DEONYSIAS MWANGI: WALKING WITH OTHERS By Suzie Whenever you walk the streets of our major cities, you encounter street families. You respond mainly in two ways: you get scared and check out for your won safety or you look in helpless resignation wondering how this human catastrophe will ever be rectified. Then everywhere else you go, you notice people harassed by life’s circumstances in a system where those in positions have neglected their duties and left our social structures in decay. Many have become victims of the difficult circumstances they have found themselves in and thus the vicious cycle. Some simply give up and commit suicide or gradually lose themselves in drugs. Others have nursed the betrayals and frustrations to bitter levels and gone out on vengeance missions thus criminal activities have shop up. But thanks God all is not lost. In our country and in our times, are ordinary people doing extraordinary good things and restoring humanity and hope. This is how I met Mwangi who has a very inspiring story. Deunysias Mwangi Waithira was born in Embu where his father had bought a farm. But soon, the young child’s life was disrupted. His parents’ marriage didn’t work and separation threw a spanner in the works. Thus Mwangi grew up in Thura, Kilimambogo, Thika with a struggling single mother trying to provide. After completing standard eight, circumstances made him grow into a man. There was to be no secondary school for him for simply there was no money. So, he moved to Nairobi and stayed in Huruma in 1999 to try his hand as a mechanic at Grogon. He wasn’t bitter. This was his life. He would just make the best of it.
18 | The Favourite
He hadn’t reckoned with the challenges of city life and Grogon was a dragon! He quit and tried his hand in the stuffy hot kitchens of downtown hotels on meager pay. He worked in hotels in Huruma, Eastleigh, Mlolongo and finally landed in Githurai. He had committed himself to give the best of his youthful energy to his job and now made very nice chapattis. And so, at Mlolongo, a customer was so impressed with his chapos that the person approached him and offered him a job at his hotel in Githurai. He was tired of being thrown out of his small rental rooms for lack of rent money and even sleeping on street corners. He took the offer and Githurai was actually better. March 2003 saw him in Githurai, “Thoko ya Mahiga” (the stone market). He would cook the chapos and distribute tea and food to those in the market. A social hard worker, he developed good relationships with the customers. One woman in particular would challenge him that he could make a good tailor. Life financially was still very tough. He couldn’t make ends meet and really never gave tailoring much thought. All he wanted was a job to see him through the day and distributing his boss’ food was enough. But he was also curious and so in between breaks as he distributed food and collected utensils, he would sit at the tailoring stalls and tread on the machines. His friends encouraged and allowed him. Perhaps they had seen some potential he was unaware of. He soon could operate a sewing machine. Friends come in hardy even in unexpected places and he was taught how to make loose covers and do embroidery.
Real Life At the hotel, Mwangi was earning Ksh.3, 000 per month and had a room he paid Ksh.1, 200 for rent per month. But there was a problem. If utensils broke or food split, you were penalized. At the end of the month, deductions would take away your whole pay. At this point, a tailor friend offered him a job in January 2004. The challenge was that by then only girls were employed in the tailoring stalls; he would be the only male. Secondly, the girls were paid between Ksh.1, 500-Ksh.2, 000. This could not really sustain him. But a deal was struck. He would be paid by piecework and this would amount to Ksh.2, 500. This was good and Mwangi the hotel cook became Mwangi the tailor. With time, he became quite good at his art and sought to become self-employed. Without capital, a machine and a stall, this was a tall order. But friends came in again to help. A friend gave him a machine free for 3 months while another lady gave him stall space. Unfortunately the machine became faulty and Ksh.4, 000 was needed to replace the faulty piece. He didn’t have the money so he was grounded. He looked at his options and went back to the village to his mother. A dutiful son crying on a mother’s shoulder gets a hearing. It surprised him when the mother requested him to go with her and at the bank withdrew Ksh.15, 000 and gave it to him. He was elated and with a smile and determination, he bought a sewing machine and a table. That was 2005/2006 when Mwangi was now his own person, with his own business. He worked hard and his business flourished with time. He never forgot that for him to be in that comfortable place people had come through for him. So when he noted young people in distress in the streets, he took them in and trained them. He started with 4 street boys. But when he was teaching them on saving and independence, he realized they didn’t have IDs so he assisted them to get their identification documents. This simple gesture would grow to a big charity enterprise. Word got around that if you needed an ID, Mwangi would help. Desperate people started calling at his stall. He went and consulted the Registrar of persons
at Kasarani and with the right information he assisted the needy to fill documents. He organized with the registration office to register locals in Githurai five times. His ID assistance continued. But they say problems don’t come singly. The needy had more problems not just IDs. Children needed to go to school. They came to Mwangi. He approached the administration at Githurai Primary and they took the kids. He would request his associates at the market for sponsorship. With time this even extended to secondary education. This education sponsorship thing was becoming big. So he visited the Ministry of Education offices in Nairobi and he got a letter authorizing the assistance. He collaborated with Golden Gate Academy in Majengo and they took kids until the school closed down after 4 years. Then the government Policy on Birth Certificates became the next frustrating issue for parents. Mwangi assisted yet again in 2014/2015 onwards. He would even go to Bishop House in Nairobi to pursue these matters on behalf of others. NHIF registration became the other area he assisted the community members. With all these form filling, office visits and community awareness, he made a major decision. He went back to school. He registered for secondary education as an adult student. This was very challenging. He had to attend to his studies. He had to cater for his family, a wife and two children. People were still coming to him for assistance and he could now not be fully in business. But he soldiered on and sat his KCSE. Then politics came knocking. In 2017, people he had assisted in the community urged him to run for MCA. He was in the Jubilee nomination and emerged 3rd out of 20. He went further and ran as an independent candidate and was 2nd out of ten.
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Real Life Time was not ripe for a political seat for him. So he bowed out and went back to his communal calling. By then, it had become something major. One day the Nairobi County Council Officials had come to the Githurai market and found a large queue outside a stall. They were curious. They soon discovered that the people were coming to be assisted to fill forms. They advised Mwangi to apply for space to set up a room away form the business premises. This is where Mwangi now operates. He has over 64 students in Secondary Schools and collaborates with various schools like Ebenezer in Kilimambogo, Peris Academy in Murang’a and a boy’s school in Gilgil. He has seen street children, who had earlier slept at the Githurai Roundabout, transform and settle in their own homes and even get jobs to sweep the Thika Super Highway after getting IDs. What a motivating story!
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Ten Quick Ones for Mwangi: Current place in life: Passionate about helping the needy A father of 3 boys and a husband who loves his wife dearly Motivation: • Challenges encountered when growing up • Assistance I received when I was down • Seeing a person’s life change for the better with a little assistance • The people who willingly assist me in my cause. Current self development: Undertaking a Diploma in business and hope to do a degree Challenging moment: • Moments when needs are too many and there is the realization you can't help everyone. • 5 years from now have a large classroom with ten machines to teach the youths and single mothers designs. • Be the Githurai MCA Greatest Desire: Having government services freely and easily available at the grassroots. Dream Vacation: America and Germany. I admire their social structures and would want to learn. Leisure: Interacting with people Kwa-Base, whether in the streets or at school. What makes your day Being with happy children Surprise date That would be with my dear wife, mother of my three children who loved me when I was totally broke!
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Located at PACIFIC AUTO SHOP along Kirinyaga Road Contacts: 0790 247 247, 0733 753 547, 0725 473 775
Entrepreneur
WAKALUCY
PAN TO PLATE: Yummy nutritious fish
By Suzie Food is good. Food is essential. Food is health. Food is happiness. Food is an everyday affair. Food is the world’s mega industry. A good yummy nutritious fish dish is something to go looking for! That is how the loud acclamations reached my ears; that is what caught my eyes. I saw masses headed someplace I wanted to find out about and visit and see with my own eyes – Wakalucy’s Fish Palace. So, I sought out the proprietor of this busy establishment. To get a few minutes with this busy lady, I had to schedule my interview at night. I was there on a Thursday night which is themed Reggae night. As the various Reggae sensations belted out in the background, I observed that the staff here were very welcoming and smartly dressed. This establishment
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at Kasarani is living to its name. The fish display was great; it beckons the customer from afar. It is a palace in terms of its spacious car park, car wash, club and eatery. There is great creativity as the needs to various customers are looked into and therefore everyday has a different theme. The customer is the king and the personnel humbly provide a gourmet eating experience. George Bernard Shaw once stated, “People are always blaming their circumstances for what they are. I don’t believe in circumstances. The people who get on it this world are the people who get up and look for the circumstances they want, and if they can’t find them, make them”. This bit of wisdom is what kept me glued to my seat listening to a wise woman who never let her circumstances box her to oblivion.
Kenyans have become a complaining lot. We have become so negative that much of our time is spent complaining and shifting blame instead of taking the high road and making do with what we have and making it work for us. My hope was restored that with a positive mindset, one can use the basic talents they have and live in a palace. Irene Wanjiru Chege was born in Sabasaba in Murang’a, the 7th born of 8 siblings. She attended Sabasaba primary school and when she was done, she knew there would be no secondary education for her. The bottom line was that her family was struggling financially and now it was her turn to join the world of work and survive. With that fact lighting her path, she packed her bags and came to live with her sister here in Nairobi. Her mother had
Entrepreneur
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Entrepreneur
survived hawking in this city so it was the only line she thought of then. Life for a primary school leaver was hard. She grew up onto adulthood on the pavements of an unforgiving city running from Kanju – City Council Askaris, on a daily basis. Sometimes, all she had made for the day or hoped to make would go down the drain whenever her wares were confiscated or she was arrested and had to pay dearly for freedom. This harassment and uncertain business environment was becoming too much. She had made a friend who introduced her to the hotel industry. She worked in a hotel and she got her a position. She was employed in a hotel for two years. It was hard work but more gratifying as she didn’t have to keep looking behind and checking out alleys where she could duck to. As she worked, she learnt a lot. How to prepare various dishes, what customer’s trends were, in terms of food choices and how a business is run. She made the realization that people were gradually keeping away from red meat and were now inclined to white meat. She also discovered that Nairobi, being a cosmopolitan city, had great opportunities. Nairobians just wanted a good healthy dish and they were ready to pay. It did not matter which cultural 24 | The Favourite
group it came from. She concluded that when customers are offered a clean comfortable eating space, they would take it whole heartedly. Fish then was mainly with the mama samakis in the informal settlements or in the expensive hotels where many could not access. She also had a dream to make something out of her life with her two strong hands. Her first stop was a Dholuo lady friend who taught her how to prepare fish. Next, she looked for a place to start her eatery. This has seen her over the years set base at Roysambu Inn, Canopy, Carwash, By-pass Ruai and now her flagship Wakalucy Fish Palace at Kasarani. As time progressed, she became a mother of one girl called Lucy Wambui and that is how people called her mother of Lucy, and she gave that to be her business brand name. She specialized in fish and it is now her life line. As the business grew, she realized she needed to give her customers a memorable eating experience. She employed qualified dedicated staff. From a small scale joint, she currently runs two eateries, the one at Kasarani and another at By-pass Ruai. She has over 50 employees. Irene never despised herself or gave up, rather she took the
opportunities as they presented themselves. Even without a secondary education or a university degree, she is running a thriving business. Her challenge to the youth is that they simply must work hard. She entreats that success is a journey and one must be patient to make that challenging journey step by step. It is quite tiring but one must be ready to pay that price for there is nothing good that comes from a good place. That is the Gikuyu proverb she summed this interview with. “Gutiri kiega kiumaga hega”. From rural Sabasaba to the dusty Nairobi streets, to up market business locations, Wa Kalucy has transited to a business queen who can now confidently state that she hopes to visit Dubai and China on holiday and also buy modern equipment for her hotels which she wishes to expand. During leisure time, she loves swimming and running to keep healthy. So next time you are in Kasarani and Ruai, grab some fish from Wakalucy’s Fish Palace. And for you who still feels the world is unfair and not giving you the right opportunities, be more positive and see what you can do right where you are with what little you have.
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Education & Culture
Up & About With Suzie We live in a beautiful world with endless opportunities to enjoy our lives in a fulfilling healthy way. We must strive to make the best of this life. Each one us has unique gifts we can invest in and exploit to make our lives better and enrich humanity. It is with this in mind that I visited some young people to see what they have to offer and I was amazed. There is something about adolescence, that magical sweet 16phase when the stars shine bright. No matter where you are, you create a world stage where hope, laughter, creativity and the “never say die” spirit bubbles to infinity. PCEA Kanjai Secondary School was holding its annual Talents Day on Friday July 12. A public mixed day school located along the Githunguri-Ruiru Highway, it is in Githunguri Sub-county. Tucked in a small compound with limited infrastructure, the 200 plus youngsters chose to display what 26 | The Favourite
they are made of and outshone each other with youthful energy. Learning became fun. It was a day full of activities. The inter-class talents contest had actually started earlier in the term with practice, debates, subject quizzes and cleanliness and discipline assessment. On that day, everyone gave their best to boost their class marks. Contestants battled it out in public speaking, general knowledge oral quiz, cultural dances, modern dance, contemporary gospel songs, classical hymns and zilizopendwa. Assorted games were another area involving dribbling, potato and sack races, tug of war etc. But what made my day was the Mr and Miss Kanjai contest. Everyone had to make a speech, then model in three categories. The first was in uniform as its appropriateness and neatness were checked. The demeanor of a serious focused
student was reviewed. Then came the cultural category and it was awesome. Each class was assigned a cultural group; form 4 Swahili, form 3 Maasai, Form 2 Gikuyu and Form 1 Kamba. I saw originality, creativity, confidence and a great future from models who had no professional training. The applause was loud and clear – young people have what it takes to conquer the world. Even as they wrapped up their cat-walk in casual wear, I was totally convinced I was looking at potential. Congratulations to all who played a role in making the day memorable. Kudos to the winners: Jacinta Wairimu and Eric Kaburunje F2. The rest of you, this is a special mention, you too were great: Agnes Waithera and Boniface Wangaruro F1, Kezia Waithira and Brian Kimani F3, Faith Kihara and Vincent Kimotho F4.
Education & Culture
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Faith and Healing David was a protégé of Samuel in the bible. The servant of God had annointed him straight from the bush tending his father’s animals. David was a young boy but was to take over leadership from King Saul. With time, Saul hated him with venom. David tried. He really tried to deal with it. He even played beautiful music to soothe this murderous mood. Jonathan was king Saul’s son. The two met when David returned from killing Goliath, the Philistine giant and enemy of Israel. David was them brought to the king. 1samuel 18:1-4 After David had finished talking with Saul, he met Jonathan, the King’s son . there was an immediate bond between them, for Jonathan loved David. From that day on, Saul kept David with him and wouldn’t let him return home. And Jonathan made a solemn pact with David, because he loved him as he loved himself. Jonathan sealed the pact by taking off his robe and giving it to David, together with his tunic, sword, bow and belt. These two young friends of diverse backgrounds are a mirror of what a true friendship should be like. They teach us as Christians how to establish, cultivate, nurture, retain and redeem bonds of honor, with those who are in our lives. This is because friendship is often tested and many of us fail the test, leading to betrayal, bitterness and ugly fallouts. With time, king Saul realized that David was the annointed one and would become King one day. He became intensely jealous and tried to kill David on several occasions. This forced David to become an outlaw living in exile in the Philistine territory until Saul, his arch-enemy, was killed in battle. Jonathan too, as the Prince of Israel, realized that David and not he, would be the next king. But in a surprise response, Jonathan never changed his stand in their relationship. That fact that he would not ascend to power and that this was his father’s enemy did not weaken his love for David. Honorable Jonathan was ready to lose the throne of Israel rather than lose his closest friend.
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SPIRITUAL NOURISHMENT:
BONDS OF HONOUR
Faith and Healing What about us? Can our relationships withstand the tests of time? Can we stand with those around us – family, friends, colleagues, schoolmates, community, even when all logic says otherwise? Are our relationships tied firmly by the bonds of honor? When Jesus walked this earth, he chose a band of close associates, the twelve disciples. He taught them and went through various challenges with them. But
even the promise of eternal life and the privilege of knowing Jesus was not just an ordinary buddy but the son of the living God, one of them still chose to betray Jesus, his friends and the cause they stood for. It is said “Kikulacho ki nguoni mwako”, and this Kiswahili proverb cautions us to be wary of those who are close to us. Jesus chose Judas to be his disciple. He was even the treasurer. He received money out of greed and betrayed Jesus. He made the greatest
mistake in history. He had a choice. Unfortunately he couldn’t live with the guilt and so committed suicide. Even in that fatal moment, he made a second wrong choice. He could have sought forgiveness like the thief on the cross who beseeched Jesus to remember him. Christian fellowship calls on us to love one another and also to love God with all our hearts. In Kenya, every corner has a place of worship. Whenever we sing the national anthem, we ask “God of all creation, Bless this our land and nation”. Then we proceed to make our commitment, “Let all with one accord, in common bond united, build this our nation together”. What then goes wrong? We stab our friends in the back when we betray them and do dishonorable things behind their backs. We let our families down and hurt each other beyond measure. We manipulate our friends in order to have selfish gains. Churches are full of squabbles and power struggles as others become centers of materialism throwing spiritual honour down the drain. Our nation is struggling with an economic crisis caused by individuals who are hell-bent in enriching only themselves and milking our institutions dry. No one is being the brother’s keeper as the youthful generation is being rendered useless as their custodians pump them with illegal drugs and liquor from the devil's cauldron. Which way then? Jonathan unfortunately died but his friend king David did remember their bond and sought his lame son and honored him. Their friendship was real and deep since it was based on commitment to God and not just each other. They worked on their bond by letting nothing come between them, not even career or family conflicts. Even in times of great trials, they drew together and remained friends to the end. In our Christian walk brethren, let us honor God the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit. Let us not betray our calling and for all those around us, let us maintain the bonds of honor and be true to the bonds that bind us together. Proverbs 17:17 "A friend is always loyal, and a brother is born to help in times of need." The Favourite | 29
Fashion & Style
An interview with Grace Ada, 15 years from Norway (Done by Ericah) Grace is an ambitious, talented, hard working and God fearing youth. A beautiful young lady with mixed heritage: Born in Norway with an African background – Mother is half South Sudanese & Ugandan, and father is Nigerian & South Sudanese. Fluent in Norwegian & English language, she is learning Swahili. She lives in a big loving family that embraces both Norwegian and African cultures and supports her dream. She has always wanted to be a model and it was a dream to be discovered. She states that she is very confident and comfortable in her skin. Currently Grace is joining high school to study Science and In the future she would like to be doctor and a model. She has attended EM short training & photoshoots and that has brought out her confidence, poise and strong walk. As her mentor, I realized she is a natural at being High Fashion. She is looking forward to conquering the fashion industry and I have faith that she will make a great nternational Fashion and Editorial model.
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Grace Ada
Fashion & Style
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Fashion & Style
KIDS WITH TALENT By Ericah
EM MODELS AFRICA www.emmodelsafrica.com 0702868521
Children are gifted and they have dreams. However, they are still under adult guidance so their choices are limited by what those in charge decide. They may also be ignorant of their talents which they simply take as part of their child play since their exposure of the world is not yet fully defined. Kids may also be exploited. The spaces they land in because of their talents may have opportunists who leave them exploited and hurt. In the modeling world, kids have both talent and passion and once discovered, nurtured, managed and well mentored, they can flourish and go on to lead exemplerary lives.
My take for kids in modeling:
Do they have the passion to be models? Check out their enthusiasm and excitement.
Do they have the confidence?
Modeling involves people and photo shoots. Lack of confidence will negatively influence the camera pose and the walk on stage.
Do they have other areas of interest? Kids are dynamic and
should experience a variety of engagements to have an adventure before they specialize.
Do they have the talent for modeling? Interest alone might
not place them in modeling circles. Check out the key things that point to their talent and nurture them.
Do they have the right support system? A child’s life will require
positive support from parents and in modeling the right professionals: talent scouts, managers, agencies, photographers and mentors.
Do they have and understand the right school program? The school
program and the modeling gigs should not clash, rather they should complement. This is key to growth. 32 | The Favourite
Fashion & Style
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Fashion&&Nutrition Style Health
MANAGING MEDICAL CRISES By correspondent Everyone prays for good health. Each morning when we wake up, we trust that our bodies will be in top form to enable us carry out our daily activities. And now with more medical awareness, we are striving to eat right and engage in those activities that will keep us in shape. However, there is reality. There is the glaring fact that our human bodies are not immortal. That our bodies will give in when we require them the most. That some things in nature just cannot be explained. That some medical conditions have defied medical science. That others are chronic and can only be managed and we learn to live with them. But there is hope. Medical advances have made things easier. We can make healthy choices. Here are some tips when those medical crises arise: Appreciate the healthy you. Do not wait for a medical crisis. Look after your health and your children’s health from the very beginning. Maintain a healthy lifestyle- physical, mental, spiritual, social and financial. Be informed. Seek knowledge. The medical jargon can be rather scaring and unfamiliar but when it is broken down and you have the right information regarding the particular medical condition, the better. Ask the health personnel questions that will give you the right information on what is to be done. Seek even a second opinion. But don’t rely on uncle Google to make a selfdiagnosis and treat yourself. Be sober and logical. Any crisis will throw an individual in a whirl-pool of emotions. Breathe in and out and make a conscious decision to walk this tight-rope when you are composed. The physical pain and the financial demands may be draining. But it is your mental attitude that will make things bearable. Go to your emotional reserves for strength. 36 | The Favourite
Have a support system. A medical crisis will bring the glaring facts home. Man is a social being. You cannot win this war alone. Work with a cohort. Not everyone will understand what you are going through but some will. Not everyone will give you the kind of help you urgently need but someone can do something. Join a support group. It helps to realize you are not alone.
Follow the medical regime religiously. Many times we slacken on what we have been asked to do. When we feel better, we abandon our medication and clinics. When asked to avoid certain things like certain foods or alcohol, we rebel and go on to use them. Relapses are very unforgiving. They happen but let us not trigger them by our assumptions.
Seek help; in this life, we need to be brave and face our battles. However, a medical crisis often bares you, leaving you very vulnerable. Be positive about needing to tell others and seeking help. Don’t be battered by guilt and shame. Face the facts and live with them. Sickness is a loss – of ease, comfort, privacy, dignity, mobility, opportunities, time, dreams and even life. Understand and appreciate that this involves grief. Understand the grief process and allow yourself to grief. No one is superhuman. Go through the process as you seek acceptance and closure. This will give you the serenity and strength to deal with your state.
Last Comment
THOUGHTS ON TALENTS By Suzie
The dictionary defines a talent as a natural ability to do something well. Therefore, is talent in born or nurtured? Do you know your talents and what are you doing to bring them out? Are significant others trampling and destroying other people’s talents or building them up? Joe Kadenge the famous Kenyan footballer who passed on this season flourished as a star when football was a passionate thrill and not a money machine. He was authentic and his fame and prowess will outlive him. Is the modern person too incensed with money matters that talent has lost its sweetness and satisfaction? Listening to the talented duo – Maichocho and Gachiri, commenting on matters football, many things come to mind. At the end of the game, who is the star? Is it the Algerian team for winning AFCON? Is it the Senegalese coach hugging and speaking life to his team after their loss? Is it the player who strikes that winning goal? Is it the goalkeeper who keeps that ball from entering the goal? Is it the fans who religiously give their support? Is it the family, government, sponsoring body, sports journalists, medical team, technical crew, everyone else, that give their best for the match to take place? Thus, an individual may be talented but it takes the whole village to see talent flourish. So let us all work together to nurture talent.
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Need a place to unwind and enjoy your favourite delicacy? Look no further.
WAKALUCY Fish Palace
We have that yummy nutritious fish of your choice. Pop in for that memorable treat. We offer a variety of healthy fresh dishes. There is ample secure parking and a car wash that delivers excellent services. Our club operates throughout the week under different themes to suit your taste. Our prices are pocket friendly. Find us at:
Kasarani Branch We are located along Mwiki road near Kasarani police station PO.Box 10121-00100 Nairobi Kenya Contacts: 0724 574766, 0726 819 204
Eastern By pass branch Located at Kamakis, along eastern bypass. Contacts: 0726819204, 0725656874
Need a place to unwind and enjoy your favourite delicacy? Look no further.
WAKALUCY Fish Palace
We have that yummy nutritious fish of your choice. Pop in for that memorable treat. We offer a variety of healthy fresh dishes. There is ample secure parking and a car wash that delivers excellent services. Our club operates throughout the week under different themes to suit your taste. Our prices are pocket friendly. Find us at:
Kasarani Branch We are located along Mwiki road near Kasarani police station PO.Box 10121-00100 Nairobi Kenya Contacts: 0724 574766, 0726 819 204
Eastern By pass branch Located at Kamakis, along eastern bypass. Contacts: 0726819204, 0725656874