THE FAVOURITE ISSUE 5

Favourite LIFE

CHANGING

EXPERIENCE

| DECEMBER 2017- MARCH 2018

THE

5th EDITION | VOL 3 | KSH 300

Jimmy Gait

CASUAL LABOURER TO A SUPERSTAR

CATHERINE NDEREBA SPORTS ICON OF ALL TIMES

Ngoni Thuita

The Laughter Balm

Erica Muthoni Giving Youth A Touch Of Professionalism

Fr. Njue

Spear heading A Spiritual Legacy

EDITORIAL

Unveiling Champions

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EDITORIAL

CHOOSING RIGHT Ever sat under a tall tree pondering how to scale it to savour the fruits that beckon from the uppermost branches? Well,this scenario challenges all individuals keen on success. You want it but is costly narrowing down to CHOICES IN LIFE. We could sit under our tree awaiting the unlikely fall of a fruit or roll our sleeves and start the uphill task of tactfully scaling the heights and picking it with our own hands.

Todays' youth are impatient and want the easy way out. Our world is materialistic and majority want it all now and here. Many are making the wrong choices and moves resulting in dire consequences.

Corners are cut and the crowd followed instead of making sound informed choices based on being principled.

Should I elect a leader because he has dished out money? Should I join criminal gangs because it is 'kawaida' in our hood? Should I close my eyes and ignore evil just because I am alone voice? These are some hard questions we must ask ourselves. If already on the right path having our act together, why not mentor those around us?

Every youth should know that life happens in phases and God ordained each phase to be a blessing. Lets' find happiness and fulfillment in each phase through choosing right. Roses have thorns and all that glitters is not gold it's been aptly put. So make your life one continuous adventure where challenges become milestones and as an individual you contribute positively to the society that makes you whole.

Suzie Editor in Chief

The Favourite | 3

CONTENTS

CONTENTS

The Favourite Magazine | Issue 5

05

Mailbox

08-11 Jimmy Gait

4 | The Favourite

12

Mind Over Mattress

13

Spearheading A Spiritual Legacy

CONTENTS

20-21

The Laughter Balm

15-18 Catherine Ndereba GIVING YOUTH A TOUCH OF PROFESSIONALISM A Fruit a Day Keeps the Doctor Away

22-23

24

25

Beautifully and Wonderfully Made

The Favourite | 5

FEEDBACK

Disclaimer

MailBox An educational magazine

It’s amazing how talents can be nurtured.

Having read Favourite Magazine which is flavored with different fields of interest, I have learnt a lot. You have what it takes to keep educating the nation and the world at large. Bravo!

Sr. Virginia RSM Kitui

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 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 for publishing in the magazine and the publisher assumes no responsibility for unsolicited material.

Photographers:

Dennis 0706 700 257 Brown,Venessa and ivy

Cover photo by

Dennis

Creative design & layout

AMD Studios

Quite motivating

May the good Lord bless Favourite magazine and the editor. I never miss every new issue of the magazine.

Whenever I peruse any of them I get hope and motivation. I’m glad to have seen what God can do with young people that are committed. Favourite is undoubtedly a life-changing magazine.

Caroline Wanjiku Kimani Kiambu

Keep up the good work

Your stories are relevant and encouraging especially to the young people with hardwork, dedication and commitment remain focused to your dreams. Continue with the same spirit of giving back to the society and we will support you fully.

Patrick Githaiga Naiobi

Executive editor Suzie

Editor in Chief Susannjau3@gmail.com

Publishers

Suzie favourite enterprises To advertise with us 0735013552 Share your comments with us write to "THE FAVOURITE MAGAZINE" Email:susannjau3 @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.

Social media The Favourite Magazine @Suzie favourite Suzie_favourite

6 | The Favourite

EDITORIAL

The Favourite | 7

Real life When life throws you a lemon, go ahead and make lemonade out of it.

That’s what Jimmy Gait, now reknown gospel artiste did. Jimmy Gait wasn’t born with a golden spoon in his mouth. He has seen it all; being kicked out by the landlord for failure to pay rent, tackling all imaginable casual jobs and going without a meal. He resolutely turned his life around using his hardships to mould inspiring music that got him to the top of the charts! He relived his life experience to SUZIE. He is a constant invisible yet very audible visitor to our sitting rooms.

When you’re tired after a hard days’ work, he soothes you to your dinner and finally to sleep. When life seems unbearable and you feel as if the world has come to an end, he soothes you to understand that this is part of life that will eventually come to an end in God’s time. He gives you relics that inspire and convinces you that all is not lost; that God has not forgotten you; that He wants you to learn a certain lesson to make you a better person and have His name glorified through your example.

And when everyone else assumes it’s the end of the road for you, he inspires you that it’s the beginning of your blessings and a wide road to the Promised Land. And when everything is going wrong for you and you wonder what it feels like to experience hardships, he reminds you to thank God and take everything in your stride.

When you have it all, he tells you to thank the Almighty for it’s His doing not yours. He tells you how to nurture what you have and extend a loving hand to your neighbour.

This is Jimmy Gait, no doubt a household name! He has rent the airwaves with gospel and other inspiring music that is second to none. He is in his own league with many upcoming artistes drooling with envy. Many have tried to copy Jimmy Gait but getting to the gist of it is hard task. He is the only one who knows how to do it in the best way possible . No wonder Jimmy Gait plays in his own league 8 | The Favourite

Real life but always ready to help upcoming artistes to be themselves and not copycats. His maxim….It’s only when you believe in yourself and do things the best way you can in your own unique way that you become your own Jimmy Gait. This conviction and belief has seen this music icon reach great heights. Yes, he admires the likes of Kirk Franklin but only as an inspiration to propel the legacy of Jimmy Gait not to copy and be like them! Original is Jimmy Gait’s second name.

So much for Jimmy Gait’s philosophy but then do you know the real names of this smooth voice visitor to your sitting room? James Mutheremu is the identity the good mother and father gave to this ambitious and gogetter young man. None of them at that point of naming their crowning glory had any idea he would grow into a re-known creative musician.

Mutheremu is not a very common name that means someone who is prospered; no wonder he does his things in a unique way.

is his tv then his car and last but not least music, his life-line. These are tools of trade for Jimmy like they’re for most people. My perceived view of this artist changed with this revelation and I appreciated that after all is said and done, Jimmy Gait is a down-to-earth person in spite of his success on the music scene.

He is a very focused man and never throws wild bullets to hit any and every target. When it comes to music he focuses on contemporary, afro fusion with very inspiring messages.

This gives credence to his music as quite encompassing and attracting the interest and attention of all and sundry. His fans have kept swelling because of this appeal.

Well, nobody! Jimmy Gait is gifted enough to write his own music.

He confesses, “I write all my music drawing inspiration from various quarters beginning with God, situations that I go through or other people that go through in life. Often I’m inspired by random things that happen in my life. Basically, my music is inspirational where I try to infuse the gospel to lifestyle and give people hope…that’s what my music does. It gives you hope. So if you are looking for a plug in for hope then my music is the right plug in for you.”

And who helps him write his music?

You may assume that now he has become a musician to reckon with, he is a proud, walking tall kind of man. How wrong you’re! When I asked him during this interview what five things he can’t live without, Jimmy Gait didn’t think twice what to begin with-God! You may say it’s obvious that we all acknowledge God whether one a robber, a murderer or a priest. In deed you might say even a thief probably says a word of prayer before embarking on his evil mission.

But then when everything is going for us, most people never remember it’s God’s favour, they want to pick the credit they purely work smart.

So it was really inspiring to hear Jimmy Gait acknowledge God first.

And just to reinforce his genuinely humane character, the second thing he identifies that he can’t do without is his phone! Today even the mother working in her shamba arms herself with this important tool of communication that has become part of our lives. Is it any wonder that Jimmy Gait can’t do without his phone?

The next item that this young musician finds important in his life The Favourite | 9 COUTURE AFRICA | 9

Real life Well, as the saying goes, you’ve heard it from the horse’s mouth. Let’s learn more about Jimmy Gait.

Q. Which of your songs is your favorite?

A. Actually all my songs are my favorite because they’re all my seeds.

It’s the same way when one sires children you love them equally. So I love all my songs and really don’t have a favorite. Usually the song that I play most is the newest but all my songs are my favorite.

Q. Do you ever get nervous?

A. Yes I do get nervous sometimes but I know and have learnt how to handle nervousness by inculcating positivity into myself. I re-play in my mind God’s assurance to us that “Do not fear for I am with you.” So when I feel nervous I speak to myself positively. Sometimes I have to take a long breath a couple of times and then I’ll be fine.

Q. What do you dislike about the art world?

A. What I hate most is when after working so hard to come up with a song some people either pirate your work while others just trash it oblivious of the pain you’ve gone through to make it happen. I don’t like that.

Q. Who are the three most prominent artists you would like to be compared to?

A. That would probably be Kirk Franklin, Cece Winnans and Mary Mary because they’re contemporary like me.

Q. What makes you angry?

A. I get angry at mediocrity. It really puts me off.

Q. Describe a real life situation that inspired you?

A. I recall going through a very serious dryness in my life while residing in Nairobi. I was kicked out of the rented house when I could not afford to pay rent for 3 months. I returned to my rural home and lived in the village for about 9 months. In the meantime, I worked very hard then eventually managed to do my song, muhadhara and it became a very big hit changing my life for the better. After that I considered 10 | The Favourite

Real life where I was coming from and all the challenges I had gone through. That inspired me to do many other hits that people sing along to.

Q. What jobs have you done other than being an artist?

A. Initially, I did regular casual jobs such as cleaning, gardening, working at construction sites, attendant in kiosks often peeling two sacks of potatoes a day. Through a twist of a calling by God, I joined the music industry and eventually got into business.

Q. If you could go open up for any artist on tour right now who would it be?

A. In Kenya it would probably be Mercy Masika, Eunice Njeri, size 8, Ivlyn mutua, Dj Ruff, KeleleTakatifu.

Internationally, I’d definitely want to do a tour with Kirk Franklin, Mary Mary and Cece Winans Q. What is your status married, single, dating ……?

A. Engaged.

Q. What is your motto or the advice you live by?

Q. What`s your most embarrassing A. I live by make it or make it, I must moment? make it no matter what. I don’t have A. I was performing at Moi Girls High two options, I only have one option School when I fell down on stage in and if there are two it’s make it or front of so many students who broke make it. into uncontrollable laughter. It was very embarrassing.

Q. What is your dream project?

A. To be able to have a platform that Q. What is the most trouble you have serves millions of people. This is part ever gotten into? of my vision which I work on daily A. Being kicked out of the house for and I have no doubt that I’ll achieve failure to pay rent, sleeping hungry it. for days and lack of money to do production of my music.

Q. Where do you expect to be ten years from now?

A. Ten years from now I hope to be very wealthy, helping many people and having impact globally. I wish to be making decisions that affect not just a country but many other countries. I want to be a front runner in empowering people, an icon of hope that people look up to and get motivated, inspired and believe that it can be done. I want to be a beacon of hope to people that are struggling and those going through hard situations so that when they look at me they say if he did it I can also do it.

The Favourite | 11

Your diary

Mind Over Mattress: How To Spend Your Weekend Like A Kenyan Millionaire By Susan Gitonga Sungit diaries Despite Kenya being a third world country (which is a polite way of saying ‘Kenya is poor’), we are lucky to have a good number of big shots. These big shots are self-made millionaires and billionaires, who worked their way to the top, not by winning a bet on Sport Pesa, but by putting in the hours and the effort to become successful.

It will be interesting to know then, how these big wigs spend their weekends. Do they stay in the house all day? Do they also like to watch movies like most people do on the weekend? Let’s find out..

How Successful People Spend Their Weekend 1.They Wake up at the same time James Mworia, the CEO of Centum Investment and the highest paid CEO says that he wakes up at 4.30 am every day. (Mind you, he makes Ksh 17 Million per month). On most weekends, he wakes up at the same time he does during the week.

Speaking to Amina Mohammed of K24, Mworia says that he allows himself to take a few extra hours of sleep a few times, but there’s so much to be done, which is why he has to be up early.

Research also shows that having a consistent sleep cycle is great for your productivity and success. When you sleep past your regular wake-up time on weekend, you end up feeling groggy and tired. (I’m sure you’ve experienced this.)

12 | The Favourite

This affects your mood for the rest of to reflect. They ask themselves the the day. That said, successful people following questions: maintain a regular sleep cycle, even on the weekend.

1. How was the week?

Tip: If you would like to sleep more, 2.What did I accomplish? go to bed earlier.

3.What didn’t I accomplish?

4.What were my weaknesses?

2. They plan the upcoming week 5.What were my threats?

Did you know that 80per cent of the 6.What are the current opportunities? world is owned by 20per cent of the population? The people who make up Self evaluation is a key ingredient to this percentage spend a good amount success. of time during the weekend planning How do you spend your weekends? for the next week.

Which of the above points can you Failing to plan is planning to fail. It’s identify with? dangerous to walk into a new week without a plan.

3. They disconnect from the Internet and Social Media You will be surprised to know that the wife to Facebook CEO Mark Zuckergberg, does not use Facebook. In fact, she does not use any social media platform.

You will agree with me that social media can be very addictive and sometimes the biggest time waster and dream killer.

Successful people know this and they spend their weekends away from the internet so as to devote time to other activities.

For example, they spend time with family and friends, they exercise by going for a run, riding bicycles, going for a swim, and so forth.

Do you have a hobby that does not involve your phone? The weekend is the perfect time to do it! I personally enjoy riding bicycles on the weekend.

It’s not only a form of exercise, but a time for me to play and relax.

4. They take classes There’s so much to learn in the world, and most successful people spend a few hours of their weekend learning something new. Whether that’s learning how to play chess, piano, golf among others.

I have two friends who each take classes on the weekend and after work. One studies sign language, and the other psychology.

As James Mworia keeps saying, the biggest investment you can ever make is in yourself.

Sign up for a class today!

5. They Reflect Successful people use their weekends

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Inspiring lives

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Inspiring lives

Catherine Ndereba Sports Icon of all times

By Suzie

She is an Assistant Commissioner of Prisons.

She is also the prison’s sports coordinator managing sports for the Kenya prisons. Above all, the lady is a sports icon of all seasons-three times world Boston Marathon winner, a two-time Olympics silver medalist 2004 and 2008, and two times gold medalist in world championships 2003 and 2007.

She effectively wears many hats: a born again Christian, a wife, mother of one, prisons officer and above all, a sports icon of all times. This is the humble yet high flyer Catherine Ndereba!

Yes you heard me loud and clear, the lady who has put Kenya in the world map through unequalled performance in athletics. However, there are many other things you don’t know about this down-toearth, God-fearing lady.

For starters, she has the

The Favourite | 15

Inspiring lives determination and will power that defies the seemingly impossible hurdles; a quality that has catapulted her to world capitals to do Kenya proud. Catherine doesn’t live her life by chance: she acknowledges God in word, thought and deed. But let’s walk down memory lane with Catherine Ndereba and get to know what makes her tick.

The winner takes it all…

I still remember vividly the images on television. That was back in 2000. I saw this rather young athlete being feted at the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport in Nairobi.

She was a hero by all purposes and intent. She had won a world women marathon. I expected to see her being welcomed with a mursik (read sour milk) flask that is presented to every winning athlete from the North Rift region with a galaxy of flowers around the neck.

The name Ndereva and the fact that she had triumphed on the world track made me obviously think she was from the Kalenjin land-the kings in this field. But lo! That’s where the similarities ended. The welcoming crowd of relatives and friends belted out in song and dance. Instead of a Kalenjin melody, I heard a popular thanksgiving church melody in Kikuyu! I love it and found myself joining in.

It then dawned on me that Ndereba (which means driver in Kikuyu) had broken the barriers. Most of us are known for going out flat to look for money in other ways but our Ndereba had decided to rival compatriots in the North Rift, our brothers and sisters in Ethiopia and the world at large.

My curiosity was raised a notch higher and vowed to make it a point of meeting Catherine, one day, some day. And the dream came true recently when I found myself in her office ready for a one-on-one interview with her.

Walking down memory lane with her was tantalising. Her sports prowess was evident from a very early age and she went flat out to exploit the talent before she could clearly blow her nose. Fathom the image of a young girl walking quite a distance from her Nyeri County rural home

16 | The Favourite

Inspiring lives to Kahiraini Primary School at the slopes of Mount Kenya. The girl is passionate about education and will not get late to school for anything.

She had the habit of half-walking and half-running to avoid getting late to school.

The habit becomes a routine and Catherine finds herself very light on the feet and way ahead of others when it comes to running.

Birth of a sportswoman…

Thus in primary school, she defied the naysayers and competed with senior colleagues on the track running like a deer and leaving them to swallow the dust behind her. By the time she was in class five she was representing her school in different meets only falling shy of the national level to the delight of her teachers and schoolmates. A sports woman had already been born!

After sitting her Kenya Certificate of Primary Education Catherine enrolled at Ngorano Secondary School and further honed her skills on the track majoring in long distance races. She represented her school in all competitions up to the national levels.

Her turning point came in August 1994 when she joined Kenya Prisons College after graduating from high school. Now she was at home where sports was part of the menu and she couldn’t wait to sample it. She became a shining star in sports in college and represented the institution in all meets. She could see a light at the end of the tunnel as far as her ambition to compete internationally was concerned.

She admired many re-known sportsmen and women who became her inspiration to reach the top of the world sports. On the road to being a seasoned sportswoman, Catherine was determined to break boundaries and compete in international championships. Her friends laughed off this ambition but she was not cowed. She appreciated that hard work and determination eventually paid off huge dividends.

She was ready to reap the same.

However, she appreciated that charity begins at home and that’s where her first step in the long journey would start.

The third born of her ten siblings, Catherine sharpened her skills in sports along with training as a prisons officer to work in correctional institutions for rehabilitation of offenders.

“On graduation I was posted at the Nairobi West Prison. I started competing professionally in 1995 and faired very well. I’m very grateful to God because of the talent He bestowed on me. It was a blessing that He gave me to continue glorifying Him.” Catherine says in appreciation.

She goes on, “my first competition was the Women Road Relay in Seoul, South Korea in 1995. It was an eye opener in many ways. I was exposed and caught the eye of a sports management outfit. It was and still is managed by Risa Basta, a lady from Philadelphia, USA. She coordinates all my meets, works on the budget and hotel bookings and so forth.”

When one door closes…

Catherine initially concentrated on long distance races starting with 3000 kilomeres. She graduated to 5000 then 10000 kilometres. She realised she was a good road racer and could do 5 to 21 kilometres and gave it a try. She was determined to make it for the Kenya world cross country team. From 1994 in secondary school she was selected many times to join the team in residential training camps. But she was always left out when it came to naming the final team to represent the country. She clearly witnessed less capable athletes selected at her own expense.

The coaches didn’t help the situation by their demoralising explanations, ‘See the way she runs! She doesn’t lift her legs high enough hence can’t ran in muddy tracks! Her style of running is wanting. She can’t withstand an international competition!”

These comments on her perceived inabilities were heart-breaking and psychologically battering. In spite of it she still firmly believed in herself and her abilities and was determined to prove the doubting Thomas wrong. Nobody was going to stand in her way.

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Inspiring lives She explains, “In 1999 I decided to change to marathon because I felt no one cared what kind of style of running or the time to finish the race in. My first plunge at the world re-known Boston Marathon on 17 April 1999, wasn’t a success but I did my best and finished number 6 in 2 hours 28 minutes and 27 seconds.

My last two kilometers were my hardest part of the race. At one point I stopped at 40 kilometres feeling extremely tired, and suffering cramps. However, an inner voice kept urging me on. ‘Yes, you’re dead tired but remember you were not coming to Boston to win but rather to finish the race. It’s not over yet, you must keep going on!’ and I did.”

race in 2 hours 21 minutes 55 seconds improving my time by 5 minutes.

She went further and won the third Boston Marathon in 2003 for the third time becoming the only lady to do Boston three times in the history of the event.

By then the world women record for women was 2hours 19 minutes 43 seconds. She started eyeing the world record and worked towards it.

I enlisted for the Chicago marathon in and won the race breaking the world record.

Catherine is appreciative of a very supportive, caring and understanding husband who has acted as her trainer and did his best to see her succeed.

She recalls how he assisted her When she crossed the finishing line shed weight after the birth of their all the parts of her body except her daughter so she could continue hair and teeth were hurting but in running. He would accompany her spite of this, she hit her barriers. She during runs and when he could not learnt something very crucial that run on foot take the car and set runs everyone who participates in a race for her to ensure she gained her has to go through some pain at some speed. level. What matters is how much Balancing sports and family life sacrifice you make and how far you’re Outside sports she is a committed ready to persevere.

Christian and attends intercessory sessions, she likes giving motivational That night after the challenging talks in schools and to other groups race, Catherine suffered cramps of people. She also motivates those and dehydration. She recalls having who wish to nurture their talents. something akin to a vision that night Her message to the youth: nothing with a voice telling her that if the comes easily. One has to sacrifice race was repeated the following day since without pain there is no gain. she would be among the winners on the podium. She vowed to win the Her parting shot: race the following year.

Flying the Kenyan flag…

“That buoyed me further. I prepared myself and agreed with my manager to change the training style, adopt a positive attitude and remain focused.

I courageously returned the following year 2000 for the Boston Marathon determined to win the race. I won in 2 hours 26 minutes and 53 seconds!” she relives the exciting memory.

That was one of the highs in her life that opened doors for her in the international sports world.

Immediately she was offered a chance to represent Kenya in the Olympics then taking place in Sydney, Australia. Nonetheless, after training, she wasn’t picked. That didn’t dampen her spirits and she continued working hard.

In 2001 returned to Boston as the defending champion and won the

“Since I started going out to represent Kenya internationally, I have witnessed the hand of God upon me. It wasn’t through might or power but through the power of the Holy spirit that I was able to do what I did up to 2015.”

18 | The Favourite

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Make it happen

SPEARHEADING A SPIRITUAL LEGACY Have you ever wondered what your purpose is as a Christian? Do these words resonate with you? "Every human being was created for four purposes:to love, to know God, to serve God and to be with God in eternity. "These are wise words shared by fr.Ignatius Njue of Kariokor parish, St Mary Magdalene church during a one on one interview with Suzie.

Many people take priesthood at face value, as just another career ,but not for fr. Njue who knows it is a calling where you make a covenant with God as a life long commitment. As a Catholic father, his main role is to deal with people of all walks of life in building their spiritual life. For him, it is imperative that the relationship between us and God is well -oiled and the voice of God is kept alive in every individual's life. A priests'role is even more crucial today when humanity's thoughts, values and beliefs are ever changing. But where is Christianity in all these dynamics?

Lets learn more about fr. Ignatius.

mass played a major role as I admired their pious gestures and selfless love. God also placed the desire in me since a priest is entrusted with connecting people with God through the sacraments especially of penance as I desired to walk with God and be a bridge between God and his people.

Q3 What are some of your hobbies?

Reading, jogging, being with children Q4 what are you inclined to read Mainly psychological books and spiritual literature.

Q5 Cite some of your greatest joys as a priest. »» .Seeing children passing through my hands and transitting to responsible adults thus mentorship of young people »» .waking up everyday with the zeal to serve faithfully as a priest. »» .seeing a young parish grow in my hands.

Q6 what are some ways that we can promote and support vocations to the Q1 Describe yourself priesthood and religious life I grew up in Embu county and »» .Nurturing responsible parents attended kyeni Catholic parish. I »» Parents who are present and attended Mufu primary school and St available to their children in Paul's kevote for secondary school. their emotional, intellectual and I'm from a family of one brother, spiritual needs. three sisters and my parents. »» .Exposing children to Christian values every minute of their lives.

Q2 who influenced you to consider a »» .visiting formation centers vocation to the priesthood?

-seminaries- for boys-future I would say my greatest influence priests and brothers., convents was my grandmother and my mum -girls -future sisters. who moulded my spirituality through »» .Being a model to the young. their Godly lives ,prayers at home and attendance of church as a way of Q7 What advice would you give to a life. I interacted with many consolata young man who is contemplating a priests in my home parish which vocation to the priesthood? ignited a fire for service as I grew up. »» .Discernment through prayer Currently, Bishop Anthony of Isiolo »» .Consulting God inspires me greatly among others »» .Talking to a priest who've mentored me in this walk. In »» .living a morally upright life retrospect, my interactions with the »» .Embracing Christian values Catholic rituals as priests celebrated »» .openness to God's spirit The Favourite | 19

Entertainment with heads held high building their lives and our nation and making the world a better place.

Meet Humphrey Ngoni Thuita a 35 year old artist born on 24th April, 1982 in Makadara Nairobi. He grew up in Milimani in a family of four.

Having attended statehouse primary school he joined Iyego secondary in Mura'nga county. He then proceeded to Kenya polytechnic now Technical university of Kenya, to perdue a course in Public Relations and Journalism.Today, he is a media personality to reckon with but it has not been a walk in the park.His deceased father may not be here but he would be proud of a son who hasmade it despite the odds.

Financially challenged, he never gave up but actually strove to raise funds to see him through college by Hawking baby clothes at Ngara when not in class. Trust a guy practising his PR learnt in theory in class on women customers and you have a happy equation of a contented upcoming entrepreneur! Once out of college, a young dreamer faces the Kenyan reality of certificates in a brown envelope but no job.

Ingenious can take you places.

Bill Cosby, an American comedian stated that in order to succeed, your desire for success should be greater than your fear of failure.

So Humphrey became a hustler hawking food around St Paul's,St Andrews, State House Road. This catering venture soon folded leading him to Mihang'o(what a busy man) in Embakasi doing mjengo staff!

Construction work is tough and to ease the rigours, he would crack jokes that made his co_workers challenge him to be a comedian.

This saw him approach a media personality who eventually saw him In comes this artiste we call a comedian who lives to make us laugh land an auditioning at KBC. The first experience was a near disaster as and in the contemporary world he was star struck thus tongue_tied makes a living from this venture for a while. With encouragement he many would dismiss. made it and did his Maasai accent Does the name Olematope ring a thing landing him a slot in Vitimbi bell? Maybe, maybe not. But vitimbi alongside pioneer comedians like should. That KBC TV program that Mama Kayak,Mzee Ojwang, Mwala has passed the test of time for its magnificent simplicity in dealing with and others at KBC who gave him a everyday Kenyan issues. The cast are footing in media. 7years later Ole individuals with great talent and zeal Matope brand is a business, paying for what they do and walk the streets bills.

THE LAUGHTER BALM

By Suzie Charlie Chaplin, a reknown British comedian said, "A day without a laughter is a day wasted." As it is, we are living in a fast paced world with so many cares that laughter is now a luxury. When is it you had a good hearty laugh to Chase away those daily stresses? This rat race called modern life has pushed us to the corner, yet,life is meant to be fulfilling.

20 | The Favourite

EDITORIAL From this humble platform he moved to Coro radio station at KBC and his journey in radio began courtesy of a work encounter with Sabina Chege the current women Representative of Murang'a county formerly with Kameme and Coro.The morning show with captain Njoroge Wa Njeri was an eye opener that led him to Idhaa ya Taifa now radio Taifa (KBC) for a span of two years alongside Bonny Musambi and Cynthia Onyango. currently, he is on contract at Milele FM 10-2pm 'kazi mpango' and kameme FM from 2-4pm 'kwigangara' with Gathaiya Dennis. The sky is the limit

Ten Questions In Summary Q1 Most influential celebrity?

Everyone is influential in their own way but Churchill and Kihenjo have made an impact. They are funny and consistent.

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2 What do you spend most on?

Shoes! I'm a confessed shoe freak.

3 Most loved person in your life?

Everyone has a place in my heart in their own unique ways. I accommodate them all.

4 What do you engage in in your free time?

Hang out with friends, talk,play pool.socialization is healthy and gives one ideas plus linking one to what's happening.

Be with my family. My wife and kids have my time. I drive for leisure.

5 Love at first site -a fact or fallacy?

Yes it's true. Met my wife Njeri 10 years ago and knew there and then it was the real thing. We started at Dandora and 'my Nje' has been God sent.

6 How is life in comedy?

I'm doing well. Not yet the best but still at it. This is a passion. It's who I'm.

7 Your goal?

Be the best at what I do. Be influential, a force to reckon with career wise,make a positive change in the world.

8 What then,25 years from now?

Be an employer.

Leave an indelible mark.

9 Your take on lifes' challenges?

Life must be faced .Don't lament about the long route rather take it and work it you will reach that pinnacle safe and dry.

10 Parting shot?

Take one day at a time, work hard and smart give it your best.

Public Address system i.e. Speakers, Microphones, DJ Equipment Emceeing e.g. Jeff Kuria, Kamau Karongo Disk Jockey (DJs) e.g. DJ Enzyme, Vdj Clyde Musicians / Artists all kinds, bands and dancers Lighting i.e LED lights LED Screens Projectors Stages Corporate event planning & coordination services Wedding planning & coordination services Anniversaries Birthday parties Wedding planning Flower delivery & maintenance Product launches Event decor services Studio & Event Photography Interior home & office decor

CONTACT US Office F-02, Kipro Center, Cross RZoad,Westlands Next to Parklands Baptist Church.

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Young Achievers

GIVING YOUTH A TOUCH OF PROFESSIONALISM

Our dreams are valid when we single-mindedly pursue them. It’s only when we vacillate and cast aspersions on ourselves that the dreams fade in the horizon. Not so for a 25-year-old girl who lets her mind go wild with what might appear in achievable for many people.

Often we associate models and modeling in general with high life; a glass of wine here and there, a meal in a high class hotel, a figure eight size on the catwalk. Hence it might even appear laughable when a born again Christian in the fashion mix.

Well, there is always that gem that never loses its value and appearance regardless of how many hours you put it into the furnace. It withstands the fire at all cost and appears better with every dip.

This aptly describes Erica Muthoni Musyoka. Erica, 25, is a born again Christian who instead of starting a bible bookshop, for instance, plunged into the world of fashion.

Strange! you might say but brave and aggressive Erica is the founder of EM MODELS AFRICA, a modeling and advertising agency in Kenya with partnerships abroad.

Erica is what most people call a dreamer. A person who will dream of climbing the highest peak of Mt Kenya one night, wake up in the morning and starting planning the treacherous climb. The second day after careful planning she will go out and seek from the gurus crucial information about mountain climbing. From there it is a done deal; Erica will proceed to buy the necessary mountain climbing gear then set off.

That’s how she started the journey of EM MODELS AFRICA in 2015 which is soon hitting 2yrs in the Fashion industry and boasting of over 15 models who act as the brand ambassadors. These are both high fashion editorial models and

Young Achievers commercial catalogue models. EM AFRICA’s main agenda is to make Brands out of models and their slogan is ‘touch of professionalism’.

However, getting there hasn’t been like a walk in the park. Young Erica who also runs another business that provides employment to young people explains, “It has been a struggle since we started in 2015.

For starters, it was like wading in uncertain waters. Initially the fashion business was not making enough money to pay me and my models. I would most of the time pay my models and end up with a meager amount for myself. I however invested all my energies and resources in the venture.” She confesses.

to needy students in Kenya.

Erica’s eventual goal is to make a positive change in the lives of Kenyan youth. She plans to sign up models internationally and give Kenyan youth a chance to exploit their talents. She also plans to sponsor as many youth as she can into the program.

She is thankful to God for moulding her into a teacher and a mentor.

Her good advice is: “Always believe in yourself and let God be your cheerleader. Do not wait for people to cheer you on.”

By Suzie

She was shrewd enough to do what most successful business people do; search for partners to be able to keep the business afloat and growing. She resolved not to give up her dream and in January 2016 she partnered with Norway-based Lucky Seven Photography headed by Hans Christensen. That gave EM AFRICA brand the leverage it needed for a boost.

They have both developed an advertising program and some campaigns to give exposure to Kenya in Norway. Things started looking up after she resolved not to give up on her dream.

“Later, we also partnered with F stop Fm Radio from Los Angeles California as their ambassadors from Africa.”

Erica explains her thorny path to success.

Minding about her neighbours This young entrepreneur is from a humble background and in addition to her spiritual standing, naturally, she felt the need to give back to the society. A firm believer in partnerships for a project to work faster, Erica partnered with Meru Youth Association Program and founded the Miss Ghetto Initiative.

This entails working with different youth from the ghetto (slums) to nurture their individual talents. The ultimate aim is to improve their status, become self-sustaining and independent. Currently the initiative is working with other organizations and individuals to offer scholarships

All Cakes. Com We cater for Weddings Birthdays Anniversaries And special occasions Call: 0721 993 205

The Favourite | 23

Health & Nutrition

A Fruit a Day Keeps the Doctor Away

Health benefits of Apple Bone protection Weight loss Diabetes management Lower cholesterol Health benefits of Bananas Get instant energy Reduce menstrual cramps Powers the brain Helps prevent ulcers Reduces depression Contains antioxidants, vitamins and minerals Health benefits of Watermelon Highest alkalising fruit High water content (92%) Cleans kidneys Boosts immune system Reduce blood sugar level Reduce heart disease risk

Did you know that the food we eat or don’t eat determines a lot the healthy or unhealthy state of our bodies? Take bananas, for instance, they are not just sweet, they help reduce blood pressure and the risk of heart disease! So walk with us this edition on a foodbased health journey with the following tips.

By Jane wanjiru ,Nutritionist

Health benefits of Oranges Full of vitamins and minerals Keeps teeth and bones healthy Regulates blood pressure Purifies blood Full of fibre

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Beauty made packs to remove hair. Choose a cream that contains almond and aloe vera. They help to keep your skin moisturized.

Curd and wheat flour: Mix curd with wheat flour that will do wonders to your legs. It will help in removing body hair that softens legs and feet.

Home remedies for smooth legs

If you have beautiful legs you can wear fluting dresses, mini-skirts, light leggings, trousers among others.

Lemon juice: Squeeze some lemon juice. Mix few drops of lemon juice with cream and massage on your legs and feet after washing it with cold water. Leave it for about 20 minutes. Then, clean your legs using wet cotton. You will have a soft and beautiful leg that uses a good foot cream every day.

Exercise: Do leg workouts to get rid of the fat first. Exercise helps you get tight, shapely and toned legs.

You can go for jogging, walking, bike riding, jumping such as jumping rope or trampoline, swimming, climbing stairs, aerobics, squats, lunges, weight training etc.

Healthy eating

Beautifully and Wonderfully Made

Taking care of your legs Legs are not just for walking; they’re a statement of who we’re. Nothing wins the heart of many than beautiful shapely legs. So why not take care of this great from God! The good thing is that you don’t need to raid a bank to do it. There are simple ingredients that can help do wonders to your legs.

gives soft, silky, and fair legs.

Ingredients: One teaspoon of cocoa butter cream with one tablespoon of grated apple, ½ tablespoon of orange juice, ½ tablespoon of honey and ½ tablespoon of papaya pulp.

Method: Massage your legs for a few minutes. To hone the skin tone of your legs, you can add one tablespoon milk powder.

Ingredients: Gram flour, curd, milk Waxing: Waxing is very important cream. for beautiful legs. Select a good hair Method: Prepare a mixture of gram flour, curd or milk cream paste. Apply removal cream that suits you best. this paste on your legs and feet. This Alternatively, you can go for home-

Since we’re made in the image of our Lord, we’re all beautifully and wonderfully made. However, we need to enhance and maintain that beauty by all means. If you adopted a carefree lifestyle letting nature take its course, then you’re bound to adulterate that beauty. So don’t take a chance, try beauty tips available to augment your appearance and make heads turn your way.

Changing your diet

Changing your diet is one sure way of enhancing your body appearance. Are you prepared to change your diet? If the answer is yes then remember eating healthy is important for that great body shape.

For instance, a smaller waist is the envy of every woman. This requires weight loss that can’t be achieved through exercise alone.

So: * Start your day with a healthy breakfast. * Eat smaller, more frequent meals. * Eat healthy fats. * Get more fiber in your diet. . * Avoid processed foods.

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