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Zuru Kenya is a sophisticated, high quality, visually impacting travel, leisure and lifestyle Blog. We seek to raise the profile of Kenya by showcasing its diversity in cultures, tastes, wildlife, stunning landscapes and more! Our passion for travel drives us to highlight what makes Kenya a top tourist destination (not only in Africa but worldwide) and the premier of wildlife safari. Our aim is to bring you relevant travel content that features Kenya's fascinating history and culture, her people, amazing sights & sounds and beautiful regions designed to aid you in planning and/or enjoying your trip to this beautiful country

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Kwaheri Satao – Saying Goodbye to a Tsavo Icon

June 16, 2014 zurukenya Leave a comment

With great sadness, we report the death of Satao, one of Tsavo’s most iconic and well-loved tuskers. This magnificent elephant was widely known in Tsavo East National Park, where he was observed with awe by many thousands of Tsavo’s visitors over the years. No longer will Tsavo and Kenya benefit from his mighty presence. Satao was shot dead by poisoned arrow on 30th May 2014. The arrow had entered his left flank and he stood no chance of survival. We spotted his carcass on 2nd June but to avoid any potential false alarms, we first took pains to verify the carcass really was his. Today it is with enormous regret that we confirm there is no doubt that Satao is dead, killed by an ivory poacher’s poisoned arrow to feed the seemingly insatiable demand for ivory in far off countries. A great life lost so that someone far away can have a trinket on their mantelpiece.

Satao, a mighty beast and one of Tsavo’s best loved icons

THIS REPORT HAS BEEN CLEARED FOR PUBLIC CIRCULATION BY THE KENYA WILDLIFE SERVICE.

INCIDENT REPORT

For the last 18 months, KENYA WILDLIFE SERVICE (KWS) and TSAVO TRUST jointly monitored Satao’s movements using aerial reconnaissance, and KWS deployed ground personnel in his known home range. But with today’s mounting poaching pressures and anti-poaching resources stretched to the limit, it proved impossible to prevent the poachers getting through the net.

Immediately reports of a fresh carcass in this area of Tsavo were received by KWS, a TSAVO TRUST reconnaissance flight took off with a KWS officer on board. It did not take long to locate the carcass near the boundary of the National Park. A joint KWS / TSAVO TRUST ground team followed up immediately. Despite the mutilated head, they deduced that the carcass was most probably that of Satao for the following reasons:

Satao was well known by the KWS / TSAVO TRUST units operating continuously in this area. When he was alive, his enormous tusks were easily identifiable, even from the air. Although the poachers had hacked off his face and taken his ivory, there were other physical attributes and circumstantial evidence that pointed to this carcass being that of Satao.
Satao was very much a creature of habit. He roamed a very specific area, known to KWS and TSAVO TRUST, most often in the company of small groups of bull elephant.
With the recent rain, over 1,000 elephants have moved into the area to take advantage of the green and plentiful vegetation. Satao had not moved from this area for the last two months.
Satao was last seen alive by TSAVO TRUST on 19th May 2014, just 300 meters from where his carcass now lies. He was with four other bulls that he was frequently seen with. During May 2014, TSAVO TRUST had observed him no fewer than 9 times from the air and several times from the ground. Protection efforts were stepped up when he ventured right up to the boundary of the Park (an area that is a historical and present poaching hotspot, especially for poachers using poisoned arrows).
Satao had “clean ears” – there were no cuts, tears or obvious scars, making him easily identifiable when he was alive and now that he is dead.
The mud caked on his mutilated forehead and back was similar to that seen on him when he was alive.
Since locating the carcass, several joint KWS / TSAVO TRUST reconnaissance flights have tried and failed to locate Satao in his known home range.

The facts all point to the same appalling conclusion and we are left with no choice but to acknowledge that the great Satao is no more.

Satao, second from the rear, in the company of his fellow Tsavo bulls

THE ENORMITY OF THE TASK AT HAND

The area Satao frequented is a massive and hostile expanse for any single anti-poaching unit to cover, at least one thousand square kilometers in size. Roads and tracks are few and far between and in parts the vegetation is very thick, making access difficult. Elephants concentrate here in large numbers after the rains which come in from the coast. The communities living just beyond the National Park boundary persistently carry out illegal activities inside the Park in this area. Understaffed and with inadequate resources given the scale of the challenge, KWS ground units have a massive uphill struggle to protect wildlife in this area. There is a tremendous will amongst the KWS field units and the TSAVO TRUST personnel working alongside them to protect Tsavo’s elephant herds but more help is needed.

COOPERATION IN THE FACE OF ADVERSITY

At times like this, it is hard to see any positive side to the situation. But let’s not forget that Satao’s genes survive out there, somewhere in the Tsavo elephant population and they too need protecting. Satao would have been at least 45 years old. During his lifetime he would have weathered many droughts and seen many other poached elephants, and he would have sired offspring that, given a safe environment to grow up in, may become tomorrow’s generation of great Tsavo tuskers.

We also wish to emphasize the level of cooperation and coordination between KWS and TSAVO TRUST that this incident proved. Without the regular joint KWS / TSAVO TRUST aerial reconnaissance of this section of the Park, Satao’s carcass may not have been found, and as a result KWS’s swift and successful follow-up may not have ensued. Following TSAVO TRUST’s report from the air, KWS ground units were immediately deployed. The KWS reaction was rapid and decisive, and is still ongoing. Due to the sensitivities of such operations and the risk of compromise, we cannot comment further on the progress being made. We hope to relay additional updates in due course.

Meanwhile, we applaud KWS’s success in arresting the main poison dealer and supplier in Kilifi, whose deadly product has been the cause of many painful and wasteful elephant deaths in Tsavo.

Working together – and often against the odds – we can continue to make a positive difference to Tsavo and to Tsavo’s elephants.

Tsavo is our home, our passion and our life’s work but, as the untimely death of Satao so tragically proves, we cannot win every time. Rest in peace, Old Friend, you will be missed. Rest assured the fight to protect Tsavo’s elephants goes on.

–Source: Tsavotrust.org

Lifestyle

‘Kenyans don’t know what a beautiful country they have’

May 27, 2014 zurukenya Leave a comment

It is 1.15pm, and before I have my sumptuous lunch at the Sarova Whitesands Beach Resort and Spa in Mombasa, I decide to put down a few thoughts of my six-day visit to three different parts of Kenya with a Ugandan delegation.

“This is a beautiful country,” I remember my colleague Edgar Batte saying earlier. Abu Mwesigwa had chimed in: “Unfortunately, some Kenyans don’t know what they have and that is why they let outsiders disrupt their peace.”

Here were Ugandans enjoying what God gifted Kenya.

This was a dream holiday coming true. However, I could have freaked out had I been fainthearted. A day before my flight from Kampala last Saturday, a bomb had gone off in Nairobi.

A few days earlier, British tour firms had evacuated their clients fearing for their safety after some Western governments issued travel advisories, especially against travelling to the Kenyan Coast.

It is some of these places that I was due to visit on invitation of the Kenya Tourism Board (KTB), who are now looking to Uganda to boost the number of foreign tourists.

On May 17, I boarded a Kenya Airways flight from Entebbe and landed at Nairobi’s Jomo Kenyatta International Airport after a 50-minute journey.

The Immigration officer allowed me a six-month stay in Kenya despite my telling him that I was spending only six days.

During my stay, I have spent nights in four hotels: Stanley in Nairobi, Sarova Mara in Maasai Mara Game Reserve, Swahili Beach in Diani, South Coast and the Whitesands from where I am working now. From the four hotels, Whitesands seems to have the highest number of guests, and guess what, the majority are Africans.

The friend who had warned me on Facebook about travelling to Kenya would certainly have been put to shame by the number of visitors.

He had seen my photos as I enjoyed swimming at the grand Swahili Beach. Cowardly attacks would not stop me from visiting the Mara, the beautiful beaches in Diani, and enjoying swimming, scuba diving and watching dolphins in the Indian Ocean at the reef near Wasini Island.

Now at the mainland in Mombasa, I cannot imagine fear would deny me such an experience.

And forgive my language, only stupid Kenyans could collaborate or allow foreigners to deny them to enjoy this immensely endowed country.

On Saturday, together with six colleagues from Uganda, we spent a night at Stanley. The attention to detail of the staff was my highlight.

I was in a beautiful room facing Kimathi Street. I later ventured into the night, starting out at Mojos and Tribeka, just opposite Nation Centre. I later relocated to Club Rumours on Tom Mboya Street. It was full-house in the entertainment spots as Arsenal fans celebrated their first trophy in nine years.

We danced to local music, and Ugandan artistes like Jose Chameleone, Radio and Weasal also played through the night. I walked back to my hotel room at 3.20am and slept for two and half hours before I was woken up to catch a flight at Wilson Airport.

Our flight on a Safarilink plane to the Mara was filled with foreigners. A few Europeans I spoke to dismissed the travel advisories and said they were having fun in Kenya.

SUNDOWNER IN THE WILD

Kenyans have heard so much about the Mara and I am the wrong person to talk about it. But it’s good to note the sundowner in the park, dinner in the wild in the dark night, the tent bandas at the Sarova Mara Lodge, and the animals that were kind enough to come out to be seen.

Uganda is increasingly becoming Kenya’s friend in deed. Even as the tourist industry is getting a beating from travel advisories and terrorism threats, Ugandans have not stopped visiting.

In fact, more are arriving, not for business or jobs but for holidays. According to KTB statistics, Ugandans have overtaken South Africans as the continent’s top visitors to Kenya with Nigerians coming second.

Last year, Ugandan tourists arriving by air numbered 47,398, South African were 36,409 and Tanzanians were 28,561. Ms Ann Kanini, the public relations officer for KTB says they have rolled out marketing programmes in Uganda, South Africa, Nigeria, China and India because those markets are “less sensitive” and can take advantage of the low seasons to enjoy Kenya’s wonders.

“Most Ugandans who come to Kenya for honeymoon or holidays largely go to the beach,” says Ms Kanini.

Now Kenya wants to increase awareness of more destinations they can visit such as the marine parks in Wasini, the luxury beaches in the South Coast, Nakuru, Naivasha, and parks like the Mara.

“Cooperation between Uganda and Kenya is picking up well and in the last two years, Kenya has engaged more than 10 key tour operators from Uganda,” Ms Kanini says.

Kenya wants Ugandans to visit more than the regular sites. When I arrived at the Coast through Ukunda airport, a flight that took one hour and 20 minutes from Nairobi, we checked into the Swahili Beach Hotel near the airport.

The hotel can easily be mistaken for a traditional structure plucked out of the 18th century Arabic-cum-Indian epoch. The rooms give a feel of the life of sultans of yesteryears and the swimming pool stretches down to the beach.

On our fourth day, we drove 70km south, stopping at Shimoni in Kwale County. Here, we passed the slave caves, and boarded the Dolphin Dhow. We headed into the ocean, towards Wasini Islands, a land of 3,500 residents. The island sits on a coral reef with mangrove trees as vegetation.

In the middle of nowhere, we saw light blue water and our guide, Hamis Ali — a young man who speaks Arabic, German, French and Spanish in addition to English and Kiswahili and his local Digo language — told us we could swim. “What?” I asked. Here, he said, are beaches in the middle of the sea because of the coral reef that rises and it is gifted with sands like you find on the main beach. As we swam on a reef in the Indian Ocean, we could see the Tanzania mainland in the distance. Not far from where we were swimming, we saw three pairs of magnificent dolphins.

Our guide told us that the Digo, the small tribe on the island, look after the dolphins. “We don’t swim with dolphins but dolphins are allowed to swim with us,” he said.

It is here in the middle of nowhere — but feeling like I am living in paradise — that I looked around and the only Kenyans on board were the dhow captain, our two guides and KTB representatives. Down in the reef we saw all kinds of fish, and the corals which are soft unlike the rocky ones on the mainland. Ms Kanini could only ask, “do you see what Ugandans who end their trips in Mombasa miss?” She was right.

As the sun went down, we rushed back to Shimoni, but not before visiting Wasini Island. We walked through the coral park that is under the care of a women’s group on the island, where a wood bridge stretches through the mangrove forest and connects two villages. We were warned not to walk barefoot on the island because the corals were acidic.

At Shimoni, as darkness approached, we entered the historical slave caves from where those captured from the hinterland, as far as Uganda, were detained in a warehouse and shipped to faraway lands. That broke down my spirit but I appreciated it as part of East Africa’s history.

We later returned to Mombasa. As I signed out on Friday, the front desk manager at Sarova Whitesands told me that many Ugandans have spent nights at the hotel.

“And they know how to spend their money,” Jayne said.

Ms Kanini only wishes Ugandans who come for wedding and honeymoons at the Whitesands venture into places like Wasini and experience the marine parks.

With my flight only two hours away, I tell my friend on Facebook, “What travel advisories were you talking about?”

-Mike Ssegawa

Daily Nation

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Tembea Kenya

Video May 22, 2014 zurukenya Leave a comment

Source: Magical Kenya

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One year and counting!!! Join us as Zuru Kenya turns 1

May 20, 2014 zurukenya Leave a comment

How time flies, its been a year already and we have lots to be thankful for…

“Be thankful for what you have; you’ll end up having more.
If you concentrate on what you don’t have,
you will never, ever have enough.”

Oprah Winfrey

1. We are thankful for the gift of life first and foremost.

2. This beautiful country of ours, the vast lands, beautiful culture and a welcoming people without which this blog would be nonexistent.

3. We are thankful for having started a beautiful journey exploring this beautiful country of ours – Kenya, and having some members of the blogger family join us along the way.

From the book Kenya. Photo by Michael Poliza.

4. Kenya is going through very trying times given the insecurity levels at present, but we are thankful that despite all that our brotherly love and spirit has not died. We are still one! ( A moment of silence for all those we’ve lost to terrorism.)

5. Our families and friends definitely make the list.

6. The passion for writing and travel.

From the book Kenya. Photo by Michael Poliza.

7. All the regions we have already covered…and the many more we are yet to.

8. Our fellow bloggers who ensure we are up to date with our facts, never-failing to correct us when we’ve erred…we are grateful.

9. The opportunity to discover different historical pasts of our land and to fall in love with Kenya over and over.

10. One year of blogging…can’t believe it’s already been a year, Blimey!

As we continue in this journey, we hope to make many more friends along the way, travel to many more destinations, and discover much, much more than we’d expect. Cheers to Travel!!!

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Happy Mother’s Day

May 11, 2014 zurukenya Leave a comment

If i could give you diamonds

for each tear you cried for me.

If i could give you saphires

for each truth you’ve helped me see

if i could give you rubies

for the heartache that you’ve known.

If i could give you pearls

for the wisdom that you’ve shown

then you’d have a treasure, mother,

that would mount up to the skies

that would almost match

the sparkle in your kind and loving eyes.

But i have no pearls, no diamonds,

as i’m sure you are well aware

so i’ll give you gifts more precious

my devotion, love and care.

-Happy Mother’s Day–

Image credit; Vintage East Africa

Lifestyle

Paintings on the wall: Kenyan street-art graffiti culture

March 21, 2014 zurukenya 15 Comments

Not so long ago, several anonymous graffiti artists caused a great hullabaloo on the streets of Nairobi. Their mission, to mobilize Kenyans for change in last year’s general elections. The Ma-Vulture graffiti revolution hoped to encourage Kenyans to ditch politicians widely viewed as corrupt, ineffective and divisive.

The political murals, all done in the dead of the night, painted Kenyan politicians as Vultures; describing the scandals that have engulfed Kenya and the political mischief practiced by Kenyan politicians among other shoe-pinching-political issues.

Despite being popular in some Kenyan neighborhoods, graffiti culture has often not been appreciated by the public, viewing it as vandalism and a symbol of rebellion but this is slowly changing. From featuring in small kiosks/shops and neighborhood walls, graffiti artists are now making a name for themselves doing bigger and better things.

painting on the wall zuru kenya 6

“Mathare Wall” by Bankslave

Along with the Ma-Vulture revolution was the Peace Train Project which yet again, saw graffiti artists come together in partnership with the Kibera Walls for Peace team to create a HUGE peace mural along the entire side of a 10-car commuter train which passes by Kibera. This project was especially vital as Kibera is where rioters tore up the train tracks during the 2007 post election violence. The artwork featured messages of peace for the upcoming election with the main phrase, “Tuwache Ukabila, Tuwache Ubaguzi, Tuishi Kwa Amani”

painting on the wall zuru kenya 14

Then there was the spray for change Project with Basco Paints. The manufacturer of Duracoat worked hand in hand with top Kenyan graffiti artists to create images of a New Kenya on ‘canvas’. The canvas, being the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport, was an ideal backdrop to showcase a new Kenya to Kenyans from all walks of life, as well as international visitors. This project served to promote the artists, our country and the voice of a new generation to Kenyans and the world at large.

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painting on the wall zuru kenya 20 Spray for change additionally, hoped to drive urban art to become a way of beautifying neighborhoods and a form of sustainable income generation for up and coming artists. Delivery trucks for Basco Paints were commissioned as canvases for these artists to showcase their work, creating “mobile” art galleries for Kenyans to experience.

painting on the wall zuru kenya 21

painting on the wall zuru kenya 23

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The artist that received the most votes for their New Kenya art piece, Swift9 walked away with a cash prize and paint for a community initiative of their selection, totaling Kshs 250,000.

“Rudisha represents Kenya’s sports and athletics. Everybody rejoices when Kenya wins, no matter where you are in the country. It unites us.” Swift9

Swift9

My style is Urban Ethnikk. I’ve been involved in numerous graffiti projects and workshops in Kenya and around the world. I want to bring graffiti art to the mainstream audience in East Africa and the global graffiti community. My portfolio encompasses exhibitions and collaborations, group and live demos that I have been a part of locally and globally.

painting on the wall zuru kenya swift9

other renown Kenyan Graffiti artists include;

Tyso

I learnt different art forms from watching art students when I was younger, but my true love for art was born at Words and Pictures (WAPI) when I touched on graffiti. With my high school deskmate J Kello, we formed our crew and the next thing we knew we won a prize for the best graffiti piece at WAPI. Since then doing graffiti and design became my livelihood.

Bankslave

painting on the wall zuru kenya bankslave

My preferred medium of expression is spray paint. As part of the Nairobi underground scene, I have done massive murals all over Nairobi. I’ve collaborated with 60Nozzles, Gas Crew, Spray-Uzi (Kenya) and Ghetto-Pimps Crew (Germany). I just came from completing the Kibera train graffiti project where I painted the first graffiti on a train in Kenya, if not Eastern Africa.

Esen

My style is 3D graffiti. My drive is to put the East African graffiti scene on the world map. I’m in one local and two international crews, 3WG (3rd World Graff) which I co-founded with my fellow crewmate Wise 2, TPA (The Public Animals), runs with SC (Silver Caps Worldwide) which started in Barcelona.

Wise Two

My art is a fusion of stencils, and psychedelic and African graffiti patterns. Through showcasing my art in various international exhibitions and events, I’m working to create awareness of the Kenyan graffiti art movement amongst the global graffiti community and play an integral part in bringing graffiti art to the mainstream East African audience.

Kerosh

painting on the wall zuru kenya kerosh

Graffiti has to be relevant, aesthetically appealing and full of content that is thought provoking .This form of art requires a very conscious mind, concrete research, daring charm and guts.

painting on the wall zuru kenya kerosh

Shan

painting on the wall zuru kenya shan

I have worked and been a part of G.A.S- Graffiti Artists and I.C.G- Intense Cities Group. I’m part of a crew called Banditry Unlimited Customz (BUC) who deal with customizing items through art. Graffiti is the future of ART, and with avenues and platforms such as the one accorded by WAPI, its acceptance and growth as an art form is solely inevitable.

painting on the wall zuru kenya shan

Smokilah

painting on the wall zuru kenya smokilah

I’m a professional graffiti artist who specializes in mural art. I’m part of Spray Uzi, one of the most prolific graffiti Crews in Nairobi including members such as Swift9, Uhuru Brown and Bankslave. We are responsible for splashing Nairobi with beautiful graffiti Murals that you see all over. Currently, I’m stationed at Pawa254 Hub.

painting on the wall zuru kenya smokilah

Uhuru B

A mixed media and graphic artist, my name Uhuru means freedom and stands for (Upendo, Halisi, Undugu, Riziki, Utu) translated to “The importance of love and the brotherhood of our well-being“. My own story manifests confluence and the idea of people coming together as one. I promote messages of truth, emancipation, spirituality, and freedom through my art.

painting on the wall zuru kenya uhuru

Perhaps one of the biggest reasons graffiti is misunderstood as an art form is because it is often done illegally and the artists are often secretive about their real identities. In fact, getting a graffiti art trainer is not easy and one ‘has to know someone who knows some’ to reach them, as most of them do not use their real names to tag.

Kenyan artists are using this expressive form of art as a medium to spread positive messages. Street art is about the message behind it. Its not about what they are doing but the point they are trying to bring across.

There will never be a stop to graffiti, it is an epidemic. Cannot be stopped. No matter what there is no cure.

“Street art is about the message behind it, it’s not about what they’re doing but about the point they’re trying to bring across,” – See more at: http://www.monthlymortonian.com/arts-and-entertainment/2014/01/13/graffiti-art-or-vandalism/#sthash.BBA87y1n.dpuf

Still many think it is not criminal, but a way to spread a positive message.

“Street art is about the message behind it, it’s not about what they’re doing but about the point they’re trying to bring across,” senior Eddie Lopez said

Street art is a big thing in Chicago. Especially in the more urbanized areas like Pilsen, North and South sides. It is so popular because there are many communities who do support graffiti because it keeps the youth busy. They think of it as art.

“Street art brings out the culture in the community, it is beautiful if you ask me,” senior Alexander Herrera said

“Graffiti is art because art comes in many different perspectives, it’s awesome,” sophomore Ericka Bucio said

It’s free and it’s important.

“Graffiti is art because graffiti isn’t sold for millions of dollars, its out for everyone to see. It’s not in a gallery for certain people to notice and pay millions of dollars for it. Graffiti is free for everyone to see,” senior Kimberly Rodriguez said

Art comes in many different shapes and sizes. Art is what comes from one and expressed onto something else. “The art of being Art”

“Graffiti is too powerful, it cannot be stopped. Art can’t be stopped,” senior Eddie Lopez said.

The city does almost everything to stop graffiti but do we see any change? They can enforce laws and it might sleep for a while but graffiti will always find a way.

“There will never be a stop to graffiti, it is an epidemic. Cannot be stopped. No matter what there is no cure,” former Cicero graffiti writer Slite One said

Graffiti is seen as become to be intertwined with hip-hop culture and modern styles derived from New York city subway graffiti in the 1980’s and 90’s. It was on trains for everyone to see. “Train Bombing” it trended as. The meaning was “Bombing the system” they were rebellious. Eventually became a problem that New York was trying to avoid. Trains will be clean at the end of the day but at sunrise these trains were filled with colors again. The city never slept. Writers never gave up; they had to then take drastic measures. Graffiti on trains was dying. Graffiti on train carts would cost the city thousands of dollars to clean. Later they started protecting the train yards more.

“Having a different name gives you a feeling of freedom. You can say what you please and do what you want to do without anyone knowing who you are. You have a different identity. Like having a second life, some of us like our second life better,” former Cicero graffiti writer Slite One said

– See more at: http://www.monthlymortonian.com/arts-and-entertainment/2014/01/13/graffiti-art-or-vandalism/#sthash.8tcOmD4g.dpuf

Still many think it is not criminal, but a way to spread a positive message.

“Street art is about the message behind it, it’s not about what they’re doing but about the point they’re trying to bring across,” senior Eddie Lopez said

“Street art brings out the culture in the community, it is beautiful if you ask me,” senior Alexander Herrera said

“Graffiti is art because art comes in many different perspectives, it’s awesome,” sophomore Ericka Bucio said

It’s free and it’s important.

Art comes in many different shapes and sizes. Art is what comes from one and expressed onto something else. “The art of being Art”

“Graffiti is too powerful, it cannot be stopped. Art can’t be stopped,” senior Eddie Lopez said.

The city does almost everything to stop graffiti but do we see any change? They can enforce laws and it might sleep for a while but graffiti will always find a way.

“There will never be a stop to graffiti, it is an epidemic. Cannot be stopped. No matter what there is no cure,” former Cicero graffiti writer Slite One said

– See more at: http://www.monthlymortonian.com/arts-and-entertainment/2014/01/13/graffiti-art-or-vandalism/#sthash.8tcOmD4g.dpuf

This year political activists have gone creative: etching their messages on walls, lamp posts and even roads. – See more at: http://www.internewskenya.org/article.php?id=267#sthash.ge8w1iq7.dpuf

Gallery

Travel Photo of the Day

Image March 10, 2014 zurukenya Leave a comment

Maralal, Northern Kenya. This photo of an old Samburu woman was taken in the outskirts of Maralal in Northern Kenya. I am still captivated by her gentle smile and the thousand stories told through her face. Asking her about her age, all she could tell was, that she was born in the year after the big drought. "But age doesn't matter", she says. What matters is to have enough children, in order to keep a large herd of cattle. Cause when the next drought comes, you'll better have enough cattle to survive, says the mother of 14 children.... — Photo of an old Samburu woman taken in the outskirts of Maralal in Northern Kenya. Asked about her about her age, all she could say was, that she was born in the year after the big drought. “But age doesn’t matter”, she says. What matters is to have enough children, in order to keep a large herd of cattle. Cause when the next drought comes, you’ll better have enough cattle to survive, says the mother of 14 children….

I am still captivated by her gentle smile and the thousand stories told through her face…Fanny Shiz

Lifestyle

Kenya at 50: Stunning photos celebrate country’s culture

March 9, 2014 zurukenya Leave a comment

STORY HIGHLIGHTS

Kenya celebrates its 50th year of independence from British rule

A photography competition celebrated the country’s heritage and history

Outstanding images show people or places with historical and cultural significance

Turning 50 is a major milestone in a person’s life — and a country’s history.

Kenya is celebrating its Golden Jubilee year following 50 years of independence from British rule.

To commemorate the event, Nairobi-based photographer Mutua Matheka teamed up with Samsung to launch Picha Hamsini, a photo contest celebrating the East African country’s heritage from past to present. They asked photography enthusiasts from across Kenya to submit images of people or places with historical and cultural significance and explain why these were relevant to them or the country.

131211103312-kenya-photography-contest-2-horizontal-gallery — A photography competition is celebrating Kenya’s 50th year of independence from British rule.
Kelvin Shani said of his image capturing a sunset at the Rift Valley: “It was photographed at the viewpoint on the way to Mai Mahiu. I see it as a very welcoming picture showcasing the raw beauty of Kenya with its vast landscapes.”

131211141836-kenya-photography-contest-11-horizontal-gallery — Peter Ndung’u said of his photo: “Every Kenyan can relate to a Maasai as being part of the Kenyan cultural groups and traditions. Local tourists and international tourists are familiar with them and their popular dance that involves high jumps. They, in my opinion, form a strong part of the culture of our national heritage.”

Ken Mwaura said: "Machakos Bus Station, also known as Masaku Airport, is one of the busiest and largest bus terminals in the country. The bus terminal has been passed down generations as a link for upcountry bound passengers traveling from Nairobi to other provinces in Kenya." — Ken Mwaura said: “Machakos Bus Station, also known as Masaku Airport, is one of the busiest and largest bus terminals in the country. The bus terminal has been passed down generations as a link for upcountry bound passengers traveling from Nairobi to other provinces in Kenya.”

131211104527-kenya-photography-contest-8-horizontal-gallery — Photographer Abdul Mutuma said: “Like the mountain rises above the clouds, we have risen adversity and trials. We celebrate our heritage that is the beauty of our great country and the strength of women in society who are the hands that moulded us into who we are.”

“The goal of the contest was to see and show Kenya from the eyes of Kenyans,” says Matheka. “(To) use images to celebrate our country and get people involved in that celebration. We have a lot we are not happy about as a country, but I believe we also have a lot to celebrate and I feel photography is usually a tool to further and foster that.”

131211101938-kenya-photography-contest-1-vertical-gallery — Photographer George Kanyingi said: “Many times we have sat down around a fire and this lady had told us stories of how things were before, during and after independence. Her stories of how much things used to cost really intrigued us and I just wish she had a camera those days to capture all of it.”

131212100551-kenya-50-sarah-marie-vertical-gallery — Sarah Maries said: “The famous tusks on Moi Avenue, Mombasa, are symbolic of entrance into the heart of Mombasa town. They were built to commemorate the visit of Queen Elizabeth (II) to the town in 1952. Coincidentally they also spell M for Mombasa.”

The goal of the contest was to see and show Kenya from the eyes of Kenyans.
Mutua Matheka, photographer

The organizers received more than 2,000 images submitted via Facebook, Twitter and Istagram. In the end, the 25 best were selected and featured in a street exhibition in the center of the Kenyan capital, alongside some of Matheka’s photos.

Mutua Matheka says this image was: "Photographed inside the gorge at Hell's Gate National Park in Naivasha." — Mutua Matheka says this image was: “Photographed inside the gorge at Hell’s Gate National Park in Naivasha.”

131211141823-kenya-photography-contest-10-horizontal-gallery — David Ndirangu said: “The Mwea Irrigation scheme is known as the largest producer of rice in the country.”

Sebastian Wanzalla said his photo showed: "Boatmen in a dhow heading home after collecting building stones from the neighboring island Manda next to Lamu Island." — Sebastian Wanzalla said his photo showed: “Boatmen in a dhow heading home after collecting building stones from the neighboring island Manda next to Lamu Island.”

“The images we received were fantastic,” says Matheka. “Some celebrated people, others celebrated our activities, others celebrated beautiful places,” he adds. “The winners were mostly amateur photographers.”

Mutua Matheka's photo showing "General Kago Street, looking up at the Eco bank towers." — Mutua Matheka’s photo showing “General Kago Street, looking up at the Eco bank towers.”

Boniface Mwangi said this photo showed: "The Kenyan flag flying high during the promulgation of the Kenyan Constitution on August 26th 2010. It was a historic ceremony, thousands of Kenyan's gathered to witness the establishment of a new constitution." — Boniface Mwangi said this photo showed: “The Kenyan flag flying high during the promulgation of the Kenyan Constitution on August 26th 2010. It was a historic ceremony, thousands of Kenyan’s gathered to witness the establishment of a new constitution.”

With celebrations underway across Kenya, many believe that this is also a time to look back and learn from the mistakes of the past.

131211104510-kenya-photography-contest-6-horizontal-gallery — Sebastian Wanzalla said: “The Maasai are pastoralist and they have for centuries maintained their culture. And if you ask any foreigner anything about Kenya apart from our athletes and the wildlife the next thing they will mention is the Maasai people. They play a major role in the heritage of our country Kenya. Even the name Nairobi (meaning a place of cool waters) is a Maasai word.”

Matheka says the overriding message of the celebrations is that “we have moved quite a distance in democracy, value of life, ability to make a living in this country from 50 years back to now.”

Mwangi Kirubi said:' "Kenya's athletics team has always galvanized the nation behind our national colors. Whenever they take to the track, we forget our differences and remember we are one." — Mwangi Kirubi said:’ “Kenya’s athletics team has always galvanized the nation behind our national colors. Whenever they take to the track, we forget our differences and remember we are one.”

Peter Ndung'u said: "These people build homes, churches, schools and monumental sites and buildings. Yet most of us do not know how important they are in our lives and building our nation. Kenya is growing and it will grow with our collective effort." — Peter Ndung’u said: “These people build homes, churches, schools and monumental sites and buildings. Yet most of us do not know how important they are in our lives and building our nation. Kenya is growing and it will grow with our collective effort.”

He adds: “A lot has changed for the better and a lot has changed for the worse too. I celebrate the progress and keep track of it so that for the next 50 years we try to avert from the former mistakes and progress as a nation.”

-Teo Kermeliotis,

Source; CNN

Entertainment

Tusker Twende Kazi

March 1, 2014 zurukenya 1 Comment

50 days, 8 countries, 50 people, 1 Tusker…All on an incredible journey through East Africa and Europe to deliver a taste of home and show the world that a little bit of Kenya can go a long way.

Kenya is 50, and what better way to celebrate it than this; Tusker Twende Kazi. Last week, East African Breweries Limited (EABL) launched an all new reality TV show, the first of its kind in the country, “Tusker Twende Kazi”. The East African version of the popular reality series, The Amazing Race, this show which kicked off at Uhuru Gardens (the location of Kenya first ever flag-raising), follows 50 East African citizens as they race from Kenya to London on a task to deliver “a little bit of home” – tusker Lager to the celebrated Kenyan rugby export Humphrey Khayange, currently based in London. The 50 participants grouped in 25 teams of two (comprising of an ordinary East African citizen and a celebrity) must find their way to London through 8 countries armed with nothing but their strength and charm. The teams will get around with no money at all! and must rely only on goodwill from strangers and all the charm they can muster to get to the various checkpoints they will be sent to each week. Celebrities featured here from East Africa include; Ezekiel Kemboi, Legendary Kipchoge Keino, Nameless, Bebe Cool, Maurice Kirya, STL, “the blackest man in black Africa” – Fred Obachi Machoka, Eve D’Souza, Collo, Radio & Weasel, Papa Shirandula, Jalang’o and a host of many others.

To get them through this long, tough, obstacle ridden 50-day journey, each team will have the option of traveling by car or air, depending on how far the next checkpoint is from their current point. Each team has a time limit to get the Tusker bottle to the next team in the relay; no delays!

The relay Tusker bottle

Unlike the Amazing Race though, participants of Tusker Twende Kazi are not in it to win any race or money, but to show what a great country and a people we are. The journey is meant to demonstrate the resilience of the Kenyan spirit to achieve whatever it sets out to do; it is a nation-building mission. It is further aimed at bringing East Africans together and igniting the belief that we can do anything, demonstrating that together, we can make a little bit of Kenya go a long way.

We were introduced to the participants in the first episode, with Team 1 members consisting of Ezekiel Kemboi and Michael Nduati setting off with the “relay bottle” to face tasks ahead in a bid to get that bottle to Humphrey Kayange in London. The other 24 teams left in one hour intervals subsequently.

Eric Kiniti, the Corporate Affairs Director had this to say about the show “As we join Kenyans’ in celebrating the 50th anniversary of independence, this show is meant to demonstrate the resilience of the Kenyan spirit to achieve whatever it sets out to do. This show is tailored to reflect Kenya’s coming of age.”

Below, some of the teams seek help from strangers along their journey…

Don’t forget to catch your favorite teams as they traverse two continents to accomplish their task. The show airs every Sunday from 8pm, on Citizen TV hosted by Channel O VJ, radio and TV personality Joey Muthengi. It also broadcasts across East Africa.

Tusker, “My beer, My country!!”

Channel O VJ, actress, radio and TV personality, Joey Muthengi
Read more at: http://www.standardmedia.co.ke/entertainment/pulse/article/4375/tusker-twende-kazi-unveiled

Top celebrities from across East Africa joined the race last night as East Africa Breweries Limited (EABL) launched the Twende Kazi reality TV show. The Nairobi hosted red carpet affair featured the who-is-who in the entertainment and corporate scene across the region. The show is a first of its kind, a 50-day racing affair that will see celebrities carry a bottle from Kenya to London where the regional hero, celebrated Kenyan rugby export Humphrey Kayange will receive it. The show’s host is the sassy Channel O VJ, actress, radio and TV personality, Joey Muthengi. In the company of 1968 Olympic Champion Kipchoge Keino will be yet another great athlete; Ezekiel Kemboi. Charles Bukeko better known as Papa Shirandula will also take part in the challenge, which will test his resilience and fighting spirit as will Uganda’s bad boy Moses Ssali alias Bebe Cool.
Read more at: http://www.standardmedia.co.ke/entertainment/pulse/article/4375/tusker-twende-kazi-unveiled

Things to do

Going Beyond the Safaris: Travel Experts Open Up About Kenya

February 23, 2014 zurukenya Leave a comment

It’s well known that Kenya is one of of the best spots in the world to take a safari. But did you know that it is also rife with topographical diversity? I’m talking about glacial mountains, Rift Valley volcanoes, coral reefs and desert escapes. Sounds pretty amazing, right? I thought so too, which is why I reached out to three travel experts–Jason Florio, of FlorioPhoto.com, Marcello Arrambide, of Wandering Trader, and Matt Gross, editor of BonAppetit.com and the author of The Turk Who Loved Apples–to get some of their best tips for traveling through this eclectic East African country.

Gnus and zebras in Mara Masai National Reserve. Image courtesy of Marcello Arrambide

What is your must-try food or beverage in Kenya? And why?

JF: I would go for a Somali lamb stew in the Eastleigh neighborhood of Nairobi, which is also known as Little Mogadishu. Why have this in Kenya? Because you don’t need six armed guards as your dining companions, which you would need if you went out to eat it in (Big) Mogadishu. As for drinks, I hate to be cliche, but it has to be the national brew, Tusker.

MA: The food I would say that everyone has to try are samosas and chapatis. Both are inspired by Indian cuisine but are found commonly throughout Kenya. They’ve become a common staple of Kenyan cuisine.

Samosas are what some may call an African version of an empanada. They are triangular in shape and deep fried, which creates an outer coating that is crispy brown. Inside you’ll find a tasty filling of spicy meat or even veggies. You can find them alongside the endless number of street carts in the country (especially Nairobi). Samosas are one of my favorite things to eat while on the road in Kenya. Chapatis, on the other hand, can be compared to a pita flat bread. No matter where I ordered this dish it was always the right texture and taste. Just soft enough to allow you to roll it into a pita and just hard enough to have with coffee or tea. It’s a great snack.

MG: I guess you have to eat ugali, which is sort of like the Kenyan version of polenta. They eat a lot a maize and corn there, and grind it up with flour to create this polenta-like semi-solid porridge that everybody eats at every meal. The other thing that’s pretty good is sukuma wiki. It’s a braised kale dish.

Giraffe licking Marcello in Kenya.

In your opinion, what’s an important “do this” or “don’t do that” when it comes to traveling in Kenya?

JF: Do learn how to paddle a tiny balsa wood canoe on Lake Baringo with the charming Njemp fisherman, and watch the fish eagles snatch fish from the lake around you–mind the hippos though.

Do not try and take pictures of the ferry crossing in Mombasa. The local security has come up with a neat little shakedown if they see you taking pictures. They have no authority and there are no clear signs about not photographing, but they will threaten you with police action. It cost me a $5 bribe and left a bad taste in my mouth–but that was soon washed out with a Tusker.

MA: When in Kenya interactions with the animals are a must. Outside of the common safari, I would highly recommend a visit to some of the orphanages and nonprofit organizations that allow tourists to get close to the animals. You can feed giraffes at the Giraffe Centre and even have breakfast with them at the Giraffe Manor. Another exciting up close encounter would be the Elephant Orphanage where a massive family of elephants comes out for a feeding and to interact with the keepers. And then just outside of Nairobi the adventurous tourist is able to ride ostriches at a local ostrich farm. Tourists are even allowed to order ostrich for lunch as well.

MG: Do say hello to everyone–people you pass on the street, people you meet anywhere. Be happy, friendly and polite, because in Kenya people are friendly. They want to meet you, talk to you and hear about what’s going on. I got invitations to have dinner at random people’s houses because I was running past.

Don’t try to rush things. It’s a big country. It’s a bit messy and rough in places. You can’t assume that just because it is 30 miles from point A to point B that you should be able to get there in half an hour or that everything will be ready. You must be patient. You must also plan a lot of free time to account for the fact that things do not move as smoothly as they do in North America. But that can be enjoyable. It gives you more time to say hello to everybody.

Njemp people who live and work around Lake Baringo paddling their canoes made of balsa wood. ©Jason Florio 2013.

Jason, what was one of the biggest challenges you, as a photographer, encountered while shooting in Kenya for the AFAR story, Runner’s High?

JF: Thinking I could make photographs of athletes sprinting along side giraffes.

Marcello, you saw the Big 5 on your first Kenyan safari, so I’m curious what your best tip is for someone going on their first African safari?

MA: I’d recommend that someone spends more time on a safari. The cheapest safari available is a three day safari where one drives all day to the reserve and a small drive is taken during the end of the day. The following day is a full day of safari and then an early departure the third and last day. There are so many unique opportunities that can happen at a moments notice that one day just isn’t enough. Also, make sure to have a good enough camera with a great zoom, even if you have to rent one. Safaris are a once in a lifetime experience and it would be shame if you couldn’t take pictures.

And finally, Matt, you spent two weeks running in the town of Iten for the AFAR story, Runner’s High, so what is your best advice for travelers who would like to go to Kenya to run?

MG: The thing is not to be intimidated. I was one of the slowest people for hundreds of miles around, but I ran twice a day and people recognized that. I remember coming back from one run, just like an afternoon/evening run that was like 10 miles, and, as everyone does, someone asked me, ‘How far did you run this afternoon?’ And I said, ‘10 miles.’ And they said, ‘Oh, oh, that’s nice.’ They were one of those professional Kenyan or British runners. And they were impressed that I did 10 miles after already having done five or seven in the morning. Forget all about your self-consciousness and just run, you’ll get respect for that.

–Randy and Bethany

source: gadventures