4 Best Tips to Earn the Most in Online Gambling Games

Online gambling is becoming more and more popular every day with many people signing up online to enjoy various slots at different online casinos.

Many people gamble to relax and have some unlimited fun and entertainment. While others gamble to earn money from the various jackpots of different slots. But to earn the most out of the online gambling games, there are unique moves you need to make.

1. Play from The Best Online Casinos

To be on the safe side, you don’t have to just play from any online casino you come across. Wondering why? You might end up losing your money if you play from untrusted and unlicensed online casinos some of which are scams.

So, go through different reviews on different online casinos and go with one where customers have had the best experiences. Google is a gold mine for different reviews on different online casinos and if a casino has many bad reviews, then you should run away. 

And guess what? An online casino with positive reviews boosts your winning chances as others have already earned from it and you too can win.

2. Play Games That Have A Low House Edge

Conduct enough research on the various games offered by the different online casinos like slot playtech and choose ones with a low house edge.

Remember, a low house edge means low risks of losing to the casino. The reward for games with a low house edge might be lower. But it boosts your winning chances and saves you from losing all your bet money.

Moreover, games with a high house edge are in favor of the casino and you have low chances of winning with these games.

3. Learn the Winning Strategies.

You should first learn the winning strategies of a particular game before going for it. When you know the game’s patterns, you get to know when to make the right moves. And the amount you should bet at each stage.

The good news is that with the free game trials given by various casinos to new players, you have a golden opportunity to learn the winning moves. And basics of the games before playing for real money.

So, embrace the free trials and get the feel of the real game to enable you to gain experience before betting your money.

4. Play Games in Your Limits

Play online games that are within your limits. Start small and grow slowly by slowly as you gain more experience in the games. Well, if you are new to the game, it is safe to avoid the bigger jackpots. 

Everyone knows they are tempting but you shouldn’t be carried away because they have higher chances of making you lose your money.

Bigger stakes are for experienced gamblers who are well-versed with all the basics of the games and all the winning strategies. So, don’t play beyond your limits and end up losing all your bet money.

Earn the Most from Your Bet

Have lots of fun, entertainment as well as big wins from slot playtech online and get value for your money.

source http://nairobiwire.com/2020/12/4-best-tips-to-earn-the-most-in-online-gambling-games.html

Divorce Rate in Kenya | The Latest Statistics [2021]

For many years, in most African countries, various social tendencies remained practically unchanged due to strong traditionalist sentiments compared to Europe and the United States. Until recently, Kenya remained among the African territories with minimal statistical data discrepancies regarding its citizens’ marital status.

However, changes in family law that came into force in 2019 in Kenya, oddly enough, caused a significant increase in the number of marriage dissolutions and legal separations. According to Complete Case, the main change in the law on divorce, which took place in September 2019, was abolishing the mandatory minimum period of family life.

Previously, the mandatory requirements for filing a petition for divorce in the local court for spouses were at least three years living together. But for more than a year now, this fact has not been a deterrent for Kenyans, who have a desire to end their family life officially. This innovation directly affected the general trend since the total number of divorces increased by about one and a half times compared to the previous year and continues to grow in 2020.

Growth in demand for divorce proceedings in Kenya in numbers

In 2017, local courts in Kenya approved a total of 909 petitions for an official divorce. In subsequent years, the statistical growth was negligible. In 2018, this figure was 1009, and in 2019 – only 1108 divorce cases. While in 2020, as a result of the changes to the legal procedure, the total figure is already at 1300-1500 confirmed cases. The increase in the number of filed divorce applications in Kenya now occurs monthly and amounts to hundreds.

A leading statistical research institution in sub-Saharan Africa, the Kenya National Bureau of Statistics, based in Nairobi, recently released a statistical snapshot of the social and marital status of citizens. The research and analysis of the latest statistics of divorce in Kenya show considerable growth in marriage dissolution rates during the last five years nationwide. According to the data, Kenya’s total population has grown from 46.7 million in 2014 to 53.8 million in 2020. Since 2014, the number of married couples has increased from 12.6 million to 16.7 million in 2020.

At the same time, the number of divorces has risen significantly over the past five years due to the simplification of many legal aspects. In 2015, there were 10.5% of divorced couples among married people. This number has risen to 17.7% in 2020. This data is confirmed by CompleteCase.com, one of the most experienced and trustworthy preparatory online divorce services in the English-speaking segment of the internet today. As you can see, the simplification of legal procedures has caused an unexpected and unprecedented surge in divorce activity in the country.

Church, public morality, financial issues and other factors affecting the divorce rate in Kenya

While at the end of 2020/beginning of 2021, the total number of registered divorces, or those pending before the court, is predicted to be more than 2,000, the role of many constraining factors for Kenyans remains quite large. Among them are the already mentioned traditionalist moral attitudes in society, formed by several previous generations. Another powerful and influential factor is the church in modern Kenyan society. The religious life of the country’s citizens is still habitually tightly intertwined with any actions within society.

Arnold Kabiru, pastor and marriage counselor at Deliverance Church Kahawa Wendani, in a recent interview with the popular Kenyan newspaper, The Star, voiced some of the key factors, in his opinion, influencing the situation with the growing number of divorces in the country. He noted that objective reasons one may file for divorce include unfaithfulness, financial constraints, insensitivity to sexual needs, and lack of communication between spouses. 

To lead a healthy marriage, however, Kabiru advises couples to communicate honestly in every step. “In case of an argument or difference of opinion between the two of you, choose to win your spouse and not the argument,” he said. “Finally, keep God first and children at the centre of your home. Commit to losing yourself to keeping your spouse happy.” Kabiru added that some traits might be red flags one should not ignore before tying the knot. These include abusive tendencies, lack of communication, and noncommitment to the union. 

Instead of resorting to divorce, Kabiru advises couples to try counseling, improvement of communication, or team building. “If couples would seek to go either to pastoral or professional counseling, then divorced can be avoided altogether,” he said. “Teamwork is applauded and great benefits thereof. Marriage is an entity of “we can” and not “me can.” The children born in the wedlock is a sign of team spirit. Thus couples can join hands together and fight divorce together instead of tearing each other apart in the process.”

The results of some statistical studies related to the issue

A study conducted by Daystar University last year showed most couples file for divorce before their 10th anniversary. The survey sampled 1200 Kenyans and focused on 46 counties, with the exception of Garissa. The study also showed 42% of couples had divorced by their fifth anniversary, while 77% had divorced by their tenth anniversary. Only 23% divorced after their tenth anniversary. It also established a 10% divorce rate across the country.

Meanwhile, cruelty and adultery remain the top reasons spouses move to court to seek annulment of a marriage in Kenya today. And it’s worth mentioning that cruelty doesn’t just include physical abuse. According to the existing divorce law in Kenya, a marriage is irretrievably broken if a spouse commits adultery, a spouse is cruel to the other spouse or any child of the marriage, or a spouse wilfully neglects the other spouse for at least two years.

source http://nairobiwire.com/2020/12/divorce-rate-in-kenya-the-latest-statistics-2021.html

Everything Trending in Nairobi This Last Day of 2020

What a year this has been. Today is final day of 2020, and we have compiled what’s trending on Twitter.

source http://nairobiwire.com/2020/12/everything-trending-in-nairobi-this-last-day-of-2020.html

Burning Bridges Initiative: IEBC Quickly Deletes ‘Honest’ Tweet

It appears someone at IEBC social media department was honest today. Perhaps a little too honest.

It is no secret that the Building Bridges Initiative is being rammed down Kenyans’ throats. No one asked for it, and no one needs it.

The BBI is widely seen as a plan to create more political seats for the ruling class at the expense of ordinary Kenyans.

The process culminating in a referendum is super expensive for a country broke and in debt. And to make it worse, the running cost of sustaining the proposed government structure will only add to the financial burden if the BBI goes through.

It’s no wonder that even some at the body that will conduct the referendum exercise are ‘secretly’ against it.

Today, IEBC is launching the signature verification exercise at Bomas of Kenya. The person in charge of social media at IEBC made his/her views known briefly, before taking down the tweet.

“Happening now: The launch of the Burning Bridges Initiative Supporters Verification Exercise at the Bomas of Kenya,” the account tweeted.

‘Burning Bridges’ has been a term used by those against BBI.

Do you think this is a case of saying the silent part out loud?

source http://nairobiwire.com/2020/12/burning-bridges-initiative-iebc-quickly-deletes-honest-tweet.html

The Trending Memes and Tweets This Wednesday

This is what’s trending on Twitter today.

source http://nairobiwire.com/2020/12/the-trending-memes-and-tweets-this-wednesday-3.html

The Trending Memes and Pics This Tuesday

Let’s look at some of what’s trending today.

source http://nairobiwire.com/2020/12/the-trending-memes-and-pics-this-tuesday-2.html

Football News: Manchester United claims to the Inter’s midfielder Perišić

Those who prefer to bet on football will never miss the latest news about long-awaited matches, a favorite team, or a soccer player. Entertaining and, at the same time, useful information usually helps navigate in the world of sports, including championships and tournaments. So, what’s new?

The midfielder of Inter (Milan) Ivan Perišić can go to the English Premier League in the nearest transfer window. According to Corriere Dello Sport, Manchester United is interested in a 31-year-old footballer’s services.

Ivan Perišić and His Career on Football Fields

The “Red Devils” have already been close to signing Perišić more than once, but the deal broke every time. Now, Ivan has lost a regular place in the main part of Inter, so the Italian club’s management is ready to part with him. 

After an unsuccessful performance in the group phase of the Champions League, Inter dropped out of the European Cups. In group B, the club of Milan, having scored 6 points, took the last place. Real (Madrid) took the first place with its 10 points, and Borussia M became a runner-up with its 8 points.

In the current season, the Croatian footballer played 17 matches in a black and blue T-shirt. He scored two goals and two effective passes. Last season, Ivan performed on loan for Bavaria, with which he became the winner in the Champions League and won the German Cup and the Championship.

However, Ivan is not the only last-chance performer. It appears that Inter is planning a large-scale sale, and four more players are already on Antonio Conte’s blacklist. It comes to Radja Nainggolan, Matías Vecino, Andrea Pinamonti, and Christian Eriksen. “Some players should leave,” Conte has announced a purge in his team after their fiasco with Shakhtar (Donetsk), and once they’ve flunked out the Champions League. Who will survive?

Let’s recall that Ivan Perišić is a professional footballer from Croatia who currently plays for Croatia’s national team and Inter (Milan).

BetSofa and Sports Events: Place Bets on a Legit Platform

BetSofa is one of the best online betting sites on the Web. It offers tons of opportunities to win, betting on any match where Ivan Perišić plays. However, you shouldn’t limit yourself, being interested in other athletes and kinds of sports. Fantastic odds for hockey, basketball, and other real and virtual sports are at your disposal. You can try exciting live betting or select one of the upcoming events, including the NBA and World Cup. Just create an account and explore your prospects on a safe platform with many promotions and attractive offers. 

source http://nairobiwire.com/2020/12/football-news-manchester-united-claims-to-the-inters-midfielder-perisic.html

From Steadman Group MD To Owning Tafaria Castle: Meet George Waititu

George Tafaria Waititu is the founder of Tafaria Castle, a medieval-style resort and country lodge built on a hill overlooking the Aberdare Range, Laikipia Plains and Mount Kenya.

Before setting up the Castle in 2012, Waititu was at the height of his career as the face and Managing Director of Steadman Group (now Ipsos Synovate).

More recently, the entrepreneur was the brains behind ViuSasa, a video on demand platform. He shared with Hustle the lessons his entrepreneurial journey has taught him.

Where were you at age 25?

At 25, I had a young family, was already in employment in a managerial capacity. I am driven by passion in pursuit of own and very personal goals – in that regard, I would say I am to a large extent ambitious.

Did you find freedom in entrepreneurship? 

Freedom in business is a plain lie, at least for me I haven’t seen that. No one is free. Your commitments, whether you work for yourself or not, is what enslaves you. Remember that your business does not know that you own it and it makes demands on you all the time. So if you are stepping out to set up a business in search of freedom, you are mistaken. Instead, do it for the love of it – and as much as possible try to fit it to your lifestyle, and you will never experience a moment of enslavement.

Did you for one minute have doubts about quitting your high flying job at Ipsos Synovate?

I wasn’t at all afraid. I am glad I quit when I did because if I hadn’t, my childhood dream would have gone unrealised. That said, employment taught me a lot of things I use in business. I learnt some marketing strategies, business finance, use of research for business, human resource management and general operations of a business. I don’t regret quitting though. I would still do it again. But I had to do a few things to transition from employment to self-employment.

Things such as?

To leave my job, I had to have a dream at hand, have figured out how to realise it, worked the small steps, have aligned resources to these steps and eventually forsook all else. That includes the status, friends and perks brought on by employment. When all that was done, I could boldly get out and pursue my plan with brutal consistency. If you want to get out of employment and get into the business, I say, JUST DO IT.

How did you raise the capital?

It was a basket: Income wage, savings, capital gains and bank loans. Each source type kicked in at different stages of building it. About loans and small businesses, I would say that we operate in a very imperfect market and sometimes things go south even when you had borrowed smartly with the best of intentions. I, however, believe in borrowing only for transformative business goals. This means that I only borrow for those goals that have the ability to accelerate cash generation and not necessarily asset enhancement.

How long was it between envisioning the idea of Tafaria and making the first step towards making it a reality? 

It took many years, and when I hit my 30s, I took very deliberate steps towards the realisation of this long-held dream. Since I was deeply in love with the idea, I did not have doubts in its success and was able to circumvent the various challenges that arose along the way. You are very likely to fail if you are pursuing a strategy of envy, but if the idea is original and you are passionately invested, chances of success are higher – but of course, there are very many factors that contribute to success or lack of it.

Having been the face of research back at Synovate, is research into the market something that has aided your success in your business journey?

Research became a passion and an obsession of mine – hence the introduction of opinion polling and the research clubs of Kenya to help demystify and mainstream research. I apply it a lot. Having used it to guide many businesses and organisations over the years, I am an avid user of research on mine. Having said that, to start Tafaria did not require much research but more of creativity and innovation, that is, what kind of a project do you establish to sustainably bring about social infrastructure to a village, create jobs, bring about rural social prestige, make that which had no value highly valuable? Most of the thinking went into that.

What is the biggest challenge you have faced doing business in Kenya?

The lack of facilitative infrastructure by the government – we had to invest (we still do) a large portion of the investment on infrastructure like roads, water and power. Second one is finding relevantly qualified labour – we still retrain graduates – I have a lot to say about this.

Being in your 40s now, how have you planned for your retirement?

I like to think that retirement is a mirage. It’s extremely hard to stop working and move into nothing. My view is that we retire from one thing to another. I retired from research at 37 and started on other things; largely fashioned around my lifestyle. I would love if old age found me at the Tafaria Museum & Centre for the arts providing the creative communities with enablers of success and using it to advance social change. My advice to anyone planning retirement is let your life in ‘retirement’ be around what you love doing.

How has the pandemic affected your business?

It has been very painful. We closed for six months! You can imagine the pain on our staff, suppliers and business loss. We got back in play in August and I am glad we have sustenance.

What insights have you gained since the operations began that you think someone getting into the same field should know?

Stick to what you love. That makes all the difference. Do not copy others as the journey will become painful. You must NOT be a social conformist.

As an employer, what counts more to you; experience or academic papers?

Both count a lot. But what matters more is the ability to execute regardless of how the skills were acquired. I find those with hands-on experience being better performers than those with only papers. I am very passionate about apprenticeship to an extent that we run a formal apprenticeship programme at Tafaria.

What are the main things you put into consideration when sinking your money into an investment?

Like most investors, the areas with the most return. However, mine is mainly driven by what maximises joy in execution – the journey to me is usually more important. I must enjoy it as the end result is always a mirage. But I have made some bad investments; more than I care to count and I consider them as the cost of research. That said, I tend to fashion my investments around my lifestyle such that even if they don’t work out, I will have enjoyed the journey nevertheless.

How do you feed your mind daily to stay sharp?

I am a lover of applied arts and the Tafaria Centre for the Arts keeps my heart delighted, well-fed mentally and above all, intellectually nourished – I can’t dream of better. Continuous learning is inevitable – deliberate or not. The passage of time alone brings learning with it, you just have to harness and apply. My advice to anyone is to seek relevant learning – lots of us tend to accumulate a lot of academic qualifications that are of little value to what the business demands now and in the future.

source http://nairobiwire.com/2020/12/from-steadman-group-md-to-owning-tafaria-castle-meet-george-waititu.html

Born Without A Vagina, I Had To Undergo Surgery To Create Vaginal Canal

A routine question from her doctor about menstruation set Julian Peter, 29, down a path that led her to discover she was born without a womb or a vagina, a rare condition called Mayer-Rokitansky-Küster-Hauser (MRKH).

Here’s her story.

*****************

“At the age of 17, I visited the doctor for a checkup. I had aching feet. The doctor started with normal questions during the consultation. ‘When was your last period?’ My answer was, “I haven’t had my periods yet.” That marked the beginning of a long journey to living with this ghost for life.

I grew up as a healthy child. I am a firstborn in a family of two. My dad passed on while I was young and my mother moved to Nairobi for work.

As a teen, it did not bother me much that I had not yet welcomed my periods. I was still young and naive and the fact that I had no pain, meant I had no alarm bells. While in class eight, my feet swelled but within a few days, I was okay. The swelling recurred while I was in form three and I visited Nazareth Hospital in Limuru for a check-up.

After informing the doctor that I had not got periods, he advised that I needed a checkup. They did a physical checkup only to find out that I didn’t have a vagina. The doctor then recommended a scan to see if my reproductive system was formed.

No Vagina

My first scan showed that my reproductive system was formed but my vagina was closed from the outside. Minor surgery to open it was recommended. During the 2008 surgery, the doctor realised that there was a bigger issue; I had no vagina at all. They had to stop the surgery.

After three days, I went for another scan which revealed that I had no vaginal opening, uterus, cervix, fallopian tubes and that I had one kidney. In disbelief, the doctor ordered another scan that confirmed the results. It was too much for me to handle. How could I have all those parts missing? The doctor recommended for an MRI scan to be done and this confirmed that I had Mullerian Agenesis, also called MRKH.

Mayer-Rokitansky-Küster-Hauser (MRKH) syndrome is a rare congenital disorder that affects the female reproductive system. Women with the condition are born without a womb or upper two-thirds of the birth canal. The condition affects one in every 5,000 women across the globe and renders the woman unable to carry children.

After my diagnosis, the doctor said there was nothing much that could be done to rectify it. I was in shock and disbelief. I cried myself to sleep for days. But life had to continue. I went back to school and continued my education. I still hoped it was just but a dream and it would soon dawn that I was a normal girl. I kept hope alive. I did not discuss this with anyone at school. All they knew was, I was treated for my swollen feet. I kept it all to myself. It was easy to forget since I had nothing that kept reminding me I was different. I had no pain and this condition didn’t affect my way of doing things.

In 2010, one year after my high school education, I found the MRI report in the house as I was doing the house cleaning. It hit me again that I had a condition. I had not discussed the issue with anyone for three years. We had not discussed it as a family since the doctor had assured us that nothing could be done. I still had not got my periods.

Acceptance

I did research online to understand what Murelian Agenesis was and that’s when I found the name MRKH. I started learning about my condition and the acceptance journey started. During this time, I thought I was all alone in the world.

Fortunately, in 2015, I watched Joaneva Wanjiru, a Kenyan lady with MRKH, talking about the condition at an interview in K24. I knew I wasn’t alone. She shared her contacts which I noted down and looked for her. She connected me to other ladies with MRKH.

When I met my MRKH sisters, I was able to share without any judgment. They understood me and what I was going through. They shared their love with me. Through MRKH Africa, we were connected to a doctor in Tanzania. Women with MRKH cannot get pregnant, they won’t menstruate and will likely need to undergo special treatment in order to have sex.

In 2018, I went for a constructive surgery in Tanzania to create a vaginal canal. I had prepared myself both physically and emotionally since that process can be draining. The main purpose of going through vaginal canal creation surgery is to enable the lady to have and enjoy penetrative sex.

Having MRKH has taught me to appreciate the smallest of things in life. I have been able to accept that I will never carry my own baby. In most cases, women with MRKH will have normal female chromosomes and ovaries with eggs, meaning they may be able to procreate with the help of IVF and a surrogate. My case is different since I don’t have the ovaries, thus IVF may not work for me. I may consider child adoption when I get enough grace to do it. One step at a time.

I have met men who ran away after hearing about my condition. I am not shy about it.

My greatest joy is to make people understand that there is such a condition and we shouldn’t be treated differently. We should have access to medical care without feeling humiliated. We shouldn’t feel less of women just because we can’t have children.

To me, we only live once, so we should make ourselves happy. And never give up.”

source http://nairobiwire.com/2020/12/born-without-a-vagina-i-had-to-undergo-surgery-to-create-vaginal-canal.html

Hilarious Posts by Kenyans on Social Media

Your weekly dose of random funny posts going viral on the Kenyan interwebs to help kick away those Monday Blues.

source http://nairobiwire.com/2020/12/hilarious-posts-by-kenyans-on-social-media-4.html

I Quit Banking Job For Real Estate And Found Goldmine In Bamboo

Carol Kariuki was a corporate banker who led the Savings & Loan Division when it was a subsidiary of Kenya Commercial Bank.

After three years, she left the banking industry and ventured into business, setting up East Africa’s first mortgage brokerage firm, The Mortgage Company, in 2011.

Then in 2014, Kariuki co-founded Greenpot Enterprises, Kenya’s first wholly integrated bamboo business. She shares her exciting business journey.

Let’s backtrack a little, why leave an established financial institution to start another?

My love affair with real estate actually started when I was in high school. I bought my first ‘plot’ for Sh17,000, money I had saved from the university personal expense fund that we used to call “boom.”  I later sold the piece of land for Sh250,000 and that is how I paid the deposit for our future home. I learnt the lesson that in any endeavour, you can start small and grow up any hustle from that foundation. So I knew I was going to end up in real estate. I founded The Mortgage Company to increase the uptake of mortgages in Kenya. I realised that only 20 per cent of Kenyans own the houses they live in. The mortgage loans stood at roughly 22,000 then in a country of over 46 million people. On the other hand, Kenya’s urban population is expected to peak at 70 per cent by 2050, requiring 300,000 homes annually.

Then you went and began a business in bamboo. Why bamboo?

Kenya has over 150,000 hectares of natural bamboo that is currently not utilised for commercial use. The bamboo grown in private farms is what can be used for commercial purposes. The sector is at the nascent stage with great possibilities to transform communities. Each acre of bamboo can generate between Sh200,000 to Sh400,000 per annum after the fifth year. This compares favourably with tea or coffee. Bamboo business is also sustainable as it offers the biggest opportunities in green energy. About 70 per cent of people in Africa use firewood and charcoal as their principal source fuel. The growing cycle of many trees is between eight and 20 years. One would need to wait another eight years to harvest the trees. For bamboo, once maturity is achieved in five years, harvests are done annually. Like bananas, you harvest what is mature and leave the rest of the bamboo intact for subsequent harvests. You can never have too much bamboo as you can choose to manufacture a different product if the market for one product is saturated.

And so began the tide of gated forest communities?

Yes. There was this man with some idle land and he wanted to teach his children how to use their small savings in planting a forest with a projected harvest and a handsome profit in 10 years. The idea that one could invest in an environmentally friendly way and make good returns saw the birth of the gated community of forests in Kenya. With a background in real estate, it was easy for me to explain the concept of a “gated community” to potential investors, only this time it was investing in a forest as opposed to a house. Over the last five years, we have established over 1,500 acres of bamboo forest in Narok and another 1,200 acres under our outgrower programme. Our vision is to grow 35,000 acres of bamboo over the next 10 years.

How did you begin?

With a 64-acre farm in Narok in 2015. In fact, all of our current bamboo forests are in Narok. I firmed up the idea after an earlier visit to China where I was taken through the entire bamboo value chain. I thought bamboo presented a more transformative idea and had more impact on people than mortgage business. That is why I paused the mortgage business to focus on bamboo.

 To plant on 64 acres must have been capital intensive…

Not really. I would say it was more self-funding. We sought individual investors who paid for the land and planting. Currently, we make some money from the sale of seedlings especially to outgrower farmers. And since the first crop is about to mature, more money will come from the value add, especially when we start processing the bamboo from our own factory.

What are the key challenges in the bamboo business?

We started growing bamboo expecting a straightforward and easy journey to wealth. But climate change is real. When we planted our forests, we experienced two years of drought, thus our projections for the bamboo maturity were not feasible. I learnt always to provide for contingencies and create a wider margin of error. I was also surprised at how difficult it is to access capital in the industry. We need ‘angel investors’ who are willing to take risks on innovators and support them even when their ideas are a little ahead of their time. Success of Silicon Valley stems from people who identified all these budding tech innovators. Most of all though, I have learnt to be patient, resilient, how to have a big vision and willing to start small.

Is it a get rich quick scheme?  

No. Not at all. If you get into the bamboo business, know it is a long-term investment. The initial investment of growing bamboo is between Sh60,000 and Sh80,000 per acre in the first year and approximately Sh200,000 to maturity. This is a significant investment by a farmer because it takes five years to begin getting some returns. We encourage farmers to do intercropping in the first two years to reduce management costs. Once the farmers start having commercial returns, they will not find this initial investment prohibitive. Many Kenyans have idle land upcountry and planting bamboo would make handsome returns for over 40 years with a payback period of six to seven years.

How have lessons from former businesses came in handy in the bamboo industry?

Having worked in the banking sector most of my life, I found it useful to develop business structures. Professionalism and integrity are also key to building long term relationships. There are many people who I came across in my previous life that we continue to work with in current projects. Over the course of your career, always treat people well as you never know where you will find them along life’s journey.

source http://nairobiwire.com/2020/12/i-quit-banking-job-for-real-estate-and-found-goldmine-in-bamboo.html

CRAZY: Funny Pics/Memes Going Viral on Kenyan Social Media

Our weekly compilation of the craziest images and memes doing rounds in the Kenyan interwebs.

source http://nairobiwire.com/2020/12/crazy-funny-pics-memes-going-viral-on-kenyan-social-media-74.html

My Hustle: I Supply Hospitals With Medical Equipment

Rachael Watiri graduated in 2015 eager to start her nursing career. While waiting to get a placement, Watiri started an online clothing store.

During one of her trips to China to source stock for her shop, a client who ran a clinic in Kenya asked her to find a place in China where he could source medical equipment. She did, and as she toured the facility and placed the medical equipment order for the client, a business idea was born.

Today, Watiri owns MeD-RAC Medical Equipment Supplies, which equips local hospitals and clinics in the region.

Why did you think hospitals couldn’t source their own medical equipment? 

There was a gap in the industry. Thanks to my medical training, it was easier for me to identify it. There was a high demand for hospital equipment and I found that most hospitals are under-equipped and couldn’t address challenging health matters. Patients were always being referred to the bigger hospitals. If I could give the hospitals the equipment they needed to reduce the referrals, it would be a win-win for everyone. Additionally, there is a shortage of local distributors. And if you find one, the prices are grossly exaggerated. But there was a snag in the whole scheme.

What snag?

To begin with, I sat on that business idea for close to three years as I had no capital for starting such a business. So I began saving diligently. When I finally decided to get a loan of Sh600,000, I approached a bank. But they informed me I was ineligible as my name had been listed by another creditor. At first, it seemed the amount was nothing to worry about, only to realise how serious things were. I had to clear my name with the credit reference bureau (CRB) first. And that was a tall order.

How did you land on CRB?

I had taken a loan of Sh500 from a mobile phone money lender and fallen behind with repayment. That little loan had been rolled over and over with interest rates and the bank manager advised me to visit the CRB offices where I would pay the clearance fee and get a certificate. This process took such a long time I regretted why I had taken that small loan back then. I couldn’t access any bank loans until I did all that I was being asked to do. So after clearing my name with the CRB, I had to raise 30 per cent of Sh600,000 in order for me to qualify for a loan because I didn’t have any other collateral. After satisfying the bank requirement, I got the Sh600,000 and with an additional Sh200,000 from savings, MeD-RAC Medical Equipment Suppliers was off to a start.

What has the business journey been like?

It did not begin well and I learned business ropes the hard way. My first imports were surgical gloves in 40 big cartons. One client took most of the stock and vanished without paying a cent. I had to give the remaining boxes away and count my losses. The same script followed with the second import, which was an assortment of hospital equipment shipped in a 20-foot container. I incurred losses again as I was also taken advantage of.

Was third time the charm?

Know what I think? Clients saw a young naïve woman and exploited my eagerness to close a sale. So I got a team of professionals to work and consult with. I wasn’t about to get swindled again. The third import turned a profit of Sh400,000.

What are some of the challenges you face in the business?

Initially, shipping and clearing goods was hectic and strenuous, not to mention expensive. But things have gotten easier recently and goods are being cleared in record time at the Port of Mombasa. Also, if not careful, one can easily be swindled. Blindly trusting clients almost ruined my business to the extent of closing it down. Delivering orders without proper documentation was another grey area that ended up costing me.

Where has MeD-RAC found its niche?

We can fully kit a hospital or health facility. This can be from reception stuff like chairs, benches, television sets to hospital kitchenware. We also provide lab equipment and ward equipment like beds, drip stands and cabinets. For bigger hospitals, we bring in theatre lights, tables, anaesthesia, and procedure machines. We are almost three years in and I am happy doing this.

How do you get your clients?

By word of mouth and mainly through referrals from satisfied clients. Advertising on social media platforms is another strategy I use to reach a wider client base.

Is your clothing store still in operation?

Yes. thesource_apparel.ke now also has a physical store though most of the sales happen online. It has been close to five years in operation currently and actually helped in raising the capital for the other business. I’m still running it and it is doing very well. It does very well on social media platforms like Instagram from where I get online customer traffic.  Running the two businesses side by side can be a little taxing, but I am not complaining. I have taken to delegating more at the clothing store but when it comes to the other one, I am still fully hands on.

How has the pandemic affected the medical supplies business?

The pandemic has been like a blessing of sorts. Hospitals have been running short of equipment and other non-pharmaceuticals. I actually have been under pressure to deliver orders during the pandemic and I can say the business has not been affected much.

Do you reinvest profit in business?

Reinvesting and growing a business is the way to go. However, a large part goes into servicing existing bank loans with the difference reinvested in business. Bank loans are a reality in my kind of business, as sometimes the orders made surpass the cash you have at hand and you need a good relationship with your bank to finance the deficit.

Business lessons you have learned so far?

Concentrate on delivering the best. Reputation is vital, it is what keeps you in business.

Always get proper documentation for your business. If you don’t, you may lose so much money trying to get it right.

Do some research into what you are getting into. Take some time to gather enough knowledge before deciding if that investment risk is worth it. Always consult.

Involve your team if you have one. They may notice if something is off.

source http://nairobiwire.com/2020/12/my-hustle-i-supply-hospitals-with-medical-equipment.html

Career Path With Chemotherapy Specialist, Kitui County Hospital

Erastus Mbuno is a cancer specialist and a front-line health officer in the fight against Covid-19 at Kitui County Referral Hospital. His father succumbed to Thyroid cancer, which shaped Mbuno’s passion in medicine.

Tell us a bit about yourself.

I am a 27 year-old medical doctor at Kitui County Referral Hospital. I specialise in preparation of chemotherapy for cancer patients. I was born and raised in the rural Koi village, Kitui East sub-county. I am the last born in a family of six.

My father succumbed to thyroid cancer when I was very young, so I was raised by my mother who was battling chronic tuberculosis for years. We grew up in a very humble home, where skipping meals and constantly being sent home for school fees was the order of the day.

How was it growing up in a single-parent home?

It was an experience that will always be in my mind. Life was really tough. We would walk for more than 10 kilometres to get water for home consumption. My early years were marked with school absenteeism. My mother was battling TB and was always coughing, which really troubled me. I always feared that we would lose her at any moment.

How did your mother manage to educate you, given the challenges?

My elder sister assisted her for some time. I was schooling at Koi Primary School were I stayed up to class five, and then my sister volunteered to pay my school fees. I transferred to Malalani Primary School together with a nephew. After one year, my sister was unable to continue funding my studies so I had to go back to my former school. After another year, I transferred to Endau Primary School where I was forced to repeat Class Six. It’s in that school where I completed my primary education.

Where did you go next?

I managed to scoop 371 marks in my KCPE exam and was the best student from the school. I was then called to join Chuka Boys High School where life was not easy either. My elder brother, who was in his final year of study at the university, deferred his studies and channeled all his HELB money to pay my school fees. In Form Two, I was granted a scholarship by Consolata Catholic Church, which paid my fees in full for the rest of my studies.

How did you feel after your brother sacrificed his studies for your education?

I was excited. It was a dream come true for me since it was the first time I left my village. I stepped into the school with one goal in mind; to work hard in order to attain grades that would take me to a medical school since I always wanted to be a doctor.

Did you achieve your goal?

Yes, after attaining an A grade in my secondary school examination, I joined Kenyatta University for a Bachelors’ degree in Pharmacy. I felt on top of the world despite reservations from some relatives who wanted me to pursue an ‘easier’ course. But I did not relent.

Why were you so passionate about pursuing medicine?

For me, medicine has always been more of saving lives than a mere career. My father’s death dealt a huge blow to me. My mother’s deteriorating health also worried me. I decided to work hard in order to become a doctor then come back and treat my ailing mother, now that my father was gone for good.

What is your experience working as a front-liner during the Covid-19 pandemic?

I take Covid-19 as a health challenge which I have to fight against and save as many patients as possible. So I always research more about it and compare notes with what different hospitals across the globe are doing in efforts to get the best treatment protocol. I don’t fear contracting the virus, but I am cautious not to.

What is your ultimate goal as a medic?

I would love to scale the ladder, especially in the field of cancer which I am very passionate about. I am currently the chairman of Champions Mentorship Alliance, an association through which we talk to and mentor school children. So far, we have traversed the region and reached more than 50 schools.

source http://nairobiwire.com/2020/12/career-path-with-chemotherapy-specialist-kitui-county-hospital.html

Meet Fred Kithinzi, Internet-preneur And Founder of Digital Marketing Agency, Belva

Fred Kithinzi an internet-prenuer, a marketer, an Afrocapitalist, founder and CEO of Belva Digital, an award-winning digital marketing agency.

Outside work,  the 32-year-old is a husband and a father. He talked to Sunday Nation about his ambition to build a sustainable pan-African business.

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“I am the first-born in a family of three, we grew up in a modest, typical Kenyan household. I went to a mixture of both academies and public schools for my primary education. I then went to Mang’u High School for my secondary education to pursue my then ambition to become a pilot.

Unfortunately, that didn’t take off as I developed an eye problem and had to drop off from the aviation class in Form Two. I changed my focus towards computers and as a result, I later joined JKUAT for a degree in computer science.

In my final semester in campus, I went about applying for internship opportunities. Google had an opening which I went for. Google is a fantastic place to work. This improved my aptitude and attitude, gave me a global experience, and exposed me to a collaborative and forward thinking team and culture.

In my fifth month at Google, I was interviewed for a Regional Sales Associates role at International Business Machines (IBM). I recall talking to my immediate manager then at Google, Joe Mucheru, the current CS for ICT, and he encouraged me. I took up the job and it was a terrific experience.

Internet ecosystem

The money was really good but not enough to keep a restless 24-year-old in one place for too long. After three months, I left to take advantage of the promising internet ecosystem. I had the desire to start a business but had no concrete plan of what exactly I wanted to do. When I got out, I reached out to my contacts, one of them being a former colleague at Google, Victor Munyua. He’d done a decade at Google and I needed someone I could lean on and learn from. He was welcoming and we hit it off.

Two months in, we bagged our first big deal where we were contracted to do some work for Kenya Power. As luck would have it, in early 2013, I was contracted by Google, to train media houses on the various Google products. For the very first time in the country, we were doing lots of livestream videos on YouTube.

That 2013, I hired my first three employees but due to political uncertainty, I let them go. Around the same time, our firstborn was conceived. Things were really uncertain in the business. I sat down, re-strategized and came up with a business plan defining who exactly I wanted to target and what the business was intended to achieve. This worked and I started getting calls from the right people.

Established partnerships

We have so far expanded and extended our services in Africa with a physical office in Kenya, Uganda and established partnerships in western, central and southern Africa. Some of the key highlights so far is Belva Digital making it into the prestigious KPMG Top 100 mid-size company list in our 5th year of operation, and keeping our doors open despite Covid-19 pandemic.

I would like to thank Prof Bitange Ndemo and Mr Mucheru among others. A supportive family is very instrumental in career growth. In my case, my spouse has been the most supportive and I know, she has had to make a lot of career sacrifices for me and our children.

My advice to the youth is that failure and success come in the same package. You have to learn how to accept to fail. Also, be consistent.

The internet presents a grand opportunity for growth in Africa, so seize the opportunity.”

source http://nairobiwire.com/2020/12/meet-fred-kithinzi-internet-preneur-and-founder-of-digital-marketing-agency-belva.html

6 Lessons Learnt From Agribusiness – ‘The Farm Gang’ Cofounder

Anne Mugo is the co-founder of The Farm Gang, an agribusiness firm that specialises in the organic growth of strawberry fruits, seedlings, and farming training.

She shared some of her top lessons from agribusiness.

1. Due diligence goes hand in hand with investment.  When I first got employed in the year 2009, a friend of mine convinced me to invest in a farmer who was growing rice in Mwea. My role in the project was to act like an investor, give the farmer the capital he needed and upon harvest, we would split the profits. I took a loan from a bank to fund the project. But the farmer disappeared as soon as he got my money. To make matters worse, I lost my job shortly after. The bank was on my case. This was one of my toughest financial seasons. This taught me the importance of due diligence. I no longer trust anyone with my money just because they have a promising business venture that needs an investor.
2. It takes resilience to build a farming business in Kenya. Don’t fall for the hype on social media that farming will make you an overnight millionaire. Things can go wrong very quickly in farming. The challenges are so many. But there are those seasons that make it all worthwhile. As a farmer, I have learned to take the lesson, learn, pick up the pieces and move on. Don’t venture into farming if you give up easily.
3. You can never learn about money out of the blue. You must invest in knowledge. Unfortunately, many of us are very hesitant to invest in financial knowledge. In my profession as a farmer, lack of training on best farming methods, investment and marketing is one of the primary reasons why farming is still a loss-making venture to many.
4. Agribusiness as a wealth creator is still underutilized.  My job at The Farm Gang mostly involves training women and young people on the potential of agribusiness as a wealth creator. So far, I have trained over 70 women and youth on growing strawberries organically. Most of these have then gone on to start farming ventures that are now giving them additional income.
5. I save a percentage of my incomeevery month. These savings are reserved for reinvestment in my farming ventures and securities portfolio. A while back, I used to save my money on my mobile phone and bank account. I have since quit and switched to the money market fund. I switched because of the lucrative interest rates that my money earns.
6. It is never about what you earn, but what you keep.Start saving for retirement as soon as now and find a side hustle that will bring you extra sources of income— whether you’re employed or in business. Above all, invest in yourself, knowledge, learn a new skill and enrol in personal finance or entrepreneurship programmes.

source http://nairobiwire.com/2020/12/6-lessons-learnt-from-agribusiness-the-farm-gang-cofounder.html

Meet Fashionista Behind Azuri Closet, Sylvia Bonareri

Sylvia Bonareri is the founder of Azuri Closet, an online boutique that stocks ladies’ wear and accessories. The lawyer spoke to People Daily about style and fashion.

In your opinion, is image that important?

Yes, it is. People tend to treat you based on how you present yourself. This is the reason people dress up for interviews.

It is undeniable that fashion colours people’s perception of a person. This is why I feel you should always dress the role you are playing at the moment; whether going out, going to work or simply lounging at home.

When did your love for fashion start? 

My love for fashion started back when I was in high school. I would always want to try out new styles at home whenever schools were closed.

I realised that some designs made me happy and more confident in myself and slowly learnt to dress my body and be more confident in myself.

How can you describe your fashion? 

I would say that my fashion is simple but elegant. I am very experimental as I believe it is the only way to truly learn more about yourself.

I would also say that my fashion and sense of style has evolved over time. A few years back, I did not have the courage to wear some dress styles, as I was afraid of popular opinion.

I am more confident now and surer of my fashion sense and what I want to wear independent of fashion fads.

What made you start Azuri Closet and what do you stock?

I started Azuri Closet in February this year. I have always loved fashion and the idea of opening up a store that would stock items that I would personally buy has been at the back of my mind since 2017.

However, I was not sure if I would be able to manage it. But I have learnt that anything worth pursuing is normally done in fear. So, I decided to start anyway.

Azuri Closet stocks up all kinds of unique ladies’ wear ranging from fancy dresses, simple jeans, sexy nightwear, lingerie, pants, bralettes to tiny stylish bags and accessories.

Which style icons do you look up to? 

I think I only have three style icons I look up to; Amina Abdi, Anita Nderu and Olivia Culpo. Bold styles yet still elegant is their commonality.

Which is your best fashion buy? 

A white dress with sheer sleeves that I had originally sourced for Azuri Closet, that I ended up buying for myself.

It is so simple, elegant and timeless and is perfect for any occasion. I just add different accessories to accentuate or marry with the event I am attending.

Perfume or books?

Perfume and books. I love smelling nice. I think it is important for every woman or man to own a good perfume.

A good scent gives you confidence. In the same vein, I feel that books are a must have for everyone too.

I always have two or three books on different topics at any given time and use the time waiting for clients at the store to read.

Which is that one piece of clothing that every woman should own and why?

Every woman should at least own a little black dress and a little white dress.

These two items flatter just about any size and are quite versatile as to be worn to any kind of event. They are also easy to accessorise.

What’s that one piece of style advice you’d be willing to give?

Always wear outfits that make you happy, confident and content. Don’t be afraid to play around with colours and experiment.

Find out which colours and fits make you the happiest then proceed and stock them.

source http://nairobiwire.com/2020/12/meet-fashionista-behind-azuri-closet-sylvia-bonareri.html

PHOTOS – Check Out EABL’s New Swanky Offices at Garden City, Straight Out of Silicon Valley

Two years ago, East African Breweries Limited (EABL) signed a long-term deal with Garden City Business Park developer Actis, to take up office space.

The business park is located next to Garden City mall, and was completed in 2019. It is part of the 47-acre Garden City mixed-used project.

It also happened to be a convenient location for EABL, since it is located mere metres from their old headquarters in Ruaraka.

EABL was announced as the first tenant in the business park, which when complete will offer  over 25,000 m² of lettable Grade A offices, with a healthcare facility and two hotels on top of the over 400 residential units planned.

The brewer took up between 2000 and 3000 square metres of space, in a bid to move some of its HQ functionalities. Its old headquarters was in need of a huge makeover, having been built in 1972 at a time when the idea of office space was looked at differently.

Today, offices are viewed as open and relaxing environments.

After taking up the space, EABL through its parent company Diageo hired renowned international design firm Orbit Design Studio, to spruce it up.

Orbit has done similar projects for big companies like the Bank of America, Deutsche Bank, Kempinski International, Nike, Proctor & Gamble, Pepsico, Morgan Stanley, Toyota and even the World Bank.

They really did outdo themselves here, making probably one of Kenya’s best looking office spaces. Something straight out of Silicon Valley.

Check out the new swanky EABL offices.

source http://nairobiwire.com/2020/12/photos-check-out-eabls-new-swanky-offices-at-garden-city-straight-out-of-silicon-valley.html

How Each Senator Voted in Sonko’s Impeachment

Nairobi Governor Mike Mbuvi Sonko on Thursday night became only the second governor to be impeached and removed from office.

After two days of hearings, senators still voted along party lines, with those in support of Uhuru and Raila voting to remove Sonko, while those in support of Ruto voting not to.

In total, 27 senators voted in favour of the charges which was 3 more than the constitutionally mandated 24, required to remove a sitting governor.

16 of the legislators voted against the charges. 2, namely; Nairobi senator Johnson Sakaja and Makueni’s Mutula Kilonzo jr. abstained from the vote.

This is a list of all the senators and how they cast their votes.

Sonko stood accused of gross violation of the constitution or any other law, abuse of office, gross misconduct and crimes under national law.

Minutes after his removal, the decision was gazetted which left many Kenyans wondering how late the government printer was working that day, owing to the fact that it was close to midnight.

Sonko now joins Ferdinand Waititu of Kiambu and Martin Wambora of Embu as the only 3 governors to be impeached and removed from office. Wambora was however saved by the courts, which quashed his removal.

Sonko is believed to be headed to the courts too, but only time will tell if he will be successful.

As it stands, Nairobi has no deputy governor following the resignation of Polycarp Igathe in January 2018. If the courts do not overturn Sonko’s removal, Nairobi assembly speaker Benson Mutura will assume the office as acting-governor. A by-election will then be held within 60 days.

source http://nairobiwire.com/2020/12/how-each-senator-voted-in-sonkos-impeachment.html

Nyamira Governor Nyagarama Dies of COVID-19

Nyamira Governor John Nyagarama died Friday morning, becoming the latest high profile Kenyan to succumb to Covid complications.

Nyagarama died at Nairobi Hospital ICU, where he had been admitted for more than 3 weeks. His family said that he had breathing problems after his lungs collapsed.

The politician was 74 years old, part of the worst hit demographic by the global pandemic.

Nyagarama was thought to be improving and doctors even recommended to have him moved from the Covid ICU to the normal ICU. But things worsened on Sunday forcing doctors to put him on life support. His family was informed of his deteriorating condition and called in on Monday.

By this time, word was already going round on social media that he may have already passed, but Nyamira county secretary James Ntabo on Tuesday rubbished the claims saying the governor was still being treated.

“Governor John Nyagarama is recuperating well. Let the media, including users of social media, learn to practice responsible journalism. They should be fair to the family and friends of the governor, including the employees of the county government, and pray for his quick recovery,” Ntabo said in a statement.

Nyagarama was a former long-serving Kenya Tea Development Authority director. He was currently serving his second term as governor.

He was also a big proponent of BBI.

source http://nairobiwire.com/2020/12/nyamira-governor-nyagarama-dies-of-covid-19.html

All The Trending Pics This Friday

It’s exactly one week before Christmas, and this is what’s trending on Twitter today.

source http://nairobiwire.com/2020/12/all-the-trending-pics-this-friday-5.html

PHOTOS: Uhuru Launches National Air Support Department(NASD)

President Uhuru Kenyatta has inaugurated the National Air Support Department (NASD), a multi-agency unit within the Ministry of Defence charged with the responsibility of coordinating Kenya’s national air response services.

Speaking to NASD staff at its Wilson Airport headquarters Thursday, the President said the entity which brings together all Government air assets will enhance efficiency in the delivery of aviation services.

“The National Air Support Department is a multi-agency approach to service delivery that we, as a Government have adopted.

“This reform initiative was necessitated by the compelling need to foster effectiveness in the management of the national aviation assets; with a view to optimizing safety, efficiency and improved availability of aircraft,” the President said.

NASD has created a fleet of 36 aircraft manned by 273 personnel by merging the National Police Air Wing, the Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS), the Kenya Electricity Transmission Company (KETRACO) and the Kenya Forest Service (KFS) among others.

The President pointed out that the proficiencies from both the military and Government civilian aviators will be a great asset to the department as it would not only help in generating revenue to supplement public funding but also promote aviation safety and reliability across Kenya and the region.

“The capabilities and wealth of experience within National Air Space Department will not only benefit Government, but, by providing aircraft and equipment maintenance services to private sector aircraft operators, NASD will promote aviation safety and reliability across Kenya and the region; with the added benefit of generating revenue to supplement public funding,” President Kenyatta said.

The Head of State regretted that in the past, lack of proper maintenance of aviation equipment within the National civilian air fleet has brought tragedies to the nation claiming lives of citizens including those of prominent leaders.

He said that it was due to such challenges that the Government decided to adopt a coordinated approach in the management of the country’s aviation assets.

“In the past, utilization of national air assets has been managed in an uncoordinated manner, leading to inefficient training, un-optimal utilization and maintenance of air assets and air-related facilities.

“Indeed, the result of this approach has been poor manning, and state of aircraft serviceability in each of the individual government departments. In some cases, departments had more air assets with less manpower while others had more manpower with fewer assets; Others had very low serviceability rates,” the President said.

President Kenyatta said the inauguration of NASD signals a new era in the management of the country’s aviation assets, one which promises greater safety, efficiency and quality, and challenged the department’s leadership to work hard to become the benchmark for other Government agencies.

He assured NASD leadership of the Government’s support noting that they will be allocated adequate financial resources to modernize and put back to service grounded aircrafts.

“On our part, my Administration stands ready to; always provide the necessary support, infrastructure, equipment and training required for the smooth operation of the Department,” the President assured.

Defence CS Dr Monica Juma and Chief of Defence Forces General Robert Kibochi spoke at the NASD inauguration event attended by several senior Government officials among them Head of Public Service Dr Joseph Kinyua.

-PSCU

source http://nairobiwire.com/2020/12/photos-uhuru-launches-national-air-support-departmentnasd.html