Professional Documents
Culture Documents
Volume 1
Welcome to Volume One of ‘Best of Kenya’
‘Best of Kenya’ is a celebration of the success of varied and valued enterprises in both Publisher: Intermac Communications Limited
private and public sectors and sets a trend we will continue in the coming months with
Volume II. Sales Director: Simon Mugo
We hope that by celebrating these success stories and taking their uniqueness to the Editorial Team: Matthew Gathigira, Mike Ngwalla,
world, we will encourage many more entrepreneurs and enterprises to devise ways and Matiko Bohoko
Please sit back and enjoy the features on and images of articles on Kenya, its sporting
Creative Direction: Allan Anjeo, Extreme Designs
prowess, uniqueness, banks, hotels, education, birthplace of Barrack Obama Snr, the
father of the 44th President of the United States of America, among other delightful Photography: Walter Boermeester, Yahya Mohamed,
articles. Sam Ouma, Noor Khamis, Kenya Tourism Board, Kenya
Film Commission, Department of Film Services.
We single out one enterprise for special mention. This is the story of Ranalo Foods, a
well liked eatery in Nairobi that is run by an amiable and humble couple that started their Disclaimer: Every effort has been made to ensure the
business from the humblest of beginnings and locations. accuracy of the information in Best of Kenya Vol.1.
Neither Best of Kenya nor Intermac Communications
In Volume II we will dwell at length on Kenya as a tourist destination and also look at the Limited can take responsibility for any errors or
omissions.
government’s blueprint – Vision 2030 - for transforming the country into a developed
nation by 2030.
All rights reserved: No part of this publication shall be
reproduced, copied, transmitted, adapted or modified
Karibu in any form or by any means. This publication shall
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BEST OF
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Best of Kenya 1
Hotels & Casinos
2
Best of Kenya
National Anthem
Best of Kenya 3
Foreword from the President
Foreword
In this book, you will find many things said about Kenya, some of which may be new, and
others that you already know. It is my hope that the book will enable readers to broaden their
knowledge of our country and experience a new understanding and perception of Kenya and its
people.
Kenya remains a relatively stable and peaceful nation, despite the challenges we have faced
over the years. The stability and success of our nation demonstrates that we are a resilient
people, and we are always ready to find solutions to our problems. And more importantly, we
have been swift to seize the challenges that confront us and transform them into opportunities
for enhancing the political, social, and economic development of our society.
In this respect, the Grand Coalition Government, working together with Parliament, passed
various legislation this year to enable the government to implement various reforms to ensure
transparency in the management of the affairs of our nation. I am confident that, as a people, we
are capable of overcoming the problems we face, and building a united, stable and prosperous
nation.
I therefore want to assure our friends and well-wishers that Kenyans are determined to uphold
our nationhood. We are committed to living in unity, while recognizing the diversity of our
people. Indeed, all of us, regardless of ethnicity, race or religion, are inextricably tied together,
with a common destiny. That destiny, as spelt out in Vision 2030, aims at building a prosperous
and equitable nation that is an example to the region and the world of what Africa is capable of
achieving.
Accordingly, the theme of this publication is not only appropriate but also timely. Over the last
six years, the government has implemented a variety of reforms to make our country investor-
friendly. We welcome investors to take advantage of the unique and abundant opportunities we
offer to put their money in various sectors of our economy.
Indeed, Kenya is today one of Africa’s most well endowed countries in terms of human capital,
entrepreneurship and work ethic. The country has a large portfolio of investment opportunities,
ranging from the diverse natural resources and a vibrant agricultural sector to sophisticated
infrastructure as well as the financial and information services sectors.
In this regard, Nairobi has grown to become the region’s financial, transport and tourism hub,
while Mombasa is the gateway to the Eastern Africa region. Investors will find well developed
infrastructure, including roads, railways, air transport, and telecommunications linking Kenya to
the rest of Africa and the world. Investors will also be happy to know that Kenya has a large pool
of highly talented and skilled labour.
This publication is, therefore, also an invitation to investors, friends and well-wishers to
visit Kenya. I assure you that you will not be disappointed. Kenya is a land of contrasts – of
enchanting landscapes, a snow-capped mountain on the Equator, expansive savannas that are
home of the Big Five and countless, varied wildlife in their natural habitats that make Kenya a
true safari country.
Moreover, Kenya’s coastal region tells the story of hospitality and of timeless contacts with the
rest of the world, a story that is still eloquently told by the numerous historical monuments and
sites, while the beautiful, white sandy beaches and an all-year-round warm climate assure our
visitors a fun-filled holiday experience.
Welcome to Kenya.
4 Best of Kenya
Foreword from the Prime Minister
It is my pleasure to write the foreword to this useful fact-book on Kenya, especially at this
particular time when our country has regained its balance following the political crisis that
engulfed it in early 2008.
Kenya is back in business as a gateway to the vast and fast growing African market on the
eastern seaboard. We have reclaimed our reputation and position as the destination of choice
for investment, trade and tourism in Eastern and Central Africa.
We in Kenya firmly believe that the private sector provides the main engine for sustainable
economic growth. The Government of Kenya is firmly committed to working closely with both
the domestic and foreign private sector to generate wealth in the fight against poverty and
underdevelopment. Kenya offers guaranteed lower production and operational costs and faster
business set-up than most other countries, through the following measures:
• a ten-year Corporate Tax holiday and a 25 per cent tax rate reduction for 10 years
thereafter.
• duty and Value Added Tax (VAT) exemption on imported or locally sourced raw materials,
construction equipment and other business inputs except motor vehicles and some fuels.
The Government places great emphasis on providing a conducive and enabling environment
for business. Maintaining Kenya’s highly skilled labour force is a top priority alongside issues
of security, affordable energy supply, responsiveness of the public sector to business needs,
upgrading infrastructure and ensuring a pleasant multicultural environment to live in.
Kenya’s unique geographical position offers time flexibility in cross-interaction with businesses
in other time zones from Auckland in New Zealand to Los Angeles in the U.S., without loss of
sleep! Nairobi is the regional hub for air and sea transport for East, Central and Southern Africa,
offering daily air connections to West Africa and other parts of the world.
As a founder-member of the East African Community (EAC) and the Common Market for Eastern
and Southern Africa (COMESA), Kenya offers access to a vast market of more than 400 million
people.
Kenya hosts a large number of regional bodies, multinationals and international organizations.
This, together with the multi-racial fabric of Kenyan society, makes most cities and urban
centres in this country global in matters of faith, education, culture, cuisine and character.
Best of Kenya 5
BEST OF THE WORLD
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in business, tourism and lifestyle. Through our Best of publishing Exchanging knowledge, skills and economies of scale in media
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Branding a Nation, a City and its People
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Best of Kenya 7
ChapterS
Best of Kenya
48-57
Chapter 1
Chapter 2
Fashion Healthcare
76-81
82-95
Chapter 5
Chapter 6
124-137
Chapter 10
Chapter 9
152-163
Chapter 12
Chapter 13
8 Best of Kenya
Dining and Eating Out Shopping and Retail
58-67
68-75
Chapter 3
Chapter 4
Coffee, Tea and Horticulture Corporate Profile
96-107
108-115
Chapter 7
Chapter 8
BEST OF
Kenya
Chapter 14
Best of Kenya 9
Chapter 1
Kenya at a Glance
10 Best of Kenya
Best of Kenya 11
Kenya at a Glance
Kenya at a Glance
12 Best of Kenya
Inviting Savannah: Open and expansive
grasslands home to varied and valued game
National carrier
Best of Kenya 13
Kenya at a Glance
Kenya: Land of infinite variety historic splendour of the Rift Valley, a geographic feature that is
visible from space, to the beautiful shores of the Indian Ocean,
Renowned globally as the Cradle of Mankind, Kenya is a land lined with unique mangrove forests, and to Lake Turkana, the
of great variety and spectacular physical and climatic contrasts world’s largest desert lake.
and beauty that are so diverse they are usually found in an
entire continent. From the modern social and cultural hub of Nairobi (the only
city in the world with a national park within its boundaries),
These range from high snow-capped mountains with alpine to the vast breathtaking expanses of wildlife parks such as
forests to hot dry deserts and lovely sandy beaches. There is so the Tsavo, Mt Kenya, the Masai Mara and Amboseli, a visit to
much to be seen and enjoyed in Kenya, ranging from the pre- Kenya presents the ultimate dream for any traveller.
14 Best of Kenya
The world’s only wildlife capital: No other city on earth has a national park full of wild animals and birds in Tusks of Mombasa: They are like an emblem for the
their natural habitat. Ostriches strut and groom themselves against the background of Nairobi’s skyscrapers. historic coastal city that is the gateway to East Africa
In the words of the 1954 Nobel laureate water bodies. The highlands are mild and
for literature Ernest Hemingway, “Kenya cool, with relatively high rainfall patterns.
is unknowable, unimaginable, and
unbelievable”. The popular Kenyan Coast, along the Indian
Ocean, and the regions around Lake Victoria,
In terms of size, this great East African the second largest freshwater body in the
country is some 583,000 kilometres square, world and the source of the River Nile, are
lying at the centre of the eastern part of the usually hot, or warm and humid. A visitor to
continent of Africa, and right on the Equator. Kenya can experience and enjoy these varied
climatic conditions within a short time.
Like its spectacular variety of wildlife,
physical and climatic conditions, Kenya is Melting Pot of Cultures
a linguistic and cultural melting pot, with at
least 42 different communities and people Kenya is a melting pot of varied, valued and
of different races who live harmoniously vibrant cultures.
together.
Each of Kenya’s 42 main ethnic communities
The rich vegetation that acts as cover for has a strong and dynamic culture that it is
some of Kenya’s spectacular landscapes also proud of.
provides shelter for a great variety of wildlife.
This is not to suggest that the people of
The varied altitudes of Kenya give the country Kenya are stuck in the past. These cultures
unique climatic features. The lower areas of are dynamic, which is why they have survived
the country have high temperatures, with despite the strong influences they have been
humidity dependent on their proximity to subjected to or come into contact with.
Best of Kenya 15
Ministry joins their group or passes by them without
uttering a word of greeting.
The centrality of culture in Kenyan society
is perhaps best explained by the creation of Perhaps the best demonstration of greeting-
the Ministry of Culture, which is specifically as-a-demonstration-of-goodwill is attested
tasked with recognition and promotion of the to by the popularity of the Kiswahili word
country’s myriad cultures. Jambo. Indeed, a local band has made the
greeting popular abroad with its track of the
The 42 main ethnicities, while distinctly same name and chorus and it is a common
different, are brought together by Kiswahili, feature at tourist resorts across the country.
which is Kenya’s official language and
English, the medium of instruction in schools Cultural Festivals
through colleges and universities and the
language of international commerce and In Kenya’s primary and secondary, private
diplomacy. or public schools, the annual countrywide
music and drama competitions, which are
Greeting meant to mainly showcase the talents of
young people, often turn into celebrations
For example, in most parts of Kenya or of both the dominant and the little-known
Melting pot of culture: Various Kenyan peoples in among Kenya’s varied communities, a cultures of the country.
their traditional regalia representing Kenya’s rich greeting is a demonstration of goodwill.
and varied culture and heritage Indeed, among some cultures, especially However, given that media, communication
at the Coast, people will be offended if one and technology keep bringing the various
16 Best of Kenya
continents of the world ever closer together,
the music and plays in the schools through
universities and outside the school system
depict the dynamism of Kenya’s cultures.
Cultural Centre
Religion
Kenya’s vision is to become a middle- Going for the Jugular: The Maasai community are famed for their drinking of mixtures of cow’s milk and
income industrialised economy by the year blood during ceremonial rites of passage such as circumcision. Here a group of morans are drawing blood
2030 and towards this end the Government from the jugular vein of a cow. The animal survives the ritual because it is not let to bleed and is cared for
has developed a comprehensive blueprint until it recovers and heals.
Best of Kenya 17
Twin Peaks: The two tallest buildings in Kenya and the Eastern African region, Nairobi‘s
International Conference Centre (KICC) in the foregound with its amphitheatre built in the
shape of a traditional African hut. In the background is the hulking Times Tower.
18 Best of Kenya
population size, Kenya has often been at Nairobi in the highlands, and since then what
the centre of global attention and affairs. was once a small group of huts has been
Kenya’s prowess in sports, peace-keeping spectacularly transformed into East Africa’s
missions and capacity as a safe haven for most modern metropolis. Nairobi attained city
refugees have positioned the country as a status in 1950.
high profile and impactful regional and global
player. Mombasa: Romantic, historic island port
In addition, Kenya holds some of the most The island town of Mombasa is the main
valuable treasures on the origins and global Seagate on the eastern African coastline
distribution of various life forms, giving it and is Kenya’s oldest and second largest
unique potential to positively contribute to metropolis. The port city has a rich romantic
the future of the world and humankind. As a history, going back over a millennium.
young and vibrant developing nation, Kenya
is determined to forge ahead and join the The unrivalled beauty of the Kenyan coastline
developed post-industrial countries. is a distinctive feature of the country’s
tourism industry.
Nairobi: Green City in the Sun
Mombasa, a splendid city, is home to a rich
Nicknamed the Green City in the Sun, the historic civilisation that gave East Africa
modern city of Nairobi, with a population the Swahili language. Kiswahili is Kenya’s
of around 4.5 million inhabitants, occupies lingua franca and is now spoken across half
a unique place in the world, being the only of Africa. One of the most famous Swahili
global metropolis with a large wildlife park words that has not only found its way into the
close to its central business district! English dictionary but also is a brand name for
a wide range of products, from perfumes to
It is also the only city of a developing country sport, is safari.
that hosts the global headquarters of several
United Nations’ specialised agencies. Close to the palm-fringed beaches lies the
natural marvel of the coral reef, which runs
Its moderate climate, rich history, modern uninterrupted for close to 500km. The Kenyan
facilities and central location make Nairobi Coast teems with various wonders of marine
the most ideal starting point for a Kenyan life, mysterious lagoons and creeks that
safari adventure. attract exploration.
Situated just 140km south of the Equator, There are also the mangrove forests and
494km west of the port of Mombasa on awesome cliffs overhanging some of the
the Indian Ocean and 338km east of Lake beaches. Another great coastal spectacle is
Victoria, at an altitude of 1,670 metres, the variety of wildlife, especially birds.
Nairobi is not only Kenya’s principal city but
also East Africa’s economic and business Fort Jesus, built by Portuguese adventurers
focal point. during the 16th Century, is one of the most
important historical monuments in the city of
In 1907, the British transferred their colonial Mombasa.
administration from Mombasa at the Coast to
Although a relatively small country in Green City in the Sun: A view of Nairobi’s Central Business District as seen from
the world in its geographical extent and nearby Uhuru Park, centre for recreation and national and cultural events
Best of Kenya 19
Kenya at a Glance
Loving and caring: A baby elephant and its With such exciting features, together with a The surrounding region is rich in culture
mother take a leisurely walk wide variety of entertainment, a visit to the and history, with many intriguing and
Kenyan Coast is a must for the discerning historic sites, among them Rusinga
visitor. The experience is truly memorable. Island, the weeping stones and forests of
Kakamega, and a variety of wild flora and
Kisumu: Lively lakeside fishing town fauna to be found all the way to Mt Elgon.
The lively lakeside city of Kisumu, formerly For a visitor looking for a warm and
known as Port Florence, is situated along tranquil resting place, Kisumu is the ideal
Lake Victoria, the world’s second largest place. Kenya Airways, the national airline,
freshwater body and only about 80km and other local carriers, operate daily
southeast of Nyang’oma Kogelo, the flights between Nairobi and Kisumu.
ancestral home of the father of the 44th
President of the United States of America, The Great Rift Valley
Barack Obama. Kisumu is Kenya’s third
largest city. The Great Rift Valley is one of the most
awesome and breathtaking natural
Located 355km to the west of Nairobi, physical phenomena on earth. Estimated
Kisumu is a thriving, tourist, fishing to have formed some 20 million years ago,
and commercial city which is steadily it is visible from space.
positioning itself as the socio-economic
hub of Western Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda The name Great Rift Valley was coined
and the Great Lakes region. by the Scottish explorer and geologist
20 Best of Kenya
Pretty in pink: Tens of thousands of flamingo lie in the shores of Lake Nakuru, feeding on algae and creating one of the most spectacular sites in all of nature
John Walter Gregory in his book The These lakes are rich in sodium carbonate, The Masai Mara: Eighth Wonder
Great Rift Valley (1896). which creates an ideal breeding ground of the World
for algae. Several species of fish, tilapia in
With its steep and jagged escarpment particular, thrive in this environment. As a Lying 224km to the south-west of Nairobi, the
walls, mountains and flat floor, the result, millions of birds flock to these soda Masai Mara Game Reserve provides one of
Great Rift Valley is one of the most lakes to feast on the abundant algae and nature’s most dramatic and awesome spectacles
attractive and popular parts of Kenya. fish, making these lakes a unique spot for ever; the annual Great Migration of over a million
It is also among the most agriculturally bird watching, the most spectacular being wildebeest and zebra, teeming from the south to
productive, providing most of Kenya’s the flamingoes of Lake Nakuru. cross the Mara River into the Game Reserve.
wheat, maize and dairy products.
Then there is the dramatic Hell’s Gate near The migration, which has come to be known
The floor of the valley is at its lowest Lake Naivasha, a truly awesome natural as the Eighth Wonder of the World, takes place
near Lake Turkana, where there is wonder, with steep and deep walls and a between July and September, making this the
virtually no distinction between the cavernous emptiness dug by nature. The most ideal time for a classic safari.
Great Rift Valley and the surrounding name is deceptive for this is no hell on
desert. Lake Turkana, which is 400km earth! The stunning Savannah grasslands with
north of Nairobi, is the largest desert scattered shrubs stretch for as far as the eye can
lake in the world. Among the Great Rift Valley’s unique see. They are an endless spectacle of nature’s
features is Lake Turkana. Also known as the most creative designs. In the vast landscape can
As it heads south, the Great Rift Valley Jade Sea for the unique turquoise colour be seen the cheetah, the fastest animal on earth,
walls form sheer cliffs rising to 1,900km of its waters, it has shores longer than the chasing antelope and gazelle, in the Mara River
(6,232ft) at Lake Naivasha, thereafter entire Kenyan Coast. hippos bathe, and, on the banks, crocodiles sun
the valley descends again to 580 themselves.
metres (1,902 feet) as it approaches the This lake not only has an abundance of
border with Tanzania. the delicious tropical fresh-water fish, the It is in the predator-infested waters of the Mara
Tilapia, but also contains the world’s largest that thousands of wildebeest, hundreds of zebra,
Subterranean movement is still crocodile population. Fishing and livestock eland and gazelle must fight for their lives in a
common as the Rift Valley is home to rearing and agriculture are among the vast theatre of the jungle’s law of survival of the
30 active and semi-active volcanoes activities within and around the lake. fittest.
and countless hot springs. This string
of alkaline lakes and boiling springs There are numerous spectacular natural For the nature loving and adventurous visitor,
includes lakes Baringo, Bogoria, wonders that surround the lake, with the wildebeest migration is a must-see event.
Nakuru, Elementaita, Naivasha, and fantastic opportunities for the intrepid A balloon safari provides an exciting birds’- eye
Magadi in the south. adventurer. view of this mighty African wilderness.
Best of Kenya 21
Just a glimpse of Kenya: (From top to bottom)
22 Best of Kenya Wildebeest, the people, Rhino and Zebra
Lakes Nakuru and Naivasha: home of Elsa the Lioness befriended by Joy
and George Adamson and featured in Joy’s
Home of flamingoes book Born Free and film of the same name.
About 160km west of Nairobi, Lakes
Nakuru and Naivasha, and the thousands of Almost similar in the variety of flora and fauna
flamingoes that reside in them, together form are the three wildlife reserves of Samburu,
a bewitching spectacle, beloved of many a Shaba and Buffalo Springs located about
local and foreign visitor. 342km to the north of Nairobi along the Uaso
Nyiro River. Rising to the heavens: The hot springs of Lake
Naivasha is best seen by boat. Within close Bogoria in the Rift Valley
proximity of Nakuru town and covering The Meru National Park is home to the rare
an area of 200 square kilometers, Nakuru species of grazing white rhino. It lies in a A tantalising mixture of mountain rain
National Park is undoubtedly a great semi-arid, open savannah plain broken forest, moorland, thick bamboo forests and
ornithological wonder of the world. occasionally by small rugged hills. sub-alpine plants make up the vegetation
in this park. Giant heath and tussock grass
It is the congregation point of an estimated Mount Kenya: cover the moorlands, which are crossed by
100,000 to two million flamingoes and wandering trout-inhabited streams that, in
over 400 other species of birds. With the Snow and wildlife on the Equator some places, cascade into scenic waterfalls
wildlife sanctuary greatly expanded since its Snow-capped Mount Kenya is Africa’s second and rapids.
creation in 1961, and extensive ecological highest peak, a stunning and challenging
clean-up of the area, wildlife of a wide destination for adventurous tourists, climbers Amboseli:
variety can now be seen in the park. and trekkers.
Expansive pride of the Maasai
Lake Bogoria, to the north of Nakuru, features Below the mountain’s alpine meadows roam The imposing, ever-present view of
enticing hot springs, made even more inviting elephant, black rhino, Cape buffalo and Kilimanjaro provides the main background
by the sight of fishermen in papyrus boats and antelope. On its lower slopes is Ol Pejeta, a feature for this unique wildlife habitat
the rare greater kudu. Nakuru boasts the rare private ranch and rhino sanctuary, and nearby situated some 260km south of Nairobi.
Rothschild Giraffe and an extraordinary rhino is the famous Mount Kenya Safari Club. The Amboseli has some of Kenya’s largest
sanctuary. herds of elephants. Hemingway once wrote
The Aberdare Ranges sport high alpine of the Amboseli as “the essence of Africa”,
Samburu, Shaba and Buffalo: moorland and primeval aloe forest. Here one where elephants rummage in the lower
can visit the famous Treetops Hotel, where forests, leopards prowl the salt flats while
A tale of three parks leopards are regular visitors and can be antelope graze the expansive grasslands; all
The arid and semi-arid regions of northern viewed in the act of refreshing themselves. these against the backdrop of Kilimanjaro’s
Kenya, framed by volcanic mountain ranges Treetops is renowned because the then majestic peak. Few natural scenes in the
and dotted with lakes, provide a uniquely Princess Elizabeth visited in 1952, went up world are more inspiring.
picturesque holiday for the visitor. Treetops, received word of King Edward VI’s
death and came down as Queen. Apart from the patches of acacia forest, the
Throughout the region, rare animals such as Amboseli grasslands are dotted with shrubs
the reticulated giraffe, oryx, Grevy’s zebra, The Aberdare Ranges were named by Joseph and fragile saline grass. The dry volcanic ash
and long-necked gerenuk abound. Thomson in 1883 after Lord Aberdare, can support little more.
who was the then president of the Royal
Between the drier northern region and the Geographical Society. Lying in these The melting snows of Kilimanjaro feed
imposing, densely forested Mt Kenya lies the mountains, this park covers an area of 770 rivers and springs that supply water to
serrated and beautiful Meru National Park, square kilometres. the swamps and the Amboseli, which
Best of Kenya 23
Kenya at a Glance
Two of the Big Five: The Rhino, famed for its size
and insecure because of its horn, and the Buffalo,
known for its sharp horns and sharper temper
is usually completely dry. Occasional Tsavo East and West: The Tsavos have the world’s largest and most
flooding of the rivers occurs during rainy World’s largest game sanctuary important concentration of elephants, with a
seasons. population estimated at more than 20,000.
The entire Tsavo ecosystem, about 333km
A wide variety of wildlife that include to the east of Nairobi, is possibly the Peacemaker:
antelope, wildebeest, giraffe, zebra, world’s biggest game sanctuary. It is an Kenya’s esteemed place on world map
elephant, rhino and buffalo, the predatory expansive model wildlife sanctuary in terms
lion, the cheetah and occasionally the of geographical and ecological features, with Kenya continues to play important roles on
elusive and secretive leopard are attracted a great variety of plant and animal life. The the international scene. Over the years, this
to these rivers and swamps. Tsavo is situated halfway between Nairobi country has been a regional peacemaker.
and Mombasa. Peace talks to end internal and external
As much a part of the Amboseli landscape conflicts in various African countries have
are the Maasai people who graze their The two adjacent sprawling animal parks are been held in Nairobi, with Kenya playing
cattle here. Amboseli is home of the ideal for visitors who wish to include both a vital mediation role. Peace talks on the
colourful and iconic Maasai, with their rich wildlife safari and coastal luxury on their conflicts in the Democratic Republic of
and proud cultural heritage. itinerary. Sunsets in the Tsavo offer a peculiar Congo (DRC) and Burundi have been hosted
display, filling the sky with an incredibly by Kenya.
Amboseli National Park was in 1991 beautiful spectrum of colour and splendour.
declared a biosphere reserve by In Tsavo East roam red elephants, so-called As a result of its engagement in numerous
UNESCO. It has some 380 bird species, because of the colour of the rich volcanic soil efforts to end conflicts around the world,
over 56 animal species and an elephant that they throw over their bodies with their Kenya has gained a reputation as a peace-
population that has been studied for more trunks to diminish the effects of the tropical loving nation. Whenever the international
than two decades. sun. community seeks a suitable place in which
24 Best of Kenya
Son of Kenya: Barack Obama, then the Senator from Illinois, now the 44th President of the United States,
chats with elders in Nyang’oma Kogelo Village during his visit to Kenya in August 2006. Kogelo is the
ancestral village of the President’s father, the late Barack Obama Snr. Below: Obama is escorted into the
Standard Media Group’s offices in Nairobi in 2006.
to hold talks on matters ranging from war to rule of this country’s internationally respected
climate change, Kenya is often among the first President, the late Mzee Jomo Kenyatta.
countries considered. More recently, Kenya has also spearheaded
successful peace processes for the Sudan
Visits by world leaders and Somalia under the leadership of former
President Daniel Moi and current President
Prominent world leaders have been to Kenya Mwai Kibaki.
on various occasions to attend both regional
and global events or simply on holiday. In The United Nations in Nairobi
November 2008, UN Secretary-General Ban
Ki-Moon was in Kenya to help broker peace Nairobi is the only city in the developing
in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). world that hosts global headquarters for
Kenyan soldiers and police officers have a number of United Nations specialised
served in numerous peace-keeping missions agencies.
on the African continent and around the
world. It is the world headquarters of the United
Nations Environmental Programme (UNEP)
Under the aegis of the United Nations, Kenya and the United Nations Centre for Human
has sent peacekeeping forces to Bosnia, Settlements (UN Habitat). It is also the
Namibia and Sierra Leone. During the past regional headquarters for Africa of several
four decades, Kenya has initiated, guided other UN bodies. Kenya has been a full and
and hosted peace talks for troubled African committed member of the United Nations
countries, starting with Angola, during the Organisation since Independence in 1963.
Best of Kenya 25
Kenya at a Glance
Rich and diverse heritage respectively as well as the most widely
spoken.
From the pre-historic times of the evolution
of humankind through the eras of slavery, Dominating distance athletics
voyages of discovery and colonisation to the
modern post-Independence period, Kenya Kenya is a global giant in long-distance
has always occupied a unique place in athletics, having produced a long line of
human development. world class runners since 1968. At the
Beijing Olympics in 2008, Kenya led Africa
In fact, Kenya and the East African region with a record harvest of 8 gold, 8 silver and
are often referred to as the Cradle of 5 bronze medals. Kenyan athletes have won
Mankind due to the discovery by world- almost every known city marathon or road
renowned palaeontologists of pre-historic race in the world.
remains of the ancestors of modern homo
sapiens. Track sensation Pamela Jelimo won not only
an Olympic gold medal in her 800m specialty
The Museums of Kenya, rich with all forms in Beijing, but also scooped the International
of heritage, are among the most interesting Amateur Athletics Federation (IAAF) US$1
places to visit for a view of the development million Golden League Jackpot.
of humankind and African culture.
Kenya is now also one of the top swimming
Melting pot of cultures nations in Africa, with several continental
titles. Other major sports in the country
Inhabited by different races and a total of 42 include football (most popular), sport-
ethnic communities with varying historical shooting, sailing, motor rallying (the world
and cultural backgrounds, Kenya is a prime famous Safari Rally), horse racing, golf,
example of harmony in diversity, a true boxing and angling.
melting-pot of religions, races and cultures.
Conferencing in Kenya
The majority of its people are black Africans
from different linguistic and cultural stocks, Many important regional and global
with migrant minorities of Middle Eastern, meetings and forums are often held in
European (Caucasian) and Asian extraction. Nairobi. They include the UN Conference on
More than 40 different languages are spoken Climate Change in 2006, the UN Women’s
in Kenya. Swahili (a mixture of Arabic and Decade Meeting in 1985 and the joint World
local vernacular languages) and English Bank/IMF Meeting in Nairobi in 1975. There
are the national and official languages was also the UNCTAD conference in 1979.
Tower, ceremonial dress and warrior dance: (From top to bottom) The Kenyatta
International Conference Centre, a warrior and the postcard Maasai jump
26 Best of Kenya
The power and
the glory: Kenya’s
athletes conquer
the world and bring
fame to the country
Best of Kenya 27
Hotels & Casinos In 2007, there was the World Social Forum, one of the largest
conferences ever held anywhere on earth, with more than 20,000
delegates from around the globe.
The local media are among the most vibrant and diversified
in the developing world. Media freedom is guaranteed in the
Constitution. The Nation Media Group is the largest in eastern
and Central Africa, with the Daily Nation and its sister publication
the Sunday Nation being by far the most widely read daily and
Sunday newspapers in the region.
The famous Big Five wild animals, the elephant, rhino, lion,
leopard and buffalo, are all found in Kenya’s national parks and
game reserves.
The lion is known for its strength and power, speed and stealth,
attributes that make it a menacing predator and which have given
it the deserved nickname of King of the Jungle.
The leopard is also a solitary animal but its strength is such that
it can haul its prey vertically up a tree. It is also known for speed,
stealth and surprise.
Elephants move in a herd and, like buffalo, keep the calves in the
middle of the group, a strategy designed to fend off predators. It
is this unique behaviour of these animals that make them a joy to
watch.
Kenya produces the best tea, coffee and cut flowers in the world.
Home of the Big Five: Some of the world’s most amazing wildlife has its
natural home in Kenya, including, from top, the King of the jungle, the lion,
the seemingly armour-plated rhino, the treeclimbing leopard, the often
angry buffalo and the gentle-giant elephant, the largest land-based animal
28 Best of Kenya
Coming to a cottage near you: An elephant march
past parade in a resort in the Taita Hills
Kenya is the leading exporter of cut flowers Theatre is popular in Kenya, which has
in the world. Its flowers are renowned, witnessed a major recent revival of the Kenya
particularly in the large European Union National Theatre to the accompaniment of a
market, for their freshness and beauty. A wide resurgence of local plays and programming
variety of juicy tropical and temperate fruits on all leading television channels in the
and vegetables are also produced in Kenya country.
for both domestic consumption and export.
Visitors to Kenya are able to enjoy numerous
Art and film out of Kenya plays and cultural events, especially the
popular Kenya School and College Drama
As a filming destination, Kenya has few Festivals that takes place every year.
equals, with spectacular landscapes and a
wide variety of flora and fauna, natural light Curios and curiosity
(more than 200 days of sunlight annually)
, a pool of talent and some of the world’s most The best and most popular wood carvings
warm-hearted and hospitable peoples. depicting the country’s rich wildlife and
cultural heritage are on sale in almost all
The spectacular landscape of Kenya has major towns countrywide.
featured in many internationally acclaimed Curios and curiosity: Exquisite handmade baskets
films, notable among them being King Some of the most exquisite carvings are and wood carvings depict Kenya’s rich heritage
Solomon’s Mines, made in the 1950s, made from Kisii soapstone, a unique natural
stone that lends itself well to the mallet and
Sydney Pollack’s multiple Oscar-winning chisel.
Out of Africa, The Constant Gardener, White
Mischief, Born Free, The Rise and Fall of Idi Kenya is also renowned worldwide for its
Amin, Tomb Raider, Cradle of Life, Walk With handmade traditional baskets known as
the Lions were all shot in Kenya. kiondo or chiondos from various materials,
including sisal fibre, reeds and grass.
Kenyan filmmakers, with the Kenya Film
Commission, are making their presence felt on World class beers
the international stage.
Kenyan beers, especially the Tusker, Tusker
The city of Nairobi teems with art galleries, Malt, White Cap and Pilsner brands, have
among them Gallery Watatu, Ramoma, African won awards at the International Monde
Heritage and Elimo Njau’s Paa Ya Paa, all with Selection for their excellent taste, high quality Tip-top tipples: Kenya’s beers have won many
global name recognition. and purity. internationally recognised awards
Best of Kenya 29
Kenya at a Glance
Tusker Lager, which embodies Kenya’s
great heritage, has found its place along
other world popular beers, especially in
America and Europe.
Swords into ploughshares: President Mwai Kibaki and Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) leader Raila Odinga (seated) sign the National Peace Accord on
February 28, 2008, ending the post-election violence. Former UN Secretary General Kofi Annan (white-haired) and other dignitaries look on`.
30 Best of Kenya
The Grand Coalition Government also Drumbeat: A Chuka troupe from Eastern
underscored the undying desire of Kenyans Province drums to thrill
for peace and security and an environment
that enables them to thrive in business.
Investing in education
Best of Kenya 31
32 Best of Kenya
Port transport sector, JKIA is undergoing a major In 2007 the national flag carrier won the Public
and deserving rehabilitation programme Relations Society of Kenya (PRSK) award for
The port of Mombasa is Kenya’s only deep- to expand and equip it with state-of-the- Excellence for In-house Publication Msafiri,
sea port and freight gateway for half-a- dozen art modern passenger and cargo handling the IOSA (IATA Operational Safety Audit) and
nations in East and Central Africa, a market facilities. Ektron All-Star Win – Best Travel Site.
for over 130 million people.
The construction of aprons linking taxiways Other awards won by KQ in 2006 were East
To serve this expansive and increasingly with associated airside roads, the expansion Africa’s Most Respected Company and the
demanding hinterland, the port is involved in a of terminals to a total floor area of 15,700sq prestigious African Aviation Award.
major modernisation programme that will see kms and the renovation of passenger
it become one of the world’s top 20 gateways terminal buildings which, once completed, The airline was also voted East Africa’s Most
in terms of reputation and performance by will be able to comfortably accommodate 9 Respected Company in 2005.
2010. million passengers, is ongoing.
In 2004, KQ scooped a triple win as Best
The port’s advantageous location in the KQ Domestic Airline 2003, Best Regional Airline
centre of the East African coastline makes 2002 and 2003 and Best In-flight Magazine
it an excellent export base and many goods Kenya Airways, otherwise referred to as The 2002 and 2003 awarded by Travel News &
are exempt from import duties, Kenya being Pride of Africa, is the country’s national flag Lifestyle magazine.
a signatory to several international Customs carrier and continues to buoy up spirits in
agreements. the transport sector. In 2001 KQ was voted Best User of
Information Technology in Kenya by the
To be compliant with global privatisation It is a shining example of how privatisation Computer Society of Kenya as well as named
initiatives, the Mombasa port is being can work miracles in a former State- African Airline of the Year for the third year
prepared for transformation into a landlord dominated air transport economy. running by African Aviation magazine, among
port authority, with most of the cargo handling others.
and complementary services being opened up KQ operates to over 48 destinations in 39
to the private sector. countries throughout the world and has an
expansive fleet of 26 aircraft – 23 Boeing
Airports planes and 3 Embraer 170 jets.
The unprecedented growth in aviation fuelled Since its transformation into semi-
by tourism and horticultural exports has autonomous status, KQ has continued
enabled the Kenya Airports Authority’s (KAA) to document record results, with soaring
flagship brand, Jomo Kenyatta International profits complemented by great industry
Airport, to develop into a regional hub served awards.
by more than 33 airlines.
KQ won the COYA (Company of the Year)
JKIA continues to record an impressive top awards for strategic planning and
growth in passenger and freight numbers due emergency preparedness in 2008, as well as
to its efficiency and modern facilities. the African Airline of Choice, Best Regional
Airline, Best Frequent Flier Programme
To address challenges of the ever increasing and its magazine – Msafiri – Best In-flight
and changing priorities in the global air Magazine.
Best of Kenya 33
Hotels & Casinos
Pick of choice: Kenya produces the best tea in the world and
Kenyans proudly declare that any time is tea time
Kenya is the world’s third largest producer Kenya is the second largest horticultural
and leading exporter of black tea. exporter in sub-Saharan Africa and the
second largest developing-country exporter of
The world over, Kenya tea has won flowers in the world.
international acclaim for its consistent high
quality and delightful aroma. It is also the second largest developing-
country supplier of vegetables to the
Kenya tea, mostly referred to as Kenya’s European Union.
green gold, has long been considered and
marketed as a health enhancing beverage. The horticulture sub-sector has grown
Kenya teas are famous for their distinct tremendously in the last decade to become a
taste and flavour. major foreign exchange earner, employer and
contributor to food needs in the country.
Tea was the Kenya’s third leading foreign
exchange earner in 2007. The industry is currently the fastest growing
agricultural sub-sector in the country, ranked
As a natural drink without additives third in terms of foreign exchange earnings
and preservatives, it has over the years from exports after tourism and tea.
dominated the world market because of its
natural ingredients and taste. Fruits, vegetables and cut-flower production
are the main pillars of horticultural production
In some countries, Kenyan tea is boiled in Kenya.
and drunk to cure fevers due to its herbal
constituent. The sub-sector generates over US$300 million
in foreign exchange earnings.
The main tea growing districts are situated
Saying it with flowers: Kenya has a flourishing in or around the highland areas on either Europe is the main market for Kenyan fresh
flower industry and the best flowers in the world side of the Great Rift Valley at altitudes horticultural produce, with the main importing
34 Best of Kenya
Smell the coffee: A powerhouse of the coffee world,
Kenya produces the best coffee in the world
countries being the United Kingdom, The high plateaus of Mt Kenya, plus the
Germany, France, Switzerland, Belgium, acidic soil, provide excellent conditions
Holland and Italy. for growing coffee plants. Coffee from
Kenya is well known for its intense flavour,
Other importing countries include Saudi robustness, and pleasant aroma.
Arabia and South Africa.
AA coffee, a type that is much-fancied in
A well developed and dynamic private sector the world market as the best, is actually
has profitably marketed a wide range of Kenyan coffee. All Kenyan coffee is
horticultural products to diverse international graded after it is milled.
markets.
Beans with a screen size of 17 or 18 are
Government intervention in this area has assigned the grade AA, generally the
mainly been facilitating the sector’s growth largest bean and the best. The large bean
through infrastructure development, size is considered as quality and is the
incentives and support services. pride of Kenyan farmers.
It has a distinctly bright acidity and potent Other sources of fish exports are from
sweetness with a dry winy aftertaste. There is the Indian Ocean, inland lakes, rivers and
also the intoxicating black-currant flavour and aquaculture.
aroma of Kenya’s famed “black gold” coffee.
Nile Perch, which constitutes about 50%
Kenya’s coffee industry is estimated to of the fish caught in Kenya, is the main
employ over six million Kenyans directly or export type, earning more than US$50
indirectly. million annually.
The major coffee-growing regions in Kenya There are also other commercially
are the high plateaus around Mt. Kenya, the important species in the domestic market
Aberdares range, Kisii, Nyanza, Bungoma, such as the small sardine fish dagaa and Check my catch: Kenya’s fish exports to Europe
Nakuru and Kericho. tilapia. compare favourably with other products
Best of Kenya 35
Hotels & Casinos
Remove the entire caption and replace it with the following, Presidents (from Left) H.E Yoweri Museveni, H.E Mwai Kibaki (Kenya), H.E Paul Kagame (Rwanda)
and H.E Jakaya Kikwete (Tanzania) during the COMESA-EAC-SADC Tripartite High-level Conference on the North and South Corridor at Mulungushi International
Conferenced Centre, Lusaka.
Ten of the 18 fish-processing and exporting Kenya in IGAD Transitional National Government (TNG), which
firms in Kenya specialise in Nile Perch has since been replaced.
products while seven handle marine products Kenya has played a leading role in
such as shrimp, crustaceans and tuna. the Intergovernmental Authority on Kenya, under the auspices of IGAD,
Development (IGAD) in eastern Africa has subsequently chaired numerous
Nile Perch exports from Kenya to the since its inception in 1996 to supersede intergovernmental ministerial committee
European Union market have increased the Intergovernmental Authority on meetings whose outcome has been lasting
tremendously since 2000. Drought and Development (IGADD). solutions to territorial disputes and conflicts
within the Horn of Africa region.
Kenya in COMESA IGADD was founded in 1986 to come up
with measures to combat the recurring Kenya hosts the Small Arms and Light Weapons
Kenya has been a vibrant member of the severe droughts and other natural (SALW) Secretariat as well as the Regional
Common Market for Eastern and Southern disasters in the Horn of Africa region. Centre for Small Arms, which seeks to control
Africa (COMESA), established in 1994 and eradicate the proliferation of illicit arms
effectively replacing the Preferential Trade Act In 1983 and 1984, Kenya spearheaded within the East and Central African region.
(PTA). six countries in the Horn of Africa –
Djibouti, Ethiopia, Somalia, Sudan Private sector
COMESA seeks to attain economic prosperity and Uganda – to take action through
through regional integration, where Kenya has the United Nations to establish an The liberalisation of Kenya’s economy and
been instrumental in influencing the joining of intergovernmental body for development efforts by the Government to improve the
the Common External Tariff (CET) rates with and drought control in their region. business environment have indeed been the
those of the East African Community. proverbial stitch in time that saves nine to
IGAD has however diversified its bolster investment and create opportunities in
Kenya successfully influenced the reduction of activities to include conflict resolution in the country.
the differences from over 2,500 to 1,078 tariff the region, with Kenya brokering most
lines by August 2008 – which translates into a of the peace talks and signing of peace Investment incentives to potential investors
success rate of 43.12%. accords between warring nations and under the Export Processing Zones (EPZ)
factions. package have offered the requisite thrust to
As a principal member of COMESA, Kenya is private investment.
poised to convince the other member-states Such was the role played by Kenya in
on the rationale for going along with the EAC talks which led to the signing of the The rationalization of business licenses and
tariff structure on a line-by–line basis. Sudan peace accord between the Arab- reduction of business registration procedures
dominated government of the North and have been a stimulus to a vibrant private sector
These are likely to reduce the less than 1,000 the Southern Sudan People’s Liberation involvement in business ventures.
tariff lines once the exercise of the tariff splits Army (SPLA) in 2004.
and further negotiations are finalised. Kenya is endowed with a heavy presence
Kenya also brokered the Somali peace of financial, manufacturing and agricultural
COMESA’s Common Tariff Nomenclature process involving the warring factions, multinational companies doing lucrative
(CTN) has approximately 5,000 tariff lines. resulting in the formation of the Somali business.
36 Best of Kenya
Over 100 multinational firms from the US,
UK, Germany, France, Japan, South Africa
and other parts of the world operate business
here.
Fibre-optic
Best of Kenya 37
Kenya at a Glance
38 Best of Kenya
exemption from Stamp Duty, exemption from Investors wanting to trade in computers
Withholding Tax and 25% Corporate Tax for and other IT-related materials are allowed to
10 years after the first 10 years expire. import their merchandise Duty Free.
Investors also get Duty remission by being For investors in the export business, there
exempted from duties and VAT on raw is unrestricted entry for Kenyan goods into
materials utilized to process confirmed the US market under the African Growth and
exports orders. Opportunity Act (AGOA) and access to the
COMESA market serving 400 million people.
They can also enjoy a loss-carry-forward
package by being given a grace period for The East African Community (EAC) market
their businesses to recover previous losses of 80 million is also accessible for Kenyan
before paying Corporate Tax. products while the Lome-Cotonou Agreement
offers access to the European Union market.
On capital expenditure, an investor is
allowed to recover from Corporate Tax duties There is also access to other markets in
paid for capital expenditure in excess of Europe, the US and Japan, under the GSP,
US$70,000. Capital goods and other basic for many other Kenyan products.
raw materials have been zero-rated.
On taxation and investment protection
The Government also gives lavish incentives agreements, Kenya has concluded
for those interested in investing in tourism- agreements with the EU, Germany, India,
related activities. Belgium and Switzerland, while other
earlier agreements are being revised and
Investors interested in building tourist hotels renegotiated.
can apply for a waiver on duties and VAT
while foreigners in the tourism business are Kenya has an excellent network of banks,
allowed to bring in cars for personal use insurance, transport, professional services
Duty Free. legal, engineering, human resources with
advanced skills, international languages, and
100% investment allowance for new research institutions to provide support for
investments in manufacturing and tourist business infrastructure.
hotels is offered while there is 25%
Corporate Tax for companies issuing The country prides itself on having a well-
Initial Public Offers on the Nairobi Stock developed professional services sector with Opportunities for investment: Kenya’s Export
Exchange. some multinational professional companies Processing Zone is home to thriving textile industry
Best of Kenya 39
Kenya at a Glance
Welcome to Kenya: This is what the Jomo Kenyatta
International Airport will look like when ongoing expansion
is completed. Inset is the Eldoret International Airport
such as KPMG and E&Y having regional handle global air transport challenges, the (Q2) and including Mueller International
offices in Nairobi. Kenya Airports Authority (KAA) has embarked Inc (Sypher) won the consulting contract
on an expansion programme to improve for the renovation and forecast expansion
There are plentiful reliable insurance facilities in JKIA and other vital airport links requirements for JKIA.
companies and banks ready to cater for across Kenya.
investors needs. The expansion project was valued at $115m
When JKIA was first opened in 1978 it had and part of the cost is intended to be
Airport Expansion been designed for a maximum capacity of 2.5 provided out of revenues and World Bank
million passengers a year. In 2006 the airport funding (10%).
Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) handled in excess of 4.4 million passengers.
is one of the busiest in Africa, serving as a The expansion project targets to double
major hub in East and Central Africa for cargo KAA declared their intention to expand and the current size of JKIA from 25,662m² to
and tourist passengers. improve JKIA to make it a premier regional 55,222m² with the new Terminal 4 building.
focal point in East and Central Africa in
Cargo handled at the airport increased from December 2005. Aircraft parking will be improved by an
192,300t in 2004 to 220,900t in 2005. increase in apron space from 200,000m²
A Canadian-Kenyan consortium led by to over 300,000m², as well as additional
To tackle the rapid upsurge and effectively Queen’s Quay Architects International Inc taxiways.
40 Best of Kenya
The arrivals and departures sections will be Sections One and Two are used for
separated for increased security. international flights and Section Three is used
for domestic flights.
The expansion project has been divided
into three phases to avoid disruption of the Check-in occurs through sections One
airport’s operations. and Two, depending on destination and all
the check-in counters operate on a CUTE
In subsequent phases the airport is set to (Common Use Terminal Equipment) system.
have a new parking lot to accommodate
1,500 cars, airfield lighting, apron floodlights There are eight gates in the departures area
and the parking stands will be increased to and the aircraft are boarded via boarding
accommodate 43 aircraft from the current 23. bridges.
Projections indicate that by 2024 JKIA will be International arrivals disembark via the same
handling over nine million passengers yearly. gates into the A concourse, which leads to the
Immigration counters on the first floor before
Currently the JKIA terminal has three sections they are directed to the baggage hall on the
catering for both arrivals and departures. ground floor.
Best of Kenya 41
Top of the world: Golden Girl Pamela Jelimo wins
the Women’s 800m race at the Beijing Olympiad
closely followed by Janeth Jepkosgei in an
electrifying 1-2 finish that enthralled the world.
42 Best of Kenya
Flight Information Display Systems (FIDS) and Kipchoge Keino
signage are in place to assist the passengers
finding their way around the airport. He won Kenya’s first gold medal at the
Olympic Games in Mexico City in 1968. Keino
The Moi International Airport Mombasa and the won the 1500 metres race and put Kenya
Kisumu Airport are also undergoing expansion. firmly on the global sporting map as home of
the long distance runners. He repeated this
Home of world achievers feat in Munich, Germany, by winning another
gold medal for Kenya in the 3000 metres
Kenyans are a resilient, proud, innovative steeple chase race in 1972 and, once again,
and hardworking people. Global surveys set Kenya on the road to claiming this race as
conducted by the BBC in 2002 and 2006 its specialty.
ranked Kenyans among the most optimistic
people in the world. A strong sense of national In 1965, Keino became the first Kenyan to win
belonging and excellent international linkages the 1500 metres and 5000 meters respectively
give Kenyans great advantage in seeking at the All-Africa Games held in Brazzaville,
excellence. Congo. He was crowned Sportsman of
the Year in 1987 and characterised among
Kenya proudly boasts some of the best Athletes Who Care (for his work with
and brightest in diverse fields, including orphans) by the well-known Sports Illustrated
writers, technologists, technicians, scientists, magazine.
researchers, poets, palaeontologists,
musicians, lawyers, athletes, artists, and In 1996 Keino was inducted into the World
academics, among other disciplines, around Sports Humanitarian Hall of Fame. Kipchoge Keino
the world.
Michael Werikhe
They are a source of inspiration to many
locally and globally. Sample a few: When he visited Kenya in 2006 as Illinois
Senator, President Barack Obama was gifted
Prof Wangari Maathai a rhino carving by the Standard Group media
house. Smiling, Obama said the rhino is a
Undoubtedly one of the most recognisable stubborn animal. Perhaps that is one reason
Kenyan faces around the world. She is a top the rhino still graces Kenya’s wild, but could
celebrity as Kenya’s first Nobel Peace Prize there be another reason?
laureate, (and so far the only African woman
to win the coveted award), for her work for the Yes. Before Wangari Maathai became Kenya’s
environment. best known campaigning ‘green’, there was
the world famous walker for the preservation
A long-time academic who taught veterinary of the rhino – Michael Sampson Werikhe.
anatomy at the University of Nairobi, she
was the first Kenyan woman to obtain a PhD, ‘The Rhino Man’, to media and
become a lecturer and then a professor in conservationists around the world, Werikhe Michael Werikhe
any field of academic study. Maathai was became famous through his long fund-raising
a Member of Parliament and an assistant walks. He began his first walk in December
minister for the environment and natural 1982 from Mombasa to Nairobi, a distance of
resources between 2003 and 2007. She has about 500 kilometres. In 1985, he walked from
won 20 international awards since 1983. Kampala to Dar-es-Salaam and to Mombasa.
A highly regarded chemist, biologist and Is the first African woman to win the US$1
medical doctor, with a string of qualifications million jackpot of the International Association
in Public Health from Johns Hopkins of Athletics Associations (IAAF), in 2008.
University in the USA, she taught medicine Jelimo is also the first Kenyan woman to win
at the University of Nairobi before taking up the 800-metre Olympic gold (at the Beijing
international assignments. Were won the Olympiad in 2008).
UNICEF Maurice Pate Award for her work in
community health in 1978 and in 2008 won Before exploding into fame, Jelimo had
the Hideyo Noguchi Africa Prize for her work won the junior national 400 metres title in
in medical services. 2007 at the age of 17 and also set a junior Richard Matelong
Best of Kenya 43
Hotels & Casinos
record of 24.68 seconds in 200 metres the great achievement for Kenya, as for the first
same year. She is now undoubtedly Kenya’s time, our teams and country were being
most renowned female athlete, and greater showcased to the whole world.
athletics achievements are predicted of this
highly talented sportswoman. With the tournament now getting the much-
needed publicity, it was time to expand
Inspirational Pamela embodies the and introduce the Safari Village, where all
determination of the Kenyan youth poised to the merchandising and entertainment were
take their place in national and international to take place, making the tournament an
affairs. occasion for the whole family. Rugby now had
another avenue to introduce young lads and
A Thrilling Combination of Pleasure and lasses to what had been deemed a macho, if
Business elite rowdies’, game.
The Tusker Safari Sevens The tournament organisers were not going to
settle for the young just watching the sport
The Tusker Safari Sevens is all about fast- from the stands, as in 2001, it was expanded
paced rugby made in Kenya, a real sporting to include the schools’ and veterans’
thriller that provides entertainment for the categories, which have remained very popular
whole family and burgeoning business to date.
opportunities in advertising.
By 2003, news of the tournament’s success
Since its inception in 1996, the tournament story had reached far and wide and very
has grown expotentially and is no longer just strong teams started to trickle in, with South
an occasion for diehard rugby lovers, but Africa bringing their development side, which
a weekend where most of Nairobi and its later went on to represent them in the IRB
environs buzz with activity in what has turned Sevens circuit.
out to be a landmark event in the Kenyan
sporting calendar. With South Africa giving the tournament the
nod, teams like Japan, France and Samoa
The first tournament was played by 20 teams have had no problem gracing the occasion.
from 12 countries that had not qualified for
the 1995 Rugby World Cup and, in just three The Safari Sevens, which usually runs in
years, had secured the viewership rights June, weeks after the conclusion of the IRB
of African media giants Supersport — a Sevens circuit, continues to attract top-notch
44 Best of Kenya
Fast-paced Rugby from Kenya: The thrill-a-minute national Sevens side
and annual Safari Sevens tournament side have won world acclaim
Best of Kenya 45
Kenya at a Glance
have left the carriers of their national flag in themselves and the world at large. But it was Local and international journalists are
international tournaments. not always like that. regular visitors to Nyang’oma-Kogelo
and their stories of the joy of the people
Apart from being a social, sporty event, This is the village where Barack Hussein of Kogelo continue to grace the screens
the Safari Sevens has also proved to be a Obama Snr, father of Barack Hussein Obama and pages of both local and international
booming business, with sponsors pouring in Jnr, the 44th President of the United States of media.
every year hoping to grab the attention of the America (and the first black one), was born,
crowds that attend the tournament. bred and buried. Already, there are a number of local tour
companies offering services to bring the
Companies get a chance to fulfil their Some now think Kogelo is Kenya’s village of international visitor not only to Kenya,
corporate social responsibility as well as the future. but also, and more importantly, to
market their goods. Nyang’oma-Kogelo.
In 2006 when Obama, then an Illinois
The Kenyan roots of the 44th US President Senator, and his wife, Michelle, visited In Kogelo, Obama has become a role
Kogelo, it was a sleepy little-known village model and an inspiration for the next
Nyang’oma-Kogelo is perhaps Kenya’s most in Kenya’s Nyanza Province. Not anymore, generation. His principles and values are
celebrated rural village – known by Kenyans the senator’s visit awakened the village. likely to remain the key driving force for
46 Best of Kenya
the youth of this village and it is perhaps
this that will propel Kogelo into a popular
tourist destination, surely a secular
pilgrimage destination.
Best of Kenya 47
Chapter 2
Hotels and Resorts
48 Best of Kenya
Best of Kenya 49
Superlative Serenity in the
Hotels and Resorts
Lap of Luxury
Considered by many to be one of Nairobi’s finest hotels, the Sensitively constructed from ecologically sympathetic materials,
Serena stands amidst lush tropical gardens with panoramic the interior of the hotel reflects a kaleidoscope of cultural
views over Nairobi’s Central Park and the glittering influences, blending Moroccan mystique with a breath of
downtown skyline. African heritage into an elegant harmonious whole.
Despite its pivotal central location, the Serena also remains As is the trend today in the hotel industry, the Millennium guest
true to its title and offers an oasis of serenity amidst the isn’t interested in how many rooms a hotel boasts, but how big
bustle of one of Africa’s most vibrant capital cities. they are, and what options are offered for private entertaining,
exclusive meetings and efficient working space.
Established in the mid-1970s, the Serena Group was
launched with a challenging goal – to become the leading The discerning guest, it seems, demands a suite rather than
hotel group in East Africa. The goal has today been a room, preferably with its own reception area, workspace,
achieved. cocktail terrace, private sundeck and opulent bathroom, which
explains why the Nairobi Serena Hotel has restructured its room
The Serena enjoys one of the finest locations in the city of selection to offer a stunning new choice of executive suites. It is
Nairobi. a spectacular line-up.
50 Best of Kenya
Standard Rooms with spacious balconies and
stunning views.
Conference Centre
On the ground floor are three opulently The Orchid Room also boasts studio-
efficient Garden Suites, each with their own quality sound, lighting, audio-visual effects,
luxurious workspace, reception area and individual notebook workstations and “Hot
picture window leading to a private garden Spot” Internet connectivity. Three additional
with dining pergola, cocktail terrace and seminar rooms, Hibiscus, Canna and Lantana,
gilded gate leading through onto the hotel accommodate 30 delegates each; both Canna
gardens. and Hibiscus feature their own exclusive
garden terraces and Hibiscus has an elegant
On the first floor, five gorgeous new Superior wrought iron gate leading into the main hotel
Rooms have been luxuriantly appointed, each grounds, where themed al fresco receptions
with its own technology-efficient workspace, can be accommodated.
lounge and lavish balcony. And above them
the cleverly expanded new accommodation
wing boasts 6 generously extended Executive
Suites with panoramic balconies, 5 opulently Tel: +254-20-2842000
enlarged Business Suites and 4 elegant www.serena.co.ke
Best of Kenya 51
Historic Hotels with 21st Century
Hotels and Resorts
From the moment you pass through the century-old revolving the charm of the Lamu and Karen Blixen suites, to the chic
doors, you leave the heat and bustle of modern Nairobi and sophistication of the club rooms or the contemporary
for a world of cool Victorian elegance. The spacious foyer, functionality of the deluxe rooms, The Sarova Stanley has a
with its marble floors, leather furniture, antique brass and fine range of accommodation to choose from. An eclectic mix
wrought-iron fittings, recalls a graceful era of fine furnishings of dining and entertainment options is on offer. One can enjoy
and grand living. From the grandeur of the presidential suite, the legendary Thorn Tree Café – reputed to be Nairobi’s first
52 Best of Kenya
post office, or the casual atmosphere at the discerning business and leisure travelers. • Pavilions – These 2 restaurants have a
Pool Deck restaurant. Thai Chi restaurant is The hotel also boasts 43 fully-furnished total seating capacity for 680 people
reputed to be the finest in Thai cuisine within apartments. and offer dinner based on 14-day
the region. The Exchange Bar is an elegantly theme nights.
decadent, plush lounge bar, home to the Enjoy leisurely meals at the award-winning
Nairobi Stock Exchange since incorporation, a Flame Tree restaurant, once the watering • Minazi Café – has a 92-person
period of over 50 years. hole for freedom fighters, spies and foreign capacity offering tastefully prepared
correspondents and named after the Flame snacks and light meals, plus 24-hour
The Sarova Stanley also offers superlative Tree that holds pride of place in the middle room service.
conferencing and banqueting facilities with its of the restaurant. Most weekends, the
9 meeting and conference rooms. A heated Flame Tree comes alive with people flocking • Lido Seafood Grill – a seafood heaven
swimming pool and state-of-the-art health to its African theme nights that showcase of “Fish on the beach”, it is a Chaîne
club and gymnasium take pride of place in the Kenya’s cuisine, cultural heritage and music. des Rotisseurs-certified fine dining
hotel’s inventory. The Sarova Panafric offers state-of-the art restaurant.
banqueting and conferencing facilities with
a range of meeting and function rooms • Cocos Beach Bar – open-air disco
equipped with the latest audio visual and WIFI with a capacity for 150 people.
equipment. To wind down the day, take a dip
Sarova Panafric in the pool or go for a leisurely massage – or • An exquisite range of state-of-the-art,
NAIROBI simply enjoy a cool drink to the soothing air-conditioned Motivator Conferencing
Refreshing African Hospitality sounds of African tunes from one of Kenya’s facilities are available.
finest local bands.
When the quest for Africa’s Independence • Tulia Spa & Health Bar – offers
raged in the 1960s, the Sarova Panafric was Western, Oriental and Ayurvedic
the centre of liberalism and hushed political Massage therapies in addition to full
Sarova whitesands salon treatments.
meetings, hosting many of Africa’s nationalists
and future African statesmen. Named in
Beach resort & spa
m o m basa
honour of the Pan African movement, the Refreshing African Hospitality • A wide selection of PADI-certified
Sarova Panafric was inaugurated by the water-sports, ranging from jet skiing to
first President of Kenya, H.E. Mzee Jomo Among the many Kenyan beach hotels, the deep sea diving and Buccaneer diving.
Kenyatta, on January 5, 1965, and truly Sarova Whitesands Beach Resort & Spa
represents neo-Africa. Idyllically located stands out as being amongst the favorite • A top-of-the-range gym plus a
amidst beautifully landscaped gardens in a Mombasa beach hotels, perfect for either keenly experienced and enthusiastic
quiet suburb of Nairobi, the Sarova Panafric a beach holiday or for state-of-the-art Animation Team ensures that you can
makes a great retreat from the bustling life of conferencing facilities. Situated on 22 acres stay as actively engaged as you wish.
the city, yet is only five minutes away from the of the longest of pristine, pure white sandy
CBD. beachfronts, the hotel encompasses 338 • The Ozone Kids Club caters to every
rooms, ranging from the refreshing standard, whim for the young ones, ensuring a
The hotel offers 153 rooms in a range of sea-front, deluxe, and executive suites to the truly memorable stay for the children.
standard, superior and suites all recently grand presidential suites and our signature
refurbished and decorated in neo-African style wellness spa, proudly known as Tulia.
with panoramic views of the city. Equipped
with modern amenities and conveniences, The facilities offered at the Resort are as Tel: +254-20-2716688
the rooms provide excellent value for the follows: www.sarovahotels.com
Best of Kenya 53
Africa’s Best Kept Secret
Hotels and Resorts
Located on the northern outskirts of the city, the Windsor world at any given time. There is also a wellness centre, with
is the apex of Kenya’s tourist facilities, complete with a a well-equipped gym.
golf course and other sporting facilities, apart from the top
quality accommodation and first class international cuisine. Describing itself as “Africa’s Best Kept Secret”, the
hotel and club facility in Nairobi appropriately derives its
Located just a 15-minute drive from the city centre of famous name from one of the most renowned residences
Nairobi, and a 45-minute drive from the Jomo Kenyatta of the British monarchy, Windsor Castle. When the hotel
International Airport (JKIA), the Windsor Golf Hotel & first opened its doors in the early 1990s, it was a hugely
Country Club is a cluster of impressive Victorian style important and welcome addition to Nairobi’s top class
buildings with 130 deluxe rooms comprising twins, doubles, tourist facilities. The Windsor Golf & Country Club has since
studio suites and cottages all overlooking a spectacular 18- become the preferred meeting place for top political leaders
hole championship golf course and tastefully decorated with and captains of business and industry in Kenya and the East
five-star amenities in each room. African region.
The hotel has a modern 16-hour business centre, complete Whether visiting or staying in Nairobi for business, pleasure
with an array of computers and communications facilities or both, the Windsor offers a breathtakingly beautiful oasis
that ensure that the visitor is in touch with the rest of the of comfort and tranquillity – the perfect place for a getaway!
54 Best of Kenya
The 18-hole championship golf course, The Conservatory Restaurant – Situated
designed by the renowned Tom Macauley, next to the swimming pool and offering
threads its way through coffee farms an a-la-carte menu with offerings such as
and indigenous forest, with lush, springy pastries, coffee and tea and other savories
fairways, fast, true greens and a sprinkling throughout the day.
of challenging water hazards. There are also
73 well located sand bunkers to provide for a The Library Lounge – Located at the level
challenging, international class golf course. of the lobby and serves drinks in a luxury
setting from around 4.00pm to the last
The resort offers other sporting, health and guest.
fitness facilities as well as a well-stocked
shopping arcade with a wide range of The Kingfisher Bar – Overlooks the hotel’s
products, including golfing equipment crystal blue heated swimming pool and
and other sporting gear. Several local and offers a wide variety of cocktails from
international competitions take place at the 10.00am to 11.00pm.
Windsor Golf and Country Club every year.
The Club Bar – with its hardwood interior
For the nature lovers, there is a wide variety and tall vaulted ceilings offers a cool and
of flora and fauna, especially birds, in the relaxing venue for drinks and cocktails after
vicinity, with a resident ornithologist available a challenging round of golf.
The water cascades and the greenery are to organize walks around the luxury resort.
unique features of this hotel-cum-resort. Conference and Banquet Facilities:
Opened in 1992, the Windsor Golf Hotel & Bars and Restaurants at the Windsor
Country Club Resort has an inimitable style Country Club: The Windsor Golf & Country Club has six
and culture. large and elegant and quiet conference
The Country Room – The Country Room is rooms that can accommodate anything
All rooms are supplied with a colour TV a spacious but lovely restaurant adjacent to ranging from a small family gathering or
set, in-room safes, direct-dial telephones the famous Windsor Terraces, which provides board meeting of 5 people to a conference
and mini bars. The attached bathrooms are a largely international cuisine for breakfast, of 240 people theatre style. All conference
well-designed for comfort. Set amidst lush lunch and dinner. facilities have brilliant natural light and
tropical manicured gardens, the hardwood hardwood interiors, with all the other
floored rooms, suites and cottages are The Windsor Room – The main restaurant facilities and equipment for such meetings.
spacious and elegant. Most of them overlook is an unforgettable dining experience with
the spectacular championship 18-hole golf a large variety of dishes from an a-la-carte
course. All rooms are tastefully decorated menu, which features, among other foods, Tel: +254-20-8562300
in pastel colors and include numerous other game meat, poultry dishes and fine fish Email: info@windsor.co.ke
amenities for the convenience of the visitor. delicacies. www.windsorgolfresort.com
Best of Kenya 55
A study in lakeside hospitality
Hotels and Resorts
56 Best of Kenya
The Star of Lakeside Hospitality The snow-white exterior of the hotel is renovated structure of the hotel. Modern
unmistakable while the interior ambiance has conference facilities and equipment have
A discerning visitor to Kisumu City, Kenya’s been vastly improved along with the service, been installed to enable meetings of up to
third largest metropolis of around 600,000 cuisine and accommodation. It is now the 600 delegates to run in one place. This is
inhabitants on the shores of Lake Victoria, most popular establishment in Kisumu City, apart from several other smaller conference
the second largest fresh water body on earth, able to accommodate 120 to 150 guests in rooms. There is also an adjacent hall that can
will probably be directed to the Kisumu exceptional comfort. accommodate 500 conference participants at
Hotel, which is under the ownership and once.
management of Maseno University, for There are 80 large, well ventilated and
the best food, accommodation, as well as tastefully furnished single and double rooms Hotel and Teaching Lab
the most appropriate social gathering and at the hotel, three of which are executive
conference facility. suites, including one that is fit for presidential The Hotel also serves as a training facility.
accommodation. Several lounges, an Maseno University has the Department
Kisumu, once known as Port Florence when expansive dining area and corridors/walkways of Ecotourism, Hotel and Institution
the Kenya-Uganda railway, “the Lunatic that exude class have become the hallmarks Management, which o ers a wide range of
Express”, reached the lakeshore in 1901, of the Kisumu Hotel. undergraduate and postgraduate courses in
is a city now renowned for its vigour and the fields of hospitality and ecotourism. In
hospitality to all comers. The people are The youthful management of the hotel, all all the courses requiring practicals the Hotel
friendly and easy-going. There are various graduates of Maseno University led by the is used as a Teaching Lab. The hotel and
interesting sites for the visitor to enjoy both General Manager, Mr Paul Ouma, offers the conference facilities provide a major boost for
within and outside the city. The Kisumu best possible service available in a high class practical work during the academic hospitality
Hotel forms an ideal starting point for any tourist hotel. The waiters and other service and related programmes o ered by Maseno
touristic expeditions in the lake region and the personnel are welldressed, prompt and polite. University.
hinterland.
Transport to and from the hotel is readily Contacts:
One of the oldest and finest structures, available with several taxi ranks and other Kenyatta Highway
the Kisumu Hotel was once the leading means of transport stationed conveniently in P. O. Box 3335-40100, Kisumu
accommodation facility in the lakeside city the vicinity. Tel: 254-057-2022833/2021504
during the 1960s and 1970s until it fell on Fax: 254-057-2020508
bad times during the 1980s. Under the new A large new multi-storey conference complex Email: hotel@maseno.ac.ke
ownership and management of Maseno has been constructed behind the completely www.maseno.ac.ke
University, which prides itself as the “Fountain
of Excellence”, the hotel facility is even better
and more accommodating than during its
previous glory days.
Best of Kenya 57
Chapter 3
Dining and Eating Out
58 Best of Kenya
Best of Kenya 59
Kenya’s Ultimate
Dining and Eating Out
Meating Place
The popular Carnivore Restaurant is known
for meat, all sorts of meats.
Indeed, the restaurant’s motto is Nyama Tu, which is Kiswahili The Carnivore is a meat specialty restaurant and it is justifiably
for Solely Meat! referred to as ‘Africa’s Greatest Eating Experience’.
Situated just 4 kilometres from Nairobi’s central business Every type of meat imaginable, such as a selection of exotic
district, the Carnivore opened its doors in September 1980 meats including crocodile and ostrich, is roasted over
to instant success. The food, service and atmosphere are charcoal and carved at the table. Delicious side dishes and an
strikingly different from anything ever seen in Kenya. exceptional array of sauces complement this fixed-price feast
that also includes soup, a selection of desserts and Kenyan
That the Carnivore is about meat is typically Kenyan for, in coffee.
many middle class Kenyan eateries and homes, a meal is
incomplete without meat or meat sauce. The Carnivore’s main restaurant has a seating capacity of 420
60 Best of Kenya
and caters to a cosmopolitan blend of local
residents. It is also one of the most popular
tourist restaurants and regularly caters for
large parties of tourists and conference
delegates.
Set in attractive tropical gardens, the service of each guest along with a plate of home- This is based on a famous Brazilian drink,
and the décor are outstanding. baked brown bread and butter. and was introduced to Kenyans at the
Carnivore. It has now become one of
The Carnivore is also home of the Simba An army of carvers wearing zebra-striped the most widely consumed cocktails in
Saloon, a delicious a la carte restaurant by aprons and straw hats move from table to Kenya and it is brought to the guest on
day and Nairobi’s most popular nightclub. table carrying Maasai swords laden with a portable tray by the medicine man,
different prime meats deliberately carving fittingly named Dr. Dawa.
The informal indoor/outdoor atmosphere, unlimited amounts onto the sizzling, cast
exceptional snacks and the pulsating iron plates in front of each guest. Adjoining the main restaurant is the
rhythms of Africa combine to ensure an Simba Saloon – a vibrant informal
exciting ambiance. Accompanying the meat feast is a wide restaurant that incorporates a children’s
selection of salads and vegetable side playground (very popular on weekends)
Twice voted amongst the world’s 50 best dishes, and also a variety of exotic and a lively nightclub.
restaurants by Restaurant Magazine the sauces made from the Carnivore’s own
Carnivore is described as ‘amazing’. recipes and stacked on to a double-storey The Simba Saloon provides an alternative
revolving tray in the centre of the table. to those who do not want to indulge
Since its inception, the Carnivore has played in a large meal, serving pizzas (from
host to over 2 million customers from across The feeding frenzy doesn’t stop until a traditional, domed, brick oven), an
the globe, including numerous celebrities. In the guests signal that enough is enough extremely popular salad bar at lunchtime,
fact, the Carnivore visitor’s book reads like a by the lowering of a white paper flag steaks, hamburgers, scampi, trout,
global Who is Who. perched atop the central tray. This is chicken, and other light snacks.
followed by dessert and coffee. The full
Whole joints of meat – legs of lamb and meal, including a soup course, is at a set The nightclub operates from Wednesday
pork, haunches of exotic meat, rumps of price. to Sunday and has themed nights to cater
beef, sirloins, racks of lamb, spare ribs, for fans of contemporary African music,
sausages, chicken wings, skewered kidneys, A vegetarian menu is also offered. rock, soul, jazz and the latest hits.
even crocodile, and other tasty morsels – First-time visitors to the Carnivore
are roasted on traditional Maasai swords are enthralled by the spectacle of The Simba Saloon has hosted some of
over a huge, spectacular charcoal pit that the roasting pit, the service and the Africa’s best musicians and international
dominates the entrance to the restaurant. distinctive flavours of food. stars such as Maxi Priest, Yellowman,
Sadao Watanabe, Manu Dibango, Salif
Constantly basted and turned until cooked The atmosphere of the Carnivore Keta, Chaka Demus and Pliers, Ismael Lo,
to perfection, the meat is succulent and combines the rustic feel of a rural Habib Koite, Hugh Masakela and Morgan
well flavoured. The Carnivore does not environment with the air of a medieval Heritage, just to mention a few.
conform to the familiar restaurant traditions banqueting hall. This is accomplished by
of passing out menus and waiting for people the use of streams and tropical gardens The Carnivore has struck the rare balance
to order. throughout the restaurant, and by using of catering to a cosmopolitan blend of
rough-hewn beams and local woods. local residents whilst becoming a must-
Diners simply take their seats on the zebra- see stopover for tourists.
striped chairs and the movable feast begins. Another famous feature to set the tone
of the Carnivore experience is the
First comes the soup of the day and a house cocktail, the Dawa (which means Tel: +254-20-605933
sizzling cast-iron plate is placed in front medicine or magic potion in Kiswahili). www.tamarind.co.ke
Best of Kenya 61
No compromise on flavour
Dining and Eating Out
and satisfaction
Kosewe, Ranalo
Do not be surprised, walking through the streets of Kenya’s capital,
to hear people talking about, or asking each other whether they have
been to, one restaurant and club at the centre of the great metropolis
that offers excellent traditional Kenyan cuisine as well as music and a
wonderful atmosphere for socialising.
62 Best of Kenya
THIS WAY TO A GREAT MEAL: The entrance to Ranalo Foods of Kimathi Street, Nairobi. A waitress serves lunch. Mr and Mrs Osewe in their office at the restaurant.
Best of Kenya 63
The Star of the Sea
Dining and Eating Out
Tamarind Mombasa
The Tamarind restaurant is a five-star tourist hotel
in the north of Mombasa, Kenya’s port city and the
gateway to eastern and Central Africa.
The Mombasa Tamarind is built in Arab style with high arches He embarked on an ambitions mission to create the finest
and a crenellated roof. seafood restaurant in Africa. With little financial and moral
support he designed and built the Mombasa Tamarind, a dream
It is in an elegant, gleaming white building with a perfect which he fulfilled with a passion.
setting and a starlit terrace perched on a cliff overlooking the
picturesque Old Harbour of Mombasa. The hotel menu is a blend of the best of French, Asian and
African cuisines.
Its history spans back to the early seventies when there were no
quality restaurants in Mombasa, and Kenyan-born Chris Seex, The Tamarind’s specialty is seafood and only the freshest
who was managing a coastal resort hotel at the time, sought to ingredients are applied in food preparations. The Prawns
correct the imbalance. Peri Peri, Chili Crab and Lobster have earned the Tamarind
64 Best of Kenya
worldwide fame and rave reviews from is able to cater for residential conferences of Mombasa and the starlit skies provide
publications such as Gourmet, the London of up to 40 in the conference room, as well idyllic surroundings for a delicious
Times and the International Herald Tribune. as providing business facilities such as fax, seafood dinner meticulously prepared in
e-mail, telephone and secretarial services. the Swahili style on the deck in front of
Tamarind Village the guests.
For holidaymakers, the Village makes
The Tamarind Village, a luxurious collection a secure and perfect setting for leisure Tamarind Nairobi
of fully serviced apartments, is situated and relaxation, offering two swimming
directly adjacent to Mombasa’s famous pools with jacuzzi, the Creek Club The Nairobi Tamarind is situated in the centre
Tamarind Restaurant and overlooks the fitness centre and therapy room, a of the city, adjacent to the National Bank
picturesque Old Town of Mombasa. glass-backed squash court, deep sea Building, Haile Selassie Avenue, close to the
fishing, water skiing and excellent food Central Bank of Kenya.
At Tamarind Village, ancient artistry meets and service.
contemporary comfort. Just 10 minutes from It has an ambience of elegance and calm in
the city centre, this collection of elegant The Tamarind Dhow addition to delicious food and superb service.
apartments blends age-old ambience with The Nairobi Tamarind is an invitation to dine or
state-of-the-art business facilities, modern The Tamarind Dhows Nawalilkher and do business over lunch.
land and sea sports, and two world-famous Babulkher are authentic ocean going
restaurants – one overlooks the ocean, jahazi (traditional Arab sailing boats), As Nairobi’s leading seafood restaurant, it flies
the other, seaborne, cruising its coastline formerly used for cargo trading along in fresh giant prawns, sweet young crab, juicy
aboard a majestic Arab dhow. the Kenyan Coast and to the Arab lobster, squid, octopus and oysters from the
states. The dhows have been completely Coast daily.
In a world of modern architectural clones, refurbished as floating restaurants,
Tamarind Village stands apart from the without losing any of the traditional It also offers the finest venison, steak and
crowd. With its towering white walls, aspects of the original vessels. poultry in the country for those whom seafood
curling archways and classical turrets, the is not their first choice.
village rises from its coral ramparts like a They are now moored at the Mombasa
formidable 14th Century fortress. Tamarind Jetty. The Nairobi Tamarind has built up and
maintained a reputation for superb cuisine,
Within these great walls are to be found As a restaurant, the Nawalilkher is and has been voted Restaurant of the Year on
some of the finest apartments in 21st available for individual bookings, and has many occasions.
Century Africa. a sitting capacity of 70 for dinner, which
leaves plenty of room for dancing on Tel: +254-041-474600
Offering a wonderful alternative to any night cruises. By removing some of the www.tamarind.co.ke
luxury hotel accommodation on the Coast, tables, the dhow has ample room to hold
‘the Village’, which consists of one-, two- a cocktail party for up to 100 people.
and three-bedroom apartments, is set in a
beautiful lush garden with a surrounding air The Nawalilkher sails every day except
of comfortable privacy. Sundays for both day and evening
cruises. Private charters can be
Built in coastal style architecture with organised for Sundays.
authentically styled Swahili furnishings,
each apartment has air-conditioned The lunchtime cruise departs from the
bedrooms with bathrooms en-suite, a Tamarind Jetty at 1pm, cruises gently
well appointed and equipped kitchen for up Tudor Creek, to a quiet spot where
self-catering, satellite TV and a spacious the dhow moors.
verandah with a stunning view of the Old
Town of Mombasa. The dinner cruise, commencing at
6.30pm, begins with a welcome Dawa
The Village is an ideal place for business cocktail as the dhow sails smoothly
visitors looking for a quiet environment and towards Fort Jesus. The twinkling lights
Best of Kenya 65
Taste sensations:
Dining and Eating Out
66 Best of Kenya
Nairobi, with its population of more than with a carefully designed internal decor that has been conceptualized, designed,
4.2 million, is the region’s largest metropolis and ambiance which give the eatery a very developed and is managed by young,
as well as the capital city of Kenya. It has comfortable look. The modern and traditional enterprising Kenyans who have excellent
a wide variety of attractions to the visitor, African art that decorate the walls combine culinary expertise.
including an expansive wildlife sanctuary, the well with the well-designed but practical
Nairobi National Park, within its boundaries. furniture. On entering the place, one is Blanco’s lounge o ers a wide variety of new
The Kenyan city is a veritable melting pot immediately struck by the vibrant decor with wines from di fferent countries, with different
of lifestyles and cultures, both local and warm tropical colours. drink cocktail combinations and assorted fresh
international. juices made from delicious and vitamin-rich
Upcoming and renowned Kenyan artists tropical fruits. Great emphasis is placed on
As one of the top ranked tourist destinations display their works at Blanco’s. They include quality and timely service. Great attention is
on the African continent, Kenya is a Carol Kipsanai of La Tua Casa, Lawi Muriuki of paid to detail in every service provided while
multicultural society that has a great Housemark Limited and Kioko Mitiki. A special speed of delivery is also given high priority.
variety to o er to the visitor. Among the highlight of the interior decor displays works of
most important attractions, apart from the art by Mwitiki, a well known Kenyan master. Despite the initial challenges presented by
tropical climate, the sandy beaches and the being a relatively new business in a highly
abundant wildlife in their natural habitat, is Other local painters are encouraged to come competitive culinary market, Blanco’s is
the culture of the people and the variety of to Blanco’s and display their works to potential already planning expansion to other parts
food. clients and art connoisseurs, both local and of Kenya, especially the tourism-rich Coast
international. Province, before venturing outside the
One of the places that brings out the very country into other parts of the world. Useful
best of Nairobi is Blanco’s Lounge and Grill, On designated days every week, different partnerships with international players in
situated in the visually attractive Timau Plaza Kenyan music artists are invited to perform the hospitality and culinary industries are
at the junction of Argwings Kodhek Road and at Blanco’s in order to add cultural value to also being explored by this forward-looking
Timau Road in the Hurlingham/Kilimani area the great atmosphere. Some of the musicians management team.
of the city close to the Yaya Centre shopping who have played at Blanco’s have become
complex. local and international stars. Like its cuisine, On average, prices at Blanco’s Lounge and
the restaurant encourages innovativeness in Grill range between KSh 1,000 (US$15) to KSh
Blanco’s, as the restaurant is popularly known, music, especially the fusion or blending of 1,600 (US$25).
provides an unforgettable culinary experience, traditional and modern strains.
blending perfectly with renowned Kenyan
hospitality at its best. The food is simply It is the aim of Blanco’s to transport and Operating Hours:
delicious while the assorted wines from various transform Kenyan and African cuisine to Monday - Saturday inclusive of Public Holidays
parts of the world are rst class. The culinary heights never experienced before and to 12.00pm to 3.00pm and 5.00pm to 11.30pm
specialty of Blanco’s is a unique “fusion” of enhance international appreciation of Kenya’s Sundays - Closed
Kenyan specialty dishes with European, Asian exciting cultural diversity. This is a restaurant Tel: +254-20-386470/1
and other international cooking styles and
ingredients.
Best of Kenya 67
Chapter 4
Shopping and Retail
68 Best of Kenya
Best of Kenya 69
Pioneer in mall culture
Shopping and Retail
Sarit Centre
The Sarit Centre not only pioneered and introduced the enclosed
shopping mall culture in Kenya, but also provided the impetus for
the rapid transformation of Westlands into a thriving and vibrant
business zone within Nairobi.
It is a challenging architectural concept, designed as a That is why The Sarit Centre is situated in Nairobi’s Westlands
shopper’s paradise. It does not disappoint. At the end of suburb. This is an enclosed centre that the founders conceived
any given day some 24,000 shoppers will have entered this as a complete shopping hub; having everything that a shopper
welcoming edifice. That translates into a total of 8.8 million wants under one roof, easily accessible with secure large
people going through its entrance and exit doors in a year. protected parking lots.
Welcome to The Sarit Centre.
The Sarit Centre not only pioneered and introduced the
If one considers that some 6,000 cars use its three parking enclosed shopping mall culture in Kenya, but also provided the
lots every day you have a lot of vehicular and human traffic to impetus for the rapid transformation of Westlands into a thriving
make for a very busy and popular shopping spot indeed. That and vibrant business zone within Nairobi. That the Centre has
is the way the founders of the Centre intended it to be – a city been emulated by many implies its transformation of Westlands
within a city integrating the Westlands suburb into the Nairobi has been truly appreciated.
business district.
The opening of The Sarit Centre on April 27, 1983 changed
From the very beginning in the 1970s, the founders of The Sarit emphatically and forever retail trading patterns in Kenya. The
Centre aimed to create Kenya’s premier shopping mall. Away concept of a one-stop shop took hold and remains many a
from the hustle and bustle of the central business district, but developer’s favourite. It is why the Centre’s management says
within striking distance of it; offering variety and choice, but in a that Sarit boasts multiple firsts:
relaxed and secure atmosphere devoid of the strain and stress • the first enclosed mall in Kenya;
of the city centre. • the first to operate a shopper loyalty programme;
70 Best of Kenya
• the first to decorate and light up its
premises both internally and externally;
• the first to offer prize shopping
promotions at Christmas;
• the first to introduce paid parking;
• the first with trade and consumer
exhibitions
Best of Kenya 71
You need it, they’ve got it!
Shopping and Retail
Established in 1987, Nakumatt Holdings Limited stays ahead of They pride themselves on delivering Quality, Value, Service,
the competition by providing quality, value, service, variety and Variety and Lifestyle enhancing products.
lifestyle.
Management and policy
Nakumatt’s shop formats range from supermarkets to
hypermarkets that showcase distinct world-class shopping floor A key element of this company as a retail chain of super stores
layouts and amenities. All their branches hold a range of over is corporate governance and sector compliance. Nakumatt
50,000 quality products pride themselves on conforming to local and international
laws, policies and regulations governing business and related
Thanks to their rich heritage and passion for retail excellence, operations.
Nakumatt supermarkets countrywide have carved out a niche
for themselves as the ideal shopping and entertainment centres Nakumatt conduct their business with honesty and integrity.
for the whole family. This ensures that they maintain high standards in all areas to
72 Best of Kenya
improve the economy of both the country Branch network 4. Cutting edge IT system – Nakumatt have
and the region. invested more then US$ 2 million to roll
All 19 strategically located Nakumatt outlets out the most advanced retail chains
The responsibility for managing the have been tastefully designed with wide information technology system on this
company at the top level rests with the aisles for a pleasurable shopping experience. continent.
Nakumatt Board of Directors, who meet Attractive display units for convenient
regularly to provide corporate guidance and shopping have been installed to hold well- 5. Nakumatt’s Mission – is to create a chain
review operation strategies. defined product categories in a well-lit of world-class superstores in strategic
shopping environment with ample parking and locations delivering quality, value, service,
It is a dynamic management team that is convenient opening hours even on weekends variety and lifestyle with convenient
committed to obtaining the best possible and public holidays. opening hours giving everyone the
results so that the accumulated benefits opportunity to shop at Nakumatt.
can be passed on to the consumers The Head Office and distribution centre has
through offering a wider range of quality some 140,000 square feet of storage and 6. Nakumatt’s wide variety – Nakumatt
products in an accessible and affordable office space. The total selling space of the stocks a variety of more than 50,000 local
way, providing excellent services and Nakumatt outlets is approximately 1 million and international products to cater for
enormous benefits. square feet. the more than 154 nationalities who shop
with them.
To ensure a clear focus of Quality across the Corporate strategy
organization and direct employee activities 7. Nakumatt’s locations – Nakumatt
on Quality, customer focus and continual Nakumatt have distinguished themselves have strived with success to locate
improvement, Nakumatt’s top management from their peers on a 10-point differentiating their outlets at the most strategic and
has given its commitment through a Quality aspects system that includes: convenient locations.
policy statement, which states:
1. A Truly Kenyan outlook – Nakumatt are 8. Smart Card rewards – Afford their
“Nakumatt Holdings Limited is committed truly Kenyan and employ more than 3,000 customers a range of point-based
to providing a variety of affordable, quality indigenous Kenyans across their 19 benefits that include discounts service
brands as well as excellent and superior branches. providers and partners, redemption of
quality service to our customers.” points fees and many more benefits.
2. Corporate governance and social
Awards and certifications investments – Nakumatt’s corporate 9. Environment and quality policy –
governance is championed across the Nakumatt’s stringent environment and
Nakumatt Holdings have, in keeping with company and involves the directors, quality policy and processes ensure that
global standards, managed to bag a string management and staff. On the Social their customers are afforded products
of internationally-recognised awards investment front a KSh150million CSR and goods that meet world environment
and certifications. All the awards and budget has enabled Nakumatt to touch and quality standards.
certifications confirm Nakumatt’s world- live in the environmental, educational,
class superiority. Some of these include: cultural and health sectors. 10. Strategic expansion plans – Nakumatt’s
vision for the future is centered on an
• Price Waterhouse Coopers East Africa 3. Commitment to managing a model achievable expansion plan into the
Most Respected Service Sector Award business – Nakumatt have always region backed by a scheduled listing on
maintained a lead in responsible business the Nairobi Stock Exchange by the year
• Kenya Bureau of Standards ISO practice. Small wonder that they were the 2009.
9001:2000 Quality Management first retailers to introduce the Electronic
System Tax Register (ETR) across their branch
• Planet Retail Global Ranking network. They have also paid out around
• East Africa Superbrand KSh420 million in taxes and are projecting Tel: +254-20-650137
• GCR Credit Rating to pay a total of KSh600 million. www.nakumatt.net
Best of Kenya 73
The Village Market, Nairobi
Shopping and Retail
74 Best of Kenya
A walk within or around the Village Market
gives one the feeling of being a true citizen
of the world. Large numbers of people of
different races and colours mingle here,
shopping, socializing, lunching, wining and
dining.
Best of Kenya 75
Chapter 5
Fashion
76 Best of Kenya
Best of Kenya 77
Sanabora Design House Limited
Fashion
• Graphics & Communication • Business Development Training • Product Design
The word ‘Sanabora’ is a literal translation of the Swahili On its journey to becoming a benchmark for sustainable design
words ‘very good’, a metaphor for the reputation Sanabora in Kenya, Sanabora is keen on forming partnerships with those
is committed to uphold. who seek to pave the way for Kenya in the global market place.
To achieve the above goal, Sanabora offers design support Graphics & Communication
and business development training tailored to enable Sanabora doesn’t just put words in your mouth. They scan you
competitiveness of enterprises in local and international business to establish its initial impact, its clarity, content and
markets. potential for excellence. Asking the questions that your client
might have about your business and evaluating ways
This in addition to communication support offered to in which they can improve your business by designing identity
encourage conception of ideas and promotional materials systems, publicity and promotional materials that supply the
that inform, motivate and educate consumers on products much needed pizzazz and well crafted enthusiasm needed to
offered. sell you and what you do.
Sanabora prides its success in the application of creativity Business Development Training
and innovation in meeting the needs of its clientele and the Sanabora Design House offers a wide range of short term
markets. This is on the belief that success in the corporate enterprise development courses. Each training programme is
world today is likely to come through offering differentiated tailored to meet the needs of individual businesses both
products. in the formal and informal sectors of Kenya.
78 Best of Kenya
Sanabora - Contemporary African Design
Best of Kenya 79
KikoRomeo
Fashion
80 Best of Kenya
Ann McCreath and other partners founded the recycled and organic material. Kikoti and the
business which deals in African fashion and uniforms design are produced in a factory
design in 1996 and have since produced high setting, incorporating textiles from the
quality fashion incorporating community trade continent.
materials and craftsmanship.
They are produced in bigger numbers, with
KikoRomeo collections have been shown and little hand crafting, thereby reducing costs and
won accolades in Kenya at FAFA and provide for the middle market with a smart
overseas including Italy, Cameroon, South African fashion option.
Africa and the Seychelles.
KikoRomeo’s business sprouted in 2006,
The design and fashion house’s core business after venturing into business contracts with
has been garment production and retail of blue chip corporate firms by designing and
KikoRomeo and Kikoti brands – both done in making their corporate uniforms. Among the
fabulous African design. They include fashion companies KikoRomeo landed successful
and accessories for men, women and contracts with are; Safaricom Customer Care,
children. Air Kenya, KACA, Java Coffee House, Origins
Safaris and Mercury Lounge.
KikoRomeo is currently developing a line
of recycled and organic items, to meet the In June 2007, a new line “Kikoti” (“the place
growing demands of the international market. where life began” in Maasai’s Maa language)
KikoRomeo lines are designed by Ann was launched, with the aim of offering a more
McCreath together with Norbert Ochieng and affordable African fashion to suit the middle
Martha Gakii. In its outstanding design, great market.
emphasis is put on excellent cut, fit and finish.
Most of the textiles are from Africa produced In November 2007, Kiro, East African
both industrially and handcrafted. Designer Store was opened in the Yaya
centre together with other East African
KikoRomeo holding company Kiro Limited’s designers. This was to enable designers to
philosophy is fair trade and commitment retail their ready-made garments at a central
to working with local artisans to promoting spot.
community development through economic
empowerment. Outlets:
KikoRomeo has its studio on Mogotio Rd,
Kiro Ltd has developed a concept in which it Westlands, Nairobi. Collections are also sold
works in support of Africa’s heritage by through KikoRomeo, 2nd floor Yaya Centre,
actively promoting traditional skills and crafts. and KooRoo at le Rustique on General
The KikoRomeo line incorporates a lot of Mathenge Drive, Nairobi.
handcrafting and hand-painting, to create
unique individual items.
Tel: (254) 722 516317 / (254) 733 835438
New KikoRomeo products are being sales@kikoromeo.com
introduced and will be designed using www.kikoromeo.com
Best of Kenya 81
Chapter 6
Healthcare
82 Best of Kenya
Best of Kenya 83
Home of the best of the best
Healthcare
84 Best of Kenya
And this about the hospital itself: has the best skilled nurses, but also trains
them.
“It is assumed, indeed believed, that if it fails
at the Nairobi Hospital, then nothing can be It is instructive here to note that the current
done or, to put it another way, when all else matron not only trained at the hospital, but
fails, you have to go to the Nairobi Hospital. was also a nurse there for 27 years. “Our
If you get to us alive, chances are you will nurses have a great attachment to the
survive.” institution that trains them just as most people
are greatly attached to their schools much
Dr Mailu says that this belief about The more than they are to their universities,” says
Nairobi Hospital is firmly held and buttressed Dr Mailu.
by those who have been at the hospital,
“brought in when they were on the brink The idea here is that nursing staff will undergo
and came back to life” and their relatives. targeted training that will enable them to bond
And that fits in well with the hospital’s motto with the patients and ultimately meet their
Lux Tenebris which translates as Light in needs and yield excellent practice.
Darkness.
The Nairobi Hospital is reputed to have the
Those who have been wheeled into the wards best training for nurses and while many of
after they were mauled by wild animals or had them prefer to work at the hospital, there are Those who practice at the hospital must be
been involved in freak or tragic accidents and others who join different institutions spread accomplished specialists recognised as such
were in a state of darkness have seen light all over the country. That means the Nairobi by the Doctors and Dentists Medical Board
after treatment at the Nairobi Hospital. Hospital trains nurses for itself as well as the and must practice for at least three years
country. before they can get admitting rights.
And the motto has an ironic twist to it too.
The hospital has over 400 consulting doctors The third pillar of the hospital is the deliberate
The foundation stone for the Nairobi Hospital who specialise in varied disciplines of investment in advanced technology. “We
was laid on October 20, 1952. That is the medicine. challenge professionals to exercise what
same day the colonial state herded the
leaders of the nationalist movement into
prison and declared a State of Emergency.
The stone was laid by the Governor, Sir
Evelyn Baring, after he had sent the resisting
Kenyans to jail. That was a dark day for
Kenya, but the laying of the stone could be
said to have lit a light in healthcare terms.
Best of Kenya 85
Healthcare
they were taught. We invest in technology to This could well be the best part of the Nairobi
enable us to give the best healthcare. Hospital: It is a non-profit institution. The
Board of directors is voluntary and it prides
“We have also invested in the best there itself on being a public hospital well run. Dr
is in information technology to drive our Mailu says “it is Kenya’s jewel, the hope of
business, our front and back offices, ease our Kenyans when public hospitals go down.
processes and enable us to serve our clients
quickly, simply and efficiently”, says Dr Mailu. The ten gentlemen who came together to
found The Nairobi Hospital under the aegis of
The Nairobi Hospital has positioned itself as a the Kenya European Hospital Association did
market leader and Dr Mailu says that it has to not make this a private company, but opted
innovate for others to follow or the healthcare to bequeath it to posterity.
sector in Kenya will stagnate!
Founding President Kenyatta, former
That is to say the hospital intends to stay President Moi and current President Kibaki
ahead of the competition or to be a market have all been treated here, but it is a general
leader always. This is in tandem with the hospital, admitting all and one paying
hospital’s stated corporate culture of caring patients. However, the hospital will not turn
about quality, providing the highest standards away a patient when there is an emergency
Dr. Cleopa Mailu of healthcare and its belief that patient because they do not have money.
CEO, The Nairobi Hospital satisfaction is paramount.
Talking about the future is especially
Indeed, the Nairobi Hospital has positioned interesting for CEO and staff of the Nairobi
itself well to take advantage of the emerging Hospital, not only because they want to excel,
and fast-growing field of medical tourism. but also because of what it is they intend to
Given its facilities, expertise and the do.
infrastructure the country has, the Nairobi
Hospital is in good stead to lead the way in “We intend to invest in innovative areas
welcoming patients from all corners of the of medicine such as telemedicine and
globe. other cutting edge diagnostic and curative
86 Best of Kenya
Innovation provides horizon scanning to keep
us in the right direction - The Axion Artis dTC
Cardiac Angiography System
Best of Kenya 87
Award-winning trailblazers
Healthcare
Avenue Group
“We want to be known for providing high quality
healthcare at an affordable price.”
This, says Managing Director Diana Patel, is the driving force, indeed
the mission, of the Avenue Group, Kenya’s multiple award-winning
and trailblazing healthcare providers.
88 Best of Kenya
The Avenue Group is unique as a provider of stay in Nairobi, Kenya’s capital city and you
healthcare, having established Kenya’s first hear the name Avenue, it is highly unlikely
private and self-contained psychiatric facility you will think about any of the metropolis’
in 1990, a time when most such patients streets or boulevards.
had no place to go to other than the public
Mathare Hospital. Most Kenyans know Avenue Hospital, a
70-bed modern facility with male and female
That was but the beginning of the Avenue wards, a dedicated paediatric wing, maternity
Group’s firsts, for, in 1994, the group led the wards, a psychiatric wing, and theatre and
way in providing home-based nursing care mortuary services.
and in the same year pioneered the still rare
service of rental of medical equipment. Next in the group’s stable is the flagship
Lifestyle Clinic so called because it is situated
“We want to be in the lead; we want to keep on a facility of the same name in the Central
innovating and, that way, not only stay ahead Business District. Then there is the P J Place
of the competition, but also introduce the in Nairobi’s Industrial Area to complete The
best healthcare products and services in Avenue Group facilities in the capital.
Kenya,” says Diana.
There are three more clinics which are
In 1995 the group became Kenya’s first situated in Mombasa, Kenya’s world-famous
provider-based health management coastal resort, Kisumu on Lake Victoria and
organisation (HMO) and the following year Thika which is some 40 kilometres away from
introduced the country’s first managed Nairobi.
healthcare system.
It is the services offered at these facilities, say
The group’s last two firsts are not just Diana and Etta, that set The Avenue Group
trailblazers but assert emphatically The apart from the rest. For example the 24 hour
Avenue Group’s commitment to training medical taxi is part of the group’s rescuen
and patient safety and comfort as pillars of package which provide for high quality
excellence in healthcare. The Emergency rescue, evacuation and transport services.
Medical Technicians
Avenue Healthcare (AHC) was founded in
Training Course commenced in 2000 and 1995 specifically to manage the Avenue
2005 saw the introduction of the Medical Hospital Outpatient Department and offer
Taxi. Medical taxi? “Exactly,” says Ms Etta mobile medical services to company clients
Ligale, the Operations General Manager, and is the one tasked with operating the
“often times we realise that what a patient Mombasa, Kisumu and Thika outpatient
needs is not an ambulance, but transport to clinics.
hospital.”
Apart from the outpatient services, Avenue
What comprises The Avenue Group? If you Healthcare offers inpatient services,
Best of Kenya 89
Healthcare
in-house clinics, special clinic services a diabetic clinic and Voluntary Counseling,
and medical examinations. Regarding Testing and Treatment (VCTT). Notice that
examinations, Avenue Healthcare is licensed most are VCT clinics but Avenue’s includes
by the City Council of Nairobi, for example, treatment hence the extra T in VCTT!
to carry out tests for food handlers.
Avenue also offers training in emergency
And Avenue doctors carry out routine medicine, including cardiopulmonary
preemployment examinations, including resuscitation as well as First Aid training for
urine and stool, HIV, VDRL, widals, and corporates and the general public.
chest x-ray.
The medical taxi service includes scheduled
The Special Clinics, which are housed at doctor and late night casualty visits. This
the Avenue Hospital Special Clinics Wing, service also offers travel home from the
include antenatal clinics, well baby clinics, group’s hospital or clinics and the vehicles
90 Best of Kenya
equips the in-house clinics and manages What this boils down to, Etta takes over,
them. is that at Avenue patients have the right to
The Avenue Group operates a diabetic clinic participate in decisions involving their health
at Avenue Hospital and at the Lifestyle clinic care and give informed consent to treatment.
whose services include advising patients
on management of diabetics, diet, exercise Professional talks
and modification of one’s lifestyle, laboratory
services and specialist referrals where The Group is well known for the health talks
necessary. its professionals give for such clients and
beyond. These acclaimed speeches revolve
Indeed, of the many card products that around varied and valued topics such as:
Avenue Group has on offer, the Diabetics
Card stands out because it guarantees one u HIV/Aids
unlimited outpatient consultations at the u Alcoholism
Diabetic Clinic. u Occupational health and safety
u Infectious diseases
Most visitors and patients at the Avenue u Rational use of drugs
are equipped with a wheel chair, first aid Group facilities are often pleasantly surprised u Health, living and lifestyle
kit, sickness bags and radio call. The taxi to be informed that patients have rights u Malaria
comes complete with nurse aid, security such as the right to receive superior health u Smoking
guards and drivers who are trained in First care regardless of their race, tribe, national u Stress
Aid. origin, sex, age, financial status or cultural u Nutrition
preferences. u Hygiene
Avenue Homecare is a service that provides u Family planning
nurse aids under the supervision of Patients are informed that they have the right u Breast cancer
qualified nurses and offers a less expensive to be treated with respect and courtesy, their u First Aid
alternative to hospital care, with medical personal privacy is respected and medical
equipment such as wheelchairs and records handled with utmost confidentiality. The above are also available as full courses
crutches available for weekly or monthly by Avenue Rescue Services.
hire. Indeed, it is also made known to patients
This has been hailed as a cost effective that they have the right to demand to know AWARDS
service carried out in an environment that is the names, qualifications and professional
familiar and comfortable to the patients and, responsibilities of their health care providers. It is not an idle boast when the Avenue Group
therefore enhancing recuperation in privacy executives say they believe in leading the way
and freedom and reduced risk of cross At Avenue Group they make it plain for the group is the winner of four Afya (by the
infection. that patients have the right to treatment Ministry of Health) awards.
This service is especially recommended appropriate to their choice, age, physical,
for elderly and terminal ill patients, those spiritual, emotional, cultural and intellectual These are:
addicted to substance abuse, post-surgery needs.
patients and general convalescents. u Quality, Affordable, Health Care (2003)
Given that most will find a doctor’s notes u Health Insurance and Finance (2006)
The Avenue Group has offers in-house cryptic, Diana enlightens that a patient, u Innovative Leadership - First runner-up
clinics for corporate clients which enhance has the right to receive information (2006)
access to medical care and reduce time about diagnosis and treatment plans in a u Diabetes Care (2006)
off work to seek treatment as well as language he or she easily understands, with
personalised service for staff and their explanations of alternatives, including risks, Tel: +254-20-3742907
families. It is the group which furnishes and benefits and burdens of each. www.avenuehealthcare.com
Best of Kenya 91
Kenyatta National Hospital (KNH)
Healthcare
Kenyatta National Hospital plays a major role in healthcare The institution facilitates medical training for students of the
delivery system in the country, East Africa and the whole of College of Health Sciences of the University of Nairobi, The
Africa region as provided for in its mandate. The hospital has Kenya Medical Training College, and other higher learning
an efficient and effective referral system and receives referral institutions. This is in addition to facilitating research either
cases for specialized healthcare from other health institutions directly and/or through other cooperating health institutions.
within and outside the country. KNH is the hospital of choice The hospital also participates in national health policy
to the majority of the population in the capital city, Nairobi, planning.
and it’s environ due to its affordability and quality healthcare
92 Best of Kenya
Clinical Departments
Medicine Obstetrics& Gynaecology Dentistry Laboratory Medicine
Nursing Dermatology Paediatrics Pharmacy
Surgery Respiratory & Infectious Diseases Ophthalmology Radiotherapy
Radiology Accident and Emergency Anaesthesia Quality Assurance
Administrative Departments:
Administration Personnel Finance Supplies & Procurement
Public Relations Legal Planning Maintenance & Transport
Security
Specialized Units
Renal Unit The Heart Unit Interventional Cardiology Intensive Care Unit and HDU
Kenyatta National Hospital is well equipped KNH provides specialized services like patients coming from the larger Eastern
to set stage for attaining continental and open-heart operations, brain surgery, and Southern Africa region for specialized
international healthcare standards. This complicated eye surgery (intra-ocular), skin care.
has led to efficient diagnosis and patient operations using laser and plastic surgery.
management for better medical outcomes Doctors Plaza
as well as enhanced its competitiveness Private Wing Wards
in the contemporary healthcare industry at These facilities enable the specialist
local, regional and international level. In an effort to improve quality of services doctors to do private practice within easy
and at the same time boost its financial reach of the hospital. The project earns
KNH has comprehensive care centre that base, KNH opened amenity wards which the hospital revenue and helps keep many
handles HIV/Aids patients, dispensing today form a fully fledged Private Wing doctors within the hospital (KNH).
medicine, monitoring viral loads, and occupying the 9th and 10th floors of the
counseling. The centre has a patient Tower Block. The Private Wing concept Key Statistics
support centre devoted to recovery of aims at providing quality healthcare at an
gender violence victims. affordable cost and retaining most of the Staff Capacity: 6,000
professional staff within reach even as they
The Accident and Emergency facility continue with their private practice within Bed Capacity: 1,800 beds
was expanded to improve patient flow. the hospital.
Improved integration of emergency and Average annual Outpatient attendance:
support services has made it a one- The Private Wing wards have enabled the 600,000 visits
stop patient management complex. hospital to improve the quality of care and
The complex has an acute room, six reach out to the corporate clientele. The Average Annual Inpatient attendance:
emergency beds, laboratory and three quality of services provided in the Private 89,000 patients
spacious operating theatres dedicated to Wing is comparable to that of other private
emergencies and surgery trauma patients hospitals. This facility has indeed given Average length of stay: 7 Days
as well as financial services, counseling Kenyans an alternative quality medical
and pharmacy. The hospital has also care that is affordable and competitive to Annual budgetary allocation: KSh4.6 billion
improved other services such as Radiology, In addition, the existing services offered
Cardiology, Neonatal Critical Care Unit, by KNH private hospitals have attracted Tel: +254-20-2726300
laundry and power upgrade. clientele in some parts of Africa with www.knh.or.ke
Best of Kenya 93
A bastion of care and service
Healthcare
It is a private healthcare facility with a wide variety of medical services, including a sophisticated diagnostics laboratory, a
services and some of the most modern equipment as well as diagnostic imaging unit, a kidney centre, a laser kidney and
highly qualified medical personnel who are dedicated to the endoscopy centre, a hearing aid centre, a physiotherapy centre,
provision of the best services in Kenya and beyond. a children’s clinic and a chemist.
Both tourists and local residents of Nairobi and the entire The all-inclusive ultra-modern six-storey complex situated
eastern and Central African region are assured of an impressive along Ralph Bunche Road only a short distance from another
world-class medical facility which provides a wide variety of top private medical facility that is the Nairobi Hospital,
94 Best of Kenya
houses specialists in various medical the supply of drugs at discounted prices.
fields that include allergies, anaesthetics, The reduced cost is passed to customers
aurology, cardiology, cosmetics, dentistry, ensuring low retail prices. Owing to
dermatology, endoscopy, ENT (ear nose & continuing research and development in drug
throat), gynaecology, laparoscopy, neurology, manufacturing, pharmacists must constantly
nutrition, obstetrics, opthalmology and keep abreast of new information.
pediatrics.
At this Centre, the patient is provided with
Other specialist medical fields offered at every available service, hospitality and
the Upper Hill Medical Centre, which is care. Children are given particular attention
one of the most sophisticated privately- because of their fragile and still growing
owned healthcare facilities throughout the bodies and minds. Safety enhancement
eastern African region, including pathology, is a highly valued feature of the Upper Hill
psychiatry and medical psychology, Medical Centre, which is easily accessible
physiotherapy, plastic surgery, radiology, from the Nairobi central business district,
reproductive health, traumatology, urology without going through the sometimes
and vascular surgery. There are also stressful traffic jams that have become a
pathologists and various categories of common feature on the roads of Kenya’s
paramedics at the facility. principal metropolis due to the rapid increase
in the number of public and private vehicles.
A number of highly qualified general UHMC has good security and ample parking
physicians and surgeons are located at space.
the Upper Hill Medical Centre, which has
numerous well-equipped, state-of-the art In a region where good medical and
surgical theatres. Patients whose ailments healthcare facilities are at a premium,
do not require lengthy or complicated the Upper Hill Medical Centre is a unique
surgical procedures are normally treated enterprise. Services to corporate clients
and discharged on the same day. The health are provided on credit without requirement
environment provided by this superlative for a deposit. The process is easy and has
medical facility is highly supportive of the no waiting time. UHMC Corporate Account
various needs of patients. members can receive services from any of
the specialists or centres. The client is then Insurance Co., CFC Life, Heritage AII,
Doctors and other medical staff at the Upper billed through a central billing system. Madison Insurance Co., AAR Health Services/
Hill Medical Centre, although hailing from Insurance, AON Minet, Health Management
different social and academic backgrounds, Many organizations have chosen the Upper Solutions, and Apollo Insurance.
form a harmonious entity, dedicated to the Hill Medical Centre as their preferred medical
provision of the best healthcare available service provider. Reliable and consistently The reputation of the Upper Hill Medical
anywhere at affordable prices. Support high service standards have been recognized Centre has continued to grow rapidly since
for continued professional education for by many corporate clients in Kenya. Some of it was established in 2001. It is highly
members of staff ensures a workforce that UHMC’s leading partners include important rated both in Kenya and internationally as a
is reliable, fast, and friendly. The highly public sector organizations like the Kenya first-class healthcare provider that provides
trained and experienced staff is available for National Assembly (Parliament), the Kenya unrivalled medical services within the eastern
consultation on drug information. Anti-Corruption Authority (KACC), and the and Central African region. The Centre has
National Security Intelligence Services (NSIS). been accredited by several governmental and
The UHMC Pharmacy is conveniently international organizations while patients of
located on the ground floor. It is dedicated to Valuable private clients of UHMC include Zain all classes highly value its high standards of
ensuring the health and well-being of every (formerly Celtel Kenya Limited), the United medical care.
patient through stocking of an extensive Nations High Commissioner for Refugees
range of prescription drugs and healthcare (UNHCR), PricewaterhouseCoopers, HTH
products. The health facility has partnered Worldwide, the British High Commission, Tel: +254-20-2721580
with drug manufacturers and suppliers for Oxfam GB, Jubilee Insurance Co., APA www.uhmc.co.ke
Best of Kenya 95
Chapter 7
Coffee, Tea and Horticulture
96 Best of Kenya
Best of Kenya 97
Coffee Board of Kenya
Coffee, Tea and Horticulture
Q: How can you describe the current state of Kenya’s aromatic Arabica coffee that is used in blending with
coffee industry, considering the fact that it was once coffees produced in other countries in order to improve
the country’s leading export crop, but has now been their quality and make them milder and more appealing
overtaken by horticulture and tea? to the consumer. Arabica coffee is usually mild and
aromatic, while the other main type of coffee, known as
A: The coffee industry in Kenya is currently on a strong Robusta, is much stronger in taste. Robusta is the type
recovery path, with excellent prospects for local grown in many countries around the world, especially in
processing and branding, coupled with an upward, Latin America. Here in Kenya only negligible amounts of
though still volatile, price movement since the year 2000. Robusta coffee are grown, mainly in the lowlands.
Kenyan coffee has witnessed a steady rise in both value
and quality in recent years. The industry can now look Q: What are the Coffee Board of Kenya and the other
forward to real growth and diversification of production. stakeholders in the industry doing to make Kenyan coffee
even more popular around the world?
Q: What distinguishes Kenyan coffee from that produced in
other countries around the world? Is there anything that is A: The main issues at the moment in marketing Kenyan
special about coffee grown in Kenya? coffee around the world revolve around value addition,
quality assurance, packaging and branding. At the
A: Oh yes, Kenya leads the world in having the best coffee moment, Kenya is selling most of its coffee abroad as a
found anywhere. We produce very high quality and commodity rather than a brand. Apart from drying and
98 Best of Kenya
roasting there is little value addition charge only a 1% levy on the marketed
in the coffee exported abroad from coffee. This has necessitated some
Kenya. We are shifting focus and restructuring and downsizing of
looking at various ways to add value operations in certain non-essential
and sell pure, high quality Kenyan areas. Regulation, research and
coffee abroad as a distinctive brand. development remain the core functions
Our neighbour, Ethiopia, is already of the Coffee Board of Kenya. Research
branding its coffee but we are fast is conducted through the Coffee
catching up with them. Research Foundation at Ruiru on the
northern outskirts of Nairobi.
Q: Which are the most important
international markets for Kenyan coffee Q: What are the top accomplishments of
and what are the current trends in the Coffee Board of Kenya and what
those countries? challenges now face the Board and the
coffee industry in general as it faces the
A: The most important markets for future?
Kenyan coffee at the moment are the
Federal Republic of Germany, which A: The CBK, through the Coffee Research
imports around 30%, followed by Foundation, has developed several
the Scandinavian countries (Sweden, valuable varieties of coffee, which
Norway, Denmark) with around 25% to include the famous Ruiru 11. The other
30% and the United States of America main commercial varieties are SL28
at 20%. There are other emerging and SL34. The Blue Mountain variety
markets, especially in Asia, with is mainly grown in the Kisii highlands
China, Japan, India and Iran coming of western Kenya. We have managed
up strongly. Others are Russia and to maintain the high quality of Kenyan
the Middle East. Unfortunately, in the coffee, although there have been
Arab countries, most people prefer declines in production volumes. Prices
the strong, low quality coffee of the on the world market still fluctuate
Robusta type. widely, depending on production
and consumption elsewhere in the
Q: When was the Coffee Board of Kenya world. We still have challenges with
established, what are its functions and productivity among smallholder coffee
how does it fulfill that mandate? growers and diseases such as Coffee
Berry Disease (CBD) and Coffee Leaf
A: The Coffee Board of Kenya was Rust (CLR). Low productivity, especially
established in 1935 for the purposes among smallholder coffee growers due
of regulation, research, marketing and to various factors such as poor farming
development of the coffee industry in and management techniques, increased
the country. Since its establishment, soil acidity and climatic vagaries,
the CBK has evolved considerably still pose a major challenge to our
and emerged rightfully as a key player coffee industry. For the CBK, the main
within the Kenyan coffee industry. In challenge is how to maintain relevance
2002, there was a major restructuring and growth within a liberalized regime
that not only liberalized the industry, but and within a smaller budget. Despite
also delinked the marketing function all these challenges, I see the future of CEO Louise W Njeru
from the Board. The liberalization of the industry in Kenya as very bright;
the coffee industry had some serious especially if we can produce and market
financial implications for the Board, high quality processed, packaged and Tel: +254-20-315754
which is currently allowed by law to branded coffee. www.coffeeboard.co.ke
Best of Kenya 99
Iconic and tech-savvy farmers’ union
Coffee, Tea and Horticulture
The Board in turn delegates specific functions KPCU not only keeps abreast of farming
to the Audit Committee, Finance and Tender technologies but also embraces modern
Committee, Staff Committee and Milling and communication technologies to make its
Marketing Committee. These committees work more efficient and effective.
operate under specific terms of reference
sanctioned by the Board. That is why the Union has modern
information communication technology
Advisory committees oversee the day-to- (ICT) facilities, which has seen all its
day running of KPCU’s countrywide network branches across the country networked for
of branches, with the specific mandate of faster exchange and flow of information.
ensuring the greater involvement of farmers in Farmers are, therefore, able to receive
the decision-making process. The decisions crucial information at branch level online.
of the committees are ratified by the Board.
Storage is an important service in the
KPCU is known for value adding services to production of coffee, which is why KPCU incorporates HIV/Aids awareness sessions
farmers that include: has transit stores throughout the country in educational forums for farmers.
whose total capacity is 80,000 tons. The
w Milling, polishing and grading; Union operates mills across Kenya whose As part of its contribution to poverty
total capacity per hour is 34 tons. alleviation and food security, KPCU
w Quality control and liquoring; supports educational programmes and
As a responsible corporate citizen, it rural micro-credit schemes to foster
w Transit storage facilities; recycles waste coffee husks into Kahawa economic growth and wealth creation.
Coal (literally Coffee Coal), high energy
w Farmer education, especially on coffee charcoal briquettes that serve as Tel: +254-20-2210288
production of quality coffee; an alternative food fuel. The Union also www.kpcu.co.ke
authority H CD A
As the regulatory agency for the horticultural sub-sector, the
Horticultural Crops Development Authority (HCDA) aspires to be
at the forefront in providing efficient, effective and quality service.
Rapid growth in Kenya’s horticultural sub- Horticulture offers high returns for small
sector began in 1966 with the creation of the scale farmers with limited land resources and
Interim Horticultural Development Council. thus remains at the centre of focus by most
A year later the council was converted by government policies including the current
the government into the Horticultural Crops Poverty Reduction Strategy Programmes to
Development Authority (HCDA). which it can make substantial contribution.
Over the years, HCDA’s functions have
Since its establishment, HCDA has never evolved with changing government policies
looked back and is now focused on making and industry demands.
horticulture the main source of income for
Kenya and its people. Vision
and nutritious diets for the ever-rising
Horticultural farming in Kenya began during To be the centre of excellence in providing population
the early settlements of immigrant races under services in production and marketing of • Attain food self-sufficiency and security at
British colonial rule. Missionaries brought with quality horticultural products both locally and household, local and national levels
them some fruit trees and vegetable seeds for internationally. • Provide processors with dependable
growing in their kitchen gardens and so did supply of suitable raw materials
the early settlers. There was no commercial Mission • Meet the increasing demand for top quality
activity as all the products were consumed at produce in the export market
family/group level. To promote, develop and facilitate production • To earn foreign exchange by diversifying
and marketing of horticultural products that crops grown in suitable agro-ecological
The Asian workers who came in during meet customer driven needs at competitive zones
the building of the Kenya–Uganda Railway costs through appropriate policies and • To generate more employment
between 1893 and 1902 brought with them technologies, and enhance socio-economic opportunities within the horticultural sub-
vegetables and fruits such as (mooli, karela, sustainability. sector by introducing layout intensive
mangoes, gourds, drumsticks, etc) while the enterprises and use of appropriate
Europeans brought in cabbages, carrots, Objectives technology
beetroots, rhubarb, plums, apples, pears, • To enhance development in arid and semi-
peaches and strawberries. To accelerate the rate of horticultural arid areas through horticultural production
growth and production, the following broad under irrigation
With the Dutch settlers came citrus, objectives are pursued in the sub sector to • To contribute to generation of income and
avocados, South African grapes, potatoes, facilitate increased production of top quality alleviation of poverty
fennel, kales, fenugreek and cape horticultural produce in order to:
gooseberries, essential oils such as tung, Tel: +254-20-3597356
geranium, eucalyptus and cedar. It is • Meet the rising demand for more food www.hcda.co.ke
Its area of jurisdiction is within the coastal belt, covering all Authority intends to close the food deficit gap by encouraging
the 13 districts of the Coast Province. Due to its positioning, a deliberate shift from rain-fed agriculture to irrigated crop
it also serves a swathe of the expansive and semi-arid North production.
Eastern Province.
To achieve these goals, the Authority has focused on the
The authority’s operational area has a total population of revival of Irrigation Schemes (IS), having conducted a
about 3 million people, and a region endowed with unique feasibility study to identify potential areas along rivers that
natural resources. farmers could adopt.
CDA’s fundamental duty is to initiate, plan, coordinate and Under the minor irrigation scheme the Authority embarked
implement integrated development programmes and projects on the construction of a permanent weir in Vanga. The Vanga
within the coastal region and its environs. That explains Irrigation Scheme is made up of five sub-schemes and
why its vision is to be the lead agency in exploitation and abstracts its water from the Umba River, which is seasonal
development of resources for the betterment of the people of through temporary weirs constructed across the river.
the province.
Also in its arrangement is to build farmers’ capacity via
With the occasional cereal food deficit and food importation training on crop production, marketing and improvement of
from neighboring regions, resulting in skyrocketing prices, the irrigation infrastructure.
With greater clarity about global challenges, Safaricom’s main The Brand
areas of focus remains meeting its subscriber and customer
needs, offering unparallel quality service and continuing to Being the leading telecommunications company operating in
improve on its communications coverage countrywide and Kenya and East Africa, Safaricom provide a host of products
regionally. In order to succeed in its core business, Safaricom and services for telephony, GPRS, 3G, EDGE, Data and Fax.
has come to symbolise success and foresight. The Company The Company’s services are all geared towards growth.
takes pride in its unique understanding of a variety of customer Having established a highly successful and recognizable brand
segments where it continues to make a great difference in the name, Safaricom now seeks to make positive contributions to
field of modern communication. communities in direct ways through value added services and
P&G is organized into three business units namely beauty, health and well-being P&G is committed to the delivery of quality
and household care. The company boasts a wide product range that cuts across for its consumers, rewarding them for their
beauty, grooming, healthcare and snacks. loyalty and ensuring they get the best value
for money.
In Kenya P&G has built an enormous base of loyal consumers to its diverse set
of brands with catchy names such as Pampers diapers and Always sanitary pads P&G believes the Kenyan market has potential
which are all leading players in their categories. for growth as customer preferences become
P&G’s story started in 1837 when The premise was that if the girls were able to P&G has reached over 400,000 children with
distinguished entrepreneurs William Procter stay in school and concentrate, they would the free samples and education since the
and James Gamble formed a humble, but be able to perform better and also compete programme begun in 2007.
bold new enterprise. What began as a on an almost equal platform with their boy
small, family-operated soap-and-candle counterparts. The programme is in line with
company, has grown into a multinational Agenda Three of the Millennium Development Tel: +254-20-3601300
and thrived, inspired hugely by P&G’s Goals, which seeks to eliminate gender www.pg.com
Solid Asset Base, Widest Outlets Network From State to Public Ownership The first branch of this giant financial
institution outside Kenya was established
The leading position occupied by the KCB The Government of Kenya, the original and in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, in 1997 as
Group in the region is securely buttressed principal shareholder of the KCB Group, has Kenya Commercial Bank or KCB (Tanzania)
by a formidable asset base of close to gradually reduced its stake in the financial Limited. Other branches have since
US$2.5 billion and the widest network institution to the current 23.1 per cent been established in three of the largest
of outlets, comprising more than 150 through the public sale of its shares at the Tanzanian urban centres of Arusha, Dar es
branches across the region and over 300 NSE. Last year, a second rights Issue by the Salaam and Mwanza. In pursuit of its vision
Automated Teller Machines (ATM). Kenya Government, which raised additional to be the best bank in the region, KCB
capital in the region of US$80 million extended its financial and banking services
Serving the Eastern, Great Lakes Regions (KSh5.5 billion), was one of the largest at to southern Sudan. The South Sudanese
the most active bourse in the region. subsidiary, KCB Sudan Limited, now has
As a Financial Services Provider within branches in Juba and Rumbek.
the eastern and Central African region, Historically, the KCB Group can be
the KCB Group has no equal. From its described as the oldest financial institution Further expansion to make the KCB Group
headquarters, which are situated in an in the eastern and Central African region, the largest and most prestigious financial
imposing white-painted building right in tracing its roots to 1896, when one of and banking institution within the eastern
the centre of Nairobi, KCB controls a vast its progenitors, the National Bank of and Central African region took place in
financial business and banking empire. India, opened its first outlet at Mombasa, 2007 with the establishment of KCB Bank
The giant financial institution, whose now Kenya’s leading port and second Uganda Limited. Then in December 2008
shareholding is now mostly in private largest city. Eight years later, in 1904, the latest subsidiary, KCB Rwanda, began
hands with many small savers, prides itself the National Bank of India established a its operations, with ready plans for rapid
on being the “Green Bank” of the region. branch in Nairobi, which had become the expansion.
headquarters of the newly constructed
Destined for Greatness Uganda Railway. KCB’s balance sheet now stands at
KSh183 billion, making it one of the largest
The next destination in the strategic plan Exponential Growth in the region.
of the KCB Group in the Great Lakes
Region is to move into Burundi and the In 1970, the Government of Kenya bought Tel: +254-20-3270000
Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) once the remaining foreign-owned 40 per cent www.kcb.co.ke
Humble Beginnings
The beginnings of the Co-operative Bank of Kenya – simply
Coop Bank to many Kenyans – can be traced back to January
1968, when it first opened business as a financial institution
under the Co-operatives Department of the then Ministry of
Agriculture. From the time of its registration in 1965, the bank had
been restricted by statute to serving co-operative societies and
unions, but since 1994 serves the entire market, albeit retaining a
strategic focus on the co-operative movement.
In 2003 the bank re-occupied its headquarters and management advisory that specialises in shares at KSh9.50 ($1.3), which raised around
in Nairobi, Co-operative Bank House, after providing subsidised consultancy to Kenya’s US$80 million (KSh5.4 billion). This was a
renovations following the extensive damage cooperatives. vital boost to the Bank’s capital base, which
by the terrorist bomb blast of August 1998. stood at roughly US$100 million (KSh.7.4
Despite this major setback, in October of the Services to Co-operative Movement billion) before the offer. The public share offer
same year, the Bank signed a contract with was made possible through the resolution
MoneyGram International to become an agent With every one in 5 Kenyans being a member passed by a Special General Meeting held on
of the global company’s funds remittance of a co-operative, the role of the Coop June 27, 2008, which approved the change
business. In 2000, the bank became only the Bank as an apex financial institution for co- in the status of the Bank from a cooperative
second bank in Kenya to interconnect all its operatives becomes even more critical, as it society to a limited liability company. Under
branches in order to offer fully centralised affects the lives of the majority of Kenyans the new regime allowing for private individuals
banking. who directly or indirectly derive their livelihood and corporate bodies to hold a stake in the
from the Movement. Bank, its previous shareholding, which was
Market Leadership previously limited to cooperative societies and
Coop Bank continues to enhance the capacity unions, was ring-fenced and placed under
Coop Bank led the market in pioneering of the movement to offer products through Co-op Holdings Co-operative Society Limited
mobile banking in Kenya by launching their Front Office Service Activities (FOSAs) as a strategic investor. The bank today has
M-Banking in 2004, a banking service thereby reaching every Kenyan household 116,000 shareholders.
delivered via mobile phones. M-Banking with banking services even in locations that
enables customers to access their bank are unattractive to mainstream financial Going Regional
accounts and carry out transactions such institutions. In addition to the conventional
as getting bank balances, paying utility bills, lending and deposit-taking service, Coop Coop Bank is expanding footprint by
registering for salary alerts and loading airtime Bank is adding value to this relationship venturing into the wider Eastern Africa,
on cell phones, among others. by launching Sacco Link, which is an IT- beginning with Uganda and Southern Sudan.
supported link that connects the FOSA The one feature that distinguishes Coop
Co-operative Bank recently expanded into banking outlets to Coop Bank systems. Bank’s regional strategy from its peers is
stock broking by acquiring a 60% controlling The bank then issues the Sacco Link Visa the adoption of its successful co-operative
stake in Bob Mathews Stockbrokers, now debit cards to members of participating co- banking model in the new markets. Already,
re-named Kingdom Securities Limited. This operatives, thereby enabling them to access the Southern Sudan operation will see the
has enabled Coop Bank to move a step closer their money from any Visa ATM or other Visa- bank allocate a 30 per cent shareholding in
towards realization of a financial supermarket accepting outlets worldwide. the proposed Co-operative Bank of Southern
model. Coop Bank also operates two wholly- Sudan to co-operatives in the new market.
owned subsidiary companies, namely Co-operatives to Public Listing
CoopTrust Investment Services Limited, which
is a licensed Fund Manager and Investment The Cooperative Bank of Kenya was listed
Advisor; and Co-operative Consultancy on the Nairobi Stock Exchange on December Tel: +254-20-2776000
Services (K) Limited, the capacity-building 22 2008, with a public offer of 710.3 million www.co-opbank.co.ke
Bank of the Future It is a bank of the people, for the people and by the
Kenya is a fast growing market for financial services and people. Opening an account of whatever nature with Equity is
banking. A growing economy needs fast, reliable financial as easy as having a snack and Kenyans have been trooping to
services. As a locally developed concept in financial and its outlets and branches in their hundreds of thousands.
banking concepts, Equity Bank has had a steady, unrivalled
run of success, showing the kind of innovation that other Fastest Growing Bank in Kenya
financial
institutions can emulate. Equity, as it commonly known, is truly Over the past few years, Equity Bank Ltd has been the fastest
a financial institution for now and the future. growing financial institution, not only within Kenya, but in
the entire eastern and Central African region. The Bank has
One of the biggest attractions of Equity Bank to the ordinary won various local and international awards for its pioneering
person is the easy and relaxed manner in which it transacts its efforts to bring the benefits of modern financial services to the
business, without compromising quality and ethical standards. common man and woman.
Equity Bank has also been named by Africa opening of Equity Bank in Uganda
The solid foundation upon which Equity Bank
Investor as the 2008 Best Performing Public and Equity Bank in Southern Sudan.
transacts its financial and other business is
Listed Company in Africa (AI 100). The bank
underpinned by its massive shareholder fund
has been voted by the African Banker 2nd Adopting Modern Technology
base of over KSh18 billion complemented
Edition as the Best Microfinance Institution
by an additional KSh7 billion of subordinated
in the entire continent. It won the African Equity runs on a state-of-the art Global
tier-two capital. The capital base makes
Business Award and the FT Financial Robust Information Technology (GRIT)
Equity the most capitalised bank in the region.
Sustainable Institution in the emerging Computer System supported by Infosys, HP,
markets, Africa and Middle East by the FT Oracle and Microsoft. As a financial
The Bank is credited for taking banking
and ther IFC. Equity enjoys an AA- Long institution, Equity Bank is guided by principles
services to the people through its accessible,
term and A1+ Short term credit rating from and core values that can be translated into
affordable and flexible service provision.
the Global Credit Rating Agency. the following simple illustration:
Dr. James Mwangi, CEO Equity Bank
Multiple Award Winner
As it seeks to expand its activities even • Professionalism
further afield, Equity continues to offer a • Integrity
In 2007 and 2008 consecutively, Equity was
variety of attractive and affordable financial • Creativity and Innovation
named the Best Bank in Kenya by Euromoney
services through its over 110 (and still • Teamwork
Awards for Excellence. Equity is also the
expanding) branches countrywide network • Unity of purpose
holder of the 2007 Global Vision Award in
in Kenya, supported by Alternate Delivery • Respect and dignity for customers
Microfinance “for initiating a concept of the
Channels, which include 550 Visa-branded • Effective Corporate Governance
future that will shape the global economy”.
automated teller machines (ATMs), 2,500 which abbreviates as
In 2008, the Kenya Banking Survey named
Points of Sale (POS) cash back services in PICTURE.
Equity as the top ranked bank in Kenya, and
all leading supermarkets as well as Internet
the Renaissance Capital Bank Awards 2008
and mobile banking channels.
also named the bank as the Overall Best Bank Tel: +254-20-2736620
Equity has also gone regional with the
in Kenya. www.equitybank.co.ke
The development of ICT in Kenya is guided and governed by a • The transformation of Kenya into a destination of choice
well-thought-out strategy whose objectives include: for ICT-related Foreign Direct Investment with the potential
to become a competitive regional and international ICT
• The promotion of the deployment and exploitation business hub.
of information, knowledge and technology within the
economy and society as key drivers for socio-economic This takes on board the development and promotion of a
development. globally competitive local ICT industry for the development,
production and sale of information, knowledge and technology
This is given impetus by the modernisation and expansion of products and services.
Kenya’s ICT infrastructure and services to improve universal
access and service as well as the quality of service; • To develop a highly competitive ICT-led valueadded and
The Chief Executive Officer of the ICT Board, Mr Paul Kukubo, was
interviewed by Best of Kenya.
Excerpts:
Q. What is the mandate of the ICT Board?
Our mandate is to position Kenya locally and globally as an ICT destination in terms of investment and in terms of
activity in ICT. Secondly, we have an advisory role, which sees us act as a link between the private and public sectors
in terms of ICT advice.
Our third mandate is capacity building, where we provide government and stakeholders with capacity and skills
where they are required in order to raise the country’s capacity in ICT.
World class connections: Tennis star Serena Williams joins students in a computer class at the school she
co-founded with global ICT giant Hewlett Packard, in Makueni District, which is named after her.
The vision of the ICT Board is that Kenya get work that is sourced from international using technology to store educational, cultural
becomes a top-10 global ICT hub. markets and delivered over Internet-enabled and publication material.
networks. This is akin to export of skilled
It is an ambitious vision, but that is what we services, but it is all done from here and via This is important because the Internet is
are meant to be and it fits in well with Kenya’s Internet-enabled networks without people a two-way pipe and if we do not have our
economic transformation blueprint popularly moving out of their geographical area. own material flowing in this pipe, we will be
known as Vision 2030 and which seeks to overwhelmed by non-local material. The other
catapult Kenya into a developed economy by We are confident this is an area of vast project is called Government Shared Services.
2030. potential and growth because we are This a platform for sharing applications
witnessing a lot of traction here already. Some developed by a department across all
We are important as a board in this regard of the firms that we are targeting have the government departments, thereby linking
principally because ICT is seen as a cross- potential to employ as many as 500 people these departments together.
cutting enabler of Vision 2030. each.
Q. Why is rural access to Internet of such
The mission of the Board is to rapidly and The second initiative involves the Kenya concern to the ICT Board?
innovatively transform Kenya through the Transparency and Connectivity Project,
promotion of ICT for the socio-economic which aims to create transparency in It is crucial that the rural areas are not left
development of our society. We are very clear government interactions through conversion behind when it comes to Internet access for
as a board that Kenya must be transformed of government data into electronic format this will be an impediment to participation
and ICT holds the key to this transformation. and connectivity to ensure that people are in the global economy via Internet-enabled
connected to the Internet in a way that they networks.
Q. What are some of the specifics? will be able to enjoy the benefits of a global
economy. A huge digital divide between rural and urban
initiatives or projects in which the ICT Board Kenya may mean that entrepreneurs based in
is involved or is undertaking with a view to Q. How exactly is the ICT Board going the latter part of the country may not invest
realising the foregoing? about this? in the former. They key issue is for us to bring
down the costs of Internet access to help
The flagship initiative is the business process Under these objectives we have four projects bridge the Digital Divide between the rural and
outsourcing (BPO) programme, which is also of which the first one is e-services facilitation, urban areas and this is why we are bringing in
quite clearly articulated in Vision 2030. The which enables government services to be the international fibre optic cable.
objective of the programme is to rapidly make delivered electronically; the second one is
Kenya a top BPO destination in Africa and making Internet services available in our Apart from driving down costs, the fibre optic
compete with Egypt, South Africa, Mauritius, rural areas or Internet access for Kenyan cable will also provide high speed broadband
Morocco, Ghana and Senegal who have got villages or the rural digital project. The third access.
very aggressive outsourcing initiatives. is content development through which we
are encouraging the development of local
What we basically mean is that there will be software, local applications and local content Tel: +254-221-1960/1 / +254-208-9061
job creation by enabling our young people to editorial material so that Kenyans can start www.ict.go.ke
Q. A key plank of Kenya’s ICT policy is to bridge the rural/urban Digital Divide. Is this achievable?
A. We can almost instantly bridge the gap between the rural and urban divide, especially given that Kenya has very
many young people with sufficient education that can handle our rural ICT digital centres. They can collect content
from the rural areas and share it with the rest of the world.
Business Areas
Philanthropic Projects The main advantages of Wi-Fi • Enjoy IPTv and VoIP services
With the idea of providing connectivity to all, • Uses an unlicensed bit of the broadcast • Access to Butterfly Camera at your
KDN, in conjunction with Kenya SchoolNet, spectrum, this means less regulatory house for traffic updates.
is working on a project to donate free controls.
wireless communication and Internet access • Enjoy incentives such as rebates on
for connecting schools and marginalised • Many Notebook computers come with installation, reduced cost of service,
youth and communities. KDN is also inbuilt Wi-Fi devices. 90% of Laptops and bonus airtime for our broad-band
working with the Eagle Unlimited ICT4 E&D produced last year were Wi-Fi enabled. service.
project, which strives to facilitate education,
social and economical development to the • Many reliable and inexpensive Wi-Fi Butterfly Portal
marginalised, underemployed and physically products in the market.
challenged. Kenya has very low internet penetration
• While connected on a Wi-Fi network, due to lack of infrastructure and local
KDN Products & Services it is possible to move about without content.
breaking the network connection.
Butterfly Wi-Fi We are developing a “shopping mall”
Butterfly ADSL concept for internet services where users
Intended to be used for wireless devices get free access to the internet.
and LANs (Local Area Network) like in KDN has embarked on an exciting venture
offices or homes, but is now often used for to offer services to the homes. This will The Butterfly portal by Kenya Data
Internet access. It enables a person with a through a digital subscriber line (DSL) Networks will provide a platform that
wirelessenabled computer or personal digital connection. DSL is a very high-speed will provide Kenyans with an avenue to
assistant (PDA) to connect to the Internet connection backhauled on fiber. exchange information store it and develop
when in proximity of an access point called the local internet market.
a hotspot. This enables KDN to provide fast, reliable
and affordable internet to all its users. All clients connected to the KDN network
KDN is now setting up mobile internet/ across the country will have access to
networking products that end users with Benefits of this service are: local content at no cost whatsoever.
Wi-Fi enabled computers and PDAs to link to
ISPs and other service providers or to their • Connect all PC’s to the internet via a We are seeking to enter into partnership
offices in a more or less transparent way to single broadband connection. with content providers interested in
take advantage of the systems. KDN will expanding their distribution channels.
market this under the Brand name Butterfly • Enjoy improved quality on-line activities The Portal will be available to everyone
Freedom such as gaming & Shopping using the Butterfly (metropolitan wireless
International gateway
Izzytalk
Home office
Tel: +254-20-500000
www.kdn.co.ke
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ensuring that company internet usage control individual user behavior to ensure
policies are observed without causing too comprehensive threat management. Data Leakage Protection
much discomfort among employees.
It gives complete visibility into “Who is doing InfoWatch develops anti-inside security
Network Management and Monitoring What” in the network and allows policies to be systems that detect and prevent
created at the user level based on work profiles. confidential data leakage through any
Isols clients can manage their LAN from communication channels. This solution
a single console, monitoring traffic and Backup & Data Recovery protects the information from leaks on
assessing their networks for vulnerabilities the whole perimeter of an informational
with network management tools. Isols Data protection scalable from the desktop system, both on communication servers
solutions include Solarwinds, Retina to the data centre is the benchmark for and on workstations.
Security Scanner and GFI array of data backup and recovery in today’s IT
products. environments. Consultancy
∞ GFI and Solarwinds solutions include: Regardless of the type or size of business Apart from the foregoing, Isols enables
∞ Scans computers in the network for VERITAS backup solutions protect critical data, clients:
security vulnerabilities simplify the management of data, backup and ∞ Develop sound IT security systems;
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total integrity and availability protection. of networks before recommending
∞ Remote/central deployment of security solutions;
application and Microsoft patches; and, Encryption ∞ Implement, reconfigure and manage
∞ Penetrating and testing and vulnerability security solutions; and,
assessment. PGP secures e-mails, disks and volumes ∞ Customise service agreement
for office and home PCs. The solutions solutions;
End Point Security allow enterprises to deploy gateway and
desktop-based encryption based on
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End Point Security allows administrators to external communications, data stored Website: www.isolutions.co.ke
The port of Mombasa is excellently located on the east coast of Africa and
midway between the South African port of Durban and other major ports in
the Red Sea and Middle East.
Since it was first developed in the time of British colonial rule The Port of Mombasa is a superb natural harbour with first-
in the late 19th Century, the Port of Mombasa has provided a class shelter and an abundance of deepwater berths for large
main gateway for Kenya’s international trade. vessels such as bulk carriers, container ships, motor vehicle
carriers and luxury cruise ships.
With a history spanning many centuries, including when
dhows called at the old port on the north side of Mombasa For those in trade – particularly transshipment consignments
Island, the Port of Mombasa is today the premier port of call – the port offers a broad range of shipping services to key
in East and Central Africa, handling about 13 million tonnes destinations around the world. The port’s major markets
of cargo each year, including 3 million tonnes of transit encompass Western Europe, Asia, the Far East, the Americas
shipment. and the rest of Africa.
As Kenya’s biggest and busiest seaport, Mombasa is the The port also provides anchorage and storage for regular
doorway to a vast hinterland where people depend on feeder services between Mombasa and Dar es Salaam,
agriculture and economic growth for their livelihood. Durban, Mogadishu, Djibouti and Dubai.
It essentially serves the hinterland of Kenya, Uganda, Container services are provided entirely by liner vessels, while
Rwanda, Burundi, the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), other types of cargo are carried by a mixture of liner and hobo
southern Sudan, Ethiopia, Somalia and Northern Tanzania. vessels.
Q. The Kenya Ferry Services is an integral segment of which ply the Likoni channel that links Mombasa Island
Kenya’s overall transport system. Briefly, what is the to the South Coast beach resorts, its agricultural rich
history of KFS? hinterland - which serves as the bread and fruit basket of
Mombasa - the southern part of Tanzania and the Congo
A. The era of modern ferry operations began in Mombasa region.
in 1937. Kenya Bus Services Ltd, a privately owned-
company operating on a franchise arrangement with the KFS also operates two ferry services across the
Municipal Council of Mombasa, took over the running of 500-metre wide Kilindini channel, which runs horizontally
the ferry services at Likoni and Mtongwe and introduced to the shipping gateway into the port of Mombasa.
modern ferries named St Christopher, St Michael and
Mvita in 1969 and Safina in 1975. The Likoni crossing connects trunk road A15 between
Mombasa Island and the Mainland South, leading to
However, in November 1989 the Kenya Bus Services sold the Diani tourist haven, some 40 kilometres south and
the ferries to the government, which in turn handed over beyond to the Kenya-Tanzania border.
the vessels and staff to the state-run parastatal Kenya
Ports Authority (KPA) to continue with the ferry operations. The Mtongwe ferry is a passenger-only service that
operates between 0500hrs –1000hrs and 1600hrs –
KPA turned one of its subsidiaries into the Kenya 2000hrs every day except Sundays and serves the
Ferry Services Limited and commenced the modern residents of Mtongwe, a densely populated residential
operations. suburb situated on the south west of the mainland south
of Mombasa.
Q. How many ferries does KFS operate and how reliable
are they? KFS has a state-of-the art maintenance facility which,
among other things, tremendously boosts vessel
A. The Kenya Ferry Services runs five large vessels availability and reliability.
And, in tandem with International Ship Q. How many passengers use the Q. Huge ships and other sea-going
and Port Security (ISPS) requirements, ferries daily? vessels enter the Port of Mombasa
KFS has put in place various security and through the Likoni channel; how do you
safety measures. A. Each day, the ferries transport an average ensure the safety of both the ferries
of 180,000 people to and from the and incoming and exiting vessels?
We have an elaborate internationally South Coast and some 3,100 vehicles
benchmarked safety policy that ensures in scheduled 15-minute off-peak and A. All vessels operating inside the Port of
the provision of all safety gadgetry and 7.5-minute peak-time shuttles. Mombasa are controlled through VHF
trained staff on board all our vessels. radio by KPA lighthouse control tower.
This translates into a whopping 67 million The ferries are similarly on VHF radio 24
The flat-hulled, twin-engine ferries passengers and 1.1 million vehicles hours a day. Ships and other incoming
currently in use can be navigated on per year, with an average 8 and 5 per and exiting vessels have by law the right
one engine should the other fail. In the cent increase respectively over the last of way. Ferries therefore always allow
unlikely event of both engines failing, the decade. them to pass before crossing the channel.
Coxswain can either use the services of
the onboard mechanics to address the Projections for the next five years based Q. Currently KFS operates ferries only at
problem, or summon tow services which on the above averages show that traffic the Likoni and Mtongwe channels. Are
are readily available on other ferries. is expected to peak at 74.5 million there plans of broadening the services?
passengers and 1.38 million vehicles per
As a last resort the coxswain may use the year by 2010. A. Plans are already underway to venture
anchor to stop the ferry until help arrives. into providing services in a wider scope
The anchor is gravity-driven and does Q. How do you deal with congestion along Kenya’s coastline as well as
not rely on the engine. An anchor has not given the large numbers of people and diversifying their products to include sea
been so used since the start of the ferry vehicles crossing the channel? cruises and party rides in the channels of
service at Likoni in 1937. Mombasa and nearby islands.
A. Indeed, to keep up with the spiraling
The flat hull also provides sufficient traffic demands, KFS has plans to We are also laying strategies for entering
displacement which ensures floating at all purchase two new vessels to replace part the lucrative Lake Victoria market, buoyed
times. Vessel stability is further ensured of the current fleet of five. by the imminent integration of the East
by independent ballast tanks underneath African economies under the East African
that are filled with water to maximize The flat-hulled MV Nyayo has a capacity Community.
stability and cancel any possibility of of 1,200 passengers and 60 vehicles,
tilting. while MV Harambee and MV Kilindini There are also plans for provision of
together carry 1,440 passengers and 40 bunkering for sea-faring vessels, a service
The available space on board for vehicles cars. currently monopolised by the private
and passengers is restricted and leaves sector.
absolutely no room for overloading. In a bid to streamline the increasing
These vessels are structurally different traffic, KFS has embarked on the
from the ill –fated, cone-hulled Mtongwe I construction of two public service termini Tel: +254-041-2451351
which sank in 1994. on both sides of the channel. www.kenyaferry.co.ke
Both in 2005 and in 2006, Kenya Airways The first aircraft of the type had been
was voted the Most Respected Company delivered a year earlier. Two new routes, one
in East Africa, as its profits continued to to Istanbul in Turkey and the other to Bamako
soar. The airline reported a record pre-tax in Mali and Dakar in Senegal were also
profit of KSh4,829 million (around $82 million launched the same year.
at current exchange rates) on March 31st,
2006, marking a 24 per cent growth from the
previous year’s figure of KSh3,882 million ($67 Tel: +254-20-642000
million). www.kenya-airways.com
Air Cargo
Siginon is an ISO-certified company serving various countries boasts being strategically located in a hub of logistics both in
in the world through its World Cargo Alliance (WCA) network. sea and air cargo.
Siginon will be celebrating 25 years of existence next year,
having been set up in 1985. It started from a humble clearing From a clearing and forwarding company, Siginon has
and forwarding firm with three staff members to its current over the years grown and expanded into fulltime logistics
state of being one of the market leaders in logistics and and transportation. Today their business is spread into the
transportation, employing directly 258 employees. following fields;
With its head office in Mombasa, the gateway to the eastern The Siginon Transport Division, with a modern fleet of over
Africa region, and branches in Nairobi and Eldoret, Siginon 70 trucks, is run by professional staff and backed by tracking
The Siginon Cargo Centre Division is one Transworld Shipping, a subsidiary of Siginon, This growth has been phenomenal. Siginon’s
of the four licensed transit sheds in Kenya, deals with all sea shippingrelated matters. business ethics and practices have been
and the only one with locations both at the the cornerstone of this outstanding growth
Jomo Kenyatta International Airport and The Company’s mission is to be the best and success. In an industry dogged by
Eldoret International Airport. Cargo Centres provider of logistics solutions to their corruption, Siginon has upheld integrity and
offer airlines/planes cargo ground handling/ esteemed customers’ satisfaction, using the received commendations to this end from
warehousing services. With the world latest technology, through a highly motivated law enforcement agencies like the Police
being what it is today, security and safety professional staff. Their values revolve around Department.
are paramount to the airlines. Siginon has customer service, integrity, quality and a
therefore ensured full compliance in these safety culture. It has been the envy of the industry in terms
areas. of skills, competencies and commitments in
Here every employee is expected to discharging their duties. Technologically, they
The Siginon Clearing, Forwarding and exhibit high standards of integrity and have continuously invested in the latest and
Warehousing Division is the division charged professionalism. The Company believes in most relevant technology, putting them a step
with the responsibilities of providing logistics upholding very high standards of morality, ahead of the best competition.
solutions to their customers through honesty, sincerity and openness. They Knowing well that good businesses thrive
warehousing, clearing and forwarding. SFL promote and operate within a culture of from continuous investment, Siginon plans to
offers both sea and air freight clearance. transparency, honesty and respect for and invest an extra KSh1 billion in 2009 towards
upholding the laws of this country. business expansion and growth strategy,
With 24 years of experience, they have been over and above the more than KSh3.8 billion
in the forefront in giving personalised, friendly The Company always endeavours to already invested. The return on investment
yet efficient services to their customers. proactively ensure a safe and clean in all their business lines has been at
SFL will give its customers the professional environment and, under corporate social approximately 25% over the last 5 years.
guidance having worked closely with KRA responsibility (CSR), Siginon remains a
Customs over the years, and nurtured a socially responsible and ethical corporate Siginon has had a number of milestones
professional relationship. citizen and supports the community in its marking part of their success. They range
development activities. from the Sondu Miriu Hydroelectric Project,
Their customers range from major importers where they provided the logistics services to
and exporters in both the sea and air sectors, Being a logistics company Siginon’s services the main contractors in ensuring the project
to the small businessman in this field. are spread globally, working with agents was completed within the schedule time,
in various countries. Their service delivery to the Mombasa Road, part of the Northern
Kencont Logistics, a fully-owned Siginon footprint is found in Europe, the Middle East, Corridor, in which they provided the main
company, provides Container Freight Station America, Africa, Australia and the Far East contractor on the road with all the logistics
(CFS) logistics, handling vehicles, and, more and she is a member of WCA, hence its services.
recently, containers imported into the country. global presence through various agencies
that enable the picking up of cargo from They have also scooped the Lafarge Safety
CFS act on behalf of the Kenya Ports anywhere in the world into the East African Award, in the Safety on the Road Category.
Authority. Their proximity to the port (2.5km) and Great Lakes region. Locally, Siginon Under CSR, Siginon has an education
has led to faster turnaround of cargo and covers the East Africa and the Great Lakes scholarship that takes seven children from a
safety and zero security incidence over the region. poor background in the Coast region through
last five years, high school.
Over the last 24 years, Siginon has evolved
making them the CFS of choice. In 2008 they from a small clearing and forwarding firm to
handled 8,000 units of cars through their car a giant within the logistics and transportation Tel: +254-041-2314150
terminal port. industry. www.siginon.com
and Clients
Knight Frank LLP is the leading independent global property Knight Frank Kenya also works closely with Knight Frank
consultancy. Headquartered in London, Knight Frank and Tanzania and Knight Frank Uganda and has done work
its New York-based global partner Newmark Knight Frank through out East and Central Africa in various countries such
operate from over165 of ces, in 37 countries, in six continents as Mozambique, Rwanda, Burundi, Ethiopia, Eritrea, Sudan,
inestablished and emerging property markets. With acombined Mauritius and Seychelles completing a regional network that
staff number of more than 5,300, this major force in real estate links with the Knight Frank group’s expanding Central and
is meeting the local and global needs of owners, occupiers, South African interests. In Kenya, Knight Frank is synonymous
investors and developers worldwide. Knight Frank has 17 of with the sale and rental of high quality residential and
ces in 9 countries in Africa, where Knight Frank is the only top commercial property and currently manages over 400 prime
London practice making a serious and growing commitment. market residential units and over of 1,500,000 square feet of
commercial property controlling the upper end of the residential
Since its inception in 1998, Knight Frank Kenya has grown to and commercial markets in Kenya.
become a market leader in East Africa, offering a full range of
property consultancy services, in all property sectors, which Knight Frank Kenya’s clients include various leading banks,
include agency (letting and selling), property management, lending institutions and insurance companies, Diplomatic
valuation, building surveying, project management, development missions and Embassies, Oil companies, Universities, as well
advice, site acquisition, research, corporate nance and as many public sector institutions, manufacturers, agricultural
investment management.This limited company, a joint venture enterprises, international investors, foreign governments, hotels
with First Chartered Securities, forms part of the Knight Frank and developers.
Global Network.
Trading as Knight Frank Kenya Ltd
Knight Frank Kenya sets the same standard to professionalism Knight Frank (Valuers) Ltd
and integrity in Kenya that is found in all of the Knight Frank Lion Place Waiyaki Way, Westlands
Global Network. With an emphasis on transparency and P.O. Box 39773, Parklands, Nairobi, 00623 Kenya
accountability, Knight Frank Kenya has established itself as a Tel: +(254) (0)20 4440174 – 6
leader in real estate in Kenya, raising the level of performance +(254) (0)20 4442167 – 9
expectations within the marketplace. In Kenya, Knight Frank +(254) (0)20 4440040
employs over 60 of ce staff and provides services in the Fax: +(254) (0)722-520773 or 733-603260 Mobile
commercial, retail and residential markets in Nairobi and E-Mail: info@ke.knightfrank.com
Mombasa. Website: www.knightfrank.com
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When I finished high school I approached A. Media7 Group has six specialised niche
quite a number of publishers to publish my magazines, namely the Motor Monthly,
articles and Hilary Ng’weno, the publisher of Lifestyle magazine (a young ladies’ lifestyle
the now-defunct Weekly Review – Kenya’s magazine), HM magazine (His Magazine –
first analytical political and business magazine now the only men’s-only lifestyle magazine in
- gave me audience and hired me as his East Africa) and Business Monthly (the only
motoring correspondent in 1984. serious business magazine that is published
monthly).
He gave me lessons in writing and publishing
which have been my guiding principles in Others are Mum and Dad, (the first
Hanningtone Gaya writing and publishing. professional parents’ magazine) and Her
A. My main motivation in publishing all A. My target clients are Kenyans who love
these titles is to inform Kenyans. I feel that in-depth and well researched information.
Kenyans still do not have enough sources These are the clients who consume foreign
of well-researched and in-depth articles in magazines.
both specialised writing and lifestyle.
My magazines are well distributed
Am an expert in motoring and a fellow of throughout East Africa by our distributors.
the Institute of the Motor Industry. I was 70 per cent of our products are bought in
the first African in the Commonwealth to Kenya, 20 per cent in Uganda and 10 per
hold that qualification. cent in Tanzania.
A. Magazine publishing in Kenya is A. Yes. First I want to get into TV and then investing in human resources. My hope is to
extremely challenging. daily news publishing. This is because I see recruit the best professionals and pay them
a gap in socio-economic news reporting. well to discharge their duties. My view is that
Kenyan advertisers do not believe in Indeed I want to change the Kenyan mindset the Kenyan media has for too long glorified
advertising in magazines, therefore there and convince them that media content mediocrity in its human resource pooling. I
is no advertising revenue to sustain is more than the screaming politics that wish they can niche.
magazine publishing. Kenyans do not occupy Kenyan daily newspapers.
like reading books or magazines, which Q. Where do you see the Media7 Group in
undermines magazine circulation and Am also tempted to get into weekly the next 10 years?
subscription. newspaper publishing.
A. I see the Media7 Group being the
Most magazine publishers carry very Q. What is your take on the Kenya media? pacesetter in professionalism with the
shallow articles which are not well best niche magazines, a TV station, and a
researched. The magazines appear A. The Kenyan media is stereotyped and respected socio- economic daily newspaper.
sporadically and therefore disappointing to copy-cat. This confuses the consumers. I see myself achieving these even before 10
loyal readers, subscribers and advertisers. The Kenya media has refused to recognise years elapse.
Its signage and advertising billboards are a common feature, In 1999, Magnate Ventures made its first strategic acquisition
dotting streets, buildings and other prominent places in the when it bought Kenya Neon and General Signs, a long-standing
country’s main urban centres and major highways. firm and the best equipped signage company in Kenya at the time.
Magnate Ventures, now in its tenth year of operation, has Through this acquisition, Magnate Ventures took a vital step in
developed into the leading promotional advertising and image creating one of the strongest signage and image companies in
projection firm in East Africa. the region. Association with a company that was already well
known in the market gave Magnate Ventures a solid head start.
In 2008 the company was ranked sixth among the top
100 Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) surveyed by The company has since its first year of operation, experienced
reputable international accounting and polling firms, KPMG & healthy growth patterns and is now well prepared to maintain
Steadman. sustained growth through expansion of its product lines and
services to cover the entire East and Central African region.
Established in 1996 by indigenous Kenyan entrepreneurs,
Magnate Ventures started operations after a two-year Magnate Ventures’ focus is in strategic advertising
gestation period during which a solid foundation was laid for development, printing, branding, supply, manufacture,
success and future growth. installation and maintenance of indoor, outdoor signage and
‘We set the trends, and the others follow’. That’s one of
the Capital FM’s philosophies, and remains Kenya’s most
recognizable radio station, with its exceptional blend of
music, energetic and witty radio personalities, fun interactive
promotions and unique programming.
Many classic adventure films were shot on location in Kenya, The film’s stars, Virginia McKenna and Bill Travers, went on to
including The Snows of Kilimanjaro, starring Gregory Peck, form a charity – The Born Free Foundation – which continues to
King Solomon’s Mines, with Stewart Granger and Mogambo support conservation work in Kenya.
featuring Clark Gable and Ava Gardner.
Hollywood’s greatest tribute to Kenya came with 1985’s Out of
Joy Adamson’s book Born Free was made into a hit movie Africa. Adapted from Karen Blixen’s classic book, the film told
filmed entirely on location in Kenya. George Adamson was the story of her life in colonial Kenya, with Meryl Streep in the
to later take the trained lions that were used in the film and lead role and Robert Redford playing her lover, Denys Finch
rehabilitate them in the wild. Hatton.
Kenya is a great destination for television As the international community increasingly In a nutshell, the Commission’s business
wildlife productions. Many award winning looks to filming in Kenya, the Commission entails making Kenya a centre of excellence
wildlife series have been shot on location in gives information on the locations best in film production. This includes helping
Kenya by BBC Natural History, Discovery, benefiting the clientele. to create an enabling environment for the
Survival and other production houses. development of a vibrant local industry as well
It also advises on film licensing and as marketing Kenya as a leading destination
The Masai Mara continues to be the backdrop immigration requirements, as well as for international filmmakers.
for BBC’s popular Big Cat Diary, following the facilitating the filming process for filmmakers.
lives of the reserve’s predators.
The KFC falls under the aegis of the Ministry
The Masai Mara, Kenya’s world-famous of Information and Communication headed by
game reserve, was recently named the Eighth Minister Samuel Poghisio and run by board Tel: +254-20-2714073
Wonder of the World in a poll conducted by members appointed by the minister. www.filmingkenya.com
Situated within the central business district of Kenya’s capital city, the history of this great
academic institution goes back to 1956, but it did not become an independent university
until 1970, when the then University of East Africa was split into three independent national
universities. This led to the establishment of Makerere University in Uganda, the University of
Dar es Salaam in Tanzania, and the University of Nairobi.
Since it was established as an independent university, UoN has produced more than 120,000
graduates in a wide variety of fields.
Close to 65 per cent of Kenya’s top leaders and a sizeable proportion of middle-level managers
of both public and private institutions have most probably passed at one time or another
through UoN. The list of the UoN’s alumni often reads like a Who is Who in Kenya, while, in
the other two East African countries, a sizeable number of leading technologists, scientists,
managers and engineers have been through Kenya’s prime institution of higher learning.
In 2008, UoN had some 28,000 students, of whom 22,200 were undergraduates and 6,800
postgraduates. In 2009, the intake was 3,280 students for the regular, Module I courses.
Vision
To be a Centre of Excellence in training, research and development.
Mission
The Mission of the University is to foster and develop academic
excellence in basic and applied research at all levels of study by training
practice-oriented manpower, who can contribute effectively to social,
intellectual and academic development in the community, the nation and
the community of nations.
• An equal opportunity institution which is open to all • Integrity, transparency and accountability in all its
qualified persons without distinction of ethnic origin, sex, undertakings Maseno became a full-fledged University
sect or creed and no barrier based on any such distinction in 2001, 11 years after its establishment as a Constituent
being imposed upon any person as a condition of his/ College of Moi University. After seven years of existence
her becoming or continuing to be a professor, lecturer, the University now boasts a number of well-conceived
graduate or student of the University, or his/her holding faculties, schools and academic departments offering
any office therein a variety of degrees and diplomas in the arts and social
As one of the fastest growing public same academic staff. The University simply construction of innovative self-contained
academic institutions in Kenya, Maseno refers to the self-sponsored as “direct intake” living quarters where students will have their
University has recently established a third students. own built-in kitchens and the expansion of
campus – City Campus – which is located in lecture halls, science laboratories and office
the central business district of Kisumu City. Apart from the programmes listed below, space.
plans are underway for the establishment of
Academic programmes the School of Medicine and the School of The University also has a number of
Fisheries and Marine Engineering. educational as well as income generating
The University offers market-driven academic projects. They include a large well maintained
and professional programmes that include the Physical expansion farm for various crops, a medium-sized
latest in information technology and computer dairy plant, a poultry enterprise, a large tree
applications. Technological, structural, and One of the most imposing recent additions nursery, a forest for wood and a botanical
methodological innovativeness is at the core to the fast expanding Maseno University is garden for plants with medicinal value. Plans
of all academic programmes at the University. the Kisumu City Campus, situated at the are at an advanced stage to start a bio-fuels
very centre of the lakeside metropolis. It is an research and production centre for both the
It is worth noting that all degree programmes impressive 14-storey structure that Maseno University and the surrounding community.
at Maseno University have the component of University recently acquired. The foundations have already been laid for
IT (information technology). This is to keep the construction of a giant library that will be
pace with current trends in the world, where The City Campus also houses an annex among the best in the world.
IT skills are indispensable in the job market. known as the Maseno Information
It therefore does not matter whether one is Technology Centre (MITC), which offers a Administration
taking Physics or Eco-tourism, Hotel and wide variety of IT and computer courses. The
Institution Management or History, at Maseno MITC is the largest and most sophisticated Maseno University has a well defined
University; the programmes are all with IT IT and computer centre in Kisumu City at the administrative and academic structure under
component. This has advantaged Maseno moment. It attracts a large number of full- the guidance of the University Council, which
University graduates a great deal in the job time and part-time students. is ably headed by its Chairman, Prof. Nimrod
market. Bwibo, MBChB (EA), MPH (Berkeley), FAAD
Maseno University is also the only institution (USA) MRCP (London), Hon.D.Sc (Egerton),
The Faculties and Schools at the University of higher learning in Kenya that can boast EBS.
currently include the Faculty of Arts and ownership and management a tourist class
Social Sciences; the Faculty of Education; hotel, the Kisumu Hotel, within the lakeside The administration of the University is headed
the Faculty of Science; the School of city. It has excellent accommodation and by the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Frederick N.
Environment and Earth Sciences; the conference facilities capable of hosting Onyango, Fil.Kand and MSc (Uppsala),
School of Public Health and Community up to 120 guests. The modern conference PhD (London, UK), FKNAS, EBS, MBS, SS.
Development; the School of Development complex, just behind the hotel, offers a Under the leadership of Prof. Onyango,
and Strategic Studies; and the School of number of meeting halls and equipment that Maseno University has registered numerous
Graduate Studies. can host several meetings and conferences achievements that include expansion of
simultaneously. The Conference Complex both the human capacity base and physical
Maseno University is the only public can hold up to 600 conference delegates. facilities. Maseno University is undertaking a
academic institution that does not carry out number of projects that are of direct benefit to
two separate programmes for regular (or New projects the surrounding community.
government sponsored) and the so-called
“parallel” (or self-sponsored) students as they Among the new projects currently in The forward looking and energetic
are known in other Kenyan public universities, progress are: the expansion of student and administration under the leadership of Prof.
since both attend the same classes under the staff accommodation facilities through the Onyango is constantly seeking various means
What began as a humble college of theology with only 22 of provision of quality and holistic education that adequately
students has not only developed into the Catholic University of prepares students for such service. They are also in tandem
Eastern Africa (CUEA) with a sterling reputation to match, but with CUEA’s scripture-based theme of consecrating students in
also a standing that is anchored in the quality of education the the truth as did Jesus with His disciples.
institution offers and the international composition of its student
community. When launching the University’s year-long Silver Jubilee
celebrations in February 2009, the Vice-Chancellor, the Rev
Popularly known by its acronym of CUEA, the university has Prof John Maviiri, was clear that the difference CUEA alumni
vastly expanded its physical facilities and capacity to meet the are making in societies and church in Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania,
challenge of growing student enrolment, itself a clear indication Ethiopia, Eritrea, Zambia, Malawi and Zimbabwe attest to the
of the confidence the students and communities have in the quality of education offered by the university.
institution’s academic programmes.
CUEA seeks to prepare leaders who are distinguished both
These programmes are grounded in the varied and changing by their academic and professional expertise and by high
demands of society and Church for which CUEA seeks to train moral standards. The various faculties dedicate themselves
personnel. The programmes are also anchored in the objective to educating and training students in scientific methods
Academic Excellence
Kenyatta University was in 2008 ranked by the Government of Kenya as the
best- run public university thus confirming its position as a leading academic
institution providing quality education and training in the region.
The Chairman of Council, Prof. Onesmo ole-MoiYoi (4th right) and the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Olive Mugenda (centre holding the trophy) pose for a group photograph
with members of staff and students after the University was declared the best State Corporation in Performance Contracting out of 124 state corporations in the
2006/2007 performance contract evaluation.
Over the years, KU has earned an enviable reputation for being a centre of excellence in research, teaching, learning and exemplary
service to society. Also In June 2008, Kenyatta University became the first public university in Kenya to obtain the internationally
recognised ISO 9001:2000 certification in Quality Management Systems (QMS).
As a result of this, academic programmes offered at Kenyatta University are some of the most sought-after courses, not only in
Kenya, but throughout the East and Central African region.
History
Academic Programmes
• School of Education
• School of Humanities and Social Sciences
• School of Health Sciences
• School of Business
• School of Economics
• School of Pure and Applied Sciences
• School of Applied Human Sciences Views of the new Northcoast Beach Hotel. It will be used for practical training for the students in the School
• School of Engineering and Technology of Hospitality and Tourism.
Innovation Partner
JOMO KENYATTA UNIVERSITY OF AGRICULTURE AND TECHNOLOGY
It is often said that the Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and
Technology (JKUAT) is the academic symbol of Kenya’s ambitions to join
the ranks of the industrialized and technologically advanced countries. It
is an institution of higher learning with a short but rich history of research,
innovation and high productivity. Students at JKUAT are at the cutting
edge of Kenya’s technological advancement; an academic institution for
entrepreneurs and industrialists.
Three years ago, JKUAT inaugurated its own enterprise simple tractors and trailers for the small-scale farmer to
company – JKUAT enterprise Limited – whose main purpose motorized bicycles and other transport equipment. Only a
is to promote and encourage industrial and business ventures. few of the products and machinery have gone into full-scale
The University is now engaged in a number of profitable mass production but there is high potential to propel Kenya’s
industrial and business venture producing a number of highly industrialization process through collaboration with private
valued products for the local and international markets, ranging enterprise.
from computer assembly (under the brand name Emado) and
design of software (EstateXpress and NOVA University ERP) to Situated in Juja, 36 kilometres northeast of Nairobi, along the
the production of fruit juices and mushroom spawns (seeds). Nairobi-Thika Highway, JKUAT started in 1981 as a middle-
level college (the Jomo Kenyatta College of Agriculture and
The University’s engineering faculty has made a number Technology [JKCAT]) by the Government of Kenya, with the
of breakthroughs, including the design and production of assistance of the Japanese Government. In 1978, President
Makini excels in academic performance, leading with policy formation and the guidance of the School.
impressive results in national examinations and outstanding
performances in sports and other co-curricular activities. The teaching staff is well-qualified and highly motivated.
Teachers are friendly, caring and enjoy their work. Teaching
This is not by default but by design. The Makini Schools’ is pupil-centred. Lessons are focussed and inter-active with
motto – Fanya kwa Makini – is Kiswahili for Work with a view to fostering a love for learning. Progress is carefully
Diligence. Every school programme and project is monitored at all levels and teachers work closely with
deliberate, planned and purposeful. parents.
Makini has an excellent Board of Directors comprising highly Makini is all about pioneering and innovation. It was Makini
esteemed and professional men and women of integrity as that first introduced computers as an educational tool at
well as a very supportive Parents’/Teachers’ Association primary school level in Kenya. The success of Makini is
(PTA). Both the Board and the PTA are very involved in such that many schools, not only in Kenya but also in other