Issue 03 January 2019
5 Smart Things to Add to your 2019 Bucket List
On Our Watch to plan & execute
Ideas on Making 2019 a year for travel and business. What we have learnt in the last year
VIDEO CONTENT
MAKERTING MADE easy
Kindness WHAT KIND OF
DO YOU SHARE
HOW TO BECOME MORE ALTRUISIC
DreamBig and ADD VALUE TO PEOPLE
THIS YEAR, BE SURE TO
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NOT WONDERLUST. WONDERLOVE.
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Cheers to a Prosperous New year
H
appy New Year 2019. You
For our new readers, we have something
know, as a child of the 80s
to inspire you to travel more. The beauty
and 90s, I would dream about
of WanderLust. This for sure will help you
what life would be like in the
plan better in you finances - we want you
year 2000 with the millennial bug. What
to travel more, embrace the culture more
would the world be like? What would my
and appreciate yourself - fully. Have you
life be like? Married? With Kids? We are fast
been to Fort Jesus lately? The enviroment is
approaching 2020! As a child, the year 2020
appealing to new and old. If not, Zanzibar is
was science fiction. I would conjure images
waiting for your visit.
of the Jetsons. Face-timing my brother while hiking the Ngong Hills is now a reality. I
Please shop with the businesses you see
mean, we have already surpassed the era of
advertising in this issue. They are the
Captain Kirk commanding Scotty to beam
reason we are able to cover and publish the
him up on the flip phone. Cars are now high
events and feature editorials of interesting
tech computers on wheels. Just what will life
people. And you are the reason we are
be like in another 20 years?
able to put up such beautiful pieces each
R
Publisher Crystal Perk Co. Ltd P.O. Box 943 80100 Mombasa Tel: +254 720 410 460 info@crystalperk.com
Editors Hannah Adari & Josiah Owiti Design & Layout Crystal Perk Co. Ltd Tel : +254 720 410 460 E-mail: info@crystalperk.com Advertising Hannah Adari Tel : +254 720 410 460 E-mail: publishing@crystalperk.com Story Contributors Nandika Amatieku Macharia, Hannah Adari, Josiah Owiti, Msanifu Kombo
Photography Contributors Msanifu Kombo, Maya Denise Adventures, Shanga, Ansui Spa, Orthobridge Institute, Zanzibar
month for your readership. When you Welcome to Mombasa Adventures’ first
note the advertisers, shop with them, eat
issue of 2019! After an over-indulgent
at their tables and utilize their services.
Christmas period, our perennial list of new
These businesses are the backbone of our
year’s resolutions has been reinstated;
community. And don’t forget to tell them
exercise more, spend less, relax more, eat
you saw them in Mombasa Adventures
less, read more and the list goes on and on.
Magazine! We know and we appreciate you
And as ever, this year is packed with more
all!
Team Cuddlers Maya the Princess & Tjae Logan
@CrystalPerkLtd
for you than ever before. We are determined to keep our promises for the year! If you are
Happy New Year
too, take inspiration on the fitness front,
Editorial Team.
the life perspectives and issues to indulge in
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that will make you a better person this year.
We would love to hear what you think about our latest issue
Join us online... Mombasa_adv_mag
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Issue 03 January 2019
Picture Courtesy
The Mombasa Adventure takes reasonable precautions to ensure accuracy of the information published in this magazine. Mombasa Adventure, its partners and printers can not be held responsible for any liability that may a rise from the use of this magazine. Mombasa Adventures reserves the right to edit any article or advert. All contents and designs are © of Mombasa Adventures and Crystal Perk Co. Ltd.
Msanifu Kombo/Crystal Perk
JAN 2019
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TRAVEL
5 SMARTthings to add to your 2019 BUCKETlist 5 SMART THINGS TO ADD TO YOUR 2019 BUCKET LIST Here’s to a New Year’s
resolution you can actually keep! Get out and enjoy something new this year. Resolve yourself to knock these 10 quintessential experiences off your bucket list in 2019! Whether you’re a tourist or a local, you won’t want to miss out on these one-of-a-kind moments and ideas. T
T
his is not your all ordinary new years goals or just another bucket list. 2019 is epic, and this is how we start with the steps of greatness. With each new year comes the opportunity to refresh and reboot. We all are looking for ways for improvement and growth. Unfortunately, let us not join the bandwagon of self talk into which poorly-executed resolutions (read: your unused gym membership), become just another bucket list. With extra planning we can generate carefully curated resolutions with a (hopefully) higher follow-through rate.
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CONTRIBUTORS
ke ter
rit er
ar ia, ing Vide o Market
W rit er Why Mombasa Adventures? To capture stories that are yet to be told. To shine our light to the world, and share the beauty of our diversity. A platform to share travel and business for all. Plans for 2019? Travel more, laugh more, appreciate more and give back more. Life gets to full cycle, and this is where the best memories are made. Read Hannah’s story on p. 34
ar Josiah witi, M O
h Nand a A-Mac ik
W Hann Adari, ah
Why videos? It is how the world communicates today. It is simple and fun. Any ideas on business success? In 2019 and beyond, your success is limited without using video content. Plans for 2019? To collaborate and make valueable video content that makes impact even years to come. Read Nandika’s video ideas on p. 22
Why money and people? This is like the most sacred relationship I am aware of today. People need money, money moves through marketing. Spend more, get more. Plans for 2019? There is still so much untapped opportunities by our people with regards to tourism and business. Marketing is the bridge that joins this two faculties. Read Josiah’s views on p. 26
ONLINE KE EP UP TO
D A TE, VISIT
ion al Reach
When you’re on the go or grabbing a coffee with a moment to spare, dip in and get your daily digital fix...
t De livering Na
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CULTURE
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MAGAZINES
Head online to discover great competitions and giveways. It could be your lucky day!!
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JAN 2019
CONTENTS JAN 2019
19
55 2018 H
oliday G ift H to be an ampers winne rs nounce d
White sandy beaches, lovely people, a rich culture and tasty swahili cuisine makes Zanzibar a must travel destination this year.
TRAVEL
6
2019 BUCKETLIST
STYLE
22
5 SMARTthings to add to your 2019 BUCKETlist 16
ON OUR WATCH Must do activities that are always left out in the yearly plans
18
VIDEO CONTENT MARKETING
You are not in business in 2019 if you are not in Video 46
SMART SPENDING Your finances after the long holiday. Time to plan better
TOP PLACES TO TRAVEL There is no travelling in 2019 without being to these 4 places
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ZANZIBAR
FOOD & CULTURE
31
17
DAIRY OF A JASMINE GIRL
LIFE CHOICES Our outlook of life determines our happiness
HEALTH AND HUGS How Hugs are proven to scientifically boost your mood.
Start your year with more peaceful relationships 35
KINDNESS MAGIC
What type of Kindness Do you share?
FORT JESUS
Historic and beautiful, but there is more to this 33
LIFESTYLE
17
27
WONDERLUST Travelling as a personal education platform
WIN A LUXURY DINNER FOR 2 THIS VALENTINE DAY
Check our Website, Facebook, Instagram for More details. T/C apply
JAN 2019
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GET IN SHAPE BE HEALTHY JOIN OUR MEMBERSHIP FOR PERSONAL TRAINING FITNESS PROGRAMS DIET GUIDELINES CARDIO & STRENGTH AND MORE
zealfitnesscentre.com 0707 509 294, 0774 234 894, 020 522 8140 GATURA GARDENS, OFF RIARA ROAD
We offer Orthopedic care in Kenya Specializing in knee arthroscopy, shoulder arthroscopy, elbow arthroscopy, ankle arthroscopy, sports medicine, shoulder joint replacement, knee joint replacement, hip joint replacement surgery and fracture care. Pain management & Pediatric Orthopedics The experts at Orthobridge Orthopedics offer conservative approaches such as:
• Therapy • Injections • Exercise • Activity modification • Bracing, splints, or other supports
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Orthobridge Orthopedics Institute Upperhill Nairobi 3rd floor Nelson Awori Centre , Nairobi Kenya Phone number:0701-794-697 Email: orthobridgeinstitute@yahoo.co.uk
JAN 2019
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Yul’s in Mombasa is full with watersports to fill your adrenaline rush. aquadrom-yuls.com Be part of a Guinness World Record in the Sky of Macau! The AJ Hackett Macau Tower Bungy Jump is 233m / 764ft high, making this jump a Guinness World Record for the Highest Commercial Bungy Jump in the world. Macau is known as the Vegas of Asia. The skyline is lined with casino after casino and is a playground for China’s rich and famous.
This year, would you rather have only 5 perfectly executed goals than a hundred of lists that you will give up on by mid February? 1. SET YOURSELF A FINANCE GOAL No matter what your financial status may be, sticking to a budget can be tricky at the best of times. It only takes one unexpected social situation or forgotten birthday to blow a weekly budget plan right out the window and cue: more credit card debt. Instead of drastically limiting your spend to get ahead, keep your financial goals realistic. Separate your pay into strict ‘spend’ and ‘save’ categories, and set aside a small amount each week to put into a back-up account that you can tap into for those unexpected spends. If you love your morning coffees, don’t deprive yourself completely—try limiting your orders to only three a week and see them as a treat, rather than an everyday necessity. Write down a financial goal you want to achieve by the end of the year, along with a step-by-step plan on how to achieve it. Whether it be a quarter of a mortgage deposit, a new car or an overseas holiday, setting yourself a goal will put your spending habits under some healthy pressure. Drop $1K on those new Balenciaga sneakers or put your money away for a few extra days in Italy with your bestie? Being able to visualise exactly where your savings are going will help you spend more wisely. 2. GET YOUR SAVINGS TO REAL USE Saving is not that topic that many people like to practice, leave alone discuss it openly. We are better off discussing it in a digital space where no one will ask, or have expectations on our agenda for the year. That’s why 12 JAN 2019
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we have you covered. With so much chatter around saving, it can be easy to tune out and remain ignorant about your savings culture or status. It is easier to think that we will out earn ourselves and have more income than we need to save, however little there is to save. Start by consolidating one little planned saving to another. Actually, the principle of saving has nothing to do with the actual savings in practice. It is the mindset of self discipline and planning that make the savings worth attempting. Saving for 2019 for you will come in many shapes and expectations. Whether you are saving for a house, education, wedding, holiday or anything else fancy, start by seeing the final expected outcome of your savings and there you have it. Just start.
is where you can sit on startup or charity organization boards or mentor an upcoming team of entrepreneurs. Start taking yourself more seriously and use your voice for matters close to you. Whether its politics of poetry, there are heaps of creative methods to channel your voice— start your own podcast series with a friend or write an article for some of the local paper—you never know what it could lead to. If you’re time poor or know your track record with deed-doing isn’t the best, find a less hands-on way to help others such as charitable gift giving. There are social enterprises eg Afroganics that donate and support the locals with every purchase of their natural products. Kenya and Africa needs such kind of support.
You could start by consolidating your provident funds if you are employed, sacco savings, taking an education policy or possibly a life insurance policy. You can join a reliable savings scheme or you can start table banking. You don’t need to save Ksh 10,000 for you to feel like you are saving, just make a value that makes sense and pushes you to your goal. Once you’ve streamlined your savings, you can start thinking about the amount you’re contributing each month. Bottom line: Your savings will take less than half a day to organise but will make a huge difference to your wealth. Consider it an investment in your future and get up to date.
4. LEARN A NEW SKILL
3. MAKE A DIFFERENCE (BUT ACTUALLY) Set aside one of your New Year resolutions to helping someone else—and follow through. To cut the chase, think outside the stereotypical - Help a needy person – line. Do some research online and find a charity or startup, a friend that speaks to you—if you’re passionate about the cause, you’ll be more likely to follow through on your commitments, whether it be volunteering your time or fundraising. In my experience, for many of us, making a difference is offering money or items. This doesn’t have to be the case. Are you a well established executive, a respected vice president or partner in your career? The community needs your skill, training and support. This 14 JAN 2019
Continually challenging yourself to learn a new skill set is a clever way to future-proof your career. This is not just for career progression but mostly for your peace of mind. The higher you rise in your career, the more soft skills you need. Or just a can do skill that makes you feel good about yourself. At Mombasa Adventures, we believe we are our best competition, make each year a better a version of yourself. What about online classes? Enrol in an after-hours classes or online courses in an area that interests you. It doesn’t have to serve your nineto-five; We Africans have started to document our own stories, you seriously want to consider the kind of story you will write for the coming generations. You never know—what might start out as a side-hustle could end up being a successful and profitable career option in a few years’ time. Use your learnings to leverage your current position, asking your boss for stretch assignments that force you to utilise different skills. It will prove your versatility and will be a nice addition to the resume. 5. GO ON A DIGITAL DIET This year, instead of counting calories, why not get restrictive with your online time instead? Or unless your day job is a digital jungle like or us a Mombasa Adventures. Go out for more adventure this year. Enjoy the thrill, laugh and make memories. Sometimes, it is the little things that we do that count.
On average, people who are on social media spend two hours each day scrolling, liking, tweeting and posting. This is not to say that the digital space only comes with negatives, No!! Before we all went digital, we had an offline life. A real world made of thrill and stories and ups and down. Take some time out and explore this world. Laugh, embrace, share stories and look at the sunset while soaking it all in. If you find yourself double screening when watching Netflix, or using social media as a tool to buy time (hello, work commute), try and find other means of entertainment. Get into a Podcast series, pick up a book, or watch a more entertaining movie—it’s all about finding balance and minimising your bad social media habits, most of which often go unnoticed. Place yourself on a restrictive two-week digital detox and delete some of your go-to apps from your phone (or at least remove them from your home screen). While you might not last the full two weeks, the ban will make you more aware of your social media use, and hopefully, show you the benefits of spending less time using the platforms.
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Visit your Roots
Take a Digital Detox
Although we may travel to exotic, beautiful places, start to connect the dots from your roots. Visit your village of ancestry. Spend time with distant relatives before they die off. Know your roots and appreciate how far your story comes from. We tend to appreciate more when we know more about ourselves.
Digital is great, but digital must have limits. This year, we would like to disconnect more from the social media when we travel, and see the sights in real time. Soak the environment and see the beauty first hand, rather than through the phone screen. Some great pictures make more sense when posted as TBTs than in real time.
Mix business with Pleasure Most travel trips around the world for many of us are business trips. They are way too predictable and lack sponteneity. This year, after the crucial meetings, take time, take a risk in the unknown world outside your hotel room. Mix with the locals and make new friends.
Tackle the to-go list Some to go list in our bucket list are always being put off to later dates. We want to travel to places we keep putting off - like Sibiloi Park in NE Kenya. The more adventure there is the more joy comes in tackling this list.
Parts Unknown We are going to places that none of you have heard of. Places so beautiful and so hidden that they don’t appear in many travel diaries. We want to go to places that are yet to be discovered. We are the next generation explorers. Watch this space for more. 16 JAN 2019
#MOMBASA #MOMBASAADVENTURE
As you continue planning and implementing this year’s adventure plans, why not take time and reflect on 2018 trips and think about what you will do differently? Although Mombasa Adventures teams travel a lot, there is always something new to learn and room for improvement. What we learnt is “Pack less, Book earlier and Research more. Here is how we intend to travel in 2019.
TO CELEBRATE A BRIGHT NEW YEAR, WE ARE SHARING SOME OF OUR READERS’ MOST COLORFUL SNAPS
On our watch
Lantana Galu Beach @brian.siambi
Diani Beach Kenya @mmbilal
Rafiki - Malindi Town @lau_ritzu
Tsavo East National Park @selda.dz SHARE AN INSTAGRAM PHOTO BY USING THE #MOMBASA #MOMBASAADVENTURE HASHTAG, AND IT MAY BE FEATURED IN AN UPCOMING ISSUE. FOLLOW @MSA_ADV_MAG
WHAT TYPE OF KINDNESS DO YOU SHARE? Are your good deeds really that altruistic? Do you always consider what is in it for you?
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ecent research shows that there are two types of kindness, both of which affect our brains differently. There is altruistic kindness where you say what you mean and do what you purpose for the success and improvement of other people. You care and are deeply involved to see that others get what on average would not come their way. Then there is strategic kindness, although it is not always so straightforward, the strategic person will go out of their way to do sacrificial things especially, if they know there is some sort of benefit for them - short or long term benefit.
Think back to the last time you did something kind for someone else. What were you thinking, did you focus on that warm, fuzzy feeling inside? Or were you contemplating how good it might make you look? If you were focused, albeit minimaly, on what you may get in return or receiving recognition, a favour, or a small gift, that could have been strategic kindness. But again, if you were not expecting anything in return, your good deed falls
under altruistic kindness. With the new year all in full swing, we may need to consider when to be altruistic or when to be strategic. You may emphasize on one over the other depending on your cucumstances which brings in a healthy mix of what your life outcome may be. You may ask, if it really matters what our motivations are as long as we continue to be kind. Scientists believe that it may. When we are offered a small gift as thanks for donating to a charity, participating on a Corporate social responsibility, Church function or community event or simply help a friend, this may undermine the warm fuzzy feelings, and replace them with more of a feeling that we have had a bad deal. However, there are instances where a reward from an act of kindness improves the motivation that we have in our acts of kindness. When doing good, enjoy what you do. The motivation should not stop you from doing good or from missing out on the opportunity. As we focus on the 2019, stay focused and stay balanced in your acts of kindness.
Health & Hugs According to researchers at Carnegie Mellon University, Pennsylvania hugs help improve your mood, physical health and relationships. Hugs lower our stress levels and boost our mood, especially after experiencing a conflict. In the study, regardless of age, gender, marital status and the number of hugs recived, those who experienced conflict and were hugged at least once on the same day had more positive feelings than those who had not been hugged. The study followed 400 adults for two weeks. They found those who received hugs during days they had conflicts experienced smaller increases in negative emotions that continued into the next day. Those that received higher levels of frequent hugs are at less risk of falling sick when feeling stressed.
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DAR ES SALAM
ARUSHA
TO TRAVEL 2019 DIANI
MALINDI 18 JAN 2019
Zanzibar CURRENCY: Tanzanian Shilling CAPITAL: Zanzibar City TIME DIFFERENCE: GMT +3 GETTING THERE: By air from outside East Africa. There are direct flights, but from Dar es Salaam, book a short hop flight. TRAVEL SAFE: By air is the only feasible method for reaching Zanzibar from outside East Africa. There are few direct flights, but from Dar es Salaam, book a short hop flight to Zanzibar. There is no need to obtain a seperate visa if you are visiting the Tanzanian mainland and its islands (Zanzibar & Pemba) · Valid passports are required for entry into Zanzibar. · Ensure that your passport is valid for at least six (6) months after your departure from Zanzibar. For 2000 years before the first European settlers arrived, the Arabs, Indians and Persians visited and traded along the East Africa coastline, including the Zanzibar Islands. Under Arab rule Zanzibar became a centre of the slave trade in East Africa with significant trade and political power. During the second half of the 19th century (from 1840 to 1888) Zanzibar became a focal point for European explorers and adventurers like Livingstone and Stanley who often began and/ or ended their expeditions in Zanzibar. The Island is made up of Pemba and Unguja (Known internationally as Zanzibar). Known as the Spice Island, the beautiful island of Zanzibar on Africa’s east coast is bursting with culture and history, seemingly at odds with its idyllic geography of white-sand beaches with palms swaying lazily in the sea breeze. Together this makes Zanzibar a fabulous place to explore as well as a dream to relax and unwind. Zanzibar’s coastline offers some of the best beaches in the world, but sand and surf vary depending on what side of the island you’re on. On the east coast, waves break over coral reefs and sand bars offshore, and low tide reveals small pools of starfish, small minnows, and anemones. Up north, ocean swimming is much less susceptible to the tides, and smooth beaches and white sand make for dazzling days in the sun. The port city of Stone Town dominates the west coast, and although the beaches of Mangapwani, where slave caves are visible at low tide and nearby Bububu are less than half an hour’s drive away. For a night or two spent on the east or north coast is well worth the extra hour it takes to drive there. That said, the Chole Island Marine Park just off Stone Town – and nearby Prison, Grave, and Snake Islands – make a refreshing day-trip and a good break from exploring the winding passageways of the old city.
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Photography: roam-magazine.co
BUSINESS
YEAR of VIDEO as Content MARKETING WHILE CONVENIENT AND EFFICIENT FOR THE CONSUMER, NANDIKA AMATIEKU SHARES HOW VIDEO MARKETING PROVIDES MARKETERS WITH AN ATTRACTIVE, VERSATILE, AND EXTREMELY SHAREABLE MEDIUM TO REACH THEIR AUDIENCES.
V
ideo and marketing go together like peanut butter and jelly. You know how from traditional television commercials in the 1990s to today’s YouTube, Snapchat, Vimeo, and even Facebook Live, it’s no secret that video has become a staple of our everyday lives. Video is quickly becoming the ideal way of communicating with your audience on the internet. According to the New York Times, it is the dawn of a “post text era”. This means multimedia content will soon replace text content on every website and internet platform as the main way to communicate with an audience. For the savvy marketer, this means coming up with a new plan that prioritizes video in your marketing campaign. Figuring out what you want to achieve with your videos before you start is essential. You can create an engagement type of
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video to create hype for your product. Alternatively create an awareness video to let customers know about the availability of a product. Or perhaps even an educational video that highlights the merits of using your product. Video content is crucial for any business seeking growth This article will inform you of the different types of video content available and why they would be ideal for different businesses. By the end of the article, you will have a better understanding of multimedia content and enough confidence to incorporate video to your marketing strategy. Interview Interviews are a powerful video format to use. This type of video content involves one or two people being asked questions about their company or a specific product. The person asking the questions should
be someone who is an authority on the subject under discussion and also someone the target audience can enjoy listening to. Interviews enable customers to know more about the product than they did before. They are an excellent format for creating awareness about your product. Culture/Meet the Team Video This is a great format to create brand loyalty and increase brand awareness. The audience gets to meet the team behind the product, learn about what motivates them and the company in general and how they create the magic (whatever it is). It enables the audience to create a connection with your brand and the people behind it. Round Ups Round up videos usually have a list like structure and typically countdown to the best of something like “Top ten shavers to buy on a budget.”
You should aim to make them as short as you can to maintain your audience’s attention. In order to generate more interest for your videos, you can edit in footage and pictures relevant to the services or products in the video. This videos help you to showcase variety which is important because it gives your audience a wide set of options to choose from instead of stifling their interest. Behind The Scenes Everyone would love a peek behind the curtain and see how the magic of their favorite product or service is achieved. This is exactly what you will be offering your audience with this type of video content. Your consumers will get to see the amount of work, skill and passion that goes into the making of your products, fostering a sense of loyalty to your brand.
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A behind the scenes video attracts more customers. Behind the scene videos are also great for generating awareness and hype for a new product or service. Vlogs A video blog or ‘vlog’ is usually in a diary format. It entails talking before a camera about a topic or product. This type of format, though unorthodox for a brand to use, can be a powerful weapon in your marketing arsenal. Vlogs are mostly used by social media influencers. However, with some creativity and imagination you can tweak it to suit your brand and engage with your audience. Explainer/ How-To This type of video is great for explaining certain aspects of your brand or product. The best way to create this type of content is to come up with a list of the most frequently asked questions asked about your product and answer them authoritatively and conclusively. You can engage an authority figure on the subject to help you answer some of the questions. Explainer/ How-To videos show that you know the ins and outs of your product or service. As a result, they build confidence that you can solve any issue arising from it. This creates a sense of trust between the consumer and yourself. If creating consumer engagement is your goal this is a great fit for you. Case Study/ Testimonial This is arguably the most powerful format you can use to market your products or services. People are more likely to use something after seeing other people use it. To make this type of video find customers who have used your product with satisfaction. Let them tell their story! Testimonials are exceptionally effective when done correctly and can result in great conversion rates for your business. Q&A There are several variations to the Q&A though the best for a business to consumer brand is answering questions from the audience. The questions can range from technical questions about your product and brand to suggestions from consumers about how to further develop and perfect your product. Q&A is a solid choice if you want to demystify certain aspects of your products to your customer base and create brand loyalty. Choosing the Best Video Content Format Multimedia content is a vast field to cover so to go in unprepared is to court failure and frustration. However, depending on your business you will find a great format to use for video content among those highlighted above. Has this article been helpful in assisting you to find the best video content formatting for your business? JAN 2019
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FINANCES
Hey, Smart Spender Christmas is over and we’re all feeling the pinch, it’s time to put the spotlight on our finances. Shares Josiah Owiti
We all did overindulge and no just on the nyama choma or the booze but also on the partying. Our bank balances have taken a hefty blow too. The effects of these events are already starting to show, leaving us feeling anxious and promising ourselves that this year we will be much smarter in our expenditures. We have it all together now, plan more, save more and yes be better stewards all through this year. In money terms, January is a long month especially for some who are paid salaries on the last working day before Christmas. There is a massive 5.5 weeks before pay day comes again. A scary thought if we are spent up by New Year’s Eve. Money has become a virtual currency, we are encouraged to shop online, pay for deliveries online and do all our money payments and transfers online. For many, the need to have actual cash in our wallets has become almost obsolete, unless of course for the small groceries here and there. In actual sense, we only see numbers on a screen inflate and decrease month in and out. We cannot deny the convenience of handling money online, but this virtual financial transactions gives us a warped view of our financial situation. We miss out on pulling the last shilling from our wallet and seeing how
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urgent our finances need help. It is time to get back to reality and take some tips from the way things used to be. Balancing the accounts It works in businesses, so why not for our personal finances too. Keep track of your spending each month so you can see what money is needed for bills, outstanding debt, food and general expenditures. There are a number of useful apps that help in this, but the good old notebook and pen or the spreadsheet sure does a great job. It is easier to make changes on a good a plan than it is when there is no plan at all. Seeing how and where your money is spent each month can be a real shock to the system, but a hugely benefiting way to know your spending habits. Now, this isn’t an easier practice for many people, and that’s the more reason why it is important. This will prevent you from living paycheck to paycheck, living on credit cards or constant borrowing from the now popular online lending services. Start by making a few simple cut backs or adjustments to your spending habits. This will allow you to see how much you can set aside for future financial priorites, this will also help you to feel much more secure.
Smart spending For many working citizens, most of our income is spent on Transport, Housing & Power, recreational activities and food. All these are necessary costs of living but what can be done to manage their financial influence on our pocket? Food is a weekly expense, but is there a way to minimise the cost while getting better quality in our meals? Before getting to the shops, start planning your meals for each day and make a desired list. At the shopping malls, the lights and sounds may be dazzling but don’t stray away from your list. The temptation is real. We are slaves to convenience but shopping around abit for your grocerices can mean big savings. Some grocery shops have huge bargains at certain times of the week or month, while some have plenty of variety with huge deals for you to bag. Electricity is a major weekly expenditure for many households, especially those with young children. Adjusting to the heat in Mombasa or the Cold in Nairobi is dependent on how well you use your power. Handle the cash It may sound absurd or anti-progress but jump back to the good old days and start handling
cash more. Using a simple tally of fixed and fluid payments, you can determine what can be paid with cash or paperless. Fixed payments are best dealt with via transfers, while payments for food and recreation are at best spent on cash. There is a psychological push to reduce spending when you are paying in cash. Preplan on your weekly fluid expenses and only spend what you have allocated for and in your wallet. This way, you will not be left with the worry of having to spend on credit cards. Could you live without some things for the time being? Or is there a cheaper option to what you are currently paying for? Plan and protect As the year takes on the steam, there are those events that will always need your attention and then there are those special events like anniversaries and holidays. Put some cash aside, save if you must and possibly set up a holiday fund for all the special times you need to take a break. Planning for finances is what makes financial security for yourself and your family. Open up savings accounts or emergency insurances for a variety of eventualities. The perception of travel and culture comes with good planning. What most avid travels will always tell you is that it is not expensive to travel. You only need to plan for it and that is how the journey begins.
WONDERlust “Traveling is about finding out things you never new you were looking for”
friendship base.
Kenya’s 2018 tourist arrivals grew by 37.33 percent from the previous year to cross the two million mark for the first time. This is good for business and good for the locals. This was a growth in earnings to Sh157 billion. This is 31 percent more than same period in 2017”, says Tourism CS Najib Balala.
Health Your mental and physical strength gets improved once you bid goodbyes to your shoreline home. During adventures, you move more on a daily basis to meet new people and see new places. You have a swim here, a dance jig there, horse ride on another or golf with new friends elsewhere. These are activities you don’t do daily at home. The cunning atmosphere during these adventures goes a long way to improve your health. Moreover, the sun - Vitamin D and the delightful endorphins make you feel good.
Let’s face it, we love going on our holidays as we yearn for an annual escape from normality. An escape from our daily routine and from the weather. Discovering new cultures, to meeting new people and buidling confidence, here is to why you should get away more in 2019... Relaxation It may be obvious, but traveling is a strong stress relief ingredient for both young and old. When we take a break, we clear our minds from routine and reset our mental clocks. Then there is the aspect of meditation as we reflect on the importance of life, get to appreciate the beauty of life, family and friends. What we do to relax may differ but the principles remain the same. Give your mind and body a break from the norm once in a while and do yourself the good you ought to. Discovery New perspectives come out when we travel. We get a whole new outlook on life and the blessings we have. The different communities around the world, the cultures and customs, the discoveries of why and what happens where or when makes the experience. Step out of your comfort zones and broaden your horizons this year. You don’t need to travel that far to see things differently. A journey to the beach, the hills or a ride on the dhow sails makes a whole difference.
New Friends For us travellers, there is no such thing as having too many friends. Good friends are people you share a thing or two about adventure. If you find yourself chatting more on social media than real interactions, then this is the best year to get on a plane, a bus or a train and start travelling for adventure. What a great opportunity to meet new people for friendship or for business. For some, you may find in someone you would never expect, and for some, you may just find a soul mate. Let fate determine your
Confidence There is usually so much learning during travelling that it is known to boost your confidence. You are faced with new situations all day that aren’t your normal. This is especially if you go solo. Being totally self indulgent for once feels so great. Travel on your terms this year, boost your confidence in persona or in skill. Eat and drink as you please and only worry about your needs this year 2019, is the time to take the ultimate travel challenge.
Don’t leave home without these
Travel Essentials
Ray Ban Sunglasses VIJAY OPTICA at Breitling Navitimer From Ksh 12,000 Chronograph £7,360.00 at mappinandwebb.com Light weight back trendy backpack Kes 2000 denriafrica.com
CONVERSE at LC Waikiki Kes 2500
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Authentic Handmade Jewellery
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It goes without saying that the Coast is a vast area of outstanding natural beauty. Brilliant sandy white beaches, coral atols, mangrove forests, lagoons, creeks, remote islands, and secluded bays, rain forests, part arid/desert areas and mountains, the diversity is amazing. It is home to a vast array of marine and land flora and fauna.
Kisumu
Nairobi
Beyond tourism,the port of Mombasa is the gateway for most goods into East Africa and beyond. A thriving business community exists along the coastline. The coast has a myriad of farms from small fruit ‘shambas’ to vast sisal plantations. It is a melting pot of culture, tourism, industry, farming and business - set in an idyllic and exotic location on the shores of the Indian Ocean.
Tsavo East N. Park
Tsavo East W. Park Mombasa
COAST COUNTIES Mombasa Kilifi Lamu Kwale Taita Taveta Tana River
30 JAN 2019
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Shimba Hills Nature Reseve DIANI
Fort Jesus
Lamu
Malindi
For thousands of years, the Indian Ocean winds have brought traders, warriors and religions to the Swahili Coast. From Arabia, Asia and Europe, all clambered ashore, making the town a melting pot of culture, history and beautiful sights to be desired. In the city of Mombasa, separated from the mainland by Tudor Creek, Fort Jesus looms large from on high. Centuries ago, Europeans and Arabs warred over this fort and city, with the Swahili people caught in the middle.
NORTH
tio nal R ch ea
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W
ion al Reach
Mombasa
STAR ADVENTURE
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SOUTH
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Few places in Africa have a history that goes way back to the 8th Century, with massive influence being brought into the town.
and was done so largely by the Swahili people, who later turned to the Omanis for help to fight their Portuguese oppressors.
It is believed that Vasco da Gama was the first known European to visit Mombasa, an explorer and merchant. The Portuguese built Fort Jesus as the major center for trading goods that protected the Portuguese from conflicts with locals. As slavery was highly practiced during that era, the local slaves were exchanged for goods. Portuguese also had their influence on the port that changed the face of the land by burning it almost three times. “Whoever was staying in the fort was ruling Mombasa�. No trip to the city is complete without a visit. Built in the 1500s from coral rock, it took two years and nine months to construct,
Tours and training at Fort Jesus are a marvel in itself. It is an interesting place to spend a day exploring the gun turrets, battlements and houses within the walls. There is an excellent Museum and trained guides available. Today the majestic Fort Jesus is a National Monument, a Coastal pride, standing high over the Mombasa harbor. The evenings are always splendid which it plays host to a spectacular sound and light show 3 nights each week. This wonderfully atmospheric night out is the perfect way to end the day, and learn more about the history of Mombasa.
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Diary Of A Jasmine Girl THERE ARE UNPRECEDENTED INCREASE IN DIVORCES AMONG OUR YOUTH THAT COULD HAVE EASILY BEEN PREVENTED. WE CAN STOP IT BEFORE IT ALL GOES WRONG The feelings of getting married for any girl goes
“If the relationship is so young, why are there trust
beyond ecstatic, it is beautiful, mindblowing and
issues?” We pondered. It is clear that trust is built
unreservedly special. When we get married, we
or erroded over time. Couples should consider
are asked to make a vow - for better or worse. And
if mistrust is based on tangible evidence or just
in the specialness of the occassion, we full dive
unjustified fears.
into this, till death do us part. Even if we don’t
Just like unmonitored expectations, when our
intend on tying the knot, we want to settle down
emotions get the better of us, we quickly start on
and feel secure with our life partners for love and
our way to destruction. We exaggerate our fears and
companionship. As a girl, when I read the papers,
it evolves into choosing not to trust our partners
the vow seems to be harder to keep these days.
for reasons that don’t really much up. Sometimes,
Studies are showing more young couples are getting
taking a step back and thinking about a situation
divorced even before they hit their fifth or tenth
carefully with professional assistance will help us see
anniversary.
the issues clearer. Also, don’t rely on hear says from friends without verification, else your expectations
As always, the holidays brings with it time and special discussions with our old time girlfriends.
will be gravely injured.
&
Yoga Meditation is useful in Stress Relief From Kes 1500 House of Yoga
This discussion didn’t seem to miss on any chit chat
Lack of Understanding
that we had. There are many factors which lead to
As our relationships mature, we change, we age
once happy couples to end up with relationship
and we have different life perspectives. As a result,
breakdown. But can we prevent these things from
the words “you don’t understand me,” get easily
happening? Here’s a look at some of the main
thrown around. Emotional loneliness creates barriers
reasons why relationships breakdown today.
between couple which inevitably leads to lack of
Expectations
Divorce and separations are complex issues affecting our societies and can not be addressed in one sitting. Kindly seek professional help prior to making life choices that have significant impact on your relationships.
trust and poor communication. A lot of maturity is required on this one in order
Life is all about expectations, but it is unfair to have
to bridge the gap when the two start walking on
a life partner whom you either have exaggerated or
different beliefs. Don’t be afraid to ask for help and
unvoiced expectations to. For many, we are raised
support. This is easier said than done, but it has to
to see the negative before the positive arises. We
be done. Be your partners cheerleader if they are
become judgmental on what we percieve to not
down, and their shoulder to lean on when things
meet our expectations. The problem is that our
aren’t just working out for them.
loved ones are mostly on the receiving end of any unrealistic expectations.
Being partners in life should be treated with respect,
Clear communication, and being open with one
be aware of your partner and their feelings and make
another from our discussions helps to clarify how
the effort to see life in their perspective. After the “I
the other one sees the future. But remember to be
do”, phase and onto the life there after, tackle life’s
flexible and adapt to changes. Talk, talk and talk
challenges together. Choose to be stronger in twos
some more, this helps release potential tensions that
than to be alone. Any possible signs of a barrier
may arise.
between the couple is easily eliminated out, sooner than later.
Trust
Although the three points above are not exhaustive,
It comes out clear that a lot of relationships are built
we realise that failure to communicate, having a
on the basis of how life should be - in a certain way.
stalemate in the home and domestic abuse are also
If this doesn’t happen, couple can start to resent
contributing factors to divorce. Take you time to
each other. Losing the trust in any relationship will
educate yourself on how to deal before anything
lead to many issues like cheating, abuse, broken
goes wrong.
promises and many more. Trust is linked to infidelity.
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TukTuk Rickshaws Favourites in Coastal Towns for TAXI Transport JAN 2019
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RELATIONSHIPS
LIFE CHOICES IN A NEW YEAR This year, life perspectives are gradually what determine our choices. There are differences in how we approach life and happiness, which is informed by our expectations about life and realities that come along. Hannah Adari takes shares how our choices impact on our happiness.
34 JAN 2019
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I
t is Saturday morning, lady Nola gracefully pulls the purple silk covers off her body to expose her feet,
placing them in fur slippers that were perpendicularly placed on the old shiny wooden floors of her bedroom. She effortlessly stretched her hand to pick the neatly placed robe by the window couch, that the maid servant had left before turning in for the night. Walking towards the door, she stood by what appeared to be a light switch and pressed once.
Nothing happened, none of the lights in the room went off and the side lamp which produced a warm light while she slept did not flicker. Ra-ta-ta-ta was the sound that soon followed, a lady dressed in a well pressed black dress and white apron pushed the door open as she walked in. My lady, she said, walking towards the windows, she pulled open the heavy royal curtains, exposing large glass windows simultaneously opening them, she asked “can i prepare your bath?” Downstairs at the dinning table, the butler stood upright by the wall waiting for the signal the patrons were ready for the next course. The conversations revolved around, horse riding, piano recitals, art exhibitions and the upcoming high tea party. The king informed Lady Nola a Duke from Ur would like her hand in marriage. He continued to say, “the young man is well known for his exceptional hunting skills, has studied history, art, science, maths, engineering and technology extensively.” He enjoys, bird watching, music, canoeing and fine food. The more the king spoke, Lady Nola’s smile grew wider and wider eventually turning into a small giggle. Father, “do you think we shall live happily ever after?” She asked. “Im sure you will”, he replied, plus his family has multiple businesses in the oil and gas industry, textile manufacturing and he is now in charge of expanding the business into the hospitality sector. When will I meet him, asked Lady Nola? Now! Now! child, do not awaken love before its time. We will make arrangements to have him and his family pay us a visit in due time. Lady Nola, would sit in the garden as she read, her mind would drift away trying to envision the JAN 2019
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36 JAN 2019
Duke’s face. Would he be tall? Muscular? With
energy she used to have. Afraid to seem
warm eyes? A little moustache perhaps? Her
unappreciative of all her husband’s efforts,
heart longed for the day she would set her
she choose to keep quiet and hope someday
eyes on him. She dreamt of all the fine meals
a time will come when the desires of her
she would instruct the chef to prepare, the
heart would leap out of her chest and display
pianist she would hire to entertain them, the
themselves systematically before her husband
long walks and picnics butler and maids would
to read and implement accordingly. On the
prepare for them to enjoy in the gardens.
other hand, her husband afraid to appear unable to meet the standards set by society and her family. He too choose to keep trying.
Across the Indian Ocean in a small town
despite the stomach wrenching feeling he
called Kilifi, a young lady of similar age to
would get every morning before work or
Lady Nola, stood hand in hand with her own
the anxiety headache that would start every
prince charming, as the priest declared them
Sunday evening from 7pm.
husband and wife. She too believed they would live happily ever after and was ecstatic
Leave days and public holidays were cherished
about the bright future that lay ahead of
dearly as they created an opportunity for the
them. Her prince worked as an accountant
young couple to go on mini-holidays, make
for a diary farm, he would work long hours, six
plans for their future like buying a house,
days a week. She was a teacher at a nearby
career growth ideals and when to start a
school. Every morning, she needed to wake up
family. For entertainment they watched
early prepare breakfast, pack a lunch bag, iron
movies together and took strolls in the malls
his shirt and polish his shoes before getting
window shopping and trying the latest fast
ready for work. Some days, the work was so
food restaurant. Before long, the days were
exhausting she would employ a daily labourer
over and it was back to the grind. The high
to assist her.
produced from the feeling of connection they enjoyed as they spent time together slowly
Most nights she stayed up late waiting for her
began to taper as the days went by.
husband to come home. The distance from their home to his workplace was a ninety
The young ladies both desired to live happily
minute drive. She often wished they could
ever after, one had the Duke that came with
move closer to his job but dreaded the idea of
a castle, maids, horse and carriage. While
not being able to work. Their conversations
the other had a prince who had to work long
revolved around money not being enough,
hours to sustain their lifestyle. Is it really
lost time spent commuting, fatigue from the
fair to put the expectations set by society
long working hours, office politics and hope
and television as a uniform blanket for all
for a better tomorrow. Moreover, the husband
relationships? Most ladies desire, the Duke
was tired, from a young age he was taught he
but many have found the prince, in this new
cant show weakness, he must make sacrifices,
year work with him and build the castle
he must get it done.
together.
In wee hours of the night, his soul would cry out to be free of all the responsibilities, it would long for a chance to do that which
Happiness = Expectations Reality
made him happy - draw portraits and build things with his hands. But society had already
Manage your expectations, be alert and
set a checklist of activities he was expected to
present during your journey this year and keep
do, he hoped one day he would make enough
choosing happiness actively.
money to buy back his freedom to choose how he wanted to live his life.
Happy New year!
As his wife lay on the opposite side of the bed,
Thanks for reading.
her heart wished for the long conversations they shared during their courtship, the comfort she enjoyed in her mother’s house, the freedom to be spontaneous and the JAN 2019
37
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38 JAN 2019
