540 Inflight Magazine – Issue 25, May 2017 by Land & Marine Publications Ltd.

ISSUE 25 / MAY–JULY 2017

YOUR COMPLIMENTARY COPY

COMPETITION

WIN A FABULOUS AFRICAN LILY HANDBAG See Page 4 for details

BELLESA AFRICA

BEAUTY IN THE EYE OF THE LENS

EXPERIENCE

DIANI FIVE OF THE BEST HOTELS

SUPPER CLUB

THE NODE GADGETS

GET HIP TO NEW TECH ALSO INSIDE THIS ISSUE: ENTERTAINMENT • NEWS • REVIEWS & MORE

CONTENTS

contents issue 25 REGULAR FEATURES 3 In this issue 4 540 News & Competition 34 SUPPER CLUB

The Node

36 DRIVE TIME

Alfa Romeo Stelvio

COVER STORY 11 FIVE OF THE BEST

38 SLEEP OVER

40 GADGETS

Hotels in Diani Beach

Cover picture courtesy of: The Sands at Nomad & Chale Island www.thesandsatchaleisland.com

Amber Villas

Get hip to new tech

41 ENTERTAINMENT

Watch. Read. Listen.

is published by Land & Marine Publications Ltd

43 Kids’ Corner

1 Kings Court, Newcomen Way Severalls Business Park Colchester, Essex, UK, CO4 9RA Tel: +44 (0)1206 752902 Email: publishing@landmarine.com www.landmarine.com

SPECIAL FEATURES

Advertising: Catherine O’Callaghan, Sales Manager Tel: +44 (0)1206 752902 Cell: +44 (0)7769 110343 (WhatsApp) Email: 540@landmarine.org

on behalf of

9 Sodexo

Square deal for a square meal

10 Roan antelope

A rare face in Kenya

17 Jazz in Nairobi Fly540 Aviation Baycourt Upper Floor, Suite 3&4, The Watermark Business Park Ndege Rd, Karen PO Box 10293-00100 Nairobi, Kenya Tel: +254 (0)20 388 3060-2 Fax: +254 (0)20 3883063 Email: info@fly540.com www.fly540.com The opinions expressed in this publication are not necessarily those of the editor, or any other organisation associated with this publication. No liability can be accepted for any inaccuracies or omissions. ©2017 Land & Marine Publications Ltd

View this issue online:

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Connect with Fly540 @fly540aviation

Nairobi gets the jazz bug

21 Suresh Kanotra

Caterer in chief 22

24 Escape Room

Think your way out of this one

26 Bellesa Africa

Beauty in the eye of the lens

28 Geothermal Spa

Some like it hot

30 Skateboarding

Ahead of the curve...

32 Upcycling

Out with drab – in with fab

USEFUL INFORMATION 44 Fly540 Network 45 Fly540 Contacts 46 Travel Information 47 Fly540 Fleet

www.facebook.com/pages/Fly-540

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IN THIS ISSUE

In this issue

Issue 25

LOOK OUT FOR 

Sleep Over: Amber Villas on Page 40 Watch. Read. Listen:

On Page 43 we review the latest blockbuster movies, ‘must read’ books and music releases Gadgets: We check out the new Samsung Galaxy S8 on Page 41

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Welcome to the latest edition of 540 – the inflight magazine of Fly540 As part of our continued business coverage, we interview Suresh Kanotra of Sheffield Steel and speak to Neil Ribeiro from French food services firm Sodexo, which has an interesting new product for us here in East Africa. But life is not all about commerce and the magazine also meets up with makeup artist Kangai Mwiti (who also trades under the name of Bellesa Africa) and is one of Kenya’s most popular YouTubers.

Diani Down at the coast and for our cover story we chose our five favourite places to stay in Diani (believe me, it was tough) and we sleep over at the spacious and gracious Amber Villas. In Nairobi, we delve into the city’s budding jazz scene, go skateboarding at the purpose-built Shangilia

Skatepark just off Waiyaki Way and try out the new and intriguing Escape Room at the Talisman in Karen. Don’t get locked in. We also go out and about and visit Ruma National Park – the last refuge in Kenya for the majestic roan antelope – and also pop in to rugged Hell’s Gate National Park to sample KenGen’s Olkaria geothermal spa. And as part of our regular review slots we eat out in Westlands at The Node (it’s on the same site as the old Pizza Garden) and drive the truly awesome and super-sexy Alfa Romeo Stelvio. I hope you enjoy this issue of the magazine and your flight with Fly540.

Gary Gimson Publisher publishing@landmarine.com

10TO4  Raising funds for a good cause

Issue 25

BIKE CHALLENGE RAISES KES 6M Fly540’s annual 10to4 Mountain Bike Challenge in February raised an impressive KES 6 million. This will go towards conservation projects organised by the Mount Kenya Trust, including the reafforestation of over 2,000 hectares of Mount Kenya’s National Reserve. Fly540 is proud to be the main sponsor of the challenge, now in its 15th year, which attracts riders from Kenya and beyond to take part in one of the most exciting sporting events of the year.

COMPETITION

Win a fabulous African Lily handbag We know Fly540 passengers love a selfie, so we’re asking you to send us your best 540 face with a copy of this magazine to be in with a chance of winning a beautiful Diani handbag, courtesy of African Lily. African Lily specialises in locally handcrafted leather bags and accessories, made using high-quality materials and the latest techniques of design and fabrication. African Lily outsources the intricate beadwork to the Nyisango Project in Kibera – a group of dedicated women with exceptional beadwork skills. To win this great prize, grab your camera or smartphone and

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take a selfie with a copy of 540 magazine, either on the plane or at a location of your choice. Email the image, with your full name and booking reference, to: competition@ landmarine.org. The winner will be picked at random by African Lily and contacted shortly after the competition closes on 18 July. The winning picture will be featured in Issue 26 of 540 and Fly-SAX magazines.

AND THE WINNER IS… Congratulations to Kate Kiama, who won a fabulous spa treatment at Sankara Nairobi’s award-winning Angsana Spa in our Issue 24 competition. Now that’s what we call a 540 face!

Competition terms and conditions - Closing date is 18 July - One entry per person - Entrants must be 18 years old or over - The organisers’ decision will be final. The competition is not open to employees and their relatives of African Lily Enterprises Ltd, Fly540, Fly-SAX or Land & Marine Publications Ltd.

Sodexo

SQUARE DEAL FOR A SQUARE MEAL

ome on, admit it. We’ve all skipped lunch at some point in order to power through the mountain of work that has been piling up. Or we’ve forgotten to take our packed lunch, or reached the end of the month when the shillings are few and far between. Skipping lunch is an age-old problem. No matter what your reasons are for doing it, however, Sodexo may have found the ideal solution, with some help from your employer. Taking advantage of an amendment to the Finance Act 2014, which allows employees to eat tax-free, Paris-based Sodexo has recently introduced an e-voucher system called the ‘Digital Meal Voucher’ that allows employers to pay their staff up to KES 4,000 a month in tax-free income to put towards meals.

HOW IT WORKS 

Benefits Sodexo’s Digital Meal Voucher offers several benefits to both employer and employee that go beyond free food. “The companies who are already using us have seen an improvement in productivity, attitude and engagement,” says Neil Ribeiro, CEO of Sodexo Kenya. By ensuring that all members of staff eat lunch, it can improve productivity, since regular meals also help to improve concentration and performance. Healthy employees are also less likely to be absent due to sickness. In addition, if the organisation or company opts for a timeframe in which the vouchers can be redeemed, it can encourage all members of staff to eat at the same time. This in turn means they are more likely to spend time together outside the office, thus leading to better working relations and social interaction.

OUTLETS  Where the vouchers can be redeemed

Currently, Sodexo’s Digital Meal Voucher is accepted by over 80 outlets in Nairobi, and three in Mombasa, including bakeries, cafés, roadside kiosks and restaurants. The fully customisable service also allows employers to choose where and when their employees may redeem their vouchers. They can even select eating places they believe will help to increase productivity – for example, restaurants or outlets that offer healthy options.

Already a success in many other countries, Sodexo’s Digital Meal Voucher is straightforward and easy to use. Employers can sign up to use the online system and buy digital vouchers from Sodexo. Sodexo loads the money onto the employees’ e-accounts for them to redeem via their phones at the selected outlets. Employees use the restaurant phone with a Sodexo app to pay for their meals. Sodexo then reimburses the outlets where the employees have used their vouchers. Employers can decide how much is allocated to each member of staff and keep track of spending via a dedicated web portal.

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Roan antelope

A rare face in Kenya I

f you’ve seen one antelope, you’ve seen them all, right? Wrong. While you are probably acquainted with the common eland and the cute dik-dik, you may not have come across the roan antelope. These animals are found all over West and Central Africa, but in Kenya there are very few left and they’re all in Ruma National Park. The 120 sq km reserve is located in the Lambwe Valley only a short distance from Homa Bay on Lake Victoria. With its dramatic and varied landscape of woodland, savannah and cliffs, the park offers an accessible and

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rewarding experience for visitors as well as providing a home for the last few dozen roan antelope in Kenya. Roan antelope are classified as ‘least concern’ by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), yet they are rare in Kenya, where the population has dwindled to only about 40.

Stable Elsewhere in Africa there are estimated to be 76,000 roan antelope inhabiting the savannah and grasslands of countries such as Zimbabwe, Niger, Uganda and Angola. Although numbers are stable, poaching and loss of habitat

have led to a declining population in specific areas, including Kenya, while there are none left in Burundi and Eritrea. Defined by their large size – males can weigh up to 300 kg – roan antelope are one of the largest species of antelope, exceeded only by the eland. Similar in appearance to the sable antelope, the roan antelope is distinguished by its

reddish-brown colouring, in contrast to the darker tones of the sable. The roan antelope’s facemask is black and white and both sexes have backwardcurving horns and long ears. Roan antelope tend to live in groups of up to 20 led by a dominant male. Adult males fight each other for dominance of the herd, using their horns to attack and defend.

Similar in appearance to the sable antelope, the roan antelope is distinguished by its reddish-brown colouring

AT A GLANCE  Name: Roan antelope Scientific name: Hippotragus equinus World population: 76,000 (estimated) Lifespan: 17 years Average height: 126 to 150 cm at the shoulder Average weight: 280 kg (males), 260 kg (females) Habitat: Savannah, woodland and grassland in West and Central Africa Diet: Herbivorous Conservation status: Least concern.

RUMA NATIONAL PARK  Ruma National Park is the only terrestrial park in Nyanza Province. The main gate is 42 km from the town of Homa Bay and the park is relatively easy to get to by road. Entry is not allowed on foot. The park is open daily from 6 am to 7 pm, including public holidays. There is accommodation within the park consisting of a guest house and a campsite. In addition to its roan antelope, Ruma is known for its exceptional birdlife, including the threatened blue swallow, as well as animals such as Rothschild’s giraffe, impala, leopard and Jackson’s hartebeest. Entrance fees* are as follows: citizen adult/child: KES 350/KES 200; resident adult/child: KES 600/KES 250; non-resident adult/ child: US$ 25/US$ 15. *Prices correct as of April 2017

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Five of the Best

FIVE OF THE BEST:

HOTELS IN DIANI BEACH

Recently, and quite rightly, Kenya’s very own Diani Beach was voted one of the top 10 beaches in Africa on the website TripAdvisor, beating off competition from Mauritius, Morocco and Seychelles. In celebration of this accolade, we’ve handpicked our top five hotels in Diani, so you can head to the south coast with Fly540 or sister airline Fly-SAX and enjoy one of the best beaches on the continent.

THE SANDS AT NOMAD

THE SANDS  One of the best hotels in Diani

Nestled in 26 acres of pristine coastal forest, The Sands at Nomad is a warm and welcoming luxury resort offering guests the chance to enjoy the beautiful coast in stunning surroundings. Comprising 18 rooms, seven beach cottages and 12 suites, accommodation at The Sands at Nomad is clean, comfortable and tastefully decorated, with many rooms benefiting from private Jacuzzis and panoramic terraces for a romantic and relaxing stay. The resort’s restaurant offers a range of international cuisine including sushi, samosas and pizzas in addition to classic dishes such as nyama choma and matoke. On site you will find a spa, a water sports centre and a small shop, and there are opportunities for diving excursions and kite surfing nearby.

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Five of the Best

DECOR  Swahili Beach Resort features traditional Arab architecture

SWAHILI BEACH RESORT

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PERFECT POOL  Southern Palms

©IndustryAndTravel / Shutterstock.com

Combining state-of-the-art technology with architecture inspired by the history of the Kenyan coast, Swahili Beach Resort is a real gem in the Diani area. The traditional Arab and Swahili decor, including tall arches and intricate detailing, make the resort one of the most stylish in the area, with light, airy interiors complementing the sophisticated decor and helping to keep guests cool in the hot coastal climate. Rooms at Swahili Beach are available in standard, superior and executive levels, each with beautiful interiors and 24-hour room service. The Swahili spa and fitness centre has an indoor pool, Jacuzzi, six treatment rooms and a talented team of beauty therapists to ensure your stay is as relaxing as possible.

SOUTHERN PALMS If lazing in or around the pool is your idea of a perfect coastal getaway, then Southern Palms is the place to go. With two of the largest pools in the region, Southern Palms is a familyfriendly resort with plenty to do on site, including table tennis and volleyball, as well as being steps away from Diani Beach. Each of the 298 rooms features a four-poster bed and private balcony with ocean, pool or garden views. There are six restaurants on site, with the Manyatta grill restaurant serving the best local cuisine, and international-style venues including La Via Romana, serving Italian specialities, and El Nomad, which offers the best in Lebanese and Middle Eastern dishes. There are also six bars around the resort, so you can enjoy a Tusker or a cocktail on the beach or by the pool.

5 THE MAJI  Laid-back luxury in Kenya’s coastal gem

THE MAJI BEACH BOUTIQUE HOTEL Laid-back luxury is the key theme at The Maji Beach Boutique Hotel, with elegant bedrooms, a dedicated beachfront and no dress code, so guests can relax in comfort and enjoy all that The Maji has to offer. Each of the 15 bedrooms is individually designed and well appointed, with a variety of room types available including superior garden view and Jacuzzi suite with ocean view. For an ultra-exclusive experience at The Maji, the resort can be converted into your own private residence, which means you and your party will be the only guests around – perfect for extra-special celebrations with the ones you love. Meals are served whenever and wherever you fancy, with a focus on local ingredients such as fresh fruit and vegetables as well as fish and seafood straight from the ocean. Vegan and vegetarian cuisines are also available, in addition to gluten-free meals.

OCEAN VILLAGE CLUB

Recently rebuilt, Ocean Village Club offers 66 rooms, all with views of the ocean or the lush tropical vegetation. The gardens are some of the most beautiful in the area, full of birds and wildlife. The white sands of Diani Beach are a within the shadow of a palm tree from the resort, while there is a crystal clear swimming pool on site. Guests can enjoy half board or the unique ‘O.V. Premium All-Inclusive’ meal plans. The PAI includes absolutely everything at the hotel with the exclusion of champagne, cognac and Chivas, (available with bookings of three or more days). The restaurants serve buffet and à la carte, including the traditional seafood dishes and wood-fired pizzas. For ultimate peace and quiet, no noisy activities, discos, loud music, conferences, weddings or large groups are permitted, ensuring guests enjoy a calm, rejuvenating getaway in ‘understated elegance by the Indian Ocean’.

RELAX  Beach views at Ocean Village Club

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Jazz in Nairobi

NAIROBI gets the

JAZZ BUG By Megan Iacobini de Fazio Pictures courtesy of The Alchemist Bar

tâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a Wednesday evening in Westlands, known for its neon-lit streets, raucous clubs and 24-hour fried chicken joints. Hidden behind a tyre yard, away from the clubs pumping out Jamaican Dancehall and Nigerian Afrobeat, a crowd is gathering for an impromptu jam session at The Alchemist, one of the cityâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s most popular music venues. The evening starts slowly, as artists take the stage, warming up with woozy trumpet lines and smooth sax solos, to the enjoyment of a steadily growing audience. Gaggles of young musicians, clad in denim jackets and flat caps and carrying hard cases of various shapes and sizes, stand around, nervously awaiting an opportunity to jump on stage. www.fly540.com

Jazz in Nairobi

Before long, the music has gathered to a breathless pace and the area by the stage has become a sweaty mass of dancers competing for space. Dozens of musicians hop in and out of the jam, rousing the crowd with their volcanic improvised performance and the relentless interplay between brass instruments and funky African rhythms. This is jazz, but not the sort that Kenyan audiences have grown accustomed to. The jam session brings together musicians with a range of backgrounds, from traditional Kenyan music to straight-up jazz, and the electrifying mix offers an insight into the promising future of jazz in the city.

Flourish For years dominated by the plucked melodies of benga, Nairobi’s music scene has flourished and widened in scope over the past five years, with a choice of live music events on many evenings, from afro-fusion to electronica to reggae. And as the Nairobian live music scene has grown, so has the public appetite for jazz. “But the problem is that jazz has always been seen as a Western style of music,” explains Rabai Mokua, saxophone player with a band called the Nairobi Horns Project. Despite having its deepest roots in Africa, jazz is mostly regarded as foreign and somewhat elite and Kenyans have been reluctant to adopt it as their own.

EXCITING  Weekly jazz nights are flourishing

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“Jazz has been here since the colonial era, and swing was the pop music of the time,” says Eddie Grey, one of Kenya’s best-known jazz guitarists. “But it got lost along the way during the disco explosion of the 80s and only survived as entertainment in posh hotels for expats.” Both musicians agree, however, that Nairobi has a budding jazz scene and that artists are beginning to expand beyond simply imitating their Western counterparts, choosing instead to fuse indigenous elements with traditional jazz standards. “Musicians are starting to play their own music but giving it a jazzy twist, which I think is really cool,” says Rabai – and the Nairobi Horns Project aims to do just that. After getting together on various commercial projects as session musicians, he and trumpeter MacKinlay Mutsembi and trombonist Victor Kinama decided to form a band featuring horns backed by a rhythm section. Band members hail from all corners of the region, bringing Congolese, Swahili and Ugandan influences to their sounds. “Our traditional music is super-rich and very diverse,” says Rabai. “And that’s what my heart really beats for.”

Safaricom Jazz Festival The new energy in Nairobi’s music scene can be attributed in part to the annual Safaricom Jazz Festival, which brings together local and international artists and is attended by thousands of people. Since 2013, notable international performers have included Grammy Award winning jazz bassist Richard Bona, the British afrofuturistic free jazz band Sons of Kemet, and saxophonist Branford Marsalis, who have played alongside local acts like Shamsi Music, Edward Parseen and the Different Faces Band, and pianist Aaron Rimbui. Throughout the year Safari-

‘Musicians are starting to play their own music but giving it a jazzy twist, which I think is really cool’

©Nairobi Horns Project / Mbarathi Karuga (@mbarathi)

com organises a series of smaller events which nonetheless host some of the biggest names in music, including Malian songstress Fatoumata Diawara, Cuban pianist Roberto Fonseca and legendary South African trumpeter Hugh Masekela. Because of the Safaricom events, the Nairobian public has become more attuned to this style of music, and weekly jazz nights across the city have flourished. “The festival has been the biggest shot in the arm in Nairobi’s jazz scene,” says Abdi Rashid Jibril, director of music promotion company Roots International and the man behind the popular weekly concert series ‘Thursday Night Live’. “Safaricom Jazz Festival is so successful that everyone wants to be associated with it, which means that more musicians are seriously embracing this kind of music and learning jazz standards,” agrees Rabai.

Ghetto Classics

POPULAR  The Alchemist Bar plays host to various jazz events

But while the festival continues to influence the tastes of Kenyan audiences, few organisations have the potential to impact the future of Kenyan music as much as Ghetto Classics. Started in 2008 by Elizabeth Njoroge and the Art of Music Foundation in Korogocho, the project uses music to get kids off the streets and into education. Although focusing on classical, Ghetto Classics is instilling the passion for music in dozens of children who might otherwise never have realised their potential. Levi Wataka is a music teacher, orchestra conductor and longtime volunteer with the Art of Music Foundation who for decades has worked relentlessly to foster a professional classical music scene in Kenya. He believes that, with so many young people being classically trained, the future of jazz in the country can only be bright.

“Even though we have some very gifted self-taught musicians, in jazz it’s important to have a high level of technique, too. With so many people getting foundational music training right now, we can expect more and more talented young musicians coming up in the next three to five years.”

Awareness Jason Rae Otieno is one of those young musicians who started out in classical music and youth orchestra but is now branching out to find his own style. His band, Moran Music Kenya, draws inspiration equally from classic Kenyan songs and New Orleans jazz sounds and aims to raise social awareness through music. “The scene is growing fast and there has been a big surge in people making instrumental music,” says Jason, who plays the trombone. “This is prime time for Kenya to invest in its own music, talent and culture.” Although the music scene is undeniably bubbling in Nairobi, it still cannot be compared to the international relevance of Ethio Jazz in Addis Ababa or the long history of South African jazz. As Rabai puts it: “The jazz scene is not quite there yet.” Rashid agrees that developing a truly indigenous Kenyan jazz sound will take another 10 years or more. In the meantime, he is helping to develop the scene by bringing musicians together for the Cool Waters Jazz and Roots Festival, now in its second edition. “The emphasis here is on any kind of music that allows for improvisation, from jazz to roots and everything in between.” Despite being in its infancy, the Nairobian jazz scene shows promising signs of growth. “In a few years we’ll have cats who have grown up with jazz, so it will be easier for them to approach this kind of music,” says Rabai, a confident gleam in his eyes. “The jazz culture can only keep on growing.” www.fly540.com

Suresh Kanotra

SURESH KANOTRA  Engineer and entrepreneur

CATERER IN CHIEF How Suresh built a thriving business – on serving the service sector Nairobi-based Sheffield Steel Systems Ltd has been an amazing success story for engineer and entrepreneur Suresh Kanotra, who saw the need for catering products and services tailored to the African market. He tells 540 how his big idea led to a business that is still thriving – and expanding. Q. Where are you from originally and what were your ambitions growing up? A: I am a son of a refugee who settled in India. I grew up in many cities in India and had my first employment in New Delhi. My ambition while growing up was to be a successful entrepreneur.

Q. Where did you receive your education in engineering? A: From Jawaharlal Nehru Technological University in Hyderabad, India. I specialised in mechanical engineering.

Q. Where were you employed before starting up Sheffield?

A: I started my first job as a trainee engineer in 1984. I decided to start my own firm to address the need of repair and maintenance services for steel rolling mills in New Delhi. I was later employed in a cable manufacturing company in India for three years before being invited to work in Kenya as general manager at Unighir Ltd. I rose through the ranks to www.fly540.com

Suresh Kanotra

become a technical director and I left after 13 years to start Sheffield Steel Systems Ltd.

Q. What gave you the inspiration for Sheffield? A: I believe that, in all industries, a huge service gap usually exists because firms become too big and lose the personal touch with their customers. I felt that I was ready to take up this challenge and set up Sheffield as a result. I believe that entrepreneurship is about identifying gaps that exist, coming up with solutions and solving problems.

Q. How has the business developed? A: Sheffield has grown tremendously through the years. We started with just one product segment – that is, offering repair and maintenance services. Now we have over 25 product segments, like heat, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC), laundry, mobile kitchens and we opened a factory last year to manufacture cold-room polyurethane foam (PUF) panels that are suitable for the African market.

A: Sheffield had very humble beginnings. In 2003 we were operating at a 1,000 sq ft space that was leased to me by a friend. I had only five employees and we were undertaking service contracts. There was a huge service gap in the hospitality industry at that time. Operators in the food and beverage industry were importing equipment, but there was no one to advise on spares and provide services for equipment or the right steel equipment.

We have experienced continuous and steady growth by continuously adding new product and service segments to our portfolio. In the last two years alone we have introduced laundry, cold rooms and ventilation solutions and related services. In term of geography, we have a physical presence in Uganda and Rwanda and we intend to open offices in Tanzania, Ethiopia and South Sudan. We have also grown in terms of capacity and human resource. We now have over 150 employees and our own space of 70,000 sq ft. We are continuously working to perfect the range and scope of the solutions we offer.

Q. How did you finance the new venture?

Q. Where does your expertise lie?

A: Like most start-ups, Sheffield had difficulties in accessing financing from financial institutions. I stayed without a salary for six months for the firm to break even, while my wife had to utilise our savings for our household expenses. The turnaround for Sheffield came when we got our first big order from Panari Hotel. It was bigger than what I had dreamt of and I did not have the resources, but the customer understood my situation and helped me with finances. I repaid this kind gesture by giving extra value and service.

A: One of Sheffield’s core applications is to offer customised solutions for its customers. We do import some of our products, but the solution that we offer to our customers is indigenous and customised to meet their requirements. Our concepts and solutions are designed locally by our design team. We manufacture stainless steel fabricated items and PUF cold-room panels. Whether we offer our customers our manufactured products or imported products or a mix of both, the solution is still customised.

Q. Can you describe the early start-up days of Sheffield?

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Q. Are any of the products you sell actually made in East Africa? A: Our stainless steel fabricated items and PUF panels for cold rooms are manufactured locally in Kenya

Q. How important are turnkey projects to your business? A: From a small service provider, Sheffield has grown enormously to become a turnkey projectbased company and is moving toward becoming an engineering, procurement and contracting (EPC) company. Presently, our core solutions are for the food and beverage industry, but we realise that we can serve other industries. The African continent offers great potential and an interesting matrix for growth. But, as we grow, we are careful not to reach a ‘burn-out’ point and start offering average products to our customers.

SHOWCASE  Sheffield’s sleek concept-based showroom

I believe that in, all industries, a huge service gap usually exists because firms become too big and lose the personal touch with their customers

Q. How do you see the business faring in the future? A: The sky is the limit. Sheffield’s growth has exceeded my expectations and those of its stakeholders. We are an African company and we intend to cover the entire continent and also increase our physical presence in Africa. We have offices in Kampala, Uganda, and Kigali, Rwanda, and intend to open more. With this growth, the best is yet to come for Sheffield.

Q. What skills and expertise do your employees have? A: We have a mix of many talented professionals, like engineers, consultant chefs, interior designers, graphic designers, project managers and quantity surveyors. It is mainly a young and vibrant workforce, with most employees aged 30 and below. We have a fulltime capacity building trainer who ensures that our employees are engaged on a continuous learning and improvement programme.

Q. What aspects of running this company do you most enjoy – and what are the biggest headaches?

A: It is where it begins and ends – from design, where our clients’ wish list is internalised and starts becoming a reality, and the end, where a lifetime relationship is established. When I go to places where we have done projects or supplied equipment and I meet happy and satisfied customers, I get very encouraged and motivated. The headaches are usually very temporary, like some of the failures. I take these failures as challenges and relief comes when we create solutions. I believe my stress relief comes from watching my employees grow. I have seen some of them come to Sheffield as trainees, but over the years increase in capacity. This gives me assurance that when I am no longer at the helm of Sheffield the brand will continue growing and the vision that I have created will become a reality.

Q. How do you unwind? A: I travel a lot and learn a lot during my travels and take time off from my tight routine schedule. I also play table tennis during most of my lunch breaks. It teaches me to be more resilient. www.fly540.com

Escape Room

THINK YOUR WAY OUT OF THIS ONE By Kirsten Alexander

eing locked in a room with only an hour to escape may not sound like the best way to spend an afternoon. But escape room games are becoming increasingly popular as an activity to share with friends, colleagues or family – and one has just opened up here in Nairobi. Escape Room Kenya opened in November 2016 at the excellent Talisman Restaurant in Karen and was the brainchild of owner and manager Pamela Gordon and her partner. “I discovered escape rooms in Ottawa with my sister, parents and partner,” says Pamela, a Canadian native. “As a game-loving family, we were hooked.” If you’re unfamiliar with the concept, escape rooms originated in Japan in 2007 and are physical adventure games in which players are locked in a room and must solve a series of puzzles within a time limit to escape. Think of it almost as a real-life level of a computer game, with

THE TEAM  Owner Pamela with staff members Tracy, Kelvin and Christopher

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fictional scenarios such as dungeons and prison cells setting the scene for your adventure and the time ticking away as you try to solve the puzzles and escape. Of course, once time’s up, the kindly staff will release you back into the real world, so you’re playing for the pride of winning rather than eternal freedom.

Puzzles Last year, while on maternity leave, Pamela, together with her partner, began preparing for Escape Room Kenya, adding their number to the many escape room organisers across the globe who welcome adventurers through their doors each day to try to solve the puzzles and crack the codes. “A good escape room should cater to all different types of minds, which is part of the fun when designing a room,” says Pamela. “No one can do an escape room alone – and because everyone thinks differently, it brings a unique perspective to the game.” There are two different rooms at Escape Room Kenya – the Jail House and the Secret Gallery – with a third, the Inventor’s Workshop, due to open soon.

Think of it almost as a real-life level of a computer game

For those looking for a real challenge, the Jail House is the more complicated of the two. With a cell-like atmosphere to make the experience even more realistic, it really puts your teamwork and puzzle-solving skills to the test. The Secret Gallery, on the other hand, is full of works by local artists. Don’t be deceived by the pleasant, brightly lit room, however – only 60 per cent of groups manage to escape from the Secret Gallery, so it’s not exactly a walk in the park.

CHALLENGE  Have you got what it takes to escape?

Secret Pamela runs the Escape Rooms with a small team consisting of Tracy, the game master, and Kelvin and Christopher, who are the clue designers and in charge of building and maintaining the rooms. While the puzzles and clues in the two rooms are a closely guarded secret (of course, so as not to ruin the fun), it can be revealed that there are psychic clues and mental puzzles appealing to a wide range of ages and abilities that will test your critical thinking and puzzle solving skills. Escape Room Kenya has already proved popular with groups of friends, for birthday parties and for team-building exercises. Once the third room is ready, up to 20 players will be able to play simultaneously across the rooms, making it an ideal choice for large groups of friends or colleagues. And the rooms aren’t just for adults either. Children can join in, too. Groups of youngsters aged 11 years and over need not be accompanied by an adult, giving them the chance to beat the times set by the adults on the leaderboards.

For more information, or to make a booking, call 07961 10706, email info@EscapeRoomKenya.com or visit www.EscapeRoomKenya.com

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Bellesa Africa

Beauty in the eye of the lens The days are long gone when you had to raid your mother’s make-up bag to practise applying lipstick or experiment with brightly coloured eyeshadow. Today, there’s a bevy of online tutorials to assist us. Here, beauty guru Kangai Mwiti – aka Bellesa Africa – tells Kirsten Alexander about her successful YouTube channel and how she juggles the online and offline sides of her life.

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crolling through Kangai Mwiti’s Instagram page (@bellesaafrica), it’s hard to believe the makeup artist and beauty guru hasn’t undergone any formal training in her journey to becoming one of Kenya’s most popular faces in the online beauty world. “I’m actually self-taught,” explains Kangai. “I spent, and still do spend, a lot of time watching tutorials online and learning from other artists around the world.” While Kangai is learning from other people’s online content, thousands of people all over the world are watching her own YouTube tutorials, learning how to create different makeup looks and seeking advice on which products perform well or which techniques work best for different skin types. Kangai’s YouTube channel, Bellesa Africa, is Kenya’s first channel dedicated to makeup tutorials. It started back in 2012 and has amassed a staggering seven million views and over 100,000 subscribers. If those figures aren’t enough to impress you, Bellesa Africa was crowned ‘Best Channel in Africa – Beauty, Makeup & Fashion’ at the 2016 YouTube SubSahara Africa Creator Awards.

Creative But how did it all start? “I was part of a creative group here in Nairobi and we would get together and produce amazing content,” explains Kangai. “The movement sadly ceased, but deciding what to do next was easy.” After realising there was a gap in the market for YouTube content aimed at women of African heritage, Kangai took a leap of faith and started Bellesa Africa. “Deciding whether to go ahead was the scariest decision I’ve ever made,” says Kangai. “I recorded my first tutorial during a shoot that we did for a local clothing brand. In a few months, I forced myself to learn more about

photography, shooting and editing videos, recording voiceovers, as well as honing my makeup skills along the way. It took well over six months to gain any ground, but I’m glad I stuck with it.” Kangai’s YouTube videos are a mixture of styles, including tutorials on how to create certain looks, product reviews, advice and tips on makeup techniques. Viewers can also get to know more about the lady in front of the lens and the world of makeup. Her videos have racked up millions of views over the past five years and Kangai is one of Kenya’s growing YouTube community. “Five years ago it was virtually unheard-of to be a YouTuber, but there are many local YouTubers who are doing awesome things and inspire me every day,” says Kangai.

Bridal When she isn’t uploading new content to her social media accounts, Kangai can often be found doing makeup for other people, especially bridal makeup, which is one of her most popular requests. “My most typical days are those when I have bridal appointments, which can begin at around 4 am,” says Kangai. “I arrive at the bride’s prep location and work on the bride and her team until about 9 or 10 am. Then I head back home to either complete a project for school or shoot a tutorial before heading out to my second bridal appointment.” In terms of doing makeup, who does Kangai prefer as a model? “I much prefer doing other people’s makeup,” she says. “My own face remains the same and can get quite boring (I’m just being honest!) so having the chance to work on other individuals has always been exciting for me.” Outside of being a YouTuber and makeup artist, Kangai’s personal life is equally fast-paced, with numerous projects on the go at any

KANGAI MWITI  Acclaimed makeup artist and popular YouTuber

one time. “I recently graduated from a very intense content production fellowship called ‘Amplify’ by aKomanet.com and launched a video production business as well,” she says. “My time is really limited and I’ve learnt really quickly that I have to focus on relationships that matter a lot to me first, and everything else just follows.” As the interview comes to an end, I couldn’t let the opportunity pass to ask Kangai for some makeup advice. What are her top three ‘must have’ makeup items? “Lip balm, lip balm and more lip balm!” she declares.

Five years ago it was virtually unheard-of to be a YouTuber, but there are many local YouTubers who are doing awesome things and inspire me every day

FIND OUT MORE  Check out Bellesa Africa on YouTube at: www.youtube.com/BellesaAfrica

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Geothermal Spa

Some like it hot

By Kirsten Alexander

Natural spa in a scenic spot makes a great day out

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t’s no secret that Nairobi is the spa capital of Kenya; but make the 120 km journey to Hell’s Gate National Park and there’s a different kind of spa – one that promises the same level of relaxation and serenity, but is completely natural and set in wonderful scenery. Owned by energy giant KenGen and located in the national park, Olkaria Geothermal Spa is made up of three cascading pools filled by geothermal water collected by a system of pipes linked to wells in the Olkaria geothermal field. The water in the first two pools is too hot for safe bathing, but by the time it reaches the third pool it has cooled down enough to be used as a natural hot spring, although the water can still reach a warm 40°C – about the same temperature as a hot bath you might run at home. The water that fills the pools is not only warm, but also rich in minerals such as sulphur and silica that are said to help relieve condi-

sit and relax for as long as they wish. The water is bright blue, with well-kept gardens to complete the picturesque scene. Little wonder that local people and tourists alike make the trip to Hell’s Gate to discover the benefits of a couple of hours well spent at Olkaria.

HOT SPRINGS  Iceland’s Blue Lagoon is one of the most famous

Facilities Guests can make use of the onsite lockers and changing rooms – handy if you want to dry off before lunch or before you head home again. The onsite canteen serves a variety of food and drink, although visitors are welcome to bring a picnic and enjoy it in the picturesque surroundings. Conferences for up to 70 people can be held in the main building, which has all the necessary facilities and can be adapted to suit different events, including lectures and boardroomstyle meetings. For the little ones, there is a baby pool as well as a small playground to keep them entertained on dry land.

Olkaria Geothermal Spa is made up of three cascading pools filled by geothermal water collected by a system of pipes linked to wells in the Olkaria geothermal field

FAMOUS HOT SPRINGS AROUND THE WORLD  While Olkaria Geothermal Spa is the first of its kind in East Africa, there are many other natural spas around the world. Among the best known are: • Blue Lagoon, Iceland: Set in a rugged lava field landscape, this is an unforgettable thermal spa experience. • Széchenyi Baths, Hungary: Just one of the many spas that give the capital, Budapest, the nickname ‘City of Spas’. • Thermae Bath Spa, England: Britain’s only natural thermal spring is in the aptly named city of Bath and dates back over 2,000 years. • Pamukkale, Turkey: Made up of 17 tiered pools and known as ‘Cotton Castle’ because of its striking white limestone surroundings.

tions like psoriasis and arthritis. In addition to physical ailments, the warm waters and serene surroundings can help you de-stress and forget about everyday worries for an hour or two.

Simple The large pool at Olkaria can accommodate up to 400 people at once. There is a small island in the middle for decoration, but otherwise the aesthetic is kept simple and in tune with its surroundings. The steps that lead down into the water also line the edge of the pool, so visitors can

OLKARIA  Relax and rejuvenate

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Skateboarding

All images courtesy of SighKick Magazine and taken by Samuel Karugu Maguta

STREET CRUISE  Skaters taking a breather along Kenyatta Avenue

Skater: Vicor Murage Trick: Front-side Flip over Gap

AHEAD OF TH EC Why skateboarding is the new urban sport in Nairobi UR VE Whether you’re a skater or a hater, the urban sport of skateboarding was recently recognised by the International Olympic Committee and is due to make its first appearance at the 2020 Tokyo Games. We hit the streets of Nairobi to find out how this urban sport is being embraced across the city.

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With its roots in California as a way for surfers to keep active when the waves were flat, the worldwide skateboarding industry is now worth billions of dollars and has expanded from the United States west coast to the rest of the world, with an estimated 15 million active skateboarders across the globe.

...

or many people, the word ‘skateboarding’ will bring a sneer to the face or lead to remarks about lazy youths causing damage to urban areas. For others, images of pro-skater Tony Hawk and the US$ 5 billion skateboarding market will be their first thoughts.

Skater: Tony Evayo Trick: Ollie Over Gap

Skater: Kelly Patrick Sigei Trick: Kickflip Over Gap Skater: Vicor Murage Trick: Front-side Flip over Gap

TALENT 

While skateboarding is still trying to catch up with other action sports in gaining wider acceptance from the general public – it was only approved as an Olympic sport less than a year ago – Nairobian skateboarders are striving to make a name for themselves, and today you will find a blossoming community of skaters practising their ollies, nollies and kickflips around the city.

Skate scene 540 magazine spoke to Leo Kilel, chairman on the Skateboarding Society of Kenya (SSK), about the current skater scene in Nairobi. “There are about 150 skateboarders in the city, with 300 or so more spread out over other counties,” explains Leo. “It was in between 2012 and 2013 that skateboarding became widely embraced in Nairobi, and while most of the members are male, the number of female riders has significantly risen in the past two years.”

Local skateboarders at Uhuru Park

Although the skateboarding population is still relatively small, a big effort is being made to encourage more people to get into the sport. This includes the opening of Kenya’s first purpose-built skateboarding venue, Shangilia Skatepark. “Shangilia was funded by Skateaid, a German NGO focusing on helping young people through skateboarding,” explains Leo. SSK worked closely with Skate-aid in the planning and building of Shangilia, creating a dedicated space for skaters to practise their tricks and get to know others in the skating community. There are also plenty of other non-dedicated areas for skaters across the city, including Uhuru Park and the sunken car park along Harambee Avenue.

Boards Equipment such as boards and wheels can be hard to access locally, according to Leo: “A few skateboarders import and sell equipment directly to the skaters, because the boards sold in malls and shops are not up to the required standard. While there is no dedicated skateshop in the city, we do have online shops including 254 Skateboards, Arap Skate Distribution, SkateHustle, Wanderer Skateshop, Skatenation 254, Numb-

skull and SL28.” Difficulties over equipment have by no means dampened the spirits of Nairobian skaters. The sport is growing all the time and there is even a magazine called ‘SighKick’ dedicated to the city’s skater scene. Not everyone is a fan, though, and negative views about skateboarders can be heard. “There are a few people who disapprove of what we do,” says Leo. “They say we have strayed from our African heritage and embraced a foreign culture, which I find to be rather ironic. Others openly wish us injury and harm. But most are intrigued by us. When they stop you in the street, most are curious to find out if there is any string attached between the feet and the board as they can’t fathom how we jump over stuff with our feet seemingly attached to the board.” Whether you love it or loathe it, it’s undeniable that skateboarding requires a lot of skill, and not everyone who starts out will end up as a pro. “The first time I stepped on a board, I knew how to ride and control it,” explains Leo. “But learning tricks was the challenging part, because it is an ever-continuing process in the life of a skateboarder.” www.fly540.com

Upcycling

Out with drab –

IN WITH FAB Upcycling – the money-wise approach to interior design Saving money while saving the environment is a win-win for everyone, so why aren’t more people doing it? Upcycling is the process of transforming old or unwanted products such as furniture and decorative items into something new and exciting with a minimum of time and cost. Intrigued? 540 explains how.

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FURNITURE Whether your much-loved dining table is chipped and stained, or your chairs are looking more worn than wonderful, it’s easier than you may think to revamp rather than replace your furniture. For wooden items, such as tables, chairs and chests of drawers, the easiest way to upcycle is by painting them, especially if they’re looking worn and unloved, or if you simply fancy a change. To transform your furniture from drab to fab, all you need is your desired colour of paint – make sure it’s suitable for painting wood – plus a paintbrush, sandpaper and a protective sheet to make sure the paint goes only where it’s intended to. Before you start, it’s a good idea to sand down the wood first. This gets rid of any rough edges and gives the paint a better base to stick to. Once you’ve sanded, give your furniture a wipe to get rid of the dust and then start painting Let it dry fully before moving your furniture back to its rightful place and admiring your handiwork. Not only will you have a great new item for your home, but you will have saved money, and the environment, by upcycling.

SOFT FURNISHINGS

HOME DECOR

Soft furnishings such as sheets, curtains and cushion covers are easily damaged, yet can be refreshed with some simple amendments to make them look like new again. Fabric dye is one of the easiest and most impactful ways to liven up your linens, and often comes in a wide range of shades to suit your desired style. Look out for machine-use dye, which is an easy and mess-free way to dye your fabrics (be sure to read the instructions carefully). Fabric dye is great for brightening up oncewhite pillowcases and bedsheets or transforming them into something totally new and exciting to perk up your living space – like some royal blue curtains or some chic grey cushion covers for your sofa.

In a similar way to fabric dye, spray paint is a quick, effective and easy way to transform the colour of your everyday household items. Basic items that you might not look twice at – empty wine bottles, tin cans or glass jars – can make eye-catching candle holders, quirky storage units or cute vases with a coat of spray paint, and no-one need ever know they were destined for the bin.

Embellishments and adornments, too, are a cheap and easy way to upcycle your soft furnishings. All you need to know is how to sew (if you don’t, there are plenty of tutorials online to help you). Arts and crafts shops offer a wide selection of fabrics, beads and patches that can be sewn (or ironed, in the case of patches) onto fabric. This technique is especially good for covering any small holes or stains and will no doubt be cheaper than replacing the whole thing. Pick your embellishments and arrange them on your desired fabric. Once you’re happy with the design, it’s helpful to take a picture on your smartphone of the arrangement before sewing, so you have a reference of where things should be in case they get moved.

House plants are a great way to bring some colour into your home, but you don’t need to fork out a lot of money on decorative pots. Instead, you can upcycle things around the house that are no longer used, such as empty paint tins and chipped teacups. Empty paint tins just need a thorough clean and a lick of paint on the outside and you’re ready to insert your plant, in its plastic pot and preferably with some small stones in the bottom for drainage. If you have any chipped teacups, ideally with a saucer, you can repurpose them into cute planters, too, by carefully drilling a small hole in the bottom of the cup, covering the bottom with small stones and then filling with soil and your plant. Simply position the teacup planter in a way that hides the chip and – voilà! – you have a quirky plant pot that has saved you money and the environment.

Not only will you have a great new item for your home, but you will have saved money www.fly540.com

SUPPER CLUB

The Node

A capital place to meet and eat

hen one of Nairobi’s best-known establishments, the Jacaranda Hotel, took the decision to provide its guests with a more diversified dining experience, it really did so in style. Introducing The Node – Nairobi’s new meeting place in Westlands, located right behind Jacaranda Hotel, where the Pizza Garden used to be. The Node has caused a stir among keen restaurant-goers with its impressive use of outdoor space and decor. Your dining experience will be enhanced by the cleverly segmented areas. Want to relax and enjoy a coffee? No problem! The Café serves freshly brewed teas and coffees along with an assortment of pastries and sweets. The lounge section of The Café is perfect for catching up on the latest news with friends, or just catching your breath and enjoying the peace and quiet. The location is excellent, too, with diners well shielded from the surrounding bustle of the city. Jacaranda set out to create a relaxed spot where patrons can enjoy excellent coffee, tasty meals and their favourite cocktails, and this is reflected in the clever naming of the restaurant. Defined as a point at which lines or pathways intersect, The Node attempts to really deliver what its name suggests – a kind of social crossroads. The Café leads into the main restaurant, where an impressive menu is available. Headline

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dishes include lamb shanks, steaks cooked the way you like and assorted grilled chicken and fish dishes. Vegetarians, too, are well cared for by a good choice of appetisers and main meals. Perhaps the most popular section of the menu is the impressive pizza offering. The Node believes in using local ingredients for its meals and each freshly made pizza has the authentic tang of a wood-fired oven. There are monthly events in the courtyard of the restaurant to further underline what The Node is all about. One of these is ‘Women, Words and Wine’, which has been running for two years at Jacaranda and has found its home here. Oenophiles can immerse themselves in the decadent world of exclusive wines during interactive discussions on various topics. Information about what is trending each month can be found on the hotel’s website.

THE NODE  The wood-fired pizzas are a must-try

The Sap Exploring The Sap is highly recommended. Quickly gaining a reputation as a favourite spot on a Friday evening, the bar has one of the best drink selections on this side of town. The mixologist will prepare your favourite cocktails right in front of you. Local and international beers are available, too, as well as fruit cocktails, served chilled by commendably attentive staff. Jacaranda has done well with this new addition to its stable. The Node is a welcome addition to the city’s culinary offering.

The Node has caused a stir among keen restaurant-goers with its impressive use of outdoor space and decor

By Joan Wandegi

COCKTAILS ď ˛ One of the best menus in town

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DRIVE TIME

Alfa Romeo Stelvio

By Sam Gimson

SEMPLICEMENTE STUPENDO!

ot before time, a car maker has finally produced an exquisitely beautiful SUV. Up until now, many of the world’s top manufacturers have had a stab at this: Audi, Bentley, Jaguar, Porsche and even Lamborghini. None seemed to get it quite right and one or two actually got it seriously wrong. The slab-fronted and irredeemably brutish Bentley

Bentayga is guilty as charged here. Then, out of nowhere and late to the party, comes Alfa Romeo. Sad to say, the marque’s late arrival in the SUV sector is actually the result of delays rather any cunning plan to learn from the mistakes of its competitors. Now, if you couldn’t imagine Alfa actually making an SUV, then join the club. Yet the Italian company has not only given us the head-turning Stelvio but, to the astonishment of many, it also plans to launch two more SUVs over the next couple of years.

Ruggedness In creating the Stelvio, Alfa has somehow managed to marry the hairy-chested ruggedness of an SUV with the sublime artistry for which the auto maker is renowned. The end result is a desirable creature of rare beauty and, for my

HEAD-TURNING  Marrying ruggedness with artistry

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money, it’s easily the best-looking SUV anywhere – irrespective of price and even though it has taken an age to come to market. Of course, Alfa is a car maker best known for its sexy spiders, its stylish sedans and its exotic and highly collectable sports cars. After a bit of a dip in form, the company now has a glittering line-up that includes the amazing 4C, a smart new Mito and the fabulous Giulia Quadrifoglio*. Despite the dreamy designs, Alfa Romeo – along with fellow Italian manufacturer Lancia – has always been plagued by niggly finish and infuriating reliability issues as well as being cursed by nosediving depreciation. Hopefully these are now a relic of the past.

Like other new models, the Stelvio (named after the 48 hairpin bends that form the dramatic 2,750 metre high Stelvio Pass in the Italian Alps) is out to dispel the myth that Alfa can design cars but can’t screw them together properly.

Build quality So, once the Stelvio’s knock-out looks have been put to one side, what do we have? Is the fit and finish up to Audi standards and can owners expect a trouble-free ownership experience? Well, the initial signs are good and the build quality from Alfa’s Cassino factory certainly looks on a par with the Germans. Anyone familiar with Alfas from the 1960s and 1970s will welcome the interior’s retro touches. The range-topping Stelvio Quadri-

foglio, with a 503 bhp, 2.9-litre twin-turbo V6 engine, will be the version of choice for Alfa aficionados, but won’t go on sale until 2018. In any case, it will come with a hefty price tag and will certainly drink the juice. So the 276 bhp, 2.0-litre petrol with an eight-speed ZF auto box might be a more sensible option for those who can’t wait until next year. There’s also a 207 bhp, 2.2-litre diesel. Alfa’s Q4 all-wheeldrive is standard on all versions at launch – an entry-level rear-drive-only version is to follow. The Stelvio is expected to come in three trim levels, but detailed specs have still to be announced and the formal launch in many markets is some months off. All in all, then, the Stelvio is a betterthan-solid SUV start for Alfa – even if it has been a long time coming.

STELVIO  The best-looking SUV ever?

Alfa has somehow managed to marry the hairy-chested ruggedness of an SUV with the sublime artistry for which the auto maker is renowned *Quadrifoglio is a reference to the four-leafed clover that appears on many Alfa Romeo cars.

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SLEEP OVER

Amber Villas

By Joan Wandegi

Green light for a stylish venue

round of applause for those brave souls who break out of the norm to offer visitors to Kenya’s coast something different. Not that there’s anything wrong with the current offerings – indeed, there is already a wide choice of experiences and prices of packages. Nevertheless, among aficionados of the perfect beach holiday, there is a constant quest for private and exclusive accommodation without the pomp and deep pockets that sometimes go with such a venue. Well, we may just have found one to add to your list of ‘must visit’ vacation hot spots. Amber Villas in Diani has definitely raised

the profile of this popular holiday destination. Offering five-star villa accommodation, Amber has redefined the concept of ‘a home away from home’ in an elegant property just a five-minute walk from the white sands of Diani Beach.

Decor There are three villas available – two with two bedrooms and the Grand Amber with three rooms – all with their own private swimming pool. What makes these villas special is the vision involved in creating each area. The decor is enhanced by artwork and photography that complements the style and design of each room. While many proprietors opt for heavily furnished rooms, creating a rather

Offering five-star villa accommodation, Amber has redefined the concept of ‘a home away from home 38

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PERFECT  Enjoy a soak in the tub after a day at the beach

dreary ambience, Amber Villas has made good use of the natural light by including luxuries and amenities that work stylishly, with bright white walls and beautiful stone walls. Each villa has a master suite with a king-sized bed and a view of the outdoor pool and courtyard area, while the floating bathtub is perfect to soak in. If that doesn’t appeal, then you can choose between the indoor large shower cubicle and the outdoor rain shower, which comes with palm trees and a replica beach to enhance your experience. There is a separate washroom for those relaxing in the public spaces of the villa. The attractive living and dining room combination offers an appealing space with modern

ATTRACTIVE  A great choice in Diani

gourmet kitchen amenities and built-in appliances. Each villa has a dining table that seats eight people and each living space is furnished with a mounted flat-screen TV and a comfortable couch with coffee tables. All indoor areas have a concealed air conditioner to keep you cool day and night.

Fresh seafood If you’re exhausted by the thought of cooking meals on holiday, you can relax: Amber Villas has got it covered. An experienced chef is on hand to take care of all your culinary needs. Local fresh seafood, meat, fruit and vegetables of your choice are turned into heavenly dishes by the charming chefs, who are always happy to relate some of the local folk tales that have been passed down for generations. The outdoor swimming area has six reclining sun beds, umbrellas, a fishpond, a barbecue station and a gazebo with a double bed just in case it gets too sunny for you. Other services include free Wi-Fi,

airport transfers, parking, cleaning services and outdoor excursions. Close to Amber Villas is the renowned Sails Restaurant at Almanara Resort, where the impressive menu includes fresh lobster, prawns, snapper and tuna. The resident chef likes to push the culinary boundaries with a new menu each week. Be sure to try the favourite seafood platter, which includes fresh Kilifi oysters, and the restaurant’s signature dish, Sails Crab au Gratin. For those who enjoy water sports, H2O Extreme offers kite surfing for beginners and more experienced surfers. It’s located next to Amber Villas at the Kenyaways Kite Village on Galu Beach and is open for most of the year. Call them in advance to avoid disappointment.

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GADGETS

GET HIP TO NEW TECH

NINTENDO SWITCH

INSTAX MINI 70 CAMERA

The brand-new Nintendo Switch is designed to fit around your lifestyle, transforming from a TV-connected console to a hand-held device, allowing you to use the Switch seamlessly, both at home and on the go. The Nintendo Switch comes with two Joy-Con controllers, allowing easy multiplayer options, or dual-handed solo games for a more immersive experience. Multiplayer functionality is a prominent feature of the Nintendo Switch, which is able to connect up to eight consoles for online gameplay. Currently, there are a few high-profile games available, including ‘The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild’ and ‘Just Dance 2017’, with more titles due for release soon.

Combining the nostalgia of instant cameras with the modern obsession with selfies, the Instax Mini 70 is the perfect option for those looking to instantly capture memories without compromising on functionality. With five shooting modes, including selfie mode – complete with a mirror beside the lens – and macro mode for getting up close to your subject, the Instax Mini 70 offers more than a point-and-shoot instant camera at a good price. Available in a range of colours, the Instax Mini 70 is stylish and portable, offering a modern solution in contrast to the bulkier instant cameras of the past.

Price: US$ 299.99

Price: US$ 139

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SONOS PLAY:1 SMART WIRELESS SPEAKER

SAMSUNG GALAXY S8 AND S8 PLUS

In a compact size with a powerful output, the Sonos Play:1 uses Wi-Fi to stream your favourite music directly from a smartphone app. The sophisticated Sonos Play:1 eschews Bluetooth functionality for better connectivity with the app via Wi-Fi, delivering crystal-clear sound to your home. The free app gathers all of your favourite music and streaming services from your phone so you can listen to what you want, when you want, at the touch of a button. For a full home entertainment system, further Sonos Play:1 speakers can be connected to the app, allowing you to control different speakers in different rooms at the same time.

The new Samsung Galaxy S8 and S8 Plus have a host of intriguing new features that set the tech world alight in the run-up to the April release date. Samsung has done away with the home button, opting instead for a pressure-sensitive alternative, in addition to introducing a rear fingerprint scanner, iris scanner – so you only have to look at your phone to unlock it – and an AI assistant called Bixby. Both models have larger ‘infinity’ displays, which offer outstanding colour and clarity. There is a 12MP rear camera, the same as the S7, but the front-facing camera has been upgraded to 8MP.

Price: US$ 199

Prices: S8 US$ 720, S8 Plus US$ 825

ENTERTAINMENT

Watch. Read. Listen. MOVIES LOGAN

BEAUTY AND THE BEAST

Director: James Mangold Starring: Hugh Jackman, Patrick Stewart Genre: Action, drama

Director: Bill Condon Starring: Emma Watson, Luke Evans, Dan Stevens Genre: Family, fantasy Belle (Watson) is a keen inventor and book lover who lives with her father, Maurice (Kevin Kline). After Maurice goes missing, she sets out to find him and comes across the Beast (Stevens), who is keeping her father captive in his castle. Belle offers to take her father’s place as a prisoner and the Beast lets Maurice go in exchange for Belle’s freedom. Initially frightened by the Beast, Belle soon learns how he came to be this way, and discovers a softer side to her captor.

STARS: 3/5

In the near future, Logan (Jackman), previously known as Wolverine, is living in the Mexico desert, caring for elderly Charles Xavier (Stewart). The world is now different and the mutants have almost all disappeared. One day, a stranger asks Logan to shepherd a girl named Laura (Dafne Keen) to the Canadian border for safety and although he initially refuses, Xavier (aka Professor X) has been waiting for this girl for a long time; Laura possesses extraordinary powers and in many ways is similar to Logan, but is being pursued by the sinister Reavers. Logan must try to use his powers to save the girl before it’s too late. STARS: 5/5

BOOKS A CRIMINAL DEFENSE

THE SELLOUT

by William L. Myers Jr.

by Paul Beatty

A prominent businessman in Philadelphia is accused of murdering a young reporter, and lawyer Mick McFarland finds himself in the middle of the case. The defendant, David Hanson, went to law school with Mick and the two were close friends. The victim, Jennifer Yamura, had reached out to Mick hours before her death in need of legal help. As a top-shelf defence attorney and former prosecutor, Mick knows all the tricks of the trade and, in order to help his friend, he needs to use them all. As the trial progresses, however, the developments surrounding Jennifer’s death get more and more disturbing...

The Sellout is a hilarious yet biting satire about a young African American man – whose first name is never revealed – and his journey to facing trial at the Supreme Court. Born in a ghetto in Dickens, outside LA, the narrator was raised by his father, a controversial sociologist, who is killed in a police shoot-out. The narrator’s home town, Dickens, is being wiped from the map to save California from further embarrassment, so he enlists the help of Hominy Jenkins. Together they set out to do the most outrageous thing conceivable – reinstating slavery and segregating the local school, which lands him in the Supreme Court.

STARS: 3/5

STARS: 5/5

MUSIC DIVIDE

WINDY CITY

Global superstar Ed Sheeran is back with his third studio, album ‘÷’ (or ‘Divide’), which has been breaking records all over the world since its release in March. Reaching number one in the UK, the US and Australia, the deluxe version offers 16 memorable tracks, ranging from heartfelt ballads like ‘How Would You Feel (Paean)’ to the folk-inspired ‘Galway Girl’ to ‘Eraser’, which features Sheeran’s impressive rapping skills. The album itself covers a wide range of styles, yet merges together excellently, with plenty of catchy hooks and melodies.

American country music sensation Alison Krauss is the most awarded female in the history of the Grammys, and ‘Windy City’ is the singer’s first solo studio album since 1999. It’s a collection of classic songs, covered by the singer, which were handpicked by Krauss and her producer, Buddy Cannon. Among the songs on the album are covers of ‘I Never Cared For You’, originally by Willie Nelson, ‘Gentle On My Mind’, originally by Glen Campbell and ‘You Don’t Know Me’, which was a hit by Eddy Arnold and Ray Charles.

ALISON KRAUSS

ED SHEERAN

STARS: 4/5

STARS: 3/5 www.fly540.com

Kids’ Corner

Kids’

CORNER PIRATE PIRATE JOKES WORDSEARCH Q: Why are pirates called pirates? A. Because they arrrrrrr!

Q: What do you call a pirate with two eyes, two hands and two legs? A: A beginner.

Q: Why couldn’t the pirate play cards? A: Because he was sitting on the deck.

Q: Why does it take pirates so long to learn the alphabet? A: Because they spend years at C.

Q: What is a pirate’s favourite movie?

Can you find the pirate themed words listed here in the letter grid? Tip: Some words are going backwards!

GOLD CAPTAIN ISLAND CREW HOOK

TREASURE PARROT MAP SWORD SHIP

A T P A C M

G O L D B A P A R C Z N S G A P T R E A S U R E H E O L

T E R J

O W N S M T O A O E P

K R

S W O R D

H S T T

SPOT THE DIFFERENCE

Can you find the 12 differences?

A: Booty and the Beast.

Q: Which fish do pirates love the most? A: Swordfish.

Q: Why was the pirate ship so cheap? A: It was on sail.

Q: What game does the pirate play with his parrot? A: Hide and speak.

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Contacts

Contact Information

Fly540 TICKETING & RESERVATIONS NAIROBI OFFICES HEAD OFFICE Baycourt Upper Floor, Suite 3&4 The Watermark Business Park Ndege Rd, Karen PO Box 10293-00100,Nairobi Tel: +254 (0)20 388 3060-2 Fax: +254 (0)20 388 3063

540 CALL CENTRE ABC Place, off Waiyaki Way Tel: +254 (0)20 445 3252/6 Cell: +254 (0)722 540 540; (0)733 540 540 Fax: +254 (0)20 445 3257

DONHOLM 1st floor, Greenspan Mall, Donholm Tel: +254 (0)704 540 540, 705 540 540, 708 305 305

INTERNATIONAL HOUSE OFFICE Ground floor, International Life House, Mama Ngina Street Next to Hilton Hotel Tel: +254 (0)702 540 540

JOMO KENYATTA INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT 540 TICKETING & RESERVATIONS OFFICE

Unit 3 (Domestic Departures) Tel: +254 (0)20 827 523 Tel: +254 (0)20 827 366 Cell: +254 (0)727 532 273 Unit 1 (International Departures) Tel: +254 (0)20 827 521

KAREN OFFICE Office number 10, Karen Connection Karen Road, Nairobi Tel: +254 (0)722 305 305; 735 305 305 Email: Karen.Sales@fly-sax.com

LAICO REGENCY HOTEL 540 TICKETING & RESERVATIONS

Mezz. floor, Shopping Arcade Tel: +254 (0)20 224 3211/3/4 Cell: +254 727 540 540; (0)737 540 540 Fax: +254 (0)20 224 3219

SOUTH SUDAN NAIROBI CBD OFFICE

KITALE

Ground floor International House, Nairobi Tel: +254 (0)712 540 540; 0735 540 555; 0717 305 305; 0703 305 305 Email: bookings@fly540.com or bookings@fly-sax.com

JUBA

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540 TICKETING & RESERVATIONS OFFICE

Terminal Building, Kitale Airstrip Tel: +254 (0)770 639 429 Tel: +254 (0)724 457 374 Tel: +254 (0)735 540 547

Juba International Airport

LAMU – NORTH COAST TRAVEL SERVICES

REPRESENTATIVE OFFICES

NEW MUTHAIGA OFFICE 1st floor, Thigiri Mall, New Muthaiga Tel: +254 (0)703 540 540

WILSON AIRPORT 540 SAFARI CIRCUIT SALES

Ground floor, Langata House Tel: +254 (0)20 254 0206 Tel: +254 (0)729 540 540 Tel: +254 (0)735 540 540 Email: 540.safaris@fly540.com

Next to Catholic Church/Equity Bank

Tel: +254 (0)42 213 0312 Tel: +254 (0)42 463 2054 Tel: +254 (0)725 942 444 Email: nctslamu@swiftmalindi.com Email: nctsmalindi@swiftmalindi.com

MALINDI 540 TICKETING & RESERVATIONS

KENYA OFFICES

Lamu Road, Malindi Tel: +254 (0)422 120 370

ELDORET

MOMBASA

540 TICKETING & RESERVATIONS

1st floor, Veecam House Oloo Street Tel: +254 (0)53 203 3570/80

ELDORET INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT 540 TICKETING & RESERVATIONS OFFICE

Tel: +254 (0)53 203 0814 Tel: +254 (0)53 206 3823 ext 658

KAKAMEGA 540 TICKETING & RESERVATIONS

Mezzanine floor, MegaMall Kisumu-Webuye Road Tel: +254 (0)701 305 305; 716 540 540; 728 305 305

KISUMU 540 TICKETING & RESERVATIONS

Kisumu International Airport Tel: +254 (0)254 707 540 560 Tel: +254 (0)737 540 546 Mezz floor, Mega Plaza Tel: +254 (0)724 563 009; 734 540 550

540 TICKETING & RESERVATIONS OFFICE

Ground Floor, Mombasa Trade Centre, Nkrumah Road Tel: +254 (0)41 231 9078/9 Cell: +254 (0)728 540 540; (0)710 540 540 Nyali Centre, next to Naivas, Links Road, Mombasa Tel: +254 (0)41 447 7540/2 Sales: +254 (0)41 540 540; 707 540 542

MOI INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT, MOMBASA Tel: +254 (0)41 343 4821 Tel: +254 (0)32 540 540; (0)722 555 730

UKUNDA 540 TICKETING & RESERVATIONS

Ground floor, Bazaar Building Tel: +254 (0)732 540 559

Tel: +211 959 540540 Tel: +211 999 540540 Email: Sales.juba@fly540.com

GERMANY AVIAREPS AG Kaiserstrasse 77 60329 Frankfurt am Main RESERVATIONS

Tel: +49 (0)69 770 673 076 Fax: +49 (0)69 770 673 028 Email: Res540.FRA@aviareps.com SALES

Tel: +49 (0) 69 770 673 077 Fax: +49 (0)69 770 673 235 Email: sales540.FRA@aviareps.com

SOUTH AFRICA AVIAREPS (PTY) LTD 38 Wierda Road West Wierda Valley Sandton, Johannesburg RESERVATIONS

Tel: +27 (0) 11 722 0229 Fax: +27 (0) 11 783 8135 Email: Res540.JNB@aviareps.com SALES

Tel: +27 (0) 722 0229 Tel: +27 74 177 1596 Fax: +27 (0) 783 8135 Email: Sales540.JNB@aviareps.com

SWITZERLAND AIRLINE & TOURISM CENTER GMBH Badenerstr. 15, CH-8004 Zürich RESERVATIONS & SALES

TANZANIA ZANZIBAR AIRPORT 540 TICKETING & RESERVATIONS OFFICE

Tel: +41 (0) 44 286 99 62 Fax: +41 (0) 44 286 99 63 Email: 540-Switzerland@aviareps.com

Tel: +255 762 540 540

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Travel Info

Travel Information VISA INFORMATION  Most nationals require visas to enter East Africa. Citizens from the five East African states require no visas while those from the Common Market of East and Southern Africa (COMESA) member states have relaxed entry requirements into East Africa. However, East African member states have their own visa requirements for various nationals.

HEALTH 

KENYAN VISAS  Under new rules, all foreigners requiring a visa for entry into Kenya must apply for one in advance via www.ecitizen.go.ke. A visa is required by all visitors travelling to Kenya with the exception of those who are nationals of a number of countries, including – but not exclusive to – East African Community Partner States (Burundi, Kenya, Rwanda, United Republic of Tanzania and Uganda). • Multiple entry: US$100 • East Africa Visa: US$100 (for travel between Kenya, Uganda and Rwanda) • Single entry: US$50 • Transit Visa: US$20

Vaccination requirements for international travellers:

Persons aged 16 years and below will require a visa to enter Kenya. Diplomatic, Official, Service and Courtesy visas will continue to be issued Gratis.

• Only valid yellow fever vaccination certificates are required of all travellers over one year old, arriving from yellow fever infected countries.

For more information, please visit your relevant Kenya High Commission website.

• Vaccinations for international travellers are obtainable from all international air and sea ports, city and major municipal councils.

Any visitor going to South Sudan requires a valid visa. Visas are issued through the South Sudan Embassy.

INSPIRING CAPTIVATING INFORMATIVE Multi-platform publishing and design services

SOUTH SUDAN VISAS  Immigration regulations stipulate that anyone going to South Sudan needs a travel permit from the Government of South Sudan. Those travelling to South Sudan from Kenya, should visit the South Sudan Embassy in Kenya. Fees: • American Nationals: US$ 160 • African and Asian Nationals: US$ 50 • European Nationals: US$ 100 • All other passports assessed accordingly

TANZANIAN VISAS  All foreigners from non-Commonwealth countries are required to have a valid visa unless their countries have agreements with Tanzania under which the visa requirement is waived. Exemptions: Citizens of Commonwealth countries are not required to obtain visas unless they are citizens of the United Kingdom, Canada, Nigeria, India, Pakistan, South Africa, New Zealand or Australia.

For further information please contact:

Land & Marine Publications Tel: +44 (0)1206 752902 Email: info@landmarine.org

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Tanzanian visas are issued at entry points to Tanzania, including ports and airports, and any other gazetted entry point, from the Tanzanian High Commissions or embassies abroad, from the office of the Director of Immigration services in Dar es Salaam and the office of the Principal Immigration Officer, Zanzibar. For more information visit: www.tanzania.go.tz/tanzaniaembassiesabroad.htm

Fleet

The Fly540 Aircraft Fleet

BOMBARDIER DASH 8 102 SERIES  Type: Twin-engined, medium-range, turboprop airliner Number in service: Two Fly540 operates modern aircraft and is constantly updating and modernising its fleet.

Capacity per aircraft: 37 passengers

The company uses aircraft such as the ATR 72-500, which burns only half as much fuel as some other aircraft and also emits less carbon into the atmosphere.

CANADAIR CL-600-2B19 REGIONAL JET 

This underlines the fact that Fly540 is a ‘green airline’ that cares for the environment.

Capacity per aircraft: 50 passengers

The crew and engineering team are professionally trained and certified to ICAO standards.

CESSNA CARAVAN C208 

Type: Twin-engine regional jet Number in service: Three

Type: Single turboprop engine, fixed-gear short-haul regional airliner Number in service: Two Capacity per aircraft: 10 passengers

FOKKER F28  Type: Twin engined medium range jet airliner Number in service: One Capacity per aircraft: 67 passengers

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FLY-SAX MAGAZINE / ISSUE 14 / MAY â&#x20AC;&#x201C; JULY 2017