The chamber issue 2

MOMBASA COUNTY

The Kenya December 2012 Volume 002 TRADE

INVESTMENT

MANUFACTURING

HOSPITALITY

MOMBASA STRENGTHENS BUSINESS LINKS WITH

AMERICA

INSIDE

Wealth Building & Investment

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How the Modern Day Computer Came into Being

p 13

Makuti Thatching at the Kenyan Coast I S S U E

p 211 002

Revolutionizing Bulk Grain Handling in the Region Services ‣ Discharge of Bulk Grain Vessels ‣ Clearing and Forwarding ‣ Bulk Delivery ‣ Bulk Storage

‣ Warehousing

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Grain Bulk Handlers Ltd. Grain House, Beira Road, Shimanzi P.O. Box 80469 - 80100 Mombasa, Kenya Tel: (+254 7) 03017000, (+254 41) 2230183-5 Fax: (+254 41) 2230232, 2316845 Email: gbh@grainbulk.com website: www.grainbulk.com

December 2012 Volume 002

FROM THE EDITOR

CONTENTS T cover story

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business focus

Mombasa Strengthens Business Links with America

chamber issues

4 5 6 8 9

Bobmil: The Form and Polythene Experts

tourism

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The Chamber Board Members The Man at the Helm of the New Vibrant Mombasa Chamber of Commerce

Jacaranda’s Indian Ocean Beach Resort

sport

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Beach Volleyball

Chamber Mailbox

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Makuti Thatching at the Kenyan Coast

Chamber Pictorial

feature

Career Upgrade

finance

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Wealth Building and Investment

13

How the Modern Day Computer Came into Being

technology

bizwhiz

15

15

What Makes a Good Organization?

environment

22

New Ways of Dealing with Prison Convicts

gender issues

24

Women as Political Leaders

lifestyle

26

Stress: The Modern Scrouge

biz whiz extra

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What are your Marketing Policies?

he Editorial Board welcomes our members and readers to the 2nd issue of CHAMBER. We are a little behind on our planned schedule due to various changes and happenings in the Chamber offices, but we can assure our reading audience that we are on track and going full speed ahead on all Chamber issues, including our magazine production.

In this issue we have very interesting articles on social issues, finance, coast sport, prisons, health, tehnology, company and tourist profiles, a book review on business guidelines, and much business hints & tips. Lifestyle covers general interest articles – and importantly humour – “Laugh and the world laughs with you; cry and you cry alone’ is a good maxim.

As well, we are introducing a new service – training courses which are part of the ever expanding services offered by the new Board.

As part of our Know Your Board information, we highlight our vibrant new chairman, and also talk about the very successful Chamber trip to America, which we believe will open new avenues of business relationships and exchange visits.

And also we have included in this issue Letters to the Editor. Welcome – give us your views, suggestions, advice and articles of interest for future issues.

We wish you GOOD READING COVER PHOTO

Editorial Board James Mureu, Abdulsamad Ali, Sidney Bandari, Patricia Scott Advertising Executive Juma Odhok Graphic Design Mshenga Mwacharo The Kenya National Chamber of Commerce & Industry, Mombasa County P.O. Box 80635-80100 Mombasa Tel: +254 41 2316161, 0723 373343 Email: ceo.msa@kenyachamber.co.ke www.kenyachamber.com

Publisher Cutting Edge Communications Ltd. Enzi Centre, Block Three, Dedan Kimathi Avenue - Kizingo Tel: +254 (0) 41 2319513/2315657 Email: info@cuttingedge.co.ke Contributors Hazel Koitaba, Devon Rathor, Diane Rooke, Sammy Mulinge and Chamber Board Members.

Mombasa Chamber Chairman James Mureu unveils the Kenya Chamber magazine to an audience at the Four Seasons Hotel in Atlanta, Georgia, USA. ISSUE 002

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THE CHAMBER BOARD MEMBERS

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1. Mr. James Mureu - CHAIRMAN 2. Ms. Sarah Nyamvula - VICE CHAIR LADY/LOCAL GOVERNMENT 3. Mr. Abdulsamad Ali - FINANCE DIRECTOR 4. Mr. Mohammed Rashid - MANUFAC- TURER EXPORT PROMOTERS 5. Ms. Rukia Rashid - WHOLESALE & DISTRIBUTION 6. Mr. George Nesibitt - AGRICULTURE & LIVESTOCK 7. Ms. Hazel Koitaba - WOMEN IN BUSINESS ENVIRONMENT & DISASTER MANAGEMENT

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Mr. Sydney Bandari - ICT, FAIRS OF EXIBITION, YOUTH AFFAIRS Mr. Zul Harunani - TOURISM & HOSPITALITY Mr. Sanjay Pandya - MEMBERSHIP, EDUCATION & TRAINING Mr. Narottham Khataw - TRANSPORT & COMMUNICATION

The Kenya Chamber Magazine is published quarterly by Cutting Edge Communication Ltd. on behalf of the Kenya National Chamber of Commerce & Industry (KNCCI), Mombasa County. All advertisements and non-commissioned texts are taken in good faith. While every care is taken to ensure accuracy in preparing the magazine, the publisher and KNCCI assume no responsibility in effects risen therefrom. Material is submitted at the sender’s risk and the publisher and KNCCI cannot accept responsibility for accidental loss or damage.

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chamberissues

THE MAN AT THE HELM OF THE NEW VIBRANT MOMBASA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE James Mureu, a prominent and successful Mombasa business man, took over the key role of Chairman of the newly set up Mombasa County Chamber of Commerce in November 2010.

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his appointment followed discussions by a group of concerned prominent business men who made the decision to revive a defunct Chamber with the dedicated aim of establishing advocacy for the business community.

“Chambers of Commerce are established and successful Business Membership Organisations (BMO’s) in most countries and are key business centres for professional individuals and delegations when visiting another country” says Mr. Mureu.

“We felt it absolutely necessary to ensure that we, the business community in Mombasa, had a viable, efficient and effective Chamber, run with transparency and efficiency, to emulate the ones we have found in other countries.

“An urgent need was to hear about and try to solve the problems of the business community – and it became clear there was a missing link between us and the Nairobi Chamber, due to the non functioning Chamber structure in Mombasa.

We were asked to constitute an interim committee of about 10 people - which

we did, and which was approved by the Nairobi Board.

“After the writing of the revised Memorandum of Articles and the holding of elections in line with the new Kenyan constitution, a new board of director was duly elected. This is made up of dedicated and selfless people who have taken the responsibility of furthering the Chamber goals and objectives. I was proposed and unanimously elected to head this new committee, and all key members were given specific duties to ensure our newly formed aims would best be served.”

The first objective of the new committee was to find suitable and appropriate offices, capable of receiving foreign delegations, in a good area, with parking facilities and, after a lot of searching, they acquired modern, spacious offices well located in Fidelity Shield House, Kisingo, at a very fair rent, with space for expansion and a large reception area to be set up as an information point.

The second step was to acquire basic finance to begin operations. The committee registered their own companies as the

It is our role to lobby the government on key issues, such as lowering business costs, particularly that of fuel, which has the ripple effect of driving up the cost of everything else.

first Chamber members to establish seed money to finance the start up. Following inception, an urgent issue was to recruit membership and create awareness of what the Chamber of Commerce & Industry is, and what it offers to the Mombasa business community.

Active work commenced and one of the first issues tackled was their role of advocacy issues with the Mombasa Town Clerk concerning the deplorable situation of roads and buildings, meetings which proved effective. Some repairs and renovations were undertaken, and people rallied by painting building fronts, especially on the major central roads.

Banking, traffic, tourism, the ferry service (which at present is a bottleneck to business development on the south coast) and other issues, are all being tackled, e.g. the Provincial Police Officer was invited to talk about the current state of security in the country, and their efforts to improve this situation.

“It is our role to lobby the government on key issues, such as lowering business costs, particularly that of fuel, which has the ripple effect of driving up the cost of everything else” states Mr. Mureu, who has exhibited passion, perseverance and diligence in his role as Head of the newly formed Chamber board. “As well as moving into new offices, new Chamber staff are being appointed for maximum efficiency and smooth running” he confirms.

Key businesses have been invited to host a Chamber luncheon and make their Contd. Page 6 ISSUE 002

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CAREER UPGRADE

The Chamber Board is launching an educational service designed to aid the business community on improving their services, which of course leads to improved business interaction and financial improvement. It is an old but true expression – ‘Customer is King’; and staff should understand without customers they will not have a job. The following courses are offered by experienced and trained course leaders and lecturers.

Requests for specific courses will be accommodated.

Courses can be individually tailored, and time frames can be of various durations –

• An evening course • An afternoon course • A full day course • A weekend seminar Courses should preferably consist of a minimum of 5 people and not more than 12-15 for maximum advantage to the participants: but exceptions can be made. Course fee is calculated per client, depending on duration, number of people, location and food, but cost structure is very reasonable. Most functions are conducted at the Chamber offices, or for large numbers at a suitable town hotel, but the client’s own premises can be used if suitable.

1. Team Building 2. Customer Care 3. Report Writing 4. Public speaking 5. Sales & Marketing 6. Enhancing Management Skills 7. Telephonist & Secretarial Guidelines 8. Guidelines for Askaris 9. Personal Development 10. Organisational & Holistic Management 11. Event planning for all levels of functions.

MOMBASA CHAMBER CHAIRMAN

received delegations from China, the U.S, Malaysia, and Turkey, as well as high level dignitaries like ambassadors, in their new, prestigious offices, and this has led to reciprocal invitations to visit other countries. A future aim of the Board is to establish such overseas visits for members.

the Chairman gave away 100 copies on a business trip in America, which were very well received by Chamber members there.

“We believe a prestigious magazine, publicising our activities and highlighting business issues, is a key part of achieving our goals, i.e. to serve the business community in the best possible, most effective way” the chairman stresses. He also adds, ‘This magazine is an excellent vehicle for company advertising, reaching a wide and appropriate audience, and we invite businesses to call on us in this context and support this noble Chamber initiative.

“Looking ahead.” he concludes “the future looks bright – for us, for Mombasa, and for our country. We invite you all to join us in our efforts to make this happen.”

Contd. from Page 5

presentations, and there have been several very successful functions. Clients such as the Capital Investment Authority, Safaricom, Google, brand Kenya, Mombasa City Town Clerk, the Provincial Police officer, The Provincial Commissioner and the District Commissioner, Consolidated Bank Limited and others have made company presentations to audiences of more than 100 key local business people.

“As well, supportive organisations within East Africa have been approached, so we are better able to negotiate the multiplying effect of doing business. Mombasa, after all, is known as The Gateway to East Africa’” affirms the Chairman.

The Mombasa Chamber has recently 6

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Chamber Magazine Their magazine ‘Chamber’ which, it is believed, will become the leading business magazine in the coast province, was launched earlier this year, and will be produced quarterly. Copies are issued free to every member and leading businesses and, as well, copies of this first issue have been distributed abroad by some Board members when travelling. Most recently,

The Kenya Chamber

MOMBASA STRENGTHENS BUSINESS

LINKS WITH AMERICA

D

ue to the hard working efforts by the new Board, overseas visitors are contacting the Mombasa Chamber, and recently one luncheon meeting was honoured by the presence of the President of the Chamber of Commerce, national block, U.S.A., based in Washington D.C. He was very impressed by the hospitality from Chamber members and the aims and goals of the new Board, and consequently extended an invitation to the chairman and a supporting delegation to visit America.

The possibilities of taking up this offer were discussed and it was unanimously agreed that the opportunity was too good to miss; links with America could only benefit the business community of Mombasa. Nine members applied to be considered for this trip, two were finally chosen, visas obtained, relevant bodies informed – and the visit was set, led by the Chairman, Mr. James Mureu, accompanied by Mr. Ali Mohamed R. Muli of Interlead Ltd The small delegation first went to the Chamber Convention in Atlanta, Georgia, where they spoke about Kenya, and how to negotiate business with us.

“We found it interesting to hear that the black Americans referred to Africa as ‘their mother land’ and they expressed a desire to expand their business this way – the new frontier” recalls.

“I told them they will be very welcome to Africa, and I explained that Mombasa is ‘the gateway to East Africa and beyond,’ and we will open our arms and our hearts to Chamber members from America,” adds the Chairman.

“I said we are working on the modalities to bring a strong business delegation to explore possibilities of working relationships here.”

As well as this very successful visit to their Convention, where they met so many Chamber members from many states, they also managed to visit Chambers in members in Alabama and Florida, and the chairman visited the U.S. Chamber of Commerce.

The delegation found the trip very worthwhile, contacts were established, friendships made, and they believe this has set a pattern for future interlinking Chamber business opportunities.

The Mombasa chamber gets a quarterly report from the Government and the Chairman has reported to them that, from the information gained on this visit, the Chamber of Mombasa believe very much that this sort of interaction will lead to business which will make the country expand and move forward in local and world trade..

The delegation distributed over 100 copies of the first issue of their newly launched magazine ‘The CHAMBER’ and they received many compliments and much encouragement. “We hope they will send us contributions from the U.S. for us to include in future editions,” says the Chairman.

The Kenya Chamber

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Mombasa Chamber,

Dear Chamber Board,

Dear Editor,

Congratulations on producing a magazine in this harsh economic situation we find ourselves in, particularly a business magazine, which will not only give us information and guidelines on the prevailing situation, but enhance the efforts of the Chamber proletariat to become a viable centre for all types of businesses at the coast.. We look forward to further functions and hopefully business trips organised and conducted by your good selves.

Well done.

I have obtained a copy of your magazine and I must say it has encouraged me to try to become a Chamber member. I particularly like the fact that you are addressing women’s issues, too. Women are here in the marketplace to stay, and we need all the help and advice we can get. I believe the Chamber will provide this service for us.

Keep up the good work, you have made an impressive start.

(Mrs.) H. J.K.

A.A. Shah To the Editor of Chamber, We like your magazine, but we are writing to ask if we can have a few general interest articles as well, and maybe some puzzles and jokes. We like the educational articles, but it is nice to have other types of reading as well. We are too young to become members, we think, but we will show your magazine (which was loaned to us by a friend) to our boss, so he can think about becoming a member of the Chamber.

I write to express my appreciation of the founding of this magazine as part of the new board’s activities to create an effective Chamber of Commerce & Industry in the coast province. We who live here are determined to develop this area into a key business centre, not just a tourist destination, particularly at this time, with bad publicity at an international level affecting the number of visitors (in spite of the fact that they are isolated incidents and not widespread chaos). Give us the support we need, and we will give you ours.

Whilst writing, may I mention a vexed issue of sex destinations, which Mtwapa is rapidly becoming. We do NOT need this kind of tourism and it should be stamped out, not encouraged. I do feel this could come under your ‘umbrella’, as tourism is still a major foreign exchange earner for our country, and you could gain support from hotels as well as tourist police and other bodies to curb this, and to publicise Mombasa as a family destination - and ensure that it is so. I do not wish to go into this subject in depth (the moral decline of the youth, the health dangers – which we as a country will have to deal with when the prostitute is infected and produces innocent children already infected with deadly diseases, all needing medical help). I think any decent God fearing person will support me on this subject, and I appeal to you to bring this situation as part of your organisation’s activities. My good wishes for your success.

J.J. Owiti.

Thanks, Njeri and Ruth Chamber magazine.

I write to congratulate you on your newly launched magazine. Well done. And also I offer best wishes for developing the Chamber.

Keep up the good work.

Sincerely, D.R. Smith, Diani.

W I S E WORDS

Chamber Board, I write to ask you to address the Municipal Council/Traffic Police to address the huge problem of road congestion and danger at the ferry/Nakumatt area.

Matatus come overspending. We need speed bumps to slow them.

The congestion caused by matatus blocking the area around Nakumatt entrance must be monitored.

Where are the traffic police? Please take up the issue.

O. Odhiambo.

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God sends the burden according to the shoulder The man that can be bribed is by his very nature untrustworthy Better an ounce of prevention than a pound of cure You get back from the world the way you treat the world

chamberpictorial

Miss Fatma Yusuf of KRA makes a contribution during an investor education forum.

The Kenya Chamber

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chamberfinance

Nitin Pandya of Pandya & Co, certified public accountants, is a Mombasa business man who has now specialised in advising people on financial investment. Here are his views on a subject everyone is interested in – money!

O

ur schools have forgotten to teach our students one of the most important courses of all, i.e. The Basic of Money and Investing.

This is a glaring omission; history we teach, but not the great march of capitalism and the market economy, nor the role companies have played in improving our lives. Complicated mathematics we teach, but not the simple understanding of financial statements to establish whether a company will succeed or fail, and how we might profit from owning its shares. Complicated chemistry and physics we teach, but what is left out is how saving money from an early age is the key to future prosperity, how investing that money into shares is the best move a person can make, next to owning a property, and the earlier you start saving and investing into shares, the better you will do in the long run.

Investing is fun, it’s interesting, and learning about it can be an enriching experience in more ways than one. It can put you onto the road to prosperity for the rest of your life. The principles of investing are simple and easy to grasp.

Putting your money into a jar or under the mattress does not count as an investment, but the moment you invest it into a savings bank account or buy shares in a company, or buy property, you are in-

vesting. Somebody will use that money to build new shops, factories etc., all of which create jobs and build the wealth of the nation. The best time to start investing is when you are young. The more time you have to let your investments grow, the bigger the fortune you will end up with.

But an introduction to finance is not only for young people, it is for people of all ages who find shares confusing and who haven’t had the chance to learn about them. The importance of savings on a regular basis cannot be over-stressed, starting young, even if it’s only a small amount per month. For a country to eradicate poverty, it has to encourage its people to save.

Any country without a good banking system is doomed to fail. We do not need to restrict banks from charging high interest rates; what we need is more banks so that the market forces of demand and

supply will create competitive lending and deposit interest rates and more loans for businesses to prosper and grow.

Countries with high savings rates can build better infrastructures – roads, bridges, electricity, and use all the latest technology that helps companies make better and cheaper products to sell to the world. Good examples are Japan and the United States.

Saving as much as you can, starting when you are young, is not only helping yourself, it is helping your country.

The Stock Market offers each of us both these things - saving and investing. The majority of businesses in developing countries, from kiosks to supermarkets, are privately owned by individuals, families or small groups of people, and you cannot invest in them. But the biggest companies in developing countries – and the world – are almost all publicly owned, Contd. Page 23

Procrastination is a total barrier to the acquisition of purposeful investments. Nothing should be put off until another time, not even for a few minutes. This seems a little thing, but it is of far-reaching importance. It leads to growth, strength, success and peace.” James Alton.

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Tel: + 254 20 2046901-5 /+ 254 (0) 720 433 354 Â Email: info@laptrust.or.ke, Website: www.laptrust.or.ke

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chambertechnology

How the modern day COMPUTER

CAME INTO BEING

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ot very long ago computers were big enough to fill a barn and roughly equivalent in price to buying an island in some beautiful part of the world!

Until fairly recently the idea of a personal computer hadn’t even registered to technology industry people. Who would have guessed that within 25 years or so many kids would be learning on them at school, using them to chat to their friends, playing games on them? That a business traveller would be able to check in to an international flight using a handheld device on the way to the airport? That anyone who wants to be successful in business must know how to use them?

When Did It All Start?

The first great pioneers were the mathematicians of Babylonia. These people invented a system of strings and moving beads called the abacus back around 500 BC to help them perform calculations.

Much later in the 17th Century a French scientist and philosopher called Blaise Pascal came up with a device using a sys-

tem of moveable dials to add or subtract sums of up to 8 figures long. Interestingly, a computer programming language was named after him in 1971.

However, it is a little known fact that the first real computer programmer was a woman. Augusta Ada King, Countess of Lovelace, and daughter of the English poet Byron, who helped design the first automated general purpose computer in 1833.

Punching holes into bits of wood proved vital to the growing computer industry.

The American inventor Herman Hollerith’s Tabulator – a machine that counted, collated and sorted data stored on pockmarked cards – was used to process information in the 1890 US census. Instead of takeing over 6 years to tabulate by hand, that year it was counted in a mere 6 weeks!

Hollerith founded the Tabulating Machine Company in 1896 and in 1924 the company changed its name to International Business Machines (IBM), churning out punch-card office systems until the late 1960s.

Warfare’s Contribution to Technology Warfare has contributed significantly to the development of digital technology.

The machines of post war years were huge. The 30 ton Electronic Numerical Integrator and Calculator, completed in 1946 and housed at the University of Pennsylvania, was 18 feet high, 80 feet long, and contained 17,468 vacuum tubes linked by 500 miles of wiring. It performed 100,000 operations per second and was used, among other things, to determine the feasibility of the hydrogen bomb.

In 1947 engineers William Shockley, Walter Brattain and John Bardeen came up with a tiny device called a transistor that would revolutionise micro-electronics, contributing to lower costs of computers and lead to the development of mainframe and mini-computers. It earned its inventors a Nobel Prize, and Shockley turned the invention into a business.

The real breakthrough in computer miniaturisation came in 1958 when American Contd. Page ISSUE 002

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D O W N

M E M O R Y

L A N E

Designed between 1948 and 1957 by John Lentz, the IBM 610 is according to Columbia University, the first personal computer because it was the first programmable computer intended for use by one person (e.g. in an office) and ,controlled from a keyboard.

The Programma 101 was Olivetti’s first commercially produced “desktop computer”, presented at the 1965 New York World’s Fair. Over 44,000 units were sold worldwide; in the US its cost at launch was $3,200!

The Kenbak-1 is considered by the Computer History Museum to be the world’s first personal computer. It was designed and invented by John Blankenbaker of Kenbak Corporation in 1970, and was first sold in early 1971. Unlike a modern personal computer, the Kenbak-1 was built of small-scale integrated circuits, and did not use a microprocessor.

The Xerox Alto, developed at Xerox PARC in 1973, was the first computer to use a mouse, the desktop metaphor, and a graphical user interface (GUI), concepts first introduced by Douglas Engelbart while at SRI International. It was the first example of what would today be recognized as a complete personal computer.

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engineers Jack Kilby and Robert Noyce independently designed the first integrated circuits by cramming numerous electronic components on a single silicon chip. The integration made it possible to bundle millions of components on a chip the size of a pinhead, gradually reducing tank-sized machines to lap size. In 1971 Intel came out with the first microprocessor, the Intel 4004, combining the basic elements of a computer on one tiny silicon chip.

The first personal computer to appear on the scene was Micro Instrumentation Telemetry Systems’ Altair 8800 in 1974, designed for hardcore electronics rather than the uninitiated user. The earliest PC did not have a keyboard, a screen or a mouse. It came in kit form and you had to programme it yourself – and it did NOT come loaded with Microsoft Windows!

Enter Bill Gates!

Bill Gates, a student who decided not to finish college but go into business, wrote an operating system for the machine using an early programming language called BASIC. He founded the Microsoft company and became the richest man in the world before he was 30, taking over from the Sultan of Brunei - whose wealth was inherited – Bill came from an ordinary American family.

Around that time in the area which has come to be known as Silicon Valley, two

other young entrepreneurs called Steve Jobs and Steve Wozniak invented a superior machine and founded Apple Computer Corporation in 1976.

The corporate battles waged between the technological giants subsequently have brought the world to where we are today. IBM introduced its Personal Computer (PC) in 1981 but, as a result of competition from the makers of ‘clones’, the prices of PCs fell dramatically, and it’s been the same story ever since. The ENIAC, which had less power than a modern calculator, cost 500,000 dollars to build, whereas the 100,000/- laptops of today are almost 20,000 times faster than when the first processor came out in 1971.

However, the Internet has undoubtedly had the greatest impact upon sales of personal computers in recent years.

What was originally formed in 1970 as an exclusive network for the military has boomed into an international communications and commerce system. According to a study by the Angus Reid Group (a global market social research company) more than 300 million people around the world are currently online.

Computers now recognise speech and can monitor patterns in medical procedures with human accuracy. If development continues at the rate it has done so far, will they take over the role of a human being?

DO YOU KNOW THAT... the computing power in today’s cell phones is much higher than the processing power of all the computers in the Apollo 11 Lunar Lander that put 2 men on the moon?

In July 2011, the U.S. Treasury had an operating cash balance of $73.7 billion. Apple, however, reported its reserves higher than the government, at $76.4 billion. While the U.S. is spending around $200 billion more than it collects in revenue every month, Apple, on the other hand, is making money.

bizwhiz

WHAT MAKES

A GOOD ORGANISATION?

G

ood organisations know that worthwhile work is obtained when people feel they are making the world a better place; that everyone is working toward a shared goal, and all employees are playing a part in achieving that goal.

A successful organisation knows about attitude, energy, balance and connecting People like to work for organisations that value them as persons; their thoughts, feelings, needs and dreams are respected, listened to and acted upon.

Good organisations give people work they can do. You can’t expect production beyond people’s capacities or skills, and their training. People benefit from work that demands their best capabilities and which allows them to learn and move ahead.

One of the most powerful human emotions is self-esteem.

One of the fastest and surest ways for a person to feel good about themselves is to understand how their work fits into the big picture. When people feel good about themselves that’s the beginning of energised work.

A good organisation will provide that.

People don’t feel in control if everything they do gets

ripped apart. Remember one beaver doesn’t hide a good tree from the other beavers! Everyone should have access to what’s available to get the job done, and that includes full, accurate, and up to the minute information on everything. No secrets.

The rest of the organisation has to support an individual to enable them to do their job to the best and the highest level.

People will naturally work together to achieve if management discovers what they do well and then fit them in the organisation to take advantage of that.

Nothing demeans faster than when you don’t let people contribute or perform to their capacity. When you undershoot, you don’t make people happy; in fact, you insult them. Let people do a fair day’s work for a fair day’s pay.

A day’s work for a day’s pay is an employer’s right to expect. A day’s pay for a day’s work is the employee’s right to expect. Getting or giving more is optional.

Good organisations give people work they can do. You can’t expect production beyond people’s capacities or skills, and their training.

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businessfocus

BOBMIL The Foam and Polythene experts Bobmil Industries Ltd started its business in humble beginnings some twenty five years ago in Nairobi. Now it is one of the leading manufacturers of polyurethane flexible foam products and polythene products in Eastern Africa. The company is ably steered in its growth and success by the talented leadership of its Managing Director, Mr. Milan Shah.

Bobmil Industries’ products are marketed through an efficient distributor network throughout Kenya; and, to cater for customers and distributors needs more closely at the coast, it opened a branch in Mombasa four years ago Two years ago, the company opened a branch in Eldoret and they are also planning to open branches in other major towns, which indicates how serious the company is in satisfying the needs of its customers all over Kenya by establishing localised branches for their convenience, and offering their superior quality goods at affordable prices.

Customers are guaranteed of the unmatched guaranteed quality of Bobmil products as the company has established a high tech laboratory where each production batch undergoes quality tests before the product goes to finishing stage.

Bobmil’s Foam Division This division of Bobmil products manufactures mattresses in the following ranges created by customer demand: Light duty mattresses Medium duty mattresses Heavy duty mattress Super heavy duty mattress Orthopaedic mattresses Apart from the above mattress choices, Bobmil also manufactures various qualities and sizes of pillows designed not only to enhance sleeping comfort, but also to cater for the needs of furniture industries, automotive industries and various industrial applications. .

“The diamond mark with KEBS logo is on all Bobmil mattresses, indicating their superior quality” says the Mombasa branch manager, Mr. Sheilesh Dhanani. “Many companies offer sub standard products, which do not offer a guarantee, and are costlier in the long run, as their life span is much shorter.

Bobmil has a Superbrand International Licence; no other Kenyan company has received this honour.

Bobmil’s Polythene Division Bobmil are not only the pioneers, but continue to be the forerunners in polystyrene products, constantly improving and upgrading their products whilst introducing innovative new

items to give customer satisfaction.

This division manufacturing the following products: Polythene film, clear and coloured, various sizes and gauges (these

products are used in industrial

sectors and construction companies) Polythene UV films of 6 m width in various gauges, clear and coloured (these products are for the horticul- tural and floricultural sector).

Polythene bags in different sizes and gauges, clear and coloured, which can be printed in variegated shades and captivating designs (these products cater for supermarkets, textiles industries and retail outlets) Polythene garbage bags in different sizes and gauges. (These cater for all industries, hotels, hospitals, domestic use etc.)

Multi layer polythene films of differ- ent sizes and gauges printed in

elegant colours and attractive artistic designs (these cater for fresh milk packaging industries, edible oil packaging industries, lamination industries, salt and sugar packaging industries etc.)

Polythene shrink wrap film of various sizes and gauges (for packaging industries).

Because of its vast range of products and the demand for high class precision printing quality, every production stage undergoes strict quality control tests before the products are finally dispatched into the market.

Bobmil’s Newest Product Tthe latest items to be offered by this company are mattress duvets, bedspreads, and mattress protectors. Mattress protectors’ price range, depending on sizing, stars at k.sh 1300/- up to 3000/-, with 2 types, one with a side wall the other without. Bedspreads range from 2000/- up to 4,500/-, duvets from 2800/- to 4500/- depending on bed width. Most of these offers come with complimentary pillows.

“Our duvets are lightweight, not heavy like blankets, but necessary in the spells of cold weather we are having these days, with climate change affecting all countries” says the manager.

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SUN N’ SAND ADVERT

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chambertourism

JACARANDA’S INDIAN OCEAN BEACH RESORT The prestigious Jacaranda group’s ‘jewel of the Coconut Coast’ is the beautiful Indian Ocean Beach Resort, built at the site of the 16th century Kongo Mosque on the northern end of the famed Diani Beach. Adjacent to the delta of the Tiwi river as it meets the Indian ocean, here the bay curves in an arc of sand dunes - wild, remote and beautiful, as the white capped waves sweep in from the vast Indian Ocean.

This exclusive resort hideaway recreates the bygone opulence of the Sultans of Zanzibar, who once ruled Kenya’s Swahili coastline.

Moorish style arches in the main buildings, and some original antiques from those days reflect bygone elegance; huge copper plates and ancient woven hanging tapestries, an antique chandelier in the main lobby with its crystal pear shaped drops tinkling gently in the ever present sea breeze (given to the Sultan by the British for landing rights), the intricately carved patterns on the walls hand done in the ancient Swahili cultural style – all create an exclusive and unique resort redolent of the Swahili empire at its height.

The hotel’s main buildings and chalet-like rooms are set in a spacious 25 acres of secluded gardens shaded by swaying coconut palms with their ever-present susurring whisper as the sea breeze wafts through their branches. On this site can be found the biggest baobab trees in existence at the coast - these fantastic, ancient giants, with girths up to 30 feet, their bare branches like upturned roots reaching for the sky (which at certain times of the year are clad in new green leaves) are lit

at night with strings of coloured lights, creating a magical effect.

The 100 whitewashed, thatchedroof, spacious club rooms all have individual balconies. They are set well apart for privacy, each with en suite bathrooms, direct dial phones, and a choice of air conditioning and a ceiling fan.

Tasteful décor includes hand carved furnishings; the rooms are stocked with luxurious amenities; and a personal valet provides a 24 hour room service. Laundry service, child minding and a well staffed medical clinic are other special facilities offered.

A conference room over 90 sq.m., air conditioned and fully equipped for classroom, theatre and boardroom meetings; doubling as a cocktail reception for 100 people The landscaped gardens all front an idyllic beach, lapped by the translucent aqua waters, shading to the deep azure of the far out ocean deeps, with the tropical sun providing long hours of golden sunshine. These waters are quite safe to swim in; as the whole of the Kenyan coast is protected by a coral barrier reef about 300 to 500 metres offshore, creating safe swimming lagoons as the huge creatures of the deep do

not cross the reef. Guests are offered free water sports and a there is a huge pool with several plunge pools scattered around the premises.

This pristine white beach fronting and adjacent to Jacaranda is so big and beautiful it has become the base for international beach volleyball tournaments, and guests are encouraged to join in the fun categories, for which they received Kenyan medals.

Restaurants & Bars Spices Restaurant offers buffet

breakfasts and table d’hote dinners; the Ocean Terrace offers al fresco pool side meals throughout the day; and the dhow shaped Bahari Cove Restaurant moored on the southern shore of the hotel offers seafood meals under the magical African full moon.

The Sultan’s Lounge offers cocktails of guests’ own creation; the Dhow Bar will provide guests with a cool sundowner, and Coconut Willys is a beach bar with a difference, an experience not to be missed.

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highest awarded to sports men and women in the world.

1992 was the year beach volleyball became a truly professional sport when a tournament was played as a demonstration sport at the Olympic Games held in Spain, with more than 100 players from 5 continents.

Admitted as an Olympic sport in 1996, beach volleyball quickly became a major attraction and, at the Athens Olympics, more than 3.5 billion viewer hours made Volleyball and Beach Volleyball No. 1 in the TV and spectator ratings, beating such established sports as football, athletics and so on.

chambersport

By Sammy Mulinge - Technical Director, Kenya Beach Volleyball Council

The slogan of the Kenyan Beach Volleyball Council sums up the power and influence of this volleyball discipline which has developed, spread, and taken the world by storm: Beach Volleyball – Bringing the World Together!

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ow one of the world’s fastest growing sports, beach volleyball is a serious sport in Kenya and is a major tourist attraction at the big 5 star hotels which fringe the beautiful coastline of Mombasa, with its world class beaches.

Mombasa has hosted many national and regional tournaments so far, and plans further expansion with hotels to include this as one of its attractions.

A regional tournament in the qualifying events leading to Olympic selection was hosted by Nyali Beach Hotel, and which attracted participants from 9 African countries, including Egypt, Sudan and others – a unique event. Kenyan players were the top in both the men’s and women’s category.

Where did it all start?

This branch of volleyball (as opposed to indoor or conventional volleyball) was started on the shores of California, USA, as a fun game, back in the early days of the 20th century - but the first recorded beach volleyball game took place on Waikiki Beach, Honolulu. Surfers waiting for the right waves began playing it with the same size net, ball and 6 players, like the conventional game.

In 1920 the game gathered strength when a big sandy area on the beach of Santa Monica, California, USA, was made available for volleyball for public enjoyment. Permanent nets were soon established and 11 clubs were formed in that area and the first inter club competitions were staged in 1924.

Interestingly, originally spiking (a smash over-arm

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hit) and blocking (arms up to stop the opponent’s ball) were forbidden. The modern version is credited to Paul Johnson who, in the summer of 1930 when he got tired of waiting for enough players to arrive, started a game with only 4 players, and from then the game developed rapidly into how it is played today.

Beach volleyball spread to Europe in the 1930s and, by the 40s, two-man games were being played, and the official games in the world league are played with pairs only.

The first professional beach volley tournament was the Olympia Championship Beach Volley Tournament played in 1976 in Santa Monica with prize money of just $2,500 dollars. This was developed into a Pro Beach Tour and widened to other American states and, by 1984, the Pro Beach Volleyball tour consisted of 16 events around the country with prize money of $300,000.

By the end of that year, the Association of Volleyball Professionals was founded and Beach Volleyball made its entrance onto the world stage. The top seeds Karsch Kiraly and Sinjin Smith became household names - and very rich men!

In 1987 FIVB (Federation Internationale de Volleyball – the world’s ruling body in this sport) created the first World Beach Volleyball Championship held in Rio de Janeiro, South America, and thereafter world professional tournaments were organised and a world tour established. The prize money for the successful players on the world circuit is among the

Uniform In 1999 FIVB reduced the size of beach volleyball uniforms, stating women should play in swimsuits and men in shorts and tank tops. This has been criticised by many conservative cultures as a sexist not a sporting attraction and at the 2006 Asian Games only one Muslim country fielded a team for this reason.

In 2007 South Pacific Games rules were adjusted to require less revealing shorts and cropped tops.

Beach Volleyball in Kenya Whilst the sport of volleyball has long been played in Kenya starting in Mombasa which boasts the first stadium in the country at Changamwe where volleyball is still the major sport played there, beach volleyball came later.

As bech volleyball blossomed on the world stage in the 70s and 80s, the Kenya Volleyball Federation decided to launch this sister branch of conventional volleyball in the 90s, and set up a Council based in Mombasa – as the beautiful beaches were a natural arena. Only 4 African countries were playing this new sport at that time, and Kenya persevered in promoting and popularising beach volleyball at a national level.

Following a lull in the early part of this century due to a change in the Federation board, it was revived in 2008, as the world ruling body placed a lot of emphasis in developing this sport. They divided the sports world into zones, each of which held regional qualifying tournaments to select players to compete at the Olympics.

In the Olympic Games in 2008, the top men’s team representing Africa was from Angola. In 2012, the top men’s team was from South Africa and the top women’s team from Mauritius. (The Kenyan men and women were the runners up to this selection, and the aim of the Federation is to increase training and facilities in Kenya t match other countries and give the players a better chance for the next Olympics.)

The women’s top 2 teams went to Russia in 2012 - the first time ever a Kenyan team has entered a world tournament. It is a key aim of the Beach Volleyball Council to host a world circuit tournament in Mombasa, which would be a tremendous boost not only for this sport, for Kenyan tourism at the coast.

chamberenvironment

Thatching at the Kenyan Coast A mysterious fatal disease has befallen the East African coconut plant which could endanger the coastal thatching architectural style, an integral part of hotel construction and widely appreciated by tourists.

M

ost tourist resorts at the Kenyan coasts have developed their own established architectural style, that of makuti roofing. This pleasant type of structure is inherited from the indigenous coastal people using a very old method of thatching roofs with plaited palm leaves.

Not only the uniquely beautiful hotels with their enormous, soaring roof structures have adopted this style; more and more private residences are using this ancient method of roofing.

Makuti is the Swahili name for the feather-like leaves of the coconut plant (cocos nucifera) which yield, in their mature stage, six to eight metre long leaves.

Under normal circumstances, these leaves dry on the tree until harvested and then are plaited into a three to four foot square pieces which are fastened together to form this efficient roof covering.

Buildings made with this local type of roofing are naturally insulated from the tropical heat and are cool and airy. Makuti thatch is also economical when compared to other roofing methods, and a re-thatching used only to be necessary after twelve to sixteen years. However, it is now an unfortunate fact that the period before a re-thatch becomes necessary is only around three to four years. Attempts to overcome this problem by spraying protective chemicals on the makuti have proved unsuccessful.

Studies on the deterioration of the now short lifespan of the makuti have uncovered the following problems – • Along the entire East African coast, the coconut plant has suffered, due to several reasons, an irreversible disorder which leads to the death of the tree • Because of this, the plant is no longer able to produce mature leaves, thus young improperly

formed leaves have to be used for plaiting. These immature leaves are much smaller in size and, more importantly, do not have a protective wax cover as do matured plants.

• When weavers use these dilapidated leaves, fungi and bacterial infections attack them due to the lack of natural wax protection. In a very short time, this makuti turns stiff and brittle, causing the leaves to break at the first drop of rain.

This short life span is jeopardizing this beautiful architectural style and, as well, making it unrealistic and unaffordable - but what is the alternative? Corrugated iron or asbestos sheets used for industrial structures are not appropriate or acceptable for hotels and residential places; and roofing tiles are expensive and would not have the appeal of this indigenous roofing technique which is an integral part of the charm of coastal buildings.

Grass Thatching Grass thatching is an even older type of roofing method with exactly the same appearance as makuti, yet it seems to have been forgotten as a coastal roof.

Yet it is probably the most economical way of roofing houses and has been successfully accomplished in many parts of the world. As well, the necessary material is right on the doorstep, so to speak. Studies revealed that out of nine suitable grass types tested, two types were found to be almost indestructible, and it was discovered that these are the type used by indigenous tribes at the coast.

Grass roofs are normally three to six times thicker than makuti roofs, and this extends the roof’s lifespan far beyond twenty years. Changing a makuti roof into a straw roof requires minimal changes to

the basic structure, unlike other coverings such as clay tiles, asbestos sheets etc., which require major construction. Professionally thatched grass roofs are literally maintenance free, though thorough combing is recommended ever five years or so.

From this, it can be seen the pluses outweigh the minuses, and grass thatch is a very suitable alternative to the deteriorating makuti thatch system.

This is not to say makuti should be abandoned, but serious agricultural research into the causes of the deterioration of the palm leaves and the premature death of the coconut plant must be undertaken, and farmers encouraged to replant for the future.

“The makuti being harvested now is no longer top quality” says Frederick Reuther, an architect who has lived in Tanzania and Kenya, and has specialised in the study of this type of roofing. “More than 80% of the palm trees at the Kenyan coast are nearly 100 years old, according to an agricultural survey.

That means, in essence, there is no replanting programme. Nor is there any proper maintenance of the existing plantations – no natural or chemical fertilisation to feed and strengthen the existing trees. The trees do not enrich the soil round their roots in the way other trees do with their discarded foliage, as everything the coconut tree produces is used. There aren’t even animals grazing to provide manure.

“Everyone is looking for short-term profit and not nurturing their plantations, nor following a system of replanting. Of course, land owenership is a problem; you need vast tracts of land for a coconut plantation and it takes time for the trees to reach a mature stage when they yield good crops.

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chamberfeature

NEW WAYS OF DEALING WITH PRISON CONVICTS Diane Rooke, a Kenyan educationalist of many years standing, is on the board of the Kenya Prisons, Coast Province, and the following is a discussion with the Chamber Editorial Board on this huge social problem in today’s society.

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risons all over the world are totally over-crowded. Even in developed countries, prisoners are confined in cells and buildings originally designed to accommodate much smaller numbers. Such crowding leads to rebellion, difficulty in effective control by hardpressed wardens, and provides a breeding ground for all sorts of vice, bullying and despair, leading to anger, bitterness and secretly hatched plans for further crime when released. And, very importantly, the existing system does NOT cut down the crime rate.

However, news comes from Europe and America of two innovative ways of tackling so-called criminals, many of whom are just ordinary people driven by poverty, despair and appalling circumstances to turn to illegal means to survive.

“Prisons might be the way to keep criminals off the streets, but it doesn’t stop them re-offending” says Alasdair Palmer, in the UK magazine This Week. “Two years after release one in two have been re-convicted, and the same applies for people given community service sentences (a popular way of dealing with small time offenders in Europe and America).

But now there is compelling evidence that what is called ‘restorative justice’ has a major reforming effect, and should not be dismissed as a ‘soft option’. This is a tried-and-tested way to persuade felons to change their ways and it is simply to introduce them to their victims.

Lawrence Sherman, a Cambridge (UK) professor of criminology, studied 850 offenders, half of whom were made to meet their victims and to listen and discuss with them the impact of their crimes. He found that they committed 28% fewer crimes in

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the subsequent two years after release. He also found that the hardened criminals – those who had committed serious crimes such as assault, robber and burglary – were the most likely to mend their ways, and these are the criminals we most need to keep from re-offending.

This is one form of justice that could make a difference, and should be examined in every country and put into effect.

Reading Programmes

In America another innovative attitude to offenders has proved to be a success.

Offenders are placed on a rehabilitation programme called Changing Lives through Literature (CLTL). Repeat offenders of serious crimes such as armed robbery, assault or drug dealing, are made to attend a reading group where they discuss literary classics, including writers of their own nation or continent as well as the great literary masterpieces of the world, including biographies of such famous world movers and shakers as Gandhi, Mandela, Einstein and so on.

In one study in America run by a part time lecturer in liberal studies at Rice University, Houston, he used the texts of the ancient Greek philosophers such as Plato and Socrates to explore themes of fate, love, anger, liberty, tolerance and empathy (sympathetic understanding) to show these have been human problems through the ages. The books are chosen to resonate with some of the issues the offenders are facing. In group surroundings, a judge, a probation officer and an academic join in these same sex sessions of around 30 offenders where they talk about issues as equals. It has a remarkable effect on the participants, most of whom have never read a proper book

“Prisons might be the way to keep criminals off the streets, but it doesn’t stop them re-offending” Alasdair Palmer. before.

Of the almost 600 offenders who completed the course in Texas, less than 40 had their probations revoked and were sent to jail. A year long study of the first ones that went through the programme found that only 19% had re-offended, compared with 42% who had not.

The idea was originated by Robert Waxler, a professor of English who as an experiment, convinced a friend who was a judge, to take a few criminals who repeatedly came before him and place them on a reading programme that Waxler had devised, instead of sending them back to prison. It was such a success it now runs in 8 states in America.

The programme does have opposition though; the general feeling being that reading provided free for criminals, especially if conducted in a university campus, when the majority of young students have to pay their way, strains the sympathies of even the most compassionate people.

But they are missing the point – how much does keeping a habitual criminal cost in any country? In the Texas survey, statistics showed The Kenya Chamber

that to keep a convict in jail costs $30,000 a year; and in the ‘rehabilitation programme’ the cost to the taxpayer was just $500 – and that did not include the ripple effect of preventing further crime. In the UK, nearly half of prisoners re-offend within a year of being released from jail. What would be the statistics in African countries? Almost certainly it will be higher, as life is so much harder here.

Could such programmes, nicknamed ‘intelligent sentencing’ work in Africa?

It could start with volunteer groups of people being admitted to prisons to start reading programmes and, when proved successful, could attract funding.

Other Rehabilitation Programmes

In America it has been proved that hardened criminals, if involved in work with animals, are rehabilitated into caring human beings. Working in animal care centres, or training the many wild horses which are rounded up periodically in America, not only makes them caring and compassionate (many of the men wept when the

horses they had trained and loved as companions were sold) but, in the long term, it also gives them training which can earn them a living when they are released, as experts teach them how to do this.

In Japan the penal system the focus is directed towards rehabilitation.

Virtually all Japanese prisoners work at such industries as agriculture, metalworking, woodworking, printing and tailoring. The products are marketed at a profit and the prisoners are paid a small remuneration which they receive on their dismissal.

The Japanese are also offered vocational training in welding, auto repairing, boiler operation, appliance repairing, barbering, and plastering; and, for women, beauticians’ skills, dressmaking, and laundering. Many of the inmates acquire certificates and licences in these work trades so they can obtain work or start their own business when released.

In Sweden the basic principle of the penal law is that a prisoner should be treated with regard for his dignity as a fallible human being. The old idea of society taking its revenge by making incarceration needlessly

WEALTH BUILDING & INVESTMENT Contd. from Page 11

and that means anybody can buy shares in them.

Even if politically incorrect, the company cannot stop individuals from becoming an owner of that company.

The same goes for over 30,000 other public companies globally. Investors are the first link in the capitalist chain that creates prosperity.

But to win at this game you have to understand how it is played.

If you are trying to preserve purchasing power, it is better to be an owner (properties and shares) than a lender (bank deposit). That is why, in the long run, shares are your best protection in

terms of purchasing power.

The worst thing you can own is cash deposits. If you want to play safe, put your money into something that has fundamental earning power and value, such as Real Estate or Shares.

Of course, there is no escape from risk, whatever your investment choice; you have to learn to understand and manage risk.

But the greatest risk of all is doing nothing!

For an effective investment strategy, you have to ensure that you deploy the four golden rules of investment and take into account the

unpleasant is a thing of the past to them. Their prisoners also produce high quality goods, and the training leads to low statistics in returning to crime as a way of life, as they have acquired the means to earn a living.

Their short sentences for minor crimes prevent the overcrowding most other countries face.

Definitely prisons are needed for those convicted of murder, armed robbers, manslaughter, rape, drug trafficking, and perpetrators of physical abuse, particularly of children.

But those categories account for only about one quarter of most prison inmates in most countries in the world. It is the remaining 75% who are overcrowding these institutions and skyrocketing the cost of the criminal justice system.

Prisons in Africa are mostly conflict-ridden, overcrowded and inhumane. People are returned to the streets after long periods of confinement confirmed in a criminal identity and totally unready for the task of taking anything resembling a normal role in society.

We need a criminal justice system that will turn around thousands of

people who have made mistakes and help them become productive citizens. Potential tax-paying members of society are being sent to prisons which are virtually ‘schools of crime’ A statement by the New York Defenders Association states the situation well …”presumptive incarceration, instead of consideration of alternative sentences and strategies for rehabilitation, goes against the considerable evidence that prison is severe, wasteful and damaging, both to the prisoner and to society. The most pressing concern of those who have studied long-term imprisonment and its effects in not that prison terms should be abolished, but that they should be the last resort and only for the most serious crimes…”

risk factors involved and to reduce the risk as much as possible through global diversification and pooled investments to reduce the risk of one country or currency or market or asset or region failing.

What are pooled investments? The Americans call them Mutual Funds, the British call them Unit Trusts, which are also known as Offshore funds in offshore financial centres. When you invest in offshore funds, your money goes into a large pool which is managed by money managers in a portfolio of a) shares in hundreds of public companies worldwide, b) bonds, and c) cash geared to meet specific

goals such as stability or growth. Funds can achieve global diversification even with small investments on a regular basis.

Mrs. Rooke recently founded a Special Needs School for mentally impaired children. She hopes to expand this into a vocational training centre for young adults with this problem to enable them to earn a living. She can be reached on 0739-885387/0703399972.

Conclusion If you want to build your wealth, you have to ’marry’ the stock markets and diversify globally as soon as you can and stick with it for the rest of your life. Stock markets will not cease so long as human endeavour continues.

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genderissues

WOMEN AS POLITICAL

LEADERS

Would we do it better?

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ever before in human history have there been so many women in high ranking political posts. In the last 40 years we have seen the emergence of women prime ministers, the highest leadership post it is possible to have. There are several at present in office and others coming up e.g. – Ellen Sirleaf-Johnson in Liberia; Michelle Bachelet in Chile; Angela Merkel in Germany; Tarja Halonen in Finland; and Hillary Clinton vying for the 24

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arguably most powerful role in the world – that of the American presidency. They all follow in the steps of the great ground breakers – Golda Meir of Israel (the first); Indira Gandhi of India, Benezir Bhutto of Pakistan, Margaret Thatcher of Great Britain.

So the answer to the question is probably yes – they couldn’t do much worse than some of the leaders we have right now! But qualifying that is – yes, but not always. Have they really got what it

takes?

Women comprise 52% of the world population, so therefore, technically have more voting power. But is it properly used? The answer is no, not in Kenya.

“We shouldn’t be just voting machines” says Lucy Orieng, a Kenyan newspaper’s managing editor, on this subject. “We still dance at political rallies, but to which tune? It is not just about dancing” Lucy goes on “but it’s planning your moves carefully and making sure you dance to the right tune and before the right audience that makes the difference” (which surely applies not only in politics but also in the corporate world?)

Can women do it?

Are we our own worst enemies? ‘Is it not so much that we don’t like other women, more that we just don’t like ourselves’ questions Lucy.

“We need a blueprint that will change the face of women in Kenyan politics” says the Programmes Manager at the Friedrich Ebert Foundation, Maria Okong’o.

“Political parties here don’t have a women’s agenda” she continues. “If you aren’t at the table, your agenda will not be heard”. But are we at the right table at the right time?

There are women who could easily knock this country into the Kenya its people want, yet women here languish at the bottom of the heap at virtually every level that matters.

“Women must think in terms of strategic advantages they can bring to leadership, otherwise they’ll only be singing and dancing till kingdom come” says Maria.

“Our governance system should lay the foundations of a brighter political and economic future for Kenyans, about 56% of whom live below the poverty line – and, within that impoverished mass, guess who are the majority!”

Wangari Maathai would normally be an asset to any government, especially with the public relations element in her role as the first African woman ever to win the Nobel Peace Prize, yet the only offer she ever got is a subsidiary position, not a key role to play in the dynamics of the country she put in the limelight with her environmental work and fearless stand against corrupt politics.

Kenyan women are drastically un-

der-represented in public life; their numbers must increase, so what can they do to achieve this? Apart from continuing to militate for the achievement of gender equality and empowerment, women must stop being used in all aspects of their lives, and particularly by politicians.

It would be a myth to expect that women’s gender alone can act as a magic cure to resolve corruption problems and enforce good leadership and management practices – that is unrealistic to say the least; not just wishful thinking but desperate thinking.

The UN Development Programme, reporting on elusive progress towards the Millennium Development Goals, stated mid 2006 “Governance and corruption still remain critical barriers to the achievement of the national targets of poverty reduction”. As well, other goals were the eradication of extreme poverty and hunger, the promotion of gender equality and empowerment of women as well as the improvement of maternal health. Have these been dealt with – even partially?

The Nairobi Women’s Hospital, in its 6th year of existence, is the only such institution in the country. Shouldn’t there we well-equipped women’s hospitals in

other areas, given the fact that women’s reproductive health is the key to the future generations?

An insidious form of corruption is the sexual exploitation of women by men, often politically powerful men, who refuse to take responsibility for the philandering which they seem to see as their right; the costs of which can be counted in the unwanted pregnancies, particularly among adolescents, that often result in unsafe abortions, which account for up to 35% of maternal deaths. One hospital reported that over 50% of critical cases of teenage girls admitted are a result from botched abortions.

Are women less corrupt?

There is no such thing as innate superiority, and there are many examples of corrupt women leaders – which, points out Cynthia Mugo, Media & Communications Officer at the Kenya Human Rights Commission, raises the question “are women exhibiting less corrupt behaviour simply because they are excluded from patronage networks? As women who have been systemically snubbed by the patriarchal structures currently in place, we have to be cognizant of the fact that opportunities for corruption may

not be open to women”.

But it is a fact that research into gender and corruption has tended to point to women indeed being ‘the fairer sex’ (referring to behaviour rather than looks!); more motivated by altriuism in their economic choices, less likely to sacrifice the common good for personal, material gain. Countries with a higher representation of women leaders seem to be more transparent and accountable.

The world over, it would seem, is tired of the macho approach. We want to be led by people who care, who can empathise with our problems and aspirations. Most countries are ready and overdue for that change. Yet we women will have to dig deep to find the strength and courage to keep at it if we are to make a difference.

“We have met the enemy and she is us” says Lucy Orieng.

Hazel Koitaba is a successful Kenyan entrepreneur and business woman.

She was recommended by the World Bank to take part in a film which was interviewing one woman from every continent on women’s issues. She is on the Board of the Mombasa chamber responsible for gender and disaster issues. In this article she discusses women in the political arena.

The Chamber invites advertising from the Mombasa busines community in their new prestigious magazine, distributed free to all members and key business conglomerates.

REMEMBER • It is cheaper in the long run to advertise your business than for it to experience a slow down or even close due to lack of exposure in the marketplace • It is more business-like to advertise to facilitate planned growth, than to hope for natural growth • Advertising your business in the community enables you to reach your target market directly and easily • Advertisements and promotions are most effective when done continuously, not just a ‘one-off’ • Even when your business is doing well, you need to maintain progress and en sure it stays that way EXAMPLE - Coca Cola is the highest selling soft drink in the world – and their adverts are everywhere, and a huge part of their success TO BOOK AN ADVERT PLEASE CALL:

041 2319513 or 2315657

Remember, Avertising pays...

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chamberlifestyle

It is now an established fact that prolonged strain and stress can make people sick, and that bottled up anger can ‘crack the bottle’.

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t is now an established fact that prolonged strain and stress can make people sick, and that bottled up anger can ‘crack the bottle’.

Working independently, several groups of medical researchers have collected impressive evidence that emotional factors are primarily responsible for many of the chronic diseases that so many people suffer from now, especially heart disease, in middle age Challenging orthodox beliefs that an abundance of fatty food, cigarette smoking and lack of exercise pose the main perils to people in the working prime of life, these researchers say that stress – the body’s involuntary reactions to the demanding life we choose – or are pushed into – are the most important factor.

Stress – the physical reaction to events in our lives – is rooted in pre-history.

Early man survived in a brutal world because, along with an elaborate brain, he had the mechanisms of instantaneous, unthinking physical response when in danger.

Picture primitive man, sitting outside his cave after the hunt, digesting his food, suddenly becoming aware of a carnivore who has smelt the roasting meat and is prowling nearby, or maybe an enemy who hasn’t found food and is planning to steal from him.. He reacts

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immediately without conscious thought with a surge of bodily resources. Into his blood flash adrenal secretions that muster strength in the form of sugar and stored fats to his muscles and brain instantly mobilising powerful energy, and stimulating pulse, respiration, and blood pressure. His digestive processes turn off at once so that no energy is diverted from meeting the threat. His coagulation chemistry prepares to resist wounds with quick clotting. Red cells pour from the spleen into the steppedup blood circulation to help the respiratory system take in oxygen and cast off carbon dioxide, as he stands and faces the enemy, or herds his family into the safely of the cave before preparing to defend his home and possessions.

Today, say these stress researchers, a hard-driven businessman or woman reacts in much the same chemical way, even though the threat is different. Now the threats are business rivals, a bad boss, unclear briefs on work loads, overloads, unforeseen hurdles in progress, financial insecurity, traffic jams ….. Flash go the hormones into the blood; up goes the pulse rate – but modern man cannot fight physically or flee. Instead, under his forced calm, repressed rage builds without any adequate target – except himself. If the stressing situation recedes or his overcome, stability

returns. But if the ‘attack’ is prolonged, and is repeated often, his defence system gradually wears down, and then deterioration sets in.

(A side issue from this is that the repressed rage can erupt with some men in physical anger against someone close who is not responsible and cannot defend themselves but is at hand, i.e. usually the wife or children) Dr. Hans Selye, the world’s acknowledged authority on the implications of stress, who was the first to recognise its devastating effects on modern man, likens each person’s supply of life energy – their ability to withstand stress – to deep deposits of oil. Once the individual has summoned it up and burned it, it is gone. If a man picks a high-stress career, he spends his portion fast and ages fast. He is then a prime candidate for an early coronary; a likelier candidate than men in general whose chances of having a heart attack before the age of 60 are 1 in 5. And women are increasingly falling into this category.

Known Risk Factors not the Major Cause of Heart Attacks Cardio-vascular ailments now take an appalling annual toll in lives of people in vigorous middle age. Yet Psychologist John R.P. French Jr., of the University of Michigan’s Institute for Social Research, says that the known risk factors do not

even come close to accounting for the incidence of the disease. He maintains that “if you could completely control cholesterol, blood pressure, smoking, glucose level and so on, you would have controlled only about one fourth of coronary heart disease”.

He further goes on to say that “there is little solid evidence to show that programmes of exercise substantially reduce the incidence of coronary heart disease or substantially reduce some of the risk factors.”

A nationwide survey directed by French’s colleague, Robert L. Kahn, found evidence of widespread occupational stress. Results indicated that 35% of the employees queried had complaints about a lack of clarity in the scope and responsibilities of the work they were supposed to be doing. Nearly half – 48% - often found themselves trapped in the middle between people who wanted different things from them.

45% of the sample complained of overload, either more work than they could possibly finish during an ordinary working day, or more than they could do well enough to preserve their ‘self-esteem’.

Other occupational stresses found by the survey included insecurity associated with having to venture outside normal job boundaries; difficult bosses or subordinates; worry over carrying responsibility for other people; the lack of a feeling of participation in decisions governing their jobs – ‘a malaise’ says Dr. French ‘that distinctly lowers productivity.’

Management jobs carry higher risks than most. In a detailed study, investigators from the University of Michigan found that administrators were much more subject to stress than engineers or scientists. “Responsibility for people” says French “causes more stress than responsibility for things.”

Type A’s and Type B’s Two American cardiologists, Meyer Friedman and Ray H. Rosemman and their staff at the Harold Brunn Institute of Mount Zion Hospital in San Fransisco, USA, ran a test programme which began way back in 1960. A total of 3,500 male subjects, aged 39 to 59, with no known history of heart disease, were interviewed and classified as one of two types. Those designated Type A were characterized by relatively intense drive, aggressiveness, ambition, competitiveness, pressure for getting things done and the habit of pitting themselves against the clock.

Those designated Type B were found to be often equally serious, but were more easygoing in manner, seldom became impatient and took more time to enjoy leisure. They did not feel driven by the clock. They were not pre-occupied with social achievements, were less competitive and even spoke in a more modulated style. (This survey only involved men but since then, it has been increasingly recognised, that this classification also applies to women, especially those in business).

Surprisingly, the survey reported, Type A’s often go to bed earlier most nights than Type B’s who tend to get interested in things irrelevant to their careers and sit up late, or simply socialise. It should be borne in mind that most people are mixture of Type A and B, but usually one pattern predominates.

In this test group, Type A’s were found to be two to three times more likely than the Type B’s to get heart disease in middle age. When As and Bs were evaluated with respect to the generally accepted risk factors for heart trouble, it was found that these As would have been rated safer because of their blood pressure, parental history or any com-

bination of the usual factors considered more likely to develop coronary heart disease. And Bs in this study could show adverse ratings in blood pressure and the other factors, and still be relatively safe.

Dr. Rosenman reported that any B type whose level of cholesterol and other fatty acids was within normal limits “had complete immunity to coronary heart disease, irrespective of his high-fat, cholesterol diet, family history or his habits of smoking or lack of exercising.”

What Creates a Type A or Type B? These cardiologists did not come up with an answer, but to them it was obvious that both heredity and environment are involved. Type A’s are naturally attracted towards careers of aggressiveness and pressure. What type A’s need, but find hard to achieve, is restraint, says Dr. Friedman.

Studies of stress and its effects are now under way around the world. Back in 1950 Hans Selye published the first – and sole – treatise; last year there were around 6000 separate reports on stress research.

Now that heart disease can be traced to unrelenting competitiveness and baffled fury, maybe there will be a wave of awareness to match the widespread interest and belief in jogging and poly-unsaturated oils. We all need to slow down, enjoy every moment, put things in perspective - and take time to smell the flowers.

INTERESTING FACTS ABOUT STRESS Stress is a key cause of insomnia in many patients.

Laughing lowers levels of stress hormones and strengthens the immune system.

Ancient Greeks found relief from stress by chewing a gum made from a resin.

75% of the general population experiences at least “some stress” every two weeks.

The term stress was first employed in a biological context by the endocrinologist Hans Selye in the 1930s.

An estimated 1 million workers are absent on an average workday because of stress related complaints.

ISSUE 002

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ISSUE 002

bizwhiz

What are your

F

or years I had a very important policy regarding my weight: The policy was that I would keep my weight so that I never had to buy pants with more than a 36” waistline. If my pants got a little snug, I’d cut back on my eating.

I haven’t violated that policy for years.

But then I decided I really needed to have a 34” waistline, so I got on Weight Watchers, became mostly a raw vegan and reached that new pant size in less than three months (and lost 20 pounds).

You see, a policy is simply a rule you make and follow.

It’s something that works for you. It’s something that you stick to. It’s something that’s important to you.

So you just do it.

I recently took on two new policies in my life for my health and well-being. I now walk for one hour

POLICIES

By Devon Rather

a day in the afternoon and meditate for 30 minutes each morning.

No struggle, no effort, no weeping and wailing. After all, I have a policy and I just follow through with it.

And you can do the same thing with your marketing. I have.

My policy is to follow up on clients every Monday & Wednesday and find out about their business and also to find out if they have any suggestions for me to improve my services to them. I have been doing that for the last 10 years.

But hardly anybody sets a policy and lives by it. Not even the government. There’s always exceptions, reasons why, circumstances, or somebody else to blame.

So we struggle, we try, we “make an honest effort,” but rarely do we follow through with something so consistently that others could set their watch by it.

“Sure, but what about spontaneity, creativity, going with the flow, and finding the right mood?”

All of those are very nice, and it’s great when they strike us, but they don’t hold a candle to a policy that you simply adhere to, come rain or shine, sleet or hail.

So how do you set a policy for your marketing?

Pick a thing that you know you ought to be doing consistently. I don’t care what it is, but it should probably be a daily or weekly activity. Talk to your friends, get a coach, figure it out, and then commit.

ISSUE 002

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memberlist Business Area Promotional materials.

Firm AD Gifts Limited Address Box 66688-00800 NRB Tel: 722155203 Email: info@adgifts.co.ke Business Area Firm Address ` Email:

Handicrafts Awama Africana Arts Box 12048 MSA Tel: 725936324 amuriuki68@yahoo.com

Business Area General Supply And Services Firm Annverti Traders Address Box 578 MSA Tel: 0724990434/0725439382 Fax: 412226149 Email: annvertitraders@gmail.com Business Area Lostical services, clearing & forwarding, transportation & warehousing.

Firm Emica Logistics Limited Address Box 21209NRB Tel: 0722129779 Fax: 203737917 Email: info@emicalogistics.com Business Area Firm Address Tel: Fax: Email:

Water Provision Coast Water Service Board Box 90417MSA 2315230 2316471 info@cwsb.go.ke; maradejara1@yahoo.com

Business Area Clearing & Forwarding.

Firm Ruman Limited Address Box 86551MSA Tel: 2315675/6 Fax: 2222495 Email: info@ruman.co.ke Business Area Firm Address Tel: Fax: Email:

Supply of water & sewerage services.

Mombasa Water Supply And Sanitation Box 1100MSA 2315847 2222728 info@mombasawater.co.ke

Business Area

Exporters of wet & dry cargo, importers of bulk oil dry cargo & containerised cargo, offer custom clearing & forwarding services.

Seacon (K) Ltd Box 42513MSA 2314481/0722965852 2223384 operations@seacon.co.ke

Firm Address Tel: Fax: Email: Business Area Firm

30

ISSUE 002

General construction & furniture manufacturer Island Homes Developers Ltd

Address Tel: Email:

Box 2930-MSA 20506190 info@islandhomesdevelopers.com

Business Area Firm Address Tel: Fax: Email:

Clearing & forwarding agent.

Maritime Freight Co. Ltd Box 99611-80107 MSA 2220075/2226813 2316312 md@mafrcol.com

Business Area Firm Address Tel: Fax: Email:

Clearing & forwarding, property management.

Royal Circle Agencies Box 86551-80100MSA 722230416 2315675/6 info@royalcircleagencies.com; info@ruman.co.ke

Business Area Firm Address Tel: Fax: Email:

Logistics services.

Weston Logistics Ltd Box 90355-80100 MSA 722555544 2494605 westonlogistics@wananchi.com

Business Area Firm Address Tel: Fax: Email:

Real Estate World- Gates Investments Co. Box 429430/80100MSA 723360803 2048311 worldgates@yahoo.com

Business Area Firm Address Tel: Fax: Email:

Real Estate L.A.B International (K) Ltd Box 99883-80107 MSA 2227989/0733227989 2224734 t@labkenya.com

Business Area

Firm Address Tel: Fax: Email:

Clearing & forwarding, warehousing, airfreight & CFS for cars & containers.

Mitchell Cotts Freight Kenya Ltd Box 42485-80100 MSA 222 95 68 2226181 sales@mitchellcotts.co.ke

Business Area Firm Address Tel: Fax: Email:

Offers logistics & project management.

Tranceoceanic Project Dev. (K) Ltd Box 94086-80107 MSA 2319704 2319703 marshalwandera@hdglobal.net

Business Area Firm Address Tel: Fax:

Logistics & Warehousing of Tea. Chai Trading Company Limited Box 93324-80102 MSA 2033676/722280054 2048311 The Kenya Chamber

Email:

info@chaitrading.com

Business Area

Sale of Mercedes, Nissan pick up & cars, JEEP 4*4, & Accessories after service.

Firm D.T Dobie Address Box 84065-80100MSA Tel: 2316757/58 Fax: 2316764 Email: ken.gibson@msa. dtdobie.co.ke Business Area Shipping line.

Firm Seven Seas Shipping Agencies (K) Ltd Address Box 88049-80100MSA Tel: 772004066 Fax: 2312515 Email: noaman@seven seaske.com Business Area Firm Address Tel: Email:

Suppliers of general merchandise Likei Enterprise Box 96589-80110MSA 0721365106 ogeyaes@yahoo.com

Business Area Firm Address Tel: Fax: Email:

Importers of tyres.

Tribatyre Africa Limited Box 97248-8011MSA 718770699 412000442 a.trienekens@tribatyre.com

Business Area Firm Address Tel: Email:

Pharmaceutical importers & distributors.

Shakir Pharmacy Box 80985-80100 MSA 723701621 ibrahim.laborex@gmail.com

Business Area Shipping & relate activities Firm Rais Shipping Services (Kenya) Ltd Address Box 87684-80100 MSA ` Tel: 2319460 Fax: 2319458 Email: info@rsske.com Business Area Sale generators, repair & service, cummins

generators, import & sale piaggio rickshaw, sale of

tvs & suzuki motor cycles, water pump & inger &

rand air compressors.

Firm Car and General Address Box 90444-80100 MSA Tel: 722209875 Fax: 2315806 Email: george.rubiri@cargen.com Business Area Firm Address Tel: Email: The Kenya Chamber

Recruitment Agencies.

El-Maawy Agency Box 613-80100 MSA 0715-653840 elmaawyagency@yahoo.co.uk

Business Area Tea Exporters Firm Al-Emir Ltd Address Box 81254 MSA Tel: 2226830 Email: accounts@al-emir.com Business Area Firm Address Tel: Fax: Email:

Electrical And Mechanical Contractors.

Alwex Electrical Services (K) Ltd Box 16794-80100 MSA 2002857/2495417 2495417 alwexmsa@ymail.co.ke

Business Area Firm Address Tel: Fax: Email:

Coffee Roasting & Tea Parking.

Bico Limited Box 84745-80100MSA 0720885333/2223568/2223825/15 2231035 atc2@africaonline.co.ke

Business Area Firm Address Tel: Fax: Email:

Tea & Coffee Exporters Africa Tea & Coffee Co Ltd Box 90212-80100MSA 0720885333/2223568/2223825/15 2230135 atc2@africaonline.co.ke

Business Area Firm Address Tel: Fax: Email:

Transport & warehousing.

Risala Ltd Box 90212-80100MSA 0720885333/2223568/2223825/15 2230135 atc2@africaonline.co.ke

Business Area Firm Address Tel:

Impoters of cereals Export Trading Co. Ltd Box 99007-80100MSA 2226469

Business Area Agricultural Commodities Firm Capital Reef Kenya Limited Address Box 84956 MSA Tel: 712555455 Email: km@capitalreef.biz; mba@capitalreef.biz Business Area

Firm Address Tel: Fax: Email:

Import & export of commodities rice, sugar, wheat, maize, pulses, oil seeds & fertilizers.

Hydery (P) Ltd Box 82576-80100 MSA 722203840 2229622 ad@hydery.net

Business Area Firm Mastrade Holdings Ltd Address Tel: 722706266 Email: prolonglimited@gmail.com; ndungumureu@gmail.com

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memberlist Business Area Paints contractors & distributors metrotile agents.

Firm Prolong Kenya Ltd Address Box 95996-80100 MSA Tel: 722706266 Email: prolonglimited@gmail.com; ndungumureu@gmail.com

Firm Address Tel: Fax: Email:

One Touch Ltd Box 42966-80100 MSA 41 2228003 2228003 onetouchltd@gmail.com

Business Area Firm Address Tel: Fax: Email:

Clearing & forwarding..

Zula Global Development Limited Box 1168-80100MSA 2315029/30 2315030 info@zulaglobal.com

Business Area Firm Address Tel: Fax: Email:

Tea Exporters.

Abbas Traders Limited Box 80240MSA 2316699 2222455 office@abbastraders.com

Business Area Firm Address Tel: Email:

Manpower personel.

Fabra Agency Box 83408MSA 0722884113/0723110002 fabraagency@yahoo.com

Business Area Importers of cocopeat & training farmers in new technology Firm Foretu Enterprises Ltd Address Box 10473-80101BAMBURI Tel: 0723718950/0714151950 Fax: 20 20665122 Email: foretufarm@yahoo.com

Business Area Firm Address Tel: Fax: Email:

Recruitment Agencies.

Al-Dhamana Alwatania Agency Box 90549 MSA 0711796198/0727667179 38325592 aldhamana@yahoo.com

Business Area Firm Address Tel: Fax: Email:

Ship Contractors.

Blue Cat Port Services Ltd Box 83053-80100 MSA 220129/230597 226656 blue-cat@africaonline.co.ke

Business Area Firm Address Tel: Fax: Email:

Manufacturing of aluminium products.

Kaluworks Ltd Box 89128-80100 MSA 2221080 2220176 venunair@kaluworks.com

Business Area Firm Address Tel: Fax: Email:

Enamelware, Hurricane lantern & Stoves Cook N Lite limited Box 83934-80100MSA 722204402/733603499 20 8070500 cnl.ke@cooknlite.com

Business Area Sale hydrolics seals, repair of hydrolic cylinders Firm Cesscolina East Africa Ltd Address Box 698-80100 MSA Tel: 710990376 Fax: 2490636 Email: info@cesscolina.co.ke cesscolina@yahoo.com

Business Area Firm Address Tel: Fax: Email:

Manufacturing of Aluminium products.

Narcol Aluminum Rolling Mills Ltd Box 80872-80100 MSA 2226317/2225077/2228594 2228615 info@narcol.com ; finance@narcol.com

Business Area Agriculture / sisal Firm Wigglesworth Exporters Ltd Address Box 9051 MSATel: 710990376 Tel: 733553352 Email: e.karachiwalla@msa.reavipingo.co.ke; g.nywoki@msa.reavipingo.co.ke

Business Area

Firm Address Tel: Email:

Import & export of commodities rice, sugar, wheat, maize, pulses, oil seeds & fertilizers.

The Commodity House Ltd Box 82576-80100 MSA 2311109 ad@hydery.net

Business Area Firm Address Tel: Fax: Email:

Business Area

Firm Address Tel: Email:

Import & export of commodities rice, sugar, wheat, maize, pulses, oil seeds & fertilizers.

Stunt Wave Ltd Box 88799-80100 MSA 2229835/2311109 ad@hydery.net

Business Area Firm Address

Logistics,warehousing & clearing & forwarding.

Consolidated (Msa) Ltd Box 90400-80100 MSA

Construction services.

Westcon Contructors Ltd Box 87556-80100MSA 0202353309/722292750 202353309 info@westcon.co.ke

Business Area Exporters of tea, importers of filter paper & flavors for food.

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ISSUE 002

The Kenya Chamber

Tel: 2494481/5 Fax: 2494570 Email: shirin@teawhse.com , gpnesbitt@consolidated.co.ke Business Area Warehousing & clearing & forwarding.

Firm Swife Limited Address Box 99434-80107 MSA Tel: 722205669/ 2009644 Email: swife@africaonline.co.ke; yonah@swife.co.ke Business Area

Firm Address Tel: Email:

Sale & Distributors of motor vehicles, spareparts & repairs & maintenance.

Foton East Africa Ltd Box 84002-80100 MSA 2493334/5 ahmedbahannan@fotonea.co.ke

Business Area Firm Address Tel: Fax: Email:

Manufacturers of wheat products.

T.S.S Grain Millers Ltd Box 85039-80100 MSA 2222201/2/2222819 2228886 info@tssgroup.co.ke

Business Area Valuation consoltancy & estate agencies.

Firm Paul Wambua Valuers Tel: 22222827 Fax: 2222827 Email: pwvaluers@wananchi.com info@pwvaluers.com Business Area Firm Address Tel: Fax: Email:

Clearing & transport.

Export Consolidation Services (K) Ltd Box 1846-80100 MSA 2230614 2225733 ecs@africaonline.co.ke

Business Area Firm Address Tel: Email:

Overseas jobs placement for kenya Rawafid Manpower Solution Box 90280-80100MSA 705220487 info@rwafid.com

Business Area Firm Address Tel: Fax: Email:

Marine projects.

Kenya Marine Contractors (EPZ) ltd Box 94022-8-100MSA 0262381040/1/721345168 94022 infomarine@kenyamarinecontractors.com

Business Area

Firm Address Tel: Fax:

Exporters of tea , coffee, cocoa & seeds & importers of wheat sorghum & fertilizer, offers clearing forwarding, shipping & warehousing services.

United (E.A) Warehouses Ltd Box 99350-80100 MSA 2315144 2230174

The Kenya Chamber

Email:

uea@unitedwarehouses.co.ke

Business Area Firm Address Tel: Fax: Email:

Exporters of tea & coffee.

Mombasa Coffee Limited Box 88623-80100MSA 2312948/9 2316326 momcof@africaonline.co.ke

Business Area Firm Address Tel: Email:

Security Services Three Star Guard Box 84779-80100 MSA 722222787 ogendonaftali@yahoo.com

Business Area Car rentals, air travel, tours & safaris travel insurance.

Firm Deans Travel Centre Ltd Address Box 88792-80100 MSA Tel: 2317211/2315425 Email: info@deanstravelcentre.com Business Area Firm Address Tel: Email:

Exporters of tea.

Van Rees BV Box 83835-80100 MSA 02035761150/729220395 tea@vanreeskenya.com

Business Area

Firm Address Tel: Email:

Importers of welding roads, offer services in metal fabrication & renovation.

Fesh Enterprises Box 99051-80100MSA 2225478/733736807 shabbir@feshent.com

Business Area Firm Address Tel: Fax: Email:

Seafreight & airfreight services.

Eculine Kenya Limited Box 94066-80100 MSA 2311563/2223035 2311530 Benjamin@ecumba.eculine.net

Business Area Firm Address Tel: Email:

Security Services Winstar Security Guards Ltd Box 42773-80100MSA 0722883589/2315397/2313638 winseco2001@gmail.com

Business Area Firm Address Tel: Fax: Email:

Finance & management consultants.

Martin Were Soita Box 86627-80100 MSA 041 2228873 2228873 soita@yahoo.com

Business Area Firm Address Fax: Email:

Exporters of Tea Juja Coffee Exporters Ltd Tel: 720749111 2228886 info@tssgroup.co.ke ISSUE 002

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memberlist Business Area Firm Tel: Fax: Email:

Transport services.

T.S.S Transporters Ltd 720749111 2228886 info@tssgroup.co.ke

Business Area Firm Address Tel: Fax: Email:

Manpower services.

Al Afif Global Agencies Box 98037-80100 MSA 220629/ 0722721102 220629 afif_agencies@yahoo.com

Business Area Firm Address Tel: Email:

Manpower Recruitment.

Al-Faizin Agencies Box 43333-80100 MSA 0722677280,0733828699 alfaizinagencies@yahoo.com

Business Area Firm Address Tel: Fax: Email:

Kitui Flour Mills Ltd Box 42160 MSA 722746111 2490653 said@kituiflourmills.com

Business Area Firm Address Tel: Email:

Exporters of Tea Gold Crown Foods (EPZ) Ltd Box 89103MSA 2223404/05/2230119/2230217/2230488 goldcrown@africaonline.co.ke

Business Area Exporters of Tea Firm Global Tea & Commodities (K) Ltd Address Box 80324-80100MSA Tel: 2223404/05 Fax: 2227308/2225945 Email: mail@globaltea.co.ke; kahindi.hare@globaltea.co.ke Business Area

Firm Address Tel: Email:

Exporters of can sodas, importers of sugar, concrete & empty cans.

Coast Bottlers Limited Box 83154 MSA 2000197/8 coke.msa@costalbottlers.co.ke

Business Area Firm Address Email:

Human resource management & recruitment.

Two Star Agencies Tel: 020310123/020310124 twostar@finham.co.ke

Business Area Firm Address Tel: Fax: Email:

Clearing & forwarding.

Spedag Interfreight (K) Ltd Box 80741-80100 MSA 2224658 2316895 mombasa@spedaginterfreight.com

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Business Area Exporters & importers of tea & offer warehousing services.

Firm Tea Warehouse Ltd Address Box 98066-80100 MSA Tel: 2494481 Fax: 2494570 Email: shirin@teawhse.com , gpnesbitt@consolidated.co.ke Business Area

Firm Address Tel: Email:

Specialist in renovation, building works, carpentry & joinery & Construction.

Fine Touch Builders Box 98373-80100 MSA 729204122 mokipeter2007@yahoo.com

Business Area Real Estate, land developers, business & tax consoltants.

Firm Mohamed Ibrahim Musa Mohamed Address Box 40312-80100 MSA Tel: 720289095 Email: mohamed@binibrahimandsons.co.ke, binibrahim.sons@gmail.com Business Area Firm Address Tel: 2222106 Email:

Spare Parts for Motor vehicles Parts Benzar Autoparts Ltd Box 82122-8-100 MSA

Business Area Firm Address Tel: Fax: Email:

Restaurant.

Shehnai Limited Box 81676-80100 MSA 2222847 2492435 shehnai.restaurant@gmail.com

benzar@worldspares.co.ke

Business Area Importers of machine & tools.

Firm Aspire K Ltd Address Email: bandari@hotmail.com, mwabonje@gmail.com Business Area Firm Address Email:

Exporters syringe & needles & importers of needles.

Revital Healthcare (EPZ) ltd Tel: 737979009 dck@dckvora.com, florence@dckvora.com

Business Area Firm Address Email:

Ruhi General Agency Tel: 723816792 rukrashid@yahoo.com

Business Area Firm Address Tel: Fax:

Container Services & shipping line.

PIL (K) Ltd Box 43050-80100 MSA 222700/2229286 2225927

The Kenya Chamber

Email:

nandan,warrier@mba.pilship.com

Business Area Firm Address Email:

Manufacturers of soda ash.

Tata Chemical Magadi Ltd Tel: 720478574 rmuigai@tatachemicals.com

Business Area Firm Address Tel: Email:

Finance & management consultants.

Cutting Edge Communication Ltd Box 80586-80100 MSA 2319513/2315657 info@cuttingedge.co.ke

Business Area Firm Address Tel: Email:

Sale, repair & installation of communication radios.

Hitech Radiocall Services Ltd Box 40879-80100MSA 722769736 hitecradios@wananchi.com

Business Area Firm Address Tel: Email:

Recruitment Agencies.

Al-muumin Agencies Box 86284 MSA 751578188 aluuminagencies@yahoo.com

Business Area Firm Address Email:

Water supply services Hidaye Mahmood Islam Tel: 722859029 hidayem@gmail.com

Business Area Firm Address Tel: Email:

Accounting & finance services J. M. Njoya & Associates Box 83158 - 80100 MSA 2225222/4/722757981 jmnjoya@yahoo.com

Business Area Firm Address Tel: Email:

Event planning & party planning.

Soni Creations Box 55841-00200NRB 0728320464 sonicreationskenya@gmail.com

Business Area

Firm Address Tel: Fax: Email:

Importers of raw wheat, distributors of wheat flour & maize flour.

Mombasa Maize Millers Ltd Box 87074-80100 MSA 2494611/1/2/3 2491656 mohamed.islam@mmm.co.ke

Business Area Deals in tour operations, ticketing, car hire & hotel booking.

Firm Uniform Travel Centre Ltd Address Box 80652-80100 MSA Tel: 2229420/1 Fax: 2229281/2220041 Email: nasrinaa@hotmail.com, nasra.uniformtravel@galileo.co.ke

The Kenya Chamber

Business Area

Firm Address Tel: Fax: Email:

Import of Concrete mixers, pumps, power tools & after sale services.

Engineering Supplies Ltd Box 86540-80100 MSA 2492457/9 2490902 sanjay@eslgroup.co.ke

Business Area Firm Address Tel: Email:

Exporters & importers of tea.

Ranfer Teas (K) Ltd Box 86540-80100 MSA 722732691 moshin@ranferteas.co.ke

Business Area Firm Address Tel: Email:

Exporters of coffee Rashid Moledina & Co Msa Ltd Box 80324-80100MSA 2225662 rashmole@webrunner.co.ke

Business Area Firm Address Tel: Fax: Email:

Dealers of food commodities.

Naushad Trading Co. Box 87587 - 80100 MSA 2227095/2225935/2222019 2311997 info@ntclimited.com

Business Area Firm Address Tel: Email:

Distributors and retailers of Coca Cola Aqualine Distributors Ltd Box 34355MSA 720877140 aqualinedistributors@gmail.com

Business Area Firm Address Tel: Fax: Email:

Container freight station.

Interpel Investments Box 86823-80100 KIPEVU 0413430105/6/7 3430108 markering@interpel.co.ke

Business Area Firm Address Tel: Email: i

Transport Logistics.

Forbridge Logistics East Africa Box 80266-80100MSA 722329713 nfo@forbridgekenya.com

Business Area Firm Address Tel: Fax: Email:

Manpower Supply/Recruitment.

Aljazeera Agencies Ltd Box 97272 MSA 712668770 412495896 admin@aljazeerakenya.com

Business Area Laboratory testing, cargo inpection & environment services.

Firm Polucon Services (K) ltd Address Box 99344-80107 MSA Tel: 2003671/2/3/470777 Email: polucon@polucon.com; ISSUE 002

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memberlist accounts@polucon.com Business Area Exporters of tea & environment services.

Firm Lula Trading Co. Ltd Address Box 40313-80100MSA Tel: 722879802 Email: lulaone2003@yahoo.com/ lula@wananchi.com Business Area Firm Address Tel: Fax: Email:

Manufacturers of glass containers & tablewares.

Millyglass Works Limited Box 80810-80100 MSA 2224401/2/3 2222382 sales@millyglass.com

Business Area Firm Address Tel: Email:

House keeping, drivers & security services.

Noorain Agency Box 104 MTWAPA 0720177235/312671 noorain1472@yahoo.com

Business Area Buiding of materials Firm Miritini Building Products Ltd Address Box 84653-80100MSA Tel: 0724305344, 0722593059, 0202040676/7 Email: nafisa@miritini.com, info@miritini.com Business Area Firm Address Tel: Email:

Dealers of filters Arman Trading Co. Box 84763-80100MSA 2226670/2312479/2312484/0733410475 atc@armangroup.net

Email: info@panalfreighters.com, ahmed@panalfreighters.com Business Area Firm Address Email:

SGS Kenya Ltd Tel: 2226679 ali.nuweya@sgs.com

Business Area Firm Address Tel: Email:

Exporters of horticultural produce & agri commodities.

Jakal Services Limited Box 86874-80100 MSA 2229435 jakal@kenya.com

Business Area Firm Address Tel: Fax: Email:

Tiles & sanitary ware Roshina Timber Mart Box 81502-80100MSA 0722320786/0733786525 2222473 sales@roshinagroup.com

Business Area

Firm Address Email:

Importers of tea packaging materials & handling machines, offer services on bulking tea, packing tea & tea value addition.

Gokal Bevarages (EPZ) Ltd Tel: 041-2005392 admin@gokalbevarages.com

Business Area Exporters of tea & inspection services offered.

Firm Marchant Technical Services Ltd Address Box 40242-80100MSA Tel: 2227204/722860401 Email: mutero@merchanttechnicalservices.com; info@merchanttechnicalservices.com

Business Area Exporters of socks & linings, importers of yarn & manufacturing services.

Firm Kamyn Industries Ltd Address Tel: 0202170999/0722206481/0736777177 Fax: 202689600 Email: socks@kamyn.co.ke

Business Area Firm Address Tel: Fax: Email:

Hardworkshop and woodwork.

Jambo Wood Works Ltd Box 95894-80106 MKOMANI 0733474216/0717633022/474216 471279 jamboww@hotmail.com

Business Area Firm Address Fax: Email:

Business Area Firm Address Email:

Land & hydrographic surveying.

Mwangi Land Services Tel: 722693929 sammymwangi2000@yahoo.com

Business Area

Firm Address Tel: Fax: Email:

Import shipping, warehousing, transit goods, transport agents, packaging & consolidation, clearing & forwarding agents.

Ocean Pacific International Lines Ltd Box 2533 - 80100 MSA 2226888/2314027 2226888 oceanpacific@africaonline.co.ke

Business Area Firm Tel: Email:

Mr Manoj Shah 722412084 manoj@reelmicro.com

Clearing & Forwarding.

Ripe Freight Services Ltd Tel: 722411771/ 2227241 2223683 ripe@africaonline.co.ke

Business Area Firm Address Tel: Email:

M.A Panju & Bros Ltd Box 82985-80100MSA 722412846 panju@ikenya.com

Business Area Firm Address Tel: Fax:

Clearing & forwarding and transportation agent.

Panal Freighters Ltd Box 41458-80100 MSA 2315068/2314277 2314277

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The Kenya Chamber

Business Area Firm Address Tel: Email:

Benson Mushiri Box 2564-80100MSA 721630858 moonsonmovers@gmail.com

Business Area Firm Address Tel: Email:

Construction services.

Anne Messi Box 465-80100MSA 711477478 annmessi@ubakenya.org

Business Area Logistics & transportation.

Firm Joseph M. Kirema Address Box 88561-80100 MSA Tel: 0203501248/0203577041 Fax: 202052634 Email: info@summitcove.co.ke, jkirema@summitcove.co.ke Business Area Firm Address Tel: Email:

Logistics & transportation.

Mohamed Bagha Box 3411-80100 MSA 722412433/ 722412473/ 733795148 reliablehauliers@gmail.com

Business Area Firm Address Tel: Email:

Recruitment Agencies.

Al-Mayah Recruitment Agency Box 86848 MSA 722322534 H-A-911@hotmail.com

Business Area Firm Address Tel: Email:

Open Energy Ltd Box 86848 MSA 20248251/ 750602000 info@openenergy.co.ke

Business Area Firm Address

Metrix Investments Co. Ltd

Tel: Email:

2229164 elox@awiftmombasa.com

Business Area

Firm Address Tel: Fax: Email:

Importers of electrical goods & accessories & light fittings & distributor of solar equipment,pvc pipe cables & fans.

Tonlect Enterprises Ltd Box 80100-80196 MSA 2223666 314955 ton@africaonline.co.ke

Business Area Firm Address Tel: Fax: Email:

Exporters of tea.

Cargill K Ltd Box 90403-80100 MSA 225701 225284 david_irungu@cargill.com

Business Area Firm Address Email:

Importers & Distributors of Digital & Printing media.

Pirbhai Enterprises Tel: 733729330 pirbhai@africaonline.co.ke

Business Area

Firm Address Tel: Fax: Email:

Exporters & importers communication technology, offer enterprise solution services.

Techbiz Ltd Box 86966-80100 MSA 2221234/6 2221250 ketand@techbizafrica.com, finance@techbizafrica.com

Business Area Firm Address

Hajj Caravan Tel: 2221646Fax: 2221250

Business Area Firm Address Tel: Email:

Manpower services Interlead Ltd Box 96277-80110 LIKONI 722523020 ali@interleadlimited.com

Business Area Installation of Biometric Systems, Electric Fencinbg, CCtv Equipment.

Firm Capcom Ltd Address Box 39511-00623 NRB Tel: 3741619 Fax: 3741471 Email: sales@capcom.co.ke Business Area Firm Address Tel: Email:

Manpower recruitment & provision.

Sazuju General Agencies Box 83408-80100 MSA 722884113 sajuzuagencies@yahoo.com

Business Area

Firm Address

Security lock systems/ repair and maintenance of safe & vaults.

Electro Lock Ltd Box 98390-80100 MSA

The Kenya Chamber

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the kenya national chamber of commerce &industry Fidelity Assurance House, Kaunda Avenue ,Mombasa, Tel: 041 2316161 Cell: 0722 475 890 Email: info.msa@kenyachamber.co.ke

APPLICATION FOR MEMBERSHIP/INVOICE I/W e desire to be admitted to the membership of the Kenya National Chamber of Commerce and Industry upon the terms of , and subject in all respect to, the Constitution and Rules of the Kenya National Chamber.

Name of Business (or individual) _________________________________________________________ Place of Business (building) _____________________________________________________________ P.O Box__________________________________Town: ______________________________________ District: ________________________________ Telephone: ___________________________________ Fax: __________________________________ Email: ________________________________________ MEMBERSHIP DEMOGRAPHICS Business Office:

Branch: _________________________ Regional:____________________________ Headquarter:_____________________ Country :____________________________

Employees:

Fulltime:________________________ Part time : ___________________________ Seasonal: ____________________________________________________________

Full Names of Propriator, Partners, Principals, Directors or Officers (as applicable) & Nationalities: Chief Executive: _______________________________________________________________________ Title: ________________________________________________________________________________ Others: ______________________________________________________________________________ Please indicate the name of the person to be listed as your firm’s Chamber representable: Name: _______________________________________________________________________________ Title: ________________________________________________________________________________ Products Exported: _____________________________________________________________________ Products Imported: _____________________________________________________________________ Services Offered: ______________________________________________________________________ Retailer/Distributor: ____________________________________________________________________ Membership fees (See applicable rates annexed) I/We enclose Cheque/ Money order No._______________ in the amount of Kshs.

Being Kshs.____________.In respect of entrance fee for the appropriator membership. And Kshs____________ in respect of Annual Subscription fees, Paid in advance.

N/B: Cheques/Money orders should be made payable to: The Kenya National Chamber of Commerce and Industry.

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ADVERT

ISSUE 002

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