M12.01 2022 by nustobaydo

E N R I C H I N G L I F E ’ S J O U R N E YS

DECEMBER 2021 - JANUARY 2022 | ISSUE 170

LOOKING GOOD

8 AFR I CAN FAS HION DE SI GN ERS TO WATCH IN 2 022

SPORTS REVIEW 2021

C EL EBR ATING A GR EAT Y E AR FOR AF R ICAN ATH LETE S

HIGH FLYERS

M E ET TH E TEAM BE HIND KQ’S FAHA RI AV IATIO N

beach BACK TO THE

REDISCOVER THE MAGIC OF KENYA’S COAST

A new direct service option

E N R I C H I N G L I F E ’ S J O U R N E YS

GET RUNNING WITH KIPCHOGE HAVE YOU EVER WANTED TO RUN WITH AN OLYMPIC CHAMPION? WELL, NOW YOU CAN, THANKS TO MSAFIRI. KENYA’S MARATHON LEGEND ELIUD KIPCHOGE TAKES YOU THROUGH YOUR PACES, WITH HIS COMPREHENSIVE TRAINING PROGRAMME. PLUS: LOADS MORE KIPCHOGE INSIGHTS.

LET’S RUN TOGETHER @ bit.ly/3GjZlCS And it’s FREE! To ensure you receive every issue of PVDů UL, direct to your inbox, join our mailing list @ ZZZ PVDů ULPDJ FRP

WHY DELAY? GET RUNNING TODAY!

On the cover: Couple on the beach by PeopleImages/ Getty Images

ENRICHING LIFE’S JOURNEYS MSAFIRI IS THE OFFICIAL MAGAZINE OF KENYA AIRWAYS – THE PRIDE OF AFRICA

msafiri is available only in digital format. It can be read directly on our website: www.msafirimag.com Or download the app to read it – anytime, anywhere – on your mobile phone or tablet. Simply search for ‘msafiri magazine’ on your usual App Store (for iOS, Android or Kindle). msafiri is also available at www.zinio.com msafiri is published by Gecko Publishing for Kenya Airways

Tel: +254 (0)20 642 2000, Email: msaﬁr@ kenya-airways.com, www.kenya-airways.com Director, Marketing, Communications & Public Affairs: Dennis Kashero; Head of Content Development: Rehema Kahurananga Advertising: Media Edge Interactive, Tel: +254 (0)20 420 5000 / 0723 140187 / 0734 271488, Email: msaﬁri@mediaedgeke.com COO and Deputy CEO: Esther Ngomeli; Head of Media Sales: Rose Kagori-Kahenya; Project Coordinator: Reuben Ndirangu

For all editorial matters, please email msaﬁri@geckomags.com Contributors: African Wildlife Foundation, Tom Bailey, Jackson Biko, Harun Momanyi, Peter Muiruri, Tabitha Mwangi, Margaret Njugunah, Timothy Olobulu, Paul Udoto and Patricia Wanjala PLEASE NOTE: Information on events and opening times in this issue is particularly susceptible to change. Readers are advised to contact outlets to check availability before planning visits or booking travel. © Gecko Publishing Ltd and individual contributors. No part of the contents may be reproduced or stored in a retrievable system without prior written permission from the publishers. All advertisements and non-commissioned text are taken in good faith. While every care is taken to ensure accuracy in preparing the magazine, the publisher and Kenya Airways assume no responsibility in effects risen therefrom. The opinions expressed in this publication are not necessarily those of the editor or any other organisation associated with this publication. No liability can be accepted for any inaccuracies or omissions. Material is submitted at the sender’s risk and the publishers and Kenya Airways cannot accept responsibility for accidental loss or damage. ISSN: 2046-1836 (online)

ka bu DEAR READER Welcome to the December 2021–January 2022 issue of msafiri. it has been another tough 12 months, but we’re looking to the future with optimism and confidence. 2022 should be a year in which we all work together to encourage travellers to #FlyAgain. Our staff have been resilient and committed, and our stakeholders have been positive and supportive. We would have had a far tougher journey without you, thank you. We believe that the future of aviation is in partnerships We are better together. Our recent landmark agreements with South African Airways and Congo Airways (see page 76) clearly demonstrate the power of co-operation. Our partnerships are based on mutual benefits, for the good of aviation and economies in Africa. We are creating a bigger pool of assets that will ultimately give greater and better choices to our customers. In 2022, we will remain true to our core mission of supporting sustainable development across Africa. We want to show that sustainability is a way of life. The recent Africa Aviation Innovation Summit, which we co-sponsored, is just one of the initiatives we have launched to support this. On pages 28-35, you can read about our pioneering new subsidiary, Fahari Aviation, leading the way in unmanned aerial systems in Africa. The team members of Fahari Aviation vividly illustrate the broad range of skills nurtured at Kenya Airways and how we strive to position the airline as an employer of choice. We were delighted to have won the Africa Leading Airline 2021 Award at the 28th World Travel Awards. Rest assured that, as we emerge from the pandemic and strive to #FlyAgain you, our customers remain our top priority, and we look forward to welcoming you on board The Pride of Africa.

World Travel Awards 2021 WINNER! AFRICA’S LEADING AIRLINE BRAND

WINNER! AFRICA’S LEADING AIRLINE BUSINESS CLASS

Allan

A L L A N K I L AV U K A C H I E F E X E C U T I V E O F F I C E R , K E N YA A I R WAYS

PS: Remember, this digital issue of PVDů UL can be read anytime, anywhere. To ensure you receive every issue, direct to your inbox, join our mailing list at ZZZ PVDů ULPDJ FRP. The magazine is complimentary. So, feel free to share it with your friends and family, and on social media.

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22 12

75 06

LOOKING G OOD

CREATIVELY DIRECTED BY SUNNY DOLAT. PHOTO: HARUN MOMANYI

HOW AFRICA’S LUXURY FASHION DESIGNERS ARE ADAPTING TO THE NEW NORMAL HARUN MOMANYI TALKS STYLE TRENDS WITH EIGHT FASHION DESIGNERS TO WATCH FROM ACROSS THE CONTINENT

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M O UNTAI N G O R I L L A B A BY This intimate photo, taken in Volcanoes National Park, Rwanda, scooped the Youth International prize at the 2021 Benjamin Mkapa African Wildlife Photography Awards. Taking about the image, 15-year-old winner Zander Galli, from the US, said: “While the adults of the Kwitonda gorilla family enjoyed a midday nap after a long bamboo foraging session, this barely one-month-old infant was playing on his mother’s chest. He relentlessly attempted to rouse the others.” FOR MORE WINNING IMAGES FORM THE MKAPA PHOTOGRAPHY AWARDS, TURN TO PAGES 46-51

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haba ALL TH IN G S K ENYA

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FI V E AL I VE

HOW TO F E E L G R E AT! As we look forward with optimism to a better, brighter and more positive 2022, here are ﬁve pick-me-ups to help you feel amazing

Try bioresonance One of the fastest-growing wellness movements of the 21st century is bioresonance therapy. This complementary technique has been around for over 100 years, originating in Europe. Based on physics, it promises to strengthen your body’s natural defences and boost your immunity. How? Bioresonance devices measure the natural oscillations of frequencies of your organs and systems. When these internal ‘melodies’ are out of tune, the devices help realign them, restoring the natural balance of your body’s meridians. Learn more on @bioresonancekenya.

G E T SOME S UN

Make a plan Poor planning, unclear steps and unrealistic goals can lead to stress. Mindful Planning helps you make kinder to-do lists that streamline your goals from the gigantic to the mundane. Nyachomba Kariuki (nyachomba.com), a Kenyan living in the Netherlands, teaches how to ‘stress less’ by setting mindful, achievable goals. Also check out the Full Focus planner from Michael Hyatt, including his planner for teens. What have you got planned for 2022? Writing it down and breaking your plan into chunks will help you feel a greater sense of peace and accomplishment.

Read some poetry We closed our literature textbooks when we ﬁnished high school, but there is something special about immersing yourself in a good poem. It is like an aged whisky or a foamy rich latte. It rolls around the tongue and transports you to another place, adding richness and meaning to life’s moments. Reading poetry is an example of allowing ourselves to experience delight – to revel in the moment and enjoy the pictures conjured up by those delicious words. Try Rupi Kaur (@Rupikaur_) – a poet whose verses are similar to Haiku in their pithy, resonant wisdom.

Go green Nelly Gesare, founder of Greenthing Kenya (@ greenthingke), is passionate about encouraging families to re-use consumer goods and eliminate plastic. Her motto is to abolish single-use anything, from masks to paper towels, to cling ﬁlm and straws. Her company makes household items that are eco-friendly and sustainable. Many neighbourhoods still have tailors and cobblers, so you can repair rather than discard shoes and clothing. This mindful anti-plastic renaissance is much needed on the continent.

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AS MANY OF US ARE WORKING FROM HOME FAR MORE, WE OFTEN DO NOT GET THE REQUIRED AMOUNT OF VITAMIN D-BOOSTING SUNSHINE. FOR A MENTAL AND PHYSICAL HEALTH BOOST, SCHEDULE A WALK OUTSIDE TO GET SOME RAYS. WELLNESS INTERVENTIONIST DR GITAHI THEURI REMARKS THAT “A SURPRISING NUMBER OF PEOPLE IN KENYA ARE VITAMIN D DEFICIENT.” A RECENT STUDY REVEALED THAT PEOPLE OF COLOUR NEED MORE SUN EXPOSURE TO SYNTHESISE THE SAME AMOUNT OF VITAMIN D AS THEIR LESS-MELANATED COUNTERPARTS. IF YOU ARE IN THE NORTHERN HEMISPHERE, THE WINTER SUN IS ALSO BENEFICIAL. IF YOUR DOCTOR AGREES, YOU MAY BENEFIT FROM MOOD-BOOSTING VITAMIN D SUPPLEMENTATION OR HELIOTHERAPY.

WORDS: PAT R I C I A WA N J A L A | @ T R I C I AWA N J A L A

Did you know? “A surprising number of people in .HQ\D DUH YLWDPLQ ' GHů FLHQWş DR GITAHI THEURI, WELLNESS INTERVENTIONIST

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WORDS: PAUL UDOTO, @PAULUDOTO

enya’s inaugural national wildlife census (carried out between April and June 2021) has established the most comprehensive baseline on the country’s wildlife status and distribution. The results will inform the retooling of Kenya’s conservation programmes for iconic species and habitats that are grappling with climatic and human-induced threats. Lauding the census report in August, President Uhuru Kenyatta said, “This national endeavour is a historic opportunity to develop an annotated inventory of our wildlife resources, in recognition of their place as strategic national assets.” The process involved counting more than 30 species of mammals, birds and marine species in various ecosystems across 58 national parks, reserves and private or community conservancies. The three-month survey, which covered over 343,380 sq km, representing 59 per cent of Kenya’s land mass, was funded by the government to the tune of Kh250 million (about US$2.34 million). It was spearheaded by the Ministry of Tourism and Wildlife, the Kenya Wildlife Service and the newly created Wildlife Research and Training Institute under the slogan #CountToConserve. As well as aerial counts, ground counts and individual identiﬁcation, indirect methods were deployed, such as dung counts and the use of camera traps. To gather data, the census team relied on planes, helicopters, boats, vehicles and drones – including those from Fahari Aviation (see our main feature on pages 28-35) – and used Geographic Information Systems (GIS) to record and analyse observations. The groundbreaking wildlife count established that the country is home to 36,280 savannah elephants – a 12 per cent jump from the 32,214 ﬁgure recorded in 2014, when poaching activity was at its peak. Kenya’s herd is now the fourth largest in the world after Zimbabwe, Botswana and Tanzania. But the census also found that Kenya’s black rhino (897), sable antelope (51), hirola antelope (497), Tana River mangabey (1650) and roan antelope (15) are all critically endangered. According to the International Union for the Conservation of Nature (IUCN), this denotes the

COURTESY OF PRESID ENTIAL

STRATEGIC COMMUNIC ATION

UNIT/PSCU

highest degree of risk, indicating that the animals have a 50 per cent likelihood of becoming extinct within a decade or three generations. Nine further species – bongo (150), lion (2589), white rhino (842), elephant (36,280), cheetah (1160), Grevy’s zebra (2649), sitatunga (473), wild dog (865) and Nubian giraffe (768) – were classiﬁed as endangered. The country also hosts 34,240 giraffes, 26,541 impala, 5147 spotted hyenas, 2354 Masai ostrich and 255,936 water fowls, while its 1739 rhinos includes two northern whites (for a full list, turn to pages 14-15). Exponential growth in human population and the accompanying SPECIES WERE rise in demand for land CLASSIFIED for settlement and AS CRITICALLY infrastructure, as well ENDANGERED as activities such as livestock incursions, Black rhino logging, ﬁres and (897) charcoal burning, are undermining recent Sable antelope gains, the report noted. (51) Other threats Hirola antelope to wildlife recorded were habitat loss and (497) land-use changes. Tana river The report recommends mangabey a population survey every three years (1650) and annual budgets Roan antelope for monitoring and (15) management of wildlife.

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E A R T H M AT T E R S

36,280

897

842

2589

121,911

ELEPHANT

BLACK RHINO

WHITE RHINO

LION

COMMON ZEBRA

768

19,740

13,732

13,581

57,613

NUBIAN GIRAFFE

RETICULATED GIRAFFE

MASAI GIRAFFE

ELAND

WILDE BEEST

11,765

2524

8013

ORYX

KUDU

WARTHOG

26,541

13,400

150

GERENUK

MOUNTAIN BONGO

K E NYA WI LD LI F E CEN SUS

I N N UMB E R S : KE N YA’S WI LD LI FE Over 50 species of mammals, birds and marine species were counted during the census

IMPALA

7344

ROAN ANTELOPE

HARTEBEEST

BLUE WHALE

WHALE SHARK

HUMPBACK WHALE

523

4292

748

97,800

720

GREAT WHITE PELICAN

GREAT CORMORANT

GREATER FLAMINGO

LESSER FLAMINGO

YELLOW-BILLED

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STORK

1160

5147

865

41,659

CHEETAH

HYENA

AFRICAN WILD DOG

BUFFALO

66,709

18,277

497

8,627

GRANT’S GAZELLE

THOMSON’S GAZELLE

HIROLA ANTELOPE

TOPI

1768

2354

2649

1071

HIPPO

MASAI OSTRICH

GREVY’S ZEBRA

WATERBUCK

473

340

1219

SABLE ANTELOPE

SITATUNGA

SEA TURTLE NESTS

TANA RIVER RED COLOBUS

354

222

358

INDO-PACIFIC BOTTLENOSE DOLPHIN

SCALLOPED HAMMERHEAD SHARK

GIANT GUITARFISH

OCEANIC WHITETIP SHARK

639

963

692

AFRICAN DARTER

AFRICAN FISH EAGLE

EGYPTIAN GOOSE

RED-KNOBBED COOT

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INNOVATIONS & TECHNOLOGY

.M S A F I R I R E V I E W S

HOT TECH

Coolest new gadgets from around the world... 1

Hundreds of new technology products hit the market every month, but only the best make it onto our Hot Tech pages. So, whether you need the latest travel gadget, something to make your life easier or just want to treat yourself to some cool technology, you came to the right place. This issue we’re taking a closer look at Apple’s next-gen wireless earphones, a phone that is tough enough for James Bond and $PD]RQŜV FULPH ů JKWLQJ URERW

NINTENDO SWITCH OLED Nintendo has released a bigger, better version of its best-selling Switch games console. The new model boasts a sharp 7-inch ‘Organic LED’ display and enhanced audio. You can connect the device to your TV or use it as a portable machine, so you can enjoy multiplayer Mario Kart anywhere. US$350 , AMAZON.COM

REVIEWS BY TOM BAILEY

FITBIT CHARGE 5 This next-gen ﬁtness tracker was developed with the help of Hollywood actor Will Smith. Subscribe to the company’s Premium content and you can work out to videos featuring Smith and his personal training team. The gadget even has a stress monitor that stops you overdoing it. US$180, FITBIT.COM

APPLE AIRPODS (2021) Apple’s latest wireless earphones boast ‘an all-new design’ with smaller stems and touch-sensitive controls. Battery life has been improved from 24 hours to 30 hours (six from the buds, 24 from the case). They even support Spatial Audio, so you can listen to your favourite songs in virtual surround sound. US$179, APPLE.COM

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NOKIA XR20

SONY SRS-NS7

Nokia says its latest XR20 smartphone is tough enough to meet the demands of the world’s toughest customers – including British super-spy James Bond. The ‘life-proof’ device, which appeared in the recent 007 movie No Time to Die, can withstand water for up to an hour and drops as high as 1.8 metres. US$650, NOKIA.COM

This quirky-looking gadget is a wearable speaker. It rests on your shoulders like a C-shaped travel pillow, allowing you to make handsfree phone calls and listen to music without headphones. It features Dolby Atmos for movies, too, so you can immerse your head in virtual surround sound. US$299, SONY.COM

MON E Y MA KE R S

Earn extra cash with these apps…

TASK MATE THIS CROWDSOURCING APP ALLOWS USERS TO GET PAID TO PERFORM ALL SORTS OF TASKS. FROM TRANSLATION TO FURNITURE DELIVERY, IT’S USEFUL FOR BUSINESSES THAT NEED CASUAL HELP – AND CITIZENS WHO NEED EXTRA CASH. SWEATCOIN THERE ARE LOTS OF APPS THAT PAY YOU TO WALK AROUND, BUT SWEATCOIN IS DIFFERENT IN THAT IT DOESN’T SELL YOUR LOCATION DATA. YOU USE SWEATCOINS TO BUY ANYTHING FROM A RAZOR TO HEADPHONES. SWEATCO.IN

AMAZON ASTRO ROBOT

ANKER SOUNDCORE FRAMES

BOSE QUIETCOMFORT 45

Need to step up your security? Amazon’s ﬁrst-ever household robot could be just the job. Astro rolls around on three wheels, checking for intruders and keeping an eye on pets using its 42-inch extendable periscope camera. You can also use it to video chat, play music and display TV shows. US$1450, AMAZON.COM

They might look like a vintage pair of shades but these smart glasses double as open-ear headphones. They feature two tiny speakers in each arm, so you can listen to your favourite tunes while shielding your eyes. Available in 10 stylish designs, they offer 5.5-hours playback per charge. US$200, SOUNDCORE.COM

Bose’s latest wireless headphones do a ﬁne job of shutting out the world. They feature the latest noise-cancelling technology, support for voice controls and an impressive 24-hour battery life. Their tough new ‘glass-nylon’ headband is designed for adventure travel, so they shouldn’t break. US$330, BOSE.COM

ROVER DOG WALKING APP ROVER IS NOW WORTH OVER US$1 BILLION. IT CONNECTS TIME-POOR PET OWNERS WITH DOG-SITTERS AND DOG WALKERS WHO WILL LOOK AFTER YOUR POOCH FOR A SMALL FEE.

ROVER.COM

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B U S I N E SS

LET ’S TALK BUS INE S S

HOW MOBILE TECHNOLOGY C AN S UPPOR T HE ALTHCA R E We talk to Moses Kuria of Carepay on how M-TIBA technology can drive health inclusivity across Kenya

he adoption of technology in healthcare will spare millions of Kenyans from falling into poverty. This is according to Carepay Kenya’s managing director Moses Kuria, who says that harnessing the power of the mobile phone in the health sector will create a transformation similar to what has happened in mobile money transfers and mobile banking. The Kenyan-based company operates M-TIBA, a health financing technology platform for consumers, insurers, healthcare providers and governments. “It is estimated that about 1.5 million people in Kenya will be pushed into poverty each year due to illness-related expenses,” says Kuria. “In Kenya, two out of five people who need care do not seek treatment from hospitals because they lack the money.” A 2014 report by the World Bank found that only 20 per cent of Kenyans have access to medical insurance. Kuria explains that the mobile phone has transformed the way Africans bank, transfer money, shop and interact, but is yet to impact healthcare, despite the great potential. This is the reason why the Kenyan start-up has chosen to create new ways of accessing and financing healthcare through mobile phones.

HOW DOES IT WORK? PHOTO COURTESY OF CAREPAY

M-TIBA administers healthcare payments between insurers, patients and healthcare providers. It also combines digital payments with

real-time medical and financial data collection to help make healthcare safer and more transparent for patients and healthcare providers. But does this idea support universal health coverage? “M-TIBA is designed to improve payments across the healthcare value chain,” explains Kuria. “It pays for health services through its mobile platform, allowing payers (including insurance companies, donors and governments) to efficiently disburse funds, providers (hospitals and clinics) to get paid quicker and citizens to access healthcare more easily.” He adds that the company is using technology to drive health inclusivity through enabling services that improve access through digital payments, appointment reminders and medication alerts. Carepay Kenya is partnering with key players to offer digital health products that will increase insurance penetration in Kenya. For example, the company has teamed up with regional insurance firms Jubilee and Britam to develop affordable digital health products that will drive uptake of insurance among Kenyans.

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“We are also delivering new tools to improve the quality of care through point-of-care decision support, remote consultation, training and case management software,” says Kuria.

SUPPORT DURING COVID To ensure that service delivery remained top-notch during the pandemic, Carepay implemented a raft of measures to cater to the needs of Kenyans. In May 2020, M-TIBA partnered with Kenya Healthcare Federation (KHF) to develop an SMSbased service to identify healthcare workers providing essential services during curfew hours. The partnership helped KHF members to carry on with their duties when transiting lockdown areas or during curfew hours. Over 2000 staff of KHF member organisations enrolled for the service. Kuria’s sentiments come at a time when the Kenyan government is trying to implement universal health coverage. Launched in 2018, the programme is expected to roll out in all 47 counties to ease access to healthcare services for millions of people. Data by the World Health Organization indicates that as of December 2020, the programme had added more than 200 community health units, with 7700 community health volunteers and over 700 health workers recruited.

WORDS: MAR G A RE T NJU GU NA H

The mobile phone has transformed the way Africans bank, transfer money, shop and interact, but is yet to impact healthcare, despite the great potential

FIND OUT MORE M-TIBA (MTIBA.COM) IS A FINANCING TECHNOLOGY PLATFORM FOR CONSUMERS, INSURERS, HEALTHCARE PROVIDERS AND GOVERNMENTS. IT IS A PROVEN HEALTH SYSTEM INTEGRATOR THAT IS REVOLUTIONISING THE MANAGEMENT OF LARGE-SCALE HEALTH SCHEMES AND SUPPORTING THE DRIVE FOR UNIVERSAL HEALTH COVERAGE IN AFRICA. IT ENABLES USERS TO MANAGE THEIR INSURANCE POLICY OR HEALTH PAYMENTS ON THEIR MOBILE. IT HELPS INSURERS, DONORS, AND GOVERNMENTS TO DISTRIBUTE BENEFITS EFFICIENTLY AND TRANSPARENTLY. Left: Moses Kuria, managing director, Carepay Kenya

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B RI L LIA NT M I N D S

A LIFE IN RESEARCH

DAVID OBURA Meet the Kenyan zoologist dedicating his life to studying coral reefs to ﬁnd sustainable solutions that will not only protect them but also continue to support local livelihoods

David Obura is the middle of three children born to Chris Obura and Anna Needs in 1966. David’s parents had met in London, where Chris was studying dentistry, married and returned to Kenya. Anna loved her adopted country, taking her children to game parks and camping all over Kenya. “We were always outdoors,” says David. “During school holidays, we went to Tiwi Beach, south coast, where I spent hours swimming and snorkelling.” After secondary school at Strathmore College in Nairobi, David left for Pearson College, Canada, before proceeding to Harvard University in 1985, to study zoology. “I enjoyed the sciences and did well, which pleased my father as he hoped I would become a dentist, like him. However, I could not imagine myself conﬁned to the same four walls of a dental surgery. When my father could see that

David’s study, conducted between 1992 and 1994, showed that although the reefs were demonstrating stress through coral bleaching, they were also quite robust. After his PhD, David returned to Kenya in 1997 at a time when El Niño, the ﬁrst global event clearly attributable to climate change, was having a severe impact. On land, it was experienced as immense rains, while high sea temperatures caused mass bleaching and death of corals. This shifted David’s focus of work to climate change, where he explores species of coral most at risk of bleaching and how the reef system might recover. David also felt a keen need to connect his research on coral reefs to the experience of the local communities. For about seven years, he went out to the coral reefs off Diani with ﬁshermen in their canoes.

“I am not motivated to write an obituary of coral reefs. We can’t change what has happened in the past but we can change the future. I want to think towards and create a better future” I was serious about the type of science I wanted to do, he became very supportive.” During his third year at Harvard, David enrolled in a marine programme, part of which took him to Jamaica where he began to study coral reefs. For his undergraduate research project, he completed a marine science coral reef project in Kenya. “At the end of my degree, I knew that I wanted to be a coral reef scientist, so I enrolled for a PhD at the University of Miami with the aim of doing research that was relevant in Kenya.” David’s PhD ﬁeld work in Watamu and Malindi explored the concern that sediment from River Sabaki (due to upstream soil erosion) could lead to coral bleaching. When stressed, corals bleach when the algae living within the coral tissue are expelled, exposing the white skeleton beneath. The coral is still alive and can recover, but if the stress is too high or prolonged, the coral dies. It can take decades for new coral to repopulate the reef. However,

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“I have a lot of respect for the knowledge of these fishermen. I experienced how hard they worked, yet they were financially always on the edge. I believe that understanding the local context is a pre-requisite to deliver sustainable outcomes that benefit people most.” In 1999, David and Swedish scientist Olof Lindén founded Coastal Oceans Research and Development – Indian Ocean (CORDIO), which David now heads. CORDIO documents what is happening to coral reefs throughout the western Indian Ocean. David has found reporting on coral reef destruction disheartening and has chosen to focus on communicating research that can inform national and international policy change with a focus squarely on sustainability. “I am not motivated to write an obituary of coral reefs, because that’s essentially what the data shows. We can’t change what has happened in the past but we can change the future. I want to think towards and create a better future.”

WORDS: TA B I TH A M WA N GI

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T RE ND IN G

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WORDS: ANNABEL ONYANGO | @ANNABELONYANGO

C OOL PL AC ES TO STAY

S TAYCATI O N BY D E S I GN : N AI R OBI ’S MOS T I N S PI R ED Nairobi has arrived. Somewhere between the maddening trafﬁc, endless construction, spiralling cost of living and a crippling global health crisis, the city has become very cool. So cool, in fact, that its faithful dwellers need not look elsewhere to experience hospitality at the standard of any international hotspot. In the two offerings featured, Kenyan investors have ﬁnally captured the day’s zeitgeist – technology at a high level, home pride with equal parts globalmindedness and social inclusion, and a ravenous post-pandemic hunger for new ways of interacting with people and spaces.

EDEN

creative force. She’s a voracious collector and her masterful attention to detail (a skill likely honed by a protracted career in high-end fashion design) is evident everywhere you look. Every surface – vast tables, consoles, chests, counter tops – is a pedestal for objets d’art from Kenya and around the continent. Bronze sculptures and busts hold court in every room. Books are stacked high where there’s space left. Vibrantly coloured orchids emerge from pots distributed liberally, including the foot of the bathtub. Everything is precious, making it feel like you’re a guest at a grand house, not a hotel. Couches and cushions are a riot of clashing prints and textures. Even with all the splendour on display, traditional sisal kiondo baskets placed by the bed or

Interior styling is the apple that doesn’t fall far from the tree of fashion design. Eden is proof of that. The eight-suite, private house-turned-boutique hotel is the masterpiece of Anna Trzebinksi (@annatrzebinski), a Kenyan-born fashion designer of German descent, whose winding personal and professional story is the very essence of this Afro-luxurious paradise. Far from the madding crowd of the city, Eden is made up of a large main house with some auxiliary buildings, all nestled in an expansive wooded garden in the Langata suburb of Nairobi. The main house has three generously appointed suites, with the other guest building offering loft-style accommodation for small groups or families. The facade of the latter is painted black, which in its woodland setting is like a scene from Out of Africa, but with a 21st-century update. If the ‘devil is in the details’ was a place, Eden is it. Trzebinski is a

ALL IMAGES BY XIOMARA BENDER @XIOMARABENDERPHOTOGRAPHER

@EDENNAIROBI 94 TUMBILI ROAD, LANGATA, NAIROBI

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TRE N DI NG

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woven mkeka as bathmats – are local staples that ground you back to Kenyan design basics. Wood is pervasive – from the cladding of the main house, the balconies, the lounge decks and hardwood floors to the myriad coffee tables created from reclaimed timber, and even the toilet seats. Wood is the canvas on which the interiors at Eden come to life. The place’s visual signature is the artwork that covers every inch of wall – colourful, mysterious, sometimes dark portraits, nudes and sketches by Trzebinski’s late artist husband Tonio. His prolific talent is on terrific

display here, a gallery of untold stories that ﬁll the walls from ﬂoor to ceiling. A mighty green chandelier, hanging low in the great room of the main house is another signature. Opulent but characterful, it is handmade from green shards of glass attached by wire. That paradox – luxe but humble – is the conceptual essence of this house. Within the gardens, an expansive wooden deck with a dining area and bar sits astride a manmade lake, the body of water completing the picture of the mythical garden of paradise. Maasai call out to

each other from across the way, dressed in their trademark layers of traditional red blankets and beaded trinkets, switching effortlessly from their vernacular to perfect English. With their charming company, warm smiles and bright eyes, they are the twinkling accessories to Trzebinksi’s masterpiece that is Eden. A maximalist dreamhouse, Eden is a welcome respite from the beige minimalism that is de rigueur in East African lodge interiors. It is a warm city refuge thoughtfully layered with objects that have meaning, transporting you to a world rich in family history and oozing with Kenyan heritage.

TH E SO CIAL HO U S E

@THESOCIALHOUSENAIROBI, 154 JAMES GICHURU ROAD, LAVINGTON, NAIROBI

This Social House turns on its head everything once considered to be luxury in this post-colonial urban landscape. Its various eateries, bars and 80-plus bedrooms (as the house refers to its accommodation) are city-sleek with an eclectic, highly considered ﬂow and aesthetic that would speak to the heart of any nouveau African. Designed by a team led by Nairobiborn Balkaran Bassan of Areen Design,

most of what you’ll see here, from the furniture to the wall treatments to the various tchotchkes and decor items distributed liberally throughout, is conceived and produced with the Kenyan spirit in mind. Dramatically, the very ﬁrst thing you see in the house entry is a suspended HarleyDavidson (shiny); astride it is a Maasai warrior sculpture (unﬁnished metal) in full ethnic regalia. The installation is emblematic of the house philosophy

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TRE N DI NG

– aspirational polish over-ridden by uncompromising Kenyan pride. The wallpapered passages (wallpaper is customised for different bedrooms), vibrant murals in the lobby bathroom and rooftop restaurant Inca, hanging greenery at every turn, shelving populated with miscellaneous bric-a-brac, exposed brick and polished concrete walls – texture lives in this place. Each meeting room and seating area, every nook and corner has its own individual character, encouraging guests to stop, sit, get comfortable with their device and stay a while. ‘Free’, the dirty word of most commercial establishments, is dispensed happily here – free bowls of fruit in upstairs corridors, ‘free soup’ days at the poolside eatery, customised free doodle notepads and recycled paper pencils in the meeting rooms, free strawberries and chocolate (made in-house) for overnight guests, and free bottles of still and sparkling water in every bedroom’s bright red Smeg minifridge. Very cool. Although its doors opened last year during tumultuous times, The Social House is a vibrant hub for business travellers, city creatives, entrepreneurs, work-from-homers and cool kids alike, and is already receiving international design recognition by emerging as winner of the SBID International Design Awards 2020 (UK) in the Hotel Bedroom & Suites Design category. If design was ever an indicator of the direction the city is moving in, this is it. A far cry from a time when to visit an upmarket Nairobi hotelon-the-hill meant you had to be rich, white, or don corporate uniform, the street-level vibe at The Social House beckons all the tribes that make up our Nu Nairobi. With its warm, eclectic, locally inspired aesthetic and global liberal approach, the folks at The Social House really want you to feel like this is your house.

EACH MEETING ROOM AND SEATING AREA, EVERY NOOK AND CORNER HAS ITS OWN INDIVIDUAL CHARACTER, ENCOURAGING GUESTS TO STOP, SIT, GET COMFORTABLE WITH THEIR DEVICE AND STAY A WHILE

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Meetables. Eatables. Sociables. Sleepables.

A HOTEL. 1.3° FROM THE EQUATOR. 180° FROM ORDINARY. 154 James Gichuru Road, Lavington

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TECHNOLOGY

high flyers

Meet the team behind Fahari Aviation, a subsidiary of Kenya Airways tasked with getting an innovative new drone business off the ground SPECIAL REPORT BY: P ET E R M UIR U RI

rom his first-floor office at the headquarters of Kenya Airways, Hawkins Musili has a bird’s-eye view of the huge plane maintenance hangar below. A Boeing 787 Dreamliner is undergoing routine maintenance. The engines rev loudly, and we strain to hear each other. The sound of jet engines is familiar to Musili’s ears. The head of engineering at the airline has heard these sounds for the last 12 years. Disassembling and reassembling the engines has become second nature. Today, however, Musili’s ears are getting used to a new sound – the buzz of drones – following the airline’s love affair with unmanned aerial systems (UAS). Musili is among the airline’s technical staff who are spearheading Fahari Aviation, the airline’s fully owned subsidiary and a pacesetter in drone technology in Kenya.

KQ’S UPWARDLY MOBILE NEW BABY Fahari Aviation was incorporated in late 2020 at the height of the Covid-19 pandemic – the most unlikely period for setting up a new business segment. Kenya Airways, like other global airlines, needed to think outside the box and create new activities away from its core mandate. “As our planes went into ‘hibernation’ last year, there was a need to de-risk the industry,” states Musili. “At KQ, we were asking ourselves, ‘how can we create new revenue streams and mitigate the effects of the low business in civil aviation?’ The answer was in creating a new business segment to take advantage of the ﬂedgling UAS sector.”

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Coming from an engineering background, Musili has always been interested in new technology. A good ﬁt for the role as Fahari Aviation team leader, he was tasked with overseeing a core team of young men and women in nursing the new baby. Soon after the government endorsed drone operation rules, the enthusiastic team hit the ground running, setting up basic structures and aligning their vision with that of the airline. Fahari Aviation’s brief was simple: offer training to aspiring drone pilots and operators, commercialise the services by supporting other sectors of the economy such as agriculture, energy, mapping, ﬁlming and wildlife management. “Drones can access areas where neither vehicles nor planes can reach, inspect minute details on the ground that would otherwise be missed through other forms of technology, and return results that can be analysed beyond the initial reference briefs,” said Musili.

THE RISE OF THE DRONE IN AFRICA Kenya, and Africa in general, are latecomers to drone business, but eager to leapfrog the developed nations in making them integral tools of development. Drones are often seen as toys, but as more people began ﬂying them, authorities realised that these ‘toys’ posed safety and security threats and moved to either restrict or ban their use.

Right: Moses Mutuma, a UAS pilot at Fahari Aviation, puts one of the company’s drones through its paces

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TECHNOLOGY

Right: Getting ready for take-off at Fahari’s drone pilot training school

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Yet, with proper regulation and supervision, drone THE SKY’S THE LIMIT power could be harnessed for the greater good. In Africa, Kenya Airways has big plans for its newest kid on the block, the year 2015 was a pivotal one as far as drone use was way beyond the obvious drone operations. For a company concerned. In that year, Kenya enacted some regulations whose strength lies in ferrying passengers from one hub for drone operations ,though they were later shelved in to another, the airline is setting in motion procedures to favour of tighter guidelines that came into effect five years manage aerial traffic using drones. later. Rwanda mooted the construction of a ‘drone port’, Last August, Brazilian aircraft manufacturer Embraer’s a hub for drone services in the country. Tanzania tested flying taxi unit, Eve Urban Air Mobility Solutions, signed the use of drones in chasing away elephants from farms. a memorandum of understanding with Kenya Airways to South Africa used drones to monitor poaching activities in support Fahari Aviation developing operational models for Kruger National Park, as well as to conduct drug busts in electric vertical aircraft (Eva). The introduction of passenger urban areas. drones in Nairobi would reduce the commute from the city Some of these initiatives may have fallen by the centre to the airport by 90 per cent. The dash to catch a wayside. The activities, though, created a buzz that plane in Nairobi’s Jomo Kenyatta International Airport would laid the foundation for further take no more than six minutes! developments in the sector. The move was described by “Innovation is a critical element Monetising drone activities Andre Stein, Eve president and chief of our long-term sustainability. would only favour the brave. For executive, as “disruptive and widely example, Fahari Aviation has accessible”, a move to democratise Fahari Aviation is at the reached several milestones within forefront of exploring advanced mobility while giving communities the short time since inception. more travel options. technologies, starting with These include extensive training Backed by Embraer’s more drone technology. With this of the core staff of instructors than 50-year history of aerospace partnership, we look to develop and pilots on UAS management expertise, the move hit the right innovative air mobility solutions from South Africa-based UAV chords at Kenya Airways. Allan for our clients in Kenya and Industries, one of the pioneering Kilavuka, KQ’s chief executive, said throughout the region” UAS training facilities in Africa. the partnership will deliver a robust “Drones are serious business strategy to provide Fahari Aviation’s in South Africa. UAV Industries are passengers with a sustainable, structured like a full airline,” says Moses Mutuma, a Fahari accessible and affordable transportation option. Aviation pilot. “There is no reason for not having such a “Partnerships are vital in mapping out the future of our fully fledged facility in Kenya.” airline,” he said. “Innovation is a critical element of our longFahari Aviation also received approval for its term sustainability. Fahari is at the forefront of exploring training and operation manuals from the Kenya Civil advanced technologies, starting with drone technology. With Aviation Authority (KCAA), including a Remote Aircraft this partnership, we look to develop innovative air mobility Operators Certificate, among other requisite consents. solutions for our clients in Kenya and throughout the region.” It also acquired a few drones, some of which have been Fahari is Swahili for ‘pride’ and mirrors the resilient deployed in training prospective pilots both at the Kenya journey of its mother company, whose tagline is the ‘Pride Airways Pride Centre in Embakasi and at a leased field in of Africa’. For the last 44 years, the mothership has won Lenana School, Nairobi. global accolades in the world of civil aviation. Likewise, the Fahari also scored a first when, within six months bubbly team at Fahari Aviation is determined to pioneer the in operation, it was co-opted to fly a drone in Kenya’s company’s UAS journey by taking advantage of the many inaugural wildlife census (see pages 12-15). opportunities that lie within the continent.

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The introduction of passenger drones in Nairobi would reduce the commute from the city centre to the airport by 90 per cent

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So you want to be a UAS pilot?

The Civil Aviation (unmanned aircraft systems) Regulations of 2020 contain a raft of requirements for a drone pilot. These are the key requirements: O One should be at least 18 years old, read and understand English, the main language of communication in aviation. O Provide medical certiﬁcates

to ensure you are fit for the training. Your eyesight, for example, should be good to distinguish multiple colours. O Those training at Fahari Aviation also need to show a certificate of good conduct. O The course at Fahari takes 3-4 weeks, including a week’s theoretical session. The pass mark for this part of the course is 75 per cent. O A student here needs at least five hours of field training or more under an authorised flight instructor. The field course includes pre-flight checks, best procedures for charging and operating batteries, and risk assessment. O Finally, a student undergoes a skills test at KCAA where the pass mark is 70 per cent. The examiner will see how you set up a flight area and demonstrate the different manoeuvres.

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SPORTS

MSAFIRI SPORTS REVIEW

AFRICANS TOOK TO THE PODIUM 37 TIMES AT THE TOKYO OLYMPICS, IN WHAT HAS BEEN A MEMORABLE YEAR FOR HOMEGROWN TALENT ACROSS A WIDE RANGE OF SPORTS – FROM MARATHONS TO FOOTBALL, MIXED MARTIAL ARTS AND SWIMMING. IN ITS REVIEW OF THE YEAR, MSAFIRI CELEBRATES ANOTHER GREAT 12 MONTHS FOR OUR SPORTING HEROES

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WORDS: TIMOTHY OLOBULU

ASISAT OSHOALA

Nigerian scoring machine Asisat Oshoala made history when she became the first African to win the UEFA Women’s Champions League, following Barcelona’s 4-0 victory over Chelsea in May. The victory – her ninth club career trophy – saw the Nigeria international continue her record-breaking stint at the Spanish club. In 2019, in her first season with the Catalans, she became the first African woman to score in the European competition’s final, after netting her team’s late consolation in their disappointing 4-1 loss to Lyon. This season she took the final step, returning from injury to help the Barca ladies lift the coveted trophy, in addition to retaining the Spanish women’s league crown.

FIVE SPORTING LEGENDS

Left: Kenya’s Eliud Kipchoge celebrates as he crosses the line to win the men’s marathon at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics GUO CHEN/XINHUA/ ALAMY LIVE NEWS

Below: Asisat Oshoala of Barcelona shoots during a Primera Iberdrola match against Real Betis at Barca’s Johan Cruyff Stadium GERARD FRANCO/DAX/ZUMA WIRE/ ALAMY LIVE NEWS

ELIUD KIPCHOGE

A living legend and the greatest marathoner of all time, Eliud Kipchoge proved his mettle after becoming only the third man in history to win back-to-back Olympic gold medals over the 42km distance. Kipchoge strutted the streets of Sapporo in Japan to defend his title successfully in a time of 2hrs, 8mins and 38secs, some 80 seconds ahead of second-placed Abdi Nageeye of the Netherlands – the largest winning margin in the men’s Olympic marathon since 1972. The Association of National Olympic Committees also named Kipchoge as best male athlete at the Games.

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SPORTS

FRANCIS NGANNOU

Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) athlete Francis Ngannou became the third African Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) champion, after flooring American Stipe Miocic to win the heavyweight title. The dominant Ngannou knocked out his opponent just 52 seconds into the second round of the fight. The Cameroon native, who lives and trains in Las Vegas, is one of the fiercest fighters in the UFC – in four of his last five bouts, the 35-year-old has stopped his opponent in under 72 seconds. With 10 KOs, he ranks joint-second on the most knockouts list in UFC heavyweight history.

LETESENBET GIDEY

The Ethiopian athlete has been in sensational form in 2021, smashing three world records – the women’s halfmarathon, 5000m and 10,000m – in an imperious manner, the best of which came in the half-marathon, In her debut over the distance (in the Spanish city of Valencia in October), Gidey ﬁnished in 1hr, 2mins and 52secs – 70 seconds quicker than the standing world record, set by Kenya’s Ruth Chepng’etich in Istanbul six months earlier. The 23-year-old broke the 10,000m record at the Ethiopian Olympic trials in July (shaving nearly six seconds off the previous mark) and claimed the fastest-ever 5000m time at the NN Valencia World Record Day – a record that had stood for 12 years. She also clinched Olympic bronze in the 10,000m in Tokyo.

Above: Ethiopian long-distance runner Letesenbet Gidey poses after smashing the women’s half-marathon world record EFE NEWS AGENCY/ ALAMY LIVE NEWS

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Below:: Francis Ngannou of Cameroon after his victory during the UFC 260 event in Las Vegas last March MIKE ROACH/ZUFFA LLC

MOHAMED SALAH

The Egyptian King, as he is affectionately known, has been in phenomenal form for English Premier League giants Liverpool this year. Salah’s recent hat-trick against Manchester United saw him become the highest-scoring African in Premier League history. His three goals not only took his tally to 107 goals – overtaking Ivory Coast legend Didier Drogba, who netted 104 goals during his two stints at Chelsea – but it was also the ﬁrst hat-trick in the league by an opposition player at Old Trafford.

Goal machine Liverpool’s Mo Salah in Premier League action against Norwich ALAMY PLUS SPORTS IMAGES/ ALAMY STOCK PHOTO

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SPORTS

THREE 1 RISING STARS

CHRISTINE MBOMA

Namibia’s 18-year-old sprint sensation Christine Mboma was one of the standout stars on the track in 2021. After being forced to step down from her favoured 400m distance to the 200m heading to the Tokyo Olympic Games, Mboma made history by clinching a silver medal in her ﬁrst-ever major international outing at that distance. She clocked a new World Junior record of 21.81secs in coming a close second to Jamaican sprint queen Elaine ThompsonHerah. She then travelled to Nairobi for the World Under-20 Athletics Championships, where she once again broke records, clocking a championship best for the 200m.

FERDINAND OMANYALA

The Kenyan sprinter has had a superb year. Omanyala closed off his 2021 season by breaking the African 100m record at the Kip Keino Classic in Nairobi. He clocked 9.77secs to finish second, just 0.01 seconds behind American Trayvon Bromell. It was also the eighth fastest 100m of all time. The 25-year-old university student started his breakthrough year with qualification for the Olympics, when he ran 10.03secs at the national trials, then a new Kenyan record. In Tokyo, he narrowly missed reaching the final, despite twice lowering his national record, clocking 10 seconds dead in finishing third in the semis. In August, he became the first Kenyan to dip below the 10 seconds barrier when he ran 9.86secs at a meeting in Austria.

Below: Christine Mboma of Namibia in action at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics Right: Kenyan sprinter Ferdinand Omanyala takes the applause after coming through his 100m heat in Tokyo

REUTERS/PHIL NOBLE

REUTERS/ALEKSANDRA SZMIGIEL

3 AHMED HAFNAOUI

The 18-year-old Tunisian swimmer stunned the world at the Tokyo Olympics when he clocked 3:43.36 to win the 400m freestyle title – Tunisia’s only gold medal at the Games. Hafnaoui had the slowest qualiﬁcation time heading into the ﬁnal and started from lane eight. No one really had an eye on him until he tapped the wall to claim victory in sensational style. The teenager is not the only sports star in his family – he is the son of former Tunisian national basketball player Mohamed Hafnaoui.

Above: Ahmed Hafnaoui of Tunisia celebrates after winning the men’s 400m freestyle ﬁnal at the Tokyo Olympic Games DING XU/XINHUA/ ALAMY LIVE NEWS

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SPORTS

Below: A smiling Faith Kipyegon of Kenya after claiming gold in the women’s 1500m in Tokyo JIA YUCHEN/XINHUA/ ALAMY LIVE NEWS

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SOUFIANE EL BAKKALI

TATJANA SCHOENMAKER

FERYAL ABDELAZIZ

JOSHUA CHEPTEGEI

The Moroccan’s quest for an Olympic gold ﬁnally became a reality in the steeplechase, when he broke Kenya’s four decades of dominance in the 3000m water-and-barriers race. El Bakkali clinched the title in the absence of defending champion Conseslus Kipruto, who failed to make it past the Kenyan trials. The Moroccan clocked 8:08.90 in claiming the gold medal.

The South African swimmer won her country’s only gold medal – and two of their three medals overall – and did so in emphatic fashion. She stormed to victory in the 200m breaststroke in a new world record time of 2:18.95. She had earlier won silver in the 100m breaststroke.

FIVE UNSUNG OLYMPIC HEROES

FAITH KIPYEGON

Kenyan Faith Kipyegon produced one of the best races of her career, as she bounced back from a challenging build-up to Tokyo with an emphatic victory in the women’s 1500m. She held off the challenge from the Netherlands’ Sifan Hassan to become the ﬁrst female Kenyan athlete to win consecutive Olympic titles and, in the process, crushed the Games record with a time of 3:53.11.

The 22-year-old became the ﬁrst-ever female Egyptian to bring home an Olympic gold medal when she cruised to victory in the women’s +61kg karate kumite event, which made its debut at the Games. She ﬂoored Azerbaijan’s Iryna Zaretska to claim the title, winning one of six Egyptian medals in Tokyo.

The Ugandan long-distance runner broke the long-standing dominance of Ethiopian athletes in the Olympic 5000m, winning his country’s ﬁrst-ever gold medal at the distance – clocking 12:58.15 to clinch the title.

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SPORTS

TEAM TALENT ALGERIA NATIONAL FOOTBALL TEAM Les Fennecs have continued to dominate African football since manager Djamel Belmadi led them to the Africa Cup of Nations title in Egypt in 2019. In their quest to qualify for the 2022 World Cup, Algeria has been simply phenomenal, and in October extended their record unbeaten run to an incredible 30 matches. This comfortably surpasses Africa’s previous best of 26, set by the Ivory Coast between 2010 and 2013.

TUNISIA MEN’S BASKETBALL TEAM The Tunisian men’s basketball team successfully defended their FIBA Afrobasket title after a hard-earned 78-75 victory over the Ivory Coast in the ﬁnal (played in Kigali, Rwanda). This was the Tunisians’ third African title, making them the fourth-most successful team in the history of the continent’s premier competition.

PITCH PERFECT

AL AHLY FOOTBALL CLUB Egyptian football giants Al Ahly continued where they left off in 2020 – when they ﬁnished third at the FIFA Club World Cup – successfully defending their CAF Champions League title. Despite losing their domestic league crown to local rivals Zamalek, Al Ahly proved peerless on the continent. Under their South African coach Pitso Mosimane, the Cairo-based team beat South Africa’s Kaiser Chiefs 3-0 in the ﬁnal to retain their crown. It was a record tenth African title for the Red Devils, cementing their position as the most successful club in the competition.

PATSON DAKA Zambian striker Patson Daka moved to Leicester City at the start of the season and has already proved to be a masterstroke signing by manager Brendan Rodgers. He is forming a sensational strike partnership with Kelechi Iheanacho; the Nigerian having been one of the club’s talismans last season. Daka is also bursting the net in Europe, scoring all four goals as Leicester beat Spartak Moscow 4-3 in the Europa League.

EDOUARD MENDY

Above: Edouard Mendy takes the acclaim after his match-winning performance in Chelsea’s 1-0 Premier League victory over Brentford last October CATHERINE IVILL/ GETTY IMAGES

Africans taking the English Premier League by storm

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The Senegalese shot-stopper’s move to Chelsea from Rennes (in France) has propelled him to become one of the best goalkeepers in the world. In his ﬁrst season in London, he helped Chelsea clinch the UEFA Champions League title with a series of brilliant performances between the sticks. This season, Mendy is a pillar of Chelsea’s chase for the Premier League title. So good has he been that many experts have questioned his omission from the shortlist for the prestigious Ballon d’Or award. Even more remarkable is that just seven years ago Mendy was on the verge of giving up football when he found himself without a club and having to claim unemployment beneﬁt.

Gold medallists at the 2020 Tokyo Olympic Games ATHLETICS: Emmanuel Korir (Men’s 800m, Kenya), Joshua Cheptegei (Men’s 5000m, Uganda), Selemon Barega (Men’s 10,000m, Ethiopia), Soufﬁane El Bakkali (Men’s 3000m Steeplechase, Morocco), Eliud Kipchoge (Men’s Marathon, Kenya), Faith Kipyegon (Women’s 1500m, Kenya), Peruth Chemutai (Women’s 3000m steeplechase, Uganda), Peres Jepchirchir (Women’s Marathon, Kenya)

FIVE TO WATCH IN 2022

Tatjana Schoenmaker (Women’s 200m Breaststroke, South Africa), Ahmed Hafnaoui (Men’s 400m Freestyle, Tunisia)

Feryal Abdelaziz (Women’s +61kg, Egypt)

Masilingi, like her compatriot Christine Mboma, competed in the 200m at the Tokyo Olympic Games and, though she ﬁnished sixth in the ﬁnal, showed huge potential. She clinched a 200m silver, behind Mboma, at the World Athletics Under-20 Championships, where she also picked up a silver in the 100m.

SWIMMING:

KARATE:

BEATRICE MASILINGI SPRINTER, NAMIBIA

Below: Uche Eke of Nigeria on the parallel bars during training REUTERS/MIKE BLAKE

ETSILE TEBOGO SPRINTER, BOTSWANA

The Botswanan sprinter was one of the shining lights at the World Under-20 Championships in Nairobi, leaving the Kenyan capital with two medals. He clinched the 100m title in a time of 10.19secs, having earlier run 10.11secs to break the Botswana national record. He also won silver in the 200m, clocking 20.38secs. With the World Championships, African Championships and the

Commonwealth Games taking place in 2022, Tebogo will look to become the next Botswana athletics star, as greats Isaac Makwala and Nijel Amos head into their sunset years.

BOIPELO AWUAH SKATEBOARDER, SOUTH AFRICA

The 15-year-old became the youngest African at the Tokyo Olympic Games and, despite not medalling, showed she has the potential to succeed, especially after qualifying at such a tender age. She was the only African to compete in the women’s street skateboarding competition.

NOCK MWEPU FOOTBALLER, ZAMBIA

Mwepu is the second Zambian to move to the English Premier League, after Patson Daka. The midﬁelder joined Brighton from Austria’s RB Salzburg and is slowly making his mark.

UCHE EKE | GYMNAST, NIGERIA

Eke was the ﬁrst-ever Nigerian gymnast to qualify and compete at the Olympic Games. He also clinched bronze at this year’s African Gymnastics Championships.

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PORTFOLIO

Grand prize winner The Grand Prize winner, Riccardo Marchegiani, from Italy, received a cash prize of US$5000 (Ksh 555,476) and a large Shona elephant sculpture for his photo ‘Gelada and Baby’ shot in the Simien Mountains National Park, Ethiopia.

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WILDLIFE IN FOCUS FROM RHINOS AND ELEPHANTS TO GORILLAS AND GELADAS, THE WINNING IMAGES FROM THE BENJAMIN MKAPA AFRICAN WILDLIFE PHOTOGRAPHY AWARDS S HO WC A SE T H E B EAU TY AND I MP ORTANCE OF TH E CONTINENT’S WILDLIFE The inaugural photography competition was launched in 2021 to honour former Tanzanian president H.E. the late Benjamin Mkapa as an iconic conservation leader and one of the African Wildlife Foundation’s (AWF’s) longest-serving board members. In a bid to engage new audiences in documenting wildlife and wild lands conservation in modern Africa, the primary goal was to involve photographers from Africa and around the world at all proficiency levels to share stories from the field that inspire and encourage new advocates for conservation. The collection of 79 winning images will be on display at the Nairobi National Museum until mid-January 2022 and will also be published in a special edition of Nature’s Best Photography magazine. A travelling exhibition through Africa, North America, Asia and Europe will celebrate AWF’s 60 years of visionary conservation leadership. Speaking at the awards ceremony, AWF CEO Kaddu Sebunya said, “Within the context of a rapidly changing Africa, AWF has renewed its vision and crafted strategic approaches to become a truly global African conservation organisation. Through the Benjamin Mkapa African Wildlife Photography Awards, AWF is committed to finding, helping and amplifying the authentic African voices advocating against the destruction of Africa’s natural wildlife heritage. We are dedicated to defining and refining Africa’s agendas for conservation and development, and to represent these voices – trumpet these voices loudly – around the world.”

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PORTFOLIO

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Winner of the African Wildlife Portraits category African savannah elephants at South Africa’s Madikwe Game Reserve by Kevin Doole, USA. LEFT:

Winner of Wildlife Behaviour category Cheetahs swimming across Talek River in Kenya’s Masai Mara National Reserve by Buddhilini de Soyza, Australia.

Winner of the Conservation Heroes category Veterinarian with rescued pangolin, Mozambique, by Jen Guyton, Germany. BELOW:

African Wildlife Backyards category Farmer holding a green frog at the Anja Community, by Javier Lobon-Rovira from Spain.

Winner Fragile Wilderness category Ruacana Falls, Namibia, by Anette Mossbacher, Switzerland.

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PORTFOLIO

Youth in Africa category Wildebeest in Timbavati Nature Reserve, South Africa, by Cathan Moore, South Africa.

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KENYA

beach BACK TO THE

Start dreaming of travel again and rediscover the beauty of Kenya’s coast WORDS: JACKSON BIKO

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Below: Another beautiful day on the coral island of Wasini WYNIAN/SHUTTERSTOCK.COM

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KENYA

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t’s not every day that I wake up in a banda right on the edge of the Indian Ocean, here in the northernmost peninsula of Manda Island in the Lamu archipelago. This is a place you go to get lost. Arriving from Nairobi the previous evening, it was like someone painted the vista overnight. I imagined that Manda Bay is how the Garden of Eden would look if it were cast next to the sea. The water, now out in a tide, was a beautiful shade of blue, as if competing with the sky. Birds with long beaks circled above, squawking and flapping. The morning sun sparkled across the waves, shimmering like a bed of diamonds. I laced up my shoes, slapped some sunscreen on my forehead, kissed my partner (who was still lazing in bed), and went for a morning run. I think the best way to see a beautiful island like this is by running along the shore, past mangroves, on a wet beach, beside an ocean that is simply rooting for you. I passed villagers, fishermen mostly, mending their nets or fiddling with their canoes. They waved. Everybody waves at you in Lamu. If you are a fan of fishing, Manda is the place to cast your bait. The area is

Left & Above: A ﬁsherman relaxing in the afternoon sun, off Lamu Island; the catch of the day JEN WATSON/SHUTTERSTOCK.COM

I imagined that Manda Bay is how the Garden of Eden would look if it were cast next to the sea

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We avoided a man riding a donkey and darted into Petley’s Inn, the oldest hotel in town, for a cold beer and a cocktail This pic: Taking the donkey express through the alleyways of Lamu

THE ROAD PROVIDES/SHUTTERSTOCK.COM

Top insert: The Unesco World Heritage Site that is Lamu Old Town

renowned for the variety of species caught. We went out with a skipper called Mohammed. Beautiful day. Clear blue skies. Slight breeze. We dropped anchor, threw our lines in and thought the fish would bite immediately, like on TV. They didn’t. Fishing can be humdrum when you aren’t catching anything. You sit and chat until there is little more to say. The boat bobs in the water. You imagine that a fish has bitten and start pulling it in. “It’s nothing, just the waves,” says Mohammed. You go back to waiting. Then there is a tug, and you feel the fish trying to escape. You reel her in, slowly, and when she eventually comes out of the water you are impressed by her size: a large white snapper. Your dinner. The next morning, we visited Lamu Town, founded in the 14th century, a Unesco World Heritage Site and one of the best-preserved Swahili settlements in East Africa. Lamu, with its one car that belongs to the local administration. Lamu, with its scores of men lounging by the seafront, waving their jambos. Children jumping off the jetty, squealing as they splash into the ocean below. Dhows drifting by. Lamu can’t change. The buildings look as they would have back in the early 1900s, during the ivory, turtle shell and slave trade. It is home to 23 mosques, including the Riyadha Mosque, built in 1900. And to a donkey sanctuary. “Lamu tamu,” as the locals call it. We avoided a man riding a donkey down the waterfront and darted into Petley’s Inn, the oldest hotel in town, for a cold beer and a cocktail. My partner stretched out on the cushioned couches and soon dozed off. Something in the air of Lamu makes you so lazy. When she finally stirred, we had some

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KENYA

seafood in one of the numerous spoons at the seafront and went to find a bag (her idea) from Ali Lamu, a designer who’s found fame in Kenya and Europe. Shela Beach is the more affluent section of Lamu, marked by swanky hotels and resorts. It was here that we met Daniella Bateleur and Ali, a fisherman who, down on his luck, designed a line of unique bags using old sails, with messages painted on the fabric. The bags are now exported overseas, and represent the level of creativity that can be harnessed from a humble background by those brave enough to pursue their ambitions even during difficult times. Bag in hand, we headed for lunch at Msafini Hotel. From the Mango rooftop restaurant, the view was amazing, across the whole of Lamu. On plastic chairs and table that you don’t notice because of the view, we had some Swahili food of chicken in coconut sauce with chapatis, washed down with a cold soda. We flew out that evening. Next stop: Malindi, over 200km south of Lamu. My partner is a budding twitcher, so we planned a visit to nearby Arabuko Sokoke, the largest stretch of coastal dry forest remaining in East

Africa. About 270 species of birds call this place home. We set off in search of the endemic Clarke’s weaver with seasoned birder Alex Mwalimu, and even though we didn’t spot our target we did see the rare east coast akalat, Amani sunbird, Sokoke scops owl and an array of butterﬂy species. Birders will enjoy this forest, and should set aside a whole day of exploration on its nature trials to get its full potential. Another birdwatching haven is the nearby Mida Creek, in Watamu Marine Reserve. A massive tidal inlet about 500m wide and covering some 32sq km, this is a vital feeding location for migratory birds. Two hours and a further 118km south, we arrived in Mombasa. There are three things you should make time for. First, go to Haller Park, north of Mombasa, aiming to get there before 4.30pm, when the hippos get fed. Afterwards, pet and have your picture taken with a 120-year-old giant tortoise. Second, have dinner on the Tamarind Dhow. Two ocean-going dhows, formerly used for trade between the Arabs and the Swahili, have been turned into ﬂoating restaurants. For lunch, they moor at Tudor

This pic: Rock formations on Watamu Beach, near Malindi Bottom left: The mangroves of Mida Creek – a birdwatcher’s paradise Below right: Elephant shrew, Arabuko Sokoke forest; enjoying the Indian Ocean, Mombasa

Sitting in the sunlight, the boat bobbing up and down, the sky as blue as God intended it, and a silence disrupted only by the sound of our cameras… and sneezing. That stays with you

JULIYA SHANGAREY/SHUTTERSTOCK.COM

Creek. The romantic evening cruise drifts past Mombasa town as you sample an expansive seafood dinner accompanied by a resident band. Third, eat lunch at the Shehnai, a 37-year-old Indian restaurant in the heart of the city. It’s a small and intimate family business and the food is excellent, a delightful mix of tandoori grills, Shahi Dastar Khwan, Mughlai delicacies and the vegetarian Sabzi Ke Baag Se. My one-week coastal experience drew to a close on Wasini, a coral island about 80km south of Mombasa and not far from the border with Tanzania. Just 5km long and 1km wide, Wasini is a site of an old Swahili civilisation, and the Vumba people who live there depend solely on ﬁshing and tourism. A village tour opened my eyes to Swahili architecture and old regal graves in which the Swahili laid to rest the important men of the village.

Of course, we went in search of dolphins in the sparkling blue waters of mid-morning. Sadly, we didn’t see any on this occasion, but I was reminded of previous sightings, sitting in the sunlight, the boat bobbing up and down, the sky as blue as God intended it, and a silence disrupted only by the sound of our cameras… and sneezing. That stays with you. This dhow safari, organised by Coral Spirit, was perhaps the perfect way to end a holiday. Snorkelling, a visit to the oldest slave caves at Shimoni (where enslaved peoples were held before being shipped out to Zanzibar), and a gentle cruise, ﬂoating fancy-free along the waves. And lunch: an assortment of Swahili delicacies, seafood and cold beers. A wind blew across the bow and at this moment, you knew for sure that things at the coast will get back to normal. The cool breeze carried that optimism with it.

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KENYA

Tricia Wanjala visited Diani Beach WR ůQG WKH EHVW SODFHV WR VWD\ ZLWKRXW VSHQGLQJ D IRUWXQH KRZ WR JHW DURXQG ZKHUH WR HDW DQG ZKDW GD\ WULSV WR VSODVK RXW RQ BEACHSIDE BLISS AND OCEAN VIEWS

For our ﬁrst few nights we chose Aqua Resort (aquaresort.co.ke), a modern, furnished apartment complex with views of the ocean. It’s close to the airport, has a

swimming pool, Wi-Fi and regular housekeeping. A spacious one-bedroom apartment costs US$60, including breakfast. We also stayed at Sealavie Treehouse (airbnb.com, US$50). This rustic, romantic structure combines forest bathing with tranquil beach life. Built around a 600-year-old baobab in lush tropical gardens, the sounds of rustling leaves and birdsong lull you to sleep. Your treehouse has a kitchen, dining and living area, cable TV, balcony and a chill-out seating

CAVE CUISINE AND VEGAN TREATS

Not strictly budget, but Ali Barbour’s Cave Restaurant (alibarbours.com) is a must when visiting Diani. Tucked into a natural cave, the restaurant offers dining under the stars with soft ambient light from candles and traditional lamps. The service and food are impeccable. We enjoyed tender lamb and fresh ﬁsh – and reckoned the chocolate mousse was the best we had ever tasted! Be sure to make a reservation in advance. Down near Galu Beach, Restoration Lodge is dedicated to wellness and relaxation. Our host was Rofah Tekiyah, an expert in holistic healing, organic farming and plant-based diets. We drank coconut water, fresh herbal tea from her neem tree and sampled vegan omelettes, wraps and delicious superfood smoothies.

COASTAL CONNECTIONS

Once you arrive at your beach accommodation, use tuk-tuks – the tiny three-wheeled taxis, originally from India – to get around. You can ﬂag them down at the roadside and they will whisk you from one stop to another for as little as 50 cents. If you’re staying in one area for a few days, ask for your tuk-tuk driver’s number. Ours was so helpful he even ran supermarket errands for

us! Carry small bills. You will need plenty of change, not only for tuk-tuk rides, but also for souvenirs and tips.

BEACH BOUTIQUE

Walking along Diani’s sand is utterly therapeutic – the unspoiled white sand stretches for miles, and the tropical panorama of turquoise waters is truly serene. Diani is also bustling with traders. Don’t be surprised when Maasai warriors, dressed in their full regalia, approach you to take a paid photograph with them, or to sell you some beaded trinkets. Professional masseuses will offer you a one-hour massage in a makuti shed for as little as US$10. Local travel agents will also try to tempt you to sign up to local safaris. You will pay whatever price you negotiate. If you don’t wish to engage with the beach boys, be ﬁrm, put your street face on and keep walking. They will leave you alone.

CRUISE TO KISITE MARINE PARK

If you choose just one day-trip during your Diani Beach sojourn, make it this one. You’re collected from your hotel at 7am for a drive south through the rural coastal villages dotted along the main road. Passing traditional homesteads, sugar cane plantations, cassava ﬁelds and even a coconut oil factory, you reach the shores of the Kisite Mpunguti Marine Park. Boarding a traditional dhow (coralspirit.com), you set off for Robinson Island, keeping watch for dolphins and snorkelling on the coral reefs. At Wasini Island, you will enjoy a tasty meal of fresh ﬁsh, crab, lobster, coconut rice, sauteed seaweed and chicken.

Left: Family fun and laughter on Diani Beach

NIKOLAY ANTONOV/SHUTTERSTOCK.COM

DIANI ON A BUDGET

area downstairs. The beach is just a stroll away, while Shimba Hills National Reserve – home to sable antelope and colobus monkey – is a 45-minute drive.

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FASHION

AFRICA’S TOP DESIGNERS

looking good THE AFRICAN LUXURY FASHION DESIGNERS TO WATCH IN 2022 WORDS: H ARU N M OM A NYI Digital transformation has been accelerated by the pandemic, and fashion is just one of the industries that has been affected. Fashion designers have had to adjust fast. According to the 2020 McKinsey and Business of Fashion report, the personal luxury goods industry faces a 35 to 39 per cent contraction. Fashion designers have had to innovate in how they connect with customers. Fabricant, an Australian fashion brand, has enabled customers to create digital avatars of themselves and ‘try on’ digital clothing before purchasing. In China, designers are doing live shows on the microblogging site Weibo, allowing customers to view and shop online. In this issue of msaﬁri, we discover how eight of Africa’s top fashion designers – from Kenya to Ghana and South Africa – have adapted during the pandemic. Join us on a journey of discovery of impeccable talent and undeniable genius in adaptability…

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COURTESY OF SHARON WENDO

There are a lot of upcoming trends to look out for… loungewear has been a big trend, especially how the world is right now, with working from home SHARON WENDO | KENYA Founder and creative director of Epica Jewellery, Sharon Wendo is one to watch in 2022. The pandemic has made her intensify her online marketing initiatives. When Nigerian award-winning singer Yemi Alade recently wore her Jameela body piece at the Earthshot London 2021 awards, she posted the photo on LinkedIn, receiving copious engagement and potential future customers. She’s also big on identifying trends that she can tap into for expanding her offering. “There are a lot of upcoming trends that designers can look out for, like loungewear – this has been a big trend, especially how the world is right now, with working from home; loungewear has been the go-to for a lot of people and it cuts across the globe,” she says. Wendo also believes that designers shouldn’t overlook crotchet and knitted outﬁts – and she’s keen to embrace the ’80s and ’90s trend of cut-outs and fringes, which has been making a comeback. Wendo was showcased at the London Fashion Week in February 2021 and has been featured by Vogue Italia and Harper’s Bazaar Italia.

FASHION

ALL IMAGES BY TOM VANDAS

KATUNGULU MWENDWA | KENYA The legendary Katungulu Mwendwa is one of Kenya’s most revered designers. Asked about the most memorable show or event of her career, she describes the time she participated at New York Fashion Week under the Gen Art Platform – before she’d even officially started her brand. “It was definitely an ‘into-the-fire’ learning experience that to date has made me extremely driven towards building one of the leading Made in Africa luxury lifestyle experiences for the continent and that of the world.” As with other creators, Mwendwa has had to move away from the usual bricks-and-mortar storefront to sharing brand experiences through e-commerce. The platform will be launched on www. katushnairobi.com in the coming months. “I love exploring different narratives across the continent touching on various aesthetic influences and cultural norms in my attempts to celebrate the continent’s rich heritage. This influences how I then develop motifs, shapes and volumes that are reflected in my work. My personal experiences and interests also play a major role in my final work where aspects, such as my love for Japanese anime, often make the occasional appearance. I’m also a strong believer in timeless pieces and find myself leaning towards a functional minimalist approach to design.”

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BESTE ZEYBEL

AKOSUA AFRIYIE-KUMI | GHANA Owner and creative director of fashion brand AAKS, Akousa Afriyie-Kumi has had an illustrious career. She has stocked her bags in more than 60 exclusive stores worldwide, including Nordstrom USA. Her drive has been fuelled by her connections with many people around the world, and she strives to do more. “I love the freedom of creativity which comes with being a designer and running my own strong sustainable brand in Africa,” she says. “There is a great kaleidoscope of influences and inspiration that I feel is unique to Africa, which I can tap into on my doorstep – so that is a massive positive of being an entrepreneur here. Words such as ‘empowerment’, ‘passion’ and ‘lasting’ are what I feel I (and weavers) bring to each creation.” A quick scroll through her Instagram page @a.a.k.s shows her colourful handcrafted bags brand has been featured in Harper’s Bazaar, Business of Fashion, Vogue Business, Condé Nast Traveler and other reputable publications. Akosua is keen on showing that African art can meet international consumer needs, and her efforts are being highlighted by top journalists all over the world. “I hope that my brand will go some way to contributing to the revival and sustenance of weaving as a thriving art to meet international standards of design and hence compete with the best in the world – and also ensure the continuity of weaving as a pride and major income earner for many in the co-operative,” she says. The transformation brought about by the pandemic has challenged the team at AAKS to put their heads together and figure out the next steps. On the flip side, customers have had the opportunity to interact with the brand more sincerely. Even though their ‘new normal’ is not yet defined, Akosua is excited about the new challenge. She is also keen on building a transparent sustainable fashion brand that designs small capsule collections focusing on quality and authenticity. All her bags are handwoven by craftspeople using locally sourced materials. “I hope that when a customer comes across an AAKS product, or makes a purchase, they have a feel-good factor of supporting an entire community of artisans and a product that they can cherish for a long time.”

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COURTESY OF IMANI MIGWI

It was a whisky and fashion collab that collided to create an Afro-blend limited edition expression IMANI MIGWI | KENYA Another star of the vibrant Nairobi fashion scene is Imani Migwi of the Manciny fashion brand. She knows that the future of fashion is online, and has taken various steps in her business to make sure she prepares for that. “Fashion in the time of Covid meant a shift from ofﬂine to online sales, thanks to the acceleration of digital technologies,” she says. “I have embraced having the audacity to do things differently. Communication had to shift to social media as the target audience moved to virtual platforms. As a modern brand, there is a need to meet the customers on all important touch points, including having platforms to engage them.” Migwi has represented Kenya at the inaugural Thai Silk Fashion Week, Festival for Fashion and Arts, and other events. Some of the trends she would love to experiment with include upcycled patchworks, collage prints, retro graphics and a mix and smash of geometric style. Her most recent collaboration was with Chivas in May 2021. It was a “whisky and fashion collab that collided to create an Afro-blend limited edition expression”. Just like whisky, fashion stimulates two senses – taste and sight. Her brand Manciny is the epitome of timeless aesthetics.

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INGA LUBEKA | SOUTH AFRICA For fast-rising Inga Lubeka of Inga Atelier, the pandemic has actually helped the brand. “It has affected us in a very positive way. At ﬁrst, we were panicking and worried, so we closed our bricks-and-mortar store. We decided to focus on online sales, and have since seen an increase in business like we’ve never before.” Inga Atelier doesn’t follow trends; it focuses on its own creative direction. The materials, aesthetics and functionality are unique. “We are a truly African brand. It’s made in Africa, by Africans. It is handcrafted – from cutting to stitching – beautifully. The story of the brand is that of a village boy who’s designing luxury leather goods and wants his work to travel the world,” explains Lubeka. In 2016, Inga was named among the Forbes 30Under30, and he has been nominated for Design Indaba (Most Beautiful Product). He’s deﬁnitely one you should be watching in 2022.

PHOTOS COURTESY OF IN-HOUSE PHOTOGRAPHER

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AUGUSTO ADRIANO

TAIBO BACAR | MOZAMBIQUE Globally acclaimed fashion designer, Taibo Bacar co-founded the similarly named fashion brand with Tatiana Ismael back in 2008. Based in Maputo, he became a designer naturally as his mother was a seamstress. In 2012, he was crowned Emerging Designer of the Year at the Mercedes Benz Fashion Week Africa. Taibo Bacar was also the ﬁrst African brand to showcase at the Milan Fashion Week. His collections tell the story of African nobility and royalty. Bacar has a totally different view of the perceived digital transformation that has occurred. “I don’t think that the luxury fashion industry went through such disruption,” he says. “What I do believe is that this is a general observation relating to the world and not exactly to a continent or areas where we operate in particular. With the pandemic, we noticed that some of our markets with the highest number of luxury consumers had some disruption. However, it was highlighted that in other emerging markets, perhaps with a smaller number of luxury consumers but with a faster growth rate, the effect was the opposite, in particular in Africa.” Bacar is quick to note that consumers were forced to buy local products due to the relative scarcity of international brands. This presented a chance for Taibo Bacar to prove that they can match up to the standards that customers are used to when shopping for renowned brands. The designer also believes that it’s high-time customers became conscious of sustainability when shopping. He also urges style lovers from all over the continent to embrace ‘Made in Africa’. Bacar’s brand is devoted to quality high-end pieces, inﬂuenced by Mozambican heritage and customs. According to him, the luxury industry there is non-existent and talking about opulence is still taboo. He’s out to challenge rules of behaviour that are acceptable in their home country. It is bearing fruit, as he was recently crowned Emerging Designer of the Year at Africa Fashion Week in Johannesburg. That’s opened doors of opportunity for him, and he intends to keep pushing the envelope with his designs.

Taibo Bacar ZDV WKH ůUVW African brand to showcase at the Milan Fashion Week. His collections tell the story of African nobility and royalty

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FASHION

COURTESY OF IN-HOUSE PHOTOGRAPHER

We like to think outside the box… one of our most popular trends is the Swarovski beaded suits. Futuristic, fashionable and unique DANIEL MOFOR | CAMEROON Dallas-based luxury fashion designer, Daniel Mofor is known for dressing renowned celebrities such as Bishop TD Jakes, Tyra Banks, Dwight Howard and Emmitt Smith. He has also been featured in GQ, Esquire, Vogue and other leading publications. The talented visionary grew up in his home country of Cameroon before heading to the US, where he started out working at Walmart. Fast-forward to 2021, he admits running a growing fashion business during the pandemic hasn’t been a walk in the park. “Lack of in-person ﬁttings at the beginning of the pandemic was initially challenging for the business,” he says. “As a result, we had to lean into perfecting our ‘Virtual Fitting’ model. It not only served our customers during that time, but also helped expand our market due to its precision and popularity for our out-of-town customers who want to wear our brand but are unable to travel. It also helped set us apart during Covid.” The fashion designer also says that as customer tastes constantly evolve, he has to innovate to meet those demands. “We travel to the best and most futuristic fashion shows around the world to gain inspiration and check out upcoming trends. Also, we like to think outside the box as far as our designs are concerned. For example, one of our most popular trends is the Swarovski beaded suits. Futuristic, fashionable and unique.” Mofor has received a glut of awards, including winning Fashion Group International’s Best Male fashion designer and being named in Forbes Next 1000 list 2021.

DE CE MBE R 2021 - J A NUA RY 2 02 2 | W W W. K E N YA-A I R WAYS.C O M | W W W. M S A F I R I M A G .C O M

STEVE OF INFINITY CLICKS

Bling detailing or beading is also heavy right now, making its way into some FRUSRUDWH RXWůWV to gowns and casual looks KATE MAYEYE OKARANIME | KENYA Kate Mayeye’s work has been heavily influenced by Nigerian culture. The creative director and partner at African Fabrics and Designs Kenya, her unique designs have been worn by top local celebrities, as well as those in West Africa. When the pandemic raged, she had to improvise to stay afloat, and she did it in a unique way. “I had to evaluate the direction the business would take and add multiple sources or ways to earn through the business,” she says. “I didn’t make ‘masks’ but luxury masks for those that wanted to look different or stand out from the rest. I also started a studio service.” The experienced creator also took a course in luxury and ensured that her work was entrenched in sustainability. Apart from that, Mayeye started selling accessories and teaching other designers how to transform looks from drab to couture. She has learned to take every obstacle as a learning curve and is always out to discover new trends that her customers need. “Corsetry has made a comeback in so many different designs. We incorporate it in our traditional wedding gowns. That’s a sure trend for now. Bling detailing or beading is also heavy right now, making its way into some corporate outfits, to gowns and casual looks.” Mayeye’s brand stands out because of her unique eye for fabrics and blending different prints into fashionable culture pieces. A gift for merging African cultures into an outfit and still keeping it modern is her forte.

W W W. M S A F I R I M A G .C O M | W W W. K E N YA-A I R WAYS .C O M | DECEMBER 202 1 - JA N UARY 202 2

We are the face of seamless travel.

No matter where you’re heading in the world, SkyTeam member airlines offer you more convenient connections, more fast-track services than any other alliance thanks to SkyPriority, the broadest set of loyalty benefits at 940+ airports around the globe. To learn more about how SkyTeam can make your travel smoother visit skyteam.com

kusa

ALL YOU NEED FOR A SAFE & ENJOYABLE JOURNEY WITH US

Guess where… Have aliens landed on planet Earth? No – not yet, anyway – this intriguing structure is an energy tree, part of the Sustainability Pavilion at this year’s World Expo. The pavilion includes 4912 solar panels, which can generate enough electricity each year to charge more than 900,000 mobile phones. This is just one example of this city’s innovative design. But which of Kenya Airways’ destinations is it? TURN TO PAGE 91 FOR THE ANSWER PE DRA/SHUTTERSTOCK.COM

W W W. M S A F I R I M A G .C O M | W W W. K E N YA-A I R WAYS.C O M | DECEMBE R 2 021 - J A NUARY 202 2

connections

KQ S IG NS LANDMARK AGREEMENT WITH SAA T H E S T R AT E G I C PARTNERSHIP COULD LEAD TO TH E FOR M ATI O N O F A PA N-AFRICA N AI RLINE

Kenya Airways has signed a memorandum of co-operation (MoC) with South African Airways, which will see This pic: SAA’s Thomas the two carriers share Kgokolo and KQ’s strategic capabilities Allan Kilavuka with the longer-term aim of forming a panAfrican airline. The partnership will look to reorganise the two companies in a way that will make both Kenya’s and South Africa’s aviation sectors more competitive. It also aligns with KQ’s core purpose of contributing to the sustainable development of Africa and will assist both airlines in the current and postpandemic business and travel environment. Under the MoC, the airlines will seek to realise mutual beneﬁts, including strategic positioning in global aviation, diversifying earning streams and reinforcing regional partnership in Africa – which will drive an increase in passenger trafﬁc, cargo opportunities and general trade. Allan Kilavuka, Kenya Airways’ group managing director and CEO, said: “The future of aviation and its long-term sustenance is

hinged on co-operation. The KQ and SAA collaboration will enhance customer benefits by availing a larger combined passenger and cargo network, fostering the exchange of expertise, innovation, best practice, and adopting homegrown organic solutions to technical and operational challenges.” SAA’s interim chief executive Thomas Kgokolo added: “It will also enhance related Kenya and South Africa tourism circuits, which account for significant portions of respective country gross domestic product, benefiting from at least two attractive hubs in Johannesburg, Nairobi and possibly Cape Town. KQ and SAA… are at the precipice of what could be a formidable pan-African airline.”

Jo’burg–Lubumbashi cargo service takes to the air Representatives of Kenya Airways and the Kenyan government travelled to South Africa to mark the launch of the airline’s direct cargo route between Johannesburg and Lubumbashi, in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC). The new service will be a codeshare partnership with Congo Airways. Among the dignitaries attending were KQ chief executive Allan Kilavuka, KQ Cargo general manager Dick Murianki and Kenya’s High Commissioner to South Africa, HE Ambassador Catherine Mwangi. The airline noted that its codeshare with Congo Airways would “strengthen collaboration, and bolster

This pic: KQ Cargo commercial manager Peter Musola (left) and KQ Cargo and Passenger Operations manager Patrick Mulei

GET SOCIAL WITH US:

facebook.com/KenyaAirwaysKE/

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LQVWDJUDP FRP RI

W I NN ERS :

Success for KQ at World Travel Awards Kenya Airways has claimed two prizes at the 2021 World Travel Awards, with the airline winning both the Africa’s Leading Airline and Africa’s Leading Airline – Business Class categories. KQ has won the Business Class category for an astonishing nine years in a row. Established in 1993, the awards acknowledge, reward and celebrate excellence across all sectors of the global travel and tourism industry. In a statement of thanks to its staff, Kenya Airways acknowledged the part they had played in its success. “When we deliver on our promise to customers, great things happen,” it said. “Thank you for demonstrating the power of service through one of our toughest seasons.” Kenya enjoyed a strong showing at the event. Aside from KQ, Nairobi scooped Africa’s Leading Business Travel Destination; Kenyatta International Convention Centre collected Africa’s Leading Meetings & Conference Centre; and Kenya Tourism Board won Africa’s Leading Tourist Board.

Below: Kenya Airways crew show off the airline’s 2021 World Travel Awards trophies

Get your UAS pilot licence with Fahari Aviation

TRAINING

L EA R N TO FLY A DR O N E Fahari Aviation, a subsidiary of Kenya Airways, is a top-tier unmanned aerial systems (UAS) training centre, certiﬁed by the Kenya Civil Aviation Authority to offer courses in drone operation, regardless of a student’s experience. The centre currently offers training to obtain a Remote Pilot Licence (RPL) – a key requirement for anyone looking to operate a drone commercially. The course takes four weeks and costs Ksh200,000. For more information, go to fahariaviation.com/training/ Further courses are due to come on board shortly. These include: Beyond Visual Line of Sight Training Learn how to ﬂy your drone safely when unable to maintain direct unaided visual contact with it.

Specialised UAS Applications Course This enables you to be industry-ready and to solve speciﬁc local problems using drone technology, such as aerial mapping, photography and inspections.

O RPL Instructor Rating Allows you to undertake training and supervision of candidates for the RPL course. O RPL Renewal Revalidate/renew your RPL.

For more on Fahari Aviation, turn to pages 28-35

6XVWDLQDELOLW\ Ű HHW

R ECYCL ING

REDUCING OUR ENVIRONMENTAL FOOTPRINT IN CONJUNCTION WITH I TS I NF LI GHT CATERIN G PROVIDER, NAS AIRPORT SERVICES, KENYA AIRWAYS HAS RECYCLED MORE THAN 320 TONNES OF WASTE

In these challenging times, with global leaders discussing the world’s future at the recent COP26 summit, climate change, environmental concerns and sustainability find themselves at the forefront of any respectable company’s philosophy. And NAS Airport Services, Kenya Airways’ inflight catering provider, is certainly one of those. An inevitable by-product of any business is waste – and it is vital that everyone dramatically reduces such waste going to landfill. Over the last three years, NAS has recycled an estimated 321.5 tonnes of waste (see table below, right) that it can attribute to Kenya Airways (this equates to around 70 per cent of the total waste NAS recycles). Formed in 1949, the service provider pre-dates the establishment of Jomo Kenyatta International Airport. Having started out operating from a wooden shack, the company now offers state-of-the-art inflight services, with its 950-strong team producing some 20,000 meals daily. Through its partnership with Sanergy – an organic waste management organisation in Kenya – NAS has committed to ensuring that both its hazardous and non-hazardous waste are handled and disposed of in a safe

PLANE SIGHT

cargo freighters

No. OF PLANES

SEATS

Boeing 787 Dreamliner

Premier: 30 Economy: 204

Boeing 737-800

Boeing 737-700

and environmentally responsible manner. Sanergy also facilitates the transformation of NAS’s waste into valuable end-products, such as organic fertiliser and insect-based animal feeds. The inﬂight caterer has additionally partnered with Enviroserve – one of the largest electronics recyclers in the world – to oversee the safe disposal of its, and KQ’s, e-waste. This includes items such as projectors, laptops, CCTV cameras, printers and printer toner.

SEAT PITCH

CRUISING SPEED

RANGE

MAX. TAKE-OFF WEIGHT

Premier: 75” Economy: 32”

Mach 0.85 (1050kmh)

14,500km

227,930kg

Premier: 16 Economy: 129

Premier: 47” Economy: 32”

Mach 0.78 (963kmh)

5665km

79,015kg

Premier: 16 Economy: 100

Premier: 40” Economy: 32”

Mach 0.785 (969kmh)

6225km

70,080kg

Embraer 190

Premier: 12 Economy: 84

Premier: 38” Economy: 31”

Mach 0.82 (1013kmh)

2935km

51,800kg

Boeing 737-300F

N/A

Mach 0.745 (797kmh)

2200km

62,822kg

Boeing 787 Dreamliner

N/A

14,500km

227,930kg

Mach 0.85 (1050kmh)

R EC O VERY:

ENCOURAGING SIGNS FOR AVIATION SECTOR Kenya’s aviation market has returned to near its pre-Covid levels, with the industry showing a steady growth in air travel following the disruptive effects of the pandemic. Kenya’s Principal Secretary at the State Department for Transport Joseph Njoroge said: “Our domestic market is vibrant and we are at 90 per cent compared to the levels in 2019. International trafﬁc has also picked up to 71 per cent.” Speaking at the Kenya Airports Authority’s (KAA) inaugural Aviation Community Day Golf Tournament, Njoroge noted that the vaccination drive had enhanced international

Meanwhile, the company has also championed going paperless, moving its processes that previously had an over-reliance on paper, such as delivery notes, online. Again, this substantially reduces the amount of waste usually associated with providing the likes of inﬂight meals to the airline.

FUEL CAPACITY (LITRES)

THRUST PER ENGINE

WING SPAN

LENGTH

HEIGHT

126,903

69,800lb

60.1m

56.7m

16.9m

26,020

26,400lb

34.3m

39.5m

12.5m

26,020

26,400lb

34.3m

33.6m

12.5m

16,153

20,000lb

28.72m

36.24m

10.57m

20,124

22,000lb

28.9m

32.2m

11.1m

126,903

69,800lb

60.1m

56.7m

16.9m

travel, especially in Europe and the Middle East. The one-day golf event, themed ‘It’s time to ﬂy again’, acted both as a celebration of the sector’s resilience and to spur further growth in the aviation market through encouraging people to start travelling again. Alex Gitari, managing director of KAA, said: “Having witnessed signs of steady recovery in the industry, this event presented us with a platform to mobilise stakeholders from across our airports to continue with the seemingly tireless efforts in ﬁghting the pandemic as we chart our way forward.”

RECYCLED WASTE AT TRIBUTED TO KQ ( 2018 -20 21) WASTE

TONNES RECYCLED

Carton boxes Polythene Organic waste Aluminium Scrap metal Plastic bottles Cooking oil Used oil E-waste

171.1 66.5 59.8 11.5 7.6 2.2 1.4 1.2 0.2

TOTAL

321.5

MSAFIRIMAG.COM | WWW.KENYA-AIRWAYS.COM | DECEMBER 2021 - JANUARY 2022

pride

Captain of the mountains: KQ pilot Bhavesh Vaghjiani tackles the 255km-long Kilimanjaro to Lake Natron bike ride – and he can't wait to get back in the saddle

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I had long conversations with Brett to ﬁgure out if a guy who was one of the last to be picked for his PE lesson football team could complete the event. I happened to be reading Can’t Hurt Me by David Goggins at the time. He insists we sell ourselves short and we can do a lot more than we think. With this mindset, and assurances from Brett that as long as I kept pedaling I’d be ﬁne, I signed up.

YO U R C A P TA I N S P E A K I N G :

B H AV E S H VAG H J I A N I A C A P TA I N O N T H E B 7 8 7 D R E A M L I N E R FLEET, BHAVESH VAGHJIANI HAS SERVED KQ F O R 1 8 Y E A R S . H E I S A L S O A N A C C O M P L I S H E D M O U N TA I N B I K E R , H AV I N G R E C E N T LY C O M P L E T E D T H E KILIMANJARO TO LAKE NATRON (K2N) B I K E R A C E – A F O U R - D AY, 2 5 5 K M E V E N T, FEATURING 4100M OF VERTICAL ASCENT

Q Why did you want to become a pilot? The bug struck me early. I must have been seven or eight. We were at my grandparents' home in Madhapar in Gujarat, India. Near to the village is an air force base. My sister and I were on the terrace one morning when we saw two MiGs flying in formation. That image, with the thunderous sound of the jet engines, stuck in my head. I think that planted the seed and cast a spell of flying. Q Where on the KQ network do you most enjoy flying to? And why? I’m afraid I don’t have a clear winner here. May I give three cities? Mumbai is like a slap in the face, of a good kind – if there is such a thing. The noise, smells, people and the atmosphere. Mumbai has to be on everyone’s bucket list, just to experience the cacophony! London has so much history. You could spend hours and hours visiting the museums, historical monuments, churches, castles and pubs. When you go to an old English pub, with squeaky floors and aged timber structure, you can’t help but imagine the events it must have been witness to. Cape Town – you can go for an exhilarating hike for a few hours on Table Mountain and 30 minutes later be at the waterfront, for a veggie burger and Coke. It’s a beautiful city.

2 3

Q What made you enter the K2N bike ride? I’ve driven to Amboseli from Namanga several times. There are stretches of savannah that are made for mountain biking – relatively ﬂat land, heavily peppered with the quintessential African tree, the acacia, and you get heaps of game. I wanted to ride through this land – smell it, hear it, feel it – not just drive through it. Driving is a very detached affair. So, the search for such an adventure began. In the course of my search, I discovered the K2N. Brett, who organises the event, is a marketing genius. He describes the race as “unparalleled beauty, unforgiving terrain, unforgettable experience”. What a sales pitch. I was sold. Well, kind of. I wasn’t sure whether I could do it. Day 1 has about 1700m of climbing – starting at 2600m, ending just below Shira Peak at 3800m. The most I had climbed at the time was 800m. Day 2 was an 80km-plus stage. The most I had ridden was 65.

Q What was your race highlight? On Day 3, after a brutal climb of perhaps an hour, we came across this single-track downhill ride that went on for 40 minutes or so. No pedalling, just freewheeling – the bike gliding around corners, with long views into the valley below. All I could hear was the sweet symphony of the rear hub, the tyres rolling over loose earth, the wind and occasional cow bells as I zoomed past acacia trees and bounced over gullies carved by rain. It was poetry. There were also periods where the only sound besides the ones caused by my intrusion was the harmony created by birds and insects. I have never heard such an orchestra before or since. Q And the lowlight? I didn’t want the adventure to end – I wanted to explore more, see more, feel more, absorb more. I hope this pristine world will be there for my son and I to ride through in a few years’ time. Q Would you do it again? I had such a blast that I have signed up for next year’s event. To spice things up a bit, I will ride the 400km to the start. It will take me about four days, and I plan to avoid tarmac roads as much as I can. Excited!

W W W. M S A F I R I M A G .C O M | W W W. K E N YA-A I R WAYS.C O M | DECEMBER 202 1 - JA N UARY 202 2

network

Amsterdam

NETHERLANDS

London

Paris FRANCE ITALY

USA

New York Rome

routes

Dubai UAE

MALI SUDAN Dakar SENEGAL

Khartoum

Bamako

Djibouti

ETHIOPIA SIERRA LEONE

CÔTE D’IVOIRE

Monrovia

LIBERIA

Abidjan

Accra

SOUTH SUDAN

NIGERIA

GHANA Lagos

CAMEROON Yaoundé

CAR

Addis Ababa

SO MA LIA

Freetown

Juba

Bangui

Douala

UGANDA

Eldoret Kisumu Entebbe Kigali

DR CONGO

REPUBLIC OF THE CONGO

Mogadishu

KENYA

NAIROBI

RWANDA

Brazzaville Kinshasa

SEYCHELLES

Malindi Mombasa Kilimanjaro

Bujumbura

BURUNDI

Zanzibar

Kisumu Lagos Lilongwe Livingstone London Lubumbashi Lusaka Mauritius Mombasa Monrovia Moroni Mumbai Nampula Ndola New York Paris Seychelles Victoria Falls Yaoundé Zanzibar

49min 5hrs 0min 2hrs 10min 3hrs 4min 8hrs 31min 2hrs 18min 2hrs 37min 4hrs 8min 59min 6hrs 45min 2hrs 4min 5hrs 49min 2hrs 19min 2hrs 21min 14hrs 26min 8hrs 7min 2hrs 58min 3hrs 6min 3hrs 53min 1hr 12min

Moroni

ANGOLA

DE CE MBE R 2021 - J A NUA RY 2 02 2 | W W W. K E N YA-A I R WAYS.C O M | W W W. M S A F I R I M A G .C O M

COMOROS

Lubumbashi Ndola

Lilongwe Blantyre

ZAMBIA Lusaka Livingstone Victoria Falls

MALAWI

Harare

ZIMBABWE

Johannesburg

SOUTH AFRICA

Cape Town

Dar es Salaam

Maputo

MAYOTTE

Dzaoudzi

Nampula Antananarivo

MAD AGAS CAR

Abidjan 5hrs 54min Accra 5hrs 26min Addis Ababa 1hr 51min Amsterdam 8hrs 20min Bangui 3hrs 1min Bujumbura 1hr 31min Cape Town 5hrs 18min Dakar 7hrs 47min Dar es Salaam 1hr 16min Douala 4hrs 7min Dubai 4hrs 40min Dzaoudzi 2hrs 20min Entebbe 1hr 6min Freetown 7hrs 10min Guanghzou 10hrs 43min Harare 2hrs 47min Johannesburg 3hrs 54min Juba 1hr 33min Kigali 1hr 23min Kilimanjaro 46min Kinshasa 3hrs 20min

TANZANIA Luanda

MOZAM BIQUE

SOURCE: AIRMILESCALCULATOR.COM; DESTINATIONS AS AT OCTOBER 2021

JOURNEY TIME FROM NAIROBI TO:

MAURITIUS

believe it or not…

Get to know our network with some XQXVXDO IDFWV DERXW WKH FLWLHV ZH Ű \ WR

INDIA

ENTEBBE

Some of the early Tarzan movies were ﬁlmed in Entebbe. The Ugandan city’s Botanic Gardens, which stretch for 2km along the shore of Lake Victoria, formed the ideal backdrop for the Lord of the Jungle’s adventures.

Mumbai

THAILAND

The Waterfalls of Lobé, around 170km from the port city of Doula in Cameroon, are one of only three falls in Africa that tumble directly into the ocean (the other two are in South Africa). Twenty metres high and 1km long, the cascades have great cultural signiﬁcance for the Batanga, Maabi and Pygmy peoples who live in the area.

Guangzhou CHINA

MAURITIUS

THE MAIN ISLAND OF MAURITIUS WAS THE ONLY KNOWN HABITAT OF THE LONG-EXTINCT DODO. THE REVERED FLIGHTLESS BIRD – STILL THE COUNTRY ’S NATIONAL BIRD, SOME 440 YEARS AFTER ITS SAD DEMISE – IS SAID TO HAVE EVOLVED FROM PIGEONS.

NEW YORK Albert Einstein’s eyeballs are reportedly

International routes Domestic routes Regional routes

VECTORKU STUDIO/SHUTTERSTOCK.COM

Suspended routes

Note: Due to the ongoing coronavirus crisis, Kenya Airways’ network is subject to change. Please check www.kenyaairways.com for the latest updates.

PVINCE73/SHUTTERSTOCK.COM

DOUALA

Bangkok

The 198m-long Victoria Falls Bridge – opened in 1905 by Charles Darwin’s son – took just 14 months to build, using 1500 tons of steel. The bridge, which links Zambia to Zimbabwe across the Zambezi River, began life in the UK, with the various prefabricated sections shipped to Mozambique and then transported by train to the falls.

ALEXANDROS MICHAILIDIS/SHUTTERSTOCK.COM

YANGCHAO/SHUTTERSTOCK.COM

VICTORIA FALLS

stored in a safe deposit box in New York City. The peepers, extracted during an unauthorised autopsy, were presented to the German physicist’s eye doctor. These aren’t the only famous body parts hidden around here – a certain appendage belonging to Napoleon Bonaparte allegedly lies in a New Jersey basement.

W W W. M S A F I R I M A G .C O M | W W W. K E N YA-A I R WAYS.C O M | DECEMBER 202 1 - JA N UARY 202 2

travel places

Knockout Kisumu OF TEN OVERLOOKED, KISUMU SHOULD FORM PART OF ANY KENYA VISITOR’S ITINERARY. THE TOWN SITS ON THE S HO RE O F L AK E V I CT ORIA AND, DU RI NG T HE 1 9TH C E N T U RY, G R E W I N T O O N E O F T H E B I G G E S T T R A D I N G POSTS IN THE REGION. ITS NAME IS BELIEVED TO DERIVE FROM THE DH OLUO PHRA SE ‘ADH I K IS UMA’ , M E A N I N G ‘I AM GOING TO TRADE’. KISUMU OFFERS AN A R R AY O F AT T R A C T I O N S A N D A C T I V I T I E S , A N D I S T H E G AT E WAY T O W E S T E R N K E N YA . HERE ARE A FEW HIGHLIGHTS…

Right: The rare sitatunga antelope Below: A black-headed gonolek

COUNTY GOVERNMENT OF KISUMU

Kit Mikayi

Ndere Island National Park

The 4 sq km island of Ndere in Lake Victoria, accessible by boat from Kisumu, is home to hippo, Nile crocodile, baboon, python, impala, waterbuck, zebra, warthog and the rare sitatunga antelope, as well as more than 100 species of birds, including the grey-headed kingﬁsher and black-headed gonolek. Predominantly covered in tall grasses, the island boasts several indigenous trees and plants, while papyrus reeds line the shore.

K ENYA AI RWAYS FLI ES TO KI SU MU 3 TO 4 TI ME S D A ILY, F O R MO R E IN FO GO TO W W W. K E N YA-A I R WAYS .C O M / E N - K E / F L I G H T S -TO - K I S U M U

DE CE MBE R 2021 - J A NUA RY 2 02 2 | W W W. K E N YA-A I R WAYS.C O M | W W W. M S A F I R I M A G .C O M

The balancing rock formation of Kit Mikayi, about 30km west of Kisumu, is said to resemble a lady with a load on her back. Standing some 24m high, the rocks hold special signiﬁcance for the local community, who once used the sacred site for worship and rituals. Myths and legends surrounding the stones abound. Perhaps the most entertaining is that of an old man who fell in love with the rocks, spending every day in the cave beneath them. This led his poor suffering wife to tell friends when enquiring of his whereabouts that he was with his ﬁrst wife (mikayi).

Lake Victoria

COUNTY GOVERNMENT OF KISUMU

Arguably, the best way to enjoy Africa’s largest freshwater lake is by canoe (or for the less adventurous, a motorised boat). For a longer outing, take a trip to one of the nearby islands, perhaps camping out on the beach at Mfangano Island and sport fishing for Nile perch. Alternatively, accompany the local fishermen as they cast their nets off Rusinga Island at night, where the light from hundreds of paraffin lamps bobbing up and down in the water creates an ethereal scene. For the best sunset viewing, head to Hippo Point. Here you’ll find groups of people playing music, sipping sundowners and grilling nyama choma (barbecued meat). There’s also a band of boatmen ready to take you out on the lake.

PHOTO: MOSES BURIRI

Simbi Nyaima The Luo community attaches great signiﬁcance to Simbu Nyaima, which translates as ‘the sunken village’. Legend has it that an old lady appeared at the chief’s home, looking for shelter. Rather than welcoming her, he threatened to beat her if she stayed. One villager, however, gave her food and a warm bath. The old woman advised the kind lady to leave the area. As soon as she had gone, a storm swept the village and it sank. The crater lake is a seasonal landing spot for ﬂamingos during their migration from the Rift Valley lakes. Egrets and Egyptian geese can also be seen.

Dunga Beach Wetlands

Take a walk through the wetland swamp along the elevated Dunga Papyrus Boardwalk, in an area renowned for its biodiversity. Several rare birds have made their home here, including the papyrus yellow warbler and the papyrus canary. The boardwalk forms part of a conservation project to protect the wetlands and its threatened species. There is also a museum displaying traditional wares and crafts, such as musical instruments and costumes.

Right: Egyptian goose

W W W. M S A F I R I M A G .C O M | W W W. K E N YA-A I R WAYS.C O M | DECEMBER 202 1 - JA N UARY 202 2

duty free

FASHION STATEMENTS N O W AVA I L A B L E O N B O A R D : A S E L E C T I O N OF PRODUCTS TO DELIGHT YOUR SENSES

Fragrances and Beauty J E A N PAU L G A U LT I E R L A BELLE EAU DE PA R FU M (5 0 ML )

$80

Jean Paul Gaultier lets us into his garden – a place of temptation and attraction. La Belle Eau de Parfum for women results from the fusion of addictive vanilla pod, fresh bergamot and stunning pear. An addictive, luminous trail for an attractive and ultra-feminine woman. Fragrance notes: Oriental – vanilla

Watches and Pens HUGO BOSS MEN’S WATCH AND PEN SET The BOSS Officer watch is made to perfectly complement your style. A small round case, leather strap, thin and refined stick hands and indexes add the distinct touches to this sophisticated, vintage timepiece. To accompany it, you will find an elegant BOSS pen, which is the ideal companion for everyday use, thanks to an alluring combination of casual modernity with classic elegance.

$199

AL PH A- H LI QU I D GOL D (5 0 ML ) The multi-award-winning ‘overnight facial’ from Alpha-H transforms skin after just one use. This leave-on liquid peel contains naturally derived fruit acids to help revitalise tired, ageing skin and lessen the appearance of ﬁne lines, enlarged pores, blemishes, sun damage, pigmentation and scarring. Use every other night. Clinically proven to: reduce wrinkles, reduce skin roughness and boost moisture levels.

$35

CAROLINA HERRERA B A D B OY E A U D E TOILET TE (50ML ) Bad Boy is a powerful and sophisticated scent for unique and irreverent men who dare to embrace all the facets of contemporary manhood. This oriental, aromatic fragrance seduces and captivates with the speed and precision of a lightning bolt. Fragrance notes: Oriental – spicy

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$70

KENNETH COLE MEN’S SKELETON WATCH

$170

Powered by the movement of your wrist, this Kenneth Cole New York automatic watch features a modern transparent dial with a striking skeleton movement in the centre, set in a stainless steel casing. This interchangeable set comes with two straps: black leather and ontrend stainless steel mesh. Waterresistant to 30m/3ATM.

GUESS LADIES’ G LUXE WATCH ROSE GOLD Logo is having a fashion moment! Repeat logo patterns are embraced in this metal bangle silhouette. The look continues with the logoembossed dial set inside the rosegold-toned 35mm case. Whether dressed to impress or a casual day at the ofﬁce, our GUESS girl is on trend with this elegant timepiece. Self-adjustable for ease of ﬁt. Waterresistant to 30m/3ATM. Two-year international warranty.

$150

$70

Electronics

EL746 BITMORE BLUETOOTH 4.2 EARBUDS The AirFlex True Wireless Stereo Earbuds from Bitmore are – as the name suggests – truly wireless earbuds! Snagged or tangled cables are a thing of the past: now you can sit back and relax with a completely wirefree listening experience. These tiny wireless earbuds are just 18mm across and are effortlessly inserted in the ear for a secure and comfortable ﬁt. Enjoy clear, high-quality audio from your Bluetooth-enabled musicplayer, smartphone or tablet wherever you go. Plus with the built-in microphone, you can answer your phone calls when connected to a Bluetooth smartphone.

A two-hour charge will give you six hours of playback and 150 hours on standby. Perfect for travelling, the charging case is not only a handy way to keep your earbuds safe, but also contains a 1500mAh powerbank that will recharge them up to seven times – and even give emergency power to your phone. Supplied with the earbuds is a selection of silicone and foam ear gels, a set of sports hooks for an extra-secure ﬁt, a USB-to-micro-USB adaptor and a charging cable for the case. Bitmore AirFlex True Wireless Earbuds are the perfect way to enjoy music on the go.

BANG & OLUFSEN BEOPLAY H5 WIRELESS EARPHONES Beoplay H5 wireless earphones deliver a smart, immersive listening experience for music-lovers who live to move. Whether out running, on the train to work or just hanging out at home, they deliver outstanding Bang & Olufsen signature sound that dynamically changes proﬁle to suit your current activity.

Liquor JO H NN IE WAL K E R DOUBLE BLACK (1L) Strongly inﬂuenced by powerful West Coast and Island whiskies, Johnnie Walker Double Black is best enjoyed with water to unlock its complex layers of smouldering spice and smoke.

$49

$19 AMARULA CREAM (1L)

The distilled ﬂavour of the marula fruit blended with nature’s fresh cream – taste the wild fruit of Africa. Award-winning Amarula Cream in an exclusive gift box. 17% ABV.

NOTE: SOME PRODUCTS ARE ONLY AVAILABLE ON SELECTED AIRCRAFT TYPES

$210

… to see our full range of duty free products.

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.4 &LQHPD CHOOSE FROM A HOST OF NEW ON-BOARD CONTENT — THERE’S SOME 80 MOVIES, 55 TV PROGRAMMES AND 1000 MUSIC TRACKS FOR YOU TO ENJOY P IC K OF THE F L I CKS

BLACK WIDOW ACTION A solo movie for Black Widow has been in the works from the early stages of the Marvel Cinematic Universe. Now in 2021, we see Scarlett Johansson bring the character of Natasha Romanoff to life one last time in this standalone adventure. This is Johansson’s

ninth time starring as the deadly spy turned Avenger, and Black Widow proves a fitting closing chapter for the character of the same name. A fugitive from the US government for violating the Sokovia Accords, we see Black Widow in action without the aid of her fellow Avengers for the first time. She must confront her past and finally deal with the darker parts of her ledger. Romanoff is joined by her surrogate sister and fellow widow, Yelena Belova (Florence

Pugh), as they work to eliminate an old enemy. The ﬁlm brings all the action and suspense we have come to expect from Marvel. D I D YO U K NO W?

Black Widow’s wrist-mounted tasers are yellow, which is an homage to the character’s original costume – an all-black suit with yellow bracelets.

NO TIME TO DIE ACTION After experiencing numerous delays to its release date during a tumultuous year when thrilling blockbusters were craved the most, No Time to Die is worth the wait. Enjoying a peaceful retirement in Jamaica, D I D YO U KN O W? James Bond (played by Daniel Craig for the For the car chases, over final time) cannot escape his MI6 duties for long 30,000 litres of Coca-Cola were and becomes involved in a mission to rescue a kidnapped scientist. The mission takes an poured on to the ancient streets of Matera, Italy, to act as a unanticipated turn and leads Bond on a liquid adhesive on slippery treacherous journey to a mysterious villain surfaces, at a cost of with dangerous new technology that could US$68,000. threaten the world. Filled with the classic elements of a great Bond film – constant action, big stunts and near misses, there are also several shocking twists and turns that will keep you on your toes. It features a fantastic final performance by Craig, complemented by the reserved yet fierce Leá Seydoux and a hypnotic Rami Malek.

Enjoy our huge selection of shows, from classic comedies such as The Big Bang Theory and The Middle, to Lonely Planet documentaries and drama hits like The Flash.

ON THE APP

DOWNLOAD THE KQ CINEMA APP BEFORE YOU FLY AND ENJOY THE ON-BOARD ENTERTAINMENT ON YOUR MOBILE DEVICE ( AVAILABLE ON SELECT FLIGHTS ONLY ).

NOTE: THESE FEATURED MOVIES WILL BE ON BOARD FROM JANUARY 2022

skyteam

MAKE TIME TO RELAX

MAKE THE MOST OF YOUR MILES

First and Business Class customers and SkyTeam Elite Plus members enjoy complimentary access to hundreds of airport lounges worldwide. Here, you’ll ﬁnd a welcome retreat from the gate with a wide choice of food and beverages to help you refuel before you ﬂy, and rigorous health and hygiene measures to keep you safer.

MA K E 20 2 2 T HE Y E AR T O T R E AT YO U R S E L F T O T R AV E L Unlock your SkyTeam membership and SkyPriority frequent flyer benefits If you’ve spent the last two years dreaming of where to visit, it’s time to start ticking those destinations off your list. Whether you’re reuniting with friends and family, reconnecting with colleagues or simply want to get away from it all, here’s how to get the most out of your travel in 2022:

SURE YOU’RE 1 MAKE A MEMBER

Sign up to any SkyTeam member’s frequent flyer programme and you’ll earn miles every time you fly on a SkyTeam-operated flight. It’s free and easy to join online and you can choose the programme that suits you best. Miles can be redeemed for reward travel and other perks. And the more you fly, the faster you’ll boost your frequent flyer status.

THE TERMINAL 2 MAKE A BREEZE

Elite and Elite Plus members enjoy many additional beneﬁts, such as extra baggage allowance and access to SkyPriority airport services. These include priority at check-in and boarding, priority at security and priority baggage handling. Simply look for the iconic red square that signals SkyPriority when you arrive at the airport, and you’ll know to expect a smoother ride through the terminal.

Forgot to enter your frequent flyer number before you travelled? Don’t panic, simply log into your frequent flyer account and use SkyTeam’s Retro Crediting tool. This finds, verifies and adds your missing miles in seconds, meaning you’re closer to using them for reward travel when the time is right.

SURE YOU’RE 5 MAKE READY TO FLY

Passport, wallet, health credentials… SkyTeam has made it easier for you to meet your destination’s entry requirements before you arrive at the airport. The travel requirement checker and SkyTeam’s Testing Labs Locator on SkyTeam.com help you ﬁnd and book the correct test for travel in 17,000+ locations worldwide. And of course, don’t forget to wear a face covering along the journey, unless you are exempt. SkyTeam and its members look forward to welcoming you back on board.

Guess where answer (from page 75): Dubai, United Arab Emirates Once a small fishing village, Dubai is now one of the most innovative and cosmopolitan cities in the world. Whether it’s the spectacular manmade Palm Islands that jut into the Persian Gulf or the Burj Khalifa, the world’s tallest building, or the gold souks of Old Dubai, the emirate is home to a plethora of must-see sights. The Dubai World Expo, which runs until 31 March 2022, is another must-visit – and it’s the first such event to be held in the Middle East, Africa and South Asia region. For more information about Dubai, go to www.kenya-airways.com/en-ke/flights-to-Dubai

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BR I GH T S PA RK

J E R E MI AH THO R O N KA A GREEN ENERGY PIONEER FROM SIERRA LEONE HAS WON THE INAUGURAL US$100,000 CHEGG.ORG GLOBAL STUDENT PRIZE 2021 FOR INVENTING A DEVICE THAT USES KINETIC ENERGY FROM TRAFFIC AND PEDESTRIANS TO GENERATE CLEAN POWER

eremiah, a 21-year-old student from Freetown, Sierra Leone, was selected from over 3500 nominations and applications from 94 countries around the world. He was born amid the ﬁghting of the Sierra Leone civil war and grew up with his single mother in a slum camp for displaced people on the outskirts of the capital Freetown, having to burn charcoal and wood for lighting and heating. Jeremiah saw with his own eyes how, in

Jeremiah plans to use the prize money to expand Optim Energy to reach 100,000 people by 2030

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addition to the photochemical smog making respiratory problems commonplace, his young contemporaries fell behind in their schoolwork because of a lack of decent lighting. Energy poverty is a major issue in Sierra Leone – with just 26 per cent of the population having access to electricity. In rural parts of the country, only 6 per cent of people have electricity access, with most turning to solar lanterns and drycell batteries. As a result, it has led to the destruction of forests as people chop down trees for firewood, which leaves Sierra Leone highly vulnerable to extreme events such as flooding and landslides. Families’ reliance on firewood and cheap kerosene generators also leads to frequent house fires. These life-threatening disadvantages and hardships fuelled Jeremiah’s passion for renewable energy and climate change advocacy. Aged 17, when studying at the African Leadership University in Rwanda, he launched a start-up called Optim Energy, which transforms vibrations from vehicles and pedestrian footfall on roads into an electric current. It is different from established renewable energy sources, including wind or solar, because it generates power without relying on changeable weather. At the same time, no battery and no electricity connection to an external power source is needed. Optim Energy ran a successful pilot programme in Jeremiah’s neighbourhoods, Makawo, in the northern part of Sierra Leone, and Kuntoluh, east of Freetown. With just two devices, the start-up provided free electricity to 150 households comprising around 1500 citizens, as well as 15 schools where more than 9000 students attend. Jeremiah plans to use the prize money to expand Optim Energy to reach 100,000 people by 2030. He is currently developing plans to expand into the healthcare sector, which needs power to chill medicines and vaccines and create sufficient light for treating patients after dark.

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