April 2023 edition

Ramadan Kareem to all my strong-willed brothers and sisters embarking on this beautifully challenging and profoundly awakening & rewarding spiritual journey!

I truly enjoyed the 30 days of fasting last year and would love to join again, yet find myself stuck in lockdown Kenya with too much work, studies and training for the Make Me Smile Global Run - Virtual Charity Run

Hope to be able to join at least for the final days and meanwhile whishing everyone much determination, perseverance and a beautiful journey from sacred Nandi Rock, the highest point in Kisumu.

Maximilian Ullrich

TEMBEA KISUMU

The photo captures a stunning sunrise scene at Dunga beach, Kisumu county. The sky is painted in a magnificent blend of warm orange and yellow hues, with the sun partially visible at the horizon. In the foreground, a silhouette of a fisherman is seen leaving the shore in a small boat. The man appears to be standing and paddling his boat with a long oar.

The fisherman is heading towards the vast expanse of Lake Victoria, also known as NAM SANGO or Lolwe. The lake is tranquil, with a few ripples forming as the boat cuts through the water. The fisherman's silhouette is prominently visible against the backdrop of the rising sun, highlighting the daily routine of the people living around the lake.

The photo captures the essence of the fishing community's livelihood, as the fisherman is depicted going out to catch fish to feed his family. The image is serene and peaceful, with the beauty of the sunrise and the man's activity on the lake seamlessly blending together. The photo serves as a visual representation of the beauty of Lake Victoria and the vital role it plays in sustaining the people around it.

Image/ Hillary Otieno Omondi

Editor's

AsweapproachEarthDaythisyear,theTembeaKisumuteamisproudto highlightthecity'scommitmenttopreservingourplanetthroughvarious initiativesandevents.Kisumuishometoadiverserangeofecosystemsand wildlife,makingitevenmoreimportantforustocelebrateandprotectour environment.

Inthismonth'sedition,we'llbefeaturingstoriesoflocalindividualsand organizationswhoaremakingapositiveimpactontheenvironmentinKisumu. We'llalsobeshowcasingsomeoftheexcitingeventsandactivitiestakingplace inthecitytocelebrateEarthDay.

Wehopethatthroughourcoverage,readerswillbeinspiredtotakeactionin theirowncommunitiestopromotesustainabilityandprotectourplanetfor futuregenerations.Together,wecanmakeadifferenceandcreateabetter worldforall.

wwwtembeakisumucom experience@tembeakisumu.com

CONTENTS

DUNGA BOARDWALK

The Dunga Boardwalk is a raised walkway that stretches over the Dunga wetland It is a peaceful and serene ecosystem that supports a diverse range of birdlife, fish, and vegetation

THE BENGA MAESTRO

As a fan of benga music, it was fascinating to learn more about the life and career of this legendary musician

GOOD FOOD

The restaurant at Kalongo Longo offers a variety of mouth-watering dishes inspired by traditional African cuisine

EXCLUSIVE!

NANDI ROCK

THE PERFECT EARTH DAY CELEBRATION

EASTAFRICAN PLUS SIZE AFFAIR

FISH FIESTA FESTIVAL

Fish Fiesta 2023 is a signature tourism event organized by the County Government of Kisumu

MAK ADEM

Ohanglaman’ Mak Adem (b Odero Ademson) began his amazing musical show at Kisumo’s Dunga Hill Camp at 4:30PM when the sun had started to funga virago

THE ULTIMATE OUTDOOR TOURS

We want to celebrate Earth Day with you Let us know when you see an outdoor activity you like in the next pages

ISLAND LIVING

The perfect destination for anyone looking to experience the magic of Western Kenya With its stunning location, luxurious amenities, and dedicated staff, guests are sure to have an unforgettable stay.

MILIMANI SHAMMAH HOTEL AGHA KHAN ROAD +254 703 497 971 EXPERIENCE@TEMBEAKISUMU COM WWW

HIKING + ISLAND LIVING + FOOD + ART

KIT MIKAYI

We had a wonderful time yesterday evening taking my clients to Kit Mikayi, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a natural wonder in Kisumu County. We learned about the legends and stories behind this amazing rock formation, which means "the stone of the first wife" in Luo language. We also admired the scenic views and the unique architecture of the rocks.

The highlight of the tour was the breathtaking sunset that painted the sky with beautiful colors My clients were very impressed and grateful for the experience. Thank you for trusting me as your tour guide!

Noels AfriQ Travel

NGUGE HILLS

The Ultimate Getaway for Outdoor Adventure and Relaxation"

As you embark on the journey to Nguge Hills Wellness Lodge, located just an hour away from Kisumu city, you are met with an aura of calmness and tranquility. The scenic drive through the Western region via the Kisumu Busia Highway is a sight to behold, with lush greenery and magnificent hills lining the way.

As you approach the lodge, the stunning view of the Nguge Hills welcomes you. The hills are a magnificent sight, providing a perfect backdrop for this wellness destination. The environment is peaceful and serene, far from the hustle and bustle of the city. It's a perfect getaway for anyone looking to escape from the daily routine and embrace nature.

Upon arrival at Nguge Hills Wellness Lodge, you are greeted by friendly staff who usher you to your room. The lodge boasts luxurious and spacious rooms, all of which are designed to offer the ultimate comfort and relaxation. The rooms are tastefully furnished with modern amenities, including comfortable beds, hot showers, and free Wi-Fi, ensuring that you have a comfortable and enjoyable stay.

Outside the rooms, there is an array of outdoor activities to keep you engaged and entertained. Hiking is a popular activity among guests, allowing you to explore the lush vegetation and wildlife that call this area home. You can also go zip lining or try your hand at archery. These activities are perfect for those looking to challenge themselves and push their limits.

The lodge's surroundings are peaceful and calming, offering an excellent opportunity to reconnect with nature. The hills are alive with the sound of birds, creating a serene atmosphere that helps you relax and rejuvenate. The lodge also offers meditation sessions and yoga classes, which are perfect for those looking to unwind and relieve stress.

The dining experience at Nguge Hills Wellness Lodge is also exceptional, with an extensive menu of healthy and delicious meals. The lodge serves a variety of fresh and organic meals, providing a wholesome dining experience that nourishes both the body and soul.

Nguge Hills Wellness Lodge offers a unique and unforgettable experience for anyone looking to escape the city's stress and hustle. The serene environment, luxurious rooms, and range of outdoor activities provide the perfect getaway for individuals, couples, or families. Whether you're seeking adventure or relaxation, Nguge Hills Wellness Lodge is the perfect destination for you

DUNGA BOARD WALK

Malo malo! Welcome to the beautiful Dunga Boardwalk in Kisumu. This is a special place that our community cherishes and is proud of. We would like to share with you the beauty of this place and why it is so special to us.

The Dunga Boardwalk is a raised walkway that stretches over the Dunga wetland. It is a peaceful and serene ecosystem that supports a diverse range of birdlife, fish, and vegetation. The wetland has been a source of livelihood for our community for many generations. It provides a perfect breeding ground for fish, which we depend on for our daily meals.

As you walk along the boardwalk, you can hear the sounds of nature, the chirping of birds and the rustling of the trees. You can also observe the rich biodiversity of the wetland, which includes over 100 species of birds. It is a perfect place for bird watching, and you can even see the rare and endangered Papyrus Gonolek.

The boardwalk is also a perfect place to experience the local culture and community. You can visit the local businesses and restaurants around the boardwalk and sample the local cuisine. The locals are friendly, and they are always ready to share their stories and experiences with visitors.

The Dunga Boardwalk is not just a place for recreation; it is also a symbol of community resilience and conservation. Our community has been working tirelessly to preserve the wetland's ecosystem and ensure that it remains a source of livelihood for generations to come. We are proud of our efforts, and we welcome visitors to come and learn more about our culture and conservation efforts

The Dunga Boardwalk is a beautiful and peaceful place that is close to our hearts as Luos. We invite you to come and experience the rich biodiversity, culture, and community of this special place. Thank you for visiting, and we hope to see you soon. Ka hera

BENGA MEASTRO

Just attended the Osito Kalle Book Launch, it was an incredible experience!

As a fan of benga music, it was fascinating to learn more about the life and career of this legendary musician. It was clear that his impact on the music industry in the region is immense and his music continues to resonate with many generations.

Thank you to the organizers for putting together such a wonderful event!

Kisumu County

Governor Prof Peter Anyang' Nyong'o

FISH FIESTA FESTIVAL

Fish Fiesta 2023 is a signature tourism event organized by the County Government of Kisumu through the Department of Trade, Tourism, Industry and Marketing (TTIM) under the Marketing Campaign 'Kisumu My Pride', which aims to promote and position the county as a tourism, trade and investment hub.

Being the Marketing arm of the County Government of Kisumu, the Department is charged with the mandate of coordinating tourism development and promotion of activities and programmes that ensure increased tourism visitor numbers, promoting development of trade, industrialization, enterprises, and cooperatives through county policy formulation and implementation, regulation and infrastructural development.

CECM Tourism, Trade, Industry and Marketing Hon Farida Salim

Ohanglaman’ Mak Adem (b. Odero Ademson) began his amazing musical show at Kisumo’s Dunga Hill Camp at 4:30PM when the sun hard started to fungaya virago vyake and, for the next 3hrs and 22minutes, well after the sun had bid the day goodbye and given the moon the baton to shine upon Nam Lolwe’s waters, serenaded revellers with his versatile musical prowess and talent, strumming the Nyatiti to a million times and genresweaving his voice, smile, sweat, and lyrical Juogi to paradistic effect! (YES! That is one sentence, FU! ��)

M A K A D E M

Performance

Review by WNG Oluoch Madiang'

MakAdem’s general summation by performance critics always revolves around the motif of his ease of bestriding Benga, Ohangla, Pop, unalloyed Nyatiti, and providing transcendental Fela Kuti-esque performance experiences.

Watching and consuming MakAdem’s performance, one couldn’t help welcome into theirselves an osmosic transfer of enjoyment, entertainment and energy.

The peasant farmer

Watching and consuming MakAdem’s performance, one couldn’t help welcome into theirselves an osmosic transfer of enjoyment, entertainment and energy.

With his Alego fingers expertly causing his authentic kamabanane Nyatiti strings to croon their best notes (his Nyatiti was sourced originally in our very Alego Dala), and a posture of control, one would wonder why anyone would miss any of this experience in their lifetime.

My especial moment in the whole show was when MakAdem paid respectful tribute to the GrandMaestro Ayub Ogada with an energetic and artorgasmic rendition of ‘Ondiek’. Aaaaah, such sumptuous feeling!

Please, before you become a cabbage unable to control your body and senses, you MUST patronise a MakAdem show. Today MakAdem travels to Nakuru for a show on 9th. Endeni.

The resident Loko Band gave MakAdem backup for this show, while the legendary Dave Otieno worked the sounds.

A showcase of jewelry knowhow and natural fabrics set the ambiance of the attendees’ mood on the red carpet with many opting for silk. Hand gloves, chunky wedges, thighhigh boots, stilettos, ruffles, and designer handbags were the statement pieces nominating one to the bestdressed list. To couple the theme orange was mixed with blacks and whites, and there were a lot of dark blue hues, aqua, reds, and African prints ruling the night. Most interpreted the theme the best way they knew how, veering off.

Next In Fashion: The Plus Size Revolution

BySydneyOtieno

Body diversity has been a conversation in the mouths of many fashionpreneurs, designers, and models but dragged itself on gaining a voice in Africa with designers still hinged to the ‘model-slim’ fetish of the late 20th century which saw plus size models missing a seat at the fashion high table. The conversation continues upon the completion of the 8th edition of Kisumu Plus Size Affair held at the Sarova Imperial hotel in Kisumu’s CBD on 8th April.

Designers like Angela, Irene, and Beryl sent their collections down the runway with the theme being juggled all through. Crocheted shorts, blouses, and minidresses in a wide palette of brights was mixed with solid blacks achieving sportive contrasts.

Drapey kimonos highlighting African prints (kitenge) on the hems and belts were the focus of Irene’s presentation.

Beryl served the awe of the night’s closing with a bridal gown of clean cuts and precise back construction spotlighting just enough of the model’s back. Thigh-high slits made a cut in nearly all the presentations.

Feeble fate

Should ticket sales be of more importance than the show itself? or do I have to ask a waiter to move so as to get a glimpse of whatever is happening on the stage? What is the point of it all?

The show might have reached its target earnings because believe me not, it was packed but it may have also fallen short in advocating for body diversity in the fashion industry, not in terms of the models presented or the array of collections let down on the runway but in lacking the voice of urgency and alarm that modeling is a passion and any body size matters.

One is left to wonder what is next after seeing all these models, was it just another fun easter weekend night? It’s frustrating that the focus was not majorly on fashion relevancy to the plus size women as the show seemed to take a promotional stand with ten-minute or more breaks to advertise the sponsors. One cannot lose sight of successive movements near the runway and all over the place crashing all hopes to soak in the beauty of the designers’ creations.

Back to the Future

In a past interview with Tembea Kisumu the founder of the show, Winnie Wenger said each one of us has gone through the selfawareness and self-acceptance journey, and if not, one is yet to. With this being her 8th show there is no doubt that she is a fervent crusader against the embracing of a certain size of models in Kenya and joins the global conversation of body image positivity and diversity in the fashion industry.

Plus-size women have been victims of body shaming and online harassment due to their physical appearances with words like fat and chunky typed boldly in some celebrities’ and influencers’ comment sections. Hateful remarks by online bullies have created a somewhat insecurity about how women and girls of plus-size bodies view themselves raising questions like those of Lizzo’s ‘How dare she, how dare she love herself, how could she?’.

These negative body images root deeply and do take time to change and like the Sweet Love hit-maker Wahu after being a victim of body shaming due to her 22.5kgs weight gain once said, “to anyone who has ever been body shamed, remember what the shamers say is not a reflection of you.

It’s really a reflection of the quality of person they are. So don’t take their negativity to heart.”

Wheels are slightly turning and fashion being dynamic is changing from the everyday obsession of the ‘slim’ models who have been gracing the runway for decades to a more body-diverse program that embraces different body types and sizes with brands and designers tapping into the potential of this gradual shift. In a Glamour article by Hannah BanksWalker on Body Diversity Within the Fashion Industry she states that while fashion continues to set the tone for what we all wear, it’s actually everybody’s problem if it’s only showing these clothes on one type of body or, worse, only making them for a handful of sizes.

KALONGOLONGO

African Dishes and Accommodation - Milimani next to Lakehub

Waruaki Dala = Welcome Home.

SOVEREIGN HOTEL

Don’t just book an ordinary hotel room, book an extraordinary one. We are opposite Nyanza Club Milimani

BILIE BY MEG

CUCINA BISTRO

To sample this succulent nyama, grilled to perfection head on over to Ojijo Oteko Road

The 2023 Edition of the East Africa Poetic Hour Battle will be staged on the 27th of May 2023 in Kisumu - Kenya.

Submissions are open and will be closed on the 15th of April at 4pm.

Successful applicants shall be communicated to via email on the 21st of April with details on how the competition shall be conducted.

The competition is open to poets residing in East Africa with Kshs. 100,000/- up for grabs.

Enquiries: hourpoetic@gmail.com

AFRICAN ROUNDTABLE OR WATER WARS?

African roundtable most definitely cannot only be for feasts; we must treat our manners to the level of resolving our own troubles. The Nile Treaty, 1959, fronted by Great Britain has never and will never be feast for all around this table. This treaty, whether lately reviewed or not, was a document drafted to limit but lately it is inspiring water wars around the Nile Basin. It should be reviewed as means of seeking environmental, historical and agricultural justice to the Lake Victoria/ Nile River co-riparian countries.

A new look of this treaty should give Sudan and Egypt face of acceptance to other coriparian and disregard that bullish clause entitling them full control of Nile water. This case of Egypt & Sudan Vs Ethiopia if not addressed or reviewed could fast precipitate into water wars of 1960 between Syria, Iraq and Turkey over Tigris-Euphrates, ET basin. Looking at Egypt’s consumption volume per annum, three African medium consumers can use it for a sustainable production. Egypt and Sudan should therefore let Ethiopia continue tapping in Blue Nile, and generate power from their River Nile dam. Legally, it is within their bounds.

Responsible use treaty can be drafted considering the demographics, agricultural and environmental productivity of the coriparian. Nile Responsible Use Treaty, NRUT, is worth rewarding the efforts of individuals and entities actively involved in campaigns and actions on restoring and balancing the bio system of the Nile source.

Oscar Omondi

Executive Director Greenspeed Ltd

/SSM @ Page IX

THE VANILLA BEAN

We do the cupcake decorating with kids for any size group - birthday parties and school events.

The kids get to decorate their own cupcakes with a variety of icing colours and cake sprinkles for only 100/ per child and, of course we are there to help them if they need it! You can organise a cupcake decorating event through our West End Mall shop, bottom floor.

AFRICAN FOLKTALES REIMAGINED

African Folktales Reimagined is a new Netflix series that showcases the rich storytelling tradition of Africa. With six different episodes, each under 30 minutes and directed by filmmakers from six different African countries, this anthology is a treat for viewers who love folklore and fairy tales.

The stories in this series are steeped in African culture and tradition, and feature heroes and villains that are unique to the continent. From the Punishment Island in Uganda to the ogres in Kenya and the Djinn in Mauritania, these stories are a reminder of the diversity and richness of African folklore.

The six episodes in this series are diverse in terms of genre and style, and each offers a distinct perspective on African folklore. Whether you're a fan of horror, drama, or fantasy, there's something in this series for everyone. And with runtimes ranging from 13 to 27 minutes, this series is perfect for a quick binge-watch session.

The series is a result of Netflix's partnership with UNESCO to support young storytellers from the subSaharan Africa region. Each episode has been made with a budget of $90,000 and creative guidance from established filmmakers, who served as mentors to help the newcomers bring their stories to life.

African Folktales Reimagined is a must-watch for anyone who loves folklore, fairy tales, and storytelling. It offers a fresh perspective on African culture and tradition, and showcases the talent of young African filmmakers. With its unique stories, diverse cast, and stunning visuals, this series is sure to leave a lasting impression on viewers.

VICTORIA SANDS TAKAWIRI LODGE

With manicured lawns and white sandy beaches, Takawiri offers a stunning backdrop for your getaway.

The Victoria Sands Takawiri lodge's location offers guests a unique opportunity to experience the natural beauty of Kenya.

The lakefront property provides easy access to Lake Victoria, the largest freshwater lake in Africa, where guests can enjoy fishing, boating, and other water sports.