Lifestyle
VINTAGE VIBES Concours d'Elegance
Classic showdown: Merc Benz 190 vs BMW E30
Sojourn in South Rift with Renault Kadjar
Decor: Declutter your home
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editor’s Note PUBLISHER: Savekubwa
EDITOR-IN-CHIEF: Pauline Muindi
DESIGN AND LAYOUT: Alexander Ngaira
WRITERS: Joe Murai Steve Mbuthi Mark Muhoro Cash Mandi Thorn Mulli Charles Chanchori Susan Catherine Keter Margaret Muthee Eugene Operre Vinita Otieno
PHOTOGRAPHERS: Darshit Shah
DISTRIBUTORS Admag Distributors
We want your photographs and articles! Would you like to be published by Vroom? We are accepting submissions of both articles and photographs for our next issue. Email Vroom editor at sagarshah@savekubwa.com
Hiya!
H
ow wonderful is it that we’re already on the second issue of your favorite magazine - Vroom! I daresay that it was an exhilarating experience to put together a totally new and unique lifestyle magazine. I hope that you thoroughly enjoyed reading it and can’t wait to dig into our second issue, which is all about vintage vibes. September is always an exciting month for motoring fans in Kenya. It’s the month which, courtesy of one of the most anticipated events in the industry’s calendar , CBA Africa Concours d’Elegance, gives owners of classic cars and bikes an opportunity to showcase their pimped up rides. The car show isn’t for petrol heads only - Nairobi’s glitterati, dressed to impress, flock the highly social event and pose for pictures with the rarely-seen cars and bikes . The annual event, organized by Alfa Romeo Owner’s Club and sponsored by Commercial Bank of Africa, is attended by over 10,000 people. If you missed the fun, worry not. We have covered the highlights of the event. Continuing the vintage theme, our trusted reviewer Stephen Mbuthi compared the Mercedes 190 - popularly known as Baby Benz - and the BMW e30 in an epic battle of the classics. Which car won? We found that classic SUVs are rising in popularity. They’re a must-have for a well-turned driveway. Mark Muhoro went into the trouble of finding out which classic SUVs are most popular in Kenya, in case you want to get in on that trend. Thorn Mulli drove the Renault Kadjar to Ziwa Lodge, in Njoro. He says that the car won him over with its aesthetics, fuel economy, and security features. What else does he say? Head over to the ever-exciting travel section to find out. Cash Mandi also tested the Range Rover Velar on a trip across the winelands and mountain ranges of Stellenbosch, South Africa. This issue also has lots of other content on lifestyle topics such as restaurants review, fitness, and décor for you to savour. What can I say…Vroom is on fire! I’d like to know what you think. Which articles are your faves? Which topics would you like us to cover? What do you think we’re doing well and what can we do differently? Please talk to me on email vroom@savekubwa.com. I’ll be waiting to hear from you. Enjoy. Yours truly, Pauline Editor-in-chief
letter to the editor Hi, I recently obtained the Sep 2018 launch issue of Vroom Lifestyle from the Village Market and found it very interesting. Kindly advise on which other locations I can obtain the same on a monthly basis as I reside in South C and do not travel to Village Market frequently. Your earliest feedback will be highly appreciated. Chetan Amlani
Response:
We’re glad to hear you found Vroom Magazine interesting. Thank you for taking the time to let us know- it means a lot to us. Going forward, we’re happy to have a copy of Vroom delivered directly to you, Please let us know where you would like it delivered.
Please write to us and stand a chance to win amazing prizes!
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table of contents
8 SHOWDOWN:
Mercedes Benz 190 vs BMW E30
10 MAIN FEATURE
2018 CBA Concours D’Elegance
14 road trip
Thorn Mulli takes the Renault Kadjar to the South Rift
17 TECH REVIEW
A look at LG UK7700 TV
18 DECOR
Don’t let your home turn into a hoarder’s paradise
19 CAR CARE
Lube 101- the what, when, and why
20 HER TAKE
Cash Mandi drives the Range Velar in South Africa
21 RESTAURANT REVIEW
A quick lunch at the Baluba Retaurant, Movenpick Hotel
22 HEALTH & FITNESS
Is a Keto diet the ultimate weapon against the flab?
24 MY TOYS
One car, three generations
26 FASCINATION
Classic SUVs in Kenya
28 MONEY
Transitioning from employee to employer
30 LIGHT NOTE
A Peugeot and memories of childhood
For Advertising Enquiries please contact: vroom@savekubwa.com • sagar@savekubwa.com Tel (+254) 0732641705 • Tel (+254) 0729638151 Save Kubwa Nairobi, Kenya Tel (+254) 0732641705 • Tel (+254) 0729638151 The cover and content of VROOM Magazine are fully protected by Savekubwa and cannot be reproduced in any form without written permission. Disclaimer: The opinions expressed in these pages are the views of the writer and do not necessarily reflect the views and opinions of VROOM Magazine, Savekubwa or any of its advertisers and collaborators.
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showdown
THE BABY BENZ OR
BEEMER E30?
Mercedes and BMW go head-to-head in an epic battle of timeless classics. Words by Stephen Mbuthi
Mercedes wanted a compact saloon, codenamed baby Benz as it would be the smallest car they’d ever made and the Mercedes 190 was unveiled in November 1982.
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I
t is a bit arrogant to claim that you make the best car in the world, but Mercedes does exactly that in the slogan “The Best or Nothing!” Nothing being the collective term for all other car brands. You’d have no reason to not believe them too as they’ve been making cars the longest and the Mercedes S Class is widely regarded to be the pinnacle of what a car could ever be. They also happen to have been dominating the Formula One championship for five years now and they don’t seem to be letting go any time soon. What this means, in simple terms, is if you want to buy a car, presumably the best option should be adorned with the three pointed star. But BMW disagree, as they claim in their mantra, to make the “Ultimate driving machine.” BMW are almost as old as Mercedes and are their only true natural rivals. They compete model for model with the only discrepancy being that Mercedes make commercial vehicles and BMW don’t and while BMW have their two wheeled Motorrad division and Mercedes don’t. As impressive as their contemporary overengineered rolling masterpieces are, the best example of the two auto giants going head to head would take you back to the 80s, the golden era of motoring purity, when the cars were designed with passion so deep you felt it every time you changed gears or turned the steering wheel. Mercedes wanted a compact saloon, codenamed baby Benz as it would be the smallest car they’d ever made and the Mercedes 190 was unveiled in November 1982. Mercedes then decided that they wanted to enter the WRC and proceeded to pour investment into the W201 project to the tune of 4 billion dollars in today’s money. The result was a car powered by a 16v 2.3 litre Cosworth engine which, in August of 1983, tore apart the rulebook. To prove their cars, Mercedes took three slightly modified examples to the Nardo racetrack in Italy on a 50,000km test. Six drivers averaged 240Km/h for eight days with the cars pitting for a refuel and driver change every two and a half hours. In total 243 stops were made. The mechanics changed every 14 hours and had to do a pitstop every 50 minutes. After 201 hours, 39 minutes and 43 seconds, two of the cars had clocked up 50,000 km with an average speed of 247 Km/h and the 190 2.3-16 set three new world records and nine international class records. They were finally ready for the rally stages of the world but that was not to be as Audi’s four wheel drive Quattro rendered everything else obsolete. Instead Mercedes decided to enter the 190 into the DTM, where they were to meet with BMW’s E30. Although the E30 was first shown to the public in 1982, it had been under development since 1976. Its predecessor,
the E21, had embarrassed BMW by its wonky suspension, which meant that people actively avoided driving the ultimate driving machine. Understandably BMW were determined to salvage their reputation. Full disclosure: I have a BMW E30, a 1989 318 rusty example with the 1800cc M10 engine. The day I bought it was the day my heart switched brands. Mercedes are unbeatable when it comes to making a statement and no wonder most world leaders use an S Class as their daily. I would too if I ever became president, but more importantly, I’d still have my E30 for when I want to open my own door and sit behind the driver’s seat. When you drive the 190 you feel it’s a Mercedes through and through and that’s because it’s an exceptional machine, but when you drive the Beemer you feel like you are in a sensual dance with a deeply desirable woman. The music is right, heartbeat and engine revs in sync and every step instinctively surefooted. Even in factory standard suspension you feel the car wants to dance and let’s not argue about this, the E30 is and will always be prettier than the 190. I was supposed to have a head to head review of the two but I’ve driven a few examples of both and my advice to you, if you’re contemplating either, is to go with whatever your heart wants. It’s like Arsenal and Manchester United, it’s either or. And since bragging rights are important in the classic car scene, or any scene for that matter, let’s look at their racing history. Both took part in DTM – or Deutsche Tourenwagen Masters, or in English the German Touring Car Masters where they brought their bare knuckle track brawler versions. The Mercedes had an AMG Power Pack fitted to the 2.5-liter engine with a full SLS suspension and an air bending body kit. The engine was good for some 235hp and 254 Nm of torque and red-lined at 7,700 RPM. The E30 M3, codenamed Sport Evolution model, came with a naturally aspirated 2.5-liter engine known as the S14 churning out 238 hpand 240 Nm of torque. It too had an aggressive body kit. But more importantly the road going homologation Mercedes had been on sale while the E30 was under development and BMW could easily have gotten hold of a few 190s and seen how to best them. It definitely appeared so on the racetrack where the E30 came off the victor with 48 wins to the 42 that the 190 managed. Mind you Audi also had a car in the mix, with a V8 but it was more a condiment to the contest rather than a main player, so we shall not mention them. Both cars are handsome in classic timeless way. Both, if well restored and maintained, will only appreciate in value and both have pedigree. If you want a classic German saloon, either will do. Only personal preference matters when choosing a classic - and I made my choice.
The music is right, heartbeat and engine revs in sync and every step instinctively surefooted. Even in factory standard suspension you feel the car wants to dance and let’s not argue about this, the E30 is and will always be prettier than the 190.
main feature
THE 2018 CBA AFRICA
CONCOURS D’ ELEGANCE What went down in the most anticipated motor event of the year? Words by Mark Muhoro
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C Veronica’s Wroe Rolls Royce ended up bagging the overall winner’s award in the car category with 270 points. Following closely behind with 269 points was Sati Gata-Aura with his 1947 MG TG and 1977 Nissan 1600 cars that took up the 2nd and 3rd places overall respectively.
ar enthusiasts rose up bright and early on 30th September to attend the most anticipated motor event in Kenya- the 2018 CBA Africa Concours d’ Elegance. As early as 8 AM, competitors had already set up classy cars and motorcycles to the admiration of spectators. The day was sunny and the mood cheerful- a perfect recipe for a successful event. The theme was Aladdin and the Classical Rides. Being a continental status event, CBA Africa Concours d’ Elegance draws crowds from all over Africa. Over 10,000 people - adults and children- attend the event each year. This year’s event was the 48th in the series, and just like the ones prior, it was organized by the Alfa Romeo Owners Club. CBA Africa has been the main sponsor of the event for seven years. They sponsor a similar one in Uganda named Uganda Vintage and Classic Auto Show ,which has been running for three years. According to Chris Pasha, CBA’s Group Head of Marketing, the two events have reinforced and connected vintage and classic auto enthusiasts in the two countries. He noted that more and more Ugandan competitors are making the trip to Kenya to participate in the CBA Africa Concours d’ Elegance, and vice versa.
The Cars
Sachit Shah’s 1959 Mercedes Benz 300D
This year, car enthusiasts were treated to an intriguing auto pageant that included star studded car entries from all over Africa. The entry list comprised of 70 cars in total, eight of which were made before 1940.There were three Roll Royces, a one-of-a-kind classic 1959 Mercedes Benz car, a 1968 American muscle car, and many more. Dr. Kevit Desai, the Principal Secretary in the State Department of Vocational and Technical Education in the Ministry of Education, was one of the competitors. He fielded a gorgeous 1967 Jaguar 420, which he acquired it 30 years ago from the owner of the British Gas Organization in Kenya at the time and gradually reconditioned over the years. Only 1,500 models of its kind were produced. Another car that wowed the crowds was a 1968 Buick Riviera that was fielded by Paul Bakuru from Rwanda – a collector with a penchant for American cars. This was the only all-American muscle car entered into the competition. Bakuru acquired the Riviera just before the Rwanda government implemented its 10-year tax policy on used vehicles in 2016. The car features a massive 7.0-liter V8 engine that delivers over 400 horsepower. The deafening roar that the exhaust produced when he revved the engine was proof enough of the specs. Anwar Fatehdin, a new entrant, showed a striking 1930 Ford Model A. It was in excellent shape, with a well-finished, newly upholstered interior. When he bought it in 1968, it was a
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main feature
Peter Giraudo’s 1966 Triumph TR 6C managed to pull-off a 1st place win in the motorcycles category with 175 points, and in second position was Dominiqie Antoine’s 1925 Triumph 550 SD. Martin Kaiser’s 1964 AJS Cafe Racer managed to scoop third place. ‘piece of junk’ in his words. The body, chassis, and engine were in very bad state. Anwar painstakingly reconditioned the car, and by 1972 he was driving it. I was intrigued that the car’s body has been locally fabricated for the most part, unlike most other competitors who imported various replacements for their cars. One of the most anticipated cars was Sachit Shah’s 1959 Mercedes Benz 300 D. This majestic, light-green limousine looked fit to carry royalty. The 1959 Mercedes Benz 300 D is also referred to as the Adenauer because it was loved by Germany’s first chancellor – Konrad Adenauer. This particular car was sold new in Kenya several decades ago and was only rescued in November 2016 after being left outside for over 15 years. Mr. Shah entrusted the process of reconditioning the car to J.P. Roquier – a man who is well versed in all things concerning classic and vintage machines. Most of its parts and components were refabricated or repaired, while others had to be shipped from UK, Belgium, Holland, Germany, and USA. Mr. Shah’s 1959 Mercedes Benz 300 D features a 180-horsepower 2996cc straight-6 engine and a fully independent suspension system. These cars were really cool, but it was apparent that the stunning Rolls Royce limousines were getting a lot of attention from fans. The Nairobi City Council showed a 1952
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Rolls Royce in which Governor Mike Sonko rode when he was being sworn into office. The Nairobi City Council acquired the magnificent car way back in 1968. Every incoming Nairobi Mayor or Governor has been chauffeured in it ever since. Rajesh Lakhani also brought his 1951 Rolls Royce Silver Dawn. Only 735 models of the 1951 Rolls Royce Silver Dawn were ever made in right-hand-drive, and only five of them had been brought into the country before independence. Veronica Wroe showed a 1934 Rolls Royce Boatail that was also a showstopper. This bright yellow car featured a wood-paneled cabin with a boat-shaped rear, hence its ‘Boatail’ suffix.
Motor Cycles
This year also saw a significant increase in motorcycle entrants; up to 40 competitors showcased their bikes, quite a few coming from Uganda and South Africa. Galleria Mall sponsored two bikes from South Africa: A 1964 AJS Café Racer that was fielded by Martin Kaiser from Johannesburg, and a 1970 Honda that was fielded by Vivian Mathew Kuiper. Other entries included a 1966 Triumph TR6C fielded by Peter Giraudo , Tumaini Nyagah’s 1999 Harley Davidson ( which won top honours in the Most Elegant
Motorcycle Category), a 2006 Vstar 650 that belonging to Kevin Wairiuko Maimba, Peter Giraudo’s 1966 Triumph TR 6C managed to pull-off a 1st place win in the motorcycles category with 175 points, and in second position was Dominiqie Antoine’s 1925 Triumph 550 SD. Martin Kaiser’s 1964 AJS Cafe Racer managed to scoop third place.
Added Value
2018 CBA Africa Concours d’ Elegance also set up an Auto Expo where people could buy new or used vehicles. There, automakers like Mercedes Benz, Nissan, and Isuzu had set up shop and were showing off their latest vehicles. There were also trade stands for motorcycle makes like KTM, TVS, and Suzuki. There was also a Heritage Collection where vintage automotive machinery was exhibited. In this section, the showings included Roger Tanner’s 1918 steam engine, an ancient Mercedes Benz truck, and an old Fergusson tractor. Kids had a lot of fun thanks to Brookside Diary Limited, which had set up a kid’s zone complete with bouncing castles and clowns. Car enthusiasts were also treated to live performance by music artist Nyashinki later in the evening. Without doubt, the 2018 CBA Africa Concours d’ Elegance lived up to expectations.
road trip
ojourn in the outh Rift
S 14.
Thorn Mulli drives the agile Renault Kadjar to Ziwa Lodge, in Njoro.
A
n Aussie suffering from cancer gets a big break when the treatment he is on rids him of the gnawing ailment. As is with most instances of surmounting incredible odds, a new perspective is attained. The literal second chance that fate offers amplifies a philanthropic bud that he and his wife always harboured. A decision is reached to offer a second chance to other humans in need. And so armed with only a suitcase and goodwill, the couple accompanied by their children leave the comfort of their US home for Africa. That is the genesis of East African Mission Orphanage (EAMO) established in 1997 by Ralph and May Spinks who presently provide a loving home for hundreds of orphaned children including babies and teenage mothers. History as shared by the man himself, nifty Ralph Spinks,at the entrance of one of an enterprise the family set up to support the orphanage. That enterprise tucked amongst tree and birdlife is aptly named Ziwa Bush Lodge. Ziwa is Swahili for pond that is the central feature of this boutique experience that would be my home for a night as I fished out some of the least known spaces in the South Rift. My tour began from the capital on a slow-moving traffic Monday afternoon. It would also double-up as a test-drive for the Renault Kadjar model selling locally. This was the moment of reckoning for a creation I had casually weighed in my last installment as a pretty carriage lacking the brute that our roads require; nay demand. No better place to challenge this assumption than to plough a substantial amount of Kenyan tarmac. Let’s, however, get the name out of the way first. While it does not sound very French, ‘Kadjar’ is derived from two French words. Renault says the word ‘Kad’ is inspired by the quad to represent a go-anywhere four-wheeled vehicle while ‘Jar’ is derived from the French word agile as well as ‘Jaillir’, which means to ‘emerge suddenly’. Now there are two engines to choose from: 1.2-litre turbocharged petrol with 128bhp and a 1.6-litre diesel with either 109 or 128bhp. Renault claims the petrol manages 5.6 Litres/100km, while the diesels officially make 3.9 Litres and 4.3 Litres/100km respectively. If you go for the fruitier diesel, you can even have four-wheel drive. I was interested to try out the 2016 produced crossover 1.2 TCe (Turbo Control efficiency) petrol engine selling for Sh4.8 million that promised to offer the power output of a 1.4L engine, the torque of a 1.6L engine and the fuel consumption of a 1.2L engine. My impression is that the push to start, petrol variant of the Renault Kadjar riding on front traction is rather light, and you do feel it. It pushes a commendable 10.4 seconds zero to 100km/h. On the go, it feels even lighter attributed to the engine mated to a seven-speed dual-clutch gearbox - not the fastest, but useable nonetheless. And the extra gear definitely helps when cruising on the highway, allowing the engine to work at lower revs. I, nonetheless, did feel the engine’s torque struggle when overtaking and suspect that it might worsen with a boot full of luggage. Where it really won me over, however, was the aesthetics, fuel economy and security features. With nine colours to choose from (I drove the pearl white version) I reckon the flame red version or cosmos blue is more arresting on the model. While the name can throw you off, the Renault Kadjar passes as distinctly French in character. What with its concept car-like nose, swooping side panels and sculptured rear lights. It’s without a doubt a beautiful car finished off with striking 17-inch alloy wheel rims. The stylish exterior and spacious interior makes this a sensible and practical crossover that will leave you with few complaints. The relatively spacious cabin will fit three adults with ease while the 472-litre boot also means that all your shopping and moving needs are not a headache.The retractable tow-bar that can hold three bikes is especially practical during a family outing. You will also find the 200mm ground clearance worth the trouble. Leather-
magazine issue 2 nov 2018
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road trip
covered steering wheel, dual-zone air-con, automatic headlights/ wipers, and cruise control are great additions as is the customisable, easy to operate,R-Link 2 multimedia system(in English thankfully) projected on a seven-inch screen. My only concern was that the plastic material used in most of the dashboard needs particular maintenance. The speaker quality too came of average. Luxury, however, is nothing without security and from the look of it no compromises were made. I noted front, side, and curtain airbags, along with other fancy electronic assists such as traffic sign recognition, automatic parking, and lane departure warning. No doubt that this bunny delivers quite the unexpected punch. My journey to Njoro, where Ziwa Bush Lodge is situated, followed what has become tradition over the years. This comprises an obligatory stop at the Rift Valley viewpoint to take in the panorama. The next mustdo is the convenience of the Delamere Kobil Service Station stopover point off Naivasha along the Naivasha-Nakuru highway. This time, however, it was not only to attend to pressing cold nature or stock-up on refreshments but also to… practice my swing. You read that right. If you have never played the game of golf before, it’s about time you got some training with experienced instructors who will guide you through the fundamentals. Nine-hole Barons Park Golf Centre behind the popular convenient store does just that. It targets young and upcoming golfers who cannot afford to pay the high fees in other members club. Prices at their driving range begin at Sh200. In addition, the space hosts a competitive pro-shop and an up-to-the-minute clubhouse for meetings.While at it, Ialso got to meet the establishment’s cheery 25-year-old proprietor whose story is rather inspiring. With my swing enhanced and the sun setting fast, I made for Ziwa Bush Lodge set in the vicinity of agricultural town of Njoro located 18 km south west of Nakuru. One visitor noted that Ziwa Bush Lodge, which is on the same property as East African Mission Orphanage, is a gem tucked in the middle of nowhere; you’d have to be looking for Ziwa to find it. Engulfed in darkness,I could still make out the standout features of the cosy property.Surrounded by a perimetre electric fence is lush gardens dotted with traditional Makuti thatched-roof buildings with
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canvas ceilings, which is wise because Njoro is 1850m above sea level.The structures are all decorated with local handcrafted cedar furniture and the well-spaced rooms come with private balconies. Famished, I made a beeline for the central restaurant overhanging the pond for dinner. A creamy delicious blend of fresh tomatoes and garlic soup whet my appetite for spicy masala chicken served with rice. To top it off was a well-balanced semi freddo. The restaurant that serves a selection of continental dishes and Italian cuisine has their menu posted on their website so you can pre-order. Vegetarian food is also available. Choice of accommodation is nine luxurious executive rooms or three en suite lux tents. I was in villa four and after a comfortable sleep on comfortable mattress tucked in sturdy a four-poster bed, I woke to confirm that the composition of the lodge was as authentic as it impressed under the moonlight. Not lost to my attention was the spacious bathroom area of the room with hot shower and essential conveniences. Green rules here, and the rich birdlife seems to be a testament to that fact. Thanks to the abundant trees, you could not breath cleaner air elsewhere. The trails thus are perfect for exercise runs or walks. The central feature too is teeming with life and if fishing is your fancy then you are in luck. On a hot afternoon, join the fish in cooling off the property’s swimming pool with a view. I was informed that a spa and sauna will soon be in the offering. Oddly, despite proximity to the orphanage, the place is serene; perfect for those seeking to revitalize. If you’re a TV junkie, prepare to be weaned. You can contend with the reliable Wi-Fi cover in all areas and rooms. Speaking of the orphanage, you can help by signing up for the Sponsor a Teacher Program for only Sh14,000 per month per teacher. Ziwa also serves as the perfect launch base for excursions to Lake Nakuru National Park and the Menengai Crater. If you want to muse on lost love and where it goes, visit Egerton Castle on the outskirts of Njoro. Make sure to catch my next installment where I will detail my fight with the baboons of Lake Nakuru Park and what my night-running escapades in Nakuru yielded.
tech review
A Look at
LG UK7700 TV With a decent picture quality, is this TV worth the buy? Words By Joe Murai
P
icking a TV is no simple task. If you’re a movie buff, this screen may end up as your best friend not just for the coming months, but years – while we replace our phones on a fairly regular basis, the best TV screens should sit prettily in our living rooms for a good long while. They’re pricey purchases, and we expect to get our money’s worth. LG has almost single handedly revitalised the high-end of the TV market with its high performance OLED flatscreens. An early champion of OLED technology, the brand now offers a wide range of OLED models, with its display division supplying panels to a growing number of brands, including Sony, Panasonic, Philips, Toshiba and Loewe. Let’s have a look at the LG UK7700, it is a good 4k IPS TV for a wide range of usages. It has good gray uniformity so not much dirty screen effect is noticeable when watching sports or playing video games.
It has a decent picture quality. It has low contrast ratio even for an IPS panel, poor local dimming and poor black uniformity so when viewed in a dark room it cannot deliver a great picture as dark scenes look a bit washed-out. In a bright room, as the TV cannot get very bright, it cannot fight glare but thankfully it is great at dealing with reflections. The most common resolutions are supported on the LG UK7700. However, 1440p is not supported, although 1080p @ 120Hz is accepted by the TV, it is not displayed properly as this is a 60Hz panel and drops every second frame. This TV has a decent amount of punch and body to its bass, but doesn’t produce any thump or rumble as it lacks sub-bass. It is also capable of producing clear and intelligible dialogue, but gets only decently loud and may not be loud-enough for very large and noisy environments. For a better sound, sound bars or dedicated speakers are recommended.
It also runs the latest version of WebOS, LG’s smart operating system. It has a decent number of pre-installed apps, you can always visit the LG content store where you can choose from thousands of third-party apps. The LG content store is not as good as the Google Play Store found on Samsung or Sony TVs. The remote is the one that comes with all high-end 2018 LG models we have tested and is well built. The Smart features design works well but is not as sleek as the ones found on high-end Samsung or Sony TVs. The Smart features come equipped with new voice control functions that are very powerful. The variants included are 65UK7700, 55UK7700 and also 49UK7700, and as the names suggest, the sizes are 65, 55 and 49 inches. The main features include 4K, Active HDR, Ultra Surround sound and also a quadcore processor. The price of LG UK7700 in Kenya is in the range KSh. 85,000 and KSh. 150,000
magazine issue 2 nov 2018
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decor
Declutter your Home
T
Is your home starting to look like Hoarder’s Paradise? Use these creative tips to declutter. Words by Margaret Muthee
here is nothing as refreshing as walking into a well organized space after a days’ hustle. The impact of a well organized space is not just in the visual appeal. Creating a stylish clutter free space helps to clear the mind, boost productivity and also functions as a stress reliever. Additionally, decluttering comes with its fair share of benefits. It is easier to find stuff around a neat house, maintenance is a breeze, and it saves you money in the long run. So how about organizing your space and getting rid of all those items you no longer need? While many dread the decluttering journey, it can be a fun and enjoyable process. Here are a few creative ways to help you declutter.
Float some shelves
Build wall pockets
Storage beds
Have you been wondering of the best place to store your keys around the house? Wall pockets are convenient for storage of small fidgety items that can easily be misplaced. While things such as keys or pens might be small, they occupy a lot of space and create a mess lying around your furniture. Wall pockets are easy to create and can be a fun diy project.
Customize your furniture
Adding storage features to your living room furniture is a great way of adding style and keeping clutter to the minimum. A tiered coffee table can allow you to stack books and magazines on the lower shelf while still maintaining the decorative items on the top shelf. Instead of a conventional type of sofa, a customized bench can fit your storage purpose. While the upper cushions provide a place to sit, the lower drawers created can function as storage for books, toys, games and other important items. Ottomans are a creative way of decluttering your living space. Though they come in different shapes and sizes, you can choose a design with a lid that lifts to provide more storage space.
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Floating shelves are a sleek way of sprucing up and adding personality to your space. They are perfect way of showing off your favorite books, photography and other decorative items and can also fit well in unexpected spaces.
Create innovative closets
To avoid creating a mess in the bedroom, it is important to ensure that closets are well organized. To deal with insufficient space, trendy innovative closets can be built under your bed or hidden behind walls to save on space. Additional drawers could also be built under the stairs for extra clothes storage.
Think of creating a storage right under your bed. Well, this new trend is not surprising as most people end up leaving items under the bed anyway. However, storage beds are well organized and can be well customized to accommodate your storage needs. This kind of storage can be accessed by removing the mattress and depending on preference; can be in form of drawers, open spaces with shelves or simply made up of boxes. Storage beds are ideal for clothes, extra beddings, books, games or anything else that can be safe under the bed. Boxes are a good choice as they can be easily moved around.
Ditch it
Unused items often create cluttered spaces. Are you holding on to items that you no longer need? If you haven’t used something for over a year, you probably will never do so. Whether gifts, sentimental items or duplicates, it is time that you gave them up. There are many ways to get rid of stuff that you no longer need. Up-cycling allows you to declutter without completely getting rid of something. Donating items will leave you with a good feeling but you can also make that extra dime by selling stuff that you do not need instead of throwing it away.
Car Care
LUBE 101 A
s nature would have it, it is close to impossible to completely avoid the car parts from wearing-off. However, it is possible to maximize the life and performance of these auto parts if you take the right steps towards managing the wear. One vital component of your car that is prone for wear is the engine, due to the high number of moving parts. Your engine “knocking” (engine seizure) is probably the saddest story you can ever tell about your car and the resulting engine overhaul is a very costly and time consuming exercise. With this in mind, I set out to learn a few tips on taking care of your car engine. My chat with Sam, the Head of Lubricants at AutoXpress, involved me picking his brain on the “what, why and when of engine oil.”
The what
The engine is the most lubricated part of a car, with about 80% of the lubrication requirements of a car being engine oil. This is due to the reasons mentioned earlier that engines have many moving parts which have the potential to rub against each other creating friction. This friction can cause parts of the engine to wear more quickly and cause damage to the engine. Additionally, the friction would cause the engine to run less efficiently and potentially consume relatively more fuel. A lubricant is simply defined as ‘a film placed between two moving parts to reduce friction’. Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEM’s, for example, Toyota, Mercedes, Honda, VW et cetera) are at the forefront of determining the most suitable lubricants to use on motors for optimum performance. Different car models have an OEM defined viscosity and performance specifications for the lubricant, and an OEM prescribed oil drain / service interval. Sam explains that the correct way to determine the oil change intervals and lubricants suitable for your car make is by keeping to the prescriptions by the OEM’s. Always ensure you use lubricants that meet the required specifications for your car.
The why
Engine oil is critical for your engine because it performs different essential functions: • Reducing friction and wear – this is the primary function of lubricants as engines are composed of various moving parts. However vigorous, these parts need to move with ease otherwise cases of wearing off would be rampant • Cleaning – lubricants help clean by-products of combustion that happens when any hydrocarbon (petrol or diesel) is burnt from the engine • Sealing – components like piston rings are made in such a way that they have a bit of clearance from the cylinder for ease of movement. Oil therefore acts to provide a seal on the space left, between the top part of the combustion chamber and the bottom part of the cylinder • Cooling – typically to remove surplus heat from an internal combustion engine. The hot engine transfers heat to the oil which then sometimes passes through a heat-exchanger, typically a type of radiator known as an oil cooler, in the absence of the oil cooler, the oil
The What, Why & When of engine oil
will naturally cool at the oil sump – normally and strategically located at the bottom of the engine where there is good air flow. • Neutralize acidity – In diesel engines especially, acidity tends to occur due to the component sulphur in diesel (diesel has relatively higher sulphur content compared to petrol). The base reserve in lubricants helps neutralize the acidity levels in your engine.
The When
So, what is the recommended oil change interval? It is recommended to have the oil change done frequently and as per prescriptions by the OEM. The prescribed intervals are based on the general principle that an oil change is done when the engine oil is not able to perform the aforementioned functions. There are a number factors that contribute to engine oil not being able to perform the functions. • During normal operation, oil will become saturated with ‘dirt’ – as a result of the cleaning function it performs, soot and other combustion by-products will be carried by the oil. The ‘dirt’ saturated oil will over time be unable to efficiently flow and lubricate. Additives that help the oil perform the various functions also get naturally depleted – e.g. the base reserve that fights acidity gets consumed over time, hence it loses the ability to fight the acidity over time. The oil also naturally oxidises over time due to the operating conditions in an engine, where you have high temperatures and pressure, oxidation will affect the engine oil’s viscosity and ability to lubricate. • In addition to the normal operation factors, engine oil also gets contaminated by external elements. Dust contamination from the air intake would lead to the oil not being able to perform the function of preventing friction and wear (hence the importance to ensure use of quality air filters). Fuel contamination from a faulty fuel distribution system would also compromise the viscosity of the engine oil, subsequently compromising the engine oil’s ability to perform the respective functions. The car operating conditions would also play a role in accelerating some of the factors mentioned above, e.g. driving conditions – higher engine temperatures (overloading, high ‘rev’ driving), frequent startstop operations (like in traffic), etc. would generally shorten the drain interval. The operating environment, e.g. high dust areas, etc. would also play a role in accelerating dust contamination.
Quick tip:
Make sure you always change your oil filter as you change your oil. You risk contamination if you use an old oil filter with newly replaced oil. As much as manufacturers suggest an oil change at say 5,000 kms, you can, unfortunately, run into a case of contamination even before the stipulated mileage. This makes it important to service your car regularly and check the condition of the oil you are running on to avert any engine failures. Proper selection and management of engine oil is important for efficient functioning of your car, better fuel consumption and ensuring a long life for your car engine. Using the recommended oil for your engine, servicing your car regularly and maintaining suitable driving behaviours will go a long way in ensuring your peace of mind (and saving you some money).
Her Take
Country Roads with the
Range Rover Velar
T
he Dylan Lewis Sculpture Garden in Paradyskloof, Stellenbosch, where the official launch of the Velar was held, houses several life sculptures- the work of Dylan Lewis, an awesome artist who generally shies away from crowds. His work has been featured around the world and has been auctioned at Christies in London. The spectacular garden with the beautiful mountains watches over us in the back. Opened in 1993, the seven-hectare garden has been landscaped with different trees and plants and over sixty life-size bronze sculptures ranging from a jaguar, a buffalo, a lion to gazelles. Human sculptures are also part of the impressive collection. We had a sumptuous dinner courtesy of a private chef- Neil Anthony. There was braised beef cheek, grilled pureed cauliflower, golden raisins, and wilted baby spinach. We later relaxed to soft music from 1600w Range Velar sound system. I was to test-drive the car the following day and I couldn’t wait. I had gotten my first feel of the Velar when we were driven here. My instructor took me through some of the new features- such as a selfstop function (which will switch the vehicle on and off as required in traffic), lane departure warning, and the autonomous emergency braking that applies the brakes if it detects a potential accident. These features would come in quite handy in Nairobi’s crazy traffic. A cross between the Evogue and Discovery Sport, the Range Rover Velar comes in the 2.0 diesel and 3.0 petrol engines respectively. I choose the Firenzi red with its stylish interior with textile finish, and retractable door handles at the touch of a button- that can save manicured nails breaking. After logging our destination into the navigation system on the fancy new modern Touch Pro Duo system, we were off. The drive, speed and power was impressive and when 25Km later we went off road, my Ghanaian co-driver fiddled with the touch screen and found the massage function for me so that I would have a comfortable drive. He also enquired if I’d like a little more warmth and my seat warmed up comfortably with the touch of a button, a welcome function as it was 9 degrees out. This feature with variable pressure is offered to the front passenger too. The all-terrain capability made driving off road comfortable and quiet, as does the four corner air suspension that irons
20.
Cash Mandi drove the Range Velar through rural Western Cape of South Africa, discovering magnificent mountains ranges and winelands on the way. The writer poses with the Range Rover Velar
out imperfections on the road. Our drive took us through beautiful valleys and breathtaking scenery surrounded by magnificent mountain ranges. Lunch was at Bosjes Chapel within a vineyard in Breederiver valley, Witzenberg- a place so breathtakingly beautiful that it seemed set from the rest of the world. Designed by Coelzee Steyn, it resembles the surrounding mountains with the inside roofs protruding like pregnant bellies. It seems to float on the pond surrounding it. A long walkway inscribed with Bible verses leads you in. Back on the road I tested the traction technology of the vehicle, and it didn’t disappoint. With the USB slots, there was no worry of phones dying. It was time for us to head back to Johannesburg so we kept going away from the country and majestic mountains, into the bustle of the city and to Cape Town Airport. Here uniformed drivers took over the beautiful Velars from us as we went off and back to reality.
Model/Engine: Range Rover Velar 3.0 petrol Performance: 280kW Acceleration: 0-100km/h in 5,7 sec Top speed: 250km/h
restaurant review
A quick lunch at Baluba Restaurant, Movenpick Hotel
A
new restaurant in town always inspires a flurry of attention from food lovers. When Movenpick hotel, which boasts of three restaurants, opened a few months back, the attention it received left me yearning to experience it for myself and see how it measured against my favorite spots. I arrived for lunch one Wednesday afternoon and was met by Salome Jepkorir, the operations manager that day. We boarded the lift up to the second floor to Baluba restaurant. I couldn’t help admiring the murals on the wall and the relaxing ambiance. Being lunch time, the restaurant was well-packed.Sally- as Salome prefers to be called- led me to buffet where there was a wide selection of eats. “We do buffet for this particular restaurant to cater for the clientele looking to experience a wide variety of both local and international cuisines. The hotel has other two restaurants including The View which serves Swiss specialties and a Latin-themed La Mesa Tapas restaurant which serves tapas,” sally told me as she helped my baffled self in the selection. I took the beef broth for starters and later on served Chinese chicken, an interesting dish called kimanga and some bit of chapattis. Sally explained that kimanga is a Giriama dish. Similar to mukimo form the Agikuyu, kimanga is made of mashed potatoes and bean. However, I found kimanga to be more savoury and its texture finer. The Chinese chicken added a bit of flavor and spice to the dish. I had an option of having fish in lemon butter sauce but the Luhya will always go for chicken first. Besides, I wanted to taste what made the Chinese chicken different. Robert Omwodo, the executive sous chef of the restaurant joined us.
Robert has 14 years of experience in the food industry. He told me that Movenpick Hotels & Resorts hotels are big on restaurants, and that the hotel chain was started in 1948 in Zurich, Switzerland. Ueli Prager, the founder, was inspired to name the hotel Movenpick by a seagul’s flight, and he endevoured to have his hotel catering to those who were in a rush. “That is why excellent services and having sumptuous flavors of the world in our menu is a priority for us,” Robert told me. My sweet tooth could not escape the well presented dessert table. Despite being quite sated, I sampled their macadamia nut cake and an array of fruits. I loved the fact that the restaurant lists the ingredients in the desserts- a plus for anyone with food allergies. The restaurant is also famed for its Big Moment burgers. Picture 400gms of fine beef mince with delicious onion rings, bacon, gherkins, creamy mushroom, cheese, lettuce, and tomato- all sandwiched in a burger bun, accompanied by a salad and homemade-style potatoes. I recommend all burger lovers and foodies in general to explore the fusion of bold-flavored dishes at Movenpick’s Baluba restaurant. Sunday brunch at Baluba promises friends and family a spectacular dining experience featuring fresh, local ingredients. The restaurant is situated on Mkungu Close in Westlands. Lunch begins at noon to 3:00 PM and dinner is from 6.30 PM to 10.30PM
To reserve a table call 0709548180 or email hotel.nairobi.baluba@movenpick.com
magazine issue 2 nov 2018
21.
health & fitness
Is a keto diet the ultimate weapon to fight the flab? Fitness and wellness coach Vinita Otieno weighs in.
Going Keto? 22.
I
t’s that time again…getting closer to December and further from the goals outlined at the beginning of the year. You wonder why oh why can’t weight loss be more achievable? At this point you have done everything and anything under the sun, from crash diets to hour-long workout sessions. But somehow, the results of your efforts are never longlived. You’re starting to think that maybe this fitness thing isn’t for you. Relax. It’s not you it’s…drum roll… what you are consuming! In your attempt to lose weight you have probably disregarded some of the rules of fitness. Nobody mentions when you are getting into a healthy lifestyle of regular workouts that you will have to discipline the taste buds as well. And boy oh boy can that be difficult. Just ask me. My eighteen-year fitness journey has had a lot of trial and error. But thankfully, because I lived it you don’t have to. You might be thinking, in a last ditch effort, of jumping onto the ketogenic diet bandwagon. After all, everybody and their mama are singing its praises. Is a ketogenic diet the silver bullet to health and fitness we’ve all been waiting for? Before we get into it, I have to let you know I dislike the word “diet”. Diets tend to be super restrictive and no fun. For both our sakes let’s call it what it is the Keto Meal Plan. Isn’t that nicer and more palatable? The keto meal plan is nothing new- physicians have used it for decades to help with management of certain conditions- such as drug-resistant epilepsy. However, in the last few years it has gained popularity for weight loss. You might be asking yourself, what exactly is a ketogenic meal plan? Basically, ketogenic meal plan is an extremely low carbohydrate and high fat diet. On the diet, you also eat moderate amounts of protein. It’s so called because it helps the body release ketones into the bloodstream, which aids in weight loss. Ketones are molecules produced when fat stored in the cells is broken down. On a ketogenic meal plan, your entire body switches its fuel supply to run almost entirely on fat. Insulin levels become very low, and fat burning increases dramatically. This is great if you’re trying to lose weight, but there are also other less obvious benefits, such as less hunger and a steady supply of energy, keeping you alert and focused. Although it sounds easy, most people might find it difficult at first- especially if they were used to eating plenty of carbs throughout the day. Because it’s so restrictive, many might also find it difficult to maintain in the long run. Going keto means cutting out most common starchy foods such as rice, chapatti, bread, ugali, pasta, and potatoes. But you can load your plate with meats, vegetables, cheeses, fish, nuts, and seeds. Taking lots of water or teas is encouraged over sugary drinks. In many ways, being on a keto meal plan will help you make healthier choices regarding what you put into your mouth. It is known to curb cravings and dramatically reduce your daily calorie intake.
Benefits
• Aside from losing weight and increased energy which are the normal byproducts of a healthy lifestyle, the keto diet can actually reprogram and help control appetite. • You also develop better mental focus with a diet low in carbs, especially simple carbohydrates. Ever wondered why you feel sluggish after taking a high-carb meal? Well, the body has to work twice as hard to digest it…and convert it into more fat or you to store! Keto diets works in the opposite as energy levels shoot up- enabling you to handle more tasks. • Keto diet helps fight type 2 Diabetes which is caused by increased insulin production. Because ketogenic diet eliminates sugar from the diet, it can effectively reverse Type 2 diabetes.
Side-effects
• Rapid weight loss from going keto could cause you to lose muscle. • Restricting carbohydrates can cause low energy levels. • Some health experts claim that most of the weight lost on a keto diet is water weight, which means if you were to go back to consuming moderate carbs again the weight will creep right back. • It can result in yo-yo dieting once you achieve the weight loss you anticipated, go back to a regular diet , get back on keto…a vicious cycle.
My take: Before you embark on any new meal plan, ensure that it is sustainable and achievable to you. Yes the keto diet is awesome and it might help you lose weight, but it isn’t for everyone. I would recommend it if you want a quick fix- such as fitting into a dress or a bikini for a beach holiday.
magazine issue 2 nov 2018
23.
carMy review Toys
A CAR WITH HERITAGE
The story of a girl who grows to love the Ford Model A her father owned.
I
n the age of supercars and electric cars, it’s hard to imagine an era where cars didn’t have automatic transmissions, or where cars could not exceed 105 km/h. The Ford Model A is a fine example of the cars of that era. The 2018 CBA Africa Concours d’ Elegance offered a fine selection Ford Model A cars that were in great condition. It was amazing to hear the stories of how their owners came by such exquisite toys and how they’ve kitted out and pimped them up ever since. Among such proud car enthusiasts were Hanee Khan, his wife Fayha Karimbux-Khan and her mother Sheila Karimbux-Sheikh. Their 1928 Ford Model A, a thing of beauty which Fayha fielded at the event first belonged to her dad, Tehsin Karimbux. They shared with me the fascinating tale of how this Ford Model A found its way into their hearts.
I understand your family has had this car for decades… Sheila: Yes! It belonged to my late husband, Tehsin. But it first belonged to his father, Yakub. When my husband died in a gruesome road accident on the Nairobi-Nakuru highway in ’89, my father-in-law sold the car to John Wroe, who was a long-time family friend. In fact, we partnered with Wroe to create the Vintage & Classic Car Club of Kenya in ‘88. He owns the car to date but allowed Fayha to show it at the 2018 CBA Africa Concours d’ Elegance in her father’s memory.
24.
C1010 is such a unique registration number. Any story there? Sheila: The car was imported by a man called Hughes. The C shows that it was registered in Nakuru. It was one of the first cars to be registered by the colonial government. Hughes sold it to the Karimbux family around the late 1930s or early 1940s.
How much work has gone into modifying it? Sheila: My husband started restoring it in the late 1980s. Initially, he tried to import parts from the USA but encountered challenges due to government regulations and of course, the cost. But he soldiered on and by the time of his passing in 1989, we had actually driven the car up to Gilgil and Naivasha. Fayha: After he bought it 15 years ago, Wroe continued restoring the car. He imported original parts from the US but kept the fundamental parts of the car- including the engine and chassis- the same. If my dad and granddad saw what it has become, they’d be proud. Haanee : The woodwork was redone- switching lighter wood on the doors and body for darker. We also removed the roof- which although fun, spells trouble if it rains when you’re out with the car.
Is it easy to drive? Fayha: It’s not the easiest car to drive. My husband usually drives it as I find it too difficult.
He imported original parts from the US but kept the fundamental parts of the car- including the engine and chassis- the same.
Haanee: The accelerator is in the middle, the brake pedal is on the right, and clutch is on the left and further to the left is the starter. The car has a choke, and you have to manually turn the fuel on and off. It doesn’t have power steering, so turning it is plenty of work. You have to use hand signals to indicate when you are turning. The fuel tank sits between the dash panel and engine compartment’s fire wall, and fuel flows to the carburetor by gravity. However, it’s still a joy to drive. It’s a 1928 car; you’re not getting Ferrari sports car stability with it, but you are still going to enjoy the ride.
How often do you drive it? Fayha: Not very often. We drove it earlier this year at the Vintage Car Treasure Hunt held at Karen House. My husband has driven it down the Southern By-Pass once or twice, and of course- we drove it here today.
What do you love most about the car? Fayha: The fact that it was special to my dad. I never met him; he died in a car accident before I was born. The car gives me a glimpse of what he was passionate about. I’ve realized that you have to be very keen on details to own and keep such a car. It’s also a beautiful piece of engineering.
Ford Model A tidbits
• Produced between 1927 and 1931. • Ford Motor Company’s second major success after the Ford Model T. • Production of Ford Model A reached the 20-million mark by 1931. • The Ford Model A made in USA: 3.3-liter water-cooled L-head inline four engine/40 horsepower/ three-speed sliding-gear manual transmission/ single speed reverse/ top speed 65mph • European: 2,043 cc engine/28 horsepower. • 4-wheel mechanical drum brakes. • First Ford car to use conventional driver controls like a clutch, brake pedals, a throttle, and gear shifter. • First car to have shatter-proof glass windshield. • Comes in different body styles, e.g. coupe, convertible cabriolet, sedan, station wagon, taxicab, and truck.
magazine issue 2 nov 2018
25.
fascination
Classic SUVs are in! By Mark Muhoro
Once viewed as clumsy, bulky, and just functional, classic SUVs have become a must-have for a well-turned drive-way. If you want in on the trend, here are some of the top classic SUVs.
W
ithout a doubt, automotive design and engineering for SUVs has come a long way over the last half century. SUVs have evolved from basic, unpretentious people haulers and cargo movers to sophisticated and technologically-advanced cruisers that offer more comfort, performance, capability, and utility than ever before. However, even with these present-day developments, more and more SUV lovers in Kenya are starting to buy and recondition old, classic SUVs. This is because many of us are starting to realize the forgotten value that the SUVs of old had to offer. This isn’t just happening here in Kenya; even in the U.S. there has been a marked increase in the prices of classic SUVs because people are really starting to take interest in them. One thing that the old SUVs had was genuine off-road capability. Unlike most modern-day SUVs that are built using car-like unibody constructions, the SUVs of old featured traditional, truck-like body-on-frame constructions that gave them exceptional off-road capability. If you are thinking of buying a classic SUV, here are a few must-have options to consider.
26.
1.1993-1997 Land Rover Defender If you are currently in your thirties, you must have seen the many Land Rover Defender SUVs that the Kenyan government had purchased for the army, the police force, and many administrative heads in the 1990s. They are no-nonsense, super-strong large SUVs that can go virtually everywhere. They aren’t particularly fast on tarmac because of the nature of their high-torque engines, but they are unbeatable on off-road terrain. With their ground clearances of over 9 inches and their permanently engaged 4-wheel drive, they can traverse the most challenging terrains imaginable. The Land Rover Defender is mainly available in 93-inch and 110-wheelbase options, both of which can carry up to nine passengers.
2.1982-1991 Mitsubishi Pajero L040 The Mitsubishi Pajero L040 is the model that established the Mitsubishi Pajero brand in Kenya. Back in the day, it was the SUV that everyone wanted. This boxy-shaped, no frills large SUV was known for its outstanding durability and reliability. You can actually find some of these SUVs on our roads today. The Mitsubishi Pajero L040 also offers plenty of power from its petrol/turbo diesel engine options and commendably compliant ride quality, so it makes a great highway cruiser. This SUV is also an exceptional off-roader. More recent models feature a manually engageable 4WD system, crawler gears for tackling steep slopes, and even two locking differentials. The Mitsubishi Pajero L040 is available in 3-door options (92.5-inch wheelbase) and 5-door options (106.1-inch wheelbase).
3.1980-1989 Toyota Land Cruiser FJ60 You can’t talk about classic SUVs in Kenya without talking about the Toyota Land Cruiser. The model that really hit things off for the Toyota Land Cruiser in Kenya was the FJ60 series. It was one of the largest SUVs on the market in the ‘80s and it offered incredible capability and durability. Thanks to its large size, it could carry up to eight passengers offering adult-friendly seating space in all three rows. The FJ60 series was a more comfortable upgrade to the prior FJ55 model. It offers comfortable seats, good ride quality thanks to adjustable-spring-rate suspension system, optional air conditioning, and plenty of cargo space thanks to its foldable 2nd and 3rd-row seats. The Toyota Land Cruiser FJ60 series also features powerful gasoline and diesel engine options, the most powerful of which being a 155-hp 4.0L ‘3F-E’ I6 gas engine. The most luxurious FJ60 series model is the HJ61 model that features premium features like remote control mirrors, leather interior upholstery, and a wooden steering wheel.
4.1970-1996 Range Rover Classic The Range Rover Classic is another iconic SUV that most Kenyans can relate with. Like modern-day Range Rover SUVs, the Range Rover Classic is associated with luxury and opulence, so you are sure to make a statement with it. Initially, however, the Range Rover Classic was not designed as a luxury SUV; hence, most of the early models in the 1970s feature plastic dashboards and vinyl seats that can be hosed down with water. It’s only in the ‘80s that these SUVs started featuring leathertrimmed seats and wooden paneling. All models of the Range Rover Classic feature a permanent four-wheel drive system and four-wheel disc brakes. In addition, as opposed to most similar SUVs of its time that featured leaf-spring suspension systems, the Range Rover Classic features an independent coil spring suspension that delivers smooth, cushioned rides. This SUV also can be had with either a V8 petrol engine or a turbo diesel engine. However, it’s important to note that the Range Rover Classic was renowned for its poor reliability.
5.1984-1989 Toyota Hilux Surf N60 The Toyota Hilux Surf (also called the Toyota 4Runner) is a familiar SUV for most Kenyans. From the time it hit our shores in the 1980s, its fame has steady grown thanks to its outstanding durability, reliability, and capability. The N60 model is based on the Toyota Hilux pickup. Except for its rear bench seat, its rear removable fiberglass canopy, and for the fact that it lacks the separation and integrated rear window that the Hilux pickup features behind the front seats, the Toyota Hilux Surf N60 is practically identical to the Toyota Hilux pickup of its time. The removable fiberglass canopy enables you to transform this SUV into a handy pickup truck at will. Also worth noting is that this SUV only features two doors like the pickup. The Toyota Hilux Surf N60 can be had with either rear-wheel-drive or 4-wheeldrive. The 1984 models come equipped with a carbureted 2.4-liter 4-cylinder petrol engine; the later models can be had with a 2.4-liter turbo I4 engine, a 2.4-liter turbodiesel I4 engine, or a 3.0-liter V6 engine.
magazine issue 2 nov 2018
27.
money
28.
THE BIG JUMP How to transition successfully from employee to entrepreneur Words by Susan Catherine Keter
T
he journey to entrepreneurship begins with a dream. What is that dream life that you want to build for yourself? Building a business from scratch comes with challenges and your dreams will keep you going when things get tough. Your dreams need to be bigger than your fears. It is important to have a strong motivation for building the business. Your reason should be so important to you that just thinking about it makes you emotional and you want to cry. You can’t wait to have that business up and running. If your motivation is so strong that it gives you no peace until you act on it or you feel that being employed is holding back your creativity, it might be time to make the big jump to entrepreneurship.
Why are you quitting your job? If you don’t like your job or your boss, it is helpful to evaluate what exactly you don’t like. If you love your line of work but don’t like the organization you work for, the work environment or the pay, maybe it would be better to look for another job rather than quitting to start a business. Building a business can be stressful and full of uncertainty. You invest money and time into it and it’s unlikely to pay you well in the initial stages. Sit down with pen and paper and carefully evaluate your motivations and competencies before you take that road. You should also condition yourself for a pay cut.
Put your financial house in order Begin by tracking your expenses. Identify the non-negotiables such as rent or mortgage, food, healthcare and school fees for your children. Cut out unnecessary spending, operate strictly with a budget, and grow your savings.
Plan ahead Do not quit your job to go and look for a business you can start. Identify a business idea, do market research and test the idea before you make the move to quit. Compile your findings into a business plan, which is a roadmap to guide you as you build your business. Develop a detailed budget for your business for one full year.
Get boss skills Skills – not money - create wealth.Develop entrepreneurial skills. How do you do that? Work for someone who is already succeeding at what you want to do, get someone in the field to mentor you, or engage the services of a business coach. You don’t always have to work for money, you can work to learn.
You will be the boss so develop decision making, problem solving, time-management and leadership skills. Entrepreneurship is about selling so you must master marketing and sales. Practice the art of persuasion and negotiation. Work on your discipline.You will need to do what needs to be done, when it needs to be done, whether you feel like it or not. Procrastination and entrepreneurship don’t go together.
Ditch the employee mindset One major reason why many new businesses fail is because people don’t prepare mentally. They build the business with one leg in and the other one out of the door. They leave themselves with exit options. Work on your mental strength. Your business is your ship and you will steer it to safety. You will not jump ship at the first sign of trouble. Nourish your mind and build your self-confidence. Every challenge you overcome makes you stronger. Nurture your creativity and strengthen your passion for what you do. Make a conscious decision to have a curious mind. Question things, think up solutions to and research on problems that affect society. Now that you are your own boss, being self-motivated is a must. Practice completing tasks without having to be pushed. In employment, you may have been conditioned to do what needs to be done because there would be a boss to scream at, threaten, or sack you.
Network, network, network In entrepreneurship, a lone ranger is a broke stranger. You might start out as the only employee but that does not mean that you don’t need people. Surround yourself with the right people. Identify circles where entrepreneurs hang out and socialize there. Have experts such as lawyers, accountants, business coaches and designers that you can call upon when you need support. Master the art of negotiation. Money is not the only motivation why people work so learn to motivate people to support you. You could offer them your services in exchange for theirs. Your employer and colleagues will form part of your networks and they might refer clients to you so leave employment in good terms. Building a business from scratch is the road less traveled- don’t take that decision lightly. Adequate preparation will make or a smooth transition. Susan Catherine Keter is a personal development and business coach. www.susancatherineketer.com
magazine issue 2 nov 2018
29.
light note
Real girls drive
stick
Charles Chanchori reminisces on a Peugeot 504 that will always take him back to his childhood.
S
ometimes a song reminds you of somebody. Sometimes it is a certain smell. Sometimes, it is the sight of grease coated hands. For me, a Peugeot 504 will do it. I saw one today, stuck in traffic along Waiyaki Way. It looked impatient in its silver coating. I could tell it was a fresh coat of paint. I craned my neck to catch a glimpse of the number plates, or maybe a glimpse of who it reminded me of. Seated there in traffic, it reminded me of music and tall trees around a garage at home. It reminded me of sunsets and red soil under my bare feet. It reminded me of a girl with grease stuck under her nails and engine oil covering her hands. It reminded me of my sister. My dad, constantly asked how his children were doing would say, “Oh well, my boys are doing great.” Almost ten years older than me, it was my sister who started teaching me how to drive even before my fifteenth birthday. And she even considered that to be very late. “Your father owns a glorious car!” she would say, or rather admonish. “What in the bat caves are you doing, not driving it?” That was almost a decade and a half ago and even then, my dad’s Peugeot 504 was old. Well, it did not look old, thanks to my sister, but I knew it was old. I found it there when I was born. I remember the Saturday mornings of my youth. Sun shining, market women showing up to the market close to noon to sell their cereals to uninterested buyers, and the garage… I will never forget the garage. My dad surrendered the Peugeot to my sister just before I hit my eighteenth birthday. It was either that, or selling it. There always seemed to be a problem with it. Oh it won’t start, oh the gearbox needs something, oh the brakes failed again, and my sister would always tell him, “The problem is not the car. The problem is you.” Dad never directed his attention to anything unless that something really needed his attention. So his Peugeot never received care unless it was literally breaking down. There was that one time he drove on his
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rims because he was “too tired” to stop at the petrol station to pump the tires. Well, he did buy an automatic car after throwing the keys to the Peugeot onto my sister’s laps and after that, it felt like it was just she and I in the whole world. The best weekends were those we spent at the garage making sure everything was in order, and in the afternoons, we would drive to Lari, at that viewpoint where they sell curios to tourists. We would park at the edge of the cliff and talk right up until the sun went down. We listened to cheesy Westlife and Backstreet Boys tracks in that car. And then she met a dude and life changed. It was one of those Saturday mornings at the garage. The car was fine, but she just wanted to spend the Saturday at the garage, playing with the tools and adding veins to her arms. I had just started campus and she had had a hard time getting me from my hostel room where I was watching G.I Joe Retaliation on my girlfriend’s laptop. “But Saturday mornings at the garage is our thing.” “No. They are your thing.” I said, wondering when the call would end so I could get back to my movie. Besides, my girlfriend would be coming over later so I had my entire Saturday planned out. But she played the heartstrings game with me and I took my girlfriend to the garage to meet my sister. Then some dude drove in, in a BMW that looked like it had been driven straight out of a 1970s movie and my sister lost all interest in me and my girlfriend. I don’t know what she fell in love with first. The man or the car. I do remember him saying to her about the Peugeot, “That’s a great car. You drive it, or do you leave that to the boy?” I was ‘the boy’. “I don’t know what you’ve heard, but where I come from, real girls drive stick.” My sister replied and I cringed. And now here I am, stuck in traffic almost a decade later, watching the Peugeot 504 on my left, craning my neck to see if my sister is in it, even though I know she is not. I whip out my phone and call her. “Hey kiddo,” she says, her voice the DeLorian that takes me back to a time when it was just the two of us in her Peugeot 504.
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