Former Prime Minister Raila Odinga has reiterated his name for maandamano (protests) by means of subliminal messages inscribed on truffles baked to rejoice his 79th birthday.
The Orange Democratic Motion (ODM) get together on Sunday shared pictures of a string of truffles, two of that are in Malindi the place the opposition chief will likely be chopping them at 3 pm.
Putting, nonetheless, are the messages slapped on the truffles aimed toward pushing President William Ruto’s administration into reducing the price of dwelling by chopping taxes.
The bottom layer of the primary four-layered orange cake mirrored ODM’s theme colors and bore a message demanding that the federal government minimize the meals packaging tax.
Extra Desserts for former Prime Minister Raila Odinga’s Birthday celebrations in Malindi.
Photograph
ODM
The opposite three high layers contained messages corresponding to ‘minimize turnover tax’, ‘minimize VAT (Worth Added Tax) on gasoline’ and ‘minimize housing levy.’
One other white cake containing the identical messages albeit in a distinct order featured the portrait of the ODM chief at its apex.
Embakasi West MP Mark Mwenje, alternatively, sponsored a three-layered cake with the bottom displaying Azimio because the coalition with Jubilee and ODM as its member events.
“The truffles are prepared for chopping at 3:00 pm… we rejoice with Raila Odinga on his 79th birthday,” shared the ODM get together.
“The chopping of the cake will likely be symbolic… ‘minimize the price of dwelling and make life bearable for Kenyans’.”
Hours earlier than the deliberate occasion, the Opposition chief visited the Malindi Orphanage the place he was joined by kids as a part of the celebrations to mark his birthday.
He was accompanied by his spouse Ida Odinga and leaders from the Coastal area.
Kenyans additionally shared photos of the truffles they baked in honour of the previous Prime Minister’s birthday with equally resounding messages.
In a single occasion, a supporter revealed on a cake that earlier than President William Ruto’s election, the gasoline costs retailed beneath Ksh200. Particularly, a litre of petrol was valued at Ksh129 in 2018, Ksh130 in 2019, Ksh107 in 2020, Ksh129 in 2021 and Ksh191 in 2022.
“Kenyans as we speak rejoice Raila Odinga’s Birthday by chopping truffles that symbolize their demand for punitive taxes minimize down!” shared an opposition supporter.
On the time, the opposition chief blamed the federal government for growing taxes which led to a tricky financial state of affairs throughout the nation.
“On this authorities, you thought that the ‘hustlers’ would hear you. We came upon that they have been simply phrases. Kenyans felt unhealthy in regards to the state of affairs in 2023,” Raila lamented.
“We informed them to not enhance taxes however they went forward and raised the taxes, worsening the state of affairs. These taxes should be revoked, the Finance Act should be eliminated. If they do not we are going to return to the streets in 2024.”
President William Ruto, nonetheless, challenged him toprovide another.
ODM Chief Raila Odinga (left) and Ugenya MP Opiyo Wandayi throughout get together sensitization programme
One of many many many many items my dad and mom bestowed my sisters and I is introducing us at a really younger age the big range of Conventional Kenyan greens. We’ve got all the time loved them as kids, and never whilst adults with our personal houses & with our personal infants, conventional Kenyan greens are a really frequent look. For me, it’s what I eat 95% of the time and I usually joke if I had been to go away the nation, our mbogas are definitely high 5 of the meals I might miss.
Every a part of the nation has their very own mbogas however it’s the western communities which have the widest array and the riches tradition round making ready and consuming them. The record of conventional greens and attainable combos is limitless. However one after the other, we will make one with a particular twist of my very own. Risudza, also called Managu, is fairly widespread and amongst my faaaaavorite to have. This specific recipe is undeniably scrumptious, and I’m very excited to share it with you guys!
PREP TIME: 30 min COOK TIME: 30 min SERVES: 2
Elements
2 bunches of contemporary risudza (managu)
1 purple onion, chopped
1/2 cup of spring onion
1/2 tablespoon of minced ginger
1 tomato, chopped
1 tablespoon of creamy peanut butter
250 ml of cream
Methodology
Risudza is the Llogoli time period for what’s extra generally often known as Managu. This can be very widespread within the Western elements of the nation however is quick gaining reputation in different areas. It’s full flavored and takes on the notes of different greens so effectively. It’s wealthy in iron, B nutritional vitamins, folic acid, calcium and permits for correct regulation of blood sugars.
In Nairobi, I buy mine from Naivas. A bunch goes for 33 bob (costs for early 2023 ), which is extraordinarily reasonably priced. For this recipe, I used two bunches.
Separate the leaves from the stalk. The leaves are large and the plucking is easy. It isn’t as tedious because the tiny leaves of mitoo or terere. Some individuals are eager on eradicating the entire stalk, however I don’t thoughts leaving some stalk in as they soften with out a drawback and your physique enormously advantages from the additional roughage.
A little bit of the stalk for this vegetable is ok however for greens such at mitoo, your complete stalk must be eliminated.
Proceed to blanch them till simply softened and brilliant inexperienced. We blanch them in some water in addition to a splash of Munyu Mushereka. Munyu Mushereka is a pure salt and tenderizer derived from the ash of dried bean pods/ matoke peels. It’s optionally available to make use of, nevertheless extremely inspired. We make ours at house however you should buy your Munyu from Kienyeji Retailer.
As soon as JUST delicate and brilliant inexperienced, you might be accomplished. This could take beneath 10 minutes. Don’t over boil them till they grow to be darkish inexperienced. A fast blanch is what is required.
Like all greens, they enormously shrink down. Out of two full bunches, the outcome was this little bowl.
With this accomplished, we proceed to prepare dinner.
In your sufuria, add some oil and a few salt. Cook dinner the 2 onions and the ginger till softened and aromatic. Add within the tomatoes and prepare dinner till tender.
Add within the blanched risudza and blend in. Watch out to not prepare dinner it for too lengthy.
Pour in your cream together with he peanut butter after which combine. Kienyeji Retailer additionally sells genuine cream for veggies in Nairobi. Along with the well being advantages of risudza that we’ve already mentioned, including some cream will increase the amount of calcium and the peanut butter introduces important fat into your physique.
Enable this to simmer on low warmth for about 10-Quarter-hour after which serve.
Completely scrumptious!!! I selected to serve mine with some steaming scorching ugali and my all time favourite sticky mango bbq pork ribs!
Take a look at this plate!
As I usually say, an ideal plate is one the place you will have all meals teams current and within the appropriate potions as per your energetic wants. This serving is ideal. The risudza ( managu) are had been tremendous scrumptious and wealthy as effectively. The nuttiness of each the peanut butter actually got here via and it went so effectively with the flavour of the pork and Ug.
I really like my mbogas actually easy, however easy doesn’t imply boring! I hope you do get to do this creamy magnificence out and I do know you’ll love love love this a lot!
Move by my channel for a stunning video on the identical; and in case you are but to subscribe, please do, I might like to have you ever! When you do this out, snap a pic and let me know the completely different combos you served this with!
xx
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I’ve lusted after Lamu my whole life. I fell in love by way of the pages of a ebook, and once I lastly made it to Lamu Island’s silken shores, it was all the things I hoped for: distant, romantic, scorching, hippy, totally fabulous.
Lamu Island Kenya is a part of an archipelago on the Kenya’s northernmost shoreline. Nudging Somalia, its remoteness is a part of its attraction, however its proximity to Kenya’s warring neighbours retains the vacationers at bay. Lamu is unequivocally lovely. As soon as described as the place the desert meets the ocean, the bougainvillaea clad, coral stone buildings tumble down the hillside surrounded by peanut butter dunes, all washed clear by the clear waters of the Indian Ocean.
Lamu Island Historical past
Lamu was first settled over 700 hundred years in the past, and have become a big buying and selling port for sailors from Arabia, India, China, and Southeast Asia. While quite a lot of spices, ivory, and timber shaped a part of Lamu’s buying and selling historical past, it was primarily often known as a centre for the slave commerce. When slavery was abolished in 1907, Lamu’s slave inhabitants left in droves, inflicting the native economic system to break down. Lamu languished in relative obscurity till it turned a vacation spot on the hippie path within the Sixties. These tales of Sixties hippie Lamu had been what had so enticed me in my teenagers. In the present day, Lamu is a key vacationer vacation spot, however that hippie vibe stays. Kaftans and coconuts all day, child.
Lamu Island Kenya Structure
Centuries of inhabitation by a melting pot of cultures makes Lamu a spot of historic and non secular significance. Lamu’s background, its pure variety and indigenous magnificence contributed to Lamu being named a UNESCO World Heritage Web site. Lamu has defied the eyewateringly ugly new builds that litter the remainder of Kenya, and the outdated city at this time, remains to be comprised of Fifteenth-century buildings constructed from coral stone and mango wooden. Higgledy piggledy, the streets of Lamu twist and switch, providing tantalising glimpses of the blue ocean, the salted breeze mingling with the scent of Lamu’s most well-known residents, the ever-present donkey. Lamu’s Swahili structure is clear all through the city: intricately carved wood doorways, terraced balconies and lintels engraved with quotes from the Koran. The Arabic influences are ever current; even the buildings are oriented in direction of Mecca. Privateness is paramount in Muslim tradition, and plenty of Swahili-style buildings are centred round courtyards, some stuffed with splash swimming pools; the shaded squares supply a respite from the searing solar. No vehicles are allowed on Lamu and all transport is by foot or by donkey. This gradual tempo, and the ever current solar, permeate the atmosphere, and enforces a laid again lifestyle.
Shela
At low tide, it’s doable to stroll 3 km from Lamu City to Shela (take a water taxi at excessive tide). Shela, Lamu’s prettier sister, is fronted by a 12km expanse of golden seaside. The city, populated with mosques, donkeys and dhows, retains the genuine cultural significance of Lamu Outdated City however is dwelling to extra resorts and visitor homes, which makes it a extra in style vacationer vacation spot. In Shela, you’ll discover the illustrious Peponi Resort, beloved by celebrities. Peponi steals the highest spot, being on the seaside and nestled throughout the city. Sipping an Outdated Pal cocktail on its terrace is an Instagram must-do.
Manda Island
Throughout the seemingly harmless channel from Lamu is Manda Island. The shortage of freshwater on Manda means few folks stay right here. Manda is magical. Its lethargic attraction invitations you to sail by way of mangroves at excessive tide, stroll the heat-hazed and fully abandoned seashores, go to the Takwa Ruins, or simply sit. Sit and be nonetheless on this most languid of locations. Manda Island is dwelling to unique high-end resorts, nevertheless it’s doable to search out some Airbnb homes. The one eating places on the island are positioned throughout the resorts.
What to do in Lamu
Lamu is for absorbing the bohemian vibes and doing nothing in any respect, however if you’re a stressed soul like me, then there’s journey to be discovered.
Procuring
Lamu is as removed from a bustling metropolis as doable, however they’ve a number of outlets promoting native crafts, divine clothes and distinctive jewelry.
Aman – this boutique is beloved throughout Kenya for beautiful hand tailor-made clothes.
Ali Lamu – they make bespoke baggage from recycled dhow gross sales.
Pure Lamu – pure merchandise impressed by lamu (they’ve an onsite spa)
African Nook – your traditional Swahili crafts
Sail on a Dhow
Lamu and dhows are intrinsically certain. These conventional crusing vessels vary from wood canoes to piratesque galleons. You possibly can take a moonlight tour, a sundown sail, a snorkelling journey, an island hop and even spend a couple of days sleeping upon a dhow. It’s an absolute must-do in Lamu.
Dive within the Indian Ocean
Lamu has a few of the finest diving in Kenya. Head to the Kiunga Marine Nationwide Reserve, a 37-mile-long assortment of coral reefs and islets. You’ll discover sharks, whales, whale sharks, moray eels, dugongs, manta rays and all of the tropical fish you possibly can want for. At present, there are not any dive faculties in Lamu, however some massive resorts can help with diving. Or you’ll be able to contact one of many Kenya dive faculties and ask about journeys/liveaboards to Lamu.
Swim/ SUP the Lamu channel.
It doesn’t look far, nevertheless it’s not for the faint-hearted. The currents within the channel have claimed quite a lot of lives through the years.
Take a Tour of Lamu City
E-book a guided tour of Lamu city to know and immerse your self in Lamu’s historical past absolutely. You possibly can ebook strolling excursions by way of your lodge or through Get Your Information, linked beneath.
Go to Lamu Museums
There are 5 museums in Lamu City which you’ll be able to go to. Discover extra particulars on Lamu museums right here https://museums.or.ke/lamu-museum/
Go to the Takwa Ruins
Situated on Manda Island, the Takwa Ruins are the stays of a Sixteenth-century settlement.
Credit score; The Majlis Resort
The place to Keep in Lamu, Shela and Manda Island
There’s a large selection of locations to remain, from luxurious, absolutely inclusive resorts to thatched seaside huts.
It’s value a fast look on Airbnb to see if you happen to can decide up a deal. One of the best locations are at all times booked out months prematurely, in order with a lot of the Kenyan coast, the sooner you’ll be able to ebook, the higher.
Peponi Resort: Shela is Shela’s best-known, most frequented restaurant and bar.
Kijani Restaurant: Seafront restaurant in Shela, specialising in seafood and Swahili curries.
MaraRaha Village Lounge: Bar/ restaurant within the dunes close to Shela. Their celebration nights are unparalleled, with fiercely good DJs and a crowd that dances until daybreak.
Ali Lamu: Cafe for desserts, smoothies and ice cream.
Diamond Seashore Village: Pizza, motion pictures nights and celebration nights out on Manda Island.
Want To Know: Lamu Island Kenya
Lamu Island Kenya is predominantly Muslim. Guests, significantly girls, ought to present respect by carrying unfastened clothes and never exhibiting an excessive amount of pores and skin.
Alcohol is forbidden within the Muslim faith and, subsequently, not as freely out there as elsewhere in Kenya. Inns will serve alcoholic drinks, however chances are you’ll battle to search out them within the outlets, significantly in Shela.
No vehicles are allowed on Lamu or Manda Island. It’s possible you’ll discover a couple of small motorbikes, however transport is principally by donkey, foot or water taxi.
Attending to Lamu Island Kenya
Lamu is just accessible by airplane. Though there are highway hyperlinks, I don’t know anybody who drives as a consequence of ongoing threats from al-Shabbab terrorists. The drive is lengthy and distant and never value it.
Airways that fly to Lamu are Safarilink Jambojet, Skyward Specific, and Fly540. Flights go from Nairobi, Mombasa and Malindi.
It’s a brief boat experience from the airport to Lamu Island. Communicate to your lodge for a switch.
When to Go to Lamu Island Kenya
Lamu is scorching, scorching, scorching any time of yr. Historically, the rains in Kenya fall from April to June and October to November/ Dec. Christmas could be very busy, and costs soar.
E-book Your Flight Use Jetradar to discover a low cost flight. It is among the largest airline reserving engines on this planet with over 750 airways.
E-book Your Lodging I at all times use Booking.com. They’ve the most affordable charges for resorts and visitor homes in Kenya. Agodatypically options resorts that Reserving.com hasn’t picked up. TripAdvisor is my go to portal for checking critiques on lodging / eating places within the native space. I by no means ebook with out checking TripAdvisor first.
Don’t Overlook Journey Insurance coverage Journey insurance coverage will shield you towards sickness, harm, theft, and cancellations. I like to recommend the next
In search of Tour Guides in Kenya.
Try GetYourGuide for tour journeys to hottest vacationer websites in Kenya. Or my tour guides web page for native tour corporations.
The Ministry of Inside has issued an replace on the event of the Digital Journey Authorisation (ETA) to facilitate visa-free visits as directed by President William Ruto.
In an announcement dated Sunday, January 7, the authority highlighted quite a few adjustments launched to the ETA which has obtained a complete of 9,787 functions.
For example, all travellers to Kenya will get pleasure from decreased charges from Ksh7,756 ($50) charged as a part of visa utility to only Ksh4,653 ($30). Solely travellers from the East African Neighborhood (EAC) international locations will likely be exempted from the payment.
The nation will even profit from the gathering of superior information from all travellers to ringfence Kenya’s safety and different strategic pursuits.
A photograph of a UK scholar Visa
Photograph
Gov UK
Earlier than ETA, residents from 51 international locations loved visa-free entry to Kenya, whereas travellers from 155 different international locations have been topic to a visa utility course of at a value Ksh7,756.
“Beforehand, travellers from 51 international locations weren’t required to fill out any types on private and related journey particulars. There was subsequently no technique of acquiring information to tell essential selections and plans round safety, infrastructure and insurance coverage wants,” learn the assertion partially.
“With the introduction of the ETA, we now have complete information on all guests, considerably bettering our capability to make sure the protection and well-being of each our guests and residents.”
Inside Principal Secretary Julius Bitok additionally revealed that the ETA reduces the applying wait time from 14 days for visas to only 72 hours for the ETA.
From the 9,787 functions, officers managing the authorisation have already processed 4,046 whereas the others are present process evaluate on a precedence foundation.
At first of the yr, the Ministry postponed President William Ruto’s directive on Visa-free entries to Kenya pending the event of the ETA.
The Kenya Civil Aviation Authority (KCAA), on the time, defined thatthe system was but to be finalised. The Head of State had directed that the visa-free entry course of kick off in January 2024.
For now, a majority of travellers to Kenya will nonetheless be required to use for a Visa by Kenyan embassies, as has been the norm.
The primary batch of Visa-free foreigners, nonetheless, landed in Kenya 4 days after the programme was scheduled to begin.
Immigration and Citizen Companies Principal Secretary Julis Bitok addressing totally different State Companies at Syokimau, Machakos County on November 8, 2023.
Photograph
STATE DEPARTMENT FOR IMMIGRATION & CITIZEN SERVICES
To begin with, please strive the Isombe. Don’t go away earlier than you strive the Isombe.
Nevertheless, earlier than I get forward of myself, be sure to check out as many Rwandan dishes as doable. The flavors are wealthy and completely tasty, and I guess the images you will note beneath inform the entire story.
Isombe: Cassava Leaves
Contemporary grilled Tilapia
You may have wonderful meals from a low as 3,500 Rwandese Franc (USD 3.5, KES 350) ,both from native eating places or on the streets. I additionally purchased some road meals from the bus cease, amongst them samosas( My mission is to strive each nation’s Samosas’), some smoked sausages and plantain pancakes.
In fact, the Isombe caught out to me. Isombe is principally boiled and cooked cassava leaves. They’re cooked for hours till they’re good and tender. After boiling, the leaved are fried in palm oil, peanut butter and different spices making it a really tasty bowl of well being! I had it alongside the Rwanda-version-of-Ugali.
Ugali is made with cassava flour, leading to a stretchy Ugali with a definite scent, completely different from our typical ugali. I like making an attempt out completely different meals and noticing the placing similarity. Completely liked the Ugali Isombe mixture.
What I observed in regards to the meals in the entire 4 East African International locations I’ve been, together with Rwanda, in is that the flavour profiles are fairly related. That is fairly anticipated as a result of similarities in climate and tradition, however the delicate variations for me had been so intriguing!
2. Driving or using across the metropolis.
Town of Kigali is STUNNING. The solar was smooth and excellent in opposition to the clear properly manicured streets, making it probably the greatest cities I’ve visited. Earlier than I went to Rwanda, I heard tales of how clear town is and it is advisable to consider the hype.
Other than the attractive, neat metropolis scape, Rwanda is the land of 1000 hills. Town is constructed on the hill sides and the homes create essentially the most breath taking patterns. I’d extremely suggest a drive or a motorcycle trip across the metropolis and most significantly, I insist that you will need to see town at evening. The hill facet scape with the lights on, actually lights up like a Christmas tree. Completely attractive!
Another actions to do across the metropolis:
Visiting the Standard middle. Its free to get in and discover. The sports activities stadium can also be an important possibility, however sadly, we weren’t capable of go to it. I heard nice issues about it!
Exploring cafes and free parks
Watching the attractive metropolis hills by day, and particularly, by evening.
3. Visiting memorials and Museums
Rwanda has such a deep and wealthy historical past and it’s so properly documented within the quite a few memorials and museums across the metropolis. Most if not all of the memorials are free to entry, making it an important place to contemplate as a traveler on a price range. There are additionally quite a few museums that cost fairly affordably, that you could go to to be taught extra in regards to the tradition, historical past and the folks of Rwanda.
4. Visiting Artwork galleries
The artwork scene in Rwanda is so spectacular. The federal government actively helps visible arts and artists and as a outcomes, artwork galleries are fairly widespread in Kigali. As you drive across the metropolis, it’s evident that there are some nice artists in Kigali, with portray on partitions, quite a few elaborate statutes and posters.
Moreover, a lot of the artwork galleries’ are free to view and perhaps get a chunk of artwork for your self. Personally, I took lots of inspiration from the Artwork gallery. The artwork items had been provocative and so emotional!! This was one among my favourite locations to have visited. I can’t wait to do a chunk myself, impressed by Kigali.
5. Going to the market
We visited the Kimironko Market within the coronary heart of Kigali. The entire market was roaring with a buzz of pleasure and actions. I used to be particularly impressed by the tidy-ness and protocol out there. As a result of COVID pandemic nonetheless being an unlucky actuality, we had been required to scrub our palms earlier than strolling in.
We began with the meals market, and there was such a lovely array of the freshest elements together with the juiciest wanting mushrooms. Our essential curiosity was the memento market that was additional into the market.
Really, I used to be spoilt for selection by all of the wonderful prints and objects that had been out there. To my shock, they had been fairly inexpensive. I used to be capable of get souvenirs for as little as 1000 Rwandese Franc to wonderful conventional Rwandese fashion work for 5000 Rwandese Franc. I like procuring and for those who do too, that is the place to go to!
6. Plan to go to the breathtaking Lake Kivu
I saved the perfect exercise for final.
The views at Lake Kivu Actually took my breathe! It was really a chunk of beautiful work. The lake is a lovely even and glistening blue surrounded with essentially the most astonishing emerald inexperienced frosty mountains and hills. The climate is cool and crisp making the trip alongside the lake on the ever clear roads of Rwanda completely unforgettable. I felt like I used to be in a scene of a romantic film, in the back of the bodaboda. In the event you do go to Rwanda, go to lake Kivu, it’s value each second.
That is how we bought there from Kigali.
Begin early, at round 6.30 am and caught a bus at Nyabugogo Bus station in Kigali. Advisably, take a motorcycle out of your location to the bus station. The bus leaves each half-hour or so.
On the bus station, search for an workplace with buses to Gisenyi. I used to be impressed by how clear and properly labelled the places of work are, simply be sure to get a ticket earlier than boarding a bus. Make sure you don’t get distracted by the touts, go to an workplace, to make sure you get on the precise bus.
The journey from Kigali to Gisenyi is about 4-5 hours and it’s about 3,500 Rwandese Franc (USD 3.5, KES 350). I’ll maintain saying these, the sceneries in Rwanda are completely beautiful. The clear roads, properly manicured roads and the quite a few hills make each a part of the drive fascinating. The 4 hour drive handed by like breese, as we took within the stunning natural world.
Upon arrival to Gisenyi, we took a motorcycle to Tam Tam Seashore Bar and restaurant and paid about 2,000 Rwandese Franc (USD 2, KES 200). Advisably, ask the bike riders to counsel the preferred restaurant on the time, the are so many alongside the seaside.
I have to say, while you do go to,take a second to soak up the fantastic thing about mom nature. The doorway was free since it’s a restaurant and the meals is sort of inexpensive. I extremely suggest the grilled Tilapia, recent from the lake. The entire plate was 6,000 Rwandese Franc (USD 6, KES 6) and it simply fed 2 folks. The drinks vary from as little as 1,000 Rwandese Franc (USD 1 KES 100)
Different actions at lake Kivu.
Boat using throughout the lake for about 5,000 Rwandese Franc (USD 5, KES 500) . Use your bargaining energy right here. Moreover, you may as well cut up the prices amongst a gaggle.
Water biking. Like if a bicycle had a child with a ship. Haha!
Sizzling water springs and therapeutic massage. There are swimming pools of sizzling water alongside the lake fashioned from pure gasoline actions. You might be allowed to dip your ft for about 1,000 Rwandese Franc (USD 1, KES 100) or get a therapeutic massage within the water by attendants round there at an additional charge.
Sightseeing. The drive and rice to the lake shore was merely breath taking. My goodness. I don’t assume my phrases may even do it justice. It was an unforgettable scene.
Dancing and nice vibes. The music and the DJ on the restaurant had been on level and I used to be happy to listen to lots of Kenyan Music. Consider a lit get together alongside the seaside.
This was really an expertise of a lifetime!! I’d love to go to Rwanda once more, I really feel like I didn’t get sufficient!
Examine my journey from Uganda to Rwanda right here:
Peter Njonjo quits Twiga Meals board after resigning as CEO
Friday January 05 2024
Twiga Meals Chief Government Officer Peter Njonjo in the course of the interview at Zen Backyard in Nairobi on August 23, 2023. PHOTO | LUCY WANJIRU | NMG
Twiga Meals founder and long-serving CEO Peter Njonjo has give up the agency’s board a month after he resigned as its chief government in a dramatic exit after a decade on the helm of considered one of Kenya’s largest agritech corporations.
His exit now fingers full management of the corporate, which has grown into a significant home items wholesaler and meals distributor for retail retailers in Nairobi and its environs, to overseas shareholders.
It comes at a time when Twiga has come out of a protracted chain of operational headwinds, starting from workers layoffs to deferred funds owed to suppliers, in addition to delayed salaries for staff, which noticed it announce a 40 % lower on its headcount final 12 months.
Twiga first made public the exit of Mr Njonjo on December 14 when it introduced that its long-serving CEO had taken a six-month go away simply after he steered it to shut a brand new spherical of funding estimated to the tune of $35 million (Sh5.5 billion), including onto the $160 million (Sh25.1 billion at present alternate charges) cumulative capital raised since inception.
Within the announcement, Mr Njonjo stated on the request of the board he would keep on for a six-month transition to permit the corporate time to recruit a substantive CEO.
However in a contemporary twist, the Enterprise Every dayhas established that Mr Njonjo lower quick his sabbatical and shook the board with a terse resignation letter through which he says, after deep reflection, he thinks “there may be little worth he can add to its present transition”, pointing to a possible fallout on the firm.
“On the request of the board after my resignation, I agreed to remain on the Twiga Board and work by means of a six-month transition that allowed for the recruitment of a brand new CEO. At the moment, the strategic path and day by day operations are actually firmly within the fingers of Juven and Creadev and there may be little worth I can add from this level on,” Mr Njonjo says within the resignation letter dated January 4, 2024. “On this regard, I wish to resign as a Director of Twiga Holdings. As a Founder, I’ll stay a dedicated shareholder of Twiga.”
The letter is addressed to Mr Hein Pretorius, the Twiga Holdings board chairman, and copied to dozens of Twiga shareholders.
Reached for touch upon the event, Mr Njonjo stated he had opted to transition from a chief government to a shareholder to permit the corporate pursue its subsequent part of development after a profitable fundraising through which he was additionally a high investor.
“I’ve sturdy religion within the present board and the administration workforce, and I’ve determined that at this level within the firm’s journey, I might need to play the position of a supportive shareholder,” Mr Njonjo advised the Enterprise Every day in a textual content message as he dismissed claims that there was a boardroom coup on the firm he based.
On why he would put money into an organization and resign from its board, Mr Njonjo stated he was different alternatives that will devour a number of his time.
“I based the corporate, so I’ll at all times have a robust curiosity within the success of the enterprise. Twiga simply closed a big spherical of financing, which I additionally invested in, and paired with its vital institutional functionality, this places the organisation in a really sturdy place. This additionally permits me to concentrate on different alternatives that may devour a big quantity of my time within the quick to medium time period,” he stated.
Strategic development
After he give up as CEO, the corporate tasked its chief working officer Laurent Gouault and chief monetary officer Zuber Momoniat with heading operational and industrial, and finance and authorized capabilities respectively.
Mr Njonjo says he marked a 10-year milestone since he began Twiga in November 2013.
“Throughout this time, there was loads that we did proper in our journey to make an affect on meals safety and there are additionally a couple of issues we obtained improper, however, throughout that point, Twiga made a mark, each regionally and globally,” he says within the resignation letter.
Developments within the international macro scene within the first quarter of 2022 impacted the agency’s enlargement plans, he defined.
“It took some time to get everybody on the identical web page when it comes to the place the corporate ought to head, however I’m glad that the technique work I led, in shut collaboration with the important thing shareholders and the Boston Consulting Group did result in a method that all of us felt recognised what had labored and what had not labored and what we wanted to do to construct a profitable and sustainable enterprise.”
Mr Njonjo says his technique led to the newest spherical of funding the corporate closed in November final 12 months.
“This additionally highlighted my dedication to the enterprise, by being the third largest investor, after Creadev and Juven. It was in opposition to this backdrop that I made a decision to resign as CEO and Board member, on the seventh of December 2023, as a result of now the Firm was in a robust place, and we had revamped the aptitude of the administration workforce.”
Mr Njonjo says as a founder he invested $1 million (Sh157 million) in August 2023 and has dedicated to pump in an identical quantity in coming weeks if the corporate attains sure objectives.
Oreos on their very own I’m not an enormous fan off however as soon as utilized in cake or coated in chocolate, I’m sport. This cookies and cream cake is strictly what you want.
This cookies and cream works nicely as a birthday cake and is an elevation of a vanilla cake. The pairing of the buttercream frosting with the Oreo stuffed cake layers is pleasant.
I had a visitor Ty, who’s a arise comic and author. WE baked and adorned the cake collectively and lemme simply say, all I did was snort the entire time.
The cake is tender and scrumptious, when loved instantly you get to expertise the completely different textures as a result of crushed Oreo cookies between the layers.
When adorning you possibly can go for a skinny coating of buttercream for a semi bare impact or go all out and canopy the cake fully.
You may change issues up a bit and make this a Chocolate Oreo cake through the use of a chocolate cake recipe as a base as a substitute of vanilla as I’ve right here.
Prep Time15 minutesminutes
Cook dinner Time30 minutesminutes
Course:Dessert
Key phrase:Birthday cake, Cake, Cookies and cream, Oreos
315gramsall function flour
2tspbaking powder
1/4tspbaking soda
1tspsalt
200gramsmargarine / unsalted butterat room temperature
200gramswhite granulated sugar
4entire eggsat room temperature
1tspvanilla extract / essence
1cupmaziwa malaat room temperature
16itemsOreo cookiesdamaged into tough items
For Vanilla Buttercream
300gramsunsalted butterat room temperature
360gramsicing sugar
1/2tspsalt
1tspvanilla extract / essence
2tbspmilknon-obligatory
For Ornament
6Oreo cookiescrushed
8Oreo cookies
Pre warmth oven at 180 levels C
Put together 2 or 3 10′ cake tins by frivolously greasing with margarine / butter then dusting with flour and setting apart.Alternatively, cowl place baking paper on the within of the tin
In a big bowl combine flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt and put aside
Utilizing a stand/ hand mixer or whisk cream sugar and margarine/ butter till creamy and pale in color
Beat in eggs, one after the other then add vanilla essence.
Fold in third of flour combination alternating with half of maziwa mala, then second third then the final half of the maziwa mala
Combine the final third with the damaged Oreo cookie items and fold into the batter till simply included.
Divide the batter between the ready cake tins and bake within the preheated oven at 180 levels C for 25 to twenty-eight minutes or till a toothpick inserted on the centre of the cake comes out clear.
Enable the desserts to chill for 10 minutes earlier than eradicating from the tins to chill fully earlier than frosting.
Vanilla Buttercream
Utilizing a stand/ hand mixer or whisk, cream butter till pale then add icing sugar and salt and blend till creamy.
Add vanilla essence and mix. If the buttercream is simply too thick, lighten a bit with a tablespoon or two of milk
Cake Ornament
On a cake board or massive plate add a small dollop of buttercream and place the primary cake layer. Add a beneficiant dollop of buttercream and utilizing an offset spatula or butter knife unfold an excellent coat on the floor of the cake. Sprinkle over crushed Oreos then add the second cake layer. Repeat the process then add the ultimate cake layer.
Crumb coat the cake. That is to roughly cowl the entire cake with buttercream, this locks in all of the cake crumbs and units a basis for the highest coat of buttercream if one chooses so as to add it. Chill the cake for about quarter-hour earlier than including the highest coat of buttercream.
As soon as fully coated, adorn the edges of the cake with the crushed Oreos and place the entire Oreos on high.
On his birthday this yr, a Nigerian man by the identify Francis Van-Lare selected to commemorate the event in a fairly unconventional method by revealing photos of a number of the ladies he has been romantically concerned with since 1970.
In an surprising transfer, he publicly shared the faces of those people plus a protracted record of names and hinted at the potential of extra revelations to return.
This unorthodox celebration has garnered consideration and sparked curiosity, leaving many intrigued in regards to the motivation behind such a singular and private show.
Beneath are the pictures of the person and the ladies he has moments with.
Saxophonist Analo Kanga signed to Sauti Sol’s Sol Technology file label. PHOTO| COURTESY
Sauti Sol, the famend music group, has formally welcomed Analo Kanga to their Sol Technology file label.
Analo, a multi-talented feminine artist who excels as a saxophonist, vocalist, and performing artist, shared her enthusiasm throughout a latest Q&A session with Nairobi Information.
Analo Kanga is the second feminine artiste to ever work beneath Sauti Sol.
Nairobi Information:Are you able to inform us in regards to the second you came upon you have been going to be a part of this group? How did it really feel?
Analo Kanga:I’m actually completely happy to be a part of the group. It wasn’t a magical second however moderately a course of that took about one yr in whole, with us signing in June 2023. It takes time to barter contracts, and my group in addition to the beautiful group at Sol Technology have been affected person as we wish to do issues the precise means. It feels nice to be a part of one of the crucial revolutionary file labels in East Africa.
Nairobi Information: What attracted you to this specific file label? Have been there any particular components that made you select them over different choices?
Saxophonist Analo Kanga signed to Sauti Sol’s Sol Technology file label. PHOTO| COURTESY
Analo Kanga: The observe file is great. The artists Sol Gen has produced have and proceed to make the preferred music in Kenya in addition to pushing Kenyan music ahead. This specific label additionally aligns rather well with my sound and model. I’m an Afrojazz pop star, so I slot in nicely at Sol Gen and the music made there.
Nairobi Information: Are you able to give us a glimpse into your musical journey to this point? What impressed you to pursue a profession in music?
Analo Kanga:I’ve been taking part in saxophone for 9 years and doing music basically for over 10 years. I really like music a lot, and I’m such an extrovert, so I actually get pleasure from music and efficiency. Jazz music has actually impressed my journey; it’s such a fancy but releasing musical type and it opens up your musical style. It’s been nice.
Nairobi Information: What are your musical influences and inspirations? Are there any artists who’ve had a major affect in your model and sound?
Analo Kanga:Jazz music and afrojazz particularly. So artists akin to Hugh Masekela, Fela Kuti, Daudi Kabaka have actually influenced my music and African id. My greatest inspiration, although, is unquestionably Beyonce. The excellence, the drive, and the eagerness she portrays is admirable.
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Nairobi Information: What can followers and listeners count on out of your upcoming music? Are there any thrilling initiatives or collaborations within the works you could share with us?
Saxophonist Analo Kanga signed to Sauti Sol’s Sol Technology file label. PHOTO| COURTESY
Analo Kanga: I’m making numerous music on a regular basis! I’ve at present launched my debut EP “ANALOGIES” on October 6, 2023, obtainable on all streaming platforms. This venture exhibits my Afro Jazz and Pop influences; it has nice manufacturing, and I’m a stickler for good sound as nicely! It additionally has a characteristic from Hornsphere and Earlwin! I labored with near 30 individuals to make the dream work! The lead single is “Rhumba ya Warembo,” and you’ll adore it!
Nairobi Information: How do you envision your music evolving now that you’ve got the sources and help of a file label behind you?
Analo Kanga:My imaginative and prescient is for “ANALOGIES” to be the highest EP in Kenyan pop music for 2023! The music has been vastly obtained to this point, and the label is supportive of my dream. My greatest area of interest is my stay efficiency, and I’m excited to carry out extra in Nairobi and round Kenya with my full band, The Unit!
Nairobi Information: Many artists have a message or theme they wish to convey by their music. What message or themes are necessary to you, and the way do you propose to include them into your songs?
Analo Kanga: That’s straightforward. AFROJAZZ IS NOT DEAD! I really like afrojazz and I make music that mixes afrojazz with pop music components, and it’s evident in my work and music. The primary theme I’ve is turning into self-aware by having sincere conversations and sincere songwriting. Excellence is crucial to what I do, so I at all times wish to end an interplay with somebody inspiring them to be glorious.
Nairobi Information: Might you inform us a bit about your inventive course of? How do you go about writing and producing your music?
Analo Kanga: For me, as a musician, I begin with music concept. I choose a theoretical idea I wish to discover in music and write lyrics and prepare music that brings out sure feelings and emotions. I collaborate lots with producers and different musicians as nicely. After that, I get into the studio, file, and ask my producer for his or her opinions and permit them room to make modifications as nicely. It’s fairly seamless.
Saxophonist Analo Kanga signed to Sauti Sol’s Sol Technology file label. PHOTO| COURTESY
Nairobi Information: The music business may be fairly aggressive. What do you suppose units you aside as an artist, and what do you hope to deliver to the business?
Analo Kanga: I’m a kickass stay performer and knowledgeable saxophonist. My stay exhibits at all times stand out as a result of I make investments closely in my stay music sound. That being mentioned, music is just not actually a contest; it’s about sharing feelings and provoking individuals, so everybody who does music is making a contribution to enhancing individuals’s lives.
Nairobi Information: Lastly, what are your long-term targets and aspirations as an artist signed to this file label? The place do you see your self within the music business within the subsequent few years?
Analo Kanga: Within the subsequent few years, I see myself as the highest afrojazz pop star from the African continent. I’ve what it takes, and the label agrees, so we’re working in the direction of that! I’ll play my saxophone everywhere in the world and share music extra! I look ahead to extra festivals and greater levels and greater collaborations!
Smirnoff Kenya proudly unveils the triumphant return of the electrifying Smirnoff Battle of the Beats Season 3, a DJ competitors that’s set to find and champion the expression of progressive creativity by illustration and inclusivity within the DJing trade.
Following the resounding triumphs of the 2 earlier seasons and the unearthing of remarkable abilities, Season 3 guarantees to boost the bar even increased.
Over the following six thrilling months, shoppers can be witnessing a contest of unparalleled magnitude and grandeur. Smirnoff TM is introducing a nationwide format that’s all about celebrating Kenya’s wealthy and numerous musical tapestry. From the mystic Mountains to the serene Lakes, the colourful Coast, bustling Nairobi, and the enigmatic Rift, DJs from each nook of this musical wonderland will converge to vie for the illustrious title of the undisputed Smirnoff Battle of the Beat (SBOB) Season 3 champion.
Get able to groove to the tunes of Kenya’s most outstanding and revered spin maestros, as they don the hats of official judges for this epic showdown: DJ Grauchi, DJ Malaika and DJ Karowski,. Their seasoned experience is the guarantor that this competitors will stay the final word proving floor for the nation’s cream-of-the-crop DJs.
This competitors seamlessly melds with the larger-than-life Smirnoff TM’s We Do We marketing campaign, a vibrant world initiative that boldly celebrates the magic of unity. It’s a symphony of numerous individuals, elements, and flavours coming collectively to create one thing extraordinary. This marketing campaign invitations shoppers to precise their genuine selves, fostering a way of unity and belonging. Smirnoff believes that we’re stronger collectively, and this marketing campaign, infused with recent, vibrant vitality, represents essentially the most vital platform shift in over a decade.
Talking with infectious enthusiasm on the competitors’s grand launch occasion, East Africa Breweries Advertising and marketing and Innovation Director Anne Pleasure Michira declared that the revival of SBOB completely aligns with Smirnoff’s unwavering dedication to be the audacious spark that ignites the collective consistent with their new marketing campaign ‘We do We. “In a world the place we’re always instructed to deal with ourselves, it’s changing into extra obvious that we’re all craving to be a part of one thing larger. At a time when the expression of ‘you do you’ has misplaced a few of its shine and inclusivity is being challenged all over the world, ‘WE DO WE’ is our rallying cry to embrace the ability of the collective’. stated Anne Pleasure
Anne Pleasure additionally disclosed that SBOB empowers the youth to flaunt their abilities and earn recognition from trade titans and music aficionados alike. “We take immense satisfaction in reintroducing the Smirnoff Battle of the Beats Season 3. Brace yourselves, Kenya, as a result of the stage is about, the decks are primed, and the beat is about to drop like by no means earlier than,’’ This competitors throws the highlight on the DJing group, flinging extensive open the doorways to an array of thrilling alternatives. This competitors is poised to beginning the DJs of tomorrow.
This competitors seamlessly melds with the larger-than-life Smirnoff TM’s We Do We marketing campaign, a vibrant world initiative that boldly celebrates the magic of unity. It’s a symphony of numerous individuals, elements, and flavours coming collectively to create one thing extraordinary. This marketing campaign invitations shoppers to precise their genuine selves, fostering a way of unity and belonging. Smirnoff believes that we’re stronger collectively, and this marketing campaign, infused with recent, vibrant vitality, represents essentially the most vital platform shift in over a decade.