Many contemporary artists struggle with creating original art while still being able to maintain accessibility – both stylistic and economical.

Kenyan-American illustrator, painter and textile designer Jamilla Okubo solved that issue by adapting her vibrant artwork to a medium she had previously never experimented with: calendars.

“I thought the calendar would be a perfect way to showcase my artwork in a different light,” Okubo told KenyanVibe recently. “But most importantly I thought it was such a cool idea for my supporters to have all of my prints in one form.”

Jamilla Okubo

Okubo came up with the idea after discussing ways of reaching fans that “aren’t able to purchase prints” with her manager, Sharon Obuobi. After shooting ideas back and forth, the concept of a calendar finally dawned on them over the summer.

The calendar features one drawing per month in addition to a cover page. The finished product is a selection of some of Okubo’s best work, including her “We The People” and “Love You” series.

Okubo’s characteristic use of bright colors is thoroughly substantiated in every illustration, each month reflecting a different mood.

The versatile artist said that music has a huge influence on her work, this project included.

“It helps me put what I envision on to paper,” she said, mentioning that she was listening to a lot of soul, funk, R&B and jazz while putting together the calendar, referencing greats like Curtis Mayfield, Marvin Gaye, The Isley Brother and Erykah Badu.

When asked about the future, Okubo – who is graduating from New York City’s Parsons School of Design this May – announced that she has plans to return to the continent.

“I’m currently working on creating new work, bigger and better work,” Okubo said. “I’m also hoping to plan a trip to Nairobi to visit my father and meet my other family members, and get inspired by the culture over there,”

“2016 is going to be an exciting year,” she added.

Okubo’s calendar is available for purchase here. Hurry! It’s on sale for only $25 until Jan. 31.

People might think of fashion as an exclusively modern phenomenon. But in Kenya that is far from the case.

“Arts of Kenya: Beauty in Traditional Forms,” a fresh exhibition at the Indiana University Art Museum in Bloomington, showcases a range of colorful jewelry, furniture and personal items collected from national reserves across our country. Over 200 objects will be featured in the exhibit, which opens on March 4 and runs through May 8.

Finger Knife of the Turkana peoples. Collected near Maralal, 1976.

Los Angeles collector and art dealer Ernie Wolfe III collected and documented the findings between 1973 and 1979 and the exhibit includes objects from dozens of ethnic groups, focusing primarily on the arts of pastoral peoples such as the Turkana, Maasai, Pokot and Boran. Many of the objects are no longer being made or used among these peoples, making Wolfe’s findings particularly significant.

“For many of these peoples…personal adornment has traditionally been a way not only to show individual and ethnic style but also to indicate one’s position in society,” says a press statement released by the museum. “In this exhibition, visitors will be able to compare a variety of similar, sometimes very different objects created for everyday use as well as special occasions.”

Maasai peoples shield. Collected near Narok, 1977.

Indiana University curators are proud to host this very exclusive exhibition, which will also be available in a searchable online catalog following the opening reception on March 4. The reception is free and open to the public and will also feature a performance by Voice Tatu, a trio of Kenyan musicians currently studying at the university’s school of music.          

Kenya is coming into its own.

With a steadily growing economy and a relatively free economic system, exciting new companies are thriving throughout Kenya. According to the World Bank, Kenya is one of the key economic countries in Africa and will become one of the fastest growing countries in the region.

A number of companies — both private and nonprofit — from a variety of industries are making their mark in Kenya. Here aree five particularly innovative companies worth keeping an eye on.

M-Kopa

Only about 15 percent of the Kenyan population has access to electricity. Traditional infrastructure (like power lines and power plants) is prohibitively expensive for sparsely-populated areas, so solar power is the best way to increase access. M-Kopa offers pay-as-you-go solar installations for people to connect while remaining off the grid.

M-Kopa has made strides in the industry by ensuring that they are extremely efficient and affordable. All equipment is in top condition and operating at maximum capacity. Their safety measures include making sure that equipment like air compressors are not over or underworked, as factory equipment is most efficient when it is the right size.

Eneza Education

Education is improving in Kenya, and that’s partly due to startups like Eneza Education. This social enterprise teaches nearly half a million users from all over the country and many of these students through a basic phone. By working on a modest mobile device, Eneza can help some of the poorest students in the country. The curriculum is designed in-house and a variety of subjects are offered. The material — including quizzes — is texted to the signed-up students. Courses are also available on computers and smartphones.

The platform is perfect for reaching students (including kids in refugee camps) that would otherwise struggle to receive an education.

One Acre Fund

Agriculture is extremely important in Kenya, as around 75 percent of all working people in the country sustain themselves on it. With such a large part of the country dedicated to farming, the One Acre Fund nonprofit organization is making a big impact. The organization offers loans, supplies and training to small farmers to allow them to increase their yields and make more money.

The organization was started in Kenya but now operates in several other East African countries. In Kenya alone, a staff of 1,400 serves 135 thousand farmers.

Mawingu

In a country of 45 million, approximately 43 percent of Kenyans are Internet users. This is one of the highest rates in Africa and highlights the growth of Kenya’s Internet and telecom companies. The startup Mawingu (that name means “cloud” in Swahili) is focused on connecting people in rural areas that would otherwise have no access. To do this, they install solar-powered Wi-Fi hotspots that serve the country’s poorest people. Through these hotspots, students access to educational info, farmers have access to market info and citizens can stay abreast of the news.

Mawingu’s technology is simple yet effective. Their solar-based solution wouldn’t work in every country, but it’s ideal for Kenya.

Ushahidi

During the post-election violence of 2008, Ushahidi was formed to document the violence through interactive maps. The organization, whose title means “testimony,” has since grown well beyond those events. Ushahidi focuses on data collection, visualization and management for a number of different issues. Their tools have been used to monitor elections, track foreign aid and observe human rights cases.

As in other countries, income inequality and other challenges still plaguing Kenya Thanks in small part to these five companies, and countless others, the future of Kenya looks brighter.

If you were to type the phrase “African fashion’ into google, it’s likely that at least one image with ankara fabric would pop up. Bold, beautiful and colourful, the fabric has become synonymous with African fashion despite it’s contentious history.

It’s hard to pin point when and how ankara came into existence but it has been contended that the popularity of the fabric on the continent ‘began’ with the Dutch who decided to imitate Indonesian Batik technique. Ankara, then known as Dutch wax Print was manufactured in Europe in the 19th century and was intended for an Indonesian market. How the fabric then landed in West Africa is not known, although there are many theories. What was undeniable was the insatiable appetite for it in Africa, and it soon became known as an African fabric. 

Ankara is 100% cotton and is produced using the dye-resistant technique known as batik, which originated in Java. It is both versatile and relatively affordable (which adds to it’s appeal- and China has recently began manufacturing it at a lower price than Europe). In West Africa the fabric is traditionally associated with fashion forward women, some of whom will travel to Europe to source the fabric. In East Africa, Ankara-locally known as Kitenge is traditionally associated with older women.

A historically complex fabric, Ankara has been incorporated by various  designers around the world; from Gwen Stefani’s L.A.M.B 2011 spring collection to H&M’s 2012 Marni Collection. The Dutch fashion house Vlisco, which emerged in 1846, is one of the most famous Ankara producers.

In Kenya, Kitenge has been used by fashion brands such as Kiko Romeo and Wambui Mukenyi. But the fabric’s use is    not limited to garments; accessories and furniture have also gained traction. Pieces from Pinkopallino Design located at the Village Market which incorporate the fabric stand out for their contemporary take on African interior design. If you’re into a hipster vibe, check out the cool chic backpacks by Suave Kenya who make one of a kind pieces. Luxury brand Milles Collines also do wonderful handbags that subtlety integrate the fabric. 

Ideal for both fashion and lifestyle pieces, Ankara fabric can add flair and panache when it is creatively infused in contemporary designs.

2. Phoebe Boswell.

Kenyan born Phoebe Boswell studied painting and 2D animation, and now combines traditional draughtsmanship and digital technology to create elaborate drawings which she shares on her website and on twitter. Born to a Kikuyu mother and a fourth generation British Kenyan father, she was brought up as an “expatriate” in the Middle East before finally settling in London.

Check out more of her work on her website.

3. Jeffrey Otieno.

Jeffrey Otieno is a visual artist and illustrator whose pieces are hardhitting and humorous in the same breath. Some of his collections highlight social issues in his signature style, while others showcase what his illustration process looks like. He also creates caricatures of recognised personalities which he showcases on his Instagram page where he goes by JCreativeMinds, and offers them up for sale as well.

Check out more of his work on Instagram and Behance.

Source: Whatsgoodlive.tv

Lupita Nyong’o is amongst other American stars who participated in the I Am An Immigrant campaign which seeks to address diversity issues in the US.

The campaign was organized by a non-profit initiative, Welcome.uslaunched, on June 1st 2016 in honor of the Immigrant Heritage Month (June) in the US.

The aim of the campaign is to encourage individuals to just be themselves and encourage others to show support for new Americans.

To start off the campaign, Lupita (who was born in Mexico and raised in the 254), amongst other stars (Akon, Miguel, Tracee Ellis Ross etc), discusses how immigrants have become a part of the United States.

Well, history says that America was kind of built on immigrants. It was built by slaves who weren’t from the States.

Snaps of the celebrities who took part in the campaign were taken by Cary Fukunaga, the Beasts of No Nation director, a descendant of an immigrant.

The “Kabangu,” who do double as Hip-Hop aficionados by day and watchmen (security guards) by night in Kariobangi, have been following the culture and its evolution since the 80s and have been teaming up to mentor the youth to teaching them more about the culture and it’s music. Honoring the five elements of Hip-Hop: MCing, DJing, Breakdancing, B-boying and graffiti —through Hip-Hop the eccentric grandpa collective have been instilling in their juniors the importance of peace, equality, prosperity and social justice.

Check out their edgy editorial done by Nairobi based photographer, Osborne Macharia:

All Images by Osborne Macharia

Once upon a time there existed regular taxis, no labels, just drivers with that sign on top of their cars that says “TAXI”. Then Easy Taxi came along and it was much more convenient because their prices were favorable. A little while later, came Uber which allowed you to get a fare estimate to wherever it is you’re going and once you followed the procedure, provided the driver closest to you and you could monitor their movements so you didn’t have to wait too long. Now, yesterday Safaricom added, to their services, a taxi service (app) called Little Cab.

One of the best things about Little Cab is first, you’re allowed to choose the comfort of the ride you want, you can choose a lady driver with Lady Bug, you have free Wi-Fi while on your trip and you can choose the FM station you want to listen to while traveling or if you prefer complete silence, that’s on the options list as well.

Unlike Uber which has a free ride up to a certain amount for new customers, Little Cab doesn’t have a free promo code at the moment but there are plans to provide this soon.

There are multiple payment options as well as Little Cab allows riders to redeem Bonga points for a cab ride. Besides that, customers will be able to pay for cab fare using Mpesa or Visa and MasterCard branded bank cards.

Little Cabs has definitely stepped up competition but it may be face opposition just like Uber (launched in Kenya last year) where there were attacks on their (Uber) drivers.

‘Thankfully, we have moved beyond ordering Mojitos and Cosmos at every single occasion…!‘ – the words of the award winning Bartender (and director for Pernod Ricard’s “Bar Stars”) Kurt Schlecter – who was in Nairobi this past weekend for the opening of the uber-lux Absolut Bar at the Dusit D2 Hotel along Riverside Drive.

Of course, the opening itself was graced by some of the city’s most glam personalities – from known figures in TV and radio to influential names within the digital landscape. To leave an impact, you have to make noise – and in 2016, it’s all about what’s trending online.

And what’s trendier than cocktails with beautiful people?

The Absolut Bar is a funky, brightly lit, airy space. Not really what we would typically have envisioned as a sexy cocktail bar just a couple of years ago – those were more dimly lit, subdued lounges that catered to a certain age bracket and a certain depth of pocket.

These days however, mixology is considered a fresh and fun concept that while pricier than the usual night out, can still be enjoyed by almost anyone.

According to Schlecter, anything you can eat, you should ultimately be able to either inspire or create a cocktail with. From tomatoes to black pepper – to bacon!

Mixology competitions have been held with regularity in Nairobi over the past few years, with the returns huge for those who are willing to let their cheeky side emerge. Benu Kundra is one such person. Attached to Brew Bistro Lounge at that point, he wowed judges (myself included) with his flair, creativity and absolute focus for the art. His prize included a trip to Sweden to absorb further the tricks of making it big in his particular industry.

Photos:  SHK Consulting

We’ve moved from raucous cocktail mixers at Mwenda’s (which in its heyday was the place to be) to branded hubs nestled within swanky hotels.

But wherever you will be sipping, it’s important to observe a few rules of etiquette:
You might not love every drink you are served, and that’s alright: cocktails are a form of artistry and you might not gel with the piece.

According to Vinepair “An excellent bartender is an excellent people person, and will probably notice you’re not enjoying your drink…”

Also, the obvious: cocktails can be deadly, given their high alcohol and sugar content. And there’s no sophistication in lumbering around drunk in your prettiest dress and heels. Moderation. Enjoy the flavors. And never drink on an empty stomach.

And it’s magic you can try to recreate at home. Grab a good bottle of versatile spirit, get some fruit, a few mixers, invite a couple of people round and get blending!

Business is easy – all you need to do is figure out a niche, apply some time and a sprinkle of effort. Right?

Not quite. A new startup is like a new baby: it demands constant care and is needy for attention. It’s been less than 6 months since I first spoke to Phidi Kez Mwatibo about her new spicy chili flakes. At that point, she was only just kicking off her venture ‘Kez Organics’. Fast forward to August and she is already five products deep with a production cycle of 70 jars a week.

Pretty impressive for someone who still has a 9-5! “I still have my day job because I am still in love with PR…” she says. “I make time after work on Monday and Wednesday evenings to make the various products and handle all my deliveries on Tuesday and Thursday…”

                                                                              Kez Full Line

Food will always be profitable. Entrepreneurs have realized this. However as markets develop, we search out better quality and a more personal experience– which is probably why there has been such buzz. Kenyans love it spicy – but let’s be honest, unless you are paying extreme amounts for imports that have been sitting on supermarket shelves for months, it’s tough to get a great flavored chili sauce or dip or rub if you aren’t making them yourself. And who has time for that?

Kez Organics.

Which is crushing it at the moment.

With Phidi behind the helm, involved in every single process – although she has managed to take on two employees with the growth of the business: someone to handle the bulk of the deliveries as well as someone who helps her prep. She can’t quite let go of her perfectionist tendencies and stays involved in the cooking, mixing, labeling, sealing and final presentation of all the jars.

Kez Jars                                                                  Photo: Phidi Kez Mwatibo

She’s about to launch yet another product in the next few weeks – a dry spice rub for marinades or grilling and then just focus on perfecting the process and improving sales. This will add to the original Red Chilli Flakes, Red Chilli Dip, the Mild Salsa with Roasted Tomatoes and the Red and Yellow Habenero Dips – (extra spicy, extra delish)

Going viral isn’t as important to Phidi as getting real, honest feedback – and ultimately, that will translate into increased orders. Her social media strategy is about engagement: “Did you like the product? Send us a picture to show us the weird, wacky and wonderful ways you have been using it!..”

And food bloggers have showing their love too. Check out Kaluhi’s Peppery Carrot and Garlic Ndengu  and Miss Mandii’s Parmesan Meatballs with a hint of spice using Kez Organics’ Chilli Flakes

Kaluhi’s Kitchen Tests The Chili Dip.  Photo courtesy: kaluhiskitchen

The taste parties will continue as will hectic days, as Kez Organics continues to bring on the heat.

Kez Organics can be found on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter

I’ve always been fairly ‘difficult’ when it comes to food – not because I’m necessarily picky – but because I like what I like. That means ordering the same chicken dish at every restaurant (grilled breast in a creamy garlicky type of sauce).  Or the same salad leaves at the supermarket (do we pick up anything other than iceberg lettuce in Kenya?)

The past couple of years have seen Nairobi emerge from the doldrums of a relatively safe array of restaurant options that offered nothing particularly new in terms of the latest food trends. What instead happened was a surge in the number of fast food chains both local as well as international. And an accompanying surge in the width of my waist.

Artcaffe recently introduced its vegan menu, considered a more nutritious way to feed your body. The health benefits are enormous, say the die-hard adopters – with fresh vegetables and legumes providing you energy, sustenance and a drop in the kilos. But it’s not just the food. It’s a lifestyle. I actually enjoy the Artcaffe menu – who says vegan can’t be delish! In small doses.

Artcaffe – Vegan desser courtesy of SHK Consulting

“Gluten Free” is another buzz term that is gaining traction in Nairobi. Granted, not for that many people but there is a growing movement. Cutting out gluten from your diet is definitely not what the doctor orders all the time unless you have celiac disease. But there are some funways to incorporate a gluten free regime in your day to day diet. I recently sampled Nutrieats’ yummy choco-peanut munchies: low fat, and absolutely guilt free. The company is actually doing what very few in the city to do: offering complete weight management tools – helping to heal your body through fitness and food. And they deliver!

Nutrieats Munchies courtesy of Nutrieats

The internet has been responsible for many of the changes we see – we are more aware of the dangers of certain kinds of food – and not just with regards to weight gain, but also the effects on our skin, energy and mood – so-called “clean eating”.

We are learning that using natural products such as oils, turmeric, avocado and apple cider vinegar can be unbelievably beneficial to us externally.

And we are learning that the choices we make now will have an impact on our quality of life in the future.

The city’s food landscape has dramatically changed over the past few years – and with it a change in attitudes towards consumption. Less may not quite be more in a country in which shoppers still experience the challenges of high food prices, however the growth in options means that health is now a bigger factor than ever. And perhaps my favorite consequence: restaurants are working harder to deliver better quality to more discerning consumers.

Spending free time in this tech era is nothing close to what 90’s babies had. Kids and young adults are spending less time outdoors. It is no big deal that a school holiday can fly by without visiting anyone or partaking in an adventure, hike or road trip. Some of the popular back in the day games like Katie, Bano, kalongo, Shake or even Tapo are outdated gimmicks to this generation youngsters.  Everyone is hauled up in their living room, or bedroom with a giant screen as best buddy. Sound proof ear muffs or head phones, control pads never leave the hand and one sitting position facing the screen is a typical scene behind these locked doors. Much of the socializing is with the machine and the keyboard nearby. Occasionally a friend or two visit and that’s when the “crowd” enjoyment is felt in that house.

People are hauled up playing video games. Most popular gaming consoles being Play station and X-Box. Experts have declared gaming is not as bad for brain development of kids and decision making of young adults. This being a progressive and accepting era, it is not an omen to be locked up in your room all day/night working that pad till you reach all levels a game requires. After that you invite your friends for that FIFA 16 game and give them a whooping. Soon as you done with them, log on to other gaming sites, enter online gaming leagues and battle it out with other people from different continents.

In Nairobi, the culture of getting the gaming zone from the house to the city is catching up quick. Visit your local bootleg movie store you will find a huge screen or two and some guys breathing hard over a game. The waiting line is usually long enough because it is cheap. In my trip in the city Centre, I came across a new set up. An entrepreneur decided to open a gaming arcade. Just by Moi Avenue, Rahimtulla Trust building you will see glitters calling you to spend time in there.

Come on let’s face it, sometimes you are in the city and done with your bustle but don’t want to head home. The club, movie at the theatres, or window shopping can help kill time but don’t do so always. The guys at Gametronixx look to capture the attention of all gamers in one zone. Well set up couches, enough personal space and lively colors brighten up the joint. They’ve got two floors all with state of the art gaming equipment. I’m talking of Ps4, X-Box 360, big ass screens, complete with roll cages, bucket seats, powered performance gaming seats with inbuilt speakers and woofers. Damn it’s an experience that matters over there. Some of the games available include FIFA 2016, Pro Evolution Soccer 2016, Tekken warriors, Need for Speed, Uncharted 4,Call of Duty 4, Destiny, Grand Theft Auto, Battlefield 1, Assassins Creed Unity just to mention a few. To retain the clientele, they have an offer where you can pay 100bob per hour in the morning and evening hours, 200bob in the afternoon. You can also enter a FIFA tournament where you stand to win 25000 if you conquer all the participants in a set league. You can purchase games right there, gaming accessories like pads, earphones and memory sticks. This is bound to be a one stop shop for all gaming enthusiasts.

In the CBD and you have time on your hands or want to kick up your gaming adrenalin, visit Gametronixx store and see how many competitors can fall on your sword.

It’s pretty much the perfect combination – who doesn’t like to eat? And who wouldn’t like to be entertained by the sublime sounds of some of the city’s finest talents at one of the trendiest locations in the 254?

This weekend played host to the Nairobi Food and Music festival – what was meant to be an extravaganza showcasing celebrated street based food vendors – names that may not quite be super familiar to everyone, but that have a growing following among those who expect great flavor and quality.

Brands such as Mama Rocks (the ultimate burger bar – take my word on this)

Kai – the Sushi Bar

Sugar Rush – confection done to absolute perfection

Road House Grill

Street Feast

Royal Chef Cuisine

There are actual studies that have been commissioned that show just how powerful the pairing of food and music is, with sound apparently able to influence the way we taste and appreciate food! http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2011/08/25/food-and-music_n_936173.html

The idea behind the Nairobi Food and Music Festival was not just to highlight our growing food culture, but to marry this with some of the foremost entertainers on our soil – including House maestro Dj Drazen, acclaimed musician and producer Blinky Bill as well as G Money of Homeboyz Radio, DJ Riggs and the fabulously talented singer Mayonde.

And it brought out quite the crowd – from renowned food and lifestyle writer Susan ‘Lucky’ Wong to Homeboyz Radio’s Patricia Kihoro. Friends and fans of those performing also turned for a day of networking and mingling – and a cocktail or three!

The set up was an ingenious take on real life food truck set ups – walk around, see what you like and enjoy the vibe

The festival was a partnership between The Alchemist, EatOut Kenya and events powerhouse Mwanaume Ni Effort and we are hoping to see it back on our ‘streets’ sooner rather than later.

Visit NairobiFoodAndMusic for more pictures as well as details of what you can expect next!

Credit for all photos: Mwanaume Ni Effort

It is yet another sign that our taste for extravagance and indulgence in Kenya continues to grow in leaps and bounds

Chivas Regal has officially introduced Chivas Regal Extra into the market – at an event that brought out some of this city’s movers and shakers – as well as uniting a group of people with an appreciation of the finest in one very fabulous location.

The event took place at top of the 9 West building in Westlands, a penthouse offering a superb view of the entire city in the night light. We tend to overlook the impact of venues on the resulting perception of brands and their associations, so I was ready for what the evening would throw my way as soon as I stepped onto that rooftop.

Mixologist Permius Waiharo at the bar

And although it sounds clichéd, I was not disappointed.

Media personalities, social heavyweights and brand reps from Chivas and Pernod Ricard sipped on classic Chivas Regal Extra cocktails including Next Level and Sherry Orchard with hints of the spiciness and nuttiness of the whisky; canapes were also distributed that matched the notes of the cocktails on offer.

Brij Patel, Bobbi Kamani & Bunty Kamani

Guest at the Blind tasting session

The new entrant is a special selection of whiskies matured in Oloroso sherry casks together with rare Chivas malts, creating a blend perfect for those who are looking for something with character – a fruity nose with notes of ripe pear, toffee and a little ginger for that kick. Softer notes are also evident – with vanilla and caramel being the most noticeable.

The evening was elegant – a blind whiskey tasting caught me out (I thought I had studied my Chivas – clearly a little more tasting needs to be done!) and for a laugh, a darts competition that saw a couple of lucky people walk away with a bottle of Chivas Extra.

Melvin Rukunga is the Chivas Brand Ambassador for Kenya and he got a chance to show off his in depth knowledge of the brand, coaching me a little on what to expect during the tasting sessions. In short – Chivas is the perfect fit for any young professional with aspiration, who is looking to leave their mark!

Chivas Whisky Brand Ambassador, Melvin Rukunga

Chivas Regal Extra is available across premium establishments and supermarkets for the RRP of 4,725.

People might think of fashion as an exclusively modern phenomenon. But in Kenya that is far from the case.

“Arts of Kenya: Beauty in Traditional Forms,” a fresh exhibition at the Indiana University Art Museum in Bloomington, showcases a range of colorful jewelry, furniture and personal items collected from national reserves across our country. Over 200 objects will be featured in the exhibit, which opens on March 4 and runs through May 8.

Finger Knife of the Turkana peoples. Collected near Maralal, 1976.

Los Angeles collector and art dealer Ernie Wolfe III collected and documented the findings between 1973 and 1979 and the exhibit includes objects from dozens of ethnic groups, focusing primarily on the arts of pastoral peoples such as the Turkana, Maasai, Pokot and Boran. Many of the objects are no longer being made or used among these peoples, making Wolfe’s findings particularly significant.

“For many of these peoples…personal adornment has traditionally been a way not only to show individual and ethnic style but also to indicate one’s position in society,” says a press statement released by the museum. “In this exhibition, visitors will be able to compare a variety of similar, sometimes very different objects created for everyday use as well as special occasions.”

Maasai peoples shield. Collected near Narok, 1977.

Indiana University curators are proud to host this very exclusive exhibition, which will also be available in a searchable online catalog following the opening reception on March 4. The reception is free and open to the public and will also feature a performance by Voice Tatu, a trio of Kenyan musicians currently studying at the university’s school of music.          

Kenya is coming into its own.

With a steadily growing economy and a relatively free economic system, exciting new companies are thriving throughout Kenya. According to the World Bank, Kenya is one of the key economic countries in Africa and will become one of the fastest growing countries in the region.

A number of companies — both private and nonprofit — from a variety of industries are making their mark in Kenya. Here aree five particularly innovative companies worth keeping an eye on.

M-Kopa

Only about 15 percent of the Kenyan population has access to electricity. Traditional infrastructure (like power lines and power plants) is prohibitively expensive for sparsely-populated areas, so solar power is the best way to increase access. M-Kopa offers pay-as-you-go solar installations for people to connect while remaining off the grid.

M-Kopa has made strides in the industry by ensuring that they are extremely efficient and affordable. All equipment is in top condition and operating at maximum capacity. Their safety measures include making sure that equipment like air compressors are not over or underworked, as factory equipment is most efficient when it is the right size.

Eneza Education

Education is improving in Kenya, and that’s partly due to startups like Eneza Education. This social enterprise teaches nearly half a million users from all over the country and many of these students through a basic phone. By working on a modest mobile device, Eneza can help some of the poorest students in the country. The curriculum is designed in-house and a variety of subjects are offered. The material — including quizzes — is texted to the signed-up students. Courses are also available on computers and smartphones.

The platform is perfect for reaching students (including kids in refugee camps) that would otherwise struggle to receive an education.

One Acre Fund

Agriculture is extremely important in Kenya, as around 75 percent of all working people in the country sustain themselves on it. With such a large part of the country dedicated to farming, the One Acre Fund nonprofit organization is making a big impact. The organization offers loans, supplies and training to small farmers to allow them to increase their yields and make more money.

The organization was started in Kenya but now operates in several other East African countries. In Kenya alone, a staff of 1,400 serves 135 thousand farmers.

Mawingu

In a country of 45 million, approximately 43 percent of Kenyans are Internet users. This is one of the highest rates in Africa and highlights the growth of Kenya’s Internet and telecom companies. The startup Mawingu (that name means “cloud” in Swahili) is focused on connecting people in rural areas that would otherwise have no access. To do this, they install solar-powered Wi-Fi hotspots that serve the country’s poorest people. Through these hotspots, students access to educational info, farmers have access to market info and citizens can stay abreast of the news.

Mawingu’s technology is simple yet effective. Their solar-based solution wouldn’t work in every country, but it’s ideal for Kenya.

Ushahidi

During the post-election violence of 2008, Ushahidi was formed to document the violence through interactive maps. The organization, whose title means “testimony,” has since grown well beyond those events. Ushahidi focuses on data collection, visualization and management for a number of different issues. Their tools have been used to monitor elections, track foreign aid and observe human rights cases.

As in other countries, income inequality and other challenges still plaguing Kenya Thanks in small part to these five companies, and countless others, the future of Kenya looks brighter.

If you were to type the phrase “African fashion’ into google, it’s likely that at least one image with ankara fabric would pop up. Bold, beautiful and colourful, the fabric has become synonymous with African fashion despite it’s contentious history.

It’s hard to pin point when and how ankara came into existence but it has been contended that the popularity of the fabric on the continent ‘began’ with the Dutch who decided to imitate Indonesian Batik technique. Ankara, then known as Dutch wax Print was manufactured in Europe in the 19th century and was intended for an Indonesian market. How the fabric then landed in West Africa is not known, although there are many theories. What was undeniable was the insatiable appetite for it in Africa, and it soon became known as an African fabric. 

Ankara is 100% cotton and is produced using the dye-resistant technique known as batik, which originated in Java. It is both versatile and relatively affordable (which adds to it’s appeal- and China has recently began manufacturing it at a lower price than Europe). In West Africa the fabric is traditionally associated with fashion forward women, some of whom will travel to Europe to source the fabric. In East Africa, Ankara-locally known as Kitenge is traditionally associated with older women.

A historically complex fabric, Ankara has been incorporated by various  designers around the world; from Gwen Stefani’s L.A.M.B 2011 spring collection to H&M’s 2012 Marni Collection. The Dutch fashion house Vlisco, which emerged in 1846, is one of the most famous Ankara producers.

In Kenya, Kitenge has been used by fashion brands such as Kiko Romeo and Wambui Mukenyi. But the fabric’s use is    not limited to garments; accessories and furniture have also gained traction. Pieces from Pinkopallino Design located at the Village Market which incorporate the fabric stand out for their contemporary take on African interior design. If you’re into a hipster vibe, check out the cool chic backpacks by Suave Kenya who make one of a kind pieces. Luxury brand Milles Collines also do wonderful handbags that subtlety integrate the fabric. 

Ideal for both fashion and lifestyle pieces, Ankara fabric can add flair and panache when it is creatively infused in contemporary designs.

I’d love to say that theatre in Nairobi is witnessing a resurgence – but that’s probably just me. Theatre has always been a huge part of the social thread of this city – perhaps what I am witnessing a lot more of is a greater appreciation for the variety of entertainment options that we actually have.

One O’clock From The House is a brand new stage comedy with a two week run that is guaranteed to have you coughing out your lungs – in a good way (if that’s possible)! Directed by Eugene Oyoo, it’s hosted at the Phoenix Players’ Professional Center in the CBD. And the cast reads like a dream: regular names on the theatre scene including Nick Ndeda, Shiviske Shivisi, Charles Kiarie, Wanjira Longauer and Crystal Mbuga among many others.

Nick Ndeda

And it’s all about BIG personality and ridiculous situations: the comedy itself revolves around the funeral of an elderly man – so, not necessarily the type of situation that you THINK would be humorous!

The show’s director says: “… when the family concerned consists of: a cook who bakes almondless-almond cakes, a cousin who is convinced his shopping cart is a clever dog called Rover, a sister who is an inmate at ‘THE HAPPY THERAPY PSYCHIATRIC HOME’ dealing with anger issues…the proceedings are bound to be lively… ”
On top of all of this, there’s a joke played from beyond the grave – will this ramshackle family be able to survive the funeral?

Crystal Mbuga 

Heading out for a play as opposed to the club is to me, the perfect alternative for a date night with a best friend or partner – or even a group of people.

You only have two weekends to catch it though so here is the important bit:

Pick up your tickets for 800 advance and 1000 at the gate or head over to the Phoenix Professional Center situated just off Haile Selassie Avenue. You can catch the show every Friday, Saturday and Sunday for the next two weeks so make sure you reserve yourself a spot because it WILL fill up fast!

In case you need more information on tickets or to book a seat: 0705 589 722

Images: Kiki Photography

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