Masai warriors graduate

masai morans coming of age
Kenya's Masai people hold a ceremony for their warriors to become tribal elders only every 10 to 15 years, when there are enough people of the right age group.

But the tradition is under threat as the population becomes more urban and more exposed to outside influences. BBC East Africa correspondent Peter Greste witnessed one of the ceremonies just outside Nairobi, where two of the men taking part told him how important the ceremony is for them.



BBC News - Audio slideshow: Masai warriors graduate

Mooz-lum featuring Nia long

The view of Muslims in the aftermath of the Twin Towers falling and the environment that has existed since. Writer/director Qasim Basir changes that with his critically acclaimed film, Mooz-lum, which tells the story of a young Muslim-American man (played by Evan Ross) struggling with his faith and identity.

Also starring Nia Long and Danny Glover, the film, which won Best Narrative Feature at this year’s Urbanworld Film Festival, is set for limited national release on February 11, 2011. Distributed through Peace Films and AMC Theatres, Mooz-lum is being promoted via digital media company Eventful, which is allowing moviegoers the unique opportunity to campaign (from now until January 21st) for their city to be one of the first 10 cities to premier the film.

Facebook connections around the world

Paul Butler a member of facebook's data infrastructure team map created a very visual map of users around the world.
The map clearly shows areas where facebook is widely used and some areas like china and central africa where facebook does not have many users.

From the map you can see the impact in Kenya and east africa.This goes to prove the social networking users are increasing daily in  East Africa.A lot of people have twitter, facebook and other popular web 2.0 accounts.

This what Paul said on his blog.


Visualizing data is like photography. Instead of starting with a blank canvas, you manipulate the lens used to present the data from a certain angle.

When the data is the social graph of 500 million people, there are a lot of lenses through which you can view it. One that piqued my curiosity was the locality of friendship. I was interested in seeing how geography and political borders affected where people lived relative to their friends. I wanted a visualization that would show which cities had a lot of friendships between them.

I began by taking a sample of about ten million pairs of friends from Apache Hive, our data warehouse. I combined that data with each user's current city and summed the number of friends between each pair of cities. Then I merged the data with the longitude and latitude of each city.

At that point, I began exploring it in R, an open-source statistics environment. As a sanity check, I plotted points at some of the latitude and longitude coordinates. To my relief, what I saw was roughly an outline of the world. Next I erased the dots and plotted lines between the points. After a few minutes of rendering, a big white blob appeared in the center of the map. Some of the outer edges of the blob vaguely resembled the continents, but it was clear that I had too much data to get interesting results just by drawing lines. I thought that making the lines semi-transparent would do the trick, but I quickly realized that my graphing environment couldn't handle enough shades of color for it to work the way I wanted.

Instead I found a way to simulate the effect I wanted. I defined weights for each pair of cities as a function of the Euclidean distance between them and the number of friends between them. Then I plotted lines between the pairs by weight, so that pairs of cities with the most friendships between them were drawn on top of the others. I used a color ramp from black to blue to white, with each line's color depending on its weight. I also transformed some of the lines to wrap around the image, rather than spanning more than halfway around the world.

Kenyatta's House in London

Unveiling of the plaque to Jomo Kenyatta at 95 Cambridge Street, Pimlico. Shown from right to left are: Najib Balala, Kenya’s Minister of State for National Heritage, Uhuru Kenyatta, Leader of the Official Opposition and Kenyatta's son, and Joseph Muchemi, Kenya High Commissioner

STAGE 3: What Happens Once I Have Made a Proposal? | English Heritage

amboseli wildlife - man vs beast

lion proof bomas cnstructed to safeguard livestock from lions.


YouTube - NTVKenya's Channel#p/u/8/sHpRAolkra4

eco friendly hotels in lamu | fyiKenya.com find answers!!

Gt your questions about kenya answered .....

eco friendly hotels in lamu | fyiKenya.com find answers!!:

Abdul's Eco Nest

environmental friendly lodge natural, sustainable, & beautiful lodging in the heart of the Swahili coast...the island of Lamu.
 Welcome to the idea, where living in an environmental friendly lodge as a seed being planted to enhance further than just the lodge but influencing others and being influenced by others in a positive thinking and innovative ways of our everyday survival with our surroundings
Abdul's Eco Nest

Lamu Island


P.O.Box 97 Lamu

Email: abdul@abduleconest.com

Tel : +254 729 751554 / +254 733 296 268

find more tips at fyikenya.com

Wikileaks memo reveals Egypt's Nile fears over Sudan

River nile fears.Hopefully one day all countries can have an equal share of the water


A leaked US embassy cable has revealed Egypt's fears about the possibility of its neighbour Sudan breaking into two.

In the cable, written last year, a foreign ministry official urged the US to help postpone a referendum on independence for Southern Sudan.

The official said the creation of "a non-viable state" could threaten Egypt's access to the River Nile.

Cairo's Almasry Alyoum newspaper published the cable, one of thousands being released by Wikileaks.

Southern Sudan is due to vote in a referendum on independence in January.

But in the cable - from the US embassy in Cairo - the official talks of implications should south Sudan secede and concern is expressed about the River Nile - a lifeline for Egypt.

Egypt has in the past threatened to go to war with any country tampering with the Nile.

The official said the creation of "a non-viable state" could threaten Egypt's access to the Nile at a time when several countries are negotiating how to share the river's water.

The official presses the US to help postpone the referendum by four to six years.

Egypt clearly fears a new nation, Southern Sudan, would be more likely to side with the upstream countries of the Nile basin like Kenya, Uganda and Ethiopia.
Vital resource

Those countries believe a colonial era treaty which guarantees that Egypt receives most of the Nile water is unfair.

Egypt and Sudan are refusing to sign up to a new agreement.

The fact that south Sudan is oil rich is seen as a major reason for tension ahead of the referendum on independence.

However, some argue that the vital water resource is likely to be a far greater bone of contention in the region long after the oil wells have dried up.

Wikileaks has so far released more than 600 of 251,000 classified US diplomatic and military cables.

www.southsudanguide.com




BBC News - Wikileaks memo reveals Egypt's Nile fears over Sudan: "- Sent using Google Toolbar"

Is Kenya sabotaging its own broadband future?

is internet faster in Kenya?
Is it cheaper like we expected?
What is the impact on business ? New young internet millionaires in kenya?


Last year Click reported on the new undersea internet cables which promised to connect east Africa to the rest of the world and make broadband access affordable for the first time.

On his return to the country, Dan Simmons finds speeds have improved but fierce competition is starting to turn ugly.

BBC News - Is Kenya sabotaging its own broadband future?: "- Sent using Google Toolbar"

lamu cultural festival 2010

Lamu Cultural Festival

25 Nov 2010 to 28 Nov 2010
Lamu



For the next three days the coastal town of Lamu will be buzzing with visitorsfor annual festival on culture, Celebrating the islands colorful Swahili culture. Started in 2001 the event is now a must attend with over 100,000 visitors expected on the island over a three-day period.
This 10 year old festival celebrates and promotes the Swahili culture and traditions of Lamu, which is a World Heritage Site.



YouTube - NTVKenya's Channel: "Lamu cultural festival

YouTube - Stolen Dreams part 1

YouTube - Stolen Dreams part 1: "-
night school in turkana , kenya
what an inspiring story...awesome people

Could a rusty coin re-write Chinese-African history?

A joint team of Kenyan and Chinese archaeologists found the 15th Century Chinese coin in Mambrui - a tiny, nondescript village just north of Malindi on Kenya's north coast.

In barely distinguishable relief, the team leader Professor Qin Dashu from Peking University's archaeology department, read out the inscription: "Yongle Tongbao" - the name of the reign that minted the coin some time between 1403 and 1424.

"These coins were carried only by envoys of the emperor, Chengzu," Prof Qin said.

"We know that smugglers would often take them and melt them down to make other brass implements, but it is more likely that this came here with someone who gave it as a gift from the emperor."

And that poses the question that has excited both historians and politicians: How did a coin from the early 1400s get to East Africa, almost 100 years before the first Europeans reached the region?

BBC News - Could a rusty coin re-write Chinese-African history?: "- Sent using Google Toolbar"

Will January vote bring war or peace to south Sudan?

south sudan referendum in january 2011 an opportunity to have a new state of south sudan.
It may be a new begining for better things for the south sudanese people hopefully it will be peaceful.
the new nation will have an impact on other countries especially Kenya and hopefully the city of lamu once the post is built and operational.

definetly the port will have an economic and infrastructure development but am concerned about the ecological and heritage effect on the beautiful lamu island paradise.



BBC News - Will January vote bring war or peace to south Sudan?: "- Sent using Google Toolbar"

Kenyan author sweeps in as late favourite in Nobel prize for literature | Books | guardian.co.uk

A novelist, post-colonial theorist and social activist, Ngugi wa Thiong'o currently holds the post of Distinguished Professor of English and Comparative Literature at the University of California, Irvine. He began writing in English, but following his arrest and imprisonment without charge at the Kamiti Maximum Security Prison in Kenya after the performance of his critical play, Ngaahika Ndeenda (I Will Marry When I Want) in 1977, he made the decision to work in his mother tongue, Gikuyu. He wrote the novel Caitani Mutharabaini (The Devil on the Cross) on toilet paper during his time in prison; his other works include the childhood memoir Dreams in a Time of War and the sweeping satire Wizard of the Crow (Murogi wa Kagogo), which is widely considered to be his finest work.

Kenyan author sweeps in as late favourite in Nobel prize for literature | Books | guardian.co.uk: "-

'Saving lives' with solar-powered lights - CNN.com

airobi, Kenya (CNN) -- The villagers' faces light up as Evans Wadongo arrives. Men, women and children sing and gather around as he shows how his invention -- a solar-powered LED lantern -- will soon light up their homes.

"These families, they are so poor. They don't have electricity," said Wadongo, a native of rural Kenya. "It's only kerosene and firewood that they use for lighting, cooking.

"The amount of money that every household uses to buy kerosene every day -- if they can just save that money, they can be able to buy food."

Wadongo, 23, not only is giving his country's rural families a way to replace the smoky kerosene and firelight with solar power, he says he also hopes his invention will ultimately improve education and reduce poverty and hunger. And he's providing it for free.

Do you know a hero? Nominations are open for 2010 CNN Heroes

The youngest of four children, Wadongo grew up in a home that stressed the importance of education -- his father was a high school teacher. But years of exposure to smoke while studying by kerosene and firelight left Wadongo with eyesight problems.

Video: Solar power from scrap metal

With a lack of good light to study by -- Wadongo often had to share one lantern with his siblings and other family members -- he remembers the frustration of unfinished homework and poor exam performance.

"I couldn't compete effectively with other kids who had access to lighting," he said. "In every home in the village it was the same. Many children drop out of school for these reasons ... so they remain poor for the rest of their life. All along I was asking myself if there is anything that can be done to improve this situation."

In 2004, while attending a Kenyan university for agriculture and technology, Wadongo found his answer. He was fiddling with a dorm experiment involving the timing of LED (light-emitting diode) Christmas lights when it struck him: The environmentally friendly light source could be used to light rural homes.

"I knew it would have to be sourced by the sun to be useful to people in rural areas," he said, "but [I] had never seen a solar panel small enough for individual homes."

Then, while walking home from visiting a friend, Wadongo stumbled upon a broken-off piece of a discarded solar panel. With it, he was able to light a small number of LEDs. His project -- Use Solar, Save Lives -- was born.

"I immediately knew the impact that [it] would have on the rural communities," he said.

An artisan helped him design the solar lantern, which Wadongo calls MwangaBora -- Swahili for "good light."

'Saving lives' with solar-powered lights - CNN.com: "- Sent using Google Toolbar"

vision 2020 small aircraft

1950 Hunting Aardvark Africa Miss Pori Aircraft Nairobi

source:standardmedia.co.ke
 Jane's Aircraft Recognition Guide Fifth Edition (Jane's Recognition Guides)

The Red Pepper House - New exclusive hotel opens on Kenya’s Lamu Island | News | Breaking Travel News

The Red Pepper House on Lamu Island is a new, exquisite boutique beach hotel offering the utmost in indulgence and relaxation. Located a stone’s throw from the historical Lamu town, The Red Pepper House provides a combination of real African culture and laid-back beach life.
Lamu Island, a world heritage site, is situated within an archipelago off the coast of Kenya. It is home to hundreds of years of Swahili culture that has been perfectly preserved thanks to the remote and unspoilt location of the area. The Red Pepper House nestles between a heavenly beach and an enchanting forest allowing guests to experience the magic of both worlds and lose themselves in the contrasting sounds of Africa.
Comprising of only five beautiful and spacious Nyumbas, (the Swahili name for home), The Red Pepper House is perfectly integrated into its natural surroundings and covered by a Makuti thatched roof. Each Nyumba comes complete with a spacious and luxurious bedroom and bathroom area finished in the traditional Swahili manner. Guests have their very own personal butler who is on hand to bring refreshing cocktails and delicious food to the Nyumbas at any time of day. Activities at The Red Pepper House include trips into Lamu town to soak up the Swahili culture, visits to the ruins of the city of Takwa, sunset dhow boat trips, deep sea fishing, snorkelling and relaxing massages.

The Red Pepper House - New exclusive hotel opens on Kenya’s Lamu Island News Breaking Travel News

Dubai visa rules

Regulations in the UAE are complicated and subject to change. Check with your local UAE Embassy or travel agent prior to leaving to be sure.




There are several different types of visa available. The most commonly used are Visit visas, tourist visas and residency visas for ex-pats.







Visit Visa: Visit visas valid for 30 days will cost Dh500. This cannot be renewed. A person wishing to stay for an extended period must obtain a visit visa valid for 90 days that costs Dh1,000.



Citizens of the certain countries (listed in the next paragraph) can get a 30-day visit visa free of charge upon arrival, entitling them to stay for 60 days: Britain, France, Italy, Germany, the Netherlands, Belgium, Luxembourg, Switzerland, Austria, Sweden, Norway, Denmark, Portugal, Ireland, Greece, Cyprus, Finland, Malta, Spain, Monaco, Vatican, Iceland, Andorra, San Marino, Liechtenstein, United States, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Japan, Brunei, Singapore, Malaysia and Hong Kong.



After this period a visitor can extend the visit visa by a further two months by leaving the country and returning. This can be done twice. When the third visit visa expires the person must leave the UAE for at least a month before returning.



For residents of other countries, the visa must be sponsored by an individual, such as a relative, or an establishment. The application is submitted by the sponsor with all required documents.







Tourist Visa: It is available for tourists sponsored by tour operating companies and hotels. It is issued for 30 days for a fee of Dh100 and an additional Dh10 for delivery. This may be renewed only once.







Student Visit Visa: Will cost Dh1,000. To obtain this, a person must be registered in one of the universities in the UAE and must obtain health insurance. Additionally, a refundable deposit of Dh1000 must be paid.







Special Mission Entry Visa: This is issued for a non-renewable 14 days for a fee of Dh100. Commonly known as a transit visa, it is collected by the visitor upon arrival. It is issued to businessmen and tourists sponsored by a company or commercial establishment or a hotel licensed to operate in the UAE.







Mission Visa: The newly added type of visa, it is issued for the purpose of temporary work in the country. It is issued for a maximum of 180 days. It costs Dh200.



It has been introduced to facilitate Labour Ministry's Temporary Work Permit. An applicant must obtain the permit from the Labour Ministry first to get the visa.







Transit Visa: It is issued to travellers transiting through UAE airports. It issued for 96 hours and must be sponsored by an airline operating in the UAE. The visitor must have a valid ticket for onward flight. There is a charge of Dh100.







Multiple Entry Visa: It is an option for businessmen who are frequent visitors to the UAE and who have a relationship with a reputable company here.



This multiple visa is valid for six months from the date of issue and costs Dh1,000. However, each visit must not exceed 30 days. The visitor must enter the UAE on a visit visa and obtain the multiple entry visa while he is here.







Residence Visa: A residence visa is required for those who intend to enter the UAE to live indefinitely with a person who is already a resident. It is issued to the immediate kin of a resident for three years for a fee of Dh300.



The residence permit becomes invalid if the resident remains more than six months at a time out of the country.



Parents of residents are issued residence visas after special approval with a renewable validity of one year for a fee of Dh100 for each year. A refundable deposit of Dh5,000 has to be paid for each parent.







Investor Visa: It is issued to an expatriate investor in partnership with a local. The foreign investor must hold a minimum stake of Dh70,000 in the share capital. Like the residence visa, it is issued for three years for a fee of Dh300.







Employment Visa: Employment Visa or Permit is issued by the Immigration Department to a foreign national who wishes to work for a company in the UAE upon the approval of the Ministry of Labour and Social Affairs.



It allows the holder to enter the UAE once for a period of 30 days and is valid for two months from the date of issue.



When the employee has entered the country on the basis of the employment visa, the sponsoring company will arrange to complete the formalities of stamping his residence.







Visit visa for medical purposes: Those wishing to undergo treatment must take visit visa for treatment purpose that costs Dh1,000 for 90 day duration. This can be renewed for a similar period at Dh500.







Visit visa for events: Those visiting to attend conferences or exhibitions can obtain a visa for this purpose at Dh100.



A Dh1,000 refundable deposit and proof of health insurance will be mandatory for all visas. Documents required include passport copies, photographs of the visitor and the data of the visitor, including address in home country.







Quick list: Types of visas and fees



Short Entry (visit) Visa: 500 (1 month)

Long Entry (visit) Visa: 1,000 (3 months)

Multiple Entry Visa: 2,000

Entry Visa for Study: 1,000

Renewal of Study Visa: 500

Entry Visa for Medical Treatment: 1,000

Renewal of Medical Treatment Visa: 500

Entry Visa for Expos and Conferences: 100

Tourism Entry Visa: 100

Renewal of Tourism Visa: 500

Entry Visa for GCC State Residents: 100

Renewal of GCC State Resident's Visa: 500

Entry Visa for GCC State Resident's Companions: 100

Renewal of GCC State Residents Companions'Visa: 200

Mission Entry Visa: 200

Transit Entry Visa: 100

source:gulfnews

BBC News - Africa in pictures: 3-9 July 2010

BBC News - Africa in pictures: 3-9 July 2010: "- Sent using Google Toolbar"

Shanzu property to let | Fortjesus.com |mombasa hotels|restaurants|attractions

Shanzu property to let

Fabulous Four bedrooms villa,three living rooms,big kitchen,with a huge garden, playground where children can play around and swimming pool!

This ambassadorial residence provides exceptional entertaining space and delightful views.The property has been maintained to the highest standard and benefits high standard of finishing and interior decor.

asking for 125,to 150,000 KES pcm

follow the link for pictures and contact details

Shanzu property to let | Fortjesus.com |mombasa hotels|restaurants|attractions

Marrakech: and a tale of a beautiful riad for sale - My Marrakesh

Marrakech: and a tale of a beautiful riad for sale - My Marrakesh


Here are the specs: Sidi Ben Slimane neighborhood - 15-minute walk to souks + Place Jemma El Fna • titled 250+-year-old home • 2,500 square feet • 3 bedroom / 2.5 baths • central courtyard • ground floor: living room with fireplace, fully equipped kitchen, dining room, study, powder room + large storage/laundry room • 2nd floor: master bedroom/dressing + bath and 2 guest bedrooms (one with ensuite bath) • terrace with tented lounging area • solar hot water+ radiant heat in courtyard

And all covered with sublime Popham Design tile............

Only $325,000. Worth so so much more. Did I mention it comes furnished, save a few pieces of art? Contact: caitlin at cdowesandes@gmail.com

Dubai lifts visa ban but wary of fake Kenyan passports

Dubai has lifted the visa ban on kenyans travelling to Dubai.
The ban has had an effect on Kenyans travelling to Dubai for business and also Kenyans who work in UAE.

UAE imposed the ban after Kenya deported 4 UAE nationals said to be members of the royal family

click the link below for more...

The Standard | Online Edition :: Dubai lifts visa ban but wary of fake Kenyan passports

2009 London Marathon winner braves travel chaos

The winner of the 2009 London Marathon has set off from Kenya in the hope of making this year's competition, despite continued travel chaos caused by the ash cloud.
23-year-old Sammy Wanjiru, also the Olympic record holder, had been training at home, leaving him in danger of missing the race.
see  BBC video
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/africa/8633847.stm
The London Marathon: The History of the Greatest Race On Earth

Mombasa crows -Kurabu

Aggressive House Crows
They are native to India and were introduced to East African ports such as Mombasa and Zanzibar, where they are now a major pest.
one early december morning as i sat on the rooftop trying to finish Barack Obama's Audacity of hope this hyper aggresive crow started circling around and making threatening voices.
i managed to snap a few pictures.
now i understand why a friend said that the kurabu's need to go for anger management.

 Mombasa Kurabu for anger management training

Four Kenyans will be among those attending President Obama’s entrepreneurial summit

Four Kenyans will be among those attending President Obama’s entrepreneurial summit set for between April 26 and 27 this year.

They include Mr Yusuf Keshavjee, Ms Rehema Jaldesa, Mr Salim Amin and Ms Nuria Farah.

The four were selected based on their innovative ideas and ability to promote entrepreneurship, their commitment to community service, and gender, geographic and urban/rural diversity.

The conference A New Beginning: The Presidential Summit on Entrepreneurship - builds on President Obama’s speech to the Muslim world in Cairo last year in which he promised to host a summit on entrepreneurship “to identify how we can deepen ties between business leaders, foundations and social entrepreneurs in the United States and Muslim communities around the world.”

Greater exchange

“We now seek a broader engagement” that involves greater exchanges in education, health, science and shared ideals, he said in Cairo.

The conference will highlight the role that entrepreneurs play in communities in creating jobs and improving societies.

Results expected from the gathering are new programmes, partnerships, relationships and networks, which will encourage starting new businesses and social projects.

In all, about 250 people of various religious backgrounds are expected to participate in the meeting.

Mr Keshavjee is co-founder and current chair of the Boards of Honey Care Africa Ltd a social enterprise which has to-date brought over 9,000 smallholder farmers above the poverty line.

Ms Rehema is a career woman and an entrepreneur with more than 10 years experience in the banking industry.

Mr Salim Amin is the chairman Camerapix Ltd.

He also heads the Mohamed Amin Foundation and also chairman of A24 Media.

Ms Nuria Sheikh, currently pursuing a MBA at the University of Nairobi owns Risala Enterprises Ltd, a private limited company that was established in 1995. 

nation.co.ke

http://www.entrepreneurship.gov/summit/

The Audacity of Hope: Thoughts on Reclaiming the American Dream (Vintage) 

map of where the delegates come  from

http://www.entrepreneurship.gov/summit/map.aspx

Change We Can Believe in: Barack Obama's Plan to Renew America's Promise

Lamu comes to life during the Maulidi festival

By Linah Benyawa
Travelling to Lamu is an attraction in itself, whether it’s by air or across the rich blue waters of this tropical archipelago.
The streets of this antique town are never more than eight feet wide not even enough for two cars. Fortunately the town has only one car belonging to the local District Commissioner. Yet every visitor will acknowledge the difference as the air becomes cool and rich with the heady aromas and perfume from the markets.
Each year, Lamu comes to life during the Maulidi festival. Maulidi is the popular name given to Milan-un-Nabi an Islamic festival held during the third month of the Muslim calendar to celebrate the birth of the prophet Mohamed.
The festival is said to have originated in Egypt in the 8th Century, but the East African version is thought to have been started in Lamu in 1866 by Habib Swaleh Jamal Lely. It is said he also established the great Riyadha mosque in Lamu.
The Lamu Maulidi celebrations take several forms but at the core it is a joyous and devotional exercise that is bound together by culture. Though the main religious rites take place in and around the Riyadha Mosque there are many traditional games and dances at the seafront to capture the eye.
Cultural wealthThough Maulidi is celebrated globally, the Island has been the centre stage hosting over 60,000 visitors from all over the world. According to Alawy Abzein a Public Relation Officer at the National Museum of Kenya (NMK), Lamu is the most popular region given it’s importance in the East African region.
But despite Maulidi being an Islamic celebration, it’s fast becoming a foreign exchange earner. Many local and international tourists flock the town that is rich in cultural heritage and records the highest number of historical sites in the country.
During Maulidi, Lamu’s museum stages several competition and races designed to encourage local skills and practices central to the locals’ lives. These include local dances like Goma — a war song danced with swords in praise of heroes. The dance involves men holding long sticks or bakoras and swaying gently to the rhythm of the drums. They also pair off and arm themselves with traditional curved Arab swords and stage mock fights. This showcases one’s agility, poise and sword-handling skills.
For this year’s festival, NMK has send out circulars and invites to different competitors who might be interested in taking part in the different games.
Other activities that attract tourists include Swahili poetry, Henna painting, dhow and donkey race, tug of war, Arabic calligraphy among others. The dhow race is meant to encourage the art of sailing. For the race, some of the town’s finest dhows are selected to compete. It takes a combination of speed and manoeuvring skills sometimes under windy conditions to emerge victorious. Spectators, both locals and visitors follow the race from the town’s piers and jetties or from the roofs of the restaurants around.
Other crowd pullers include swimming and bao competitions. The swimming competition involves a challenging cross-country race along the water front. And in the sweltering heat, this no mean feat. At times it get so hot that many runners are forced to side track and plunge into water even when they are not required to in order top cool off.
Crowd pullersHowever, the highlight of Maulidi, which involves the Island’s symbol and is also the crowd’s favourite is the donkey race. It is said that local donkey riders spend the entire year training for this race and the winner takes another year to celebrate his victory. Like the dhow race, the town’s best donkeys are selected for the finals. It’s a sight to behold as riders hold onto their donkeys while trying to make them go faster, while others are tossed up in their air and onto the ground. It takes a lot to keep the animal on the path and ahead of others.
Under the shadow of large trees many of the men gather for Bao competition. This is thought to be the oldest known game in human history. The game is played on a board made of wood of four lines of shallow holes. The game itself involves beads, seeds or stones placed in the holes at terrific speed. At the same time a player should think fast to counter the moves of his opponents.
A display of traditional handicrafts and henna painting are a favourite with many women. Food lovers also have a chance to attend the Swahili Food Bazaar along the sea front.
Apart from hosting the religious activities, Riyadha mosque has organised medical camps in the honour of Habib Swaleh.
"One of Habib’s dream was to have a traditional Arabic clinic and this is why we have medical camps with every celebration," says Muhdhar Khitamy a great grandson of the Habib Swaleh.
Medical servicesThe mosque has also set up a VCT centre within the medical camp to ensure integrated services are available for all.
Though hotels and guesthouses expect full bookings given the large numbers of visitors, much needs to be done according to Titus Kang’angi, chairman of the Association of Hotel Keepers and Caterers, Coast branch.
"Maulid is a big celebration in the coast region especially in Lamu, but I think there is need to improve it in terms of advertising so that as many people as possible can attend," said Kang’angi.
He added that, the celebrations should also as an opportunity to sensitise non-Muslims on the festival.
"There is need for the Maulid celebrations to be spiced up so that huge number of visitors coming from all over the world will also take time to learn and appreciate the cultural heritage of Lamu," he added.
Without a doubt, Maulidi is a celebration that brings together the ancient and the modern in a cultural pot. It present yet another proof of why Lamu has been a port of call for travellers for the last four centuries.
 

Maulidi Festival 2010 video

BYU students bring bagged water to Kenya

For the majority of Kenyans, staying hydrated means choosing between an overpriced bottle of clean water and a recycled bottle that might be filled with pond water. Living thirsty isn't an option on the equator, even if water-borne illness is the all-but-certain alternative.
Three graduate students at Brigham Young University want to bring another option to Kenyans: plastic pouches of clean water that everyone can afford. They've seen it in action in western Africa, and are sure the social venture can be equally successful on the continent's untested eastern coast.
They're calling the project Marere Pure Water -- "marere" means fountain in Swahili, which is spoken alongside English in Kenya. Marere Springs is also the name of the Mombasa, Kenya, natural municipal water source into which they'll be tapping for their supply.
read more
Matt Reichman can be reached at mreichman@heraldextra.com.

kenyans denied visa's to dubai

The deportation of four senior members of the United Arab Emirates government has sparked a serious diplomatic row between Kenya and UAE.
The UAE has for the last two weeks denied many Kenyans including a cabinet minister, MPs and business people entry visas to Dubai on flimsy grounds.
Hundreds of Kenyan traders flock to Dubai to buy electronics, textiles, household goods, mobile phones and industrial products which are available at fair prices since it is a free port.

Planning Minister Wycliffe Oparanya and his personal assistant were last week denied entry into Dubai for several hours - even though the minister holds a diplomatic passport.
It took the intervention of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Nairobi for Oparanya who was travelling back from New York to be allowed in.
Members of Parliament's Committee on Implementation, which is chaired by Kigumo MP Jamleck Kamau, were denied visas in Nairobi last week but were allowed in when they applied on arrival at Dubai International Airport.
"They denied us visas when we applied in Nairobi but when we arrived in Dubai on Thursday they issued them to us. We were told that the UAE was very upset because of some arrests that were made so they decided to retaliate by denying Kenyans visas," said joint Government chief whip Jakoyo Midiwo who was in the delegation.
from nairobi star
read more  nation
The Rough Guide to Kenya, 8th Edition

Jahazi Coffee House old town mombasa

A few minutes’ walk from historic Fort Jesus, along the narrow streets of Old Town Mombasa is a little gem of a place that radiates the hopefulness of a new generation. Its founders choose to look beyond the fray of individualistic pursuit, and are making a praiseworthy effort to improve the lives of the community amongst which they live.
The Jahazi Coffee House is the brainchild of three teachers at the Aga Khan Academy Mombasa. It is a meeting place where young and old, rich and poor, residents and visitors alike, enjoy tea, coffee, snacks or a meal, and engage in a rigorous exchange of ideas and opinions.
Beyond the traditional Swahili fare and the authentic “Old Town experience,” what is inspirational about this endeavour is the spirit in which the founders have conceptualised and nurtured it. They have shown that, often enough, making a difference in the world needn’t come with a big price tag. It simply requires common purpose, an engaged imagination and a bounty of spirit.
read more ..jahazi coffee house

Coffee Bean Direct Kenya Milima Estate Loose Leaf Tea, 2 Pound Bag

Jambo Bwana

Things to do in Mombasa

you will definitely love Mombasa ..good choice.
there is lots to do in mombasa and you can also use mombasa as a base for going to a safari.
http://bestkenyahotels.com/Kenya-things-…
1.The old town is must visit this includes the famous Fortjesus museum, there are shops nearby where you can get souvenirs and a chance to sharpen you bargaining skills http://www.fortjesus.com/fortjesus.html
2.want to try swahili food? ask for island dishes or the recently opened bar aka restaurant (bikini road) http://www.fortjesus.com/restaurants.htm…
3.Hall er park ... a successful park from a wasteland.. http://www.lafargeecosystems.com/
4.gedi ruins
5.mamba village -- crocodile farm
6.marine park
7.fishing
8.diving
safari-- you can easily get good safari deals either from the travel agents or beach safari brokers or southern cross safaris
you can spend a night at luxury tented lodge at tsavo national park or ambosel i. if you have time you can visit the world famous masai mara either by road or air. flights easily available in mombasa

for an all inclusive try voyager hotel in nyali ...read the hotels review here
http://bestkenyahotels.com/Voyager-Beach…

or you can try reef hotel or whitesands.
i also higky recommend visiting Lamu... a paradise island and a UN heritage site.
http://lamukenya.blogspot.com/2008/12/la…
The Masai of Africa (First Peoples)

Swahili-English, English-Swahili Practical Dictionary (Hippocrene Practical Dictionary)

The face behind the highs and lows of historic draft constitution in kenya

Mohammed Abdikadir, the young lawyer and first-term MP who has come to symbolise the search for a modern Constitution recalls the highs and lows that preceded Thursday’s historic vote in Parliament.


•PSC chair sees document passed by MPs as possibly the best Kenyans have had so far

Mara-Serengeti: A Photographer's Paradise

Relief was evident on the faces of the majority of MPs when the “Ayes” drowned out the few “Nays” to pass the draft constitution on Thursday evening. Among them was a young well-read lawyer serving his first term as MP for Mandera Central, who felt a mixture of gratitude and happiness. After all, it is he who moved the motion to adopt the draft from the Committee of Experts on the Review of the Constitution on March 2, and he had just witnessed a historic moment in Kenya’s search for a new set of laws. The chairman of the Parliamentary Select Committee on the Review of the Constitution says in this interview that “it has been a wonderful struggle”.

read more ...click the link below

Breaking News, Kenya, Africa, Politics, Business, Sports, Blogs, Photos, Videos - The face behind the highs and lows of historic draft

Kikambala boat on the beach and liverpool football banners at Old town mombasa

Kikambala, Kenya coast

Liverpool banner seen at old town Mombasa, near fortjesus

Liverpool walk youll never alone....

does the clock work?

Malaika >Susan W / Mombasa Roots

Said bin Sultan, Sultan of Muscat and Oman: Sayyid, Muscat and Oman, Shaikh, Isa Bin Tarif, Mombasa, Al Bin Ali, Fort Jesus, Utub, Kenya

Kahawa; Kenya's Black Gold; The Story of Kenya Coffee

best ajman blog

Hello friends, I am experimenting with different templates.The latest try did not work very well so am back to my original look. Still works very well for me.

I am travelling through United Arab Emirates at the moment.I will try to post updates on this blog whenever i get time.
Mean while i will be updating my other blog BESTAJMAN.
Look out for pictures and reviews.
I will review restaurants, malls and hotels while there.

Jumeirah pictures

jumeirah pictures

beautiful kenyans lists

MOST BEAUTIFUL KENYAN WOMEN

1.Kikuyus
2.Taitas
3.Somalis
4.Pokomos
5.Kambas
6.Swahilis
MOST HANDSOME KENYAN MEN

1.Kikuyus
2.Kalenjins
3.Somalis/Swahilis
4.Taitas
5.Luhyas
6.Luos

Alicia Keys and Black Eyed Peas to kick off World Cup

Alicia Keys and Black Eyed Peas are to perform at a concert in South Africa that will officially "kick off" this year's World Cup football tournament.

Shakira, John Legend and Angelique Kidjo will also appear at the event, to be held in Johannesburg on 10 June.

The 2010 World Cup begins the following day and runs until 11 July.

Jerome Valcke, of football's governing body Fifa, said the pop concert would be a "testament to the universal and unifying power of football and music".

"We are thrilled to have a concert of such magnitude and performing talent raise the curtain on the first Fifa World Cup in Africa."

The concert - the first to be held on the eve of the tournament - will be produced by Emmy award-winner Kevin Wall and his company Control Room.

BBC News - Alicia Keys and Black Eyed Peas to kick off World Cup

Jerusalem's African quarter

Jerusalem's African quarter

BBC News - In pictures: Jerusalem's African quarter

Princess Caroline's husband fined over Kenya assault

A German court has fined Princess Caroline of Monaco's husband 200,000 euros (£181,200; $270,000) for assaulting a hotelier in Kenya in 2000.

Prince Ernst August of Hanover, 56, was found guilty at an earlier trial in 2004 of causing serious bodily harm and was fined 445,000 euros.

But he was granted a new trial over the incident on Lamu Island after appealing against his conviction.

Kenyan authorities did not arrest him but the case was pursued in Germany.

On Tuesday, a judge in the town of Hildesheim fined the prince the equivalent of 40 days of his salary, which the court put at 5,000 euros daily.

'Symbolic slaps'

At the earlier trial, the court ruled that the prince had repeatedly hit hotel owner Josef Brunlehner, a German national, with a metal object after becoming angry at the noise and laser show from the hotel disco.

Princess Caroline of Monaco. File photo
Princess Caroline of Monaco and the prince married in January 1999

The prince and his wife had maintained he only gave the man two "symbolic slaps" - "one for the music and one for the lights".

The prince had sought a complete acquittal but was convicted of causing actual bodily harm.

"The court was not in a position to be able to decide between the two versions," judge Andreas Schlueter said on Tuesday.

"He dealt Brunlehner two powerful clips round the ear in quick succession. Not the done thing, but not unrestrainedly violent either."

He added: "There is no victor here. All those involved are on the losing side."

Controversy

The prince is a distant relative of Britain's Queen Elizabeth II and great-grandson of the last German emperor, Wilhelm II.

It was not the first time Ernst August had courted controversy.

In 1998 he was fined after breaking the nose of a TV cameraman.

And in 2000, he was photographed urinating outside the Turkish pavilion at the World's Fair in Hanover.

The prince married Caroline, the daughter of actress Grace Kelly and Prince Rainier of Monaco, in 1999.

He was not in the courtroom when the verdict was delivered.

Caroline, 53, gave her evidence in mid-January.

BBC News - Princess Caroline's husband fined over Kenya assault

luxury hotels

Kenya Luxury Hotels

Kenya 5 Star Hotels

Kenya Budget Hotels

Kenya beach Hotels

Luxury Hotels in Nairobi, Kenya

Luxury Hotels in Mombasa,Kenya

Exclusive Villas in Mombasa, Lamu, Watamu and Malindi.

Read about the hidden East africa gem and world reknown heritage site - Lamu.



We will review the best restaurants in Mombasa and Nairobi

Lamu to host 20,000 Muslims

Lamu Island expects a tourism boom this week when more than 20,000 Muslims congregate for the Maulidi celebrations starting Monday.

The narrow alleys of the historic town and World Heritage Site will, for five days, come alive as pilgrims from all over the world take part in the fete.

Maulidi, the most revered event in the Islamic calendar in East and Central Africa, will this year mark 121 years, as will the Riyadha Mosque, which hosts the event.

Maulidi falls in the month of Prophet Muhammad’s birthday when the faithful chant his praises and recall his life story.

Organising committee coordinator Muhdhar Khitamy said the rising number of pilgrims each year gave true meaning to the celebrations and boosted Lamu’s image.

Special favour

The celebrations will honour Habib Swaleh Jamalillayl, who staged the first Maulidi 120 years ago at Riyadha.

As a young Muslim scholar, he pursued the Islamic religion to the level of Habib, a title used as an alternative to Sayyid or Shariff, who are revered descendants of Prophet Muhammad. Sayyid means master while Shariffs are believed to be held in special favour by the prophet.

Habib Swaleh, born of an Arab father and a Comorian mother, is said to have preferred living in Lamu and, in launching Maulidi, he pioneered an event that completely transforms the usually conservative lifestyle of Lamu residents for a week.

The celebrations end a day after the pilgrims visit the tomb of Habib Swaleh at Langoni Muslim cemetery.

The Maulidi festival has been sustained over the years by Muslim scholars and religious leaders who have effectively interpreted the ideals of Habib Swaleh.

His successors — Sayyid Ahmad Badawy, Habib Aidarus, Shariff Abdulrahman Khitamy and now Shariff Hussein Badawy — have continued with efforts to strengthen Islam in Lamu.

The festival opens today with Quran recitation and memorisation at the Islamic Centre.

Breaking News, Kenya, Africa, Politics, Business, Sports, Blogs, Photos, Videos - Lamu to host 20,000 Muslims

Net puts Kenya at centre of Chile rescue efforts

Kenya is nearly 12,000km (8,000 miles) from Chile and is therefore perhaps not an obvious place from which to try to coordinate the earthquake relief efforts.

And yet, on Saturday, within an hour of the massive quake, volunteers at a crisis group called Ushahidi sprang into action.

"All we need is a computer and a fast internet connection," said Erik Hersman, one of the team of volunteers based in Nairobi.

Ushahidi is an online mapping tool that can be used to collect and plot reports coming in from citizens via e-mail, SMS or even Twitter.

Messages plotted on Ushahidi's map of Chile already include: "Send help. I'm stuck under a building with my child. We have no supplies".

The intention is that emergency services can then use that information to target their efforts.

"We aggregate the citizen data and visualise it so that it can be used more easily," said Mr Hersman, who is just one of a team that spans Malawi, Uganda, Ghana, South Africa and the US.

'Critical role'

The online tool was built amidst the post election violence in Kenya in 2008 to document the troubles and make them available for all to see.

Since then it has been used in South Africa, Congo and most recently in Haiti.

"That was probably our biggest success story," said Mr Hersman.

"It proved what we said all along - you can crowd source useful crisis information."


SMS: +44 7624802524
E-mail: chile@ushahidi.com
Twitter: #chile or #terremotochile
Submit via the web

BBC News - Net puts Kenya at centre of Chile rescue efforts

Easleigh Secondary School, Nairobi

BRIEF BACKGROUND HISTORY
Eastleigh Secondary School was founded in 1952 under the name ' NEW ASIAN SECONDARY SCHOOL' to cater for the education of the Asian Community. It was originally built for the Pangani Parklands area. With the ensuing increase in demand for education, it was decided that the New Asian Secondary School be moved to a new site in Eastleigh area. Construction work for this new school was finalised in 1956 and on 6th. October 1956, the then Director of Education Mr. W.J.D. Wadley formally opened it under a new name of Eastleigh Secondary School.
As recently as in 1981, the school remained an 'O' level five stream institution. In 1981, the then Ministry of Higher Education granted 'A' level status to the school (Form 5 and 6). On 14th. September 1983, at the school's Annual Speech & Prize Giving day. the then Permanent secretary - Ministry of Education formally changed the school's name from Eastleigh Secondary School to Eastleigh High School (EHS).
EASTLEIGH HIGH SCHOOL TODAY
With the introduction of the 8;4;4 system of education and the emphasis on cost-sharing for the financing of education in the country, the school has undergone several changes. The Government has continued its support in provision of the teaching staff while the parents have beeen expected to provide for the physical facilities and equipment necessary in their school. As a result, the parents completed the construction of a school library and staff room block in 1994. The said parents have however been unable to equip the said library with books that are relevant to the new system of education due to financial constraints.
The school today is a multi-racial school with 850 students and a teaching staff of 54. It offers a wide and varied curriculum which includes pure sciences, metalwork technology, woodwork technology, principles of agriculture, mathematics, languages, religion and other social sciences and humanities. The performance in national exams is however below the expected standards. This has been as result of the financial inability of the parents to provide for the required facilities. Most of the parents are residents of the surrounding Mathare and Eastlands slum areas and are financially handicapped to the extent they cannot afford the minimum fees required and have to rely on bursaries from the Government and well wishers. The once beautiful school now lacks lighting due to constant vandalism, the fencing is poor while the roofs leak. Parents have long wished to have a kitchen and dining hall facility at the school to ensure that every student takes lunch at school but this is still an idea that will take long to implement.
However, the picture is not all black. School spirit still exists particularly in sports. The school has produced notable personalities in sports in the recent past and continues to do so. Some of the names are;-
Steve Tikololo International cricketer - currently playing semi-professional cricket in South Africa.
Tom Tikololo International cricketer
Allan Odhiambo Harambee Stars soccer team
Bassanga Otieno Harambee Stars soccer team
Richard Asabe Harambee Stars soccer team

Peter Mbogo National volleyball team
Walter Njau Currently in Form 4. Has represented Nairobi Province in table tennis for 4 years.
Barry Ndinya Current champion in Lawn Tennis and has participated in various amateur tournaments
Hassan Dabasso Current Nairobi champion in Lawn tennis Martin Otieno Participant in National Athletics Champ.'96
Stephen Odhiambo Participant in National Athletics Champ.'96
CONCLUSION
It is my conviction that if this spirit is rekindled in all spheres of Eastleigh High School, we can together keep the fire burning and continue to be proud of this institution.
You are indeed a product of this school. Do not be ashamed of what it is today but please take this challenge and decide what should be done to regain its past glory. ASHANTENI
SANA.
J. R. MADANGUDA PRINCIPAL

WE PRESENT SOME MORE MEMORABLE PHOTOS OF STUDENTS AND TEACHERS OF EASTLEIGH SECONDAR SCHOOL FROM 1956 onwards

Untitled Document

50 years eastliegh high school reunion magazine

http://www.lcuk.org.uk/ESS/2006%20Reunion%20Magazine.pdf

Nairobi 1960 to 1962

i stumbled upon this wesbite with beautiful Nairobi pictures from the sixties

Nairobi 1960 to 1962

thanks

The Mara in Pictures

The masai Mara in Pictures

Breaking News, Kenya, Africa, Politics, Business, Sports, Blogs, Photos, Videos - Saturday Magazine




Adventures in Masai Mara

Hoteliers’ disregard of law puts Mara ecosystem at risk

Kenya’s tourism industry has been placed under a global spotlight over the many hotels operating illegally in the Maasai Mara Game Reserve.



An inter-ministerial audit indicates the government is losing millions of dollars in unpaid taxes because many hotels operating in the reserve are not licensed, and a good number of them are a threat to the fragile ecosystem.

An audit in five government ministries and a similar number of national agencies concluded that, of the 108 units in the Greater Mara Ecosystem with almost 4,000 beds, only 29 per cent are in business legally. Yet, although the report was completed and presented to the government in March last year, little has been done about it.

After losing patience, the UK Federation of Tour Operators, a member of the influential International Federation of Tour Operators, wrote to the minister for Tourism Mr Najib Balala two weeks ago demanding to get a list of establishments operating illegally in the Mara.

Urgent matter

The letter, written by Nikki White of the federation, reads in part: “You will appreciate this matter has caused our members concern, and they need information to be able to anticipate any potential business implications. I trust, therefore, that you will treat this matter as urgent.”

However, by Monday this week, the minister had not responded to the letter. The federation of tour operators and its members are the point of contact for almost all tourism activities in Europe, and any negative advisory about Kenya abroad could leave a major dent on the local tourism sector.

The federation and its affiliates advocate good environmental management, safety for tourists and a fair compensation for tourist-receiving countries and their communities. However, the government audit, Report on the Inventory of Tourism Facilities in the Greater Mara Ecosystem, shows blatant environmental pollution and breaking of the law.

The situation in the Mara in so grave that Government teams compiling the report were denied access to two major facilities. “Because of low compliance with the law and regulations on licensing, taxation and ticketing, there is loss of revenue, while poor waste management is a source of pollution of the Mara ecosystem,” says the report.

The fact that only 29 per cent of the units meet legal requirements is cause for worry for tour operators since insurance companies may refuse to compensate possible injuries to guests staying at illegal establishments. But an official at the Ministry of Tourism said that, when he received the audit last year, the minister formed a taskforce to study it and make policy recommendations.

Mr Mwangi Gakunga, the public relations officer in the Tourism ministry, said the taskforce had since completed its work, and that its recommendations would be made public shortly once Mr Balala approves them. Mr Gakunga said the taskforce was mandated with coming up with an action plan for the Mara-Amboseli ecosystem following speculation over commercial dealings that did not sit well with the law.

This, he maintained, the team had successfully done. The detailed report indicates that the team identified 108 tourist facilities in the greater Maasai Mara game reserve — including lodges, eco-lodges, tented camps, hotels and bandas.

Although it is a legal requirement to have a Personal Identification Number in Kenya before being licensed to run a business, 48 of the facilities did not meet the requirement, and 69 did not have a VAT certificate, a fact that points to a massive loss of revenue.

Almost all of them (92) did not have the mandatory Environment Audit Assessment certification, while 98 did not have a physical plan. The wanton disregard of the law and set procedures as stipulated by the Hotel and Restaurants Act and the Tourism Industry Licensing Act does not end there.

Only 27 establishments of the 108 were found to be compliant with the Hotel and Restaurant Authority License, compared to 79 that did not. In addition, the report revealed that 51 businesses did not have the Single Business Permit. The audit says the quality of accommodation in these facilities is poor because of lack of standards and non-enforcement of existing regulations.

Breaking News, Kenya, Africa, Politics, Business, Sports, Blogs, Photos, Videos - Hoteliers’ disregard of law puts Mara ecosystem at risk

BBC News - Vodafone launch 'world's cheapest phone'

Mobile phone operator Vodafone has launched what it says is the "lowest-cost mobile phone on Earth".

The Vodafone 150, unveiled at the Mobile World Congress in Barcelona, will sell for "below $15" (£10) and is aimed at the developing world.

It will initially be launched in India, Turkey and eight African countries including Lesotho, Kenya and Ghana.

The UN predicts that mobile ownership will reach 5bn in 2010, with most growth in the developing world.

The International Telecommunications Union (ITU) said that demand was being driven by people using their phones to access banking and mobile health services, the ITU said.

"Even the simplest, low-end mobile phone can do so much to improve healthcare in the developing world," said ITU secretary general Dr Hamadoun Toure.

For example, he said, SMS can be used to "deliver instructions on when and how to take complex medication such as anti-retrovirals or vaccines".

"It's such a simple thing to do, and yet it saves millions of dollars," he said.

Mobile phones have also become an increasingly popular way to transfer and save money in the developing world.

For example, a system known as M-Pesa in Kenya, which allows people to transfer money, now has around six million customers.

BBC News - Vodafone launch 'world's cheapest phone'

Don’t be Fooled, know the process of buying property

Many buyers of property, especially the ones living and working abroad have fallen prey to friends and relatives who have claimed to be good in buying and sale of land and property, only to run away with money once it has been sent home. Others who have used their uncles and aunts claiming to know brokers and agents have been left disappointed when the property is registered under names different from the rightful owners.
Many trusting Kenyans out there are finding themselves in trouble over cases of fraud and theft committed by trusted friends and relatives. However,purchasing property need not be such a problematic experience.
There are legally laid down procedures for this important decision, which makes the process much easier more comfortable and protect the would be buyer from losing not only their hard earned cash but their valuable time as well. Here are some steps to take;

Get a lawyer and an agent:
In case you intend to buy a property you know too little about, involve a property agent of repute. He or she will guide you in identifying the most suitable property for your needs and resources. Involve them in the purchase arrangements too.
It is also important to involve a lawyer at this stage to avoid seeking legal help after things go wrong or should a deal turn sour. This would be more lengthy and expensive besides being traumatizing. Lawyers can be fraudulent too but the law protects the investor against the whims of a wayward lawyer. The Law Society of Kenya is a place where you could seek redress for a wayward lawyer.

Verify the property:
Once you have a lawyer and an agent, arrange for a search for the property you have identified. You will need to value it and establish if it had any problems with its ownership. You could start your search by visiting the relevant government offices and perusing through the books to verify salient aspects of the property or you could pay for the service and wait for a day if in Nairobi or 7 days if out of Nairobi. Government verification is important, for should the property turn out to have problems, the purchaser will receive a full refund from the government.

Start documentation:
After verification, instruct your lawyer to draft documentation to start the transaction. If the seller also has a lawyer representing him/her he /she will do the same. At this stage, the transaction is still not binding and change of thought will not lead to losses for you. The seller will also be sure of your keen interest in the property.

The Negotiation Stage:
The secret to make savings at this stage is to be extremely patient. Negotiations are usually characterized by delays, offers, counter offers as well as laying on the table all arguments on why the property should attract good prices versus why the buyer should pay less.
It is a very rigorous stage. It involves a lot of bargaining. Lawyers advice against premature decisions before giving consideration to all the pros and cons of the property or even committing to one that is overpriced.
Negotiations with the seller will include such things as date of entry(the dates on which you will obtain the legal authority of the property in exchange for the negotiated amount and payment terms), items to be included in the purchase and guarantees.
Negotiations are usually successful when both parties work towards the realization of a good deal. They need to be honest, invest time in the process, as well as adhere to strictly laid down legal procedures to avoid problems.
Your lawyer should help you deal with these issues and once they are resolved, you will have a binding contract for he purchase.

Contract signing:
As the contract is drawn, the lawyer should take you through the different clauses to explain their significance and implications. This stage may pose a challenge to the buyer since legal jargon may prove difficult leading one to commit to matters they do not understand fully.
The all too trusting or naive buyer may disregard legal help with disastrous results. He may think he can interpret the clauses on his own or that he can draw up a contract or decide to skip on the lawyer’s fee. Before signing the contract, the lawyer should check the titles and report to you any ‘title burdens’
These may include conditions which will have to be obeyed by any owner of the property like an obligation to pay regular amounts of repair costs or a restriction on the uses to which the property can be put as per the governing law.

Transfer process:
Once the contract is signed by both parties, it means that you are now bound and that the property is yours legally but it is not until the transfer process is complete that you will have the full rights to the property. This involves transferring the deed of ownership into your name. It however be some time before the property is registered in your name in the Kenyan legal system.
At the conclusion of the deal, there are other related matters in which you may consider your lawyer’s assistance. Such issues may include: drawing up a will or even partnership deed with a co-purchaser.



Don’t be Fooled, know the process of buying property

Nelson Mandela's greatness transcended nation and tribe - Leading Articles, Opinion - The Independent : holidaysmorocco

Nelson Mandela's greatness transcended nation and tribe - Leading Articles, Opinion - The Independent : holidaysmorocco

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