Issuu

LIFE

CHANGING

EXPERIENCE

| JANUARY - MARCH 2020

THE

12th EDITION | KSH 350

SPIRITUAL NOURISHMENT:

JOY TO THE WORLD YOUTH WITH A FUTURE FASHION &STYLE:

BABY MODELLING LINCOLN NJOGU &ROSE NYAWIRA:

A FAMILY VENTURE

N PRI EW CE:3 MO RE 5 STO MO R R MO E CON IES ST F AVO TENT URIT E

NAOMI KARANJA:

THE SMART WEAR GO TO CONTACT

ESTHER KABIRU:

TENDING A CHILDREN'S HOME WHOLEHEARTEDLY

HEALTH:

UNDERSTANDING MENTAL ILL HEALTH

Are you planning an event? •

Do you wish to have a unique experience, memorable, with every minute detail well taken care of? • Come to Sunside Guest House located in Ruai, 40 minutes drive from CBD and approximately 7km from JKIA; 900m off Kangundo road (at Makongeni stage) • We shall go out of our way to give the best services. • The charges are modest for high quality service by our pleasant and courteous staff • Enjoy the quiet scenic environment in the background of Kilimambogo and Koma hills • Our facilities include: Restaurant and bar,Hotel amenities, Conference and wedding facilities, swimming pool

For reservations contact: 0722 111 125/ 0722 212 111 | sunsideguesthouse@ gmail.com

CONTENTS

The Favourite Magazine | Issue 12

FEEDBACK

34 BABY MODELLING

8-15

ESTHER KABIRU: MOTHERING IN LOVE

18-19

WHAT ABOUT YOUR DETOURS

20-22

NAOMI KARANJA

LINCOLN NJOGU & ROSE NYAWIRA

24-28

EM MODELLING

36-37 UNDERSTANDING MENTAL ILL HEALTH

JOY TO THE WORLD BY HEAVENLY BOUND PILGRIM

30-31 4 | The Favourite

THOUGHTS ON ENTREPRENEURSHIP

FEEDBACK

Disclaimer

The Favourite Magazine is a publication of Favourite Suzie Enterprises. All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part without written permission of the publisher is strictly prohibited, while every care is taken in preparation of The Favourite Magazine. The publisher cannot be held responsible for the accuracy of the information held herein or any consequences arising from it. All photographs taken are assumed to be for publishing in the magazine and the publisher assumes no responsibility for unsolicited material.

Photographers:

Samuel 0723168622 Urban Studio

Stylists:

Biva Salon

Make up Artist Mso

Social Media Manager Charles Njama

Creative design & layout

AMD Studios

Hello Suzie, I am a first time reader and I must say this is a great venture. Looking forward to more in 2020. Evelyn Lang'at Eldoret

Executive editor Suzie

Susannjau3@gmail.com

Distribution Manager Wangui Njau

Publishers

Suzie Favourite Enterprises To advertise with us, call 0735013552 Share your comments with us, write to "THE FAVOURITE MAGAZINE" Email:thefavouritemag@gmail.com.What do you think of this issue of The favourite magazine? Let us know what is on your mind , please include your name as it may appear in print.

Social media The Favourite Magazine Suzie_favourite @Suzie favourite

The Favourite | 5

EDITORIAL

APPRECIATING God's FAVOUR Dear readers, welcome to the 12th Edition of The Favourite Magazine as we thank God for a brand new year. Mine is to thank you and appreciate your loyalty as we have walked this journey together. May you have a blessed 2020. As we reflect on the past year, there is a lot to celebrate, so let us keep counting our blessings. As the year ended, the rains poured and we were all scared as floods took over our lives everywhere. Other storms of life challenged us in our personal, social, economic, religious and political lives. But here we are and thankful to God for his unending mercy. As we begin a new year then, what lessons have we learnt that will help us build bridges in our transitions? How strong have we become to weather the storms of life? What wisdom do we have to prepare us for lifeâ€™s eventualities? What and where is our assurance that we can make it in this life? The bible tells the story of Noah and the great flood. God gave him detailed instructions on how to build a massive boat that would save him. He got right to work and did everything as the Lord commanded him. He was 600 years old and the boat finally touched the base in the mountains of Ararat in presentday Turkey after a long time, but Noah, his family and the various species of animals in the ark stepped on dry land. I urge you to be positive-minded as you live day by day in this hard economic period. Do what you have to do with great dedication without listening to all the negative people around you. Make your life a hiding place by water proofing it inside and out. Walk into that shelter with your loved ones. Donâ€™t be the one to kill those that love you and look up to you. Learn from Noah the virtues of obedience, hard work, patience, humility, focus, responsibility, faith and gratitude. Despite the challenges, there is hope, a safe dry land awaiting each of us to be fruitful and multiply. Have a nice reading and when valentines comes round, enjoy it and spread love all around you. Suzie Editor in chief 6 | The Favourite

Opto Smart Opticals Eyes are Everything: They are the windows to the soul and our looking glasses to our world Specs are crucial in eye care to safeguard your eyes vulnerability and can also be a fashion statement. Visit us today for the best Eye care, because we care! • We stock a variety of frames like, Rarban, Tomford, Charmant, Cat Eye, Rimless, Dior and many more. • For lenses, we have photo-chromatic both glass and plastic, progressive, bifocal, blue cat and many more. • We offer wholesale and retail options at competitive prices.

Our branches are: Opto Smart Opticals A.P.D.K. House 1st Floor Situated along Lagos Road next to Marble Arch Hotel.

Spectsland located in Fifth Investment Building, River-Road junction Nairobi.

Opto smart opticals Located at Sisters House behind Equity bank, Kikuyu Town Contact; 0751 011 619

Inspiring Lives

ESTHER KABIRU: MOTHERING IN LOVE

“I’m a house girl, tending God’s little angels for His glory.”

Miracles come to us in different forms and here I was heading to Ruai for an interview. This is just another part of a developing city with the usual Nairobi problems and struggles to survive.That was my thought until I entered this particular compound and interacted with my host. Her joy radiated all through, a genuine 8 | The Favourite

laughter and openness of a heart full of love that reflected in the homely surroundings and beauty of happy secure children. As we talked, she attended to her children without inhibitions and kept reminding me that she is a house girl, seeing to the needs of all her children with love. I reflected on the words of novelist George Eliot and knew that this lady, this family, this children’s home and these wonderful children in Ruai were a miracle: “A mother’s yearning feels the presence of the cherished child even in the degraded man.”

So, who is Esther Wanjiru Kabiru? She is a born again married woman of 43 years who has walked the challenging narrow road seeking to

be the best God intended for her. She is married to an adorable husband and man of God, Jeremiah Kabiru and a mother to five biological children4 girls and 1 boy and a loving mother to 60 children who have come to her vulnerable and found love and security. This was not something she had thought of as she grew up in Subukia, Nakuru County and attended Kamumo primary. She was just eager to grow up and sample the world even as she joined Hyrax High School in Nakuru and completed her formal education in Laikipia. As the normal script ran,she got married and started her family and lived in Nairobi.

Inspiring Lives

So ,where did this narrative change? Exactly 11 years ago in 2008, she woke up very early for a salon appointment. She wanted her hair done and she would be a smart woman. But as she turned the street corner, a voice of a young child stopped her in her tracks, “ Auntie, ninunulie ndazi…..” She would just have walked on, annoyed that a chokora would pester her so early in the morning and she had her cares, even her own children in the house. She looked and saw a pitiful sight that touched the core of her heart. This young boy was cold, dirty and rained on. It was sure he had slept there and was in need. Without a second thought, she engaged the child in a conversation and the young boy said he was Wilson Karanja and all he wanted was something small to eat. She stood there and sent the young street child to buy her credit and bring her the change. Might be she was casting her bread into the waters or she wanted to proof to herself that this child was just like the others. She knew the possibility was that the street boy would take off with her money. But lo and behold, Karanja came back and gave her the credit and her change. She took him to the nearest hotel and bought him food. Instead of going to the salon, she took her new found child to the market and bought him clothes with her salon money. The next stop was her home. Karanja was now hers and her home would be his home. She hadn’t even consulted her husband but she knew this thing was right. She knew she had God’s divine direction and she has never looked back. Wilson has completed form four this year.

The Favourite | 9

Inspiring Lives

So, what is this children’s ministry all about? Looking back, Esther knows God had a purpose in her life. Her mother is a Reverend, a woman of God, back in Subukia. Thus, she has always followed the Christian way. In fact, she would often visit a children’s home at Santon Mwiki and give food. Her parents, James Munene Muiruri and Florence Wambui Munene had brought her up well in the fear of the Lord and respect for others. Her position as a first born girl of four siblings had taught her responsibility and nurturing. She is followed by her brothers Benson and Samuel and her last born sister Martha. Her education journey had socialized her well and made her exposed to life outside her village. Her marriage had given her a new family, her husband and children, as well as her in-laws Gladys Wangechi and Phillip Mwangi. In fact, just like her, her hubby is the first born in a family of six. All this translated to family bond being very important in her life. As she thought about her gift, Wilson Karanja, she had a dream, a vision in which God entrusted her with a children’s ministry, taking care of orphaned and vulnerable children. She saw a big stone and underneath were seeds. God was telling her to take in these children and nurture them and just like the seeds, they would sprout to be the people of value. She consulted her mother on this spiritual directive and her mother actually facilitated in bringing her 7 children from Subukia and that is how Emmanuel Favoured Home was founded. As she made her baby steps, her husband was not saved and didn’t really understand his wife’s spiritual side. He could even drink the whole night away. But he loved and supported her even as she did this as a house wife living in basic quarters. She has great respect for him for she knows any other African man would have turned her out for adding him unnecessary financial burdens. She recalls the baby boy who was gifted to her one year later by God, her own biological son, whom she named Emmanuel. As she took care of her baby, two desperate twins 10 | The Favourite

were brought to her having been collected out in the open, cold, dirty and wrapped in polythene. She didn't know what to do to make them live and she opted for what she had. She was suckling her son, so she suckled them too for 6 months without her husband’s knowledge. Unfortunately, one had been adversely affected by the cold and was in and out of hospital and finally passed away after two years. The remaining twin is now ten years old. Another sad case involved children who were delivered at her door step on a mkokotenihungry, desperate and jiggerinfested. Their mother was in the last stages of TB infection. Fortunately, as the mother received medical care at St Francis,she responded positively and it was a relief to establish she was HIV negative. But she was still too weak after her recovery so the children remained at the home and the first born will be sitting KCSE in 2020. These are just some of the pathetic stories she has had to deal with. As a staunch Christian, she knows the value of obedience to Biblical instructions and so she lives by James 1:22 “Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive youselves.do what it says.”

James 1:27 “Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress and to keep oneself from being polluted by the world.”

Inspiring Lives

The Favourite | 11

Inspiring Lives She also knows God is a God of promise and knows that if you seek God’s kingdom first, all these other things shall be added unto you. She can testify the favour of God in her life and Ministry. Thus as she tended to the little desperate children of God and gave them her love, God provided better quarters. They bought land in Ruai and they set up their family home, children’s home and church in the compound as one unit. It has been a journey of progressively putting up structures and taking care of the children’s needs without donors. God’s grace has seen them deal with issues as they arose. She recalls an incidence back in 2009 when there was no food at all apart from some cabbages that could not satisfy ten children yet they had 25 children then. A 90 year old woman came visiting carrying fifty chapatis and just like that, they day’s food was catered for for that day. The children need clothes, medical care and school fees in addition to the food and sometimes it is a challenge. Knowing her true calling, she avoids going out on a begging spree, using the children to get sympathy in order to get funds at their expense. So, she strives to maintain the best homely standard’s with what she gets from those who feel touched to assist. She has seen God’s hand as he transformed her husband in the early years of her ministry. He accepted Jesus Christ as His savior in 2010 and is now a Bishop in the church they serve in as they both preach the gospel. He has been the true father figure who takes in all these children as his and struggles to provide a homely, Godly atmosphere sometimes even running into debt to cater for the various needs. His focus is on the children’s ministry rather than other personal investments.

So, where is Lucy at this point in life?

Lucy, the woman of God, the responsible wife and loving mother, can look back and praise God for her ministry. It has been a journey and things are much better than when she started. God has graced her family with glory as they are now in better quarters, dress better and even drive. She is at peace knowing that God looks at our hearts and 12 | The Favourite

Inspiring Lives inner beauty, the secret, being selfless giving. She desires to walk with God wholeheartedly just like Moses. Her happiness is to see all her children including her own lastborn biological baby that she is nurturing, shining in the security of unconditional love and good care. She is always open to help in any way she can, that she even nursed her young child for a very long time in the eventuality that another child could be brought in who would need her breast milk to survive.

SIX QUICK ONES FOR LUCY 1) Your fashion choices?

Decent clothing. Trousers for weekdays. Dresses for church.

2) Challenges encountered?

.Wrong judgment and ill-talk by many who don’t understand her ministry and its demands. .The ever-rising financial needs to provide all that the children’s Home requires in order to give the very best to the children. .The level of desperation in the society today leaving vulnerable children to suffer so much.

3) Achievements so far?

Starting Emmanuel Favoured Home and making it part of my family and who I am and thereby changing the lives of so many dear ones who came into my hands at the worst moment of their lives.

4) Best meal?

Githeri and boiled chicken plus green vegetables

5) Dream Vacation and treat? .Going abroad to preach the gospel and talk about love.

.Treat all these children by taking them out to a posh hotel where they would order whatever they desire and having our own bus to tour various memorable places.

6) Three people you admire? .My husband. He has been my pillar and greatest support, together with the rest of my family. .Ruth Wamuyu for being a strong woman of faith in her family and ministry. .Lydia Kamau – My Bishop based in US for nurturing me spiritually

I took time to observe and walk around the home. I was impressed. The office was clean and the white leather seats comfortable. The walls displayed various photos of the lovely kids and the various occasions reflecting good memories. The buildings were well thought out and constructed to give a homely sense. The rooms were secure, well maintained, tiled and with separate quarters for the genders. I could see genuine happiness and hope in all the children as they interacted freely with my host. I admired her too – this beautiful, big-bodied motherly lady full of laughter and with an accommodating heart. Her parting shot was Psalms 9:9. “The Lord is a refuge for the oppressed, a stronghold in times of trouble”. And knowing that what she is doing is big and it requires funds her appeal is to anyone who feels inspired to assist the children’s Home to contact her on 0721 570 027. Always remember, God loves a cheerful giver. The Favourite | 13

Inspiring Lives

EMMANUEL'S

14 | The Favourite

Inspiring Lives

CHILDREN

The Favourite | 15

Education & Culture

NDIMA KANINI ACADEMY

Invest in your child’s education and future by providing the best environment and foundation. Let us join hands to unveil the giant in your child.

Salient features • Homely, conducive, stimulating learning atmosphere. • Committed caring professional staff • Diverse modern state of the art facilities that are adequate and safe. • CCTV cameras in all vital spots. • Biometric monitoring. • Co-curricular activities. • Approved by the Ministry of Education. 16 | The Favourite

Education & Culture

INTAKE ON-GOING.

Enroll your child at Ndima Kanini Academy , a mixed day and boarding primary school offering 8-4-4 and C.B.C curriculum systems of education. Located in Mathira constituency, along Karatina-Keroguya Highway.

Contacts: Mobile:0722 966 046/0715 234 771 | Email: ndimakaniniacademy@gmail.com

The Favourite | 17

Youth and Life

WHAT ABOUT YOUR

DETOUR By Menta T.

ovation and cheers they would have already given champion hare. But in The hare is known for his wit all these chameleon never disputed and ability to wiggle out of sticky he was slow. He never bothered to situations. He often has the last laugh get into a verbal exchange with Hare. after tricking bigger animals. But He accepted his weaknesses but still there is this time he was left dumbaccepted his weaknesses accepted founded and holding the short end the challenge. He would run this race of the stick. Reason, he had made a to the very end. wrong decision due to his arrogance. He had made a detour that left him The day dawned fresh and inviting with egg on his face. and all looked forward to the great race. Hare dashed off from Hare knew he could run fast and as the starting point and chameleon a fact , chameleon was damn slow, followed slowly, strong and sure he clumsy, ugly and a stammerer who would finish the race. could never be in his league. His bloated ego still pushed him to Hare covered great distance in a very challenge chameleon to a race. He short time and the sun was growing bragged to everyone how fast he hotter. He had luxury of looking was. He was in ecstasy envisaging behind and the assurance that his that moment of fame when he competitor was way far behind him. would be declared the winner and He chuckled thinking of his sure a panting embarrassed chameleon easy win. Down a fork in the road, would finally reach the finishing he knew there was an Orchard with point way behind schedule to jeers many ripe fruits in season. He had by fans as opposed to the standing the time to detour and eat the fruits 18 | The Favourite

then proceed on schedule. The fruits were quite tasty and satiated, he indulged in another luxury â€“ a nap. He knew he could sleep for a while to refresh and still arrive at the finishing point hours ahead of his slow competitor. Meanwhile, chameleon moved on, step by step, steady and sure. His focus was finishing this race no matter what it took. In fact, even fans who had been at the starting point by-passed him on their way to the finishing point. Some jeered at him while others shook their heads in pity at his futile efforts. The sun was setting when chameleon hit the tape at the finishing point. He stumbled up the dais looking forward to a much deserved rest in the shade and possibly get a drink from the ushers. He was ready too for the taunts of hare the sure winner who must have arrived hours before and been celebrated by the whole animal kingdom. But in his heart, he was at peace, proud of himself for

Youth and Life

RS? accomplishing this feat. But there was unsettling silence all around and looks of confusion. He couldn’t even see hare on the dais. Just then, there was clamour, everyone seemed to be craning their necks as a cloud of dust headed towards the gathering. Hare burst into the twilight scene and was shocked to see chameleon on the dais. He had lost the race. It was incredible. In fact, even the guest of honour had not put the crown on the winner and did it then still wondering what had happened. For once, hare had no words and hang his head in humiliation. He couldn’t even look chameleon in the eye nor congratulate him for the win. He slunk away as the celebrations and fete kicked off. His nap had taken more time than he had anticipated. His detour was ill-timed. The golden chance had slipped through his fingers.

Dear youth, what about you? What opportunities has life given you – good health, learning opportunities, loving supportive systems, basic needs, youthful zeal and an infinite future full of possibilities? What are you doing with all these blessings? Are you the person who walks around, strutting all over and engaging in hedonistic pursuits? Have you taken detours to enjoy the fruits in season and taken naps on the assumption that life and its demands will wait for you? How often have you looked down at others who are abled differently from you and lorded it over them? The race is on and each one of us must run this race. We each have different capabilities. Our focus is only one ,to run our race and finish it no matter what. Eliud Kipchoge showed it to the whole world in the 1:59 challenge. He was running against time not other people. Still, he appreciated

that he needed other people to do it for example his pacemakers. He said that he had learnt not to chase two rabbits and that is why he remained focused. Remember that youth is the age of idealism and great potential, but if we are not wise, we end up messing our lives by the many detours that beckon. Life has great Orchards with ripe delicious fruits beckoning us from afar. At the end of the day, we must do what is right at the right time the detours may be good some other time, but when the race is on, stick the course. As we part, think over the advice by Jane Kise and David Stark in their book, Life Directions, ”The will of God for your life isn’t a tiny bull’s eye you either hit or miss. Concentrate on getting In the right event, then crossing the finish line with everything that was entrusted to you.” Adieu

The Favourite | 19

Entrepreneur

NAOMI KARANJA: The Smart Wear Go To Contact

By Suzie My name is Naomi Karanja. I was born and brought up in Gakoe Village, Githunguri Sub-county of Kiambu County. I attended Giathieko Primary and Kanjai Secondary school. Iâ€˜m the third born of five siblings being twins with a brother. My parents brought us up in a Christian setup and they are Lucy Wanene and Daniel Karanja. The village set-up required of us to do farm chores like feeding the cows and taking milk to the dairy. After completing basic schooling, I enrolled for a Hospitality course in catering. After a period of jobsearching I managed to land a twoyear contract in Dubai. A foreign land has very many challenges but there was no option but to persevere. The working hours were very long and demanding yet the pay did not match the amount of work put in. My employer did not provide accommodation and this meant extra cost. We would then have to take up space in bedsitters for four people and pay 6,000/= for the bed. This sharing had its downside and you really had no private space. Life was generally expensive and the shifts could see you in various sections without a break. When my contract was over, I applied for another contract with another company. However, I had to come to Kenya first and await the e-mail inviting me to my new posting. I was optimistic I would land the contract and my coming back home would be a good short break. I packed my bags and landed in Kenya and waited and waited. I was never contacted and that left me in a dilemma. If I stayed in Kenya I had no job or prospects. If I went back to Dubai without certainly of a job, things could get rough. At this point I opted to start a

20 | The Favourite

Entrepreneur business in Kenya. As I surfed the internet, I learnt of a lady named Damaris from Mombasa who was selling Derras. I decided to take the risk and trust her. I sent her money for three pieces and luckily she sent me the package which I picked from Chania offices in River Road. I hadn’t made a plan how I would sell these items but I began there and then. The Kenyan out in the street is a hussler and I was initiated into it as I approached the ladies I met along that street and told them what I was selling. Just opening my bag would bring County askaris pouncing on me. This meant learning the art of hide and seek and gave me new respect for the Nairobi hawker. I soon sold my three pieces and ordered for more. The on-line platform attracted customers but the challenge was the physical pick-up point. I had no shop and these lady customers needed time to select and fit before they purchased the Derras. I would ask them to meet me at Archives area when they called. I had to become creative. So, I would pay 10 shillings for the customer to do the fitting in the council public toilet near-by. The challenge would be if the customer was not satisfied and needed to try another piece. The cost of this could translate even to 50 shillings which would often go down the drain if the customer did not make a purchase. The kanju pounced at all the wrong moments and I remember one instance when a customer was holding a Derra and I had to snatch my bag and run for cover. They arrested the customer and she negotiated her release after giving them 1,000 shillings. One piece was going for 500 shillings and so she never paid me anything as she felt cheated in this marketing deal in the open street. Around this time, a break came through for me. I landed a good order to supply 500 pieces in colour red that were need by women in Naivasha during the 2013 campaign period. With the down payment, I supplied the Derras and was paid the rest on delivery. I had enough to look for a shop but the challenge was the leasing overheads for they were quite high in the city Centre. I sought someone and we partnered to share

a stall. The physical access brought more customers and business picked up. Unfortunately I had a falling-out with my partner soon enough. I left the premises and rented space in Imenti House. By then, I had diversified in the clothes I sold. I would go for merchandise in Kampala. I was very busy sending parcels all over the country to the customers I sourced. I learnt that trust and patience was paramount and made theme core values in my business together with reliability ,creativity, customer care and hard work. I sought to satisfy my customers and expand my business. This has been difficult as some customers are impatient, others just go through merchandise and never buy, while others are never satisfied. Someone could see a sample I have posted on–line and when they come to pick it, they insist it is different and thus don’t make the purchase. Others argue about the various qualities and their costing for example the Kampala and Turkey brands. However, I have embraced all these challenges and I’m now at a point I can say business is good and stable compared to when I started out. My hope is to open the best clothesline branches in the major Kenyan towns. This work keeps me busy and meets my needs. I’m married to an adorable Christian man named Mwangi who has been a strong pillar of support. Being a mother of five children aged between 6 and 14 years has added blessings to my life. Two are biological while three are adopted. As I wrapped up this interview, I agreed with Naomi. Her shop is busy and she enjoys what she is doing and knows how to please her customers and so they keep coming. As Theodore T. Hunger stated, “Keep steadily before you the fact that all true success always depends at last upon yourself.”

The Favourite | 21

Entrepreneur

SIX QUICK ONES FOR NAOMI: 1) Your personal fashion choice? Jeans and Jumpsuits

2) Best meal?

Chapati and beef anytime

3) Dream destination?

India and China mainly for business

4) Surprise date?

Flying in a private jet with hubby

5) Three people who motivate you?

· The first lady Margaret Kenyatta · The Facebook icon Zuckerberger · My spiritual father, Pastor Gichuhi

6) Parting shot?

· Seek God for wisdom in all issues · Go for what you love

22 | The Favourite

MWANIKI AUTO SPARES Everyone desires a blissful ride free of worries, convenient, reliable and right on time with no false starts or annoying failures.

That’s why we are at your service to give you an all-round one-stop, satisfactory shopping experience for your machine. We are dealers of a variety of genuine, reliable, pocket friendly auto components including:

WE ARE LOCATED AT KIRANYAGA ROAD, NAIROBI, BEHIND SHELL. CONTACT 0701 410 361

Real Life

LINCOLN NJOGU & ROSE NYAWIRA :A FAMILY VENTURE WHOLESOME LEARNING: THE VIBRANT DUO BEHIND NDIMA KANINI ACADEMY

By Suzie It was a cold morning when I set out at dawn from Nairobi headed way way out to the foot of Mount Kenya. Finally, I was at my destination 5km from Karatina town in Nyeri County. As I was ushered into the Head teacher’s cum Director’s office at Ndima Kanini Academy, I felt at home and soon warmed up after being served sweet hot black coffee. I could see achievement and purpose as I looked around and confirmed it after the open homely interview with the duo associated with this rising academic giant. 24 | The Favourite

Real Life

LINCOLN NJOGU: A BLESSED SON AND MAN WITH PURPOSE It is Vince Lombardi who stated, “It is time for us to stand and cheer for the doer, the achiever, the one who recognizes the challenge and does something about it.” These are the words I reflected on as I interviewed the proprietor of this family venture and saw the graph of academic progress of this dynamic school in rural setting.

a teacher was more encompassing , vibrant and dynamic than just holding a piece of chalk. So after graduating from Rubate he fully immersed himself in assisting his mother run the academy. Between 2008 and 2012, he pursued a schoolbased Education degree at Moi University which gave him more broad skills and confidence of running a winning institution. The race is still on to pursue a masters degree.

Currently, Ndima Kanini Academy has earned a place among academic giants as it pursues its motto of “Love and Justice to the child.” In Lincoln grew up in Karatina and 2019, it had enrolled 528 learners attended Miiri Primary and Kagumo among them 70 candidates. The 2019 High School in the 1980s. His career dream was in Computer Science and mean score was 362.97 against the 380 target. The lowest score was in this one area, he differed with his career teacher mother. She was bent 293 which is an indicator of a normal curve. This means the school does on her only son becoming a teacher. not resort to underhand methods to He was bent on moving as far away force an impressive meanscore for as he could from this path. He was the sake of publicity. Rather, they adamant and so joined Strathmore help each child realize their potential College to pursue an IMIS Diploma. without undue pressure. Another He had his certificate soon enough achievement is the acquisition of a and the future was bright in that field. But a mother can be persistent school bus which eases transport and widens the catchment area to places and patient and forward thinking. She still believed her son should be a like Mathaithi and Kangoocho. The professional teacher and get involved standard 7 and 8 are all boarders to give them more time and a conducive in her start-up school business she had started. During breaks, she gave environment to learn. A borehole has been sunk to provide water him jobs in the school. When she all through, and the buildings are couldn’t’ get a break through with now permanent and safe. A stand her son, she sought the help of the church. As an active devout member by generator is in place and CCTVs of the PCEA Church and a deaconess, have been installed in all vital places she approached the Parish Reverend to ensure maximum security and management of the institution. The who in turn talked at length to serene atmosphere away from urban Lincoln persuading him to consider noise ensures maximum productivity teaching as a career. in learning. The PCEA Church runs the Rubate The program itself is simple but Teacher’s college in Embu and the efficient: various Parishes would initially conduct interviews during intakes. Lincoln went for the Gathaithi Parish 5 a.m - Wake up calls interview with one intention: fail 5:30 a.m - Morning Preps himself thus prove to his mother this 8:00 a.m - 4:00 p.m - Lessons was not his calling. He got the shock 4:00 p.m - Games of his life to find himself top-of-list 5:00 p.m - General cleaning of the interviewees. His goose was 6:00 p.m - Supper cooked and belatedly concurred with 7:00 p.m - Watching Tv news his mother’s sentiments. He joined 7:30 – 9:00 p.m - Evening preps Rubate in 2006 and put his mind to leaning the professional aspects of teaching. He was now growing older and wiser and realizing that being

On Saturdays, prep is up to 1:00 p.m followed by general cleaning, while on Sundays it is up to 9:00 a.m then inter denominational service for all Christians. This is a P.C.E.A Sponsored School and organizes catechism classes for its members. It accommodates the other faiths by having the local catholic priest every fortnight on Wednesdays to celebrate mass while the Muslims have their own program. On weekends, learners wake up at 6:00 a.m. To involve the parents, there is a biometric system that alerts all parents everyday at 5:30 a.m and 9:00 p.m that their child has gone for preps and retired to bed. The pupils have transited to Secondary schools thereby conforming to the government’s policy of 100% transition. The CBC policy has already been implemented. Lincoln like a good father was really excited about the 2019 class and their achievements. They had secured places in secondary schools and the school had been featured in the standard Newspaper after the KCPE results were released. Some of these lucky pupils were:

Magdaline Wairimu

Chrispus Karani

Deborah Wanja

Dennis Mugo

Christine Warigia

Dadson Kinyua

416 Marks Alliance Girls

409 Marks Mbooni Girls

400 Marks Mutira Girls

415 Marks Kagumo Boys

410 Marks Kagumo Girls

398 Marks Njiiri’s Boys

Prudence Muthoni

398 Marks Karima Girls

The Favourite | 25

Real Life

SIX QUICK ONES FOR LINCOLN: 1) Who are you? A loyal son, loving brother to one sister, devoted husband and father to two children, a boy and a girl in PP1 and Std 6. God fearing, a career teacher, a manager and a flexible man who embraces opportunities as they come. 2) Your take on teaching? It’s a noble career and lifetime engagement. 3) Holiday engagements? Farming 4) Challenges as a school Manager? Poaching by competitors of pupils after nurturing them excellently from Std. 1-7 and thus the other school takes the credit in the K.C.P.E year. Also after mentoring teachers and they post good results, other institutions offer them a double salary and so lose them. Another challenge arises due to fluctuations in farming and parents may not meet their fees obligations as expected. 5) What is your motivation? • My mother for her belief in God and me. • My wife and children for giving me purpose to try everyday. • My pupils for their eagerness to get the best of life. • My entire staff for their dedication in making this institution rise to great levels • The pride of knowing I have done my best. 6) Parting Shot? Believe in God. Seek excellence in all you do.

26 | The Favourite

ROSE NYAWIRA: A VISIONARY MOTHER AND TEACHER As a single mother, Rose brought up her two children in a strong Christian environment as a teacher who believed in hard work. She started and ended her teaching career at Miiri Primary but served in other stations in between. On retirement, she pondered her next move. Though she had a farm ,it was undeveloped and she had no capital to kick-start it. She opted for what she knew best and started a nursery school behind a local shop. She employed a teacher and paid from her own pocket since she no longer had a salary and her clients were just two kids. At that point, she felt discouraged as she had been mistaken that her years as a teacher would see children being brought to her school in droves! Soon they were five but she held on to her dream. She knew children were being born every day and education

was becoming more important in people’s lives. By the end of the year, she decided to fish further afield and used her Datsun 1200 to ferry children from outside her village. Gradually the numbers increased. Something unique in her nursery school gave her another idea. Her charges were communicating fluently in English unlike their peers in public schools. She had hired a young dynamic Embu lady teacher who taught them in English and Kiswahili. She wondered what would happen to her young ones when they joined standard one in public schools and so decided to start an Academy. But her challenges were far from over despite the noble idea. The small numbers didn’t make economic sense and she couldn’t meet the overheads. She had no room on her farm which was still rough and nowhere near a school site. Ever the optimist, she approached the education office for clearance thinking that her knowledge and

Real Life

The Favourite | 27

Real Life contacts in the education sector would give her a soft landing. She thought the clearance would be given as she sorted herself but she hit a brick wall. They would hear nothing of her grand plans and she was blasted during the assessment. A school couldn’t run behind shops and her undeveloped farm had no indicators of a learning institution. However, one kind gentleman in the office advised her to put up a classroom, then apply for clearance for a nursery school, then proceed from there. She did as advised and put her pioneer nursery class in the new classroom as standard ones and a new nursery intake went to the old room behind the shop. Her journey to establish a primary school had begun and with prayers, dedication and goodwill from the community, the numbers gradually increased and she put up semipermanent buildings as need arose. She couldn’t provide all the needed facilities but parents chipped in

28 | The Favourite

especially in buying of books and stationery. She had many who discouraged her wondering how she could succeed where even men had failed. She struggled on and borrowed a leaf from the Kenyan Asian business community. They operated as a family unit so targeted that her son would join in this family venture. Problem was, her son had different ideas. As a patient visionary mother, she nurtured her son to embrace teaching and feel part of this business venture. With time and happily for her, he did come round and in 2008, he took over the full management. She is forever grateful that he did not run away from the challenges then. The mean score was yet to hit their target, the intake was still low, the facilities were still inadequate and there was need to transit from analogue to digital approaches. Her son had what it takes and the mean score has been rising gradually and his background in computer has been very beneficial. She has taken a more passive role in

school matters and concentrated on their farming ventures. She knows Ndima Kanini Academy will keep on shining its star and producing capable well nurtured pupils. As the interview came to a close, I concluded that the words of Joseph Addison were very appropriate for this duo and anyone out there pursuing their passion.

“If you wish success in life, make perseverance your bosom friend, experience your wise counsellor, caution your elder brother, and hope your guardian genius.”

THE

Like and follow us on facebook. The Favourite Magazine

GET THE BEST LIFE CHANGING EXPERIENCE CONT E N T F R O M O U R S O C I A L M E D I A PAG E S .

The Favourite | 29

Faith and Healing

JOY TO THE WORLD BY HEAVEN BOUND PILGRIM

30 | The Favourite

Faith and Healing

Psalms 67(NIV) 1. May God be gracious to us and bless us and make his face shine upon us. 2. That your ways may be known on earth, your salvation among all nations. 3. May the peoples praise you, O God. May all the peoples praise you. 4. May the nations be glad and sing for joy; for you rule the peoples justly and guide the nations of the earth.5. May the peoples praise you, O God .May all the peoples praise you.6 Then the land will yield its harvest, and God our God, will bless us.7 God will bless us, and all the ends of the earth will fear him.

Brethren, this is our song of praise as we embrace the season 2020, our promise every hour of the day. Christmas time has always been a season of cheer, celebration and joy. The Christmas carols are so heavenly to listen to and even sing. Joy is a feeling of great delight or pleasure and one feels so light and free in this state. Someone quipped that “life is a song, sing it; a desire, satisfy it” we all join in singing the hymn, “Oh , come all ye faithful, joyful and triumphant; oh, come ye to Bethlehem, come and behold Him. Born the king of angles. Oh, come, let us adore Him Christ the Lord…” even the chapatis taste better, the soda sweater, the hugs are more genuine,the laughter more free and the chats more deeper, encompassing and full of promise. No wonder Paul enticed the Philippians(4:4) “ Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again; Rejoice!” As Jesus prayed for his disciples, He told the Heavenly Father (John 17:13) “I am

coming to you now, but I say these things while I am still in the world, so that they may have the full measure of my joy within them.” It is always a joy to watch the rising and setting of the sun, twinkling of the stars at night and flowers blooming. These are manifestations of God’s glory in nature. It is awesome to watch a sleeping baby break into a smile way before he can utter a single word and later, when bigger and identifies people, it melts the heart of everyone to see their wide smile on a toothless mouth bubbling with saliva. Even when strangers meet, a smile breaks the ice. Today, comedy is a mega industry as people seek that dose of laughter. Robert Schuller in his book, The Be Happy Attitudes gives the first as that deep inner strength that is made up of courage, faith, hope and peace. The 8th is described as the beautiful belief that this life, no matter how difficult it may be, is not your final destination. Aha, that leads us to the other side of the coin- tragedy, pain, disillusionment, suffering, failure, betrayal, loss, financial pressures, bad news all the time and the inevitable January blues. Who can afford joy then? 2019 Christmas has been tight with the floods, economic pressures, with everyone unsure of what tomorrow brings, and amidst all these negatives, we wonder where joy will come from in 2020. Fellow pilgrim, don’t lose the joy. It is the essence of life. Despite the circumstances, we must sing Christmas songs all the year round and spread cheer everywhere and to everyone. Joy to the world is ours if we choose to live it. Be hopeful in all situations. Join me, in singing the song, Whispering Hope of Septimus Winner and get the encouragement you need for everyday of 2020. “Soft as the voice of an angel / Breathing a lesson unheard/ Hope with a gentle persuasion whispers her comforting word/ wait till the darkness is over/ wait till the tempest is done/ Hope for the sunshine tomorrow/ after the shower is gone….”

The Favourite | 31

Windows give status to your home and office. Dress them with beautiful, classy,unique, state of the art curtains! Pop in at Jesco Interior Designs and select a variety of curtains that suit your needs at pocket friendly prices with a professional touch. We are located at Kasarani Mwiki Road ,Next to Equity Bank Contacts: 0729042614, 0722928289

THE

DO NOT MISS OUT. Pick your copy of The Favourite Magazine at Fastmart Supermarket @ 300|= Educative Entertaining Inspiring Motivational Call 0718 958 381 0735 013 552

Fashion & Style

BABY MODELLING Modelling in Kenya is becoming one of the fast growing industries and a lot of parents would like to sign up their babies for modelling. Not to be confused with child modelling, baby modelling is quite different. A baby model ranges from the age of an infant to 3yrs From 4yrs your child will be considered a child model. Baby models are featured to advertise a range of baby products such as diapers, clothes and baby care equipments. If you would like your baby to be a model, the first step is to get them infront of a camera or videographer and to access their behavior. If the baby is scared you might have to give them some more time. If a baby is able to thrive and smile and be bubbly infront of the camera then they are likely to make a good baby model either in print or in advertisements. Not all babies are the same, their uniqueness is a great strength. You can try to get their name out there by taking nice pictures and sending them for auditions, opening a social media page for their portfolio and finding a commendable agency that works with babies. All the best.

34 | The Favourite

Fashion & Style

2019 IN REVIEW EM Africa Academy would like to wish you all a Merry Christmas and a Happy new year. Red carpet events and Fashion Shows have been amazing this year. 2019 has been a busy year and an exciting one for the Kenyan Fashion industry. Our Model Mentors have put in the work of branding themselves so that they can offer the models all over Kenya the best Choreography and Mentorship. One of our Mentors Shiku Shakiz took home the HOLA Awards Personality of the year 2019. Eric Muriithi a top turns and poses master has proven itâ€™s possible to train both genders. Shazlin Luslin has taken great care of the kids and overall performance of models. Rose Mwende and Jedida Kalama have been judging several events in Mombasa and mentoring the team of aspiring models who want to make it big. As we gear towards 2020 we are excited for a beautiful year as a Talent and Model Academy. Written by Erica the brand Ceo EM Africa Academy Ig: em_africa_academy The Favourite | 35

Health & Nutrition

Understanding Mental Ill Health 36 | The Favourite

Health & Nutrition By correspondent A sound mind is the gift our maker bestows on all human kind, to actually distinguish us from all the other creations. The mind is the seat of our thoughts and the springboard of who we are and what we do. But just like the rest of our physical bodies our brains do have limitations as they co-ordinate all that makes us live and as a result, we suffer mental ill- health. Lorna Aurthur urges us that “in the beginning, long before human lips uttered the word ‘psychology’ ,or formed a perplexing question to ask, there was God, shaping man’s mind from clay with his fingers.” Nothing in this life is assured for life is not perfect. Mental ill-health is part of human existence but because of our cultural, social and personal expectations and dynamics, it is one of the most misunderstood areas resulting in debilitating stigma. In actual fact, most of these problems are treatable and preventable. Kenya is currently in shock over the rising cases of violence, suicides and addictions. But these are indicators of simmering mental ill-health that has finally exploded. Richard P. Halgin and Susan K. Whitbourne, Professors of Psychology at the University of Massachusetts at Amherst explain that, “in trying to understand why people act and feel in ways that are regarded as abnormal, social scientists look at three dimensions: biological, psychological and social cultural. In other words, abnormal behavior arises from a complex set of determinants in the body, the mind, and the social context of the individual.”

(Abnormal Psychology: Clinical Perspectives on Psychological Disoders, 3rd ED.2000, pg 6) It is the responsibility of every individual to work hard in boosting their mental well- being and being a support system for those significant others facing mental challenges. Thus each one of us should be aware

that the following do impact mental health: -

Genetic dispositions so running in families

- Medical conditions

What then is our responsibility? •

Seek knowledge in the right form, in the right places.

•

Seek professional help for yourself and your significant others.

•

Accept ourselves, emphasize with the afflicted and understand the realities around us.

•

Form, nurture and give solid and genuine support systems.

•

Eat healthy, engage your mind, engage in physical labour and sleep adequately.

•

Be responsible for the wellness of our universe. Be pro-active in keeping away pollution and degradation of our environment.

•

Be an optimist. Be positive-minded at all times.

•

Make the right choices and avoid living your life on the fast lane or as a copy-cat.

•

Live each day at a time while rising up every time you fall.

•

Believe in God and appreciate His role in your life. In John 10:27-28, Jesus assures us ,” Listen for my voice calling, keep your ears open and stay focused on me, then no one will be able to snatch you away from me or harm you, for I will protect your soul , like the Good Shepherd protects the vulnerable new lambs in spring.”

- Brain damage - What we feed our bodies - Exposure to pollutants/ toxic substances in our environments - Traumatic life experiences - Personality make-up of individuals - Social-cultural influences in people’s lives. Mental ill-health is manifested in many ways including: anxiety attacks, phobias, depression, anti-social personality disorders , narcissism, being paranoid, dependent or avoidant,obsessive compulsive disorders, acute stress, somatoform disorders, dissociative disorders, sexual disorders, mood diorders,schizophrenia and other psychotic disorders, development related disorders mental retardation, autisim, learning ,communication and motor skills disorders, attentiondeficit and disruptive behavior disorders, separation anxiety disorders) cognitive disorders, substance- related disorders like alcoholism, eating disorders, impulse control disorders like kleptomania, pathological gambling, pyromania and intermittent explosive disorder. This list may sound mind- boggling, but at the end of the day, knowledge is power and when one is informed, it is easier to understand what one is dealing with rather than stumbling in the dark.

The Favourite | 37

WELCOME TO

•

38 | The Favourite

The Favourite | 39

Last Comment

THOUGHTS ON ENTREPRENEURSHIP By Suzie The world has greatly changed but one thing has remained the same â€“ necessity is the mother of innovation. All of us, young and old, are in this race to make money to meet our financial obligations no matter the risks involved. Every year, thousands are leaving schools, colleges and universities the world over. In Kenya, the song has been that our government should create jobs. My take is that we should look around us and see the opportunities that are waiting to be exploited rather than waiting for other people to sort us out. I am glad to see young men and women out there doing something. In the evenings coffee is hawked everywhere to beat the chill while others make chapatis early and late on the streets. The only problem is that we like copying other peopleâ€™s ideas and soon a promising venture suffers competitions as others open shop a few yards away. Let us be more creative. We always quote Israel and Singapore as having made great strides. My challenge is turn that hobby of yours into something lucrative and brand it in the most unique form. Let us roll our sleeves and make money from all the resources around you. Care to be an entrepreneur? Think, look around, be creative and simply begin now!

40 | The Favourite

Jimland Agency Limited

Jimland Agency Limited Need more time to invest in more hassles? Need space to enjoy the fruits of your labour? Need a professional hand in overseeing your property? Need the right information in property management? Look no further! Come to us We deal in property Management We shall honour our part of the deal to give you the best services in this field. Your well-being is our concern â€“ Delivering the best in the industry! WE ARE LOCATED AT KASARANI SPORTSVIEW ROAD | CONTACT: 0707 403 999 The Favourite | 41

Need a place to unwind and enjoy your favourite delicacy? Look no further.

WAKALUCY Fish Palace

We have that yummy nutritious fish of your choice. Pop in for that memorable treat. We offer a variety of healthy fresh dishes. There is ample secure parking and a car wash that delivers excellent services. Our club operates throughout the week under different themes to suit your taste. Our prices are pocket friendly. Find us at:

Kasarani Branch We are located along Mwiki road near Kasarani police station PO.Box 10121-00100 Nairobi Kenya Contacts: 0724 574766, 0726 819 204

Eastern By pass branch Located at Kamakis, along eastern bypass. Contacts: 0726819204, 0725656874

Need a place to unwind and enjoy your favourite delicacy? Look no further.

WAKALUCY Fish Palace

Kasarani Branch We are located along Mwiki road near Kasarani police station PO.Box 10121-00100 Nairobi Kenya Contacts: 0724 574766, 0726 819 204

Eastern By pass branch Located at Kamakis, along eastern bypass. Contacts: 0726819204, 0725656874