A BOOK FOR CHANGE CAMPAIGN:

Shalom. Dear treasured friend; I greet you! Sometimes everything in life can change in a moment. Have you ever experienced that? Probably. I bet you have! Have you seen life change suddenly with one event…on one day…in a single moment?

Maybe it was when you got married; held your baby for the first time; saw your dream fulfilled; or made a big decision. These are all life changing moments.

I’m writing to tell you about such a moment in my life. I want to share with you because I believe it can be our moment together. On a missions trip to Kiambu town; I saw something I will never forget. It was an experience that both broke my heart and though I have been adamant; in a way God is now stirring me into action.

I found myself talking to young minds about life; making it in life and believing in their dreams. But despite all this; this little school in the heart of Kiambu County has not known any library.

For some of the pupils; counting one to ten in English was a big problem. Constructing a sentence and having them speak it fluently; was asking too much.

These children- many orphaned and stained by the society; still see hope of someday making it in this harsh world. Shocked and horrified; I thought; this is wrong; somebody should do something.

God is so full of humor. At such times when you think somebody needs to rise up; he hits you; “that somebody is you Vincent!” and this has been my moment. I have tried to shun away that voice but it keep calling to me so strongly. I can stand by and do nothing or; I can act!

My life in ministry has taught me we can and we must do more! The Bible is full of people so ordinary who decided to do more- regular people like you and me who simply responded to a moment that changed their lives. Moses had a moment; Ruth had a moment; David had a moment; the apostle Paul had a moment. Each of these people saw a need; heard God’s voice; and were motivated to act.

And that’s where I believe I am today and where I wish you too would join me.

This is our moment. A time such as this; an opportunity before you and me. There is a need, and we have a chance to act.

As I write today; I feel deep in my heart that God wants me to start a campaign for collecting books and reading materials that we will donate to Tumaini Brooks Centre. It’s a secondary and primary school combined together institution.

We are rallying donation of books that we have stored at home. But there is no limit in this ministry. If you heart is simply to give wherever the need is the greatest; then go ahead.

The needs are great; and I am confident that as we partner together; we will continue to make a difference in people’s lives. I want to thank you in advance for your love and generous support. Let’s not wait another day. Let’s act now. You and I are the “somebody’s” who can help the hurting and hungry people who are waiting for their moment.

One of my “moments” happened in that school of hope in Kiambu. Wherever you find yourself reading this letter today, perhaps your moment is happening right now. God is showing you a need; He is showing you hurting people. And when you give to help the hurting- I can speak from experience- your life will never be the same.

Thank you for joining me in this moment.

Offering hope to the hopeless;

Embukane Vincent Libosso.

For more information; call +254(0) 716 659 166; email: vlibosso@yahoo.com or find us on Facebook: Snyder family ministries.

THANKYOU YOUNG NATION: THE STUDENT IS NOW READY

Receive greetings from the son of the oracles. From my little room, pinned on my wall is an archived newspaper dated Sunday April 18^th 2010. In a short while I will tell you the importance of that date and the story behind it. That was the same day I had my first by-line if I may say, on a national newspaper detailing my one week experience as a guest writer with the Young Nation.

Back then, I was just a young Form Four student from Pumwani High School in Eastlands but one with a passion of one day becoming an investigative journalist.

For now, I want to thank the Young Nation for the opportunity to be nurtured under their incubator and learn under their wings.

Go ahead and search for that newspaper. There I wrote about an ancient Zen proverb that states; “when the student is ready, the teacher will appear.”

Today, I stand before you to raise your spirits and encourage all the Young people who have dreams and believe in their dreams. I will examine the 4 key words in the Zen proverb.

STUDENT: be a student and stay open, and willing to learn from everyone and anyone. For me, being at Young Nation desk proved that being a student of life, means you have room fro new input. As young people; the call is upon us to avoid the pride and curse of being experts and realize that every single person in your lifetime has something to teach you.

READY: be a willing student. Ready means willing. Genuinely, authentically willing. Look for authentic opportunities out there that are in line with your dreams and passion in life.

TEACHER: teachers in life appear in various forms and your willingness makes the teacher able to assist you. Being a communication student at the university, I fondly remember what I learnt at Young Nation because I refused to ignore the teacher but embrace my pen and notebook and jotted down everything. Your teacher can be anything. I believe it might be a child who takes you by the hand and asks you a question that you hadn’t considered before, and your answer to the child is your answer to yourself.

APPEAR: the teacher is making an appearance in everything and everyone you encounter. When the homeless person with his soiled presence and outstretched hand reminds you of your need to be merciful, the teacher has appeared.

Anyway, as I was saying. Never take for granted any opportunity presented on your way. I am sure Young Nation will be inviting young guest writers because that is their tall order and if you are given that opportunity, grab it like a rugby ball and make that try.

I gracefully cover these pages with gratitude to all the great people I met while I was there. You are more that friends. You are family. From Madam Editor Liz Gitonga to designers like Nzissa Mulli and Andrew “omwami” Anini. The list is indeed endless. I can’t forget Mr. Eric Shimoli, who gave me a grand opportunity to cover a field story in the company of Mr. Bonyo at the business desk.

To my fellow youths who believe in their dreams, the Son of Oracles expects that you will enumerate the lessons you want to leave. Duty. Glory. Honor. Hope. And that you will not play with the memoirs of your sacred dreams, visions and hopes.

Finally, what will change or kill your dream are the little things we do. You can choose to ignore the sentiments of the people that glide before your eyes everyday. Or, you can be a penchant that thrives because you chose to listen. The choice is indeed ours. And so may the Good Lord help us all!

Young Nation, for me and a legion more, we watch from a far with our pens in hand. You are a beacon of hope and encouragement to the young nation and generation of Kenya. The Son of Oracles vows to keep you company throughout.

To my fellow dreamers; let us rise up and strike the darkness of hopelessness.

Cheers.

-by Embukane Vincent Libosso, communication student at Daystar University and blogger at Africa’s Hangout Blog.

GUIDE TO THE GRUB: RESTAURANT PICKS FOR THE MONTH

I don’t know about you but I fancy myself as a food aficionado. Whether you do, or not; or you are just a culinary virtuoso-or are just hungry for the good life- the main motivation for dining out is generally to experience something new; something special; out of the ordinary; something memorable!

With that in mind; we have tried to cater to every kind of craving and probably a selection of great hidden gem.

RANALO FOODS

African restaurants in Nairobi may be a dime a dozen; but Ranalo or K’osewe (meaning belonging to Osewe in Luo) as it is fondly known amongst circles that frequent here; focuses on traditional African dishes and barbeques; especially from the Western region of Kenya.

One can enjoy a soothing Benga music on the background as you enjoy your meal. The restaurant is family oriented; lushed with round tables and papyrus furniture. The walls are designed to complement the furniture and the general ambience of the place.

Although located at the C.B.D along Kimathi Street; Ranalo offers a self-service credit at an affordable rate. Parking may be an issue but for all it is worth, it is a great dining experience.

-http://www.ranalofoods.com/

K-FRIES EMBAKASI

The ambience is very crisp and clean with large French windows overlooking the roadside. The seats are comfy too; set in a diner like setting and a lounge like setting too for a large number of patrons.

Accordingly; the restaurant menu offers a delectable range of fast foods at an affordable price. What’s more, the amazing art of fried chicken and grilled chicken with fries is definitely alive and well here. That is one thing I never miss to try while I am here.

For me; the fries with chicken have always been memorable. The rates are affordable too and this sleek restaurant focuses exactly on what its name suggests.

Located opposite Fedha Estate (Pipeline No.34) and 70 M into Nyayo Estate road; this hidden gem will surely not disappoint you.

VINCE BONUS…Over the Easter holidays; my foodie nature led me to what is now rocking Nairobi’s middle class- “smoky buggers”. Here the smoky vendors popular with their carts and always on the move; prepare a smoky with “kachumbari” (well sliced onions; dhania; tomatoes and chili); shoved in between two breads. It is more like the beef burgers concept if you get the idea and it goes for only KES 30. You need to try out this new cuisine once you are out!

POETIC LICENSE:I AM TIRED OF POETRY

My pen refuses to stop
I get so twisted and I am laid bare
of all the themes I wear
of all the ideas I share
My poetic wit disobeys my orders
Poetry stop please, you are killing me

I am in a state of poignancy
I pity myself
I loathe my gift
Poetry is evil
But Plato disagrees
He claims 'the poet's job is to bear witness'
And I witness that 'witnessing' is tough
I am tired of poetry
I am tired of poetry
It is to me belligerent
It sneers on my energy
Who will save me from myself
I am baffled by its effect on me
All I want is more poetry
Reading one leads to the next

I am disturbed by the comfort others find
I write and someone calls me 'sweet'
I am told I inspire
I am told I am 'set to be' Shakespeare'
Words; words fill my mind
My pen is always on its duty
Traverssing the lonely pages of my books
I am blind and cant see my soul is dying
I milk it daily/ I beg for complete surrender

The BIBLE or QURAN all poetic
All God's prophets were poets
Please, please, I am no prophet
I receive no divine light
Poetry please release my mind
Experiences please block any inspiration
I am tired of poetry
Its disease i get no cure
Poerty let me percieve
Your words let me not receive
For I always believe
Without you I cant live

I see and hear writers perform
some good, others do great injustice 
to your name poetry- they cant form
I am called mystical, satirical, romantic...
I am none of this,
I deserve not even the name "poet"
I am ashamed at my writing
I am ashamed of you poetry

I encipher diatribes into your mailbox
Hoping that you'll desert me
Because I promise if you remain
I'll strip you naked
I'll expose all your forms
And you will suffer from my pen's wrath
I'll decapitate you completly
Poetry is fire, a fire that burns me
In light or night it opens my sight
I am tired that I cant even sleep
I seek no apologies or reconcilliation
For poetry to me is 'me'

Eddy Ongili
PenAftermath©

Edmund Ongili describes himself as:I AM a poet, married to words. i love the feeling poetry evokes in me. poetry is fire and poetry is me

i seek to learn and grow till i reach perfection. i am humbled and a lover of critics, they help me grow. 

 

find him on facebook-http://www.facebook.com/eongili?fref=ts

APRIL HOLIDAYS 2013 GUIDE TO KIDS EVENTS

KIDS’ FESTIVAL

THE CARNIVORE

APRIL 27^TH

This year’s edition of kids’ festival promises to be a memorable one. Bound to be an all rounded family affair; especially for the young ones; come expecting rib-cracking top comedians, plenty of clowns and the best in music entertainment.

For more info; get in touch with the Laugh Industry via +254 (0) 732 793 531

AFTER SCHOOL CREATIVITY

NAIROBI ART CENTRE

DAILY

Every day between 3.30 pm and 6.00 pm; allow your kids to enjoy after-school activities and be well looked after. The art Centre is located in Lavington and the area is a perfect get-away for an afternoon out, packed with lots of fun and activity.

Teen too are welcomed for a creative hangout.

For more information; contact the organizers via: info@artyparty.co.ke or call +254 (0) 727 415 678

THE SKATE STUDIO LIMITED INLINE SKATING

LAVINGTON KINDERGATEN

Kids can get in line for a lot of fun skating and socializing. Every Tuesday; kids can enjoy inline skating, from 3.15 pm to 5.00 pm. One lesson costs KES 500 or KES 4,000 for 10 lessons.

Roller hockey, speed skating, ripsticks and dance skating are also available.

For more information, call Sona +254 722 721 111 or email, info@sk8inline.com

TOTOS EXPO FESTIVAL AND FAMILY FUN DAY

UHURU GARDENS

SATURDAY APRIL 27^TH

Come have fun, get entertained and educated by the different talent acts. It is a family fun-day full of great delicacies to enjoy. Parking is assured and security checked.

Top in the agenda will be modeling; fashion runway; acting; skating; dancing; parent’s competition; rope pulling amongst other activities. Local musicians and top comedians will be present to bring the entertainment, backed by a live band.

Tickets go for KES 500 for kids aged 5-17 and KES 700 for 18 years and above. Below 5 years is free.

For more info, check Facebook page: Totos Expo or call Brian 0710-549 893

RESTAURANT REVIEWS FOR KENYA KIDZ PRIDE INN HOTEL: A ROYAL ROMANTIC TOUCH

BY EMBUKANE VINCENT LIBOSSO

Last week; I was treated to a sumptuous dinner at the Pride Inn Hotel in Westland Nairobi. The continental buffet cuisine ranged from an n assortment of fresh salads; creamy soup; fresh fruit desserts and from their hot chaffers; a range of grilled beef and chicken steaks in a chasseur sauce.

The dinner ambiance at the Pride Inn Centre was just magnificent. The black and red clothing covering the tables and seats; added with a magnificent touch of red rose petals made the night a romantic vista.

The large hall at the Pride Inn Centre make is even more convenient for corporate events; banqueting and conferencing. Located along Westlands Road; the Pride Centre also hosts and manages Cake City- the new one stop joint for cakes and other yummy tummy treats; and the Royal Kitchen- a multi cuisine restaurant that is famous for Chinese; Indian; continental and barbeque.

The company also does venture into outside catering; wedding and events. Pride Inn prides itself also with the fact that it is a 3-star hotel; with a 5-star service credit and it has a franchise of 7 hotels located in Nairobi; Kisumu and Mombasa.

If you are thinking of a wedding and maybe later the bigger picture of a perfect romantic get-away; then think Pride Inn. The hotels provide comprehensive wedding packages to help create your ideal dream wedding.

One thing you will love with Pride Inn Hotels is that they combine ceremony specifics; catering to a range of styles and budgets. They offer a fabulous choice of some international cuisines for your wedding menu such as continental; Chinese and Indian. They also make it open for you to do a mix -and –match. For example- you may choose a Chinese item for starter; a continental dish as main course and may be an Indian delicacy for dessert within the package selected.

The package in this case means that depending on your budget or size of pocket; you can pick bronze; silver; gold or platinum packages to fill in the blanks to a perfect wedding. To me it is more like a blank cheque and you fill in the amount.

Their continuous touch to ensure your wedding prospers and the fire remains ablaze; goes into their standard honeymoon packages and deluxe honeymoon packages at the coast.

With fruits and flowers in the room; a blend of non-alcoholic sparkling wine in the rooms; and deluxe cottages; with bridal breakfast served in the bed; your honeymoon promises nothing short of a romantic get-away; you will long live to remember!

photos courtesy of: http://www.facebook.com/PrideinnHotelsConferencing#!/PrideinnHotelsConferencing/photos_stream

CENTRAL RESERVATIONS, Westlands Business Park, 6^th floor, Chiromo Lane Westlands P.O BOX 66969-00200 Nairobi Kenya, TEL (+254) 20 8000415/6 HOTLINE +254 737 999 110/ 0729 866 956 EMAIL: sales@prideinn.co.ke. WWW.prideinn.co.ke

RESTAURANT REVIEWS FOR KENYA KIDZ CAKE CITY: YUMMY TUMMY TASTY TREATS

When I heard that cake city page on Face book had hit 6,000 likes in a short period of time. I thought maybe the advertising and a good word was put out there.

But I was wrong when the reality of the pudding was placed before me. Yes, the rife speculations are now true. Indeed yummy tummy treats just got tastier with Cake City.

Located at Westlands, next to Soin Arcade, opposite Shimmers Plaza, Nairobi; the shop’s different sections cum specialties: Pastry Avenue, Coffee Town, Bread Street and Cake Village make it not just a fun experience but also an easy way to place your order and enjoy a treat.

Cake City is definitely cutting a niche as a preferred destination for cakes; bread; pastries and coffee. They prepare all types of cakes including birthday, wedding, kids, cartoons, shapes, adult, graduation…You name it! Plus, they also do egg-less cakes.

On “Tasty Tuesday”, spending only KES 1,200 ends up getting you 0.5 kg of black or white forest cake for free.

I bet you are wondering, what if I can not make it to Westlands? Well, Cake City cater for that and has you sorted because custom made cakes are only a call, click or visit away. With free delivery and an M-Pesa payment option ( thank God for mobile banking!) ; you can have your cake in a day. I don’t think it gets any better that that!

What about my kid? Well, Cake City exists to ensure you are fully satisfied and prides itself with their “Kids Club”. Members enjoy 15 % discount on their birthday cake.

Cakes, per kg, cost between KES 2,000 and KES 2,800. Make a date and don’t be late for a tasty treat!

Order Hotline: 0732-444 111

Facebook.com/ Cake City.

Info@cakecity.co.ke

www.cakecity.co.ke.

kenya Kidz link-http://www.kenyakidz.com/new/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=806:nairobi-s-top-three-restaurants-in-the-eyes-of-a-foodie&catid=16:day-out&Itemid=232

BRILLIANCE AT DAYSTAR UNIVERSITY’S TRIPPLE B AWARDS

BY EMBUKANE VINCENT LIBOSSO

Saturday 13^th April 2013 is a day that had been long awaited by Daystarians. If for a moment you thought-or at least hoped the chilly morning showers would ruin the day; the Daystar Tripple B awards-Brilliance, Brains and Beauty went down at the Pride Inn Centre in Westlands Nairobi.

After days that turned into weeks of waiting due to the set dates being postponed; by Friday; getting a ticket for the event was overwhelmingly a crazy expedition after they had sold out the previous Thursday evening.

Days prior to the event; and hours prior too; social media pages were abuzz and the ultimate pre-link up joints as students psyched each other up. The event organizers; Daystar University Students Association (DUSA) used the social media to psyche up the students and assure them the success of the event. DUSA did manage to team up with DSTV Kenya and other partners in support of the event.

5pm; an hour to the communicated departure time from Valley Road campus; Arsenal fans thronged the TV-lounge to watch the Gunners gun down Norwich City. A tweet from a Daystarian read: “a win for Arsenal. Next win @ Tripple B Awards. Mr. and Miss Daystar LEGOOOOO!!!!”

6PM; we were at the parking lot ready to board the buses to Westlands. Suddenly; the ever raving Westlands was overwhelmed with Daystarians. The cold weather did not dictate the dress code; ladies showed up all sassy in dinner dresses; short sleeveless skirts; sleeveless tops; power stilettos and matching heels, regardless of the occasional showers that hit the grounds. Talk about freeze and feverish!

The on-standby photographers had difficult Kodak moment times as the lush Pride Centre was turned into a fashion Central- forget Milan Fashion Week! The gents opted more for the royal white and black suits; matching ties or bow ties; tuxedoes; colorful blazers and what every guy in Nairobi is into- color blocking. And, well; the color blocking theme being alive amongst us; many guys rocked it. It was one event where the denims; the hues; the All-stars were put aside.

“Daystar needs more of this!” exclaimed an excited Daystarian dude as he hustled into the jam packed event, “That is a good one! Nyemelearing all the way!” he exclaimed as scantily dressed ladies made their way into the event arena. Even with such comments we had some who saw no need to make to the event. Michelle; an upcoming model and student at Daystar notes, “such events are just the one opportunity we Daystar ladies have to showcase what the good Lord has given us by scantily dressing. To me the events miss their worth and they are just a popularity contest-kama ndrama Kama vindeo!”

Whether her argument is true or not is something we might never know without a detail research but the sheer brilliance was palpable as guys mingled before the buffet dinner was served. The tables were themed red and black lushed with romantic red rose petals. Mr. and Miss Daystar for a long period of time had been on probation and totally banned once due to inappropriate behavior that went against the Christian virtues that govern the university. Heeding to these words; the DUSA executive members did note that they wanted to give Daystar an event that will build confidence among the administration and increase a trust to freely hold such events.

The Tripple B awards; in line with the name- Beauty; Brains and Brilliance; celebrated the best outsourced companies; the best student oriented clubs; student servant leaders and lecturers as voted by the students. The most awaited among the entrée for the night perhaps was the Beauty part- the Mr. and Miss Daystar.

Contestants for the runway pageant had time on the runway to show case various themes in the different categories: dinner/couples; African wear and creative segments.

Family; friends and comrades alike thronged the event arena with their loud vuvuzelas and whistles rooting for their favorite contestants as they made their way on the runway.

The well-laid out venue; with gigantic screens on the sides offered a variety of entertainment. The emcees for the night were Chitto from Zambia and Nyawira from Kenya; both students. They hyped the crowd even as Homeboyz radio Dj Touch was busy setting up the decks. The event was graced by veteran gospel artistes Mr. Tee and the Wernono Family.

The night’s cuisine; prepared by the Pride Inn hotels; featured a delightful “foodie” aficionado adventure; competing with the fresh laid desserts and assorted salads.

Everything was in full gear as the finest contestants; 8 dudes and 8 chics; prepped themselves for the grueling finals.

Some felt the script was well written even before the event; if the rants; raves cheers and screams hurled at different contestants; were anything to go by.

But they were in for a rude awakening when Samuel Mariga; popularly known as K-SAM and Eva Wagari were crowned Mr. and Miss Daystar Nairobi campus.

The event had its up and downs according to the views of the crowd in attendance. Booze was not allowed and so was secular music; which to many students it did not alter well.

The contestants too had their moments of embarrassment during the Question and Answer segment; especially on general knowledge; current events and what goes on around Daystar. Their argument: ‘these were not the questions we were asked to prepare on!”

The crowd too felt the contestants did not impress especially on the creative segment. Guys got bored half way through and started making noise in small groups especially towards the end of the event.

Giving credit where it is deserved; the security detail was on top. The venue selected was nothing short of dope. The ambiance and lighting were just glamorous. The organizers despite offering free transportation to and from; many people failed to capitalize on it. This ended up interfering with the schedule as the event was meant to begin at 7pm and end at 10 pm but it went past 2a.m in the morning. The sponsors of the event were great offering goodies to the students and just supporting the whole event.

All in all; with room for improvement; and with no drama reported; it was definitely a glamorous event and justifiably the best event in the Daystar calendar.

After 2a.m; those who could not make it home opted to dance the night away in a party filled galore of wetlands vicinity.

John Magati JR on Facebook shares some of the photos below...

-I dedicate this piece to my friend; brother and colleague Calvin Ober who was attacked by armed men along Moi Avenue as he and his friend drove to the event. Wish you a quick recovery bro!

more photos are here-http://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.464525313624845.1073741833.440804702663573&type=3