Tag - Mombasa culture

Your Name and what do you do?

My name is Fatma Mohamed Bakthir, a lawyer by profession and the CEO of Alwalidayn Centre.

Tell us about Al-Walidayn Centre

Alwalidayn Centre is a non-profit, family-run organisation based in a remote village in Kwale County. First established in 2016, the Centre opened its doors to the community of Kinondo, tackling different issues facing them by constructing institutions that would benefit different aspects of their lives.

It consists of a Mosque, a free Madrassa (Islamic School), a free Private Integrated Academy, a free hospital providing free medical services and medication, and a Girls Rescue Centre, accommodating orphans and Girls who’ve been through all sorts of abuse, eg., defilement, neglect and abandonment, forced marriages, trafficking etc.

What made you change career?

My desire to give back to the community and promoting human welfare made me take a detour from Law to being a full-time Humanitarian.

Not every day or every time do we get people with legal issues. Most of the human suffering is caused by poverty, natural causes etc., hence where my focus shifted and I ventured into community service/development.

If you could have only one superpower, what would it be?

To be able to help all those who come my way seeking for financial or any form of assistance.

Do you think it’s better to have one great skill you’re great at or many skills you’re a ok at and why?

I believe it’s better to have one skill you’re great at than many skills you’re okay at because when you focus your mind onto one thing and fully perfect it, you become more efficient and reap the greatest results out of it. Unlike having to do several things at the same time, it could work if you’re capable of doing so, but the results won’t be similar to that of specializing in one particular thing.

Unemployment is high in Mombasa, what advice would you give to any upcoming youth who doesn’t know what to do?

My advice would be to first take time to figure out what exactly it is they resonate to and where they see themselves fitting in well. Then they put themselves out there in the field either through volunteering or just getting an attachment in whatever it is they’ve studied for, and not to lose hope for giving their time and not get remunerated. There’s always something you’d get out of a work experience; Remuneration doesn’t necessarily have to be monetary. It could be gaining of knowledge, exposure or connections, or generally the experience.

Secondly, to be on the lookout and careful not to be exploited by employers, who’d just want to use your skills and time and not offer anything that would be of essence to your life or career.

Lastly, don’t overstay in places. If one feels like they’re getting physically and psychologically drained yet not receiving anything, feel free to walk out and look for another opportunity elsewhere and eventually you’ll land on employment.

How do you deal with failure?

I don’t believe that there’s anything like failure. I always remind myself that every situation that comes by comes for a reason. To teach me a lesson, to shape me up to be a better human being, and to remind me that there’s a divine force (God) out there looking out for me so whatever it is that I didn’t succeed in wasn’t really meant for me.

People love giving, what advice would you give someone looking into charity?

First: identify a project you’d want to support – could be a meal project for children, sanitary towels for girls, academic sponsorship for an orphan, for mothers, for elders, etc., then look for organisations working on those projects.

Before donating, get to know their background, success stories, some are merely just faking stories and are not genuinely working for the purpose of helping people. If need be, you can visit the place or be part of one of their projects so you can see how they’re working (if there’s a huge sum involved).

Lastly, give knowing that you’ve played a part in trying to make someone’s life easier and possibly alleviating their suffering, and it doesn’t end there. Give occasionally.

Charity is easier when it comes straight from the heart with the intent of pleasing God, The Almighty.

Where do you see yourself 10 years from now?

Well, I haven’t really thought of that since I’m enjoying living in the present, but hopefully where my heart is at peace at. I always believe in doing things that make me happy and I’m hoping 10 years from now I’ll be in that state and more.

I also pray I’ll still be doing what I love and am passionate about doing which is serving the community. I hope I’ll have managed to touch more people’s lives and impacted them positively.

Parting Shot

Always prioritise your mental and emotional well-being in whatever it is that you do. When the mind is functioning well, everything else will work well.

Jina langu ni Hassan Faisal Ali

October 26, 2016

Your name and what do you do?
My Names are Hassan Faisal Ali. I am a Film producer and Director at Coastal Films productions. A Hotelier by profession and an event’s organizer and also a music producer.

Tell us about Coast Film Productions ltd?
Coastal Films was started way back 2009 to promote The Films Talent at The Kenyan Coast. We were motivated to start Coastal Films when we realized the number of homes in Mombasa who had an urge of watching Movies. At that time most homes were watching Indian Movies before Nigerians took over our screens.

Why did you go to into production?
I love Films, so I decided to learn how to do scripts thereafter I decided to start shooting movies.

How many series and Movies have you produced?
I have done 7 movies so far

We have few movies and series from Mombasa, what do you think is the problem?
The cost of doing Movies is not cheap and the market is not readily available. We have no sponsors due to the fact this is an Islamic town. The Able people will not sponsor story lines on violence etc. Companies here also have no authority to fund as decisions are made from their head offices in Nairobi

Where do you see the creative industry in Mombasa 5 years from now?
In the next Five years the coast will be leading in productions once we streamline the creative industry market. The coast has what it takes to do good movies; we have superb locations and talent down here.

What criteria do you use to select a script, screenwriter, director, etc.?
This relies on the story line and the budget plus available funds.

What is your latest project?
My latest project was Yoba Movie which we have shot with a Holland films company called CLFILMS.

Where do you see yourself 10 years from now?
One of the biggest producer in Africa

Parting shot
The Government needs to invest more on creative arts industry in order to create self employments to the youth as it’s unable to provide employment to all this youths.

Salim Mansoor Halwa

July 26, 2016

Mombasa Culture

The history of Mombasa is intriguing; with the governance of Oman Arabs and Portuguese we have Kenyans who have Arabic and Portuguese ancestry. The Oman Arabs have different traditions that have been passed on generation by generation in Mombasa. One of them is making of Halwa (Haluwa), a sugary snack that is served with coffee (Kahawa chungu).

The Halwa is made of different ingredients including starch, eggs, sugar, water, ghee, saffron, cardamom, nuts and rose water. The Mix is cooked in a big copper pot, stirred vigorously till it becomes a gelatinous substance.

In Mombasa, the first Oman Arab to open a Halwa shop was Salim Mansur Al- Mawly in the 1930’s on Abdulnasser Road.

It was opened to serve the community with delicious and special Halwa for all occasions and celebrations. Salim Mansur cooked and served Halwa for over 50 years till his death in 1980, where his son Nassir Salim Mansur took over the business. When Nassir took over the business, he also taught his son the special ingredients and cooking techniques to Abdulmajid. In just seven years after his inheritance Nassir passed away, and Abdulmajid took over the business up to date.

After a few years at the Abdulnasser road location, they moved to a new Location on Biashara Street (Markiti side). For 70 years they have served in the same shop up to today. They specialize in Plain Halwa, and Almonds. They cater to all occasions, be it a wedding, a Maulidi (Prophet Mohamed’s Day of Birth). It can be served in a big aluminum tray, or small cups for ease of distribution. Although the original was served in small woven basket called Kitalifa, the baskets were woven by Bajun women from Lamu. Since there were no refrigerators at that time, it was known for the basket to preserve the Halwa for a longer period of time.

Kitalifa

The interiors of the shop have remained the same for all these years, giving you a taste of history. Every morning you will find a group of old men playing backgammon while eating Halwa and drinking kahawa chungu (coffee).

For orders and prices call Abdulmajid 0722 587 430

A swahili Poem about Kitalifa:

Kitaa kilo kitito
Shubiri yalo pungua

Kikatiwa mtunguto
Henda kikilewalewa

Ikatiwa ili moto
Ikiketi ikapoa

Ndio maana ya haluwa kutiwa kitaani.

A visit inside Salim Mansoor through pictures:

Jina langu ni Livilla Mwetu

June 1, 2016

1 Comment

Your name and what do you do?

Livilla Mwetu. I’m a data analyst and research assistant by day, in another lifeI’m a writer, might be how I ended up with my blog.

Tell us more about your blog?

It’s my way of telling stories about fashion. I grew up buried in magazines and newspaper columns so it largely takes after the two formats.

Editorial Monday is where I critique fashion, how it works, why it so and how much it’s changed/ is changing. I also share editorials that I find interesting.

I also curate designers and fashion bloggers that have mastered their craft and take risk from all over the world. I’d love to share more designers, especially those who have little or no media coverage. There’s always so much work that goes unseen and I hope my platform can help share that knowledge.

I retail ad space for related lifestyle products because I think it’s important to link fashion, design and style to everyday living i.e. travel spots, eateries, boutiques et al and discounts when available, I love a good bargain.

If you are attending an event in Mombasa, what would you wear?

Mombasa is generally hot so smart casual is ideal.Something that allows for layering given our bipolar weather these days, scarfs are really great for that.

Is there a specific fashion look in a man that draws you? Does it matter?

I appreciate good tailoring, thankfully this is not limited to suits these days. So no pressure there.

Do you have any fashion rules in putting an outfit together?

More guides than rules, if you are uncertain, go the monochrome/ monotone way i.e. either one color and accessorize in a different color or different shades of the same color that complement each other.

Should ladies help their significant other with fashion? Would you shop/ advise / help out.

If asked to, yes. I think dressing is very personal and it preserves that sense of individuality that is sometimes lost in familiarity of relationships. Plus we all change so much over the years, it’s nice to see how your partner’s style changes as you grow.

What does the biggest tip you have for anyone want to start a fashion blog or website?

Know your message, what are you trying to say & how it’s helpful to your readers. You need a plan so that you don’t get lost but most important the thing is for you to just start. It won’t be perfect so relax and enjoy it,you’ll get better with time.

A lot of people think that blogging is an easy way to make money online. Do you have some tips for those people who are interested in making money from the blog?

Create good content, something you will be proud of 10 years from now. Your readers tend to stray from who you initially write for, anyone with an internet access could be your reader. Research and experiment with strategy from different fields in terms of layouts, content, branding et al.

Learn how to value your work, find out the market cost of doing business if you don’t know how to price your work.

Oh. And network, introduce yourself to people, tell them what you do, that sort of thing.

What is the biggest challenge about fashion blogging?

Authenticity. Fashion is so broad in terms of who it appeals to and what exactly appeals to you. There’s always room to experiment and figure out what really works for you.

Parting Shot

“Fashion is part of the daily air and it changes all the time, with all the events. You can even see the approaching of a revolution in clothes. You can see and feel everything in clothes.” Diana Vreeland

Jina Langu ni Tima Keilah

April 13, 2016

Your name and what do you do?

Hi, my name is Tima Keilah. I am a lawyer by profession, LLB from The University of Nairobi. I work with the County Government of Mombasa in my capacity as Miss Tourism. I am also the CEO and founder of Sterling Modeling &Marketing Group, a company that deals with professional management of models and offering marketing solutions to corporates. I am also the UBER Ambassador to Mombasa and GLOVEPA Peace Ambassador.

I have a passion for youth development and women in particular which has me constantly engaging with various organizations, to name a few; Girls On A Mission, UPIA, Arigatou International, Adam Smith International, and A&J Heclife.

Why did you want to become miss tourism?

I have a deep passion and love for Mombasa having been born and raised here all my life. I understand the important role that the tourism sector plays on the County’s economy and the lives of the people. The Industry has for a time been struggling leading to a lot of suffering in the community. Through Miss Tourism, I felt that I could help ameliorate this situation and aid in restoring the sector.

What are the roles of Miss Tourism Mombasa? Do you face any challenges?

The title of Miss Tourism Kenya Mombasa seeks to personify Kenya’s Tourism strengths through marketing the County and Nation both nationally and internationally. The assignment of Miss Tourism is to rally people towards the Promotion of six key Tourism development pillars identified as Tourist attractions, Investment opportunities, Environment conservation practices, Cultural diversity, Hospitality & beauty of our people and Peace.

Yes, I do face a couple of challenges that include acquiring funding for tourism development projects and insufficient media exposure.

Tourism is still suffering a bit right now. What can we do as Mombasa residents help boost our tourism?

We should work together in marketing the county to increase the positive information about the destination. Tourism is driven by the community around it. I think social network is an important tool for shaping perception and if we as the people of Mombasa were to positively utilize it to showcase what our county has to offer, in terms of tourism, I believe we would see a positive shift on things. Also, if we all took measures to keep and maintain the city clean, it would be a big boost to the tourism sector.

However, the situation has been improving thanks to the efforts of stakeholders in the industry with Mombasa having scooped 1^st position as Africa’s Leading Destination in the recently concluded World Travel Awards 2016. The foreign direct investment by international companies such as UBER into the County is also a clear indication that the industry is on a steady rise.

Drug issue in Mombasa is high; do you think parents are to blame or society?

I don’t think you can blame any particular cause for the drug menace in Mombasa as it is caused by many different things. However as a lawyer I believe the law is the solution to all of society’s problems and by coming up with stiffer legislation and enforcement of the same the issue can be curbed.

Tell us more about Naipenda Mombasa and future goals.

I started the NaipendaMombasa Campaign as my Miss Tourism Kenya Mombasa County project as a way for the people of Mombasa to express their passion and love for the County and to improve the state of tourism in the county by showcasing popular tourist attractions, culture and cuisine, art, fashion, music and the beauty and magic of Mombasa County.

I recently launched the NaipendaMombasa campaign merchandise i.e. t-shirts, mugs, water-bottles, caps, key holders etc. so that everyone can carry a little bit of Mombasa everywhere they go. All products are sort and made in Mombasa, giving employment opportunities to our youth, with part of the proceeds going to charity work.

My vision for the campaign is to see it attain mass popularity as a way of boosting Mombasa’s tourism industry.

In Mombasa, we have a lot of tuk-tuks with no proper management system. In your opinion, how can they be managed?

Again, through proper legislation and enforcement of the law tuk-tuks can be managed. I think they play an important role in the transport sector of Mombasa and employ many locals. They are also a unique feature of the island and travel experience in Mombasa.

It is difficult to get into the modeling industry, how did you manage to succeed?

Yes, it is difficult, but like in my case, and in any other profession, hard work, patience, perseverance, and most of all desire are key ingredients to success.

Who inspires you?

My family and fans are a great source of inspiration. I also look up to the First Lady and the Governor of Mombasa’s work ethic.

Parting shot

Mombasa ni sisi, na sisi ni Mombasa. #NaipendaMombasa

Jina Langu ni Aisha Swaleh

March 30, 2016

Name and what do you do?

Aisha Swaleh, I’m an independent sales Gold Director at Oriflame Kenya.

Tell us more about Oriflame?

Oriflame is a Swedish company in the direct selling industry. It deals with natural cosmetics and gives us a chance to do business through multi-level marketing. It has been in Kenya for the last 8 years and has changed so many lives. Again, also celebrating 50 years anniversary next year.

How long did it take you to reach director level?

It took me 10 months from when i joined to reach director level and I helped 2 other women to grow to director level thus reaching gold director level. At the moment I am helping more and more women and young girls grow in the business.

What three qualities that helped you succeed?

Qualities:

Persistence wears resistance. Without being persistent I would’ve given up from the start.

Patience. Network marketing needs patience; it is not a get rich quick scheme. And at the same time dealing with different people and different attitudes and behaviors needs a lot of patience.

Most importantly, faith in God. I worked hard and prayed hard.

In Mombasa, Make-up artist are using the wrong make-up for their clients what advice would you give them?

Makeup artists using wrong makeup: people should learn that the makeup we use now will have an effect on us sooner or later. The rise in uterine and skin cancers is alarming. And it’s mostly brought about by the cancerous products we use on our face. Some even sleep with the makeup on the face which is not recommended. The make-up artists should not put money first, think of the dangers you are exposing your clients to!

What are the three things a woman should always carry in her handbag and why?

3 things- hand sanitizer, EVERY woman needs this in their bag! Our hands are the dirtiest parts of the body because we touch everything e.g. money, stair railings etc.

A mirror: instead of looking into someone’s car window to make your hair or scarf, carry a small mirror with you!

And a lip balm: not a lipstick, not a lip-gloss, a LIPBALM. No one wants to see you with cracked lips…

What motivates you?

Motivation: my family is my motivation. I want the best for my children and i will do anything for them to get the best.

What advice would you give to a woman struggling out there?

Every woman has a struggle, you just need to be strong, wipe those tears, and do your best! We are women, we go through a lot and we still come out strong. Create a business for yourself don’t wait to be fed, clothed. Opportunities like Oriflame await you. Registration is just 450/=, risk free! Plus free training.

What are your goals for the future?

To help other women succeed. In Oriflame we say, We rise by lifting others. And i plan to help as many women grow to higher levels and create a future for their children.

Parting shot

It’s time to wake up my fellow women. Today, I am a proud mother after seeing and helping my daughter succeed in this business. Create a future for your children; don’t wait for them to be seated behind a desk being paid 20k a month. Network marketing is the best gift you can give them! I did it, and you can do it too.

Swahili Breakfast: Mbaazi and Mahamri

March 5, 2016

Coastal Snacks

It’s not a Swahili breakfast without Mbaazi and Mahamri (Mahambri), if you have lived in coast you know this is true. A true coastal tradition passed on generation by generation, and still going on up to date.

Mbaazi is made of pigeon peas cooked in coconut milk, while Mahamri (Mahambri) is a Swahili delicacy eaten with other meals to compliment the taste. It’s fascinating that in Mombasa, this is a very common around town. You will find food vendors around different areas selling the combo at a reasonable price. A cup of Mbaazi goes from 30 kshs to 50kshs, while a Mahamri (Mahambri) goes for 5 kshs a piece. People on their way to work will stop over these vendors and devour in a coastal breakfast leaving them full for the rest of the day.

Mombasa: First Police Station

January 29, 2016

Places to Visit

The Ali’s curio market was built in 1898 and was the first police station in Mombasa. Later, it became the Nazareth bar attracting a varied clientele. It later became a curio shop.

Jina Langu ni Mauko Maunde

December 16, 2015

1 Comment

Your Name and what you do?

Mauko Maunde. I’m a lot of things rolled into one. Blogger, Web developer, Poet, Band manager and a trainee civil engineer.

What’s the one thing that amazes you?

Beauty in its rawest, most innocent form. It is all around us, in the sights and people around us. That, and the capacity for humanity in people. Despite all that happens, those people that remain “good” and restore your faith in humanity never cease to amaze me.

Tell us about Artists in Mombasa, do you think they are doing enough to be recognized?

I don’t think so. Wanataka kuchezea nyumbani hapa. Most do not want to get out of their comfort zones. They are going the tried and tested way forgetting that this line of work requires one to think beyond the gamut and try out new things. Go out there into the unknown, so to speak.

You manage different artist, what is the one challenge you face the most?

Getting them gigs to perform, then getting them paid after an event. On top of that is finding producers they can work well with, but these are apparently “normal” challenges.

Tell us about Sanaa Salon?

Sanaa Salon was borne of the need for a platform for artistes and writers to showcase thier various creative endeavours and create a large community where networks can be created and as result utilised to grow both individuals and the arts industry as a whole. It is a showcase of creative works and opinions from various stakeholders, but primarily young artistes.

Our publishing and marketing division, at www.books.sanaasalon.com also seeks to offer convenient and affordable publishing for budding writers who would otherwise not afford the exhorbitant costs associated with mainstream publishers. We do this by creating ebooks in various formats and distributing the same across markets.

Blogging has not been received well in Mombasa, compared to Nairobi. Do you think this will change?

Yes. I think the tide is changing, albeit too slowly, but we are headed there. I have seen a number of blogs come up in the recent past. Pretty decent ones I must add. Coupled with the establishment of the Coast BAKE chapter, the future looks good.

What is required, I think, is an awareness by Coastal young people of the immense opportunities blogging offers, both in terms of self-development and expansion of thought spaces; not to mention the obvious financial gains that can be achieved from a well- written blog.

How do you manage time to run your blog efficiently?

I realised the best way to handle it is to ask for help. I know, most people wouldn’t want to cede control of their blogs to others, but it’s the only way to maintain an active blog with a wide variety of perspectives.

Since one of my blogs is for events, I thought it would be easier and more convenient to crowdsource its content, so I only have to edit the submitted posts.

How do you want to improve yourself in the next year?

Ah, we are making new year resolutions now, are we? Well, for one I’d like to see better performance from by blogs and other projects; perhaps even take them up as a full-time gig. I want to invest more in growing the literary space in Mombasa because I realised that makes me happy, and I’m content when I’m happy.

Can you name some of your favourite bloggers and explain why they are your favourites?

Well, you for one. I love your photos. They represent a perspective of Mombasa only those of us who live here see, a beautiful face they don’t show much elsewhere. Keep up the good work. There is Jackson Biko too, I want to conceive and nurture words in the way he does so when I let them out into the world they can hold their own, blow minds and change lives. For the better. Ah, Jacque Ndinda. I love her. Her writing I mean.

Parting shot

A while back, someone mentioned off-handedly that Mombasa was backward, and the residents too daft for their own good. I could have argued otherwise then, in their defence, but I did not. I’m glad I can do that now

Jina Langu ni Stephanie Maseki

December 9, 2015