Monday, September 26, 2011

Conversations with High Achieving Men and Women of Kenya - Kenya's Women and Men of the Week

This week, Kenya mourns, and Kenya celebrates.  Prof. Wangari Maathai, mother, environmentalist, activist, teacher, woman achiever, founder of the Green Belt Movement, and first African woman to win the Nobel Peace Prize, passed on at Nairobi Hospital after a long battle with cancer.  Her service to Kenya, and her contribution to the world will never be forgotten.  She will be missed.

But, they do say that with every passing of a great individual, a new one is born.  It is because of the efforts of activists such as Wangari Maathai that Kenya continually produces world-class athletes, who make us proud on the world stage.  Formerly a little known athlete, Patrick Makau, shone yesterday as he set a new world record for the marathon in Berlin.  The future of the world is only secure with a continuous cycle of individuals who make a difference; for the greater good of mankind.

This week's "Kenya's Women and Men of the Week" were all influenced heavily by Professor Wangari Maathai, they are:  Media Personality, Caroline Mutoko; Wildlife Conservationist, Dr. Helen Gichohi; Professor, Politician, former Member of Parliament, Prof. Julia Ojiambo; Advisor and Sports Administrator, Bob Munro; Actor and Comedian, Charles Bukeko (Papa Shirandula); and Wildlife Conservationist, Dr. David 'Jonah' Western.

Listen to Kiss 100 every morning this week, with Caroline Mutoko and Jalan'go, to win a free copy of "Life Journeys: Scaling Heights," Conversations With High Achieving Men in Kenya.

Caroline Mutoko's voice is a familiar one around Kenya, and has been on the airwaves since the late '90s.  She began her career with Capital FM, not only as a Radio Presenter, but also as the Marketing Manager.  Caroline is currently a Radio Presenter with Kiss 100, Group Marketing Manager for Media Network Radio Africa, and recently, proud mother of a beautiful baby girl by the name of Nduku. 

"...

Young people in Kenya need to learn the advantages of delayed gratification, of working for what you want and surpassing expectations, both yours and others.  My life mantra has always been:  Always do more than is expected; average is not good enough.  It is annoying to be okay with okay.  Demand more, be more!  That is the only way to be all that you were born to be.

...

As a Kenyan, I had a soft spot for Obama, but I had an even softer spot for Hilary Clinton.  Closer to home, I am awed by Nobel Laureate, Wangari Maathai.  For a long time she was a lone voice warning us of the need to take care of Mother Nature.  Although she sang alone, she continued to sing anyway, with the drive and compassion of a woman.

...

The biggest lessons I have learnt along the way are to count my blessings ( it is easy to whine all the time), to give back and to have empathy.  I work with other people in mind and take time to learn about and know the people who make up my world: the cook, the watchman - everyone.

..."

A part of Prof. Wangari Maathai has been left in this achiever.  Wildlife Conservationist, Dr. Helen Gichohi is as passionate about the environment as Prof. Maathai was.  This achiever has written extensively on conservation, land use and wildlife in Kenya.  In 2010, she was awarded the Moran of the Order of the Burning Spear, Presidential Award, and in 2009, the International Conservation Award was bestowed upon her by the ICCF, in Washington DC.  She is the current President of African Wildlife Foundation.

"...

I am inspired by the desire to help and give back.  I experienced poverty while growing up so I find it easy to give back.  I focus on education as being key to reducing poverty and serve as a mentor to several bright girls from largely disadvantaged backgrounds at the Starehe Girls Center.  Like everyone else, I have had my share of challenges and struggles.  I battled to find out what I wanted to do and become in life.  Juggling many hats simultaneously, a mother of young children, a director of a field based organization, a wife, and a student was not easy and I sometimes wondered what role was suffering.  My busy schedule leaves me little time for deep thinking, reflection and introspection.  I believe that these are essential for continuous excellence, inspiration and effective leadership.

...

In life, it is wise to have role-models.  My role-models are Nelson Mandela, Wangari Maathai, and now Barack Obama, all of whom believed in a cause that is far greater than them.

...

With age comes wisdom and life has taught me many lessons that I can share with others.  The common African saying has come to have meaning - 'if you want to travel faster, travel alone.  But if you want to travel further, travel with others'."

Professor Julia Ojiambo is a distinguished Professor, Politician, and former Member of Parliament.  She has been in the forefront of Social, Political and Economic aspects of gender, development, health and education of women and youth in Kenya.  This achiever is the Founding Professor of the proposed Scientific and Technological Applied Research and Training for women, Start University.

"Life is a journey, a mystery that most of us humans do not understand.  It is a hard struggle, full of ups and downs, which nature has its own way of balancing.  The ups inspire you while the downs challenge you to improve your perfomance.

...

Parenthood is one of life's greatest responsibilities because a parent is a child's first role model.  God has blessed me with four amazing children who are my heroes and also my greatest role models.  Josephine is a doctor and has recently been appointed an Ambassador; Theresa and Jack are lawyers; and Sanda is an Economist.  They have succeeded through hard work and I am proud of them.

...

Wangari Maathai is another heroine.  She is a woman who believes in her cause and her resilience and determination are what made her a Nobel Laureate.

..."


Advisor and Sports Administrator, Robert (Bob) Munro's other name should be Football.  He is the Managing Director of XXCEL Africa Ltd; Founder and Chairman of Mathare United FC; Founder and Chairman of Mathare Youth Sports Association; Founding Director of Kenya Premier League; and was also the Co-Chairman of the Harambee Stars.  'Bob' as he is commonly known has opened up opportunites for Mathare youths through sports.  It is our hope and prayer, that he too, will be a Nobel Laureate.

" Most Kenyans associate my name with the Mathare Youth Sports Association (MYSA), Mathare United FC and Kenyan Premier League (KPL). Many are surprised to learn that I also worked as a senior policy adviser on environment and sustainable development for nearly four decades in over 50 countries and especially in Africa since the mid-1980s.

...

I have learnt much from other people and especially from the MYSA Youth and their mothers. Their remarkable determination, courage and high spirits as they tackle numerous challenges have provided constant inspiration. I also draw inspiration from my Kenyan friends, including Wangari Maathai and John Githongo, who I admire for their personal courage and commitment. They struggled and sacrificed a great deal to stop the misuse of our natural resources and public funds which belong to all Kenyans.

...

In whatever time I have left on the planet, I want to help make the MYSA Sports and Community Leadership Academy into a global centre of excellence for training youth to start and manage their own sports for development projects in other poor urban and rural communities. I also want to build a new stadium for Mathare United and transform the KPL into one of the best managed, most respected, competitive and corruption-free league in Africa.

..."


Actor and Comedian, Charles Bukeko, better known as 'Papa Shirandula' or '...Shirandura' in other circles, has graced our television screens with laugh out loud shows and commercials.  He is the brains behind the "Brrrr..." campaigns for Coca Cola, and he is also a Coca Cola Global Ambassador.

"...

I had an exciting childhood despite being a very naughty boy. My outgoing character always stood out in school. I was vocal and my reputation as a heckler preceded me, especially when it came to Mchongoano, the popular street game based on a cheeky disparagement of others.

...

The Coca-Cola ‘Brrr’ campaign has been my most popular advert and it has been extremely well received internationally. I am now a familiar face in many countries. One interesting experience in Thailand was when I was asked to train an elephant for an advert. I had a week to befriend the mammal, but within two days, we were not only friends but it could also make the ‘Brrr’ sound while drinking Coca Cola.

...

However, no matter how hard we try, we cannot afford to be completely positive about Kenya because we lack proper leadership and the continuous political tantrums have slowed down our growth. I have little respect for politicians because of the way they abuse the voter. They pretend to be Kenyans when they need your vote, but after that they stop behaving, thinking, and talking like us. This dangerous cycle plays out every five years. If I ever gained political power I would immediately appoint a cabinet comprising women and youthful leaders. I have seen the selfless leadership of my mother and other great women, such as Wangari Maathai, Milly Odhiambo, and Martha Karua. They have passion, and I wish they could have the power to make more decisions on a national scale. Women and youth are the ones who suffer in times of political wrangles so they are willing to go the extra mile to ensure that peace and order is maintained.

..."

Wildlife Conservationist, and author of "Dust of Kilimanjaro," Dr. David Western is the Founder and Chairman of African Conservation Centre.  This one-time Director of the Kenya Wildlife Service was one of the pioneers of the conservancy concept, and spent a good portion of his life researching and living with the Maasai in the Mara.  He was the recipient of the prestigious World Ecology Award, in 2010.

"...


Our schoolteachers identified my skills in the bush at an early age and I was typically referred to by the nickname ‘bush guy’. My other name ‘Jonah’ is from my childhood gang members who shared my passion for the bush. Each of the five members took a name from comic characters and mine has stuck. However, it aptly describes me.

...

I set up the African Conservation Centre ( ACC) in the late 1980s because I felt that Kenya needed a good cadre of young conservationists to conduct practical projects as they studied Economics, Sociology, Biology and other subjects that make up conservation science. I recruited many young good students at ACC and today they have become leaders in conservation science and conservation practice. They include Helen Gichohi, President of the African Wildlife Foundation; John Waithaka, Head of Monitoring in Parks , Canada; Chris Gakahu, Assistant County Director, UNDP; John Githaiga, Evans Mwangi and Fred Waweru among other senior university lecturers.

...

To move in this new, yet traditional direction, we need inspiring leaders. We need leaders who will provide us with a new vision, a sense of worth and pride in being Kenyan. Wangari Maathai among other Kenyans including our great sportsmen and women and those who have been successful on the global scene serve as good role models. The fact that a son of a Kenyan can become the most influential person on earth is truly inspiring. However, we need our own ‘Obama’s’. We have many of these individuals in our midst, yet we seldom recognize or give them tribute.

..."


These are but a few lives that Prof. Wangari Maathai touched.  Her legacy will forever impact generations to come.


Read more of these stories and others in "Life Journeys: Seeking Destiny,"(Women achievers) and "Life Journeys: Scaling Heights," (Male achievers) two ground breaking coffee-table books that present written vignettes of high-achieving women and men in Kenya.  


Each Woman and Man was interviewed by a young and talented Footprints Press collaborator who indulged in the mentoring moment as they sat at the foot of the hero before them.  The idea was to evoke a symbolic passing of the baton.

The women and men profiled include writers, musicians, politicians, corporate global players, professors, scientists, sportswomen, judges, artists, actors, clergymen, and more.  All are accomplished leading professional in their chosen fields and all have an option on the journey they have travelled and the wisdom they have gathered along the way.

Accompanying each narrative are resonating photographs which tell their own story and complete each vignette.

These books will surprise and inspire.

Both "Life Journeys: Seeking Destiny," and "Life Journeys: Scaling Heights" are available at Bookstop in Yaya, Text Book Center in Sarit Centre, Savanis Bookstore in Westgate, Silverbird in Westgate, Prestige next to 20th Century, African Book Service off Koinange Street, Deacons, Lisa's at Muthaiga Shopping Centre, and ABC Bookplace Ltd. at ABC off Waiyaki way.

Monday, September 19, 2011

Conversations with High Achieving Men and Women of Kenya - Kenya's Women and Men of the Week.

We started off the week with a bang!  Founder and Director of Footprints Press, Susan Githuku, who is also featured on BBC http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-africa-14950363, was on Kiss 100's Man-up Monday with Caroline Mutoko and Jalan'go, speaking about her latest publication, "Life Journeys: Scaling Heights".  Along with her in the studio were: "Life Journeys" vignettes Photographer and Photojournalist Bobby Pall; "Life Journeys: Scaling Heights" writer and renowned Citizen TV Sports Anchor Waihiga Mwaura; "Life Journeys: Scaling Heights" writer and Nation Media Journalist Onesmus Orinda; and "Life Journeys: Scaling Heights" writer and Footprints Press Sales and Marketing Exec. George Muiruri.

We would like to thank Kiss 100 for the wonderful opportunity availed to us to spread the gospel of true Kenyan inspiration.

This Week's "Kenya's Women and Men of the Week" are:  Lawyer, Member of Parliament, and former Cabinet Minister Hon. Martha Karua; Conservationist, Dame Dr. Daphne Sheldrick; Clinical Psychologist, Author Dr. Gladys Mwiti; Conservationist, Ian Craig; Pastor, Pastor Oscar Muriu; and Gospel Artist, Preacher, and Entrepreneur, Reuben Kigame.


Honourable Martha Karua is, and always has been, an indomitable force in politics.  Her brilliance and wit, in Kenya's political battlefield, have kept her afloat as she remains one of the strongest candidates for the Presidential seat in the upcoming 2012 elections.

"...

At school I was continually encouraged to conform.  I was among the first group of Kenyan children to be taught in English from class one onwards.  We were harshly punished if we dared to speak in our mother tongues.  Students were also not allowed to wear shoes to school, even if they owned a pair and girls were obliged to keep their hair short.

...

Although I have been perceived as one of the particularly strong female MP's, my female colleagues all have their strengths, even if they do not seem assertive on the surface.  Women are not elected unless they are strong and I enjoy lasting bonds with my female colleagues, despite the existing political divide.

...

Kenya needs fixing and I am ready and willing to fix it."


Dame Dr. Daphne Sheldrick is the founder of David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust.  She was a Co-Warden at the Tsavo National Park - Kenya, and her love, passion, and efforts for conservation have been recognized globally. She is among 35 persons worldwide who have been honoured for having made a difference in terms of animal husbandry and wildlife conservation by being Appointed by Queen Elizabeth II of the United Kingdom, to Dame Commander of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire, in 2006, amongst others.

"...

I was born in Nakuru and raised in Gilgil where I grew up on a farm filled with every single animal you could possibly imagine.  We had chickens, ducks, turkeys, cows, sheep, horses and several wild animals.  My father had arrived in Kenya as far back as 1907, one of two children.  My paternal grandfather had been killed in the Boer War while fighting for the British, which forced my family to charter a boat, loaded with livestock and medicine and move from South Africa to Kenya.

...

I believe that educating communities is key to reducing the rate at which we are losing our wildlife and natural resources.   In January of last year we arranged for a group of Samburu tribesmen to travel from Laikipia and spend some time with orphaned elephants and their keepers.  They were amazed by the intelligence of these animals.

...

The Trust supports 28 different schools around the border of Tsavo.  The trust is the single largest supporter of the Kenya Wildlife Service.  We field anti-poaching units and mobile vet units as well as helping maintain equipment, build boreholes where needed, maintain roads, provide fuel and fence lines.

..."

Clinical Psychologist and Author, Dr. Gladys Mwiti is the founder and CEO of Oasis Africa.  She is also a Chairperson of Kenya Psychological Association.  This achiever earned her PhD and MA from Fuller Theological Seminary in Pasadena, California.  In 2010, she was awarded Scholar-Leader of the Year by Scholar-Leader International.

" My mother was a devout christian.  When I was young, she would wake her eight children ( I am the fifth) to do chores before going to school.  Despite morning chores, we always arrived early in school and so became a family of school-bell ringers.

...

I value hard work, Integrity, faithfulness, accountability, consistency, self-discipline and family.

...

I draw inspiration from Esther, also called Hadassah, in the Bible.  She was courageous, committed, self-sacrificing and self-denying.  Mother Teresa is another source of inspiration because of her passion for the poor.  If she had not gone out of her way to help others, nobody would remember her today.  She had compassion for people, which I identify with.

..."

Lewa Conservancy is well known, even to the Royal Family, as this was the venue of Prince William and Kate Middleton's engagement.  Conservationist Ian Craig is the Strategic Advisor of Lewa Consvervancy and CEO of Northern Rangelands Trust.  He has dedicated his life to reviving the Rhino and Elephant population, as well as, empowering Kenyans in North Eastern.  In 2010, H.E. President of Kenya awarded him the much coveted Moran of the Order of the Burning Spear Award.

" My work at the Lewa Wildlife Conservancy and the Northern Rangelands Trust is a combination of fulfilling a personal aspiration and developing new concepts for a changing Kenya.

...

My efforts are focused on finding space for wildlife and working with local people to benefit directly. The opportunity to fulfilling these aspirations is through schools, health care, water, and community based on wildlife to provide the foundation for investment. Good wildlife management with its associated economies will change the mindset on land usage.

...

It remains to be said that, one cannot embark on fixing other problems without first resolving those that exist within your country. We have our own population issues and providing a rewarding life for all the citizens will be a challenge. We need to develop Nairobi’s outskirts and bring jobs to people in the rural areas. I hope that as Kenya becomes more affluent the level of education will improve, population awareness issues will increase and our economy will be able to support us.

..."


Nairobi Chapel is a Church that has had a profound impact in peoples lives, and Pastor Oscar Muriu is in charge of guiding people towards that transformation, as they adhere to the words of Romans 12:2.  Pastor Oscar, as he is popularly known, has helped in nurturing the Gospel in lives within and beyond Kenya.

" Watching lives change, marriages turned around, and obstacles overcome, thrills me. As a pastor, I think, not in terms of personal achievements, but in terms of investing in peoples lives. This is my greatest joy.

...

I married a girl who I would not have met had it not been for my new found faith. I genuinely believe I would not be the man I am today without the beautiful companion God gave me. She kept me humble and is the one person who believed in me when I was too young for anyone else to. She is my wife, my friend and my mentor. She also helped to keep my feet firmly grounded when I was in danger of floating away. Above all, she is my greatest cheerleader. The most important decisions we make in life tend to happen in the early 20’s – who you will marry, what you will live for, what values will direct your life, what legacy you will leave behind. Unfortunately sometimes those decisions are made in a flippant manner, leading to big mistakes. I came to know Christ as my saviour just before I made those decisions and my faith guided me thereafter – it’s the best thing that ever happened to me.

..."


He is simply WOW!  Gospel Artise, Preacher, and Media Entrepreneur, Reuben Kigame has Influenced Kenya’s politics in the constitutional discussions by strongly advocating for a value-based constitution that honours God and protects the people. He defended the Church position in referendum politics through civic education, media presentations, debates including one on national television. He is the Proprietor and Producer, Kigame Music Productions; Founder of Word of Truth Ministries (Director), and Founder & Managing Director of Fish Media.

" My blindness transformed me to be a God hater for a long time and caused me to deny Him. I thought of Him as a cruel God with favorites of whom I was not one. When I was fifteen I wrote a song blaming God for all the evils in this world. I also thought God was some kind of a supernatural killjoy or some kind of wet blanket who always waited to see if I was having fun before stopping me.

...

The gospel has answers for all the fundamental questions about mankind from the origin, the present condition, salvation and destiny of humanity. I finally committed my life to follow Christ when I was in high school and I have never regretted the decision. While at the university I once again took a hard look at Christianity because I almost ditched my faith whenever we discussed determinism. I had to decide whether I really believed in this God or not.

...

I began to sing with my family, after dinner before we prayed and went to bed. With time, I met other boys with the same interest and we put together a small band. When my father bought our first transistor radio, it was like a new discovery and right here in me was born the twin interest in music and radio. Over the years I have experimented with just about every kind of music except hard rock.

..."

Read more of these stories and others in "Life Journeys: Seeking Destiny,"(Women achievers) and "Life Journeys: Scaling Heights," (Male achievers) two ground breaking coffee-table books that present written vignettes of high-achieving women and men in Kenya.  


Each Woman and Man was interviewed by a young and talented Footprints Press collaborator who indulged in the mentoring moment as they sat at the foot of the hero before them.  The idea was to evoke a symbolic passing of the baton.

The women and men profiled include writers, musicians, politicians, corporate global players, professors, scientists, sportswomen, judges, artists, actors, clergymen, and more.  All are accomplished leading professional in their chosen fields and all have an option on the journey they have travelled and the wisdom they have gathered along the way.

Accompanying each narrative are resonating photographs which tell their own story and complete each vignette.

These books will surprise and inspire.

Both "Life Journeys: Seeking Destiny," and "Life Journeys: Scaling Heights" are available at Bookstop in Yaya, Text Book Center in Sarit Centre, Savanis Bookstore in Westgate, Silverbird in Westgate, Prestige next to 20th Century, African Book Service off Koinange Street, Deacons, Lisa's at Muthaiga Shopping Centre, and ABC Bookplace Ltd. at ABC off Waiyaki way.

Monday, September 12, 2011

Conversations with High Achieving Men and Women of Kenya - Kenya's Women and Men of the Week.

We are proud to start off the week with our inaugural selection of "Kenya's Women and Men of the Week".  As promised last week, following the launch of "Life Journeys: Scaling Heights," a coffee table book that profiles 85 of Kenya's male achievers, we have included our selection of three men to join our three women, weekly,  henceforth.


This week's "Kenya's Women and Men of the Week" are:  Singer, Wahu Kagwi Mathenge; Professor and Lawyer, Prof. Patricia Kameri-Mbote; Women's Activist, former Member of Parliament, Dr. Phoebe Muga Asiyo; Humanitarian, Abbas Gullet; Technocrat, Dr. Bitange Ndemo; and Reverend and Human Rights Activist, Rev. Dr. Timothy Njoya.

This young artist has both Masters and Bachelors degrees from the University of Nairobi.  She is the wife of renowned musician Nameless (David Mathenge) who is featured in our recent coffee table publication "Life Journeys: Scaling Heights," which profiles over 85 Kenyan male achievers.  Wahu Mathenge was awarded the MTV Africa Music Awards and the Pearl of Africa Music in 2008 as Best Female Artist.  She continues to be one of the most admired and respected female artists in Kenya and Africa.

"Music has always been a form of release for me - a bit like writing in a diary.

...

As much as I loved music, I never dreamed that I would become a musician.  Back then, people thought that if you want to make money, then you must get a degree in a respectable field.  Since I was good with numbers, I decided to study mathematics at university and pursue a career in Insurance or Acturial Science.  Somewhere along the way, though, I got more drawn into the arts.

...

Women should not let anyone dictate their destinies.  Only God holds my destiny and I never forget that.  It is essential for me to maintain a good relationship with Him because He is the only one who knows what I am meant to do on this Earth.  So it is really in my best interests to make sure that I am always on the right path.  After all, you are only as good as you decide to be.

..."

Professor and Lawyer, Patricia Kameri-Mbote is a Stanford Law School, Stanford University, graduate, and a Professor of Law at Strathmore University.  She has published widely in the areas of International law, environmental law, women's rights and property rights, and participated in international, regional, national and local conferences.

"...

The person who inspired me most was my maternal aunt, who passed away in 1993.  Despite having a rich husband, she retained her job as a primary school teacher.  We were really close and she always encouraged me to become independent and to be a self-sufficient young woman.  She repeatedly said that it would be embarrassing to make my husband buy me sanitary towels.  I admired her a lot.

...

If I were the president of Kenya, I would do my best to curb the nation's insecurity and provide stability, especially in the areas of human and food security.

...

My words of wisdom are:  "Take your piece of the world and run with it.  The net effect of people striving for different things will be to lift our nation in different realms".

..."

This accomplished lady has been in the forefront of the fight for the elimination of discrimination and protection of minorities.  Dr. Phoebe Asiyo was a Member of Parliament from 1979-1997, and she was the first African Chairperson for Maendeleo ya Wanawake Organization.  She has also been awarded the Order of the Grand Warrior, Kenyan Presidential Award.

" I was born in 1932, the daughter of a pastor and was raised in a missionary centre.  My earliest childhood memory is of seeing everyone around me dressed in white.  This included the nurses, male doctors and church workers in the centre.  It was a sight for sore eyes that always held connotations of tranquility and inner peace.

...

I view the late Tom Mboya as my hero.  I saw him as a very wise and intelligent politician.  Another source of inspiration to me is the author, Helen G. White, who wrote about human life, Christianity & religion, and of course Nelson Mandela.

...

The biggest lesson I have learned is that when you are disappointed some of the values you hold dear can be trampled on by those you least expect.  The one regret that I bear in life is that I did not have the chance to document the times during and after Kenya's independence as a nation.  I reckon it would be a different story when told from a woman's perspective.  I hope that by God's grace I will still have time to pen this story.

..."

Humanitarian Abbas Gullet began his journey with the Kenya Red Cross Society (KRCS) in 1985, as a National First Aid Officer.  Over the years, he has made his way up to become the Secretary General of the KRCS.  He was voted as the UN person of the year in 2007, and in 2009, was awarded the Utetezi (Civil Society) Award by the Kenya National Commission on Human Rights.

"...

I am an ordinary Kenyan, the second born in a family of three. I was born in Garissa, but grew up in Mombasa with my adopted parents because my birth parents died when I was very young. Though I grew up in a different culture from where born, I do not believe that I have missed much.

...

As citizens of the world, we need to appreciate that we are not an island and no single nation can survive on its own. We also need to spend time finding solutions rather than the problem identification that most of us excel at. We need positive and out-of-the-box thinkers who can steer us differently. Negative thinkers smother.

...

I have always been determined to do the right thing at the right time and I have a great desire to succeed at every endeavor. I desire to build an efficient and effective world class organisation in Kenya that can alleviate human suffering anywhere.

..."


Technocrat Dr. Bitange Ndemo is the brains behind the upcoming technology city, Konza, Africa's Silicon Savannah.  The Permanent Secretary of ICT, was a Senior Lecturer at the University of Nairobi before joining government.  He has been awarded the Chief of Burning Spear by the Government of Kenya.

"...

After completing my primary school education, I was accepted at a high school in Nyanza Province, but failed to register due to lack of school fees. I was forced to repeat a couple of classes so that my brother could complete his high school education. When my turn to join secondary school came, I kept transferring from one school to another, until I eventually completed my high school education at Ruiru High School.

...

Overcoming any challenge has always given me great gratification. Landing the fiber optic cable in Mombasa was a feat that defied all odds, and baffling when the Media tried to down play this achievement. I am also proud of my small accomplishments, such as assisting the university to modify their filing system. I believe that the ICT projects in progress will help revive the spirit of Kenyans. The idea behind the Konza Technology Bag signifies that we have broken away from the minimalist thinking derived from our colonial past. Kenya is fast embracing numerous technological advancements and breakthroughs, and we hope to be the hub of expertise in Africa.

..."

Rev. Dr. Timothy Njoya  holds two Doctorates: One from Toronto University, and the other from Princeton. He is the idea behind both the Multi-Party system and the newly realized and promulgated constitution of Kenya.  Rev. Dr. Njoya has written extensively on the topic of Human Rights and some of his major publications include: “Divine Tag on Democracy” (2003); “Out of Silence” (1987); and “Human Dignity and National Identity (1987). He is also the winner of 1995 E. H. Johnson Trust Fund Award as world’s most outstanding theologian and Church Leader.


"...

I became my own mother and father and did a better job of raising myself than any parent in Mukurweini could have done. Parents suffered tremendously during the Emergency period, and were not always around to raise their children as they were forced into communal labor. Because we had no parents to feed us, my sisters and I grew vegetables and milked our grandfather’s cows. We grew up that way.

...

I also believe that I have done more in liberalizing the minds of the people in Kenya than Kenyatta, Moi, and Kibaki. These Presidents simply continued with the legacy of mutation and delivered no innovations. Many Kenyan politicians are cut out of the same cloth as former Somalia President Siad Barre and Uganda’s Idi Amin. After all, how did we end up with the 2007-2008 post election violence?

...

My intellectual contribution to Kenya is everlasting. When people voted for the new constitution on the 4th of August 2010, it was like my serendipity. The new constitution is a donation by the people of Kenya to themselves and to me.

..."

Read more of these stories and others in "Life Journeys: Seeking Destiny,"(Women achievers) and "Life Journeys: Scaling Heights," (Male achievers) two ground breaking coffee-table books that present written vignettes of high-achieving women and men in Kenya.  


Each Woman and Man was interviewed by a young and talented Footprints Press collaborator who indulged in the mentoring moment as they sat at the foot of the hero before them.  The idea was to evoke a symbolic passing of the baton.

The women and men profiled include writers, musicians, politicians, corporate global players, professors, scientists, sportswomen, judges, artists, actors, clergymen, and more.  All are accomplished leading professional in their chosen fields and all have an option on the journey they have travelled and the wisdom they have gathered along the way.

Accompanying each narrative are resonating photographs which tell their own story and complete each vignette.

These books will surprise and inspire.

Both "Life Journeys: Seeking Destiny," and "Life Journeys: Scaling Heights" are available at Bookstop in Yaya, Text Book Center in Sarit Centre, Savanis Bookstore in Westgate, Silverbird in Westgate, Prestige next to 20th Century, African Book Service off Koinange Street, Deacons, Lisa's at Muthaiga Shopping Centre, and ABC Bookplace Ltd. at ABC off Waiyaki way.

Monday, September 5, 2011

Conversations With High Achieving Women In Kenya, Week 8 - Kenya's Women of the Week.

We are in week 8 of our "Kenya's Women of the Week," and next week, we'll start a combined "Kenya's Women and Men of the Week".  With the launch of "Life Journeys: Scaling Heights," conversations with Kenya's men achievers,
and the sequel to the "Life Journeys" trilogy, this past weekend, we'll be highlighting three men, each week, along with our three women, to continuously honor these individuals as they continue making a difference in our society.

Our women of the week, are:  Producer, Performer, and Writer, Mumbi Kaigwa; Lawyer, Activist, and former Member of Parliament, Josephine Odira Sinyo; and Global Corporate Executive, and Philanthropist, Dr. Susan Mboya.

Mumbi Kaigwa is a dynamic and versatile artist who has acted in various internationally recognized productions, and has also written several publications and songs.  In 2003, she was Eve's Woman of the Year in Arts and Music, in 1999, she was awarded Most Outstanding Actress in the Mbalamwezi Awards, and in 1979, she was awarded Best Actress by the National Kenya Drama Festival.

"I grew up on a farm in what was then the middle of nowhere with my parents, two brothers and one sister.  I am the youngest.  Leaving the farm was not easy, so I would stay at home for long periods of time.

...

I love the excitement of exploring different characters, the more complex the better.  I have been in plays from every continent.  Working with Tamaduni Players in the 1980s under Janet Badjian Young and Mumbi wa Maina were exciting times.  The really knew how to coax a performance out of an actor (you know you have to call us all actors now, the way you would not think to call me a Doctoress, just because I am a woman).

...

Artists give to society, they are not afraid to show you who you are.  The artist is a reflection of ourselves and it is a great honour to be the bearer of deep truth.

..."

Lawyer, Activist, and former Member of Parliament, Josephine Sinyo is a lady who has transcended the realm of mainstream reality and limitations, which most of us adhere to.  She has a Master of Law from the University of Hull, and is the Chairperson of the United Disable persons of Kenya.  In 2007, she was awarded the Order of the Grand Warrior, by H.E. the President of Kenya.


" I am proud of my blindness.  God knew that, only with blindness could I become what I am today, so, for me, blindness is a blessing.  If I were not blind, I would not be myself and would not have my education.  I have no regrets.  Whenever I make a mistake, I take it as a lesson and a stepping-stone to educate others.  Someone who dwells on regrets is a bitter person who is unable to forgive or forget and that is not me.  I am proud of my children and I love them.  I love my parents because they gave me a chance to attend school during my era.  I feel blessed and wait upon the Lord to fulfil my destiny.

...

I have struggled with many things in life.  Growing up in institutions meant university was a real struggle.  However, knowing God has given me special strength to overcome my struggles.

...

Life is but a dream that you have to visualise, actualise and realise.  It is like a passing wind - hours and minutes go and never come back.  So it is important to live for the moment.

..."


Global Corporate Exec., Dr. Susan Mboya, is the General Manager-Franchise, of The Coca Cola Company, in South Africa.  She is also the Founder and Executive President of Zawadi Africa Educational Fund.  In 2004, Dr. Mboya won the Corporate Marketing Award in Ebony Magazine's 5th Annual Outstanding Women in Marketing and Communication Awards.


"...

Our family was shattered by my father's assassination in July 1969.  My late mother sheltered us from some of the more difficult realities, including how she struggled to make ends meet and the pressures she felt from society following her new status as a widow.

...

John Pepper has a way of making people do what they do not believe they can.  Today, as the Founder of the girls scholarship programme, Zawadi Africa Education Programme, I have found this approach a sure way to unleash the full potential in talented girls who, like me, are not convinced of their capacity or capability.

...

As time wears on, I can only hope that I will have done enough to be remembered as a change agent:  one who made a contribution to change the trajectory of where we are going as an African Continent, a global people."


Read more of these stories and others in "Life Journeys: Seeking Destiny," a ground breaking coffee-table book that presents written vignettes of over 70 high-achieving women in Kenya.  

Each Woman was interviewed by a young and talented Footprints Press collaborator who indulged in the mentoring moment as she sat at the foot of the hero before her.  The idea was to evoke a symbolic passing of the baton.

The women profiled include writers, musicians, politicians, corporate global players, professors, scientists, sportswomen, judges, artists, and actors.  All are accomplished leading professional in their chosen fields and all have an option on the journey they have travelled and the wisdom they have gathered along the way.

Accompanying each narrative are resonating photographs which tell their own story and complete each vignette.

This book will surprise and inspire.

"Life Journeys: Seeking Destiny" is available at Bookstop in Yaya, Text Book Center in Sarit Centre, Savanis Bookstore in Westgate, Silverbird in Westgate, Prestige next to 20th Century, African Book Service off Koinange Street, Deacons, Lisa's at Muthaiga Shopping Centre, and ABC Bookplace Ltd. at ABC off Waiyaki way.