War cemeteries of Nairobi

War cemetery ©muokikioko2016

Did you know there are war cemeteries in Nairobi!? Strangely as you walk past the graves the inscriptions read world war 1, world war 2 and ALL have foreign names of origin.
This got me asking myself haven’t Kenyan’s ever been involved in war ie drugs, livestock, wildlife, crime, territory, etc. Is there any place in Kenya for Kenyan War Hero’s or are there no Kenyan’s who’ve fallen at/because of war Or do local’s simply don’t value them?

photos and text
©muoki kioko
2009-2016
email:muokikioko@gmail.com

A weekend out in Siaya

Everyone’s heard of K’ogelo, where US President Barrack Obama’s father comes from. K’ogelo is in Siaya County. The nearby headquarters for this county is ‘Siaya town’.

Evening Rush 'Siaya Town' ©muokikioko2015

As evening settles in siaya town, like in most parts of Kenya there’s a rush to get home for some as others settle together to catch up at local social joints for the evening like

Lounge

at this ‘lounge’ in the heart of the town.
Those seeking dinner can sample out the lounge’s meals or seek out ‘auntie Hellen’s’ for that finger licking Good home Made meal.
(they will soon be offering Accommodation with hot shower’s.
For about 4500shillings (locals rate) you can get accommodation at the ‘Siaya County Club’. Other accommodations are spread out off the town centre including outskirts of K’ogelo.
More on what to do around k’ogelo places to visit during the day will be featured on www.siayakababa.wordpress.com

photos and text
©muoki kioko
2009-2015
email:muokikioko@gmail.com

Touring Somali Businesses ..

350 Bob ($4) will get you
1. a starter in a European restaurant
2. a single plate in an African city centre restaurant
3. a tray that eats 2-4 people in a somali restaurant
ALL located in the CBD.

Somali businesses have changed how Nairobi as a business hub works – period!

©SOMALI BUSINESS IN COLUMBUS.
PHOTOS | BEN FRENCH

A tour of how they started – most as refugees to how they are transforming businesses and buildings in Nairobi will reveal a lot about this community that is mostly portrayed negatively with little appreciation of their massive contribution to the economy.
Ask any working class mother with disposable income if ‘Eastliegh City’ [aka “little Mogadishu/ Garissa lodge” ] has never been a part of their conversation when seeking New clothing at fair pricing.
My experience with them as business people can be summed up with this personal experience.
Lunch hour (1:00pm) they close business to attend to prayers.
I bought electronic gadget as their 1st client in the morning, ‘their was very little hugling over price as they opened their book for me to see their margin.’ The receipt was marked at top as 1st receipt. On returning with a query about bought item their 1st request was for my receipt which was promptly stapled where it was plucked from then i was given My Full refund to hold in hand after which my query was dealt with being given All options they had available. I also found them more forthright in information regarding my enquiry.
That’s my experience, but even more interesting is a tour of their business culture and changing face of their youth mostly brought up or born here- from housing to business enterprises.

Text & Images
©Muoki Kioko 2009-2015
email: muokikioko@gmail.com
All rights reserved.

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Visiting Dunga Beach

This is an overnight trip. Doing 80-100kph, if you leave Nairobi at noon by sunset you should be there comfortably having passed through Nakuru, kericho, 

then onto Kisum ‘dalo’
There are a number of hotels to cater for all categories within or around the town centre.
Next morning head south of the town past Swara game reserve onto a murram road that brings you to a gate at Dunga beach. If you’re early you will be Lucky to find the fish market going on, if not the locals have formed an association that can both provide a fun relaxing (and educative) boat tour or a tour of the beach where you learn about some of the 300+fish types of Lake victoria

As for the experimentative types borrow/hire a local fishing line

and bait a ‘small’ fish at the shore line which can be dip fried for you on the spot.
Those interested in birding too

the guides are also well versed in birds.
Now, you’re surely not going to leave the Lakeside without tasting their kienyeji ‘fis n ugali’ that’s the highlight of you’re day.
(Be time concious unless you intend to spend another evening in ‘Kisum’ – I can assure you the activities and hospitality of the guides & locals can carry you away!)
There are cold drinks served at the beach and you can select fish from the local fish venders that can be either cooked or oil dried for home or as a snack on the way back.
Leaving at 1:00pm should get you back into town by 6:30pm

Should you need a contact to guide you or give you more info:
Dunga Ecotourism & Environment Group
P.O.BOX 3954 – 40100
Kisumu Kenya
Tel: +254 715 604 993 / 725 139 574

Text & Images
©Muoki Kioko 2009-2015
email: muokikioko@gmail.com
All rights reserved.

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Genius Art on drainage systems

Someones brilliantly seen beyond drainage. Where as drainage is considered as a place to direct whatever is displeasing to the eyes or noses. However this artist decided to make use of this trait brilliantly incorporating it in their drawing. Hair that flows but at same time signifying rebellion.
With the mouth literally spewing out aloud as the feeder pipe empties into main drainage.
I wonder,is this art done out of rebellion or as a form of social expression!
Interestingly it’s also done in an area [location] that cannot be missed by anyone passing by be it on foot or by car, making the best use of the days light.
The drainage infrustracture has also been used to create depth of field [*see mouths]

Text & Images
©Muoki Kioko 2009-2014
email: muokikioko@gmail.com
All rights reserved.

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Capital hill – Nairobi

Beauty of capital hill.

street photography

Downtown Nairobi Photography

Organs of Power

Money and Power

Money and Power are organs worshipped by many around the world. Their’s no exception in this country, and organs that control these two have not only developed over the last century mainly in this town, but so have institutions and structures that support them.
Where they started, how they’ve developed, the journey and it’s changing environment provide an interesting tour that culminates on a dias made purposely to allow you take in the panaroma.
How much of this is about to change, are the signs visible, and why?
Have the players just placed themselves in…

Copyright Reserved
All images and Text
Muokisphotography@yahoo.com
2009 – 2014
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National Museums nature Garden

Just a kilometre from the city centre covering ALL habitats in Kenya starting with indigenous highland/mountain vegetation & trees to

Dryland succulents across the country and wetlands. Has paved paths taking you through these habitats and even covers

Grasslands info.
Educative, relaxing, cool, green and beautiful 1.5-2hr trail strolling. Secure parking available with possible future access to Michuki Park along Nairobi river.

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All images and Text
Muokisphotography@yahoo.com
2009 – 2014
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Elangata Waus

©ewemp

A wooded to Savannah Range stretching from the escarpments of the Rift Valley to the salt pans of Lake Magadi, rolling with game that includes Giraffe, lesser kudu, Lion, Gerenuk(Giraffe antelope)…not forgetting wild dogs and resident hyenas.
Accommodation is at ‘Sinya Omelok’ and ‘Kilonito Camp’ from which Lake Kuenia and Lake Nonkoojit can be visited for Views of Oryx and Cheetah.
The local maa people provide opportunities for cultural exchange mainly around August.
Getting there: 90 minutes from Nairobi. Take mombasa road till Athi River where you turn into Namanga road. Go past Athi River and just after Kajiado town take the dirt road(1st junction after kajiado Hospital turn off) on your right.
Go down this earthen road until past 2 river bed’s, turn right n past rail crossing for 5kms. Sinya Omelok camp will be halfway up escarpment to your left. In dry season 2wds get here comfortably.
Bookings can be done through Tel: (+254 2) 751319 email:oderaj@africaonline.co.ke

Copyright Reserved
All images and Text
Muokisphotography@yahoo.com
2009 – 2014
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