Arsenal Africa Mombasa Edition – 'The Aftermath'

The charity at St Barnabas Mission School

St Barnabas Mission School, Utange

With now a population of 350 children, St Barnabas Mission School was started in 2010 with only six(6) street children through an initiative by a former special needs teacher of St Peters Primary school, Bamburi Mombasa Kenya. The name Bamburi is derived from the local Bantu words "Ba" and "Mburi"; a town in Kisauni sub-county one of the 6 sub-counties that make up Mombasa County. 

Insider sources intimated that, 50 children attending the mission school are fully sponsored and are full time boarders at the facility’s dormitories. Trying to find out how the number rose from 6 to 350, it was informed that the friends who together helped to finance the facility used to advertise to the public and neighboring community about the availability of vacancies for orphans and/or less fortunate children that they are welcomed in the institution. The current director is called Mr. Harrison Gona. 

Visiting gooner from Ghana

Arsenal Kenya (host), alongside the visiting supporters club including Arsenal Tanzania, Arsenal Uganda, Arsenal Rwanda and Arsenal Ghana made generous contributions towards supporting the Mission school. Arsenal Zambia and Arsenal Zimbabwe though not represented physically equally sent out their contributions. The Nairobi branch treasurer, Mr. Stephen Gatimu confirmed that the total contributions made for the charity in the 3^rd edition was to a tune of over $700; part of which was used for budgeted expenses and the rest were to be banked to the Mission school’s account.

Personality of the Event

The only boy and a last born in a family of 4 children, TUYISENGE Bruno Leandre, the 25 year old Rwandan citizen; Operations Manager at Jibu Corporation (Kigali), was unopposedly named personality of the event persona at the Arsenal Africa’s annual Easter Festival in Mombasa Kenya, 

 TUYISENGE Bruno from Arsenal Rwanda

“…Is this Rwandan Gooner Bruno here? I think if there was an award for personality of the event he could have taken one. His enthusiasm while participating in every activity was up there…” said Dennis Njau, Arsenal Kenya President. It is from this comment that had made me do an up-close with Bruno.  

Being in the same SGR train with him en-route to Mombasa, and while I was taking photos of the contingent, I never seemed to master his name and on several occasions I kept asking him for the same. This ice breaker was what saw me speak to him for the first time and made me want to know more about him after the Mombasa trip. Here below is the excerpt of our tête-à-tête:

Lisa: Who is Bruno?
Bruno: I studied accounting but an engineer by training, currently working with Jibu Corporation. I have three sisters with many brothers (referring to his male cousins). My favorite drink is no doubt Mutzig and my best food has to be the Indian Chicken Biryani.
Lisa: Tell me a little more about Jibu Corporation.
Bruno: Jibu as a corporation is not only a business but also a family of opportunity to anyone who has a dream of becoming self-employed. Jibu exists in six (6) countries and has launched 75 franchises across the world. Jibu Motto is ‘don’t stress; drink Jibu water’. Any interested persons can check out our website at www.jibuco.com for more information.
Lisa: How do you feel after being named the personality of the event in the Arsenal Africa Mombasa edition?
Bruno: I feel motivated and it means that my trip was successful because I didn’t come to Kenya to just have fun; I also wanted to make sure I will be remembered for some good deeds. 

Lisa: How different was this charity from the rest that you have attended before?
Bruno: When the meals were being served, I did not like the idea that the children ate separately from the Arsenal fans. Instead the meals would have been served together and let the two groups mingle. Also, the fact that contributions made from different countries were not publicly announced in the charity in a way killed the spirit of contribution. By making known who contributed how much, in itself gives a positive motivation in challenging the different groups to want to outdo the other making it a healthy competition and the country with most contributions to walk tall with shoulders high.
Lisa: What’s your overall comment regarding the 3^rd Arsenal Africa festival, Mombasa edition?
Bruno: With a very good program tabled for the event, unfollowed planned activities, a little bit overpriced hotels and drink prices, disorganization, in a way tainted a well otherwise anticipated event that had over 40 Rwandans being in attendance. Because some people were working with fixed budgets, it proved a bit costly at some point. However, the charity activities, the hospitality, the warm reception and the friendly people made it all a worthwhile visit to Kenya.
Lisa: Will you attend the 4^th Edition of the Arsenal Africa Easter festivals planned for Kampala 2020?
Bruno: Yes I will be in Kampala.

Lisa: Why do you support Arsenal?

Bruno: Back in primary school we used to have championship competitions between teams, and we would name our teams based on names of soccer teams. I was always in team Arsenal and that’s how it all started.

Lisa: Who is your Arsenal favorite player?
Bruno: It has to be S. Carzola but he has since left. Nowadays my eyes are on Toreirra and Lacazette.

Memorable Moment

Et voila! Cupid, god of love favored us during this 3^rd edition! Someone got engaged and the cultural exchange is starting to bear fruits! Even though the fiancée and the fiancé were both Rwandan nationals, nonetheless we are happy to celebrate the union of Mr. Kenneth Ntaganda and Ms. Gwiza. A proposal from up in the blue skies thanks to RwandAir, to an engagement party at a famous beach club in the white sands of Mombasa Island graced with the beautiful waves rocking the salty waters of the Indian ocean, sure made all those in attendance believe it was a match made in heaven! It was an open affair and gooner friends were free to attend the after party. Sadly, there are no photos to compliment the beautiful moment but hey cheers to the newly engaged and we are wishing them a happy, blessed, long, marriage life with many children!

The attendees

It was nobly impressing to note that, as each year passes by, the number of participants attending the Arsenal Africa Easter Editions has been growing.  A total of over 200 arsenal fans graced the Mombasa edition for the 2019 Easter bonanza.

Rwanda:

Rwanda Arsenal fans at Elephant tusks, Mombasa

For the Mombasa edition, we had a record of over 40 travelling visitors who were in attendance.  The number would have been higher except for the border issues between Rwanda & Uganda that inconvenienced many of those who had wished to travel by road. From the 1^st edition in Dar Es Salaam 2017 to this 3^rd in Mombasa, Mr. Willy Kamanzi and Ms. Olive Owumariya have been the constant attendees. 

An observation about Rwandans? “…most Rwandans tend to keep to themselves and spoke a lot in their own local dialect; a non-Rwandan would have felt out place if in their midst…” a Kenyan, anonymously commented. This can be disputed as no research was carried out to ascertain the allegations. A source from the Rwandan team hinted that in the 4^th edition of Kampala 2020, there would have been upto 70 plus attendants owing to the proximity the two countries, but the Genocide Against Tutsi Commemoration week falling within that Easter period may gravely affect the numbers. The country of a Thousand Hills is fondly referred to as the 'Heart of Africa' by its citizens.

Tanzania:

13, is the total number of visitors from Tanzania who were in Mombasa. Notably, those in attendance were almost half the number of those who were in the second edition in Kigali, Rwanda 2018. Noticeably, there was no single lady from +255 who was in the 3^rd edition. 

Arsenal fans from Tanzania, at the Mission school in Mombasa

Usual suspects like Mboye, Matinya, Mboka, Jurgen, Machera, Juma, Don, Sam, Bepari, Kibbs, Muniko, were visibly in absentia. Trying to reach out to them, either work or family commitments formed part of the reason or the other why they never showed up. On the flip side it was refreshing to see new faces who were not in previous editions being in attendance. 

Moody and the rest we hope you keep up the spirit and never miss any future editions. Team TZ, we also strongly urge you to bring on-board more ladies the way you did in Kigali. We would like to see Joan, Hellen, Jacky, Irene, Aisha etc all being there come Kampala 2020.

Uganda:

Just like their good neighbor who borders them in the south, Uganda had 13 travelling gooners for the Mombasa edition. Similarly, there were no ladies from +256 who were present as well, a very stunning coincidence I must say. That notwithstanding, there was an increase of more than five(5) gooners compared to the number that went to Kigali, in the 2^nd edition. 

Uganda Arsenal fans maiden trip in an SGR

The presence of Dr. Hannington Mwesigye, Justus Baguma, Joseph Kavuma, Isaac Musasazi, Freddie Seruwu, Dennis Rwatooro, Ojwang Paul & Gabriel Kato, complimented the likes of Jacob Katumba, Meddie Bukenya, Mike Kagwa, David Agaba & Soule Kuteesa who were in the previous edition. 

As #TugendeKampala & #TulambuleUganda gains momentum, everyone else is looking forward to meeting Stellah, Allen, Atete, Phiona, a few of the many not listed Arsenal Uganda goonerettes who have been conspicuously absent since the first edition. 

For the Kampala 2020 4^th edition, we all hope Uganda will borrow good practices from the 1^st three editions and improve on the weak links to make Kampala edition one of its kind. Uganda, proudly refers to itself as The Pearl of Africa   

Ghana:

Ghana Arsenal fans aboard the SGR

Being the first West African nation to have its representation in the previously dubbed Arsenal East Africa Easter festivals, Mombasa edition was privileged to have Dickson Kojo and Bilkiss Mohammed (Kissu) in attendance. 

It will be noted that because of short notice, a lot of Ghanaians were not able to attend the Mombasa event but it is encouraging to note that a good number of them are hoping to be in Kampala, for the 4^th edition. 

Both Dickson and Kissu were in the country for more than a week and had an opportunity to visit different historical sites in both Nairobi and Mombasa. 

Dickson still considers Uganda as the best place to be in East Africa and he is definitely going back there soon. It is undoubtedly correct to say therefore, that he will be in attendance come the 4^th edition of the Arsenal Africa festivals in Kampala.

Zimbabwe:

Arsenal fans Zimbabwe at a past charity event

A confirmed number of 20 persons had been given for the contingent arriving from the South African nation Zimbabwe to attend the Mombasa edition. Hotels reserved and accommodation paid up for a month in advance, indicated that Stephen Ndungu, the official contact person for Zimbabwe team had his house in order to ensure he was not caught up in the Easter rush hour madness. 

Unfortunately, due to unavoidable reasons that cannot be mentioned here forth due to its sensitive nature, saw the whole Zimbabwe team cancel their safari to Kenya. Indeed a very devastating situation to the travelling fans and the host nation as well since it caused a lot of inconvenience to both parties. It is hoped that Zimbabwe will be in attendance in the forthcoming 4^th edition, come Easter of 2020.

Kenya:

They say ‘charity begins at home’, and without a doubt Kenya being the host nation of the 3^rd edition of the Arsenal Africa Easter festival had to lead by example. Unconfirmed report, indicated that there were approximately 120 Kenyans in the Mombasa event. During the 1^st edition, Kenya had around 25 representatives that visited Dar Es Salaam and over 50 participants who went to Kigali for the 2^nd edition. Because of Kenyans being just Kenyans and doing what they know best, a good number of those in the 1^st edition have been consistent during all the three editions. 

Kenya Arsenal fans at St Barnabas Mission school, Mombasa

Ann Nzau (Princess Anny), the famous keyboard warrior (pun intended) was not able to attend the Mombasa edition for known but ‘undisclosed reasons. Even in absentia, Anny and other individual persons were very helpful and Kissu and lots of other unmentioned visitors were grateful. 

Overall, the organizing committee, with the able leadership of Dennis Njau was however in charge of the event. Kenyans are forever indebted to all those that went against all odds to make the 3^rd edition a success. News flash is that; Kenyans will likely double the number that will be attending the Kampala 2020 edition, and the host nation better be ready to get overwhelmed.

Cultural Exchange - "...chased after her and made her mine"

'Don’t get it twisted love is a beautiful thing..’, the first sentence in the lyrics of D’banj’s (Nigerian renowned musician) song ‘fall in love’ takes me back to the story of Martin Murigu(Marto) and Vailet Aseka(Vaile). Their alias name is MartoVaile, a name formed by combining first name of Martin and Vailet, one which they put so much emphasis on and are fond of. I had a moment with them to find out more about their story. It’s amazing how cultural exchange is changing lives of Arsenal fans, day after the other.

MartoVaile, first photo together

“It all began on 29^th December 201-, Vaile recalls, “we had our usual Arsenal Kakamega branch Charity, took some photos and that’s when one of the branch members (name withheld) sent out my photo to a WhatsApp group where Marto is also a member. He saw my photo, and just like that he checked into my inbox. At first, I thought it was just a WhatsApp vibe, little did I know it was getting into me and the rest is history”, Vaile added.

Without blinking an eyelid, Marto was ready to reiterate what Vaile earlier told me. "We are a couple, real life couple, we do love each other”, Marto began. “I fell for her the day I saw her photo in a WhatsApp group, chased after her and made her mine. We love each other”, he affectionately said. Vaile who resides and works in Kakamega, a county in western Kenya and Marto, who is based in Mombasa because of work don’t seem to think distance has any impact in their relationship. She asserts that although she does miss him when he is away, to her distance is nothing ‘when someone is into the other’. She continues to say that they always find a way to cut out the distance.

MartoVaile, introduction party @Pontoon hotel, Mombasa

MartoVaile future plans? Marriage, maybe?  Marto answers in the affirmative and adds; “she was born for me and she is going nowhere, I am keeping her heart forever”. Vaile too is hopeful and says all in God’s time, they will cross the bridge when they get there. 

As I wrapped up, I asked each for a comment regarding the other. This is what they had to say; “Marto is my best friend, my confidant, I see a reflection of myself in him”, Vaile concluded. On his part Marto had this to say; “Vaile is my queen, my best friend, my rock, my world, the love of my life. She is my partner, my other half. I love her so much with everything that I am”. We wish the two lovebirds all the love this world has to offer. In the spirit of Arsenal let’s see what the future holds for the rest of us J. 

Real Heroes

Kenton Price (Kenny Price) who wore the Carilton Maina jersey labelled Number 1 in memory of the fallen Kenyan gooner who was shot dead by the police officers in Nairobi Kenya on 21st December 2018. Gone but not forgotten. Forever in our hearts. Continue Resting in Power Carilton Maina. 

Kenny Price (overlooking in an Arsenal jersey)

The late Carilton with Giroud

The late Carilton Maina was honored at the Emirates stadium in London during the Arsenal game against Cardiff city played on 29.01.2019.

 The slain university of Leeds engineering student was an ardent Arsenal supporter who severally attended home and away matches at the emirates while he studied at the University of Leeds. Carilton was a goalkeeper and was also described as a future leader and a role model KTN News, 29th January 2019 

To 'the Rwandan'; for the altercation with a Kenyan that took place inside the bus while on your way to check in at the hotel, 'chapeu' to you for the manly, mature way you handled the situation. Accept our apologies for damages caused and we would like to let you know that Kenyans are very friendly people and whatever happened should never have.

All those who cooked, cleaned, did shopping and helped in serving at the mission school.

All those who came through for our visitors in one way or another.

All those who contributed funds towards making the event a success.

All those who sacrificed their time and money to grace the occasion.

All those who extended their hospitality in their homes and hosted our visitors for a night or two.

And of course our official photographers Ken Wambua & Billy Mulure

We say Asante / Medaase / Weebale Nnyo / Murakoze / Merci / thank you!

Special thanks to: Kabatesi Immaculee, Butera Jesus, Adrian Mbanda, Edgar(rw) Valerie Kerubo, Dickson Kojo, Stephen Ndungu, Joan(ke), Dennis Njau, Stephen Gatimu, Bruno Leandre,  Stephen Matinya, Meshack(tz) & Kulwa(tz). 

Everyone is by now looking forward to the Kampala Edition planned for 2020 with the host being Arsenal Uganda. The hashtag created is #TugendeKampala2020, #TulambuleUganda2020 and the hosts already promise a thrilling, high profile never seen before event.
See you in Kampala 2020, for the 4^th edition of the Arsenal Africa Easter festivals!

#TugendeKampala2020!
#TulambuleUganda2020!

Stay tuned for teaser articles on the Pearl of Africa.

The writer of this article is a lifetime goonerette, who attended all the first three editions of the Arsenal Easter Africa festivals in Dar es Salaam, Kigali & Mombasa. She is also a freelance writer and a blogger at Up-close & Personal with LB

Arsenal Africa Easter Festivals, April 2019: Mombasa Edition (Part 3) – What You Should Know About Kenya

Kwibuka25      

Because it is the month of April, this article is dedicated to all our beloved friends in Rwanda. 7^th April of every year Rwanda marks the International day of Commemoration of the 1994 genocide against the Tutsi. 25 years ago, the most gruesome acts against humanity happened in Rwanda. Over 1,000,000 people lost their lives, millions destroyed, millions displaced, a country was left in shatters.

We the Arsenal family, take a moment of silence and join the rest of the world in praying for the people of Rwanda. We cannot say we understand the pain but we assure you of our love, our support, & lots and lots of hugs. Remember. Unite. Renew. Dennis, president Arsenal Kenya, promises free hugs and kisses to all Rwandans coming to Mombasa...!

Et Voila! Karibu Kenya! It is no secret that lately, I tend to focus my attention towards Kenya’s latest globally recognized glory moments that I keep finding myself ‘helplessly’ mumbling; “I am a proud Kenyan”. Over and above that, we will all acknowledge that, this ‘biasness’ of mine got justification that can be substantiated, no?   

Allow me, once more, to get biased and tell you a little more why you all Gooners & Goonerettes should attend the Arsenal Africa Mombasa Edition and more so make magical Kenya your travel destination!

The Country

Colonized by the British in the 19^th century, Kenya attained its Self-rule on 1^st June 1963 gazetted as a public holiday called Madaraka day, and later attained Independence on 12^th December of the same year, gazetted as a public holiday called Jamhuri day. Kenya has had three (3) presidents since its independence, with the current sitting president H.E Uhuru Kenyatta being the fourth. 

With the time zone of GMT +3, Kenya lies in the Northern Hemisphere and the Equator crosses five (5) of its town. Did you that the equator divides the African continent into 2 equal parts North and South? Now you know! Kenya has five (5) neighboring countries bordering her including Tanzania(South), Uganda(West), Ethiopia(East), South Sudan(North) and Somalia(East). The currency in Kenya is Shillings (KES) with an exchange rate of 100 to a dollar(keeps fluctuating). The highest court in land is Supreme Court, and Kenya is governed by one of the most progressive constitutions which was  promulgated in 2010. The country code is +254.

The People

With over 44 tribes, it is estimated that the population of Kenya as at 2017 was 49.7 million people, with life expectancy of female 68.9 and male 64.4, an average of 66.7 (WHO 2018).

People of Kenya are called Kenyans, who are generally very hospitable, generous, aggressive, hardworking, friendly and we are never ‘too busy’ to make time for strangers who later become friends. Kenya, is a Christian dominated country who makes up 84.8% of the population, Muslims coming second with close to 10% and other religions form the remainder of the population.

Nairobi

The only capital city with a National Park inside it, Nairobi boasts of a cosmopolitan population of about 6.5 million people. As a county with its governor Hon Mike Sonko, Nairobi holds two (2) United Nations (UN) headquarters and 22 other UN agencies, and is famously popular with investors touring Africa.   

With over 2,000 clubs/bars opened within the Central Business District (CBD) alone (Daily Nation, Wednesday, April 3, 2019, pg 19), our visiting gooners will be spoilt for choice on which entertainment spots to visit! 

While in Nairobi gooners can check out; The Space Lounge & Grill & Brew Bistro and Lounge (Ngong rd), Whiskey River Lounge & Club Sidai Oleng(Kiambu rd), The Switch Lounge (Off Thika rd), Alpha Lounge & Level 7 Lounge (Mombasa rd), Club Hypnotica & Aqua Blu Club Lounge (Waiyaki way),  64 lounge & Lazarus INN + 2,000 other clubs make up the rest of the bars in the City center. 

Remember Lazarus Inn is our venue for the Europa league match between Arsenal and Napoli scheduled for Thursday, 18^th April 2019

For one moment don't be carried away by the niceness of Nairobi, we have street beggars, random thieves, pickpocketers and petty crime offenders! Keep your phone where you can see all the time, avoid browsing your phone while sitting near a window in a moving vehicle, don't leave your drinks unattended to unknown crowds (ask any Kenyan the meaning of ‘kuekewa mchele’), if you get lost in Nairobi walk to the nearest building, locate a guard/soldier usually in blue and ask for direction. There are also pickpocketers and thieves at the ferry(Mombasa), take care of your personal belongings.

Don't take photos in prohibited places like; state house, government buildings, times tower, central bank building, ferry (Mombasa). Don’t even film our police officers if you see them taking bribes from moving vehicles, if they catch you (‘utalala ndani’) and you will miss out the Easter event. Luckily enough, we can take a million photos& videos in the SGR!

Nairobi is an almost a 24 hour economy city and you can buy almost anything you can imagine within the CBD. Nairobi comes alive at night, and loud music from bars/clubs hit the airwaves as early as from 1800hrs. The official time by government where bars can start selling alcoholic drinks is from 1700hrs GMT+3.

Shisha was banned in December 2017 by the government of Kenya stating its hazardous side effects and that it was part of the campaigns towards fighting drug abuse in Kenya. Anyone caught smoking Shisha stands to face a penalty of up to six (6) months jail term or a fine not exceeding Kes 50,000 (USD 500). We need you all in Mombasa, stay woke my people!

Inside a Nairobi Club you will find almost all alcoholic drinks you can name. All local beers are sold, as well as certain brands of whiskeys, rums, cocktails, spirits, brandy, wine, etc. The price ranges of beers are between $2 and $3. Friday nights are usually referred to as 'Members day' and all through to Sunday, Nairobi nights will make you think Kenyans do nothing else but just drink, drink, drink :-). Some clubs got dancing floors and some don't, but we all usually dance the night away anyway. Happy hours and Karaoke are very popular with most Kenyan clubs. Almost every club has a day for Reggae & Rhumba nights, with Sundays, Wednesdays & Thursdays being the most preferred days. You will find egg & smokie vendors outside Nairobi clubs. Its a common practice for Nairobians to buy a smokie or an egg with a Kachumbari on their way out or their way in to a club. Grab one sometime and feel the Kenyan vibe.

If you ever find yourself in any public service vehicle, don't be surprised when you see hawkers or preachers entering the buses. Usually, if there is loud music in the bus, the driver would switch it off and the preachers would be your pastors for the rest of your journey until you reach your destination. You don't have to really listen to the preaching but it would look rude if you put your earphones on or seen to be chitchatting with your friends. I mean, 20-30 minutes of preaching won’t kill you, would it?. Don't forget to give your offering as well. 

Mombasa

Situated along the coastal line of Kenya, Mombasa is home to many foreign tourists some who came and went back and some who never left! As a hot and humid coastal city in Kenya, Mombasa Island connects to the mainland through the Ferry that takes you to Likoni and through the Nyali Bridge that ushers in revelers from other parts of the country. Famously associated with the Swahili people, Mombasa largely holds Christian's and Muslims believers in almost equal number.  

First time in Mombasa? The temperatures there could go as high as 40°c accompanied by high humidity from the evaporating waters of the Indian Ocean. Most travelers to Kenya will need vaccinations for yellow fever, as well as medications for malaria prophylaxis and travelers' diarrhea. 

Malaria risk is high throughout the year in the whole country, but low in Nairobi and the immediate surrounding areas. Many Kenyans living in areas with low malaria transmission, such as Nairobi, have little or no immunity to the disease and can easily become infected when they travel to high transmission areas, such as Mombasa. Often enough, they start to develop symptoms after returning home to low-transmission areas.

Ms. Juliet Mbenia, a Trustee Member of the Arsenal Kenya and a Pharmtech by profession reiterates that; "Malaria prophylaxis is not a 'pick and choose' option". She adds to say that, "prophylaxis has to be started BEFORE travel to a malaria zone, (time dependent on which treatment), and for a prescribed period AFTER leaving the zone. In other words, before leaving home, and after going back home. To be effective, prophylaxis needs to be taken continuously from start to finish". Prophylaxis exists in form of tablets and you can get them over the counter at any pharmacy or chemist. "Don’t take any risks, malaria can be a killer. TAKE THE MEDS", Ms. Mbenia asserted.

Mombasa Starter Pack

Did you know deep inside the Indian ocean there is an island that no one is allowed to visit? Indian ocean is named after India because India holds a central location which is at the head of Indian Ocean. 'Mombasa beaches' is one of the reasons why tourists from all over the world go to Mombasa for vacation.

Mr. Stephen Ndung'u, Assistant Organizing Secretary Arsenal Kenya recommends light clothing & beachwear and lists starter pack for the extremely hot Mombasa island:- shorts, beach dresses, sleeveless, short-sleeves shirts & tops, sun hats, Sombreros, sun glasses, sun screen, sandals, beach shoes & flip flops, bikinis, bathing suits and swimming costumes. Dear beautiful goonerette, don't let that 'long awaited blind date' not to happen because of a bad hair day. Any hair style goes for you EXCEPT; wigs/weaves! (your expensive hair makeover wont survive the heat darling).

Also NOT to be forgotten the starter pack should include; mosquitoes & insect repellents, bottle of cold water, tickets & passport, cameras, prophylaxis & painkillers, asthmatic patients to carry their hospital insurance cards (in cases of emergency) and of course if you have to forget anything, please don't forget a pack of condoms just in case you get lucky :-),  rubber up, condomize it baby, AIDS is REAL! Listen to Attention na SIDA by Grande Maitre Franco Luambo Luanzo Makiadi 

Transportation

Kenya is a country with improved public transport road network. There are planes, boat, ship, ferries, buses, Matatus, local taxis, digital taxis, Tuk Tuk, Boda Boda, Bicycles etc and soon introducing the Bus Rapid Transfer (BRT) buses just like our good neighbors Tanzania and Rwanda. Speaking of which; have you ever heard about The Matatu Culture? Read on…! 

The Matatu Culture is all about celebrating the Matatu Industry though Art, Music, People & Culture. The artwork and graffiti displayed on Matatus are usually used as a form of communication and a way to create awareness in a wide number of topics like soccer, politics, public figures, trends etc (https://matwana.co.ke/). 

 Matatus are easily found in reasonably sized cities and towns that have plenty of services covering every major road and suburb ready to serve millions of people everyday. The ‘pimped’ Matatus are dearly referred as ‘Nganya’ by its users.

Digital taxis first came to Kenya in January 2015 in form of Uber Kenya. Four years later, we have over seven (7) digital taxis in Kenya including Little Cab, Taxify (Bolt) among several others. Uber is the most popular and is available in three (3) in Kenyan cities that is Nairobi, Mombasa & Kisumu. The fascinating thing about these app-based taxis is that, hiring a taxi is just a call away. Whether it’s midnight 12 or early 6, one doesn’t need to wait for Matatus to get started. Pick up your phone and book the cab through the application. 

Visiting gooners & goonerettes and especially those who like club hopping, are strongly advised to download at least one of the taxi apps as they will come very handy. Truth be told, digital taxis are the second best thing to ever happen after eating crocodile meat.

Communication    

We have three (3) networks across the country Safaricom, Airtel Kenya & Telkom (formerly known as Orange). Safaricom has the widest coverage in the country with about 26 million subscribers. M-pesa is the most popular product from Safaricom that not only Kenya has embraced it but also over 15 other countries in the world including Tanzania, Uganda, Ghana, South Africa, India among others. 

Good news is that M-pesa users can send and receive money worldwide! M-Pesa is a mobile phone-based money transfer, financing and micro-financing service, launched in 2007. Whenever you are in Kenya visit any M-pesa agent and you will be able to send money, pay bills and buy anything with Mpesa. It is fast, secure, convenient and very easy! No more hustling, karibu Kenya J

Language

The constitution of Kenya (2010), Chapter 2, Article (7) Section (i) & (ii) states that the national language of the Republic is Kiswahili and that the official languages of the Republic are Kiswahili and English. However, visiting gooners and goonerettes are informed that most spoken language in the streets of Nairobi and especially among the youths is Kenyan Creole (SwaNglish) popularly known as 'sheng', our street slang. 

The most spoken language in Mombasa is the coastal Kiswahili, more or less like the Tanzanian Swahili. Good news is that all Kenyans understand both Swahili and English and therefore our visiting friends will not have any cases of language barrier as long as you stick to any of the two languages.

Down the memory lane, and in a special way, I want to give a big shout out to: Matinya(tz), Daiddo(rw), Herbert(Rw), Jangwa(ke), Willy(rw), Stephen(ke), Olive(rw), Kibbs (tz), Mboye(tz), Fadhil(rw), Billy(Ke), Deno(ke), Dickson(gh) Edgar(tz), Wambua(ke), Eunice(ke) Titiboy(ke), Ooko(ke), Jurgen(tz), Bepari(tz), Kulwa(tz), Dennis(ug), Kampala Sevens, Kamy(rw), Freddy(tz), Verminator(ke), Olivier(rw), Milika(tz), Maurice(rw), Gabby(rw), PD(zm), Luwie(zm), Baah(gh), Getty(ke), Njishi(rw) and all those friends not mentioned here.

Psychologists say; “Not every friendship is going to be a ‘friends forever’ type of relationship; sometimes, it is about ‘friends of convenience’ and those we need most in a situation. And if things grow less convenient, and that individual isn’t available in the way that he or she once used to be, that’s actually alright! Cheers to friendship! To friends that never left".

#ArsenalAfricaFestival
#TukutaneMombasa

The writer of this article is a lifetime goonerette, who attended both first and the second editions of the Arsenal Easter festivals in Dar es Salaam and Kigali. She is also a freelance writer and a blogger at Up-close & Personal with LB

Arsenal Africa Easter Festivals, April 2019: Mombasa Edition (Part 2) - The Train Safari

Black Panther (sighted in Laikipia Wild Camp)

    

(Photo credits; Will Burrard-Lucas)

Did you know that in 2019 alone, between February and March; Kenya has made headlines across the globe for having two kinds of the rarests breed of animals? On 11^th February 2019, a British photographer captured rarest images of a black panther believed to be the first of its kind in Africa in a 100 years!

Remember the Superhero film, produced by Marvel Studios named Black Panther that premiered in theaters in February 2018? The film predominated with black casts, had our very own Mexican-based Kenyan, 2014 beautiful person of the year Lupita Nyongo featuring as Nakia. Isn’t it a beautiful coincidence that a year later; a movie themed around the mythical animal interestingly based within the fictitious land of ‘Wakanda’ in East Africa, is the same region in which the actual black panther was spotted and captured on camera?

Rare ‘Elephant Queen’, sighted in Tsavo National Park 

A month later, the same photographer, captures the never seen before photos of ‘Elephant Queen’, a female elephant with huge, long tusks that curve right down to the ground! It Is intimated that, less than 30 of these animals still exist in Africa. What a time to be alive! Isn’t Africa a rich continent? Aren’t we lucky? 

Never been to the Magical Kenya before? This is the right time to visit, be part of the history, don’t be left out! The host city Mombasa, has elephant tusks along Moi Avenue, come check them out and lets make lifetime memories!

(Photo credits: Will Burrard-Lucas)

And well guess what! With every ticking of the clock, the countdown continues and in slightly over a month from today, African Gooners and Goonerettes will visit Kenya, the home of champions, the home of The Big Five. Lovers of National Geography (Nat-Geo) documentaries, will appreciate more as this is going to be a fantastic chance to see more of real Kenya, the wildlife experience and the wildflowers, and enjoy the real train safari!

Thanks to the Standard Gauge Railway (SGR), Arsenal fans attending the biggest Annual Easter festival going down in Mombasa transiting via Nairobi, will have moments of their lives sightseeing most of the game range animals from Zebras, to Giraffes, to herds of elephants, Impalas, wildebeest, rhinos, cheetahs and when lucky enough, sometimes lions and leopards as the train cruises its way through the Tsavo National Park to destination Mombasa.

Can you name some of these animals which make up The Big Five? Karibu Kenya, and get a glimpse for yourself!

Arsenal Kenya national treasurer, Mr. Mathew Malusi (also known as Jangwa Kavu) confirms that close to 100 gunners attending the Easter event in Mombasa going by the SGR train have paid for their return tickets. The list includes Arsenal fans majorly from Uganda, Rwanda and Kenya. 

Other travelling fans will be using alternate means of transport including but not limited to: buses, flights, private means as well as hired tours and travel vans.  Travelling fans using the SGR train were required to have sent KES 2,100 or an equivalent of USD 21 by 15^th of March 2019 to Mr. Malusi to facilitate timely booking and reservation of seats for the contingent.

          

As previously shared to the travelling fans, the departure date shall be on 19^th April 2019 with the morning train that has a departure time of 8.20am GMT+3 from the Syokimau railway station (Nairobi Terminus) and the arrival time will be 14.20pm GMT+3 at the Miritini railways station (Mombasa Terminus).

The return date shall be on 22^nd April 2019, with a departure time scheduled at 15.15pm GMT+3 from the Mombasa terminus and arrival at the Nairobi terminus at 20.15pm GMT+3. The SGR train has two types of tickets; the economy class and first class. The main difference is the pricing of the tickets since the first class tickets go for KES 3,000 or equivalent of $30 while the regular ticket costs KES 2,000 or $20 if you like.

The SGR has undoubtedly become popular with Kenyan and foreign revelers ever since its grand commencement of operations in 2017. 

Even though its economy class ticket price was revised upwards to match up the price of a bus that plies Nairobi and Mombasa, its comfortability, alongside the availability of toilets and trolleys, with enough leg space and no fear of death by long distance Mombasa road trucks made it the better option for most passengers. The travel time has also reduced immensely, from 8-9 hours while in a bus, to 4.5 hours with the non-stop train.

There are both food and drinks being served at the lobby as well inside the train, even though they are a bit pricey. You may want to consider dining before boarding the train if you can’t afford their prices. 

In a snapshot of the menu prices recently shared by a member of Arsenal Kenya (photo credits to Ms. Terry Mbote), most snacks & bitings range from $0.5 to $3, while hot drinks range from $1 to $3. Main course meals will cost you around $3 while beers will cost you between $2.5 and $4. This is what you will pay for a drink or a biting at the waiting bay. It will be noted that prices inside the train may be the same or a dollar higher. 

Sadly, no drinks(alcoholic) from ‘outside’ are allowed in the train. However, revelers who purchase drinks at the waiting lounge can get it in with them upon producing a receipt of purchase. Your bags will be checked and if found with drinks from outside you will have to involuntarily give them away. So if you don’t want to reach Mombasa ‘sober’, you may possibly need to be loaded with heavy wallets! 

Do take note the security at the train terminus is almost as thorough as at the airport. Traveling fans need to be at the station at least one hour before departure to facilitate the many bag searches and checks. There are three check points, plus a sniffer dog as well as a pat down. Remember the maximum bag weight is 30 kgs. The train does not wait for anyone and refund might be tedious, so just keep time! Good thing is that the travelling gooners will meet up on the eve of good Friday possibly at the Lazarus Inn, Moi Avenue and assemble at the same place on Friday morning before catching the commuter train from the CBD railway station, that leaves at around 06.00am GMT+3.

Visiting gooners from neighboring countries as well as Kenyans (who will have contributed to the event kitty) are informed that their transportation to and from the Miritini train station and movement within Mombasa have been catered for in the following ways;

a). Pick & drop from Mombasa terminus to the hotel (Friday, 19^th April 2019).
b). Pick & drop from the airport (Moi Int’l, Mombasa) to the hotel (Friday, 19^th April 2019)
c). Pick & drop from the hotel to the venue of introduction party (Friday, 19^th April 2019).
d). Pick & drop from the hotel to the charity venue (Saturday, 20^th April 2019).
e). Pick & drop from the hotel to the cultural heritage site, and later for the match screening  of the Arsenal game (Saturday, 20^th April 2019).
f). Pick & drop from the hotel to the Mombasa terminus (Monday, 22^nd April 2019).
g). Pick & drop from the hotel to the airport (Moi Int’l, Mombasa) (Monday, 22^nd April 2019)

Meal cards or meal vouchers with full names of the above mentioned group will be provided and given access to two meals per day i.e. lunch and dinner alongside two drinks either taken over lunch time or diner time.

In order to accord enough support to the visiting fans, each supporters fans club has been allocated a host leader on the ground to facilitate logistics. They will be as follows: Arsenal Tanzania shall contact Pauline Njoki, Arsenal Rwanda shall be in touch with Dennis Njau, while Arsenal Uganda will have Gilbert Mososi as their contact person. In the same spirit, Arsenal Zimbabwe will have Mathew Malusi as their contact person. Any other visiting supporters team (including Arsenal Ghana, Arsenal Zambia, Arsenal Nigeria etc.) that may not have been assigned a contact person will be attended to by Stephen Ndungu (not cast on stone, as maybe subjected to change).

Arsenal Kenya is excited to be hosting you all in this 3^rd Edition of the Arsenal Africa Easter festival bonanza and we say Karibu Kenya, Hakuna Matata! 

#ArsenalAfricaFestival
#TwendeMombasa

The writer of this article is a lifetime goonerette, who attended both first and the second editions of the Arsenal Easter festivals in Dar es Salaam and Kigali. She is also a freelance writer and a blogger at Up-close & Personal with LB