Coastal History

THE SWAHILI COAST of Kenya faces the warm blue water of the Indian Ocean and extends for a distance of about 536kms, from the border with Tanzania in the South to Somalia in the North. Much of the shoreline is covered by a continuous strip of magnificent white soft sand beach, protected by an unspoilt coral reef that has been compared in equal terms to the Great Barrier Reef of Australia and the Red Sea Coral Reef. The beaches are backed with coconut palms, frangipani and casuarinas trees, interspersed with exotic mango and avocado trees, floral shrubs and bougainvillaea. Forests of mangroves to the far south create a beautiful ecological zone and huge baobab trees grow along the north coastal strip. A short distance inland from the coast, the land is traversed by scores of streams and rivers that seasonally flow from the high ground, through jungles and narrow fertile plains to the sea.

South Coast

The south coast offers a sense of separation from the rest of Kenya and the introduction to an even more relaxed pace of life than the rest of the coast. This is due in part to the fact that the road south of Mombasa Island crosses the channel on the Likoni Ferry. No bridge, just the ferry, which slowly carries passengers and vehicles back and forth. With luck, you'll get to the other side without the ferry breaking down and drifting while they try to fix it (it's OK, it doesn't happen that often).

Once off the ferry, you can head south to Tiwi and Diani Beaches. Tiwi is nice but Diani is simply incredible. If you have ever imagined a "perfect" tropical beach, Diani is the place. Beautiful soft white sand, clear water, a reef only twenty minutes of easy swimming offshore, and palm trees lining the beach make Diani what it is. Diani is definately one of Kenya's top beaches, and I have plenty of friends who will readily agree.

Most of the hotels offer the usual boat rides and windsurfing for a price, and it isn't hard to get involved in a volleyball game. Snorkeling equipment is also available for rent and scuba diving is becoming more popular. If you just want to relax, however, take a walk down the beach, enjoy the sun and try not to think about leaving.
Most people heading farther south don't stop until they hit Shimoni, but there are numerous beaches between Diani and Shimoni that are well worth stopping at and generally much more secluded. Shimoni is the base for those who love sportfishing. It is also worth a visit to the coral caves which are the area's namesake (shimo means 'cave' in Swahili). The caves were apparently a secret refuge from the Maasai and other raiders (and some say from slavers) and are reached by descending a ladder through a hole in the ground. The caves extend about 20 kilometeres (about 12.5 miles) underground.

Just south of Shimoni is Wasini Island, which is only one by five kilometers. There are no cars and it only takes a couple of hours to walk around it. The best part is the snorkeling in the nearby Kisite-Mpunguti National Park, which is amazingly good. The water is crystal clear and deep enough to see some sizable fish.

Swahili shawl a hot item in fashion world

Kikoi is a popular fashion item these days, centuries after it found its way to East Africa possibly from Arab traders at the coast. The latter wore it as they plied the coastline either to sell various wares or on expansionist missions.
The kikoi has gradually ceased to be just a traditional symbol of differentiating ethnic groups and has continued to develop its very own character.
For example, tourist Rebecca Myre from UK, during her December tour of Loldia House in Naivasha, explained to Peter Njoroge, the manager of the lodge, why she though the kikoi is a symbol of safari.

“When travelling by road in either Tanzania or Kenya, I have noticed a lot of kikois being sold on the way. That makes me associate the fabric with travelling.”
It is hard to believe that the kikoi was once associated with male attire. Traditionally, it was meant for men in hot and humid countries.
Today, things have changed and the kikoi has become a must-have clothing for all ages, sizes and sexes.
In fashion, the kikoi has not passed the local and international designers eyes unnoticed thus the numerous designs of kikoi garments flaunted in different shopping malls here at home and away.
“The good thing with the kikoi fabric is that it is unlimited when designs come into question.
"One can tailor a traditional/cultural themed casual wear, a sexy outfit say for dinner, or just a casual weekend wear. Kikoi is one fabric that has found acceptance in parties to the most serious of corporate affairs functions,” said Jacqueline Muthoni, a designer and the owner of Jaqcklin’s fashion at Narshi House, Nairobi.
Internationally, one can now place an order from the kikoy.com who insist that it is a great way to buy a gift for friends and loved ones. The site further expounded on how to go about the purchasing of the kikoy; Buy a gift certificate just like any other product by adding one to your shopping basket.

When you’ve made your purchase, an email gift certificate will be sent to the recipient you specify. It will contain a code that can be easily entered when making a purchase allowing the recipient a discount of the gift certificate value.
Gift certificates will expire 6 months after they are purchased. The site further explained.
Due to its quick spread, a kikoi has intern evoked over a hundred ways to wear it. Some use it as a sarong to a shawl or a turban. People also wear it as a beach costume or beach towel. To those young at heart, adorn a kikoi in form of a hat,
belt, scarves and even carry them as rag sucks.

And those who theme their houses traditional, a kikoi can serve as a curtain and wall hanging! Other Kikoi uses include decorative furniture throw, table cloth, beddings and shawls.
These beautiful pieces of woven cotton material are exclusive to the East African coast, in particular Kenya. They are woven with the finest cotton grown in the region to come up with a final product which is comfortable to wear, stylish and exudes art.
With it’s vibrant colours and the use of old weaving methods combined with the new threading, kikoi has continued to remain on top of the game. The kikoi garments have a way of fascinating especially if you are courageous enough to be a little adventurous.
With no definite formula to wrap a kikoi, or to hold them up, people end up tying with amazing skill and complexity. You can also simply wrap your kikoi around the middle, or hips, or anywhere to get a desired look.
Unlike other materials that become ragged with age, a kikoi toughens and become more cherished with a
Story by IRENE NYAMBURA, Daily Nation

We support Balala's bid for the presidency

By Najib Balala

I am excited and overwhelmed to appear before what I consider to be an important occasion for all those who believe in the political stability and future prosperity of our country.Today, I need your support to offer a noble service to my nation. As your humble servant, I need your approval and backing as one of the Orange Democratic Movement presidential candidates.
Mine is a call to serve my people and my country. I have the strongest conviction and a most fertile vision for this nation. I refer to a generation change and quality leadership for posterity.
I want to make it clear to my colleagues in ODM-Kenya that my aspiration is not a passion for personal ambition and should not imbue enmity within us. Rather, it should be a benchmark for a united platform to provide a common stand to face our adversaries.

Let us heal the wounds of divisions and stifle the voices of personal ambition; let us dig deep within ourselves in soul-searching and place our convictions to provide a better option. Let us free ourselves from the safety of tribal, ethnic and religious cocoons and appeal to Kenyans to take pride in cultural diversity. It should always be a source of wealth and prosperity and not hatred and animosity.

My vision is not only for free primary and secondary education, but also securing jobs. My vision is not only of primary health care, but universal. My vision is not only freedom of association, but also incorporation and egalitarianism of youth and gender.
My vision is not just for economic prosperity, but also powerful institutions of social justice. My vision is not only for political and religious liberties, but also a wholesome system of social, economic and political liberation.

I promise to invest in strong institutions that will hold our nation together through a people-driven constitution that will ensure prosperity for the generations to come. I promise to seek the advice of the best brains of our nation to enhance the social, economic and political status of our people.

The answer lies in the discipline of our convictions. I cannot say that there will be zero tolerance to corruption and be the first not to exemplify in words and deeds myself. I cannot say my government will provide millions of jobs annually and not have a solid plan for doing that.
I cannot say I will give a new constitution in 100 days and betray the faith of my people and the conviction of my promise. I cannot say I shall provide free primary education and have many drop out due to scarcity of secondary schools and university places.

Were once told that we would have water and healthcare for all by 2000. We were told that we would be a newly developed country by 2015. As we move closer to the dates, tunes have changed and now we hear of Vision 2030! We are no longer that gullible.
For how long are we going to wait? Positive change must come now! The world is changing and progressing; Kenya cannot be left behind. The potential remains enormous and untapped. It is change that I pledge to you.

I know that it is possible to transform this country from the quagmire of tribal politics into a real social democracy. It is possible to get rid of the grinding combination of poverty and disease; it is equally possible to liberate ourselves from the shackles of mediocrity and nepotism.
We will uplift the lives of marginalised people by putting in place structures of a federal system of government through which we will empower them. That much I pledge to you — a real break from the past.

We hear much about the more than five per cent economic growth and a working nation. But it is neither just the question of economic growth figures and rhetoric of a working nation nor is it a question of GDP. GDP must translate into jobs and food for our people.
Indeed, it must translate into irio, pilau, ugali, school fees and above all multiple voices that determine the direction our country takes.

We will not develop and make life better for our people unless we make the investment environment amiable to local and foreign investors. The private sector is the engine of any economy. My government will change the attitude of institutions that hinder business.
From the Kenya Revenue Authority to NEMA, things will have to change so that they promote and facilitate economic development without compromising core duties.
When that happens, our motherland will be a great nation that it was meant to be. We need to establish a new Kenya, new leadership and new ways of doing things for our people in kiosks, jua kali, business and agriculture. The time to act is now and I promise action.
Kenya is crippled by insecurity. No one is safe. It is obvious that burglarproof doors and high fences have never, are not and will never be a source of security. Neither will the barrel of the gun be, for violence begets violence. We need measures informed by research, policy changes and an independent and effective police force.

Only when and if that happens will there be a possibility to create a secure social environment where business can thrive, people move freely, property is safe and the youth will be in schools and colleges not planning bank robberies and violent crime.
Security will be my priority. For me, security means a good economy, freedom, social justice and democracy.

When we advocate security, we must ensure there is security in Kenya; when we advocate peace in the world, we must ensure that there is peace in this country; when we preach equality we must ensure that there is equality in our midst; when we castigate corruption, we must make sure it begins with us; when we talk accountability and transparency, we must practise what we preach.

This is a long journey that I have embarked on — a grand march. A march that is replete with challenges, dangers and scepticism. But as I walk with you, we shall overcome. I shall move with an unshakable conviction that you will be with me all the way until victory dawns on us.
We shall climb the mountain together and if we tire or falter, we shall draw from each other’s strength and hope to rise again.
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Najib Balala is the Mvita MP and an ODM-Kenya presidential hopeful.

This article was published by The Standard newspaper