2023 MAASAI MARA- WILDBEEST MIGRATION

We are at an epic season when over two million wildebeests and other herbivores like zebras, gazelles among others move in mass number across unforgiving and  croc infested Mara River from Tanzania side, Serengeti to Mara in Kenya. 

The migration is triggered by region's rains and the animals follow an age-old route in search of fresh grazing and water. This epic journey takes the wildebeest across the Maasai Mara plains in Kenya, all the way south into Tanzania’s Serengeti and the edge of the Ngorongoro Crater, before circling up and around in a clockwise direction.

It is generally believed that the Great Migration is dictated primarily by the wildebeest’s response to the weather. They move after the rains and the growth of new grass, essentially following a natural instinct to find food to stay alive. Some experts believe that the wildebeest are triggered by distant lightning and thunderstorms, but there is no scientific proof of it.

TOURISM: MAJOR FESTIVALS IN KENYA

Kenya is a country with diverse indigenous festivals some rooted in culture domain whereas others are celebrated for awareness, leisure and conservation purposes. Some of the major festivals that take place in Kenya include; Rhino Charge, WRC Safari Rally, Lewa Marathon, Lamu Yoga Festival, Rusinga Cultural Festival, Lake Turkana Festival and Maralal Carmel Derby. Each festival has a unique function to the immediate community (s) where they are held. 

1. RHINO CHARGE

Is an annual off-road 4X4 competition in Kenya by Rhino Ark Kenya Charitable Trust (NGO). Last year the event took place on 3rd June in Mosiro, Kajiado County. The aim of the competition is to raise funds to support the NGO’s activities of conservation and protection of Kenya’s mountain range ecosystems.

2. WRC SAFARI RALLY

The Safari Rally is Kenya’s premier motoring event born in 1953. In 1973, the FIA World Rally Championship was established and has 13 rallies spread across 6 continents. The seventh round of the World Rally Championship (WRC) was recently held in Nairobi and Naivasha on June 23-26 this year, celebrating its 70th anniversary and 50th year in the WRC save for the 19 years hiatus (2002-2019).

 3. LEWA MARATHON

The Lewa Safari Marathon takes place in June every year according to event organizers. The marathon has supported wildlife conservation and community development for the last 23 years. It aided to preservation of black rhino population and grevy zebra, in addition to providing healthcare, water, funding Lewa education programs and improved infrastructure for communities. The funds raised in Lewa marathon has always been invaluable to thousands across the country. 

4. LAMU YOGA FESTIVAL

The event took place in June 25th to 29th as Lamu Old Town and Manda Island play hosts. Some of the activities expected are yoga classes and meditations offered over five days at 12 unique venues and studios. From early-bird yoga on the beach to meditation under the moon, the festival offers something for everyone, from experienced practitioners, newbies, to the curious souls and everything in between

5. RUSINGA CULTURAL FESTIVAL

A two-day event of the year that takes place each December on Rusinga Island on Lake Victoria. The festival is full of Suba cultural activities filled with music, fashion, film, food, artistry, literature, sports and conversations. It’s a cultural answer to the question, “Can a people die?” Due to assimilation and intermarriage with the Luo, the Suba culture has been under pressure and the language is now listed in UNESCO’s Red Book of Endangered Languages (2003). Rusinga Festival has grown tremendously to become a trademark in the Kenyan cultural festival's scene. It’s the biggest cultural event in Western Kenya.

6. THE LAKE TURKANA FESTIVAL

Takes place annually in Loiyangalani, a small town located on the south-eastern coast of Lake Turkana. The name means “a place of many trees” in the native Samburu tongue and is home to the El Molo, an almost extinct community, amongst other communities. Its main industries include fishing, tourism and gold panning. It is fast becoming a popular tourist destination in Northern Kenya, as the surrounding El Molo and Turkana villages, amongst others, offer unique cultural experiences. The 3-day carnival is a celebration of the rich cultures of the El Molo, Samburu, Gabbra, Rendile, Watta, Dasannach and the Turkana all who live around the Jade Sea. 

7. MARALAL CARMEL DERBY

Happens each year in the northern region of Kenya in Samburu. It’s a spectacular festival packed with a variety of events, especially camel races with contenders from all over the world for both amateurs and professionals. It brings color and action to the streets of Maralal as the finest camels gather for the big race. Maralal is a haven for nomadic cultures and the town is a popular stopover for travelers looking for some form of adventure in the great unspoiled wilderness areas.

These events have played major roles in cultural and environmental conservation through partnership with local communities and authorities. The impact of these festivals has seen mass attendance of tourists and locals which has promoted economic diversity in the country.

AFRICA TRAVEL WEEK TREND REPORT 2023 (REVIEW)

It’s estimated that by 2026, Millennials and Gen Z will be responsible for more than 60% of luxury spending across all industries, up from 39% in 2019. 2023 experienced a shift especially on luxury traveler becoming more younger compared to previous years. As a result, the travel and tourism industry are forced to shift their service delivery. These travelers are young (in their late twenties, thirties, and forties), savvy, and craving connection with others, nature, and themselves.

Research shows that this generation would rather spend money on a holiday than invest in real estate. The new luxury traveler spends more money and time in one destination, get more involved in the community, wants less packing and unpacking and prefer to use one base that they can call ‘home’ while exploring the area or heading off on day trips to nearby locations.

The report shows that the multi-generational travel trend docks on one place rather than changing location every day or two. As a result, most families now opt to spend up to five nights at a single lodge.

In other words, they want memorable experiences by meeting people who change their lives, and as they gain new perspectives. Transformational travel and conservation are things they want to be involved in. Thus, the industry needs to open itself up to entirely newer ways of service delivery.

The industry, especially travel suppliers, needs a fresh marketing approach since its marketing to a new traveler. The recommendation according to the report shows that going forward, Instagram will be a key focus for travel brands since most of the younger generation who adds up to prospective travelers use this platform to look for inspiration for trips by scrolling through photos and watching reels.

In addition, all marketing materials for the industry need to reflect the new luxury traveler. The front of the e-brochure should focus on the image of a young family or solo traveler participating in something extraordinary instead of the traditional smiling retired couple.

Finally, adventure tourism is trending. For those seeking a thrill, Africa is the ultimate playground. Whether scaling Mount Kilimanjaro, rafting down the Zambezi River, or bungee jumping off the Victoria Falls Bridge, there’s no shortage of heart-pumping experiences to be had on the continent. And with adventure travel continuing to grow in popularity, Africa is poised to be a top destination for years to come. A colorful look at the trends shaping the travel industry in Africa. From the power of color to the influence of Netflix and the allure of adventure, there’s something for everyone on the world’s most vibrant continent.

Inset: Borrowed image of Cruise Ship MS NAUTICA

DEVASTATION IN KENYA

DEVASTATION IN KENYA

Tuesday, 13th July ,2023,  shouts, war cry and bonfires hit the country with loss of lives and property destruction including iconic Nairobi Expressway- Mlolongo section. The national wide mass protest called by Azimio opposition leader Hon. Raila Odiga caught the attention Kenyans including those who voted for the Kenya Kwanza Government due to what they named as repulsive 2023 Financial Bill. 

In the Bill are new taxes with a double fuel levy which has spiked the cost of living above the roof. Most Kenyans now survive on one meal or go hungry all together. Despite the cry by wanjiku, the Kenya Kwanza Government has stamped its authority to force the bill into a law after majority side in the parliament voted for it. These has made the hustler government obnoxious to Kenyans of whom the opposition has taken advantage of for mass action and demonstration.

With such intense rivalry between the Government and Opposition, it's was easier for Kenyans to come out in numbers on streets to protest against the highest cost of living ever recorded since Kenya became a republic. Long distance travel Sacco's parked vehicles at their respective offices across the nation disrupting travels. They too claimed doubled fuel levy will hurt their business. Meanwhile, the tax man, KRA, lost 3B shillings in revenue collection which has a long term effect overly. 

The July 13th demonstration was a day's warfare between the civilians and police leading to chaos and death. Each side blames another for hiring goons to sponsor chaos instead of embracing peace. The bonfires allover reminded me of the 2007/8 PEV which left much suffering, deaths and property destructions. When civilians express their dissatisfaction on streets, the country is in danger of falling into anarchic. 

However, who bedevils civilians? What makes them think by destroying properties they will be heard? Who benefits and who looses in such draconian violence? Is their no other way to address such issues? Why is the government turning a deaf ear and blind eye to its electorates? Has the government exhausted all means possible to deal with high cost of living menace? What is it that the government is not telling Kenyans and opts to tax people to pain and suffering? 

Failure to address these issues and many more by the government has led to boldening of Opposition to ride on vulnerable Kenyans. Angry and hungry nation is a disaster in waiting. If the common man has nothing on the table then the rich must be prepared for sleepless nights also. It's a cycle of economic hyperloop, of one thing leading to the other. With rampant unemployment its hard to believe that life is normal to unemployed graduate youths. Many have fallen into traps of mischief in a bid to cop-up with prevailing hardship. 

The government has the obligation to come out clearly and defend it's people or choose between 2023 Financial Bill or Kenyans. The truth is most Kenyans are misinformed on the Bill therefore their actions are justified by the misinformation. On the other hand the Opposition is fast claiming ground nationally spreading propaganda to misinformed Kenyans drinking from their gullibility. As a result more chaos and deaths. 

These images are borrowed from July 13, 2023 National Newspapers showing mass action and violence that took place during the demonstartions.

MARRIAGE MATHEMATICS

 Since Monday there has been interesting report on different national newspaper which confirms God's original plan for marriage. Today, Daily Nation newspaper posted a research conducted by Kenya National Bureau of Statistics pg 12 which shows that poverty levels are higher in homes where the man is polygamous. The Kenya Continuous House-hold survey noted that polygamy was associated with high levels of poverty nationally.

In addition the chances of males who are poor and uneducated having a polygamous marriage with many kids are higher than those who have proper education. And this is true in most of our villages. Meanwhile the Star Newspaper dating 4/7/2023 published a report by Kenya Demographics and Health Survey 2022 on pg 2 that majority of marriages in Kenya are the come-we-stay type, with majority of married women having no proof of their unions, save for children thus most of them walk out of such marriages with nothing incase of a fallout.

POINT TAKE HOME

1. God respects and blesses unions where a man and a woman agree to settle down with the knowledge of witnesses (especially their parents-Genesis 2:24/Matthew 19:5-6). The scripture in Psalm 133 speaks of collective unity among brethren that attracts God's blessing. This is same even to marriages. And once a third party (man/woman) comes in then that blessing is lifted unless the marriage is saved early. Meaning all sorts of destructions come in including wealth destruction that leads to poverty. We are in Africa and most of us can attest to this scenarios. Polygamous marriages end up destroying the wealth created also at the stage of inheritance. Whereas 2 kids would have inherited an estate and manage it's divided to 5 more others thus reducing wealth inherited.

Therefore, we must continually protect, trust, pray to God for our marriages to stand.

2. To all sisters don't just run into a marriage because you want a husband or to prove a point or escape from your wilderness experiences in search of quick comfort that won't last. Trust God for a grace that preserves, despite numerous challenges of life and gross wickedness that leads to unrighteous marriage unions. I so much believe if a man cares about your destiny in God above his feelings he will be bold enough to go through entire marital processes as ordained in the Body of Christ. In other word, ensure the marriage is registered before entering just to save you time, energy and investment incase of a fall out or sudden death (But God forbid). I have seen women being chased out of their late husband's property because there was no evidence of marriage and even Kenyan Law can't protect you unless God shows mercy and exempt you from such mess. But as long as you breathe don't settle for come-we-stay type. (We are no-longer living in ignorance as our parents did, we are in advanced stage of information age-seek counsel and help).

3. This goes to us men. There's so much sense of security and confidence in a woman whenever she's in the presence of an educated man whether born again or against closely followed by money. A woman can easily marry an unbeliever with a degree or masters or PHD and fail to marry a tongue-speaking uneducated man. A woman can give a chance to a man with education higher or equal to her more quickly compared to those of lower levels unless God favors you or money does the speaking on your behalf. However, a sensible woman will go for a Kingdom cultured man because nobody especially women want to raise al-Shabaab and Taliban for children. Even so, as men lets keep upgrading our certificates if in position. #marriageworks

SELAH.