Why am loving the Dhow CSD App!

I recall the day I went down to CBK to open a CSD (Central Securities Depository) account to enable me invest in T-Bills and T-Bonds. This was after the relentless nagging from my older sister...I got the forms from CBK and took them to my bank for signing and think I did this move between my bank and CBK twice before it was accepted (not sure why the back and forth)

Finally I had my account, and now to bid for the T-Bills. You had to fill a manual form and drop it in a tender box at the entrance of CBK, and in the correct box else its rejected. Then wait for a couple of days and call for the results. The call was not automatic..the line was very busy and you had to try a couple of times! I remember there was once my bank didn’t process the payment and I got a strongly worded letter from CBK via post, weuhh!!

Then the Covid/Corona pandemic happened in 2020 and I suspect this hastened the process of finally making this online and therefore seamless for investors. 

Enter the DhowCSD app in 2023!

Revoluntionary I tell you!

For those who did the whole manual thing ealier, this was a relief like no other

A google search reveals that the name 'Dhow' was deliberately adopted to signify the role that the CSD will be playing in our financial and capital markets. The 'Dhow' refers to the traditional wooden boat, which was used to facilitate the trading of merchandise along the coasts of East Africa, Eastern Arabia and South Asia

There you have it! Sign in now! its very easy, I promise! 

First Graduation

First graduation in the family

so today Friday July 3rd 2026, the first nephew of the family graduated with a Bachelors degree

we are all beside ourselves!

Yaani this day has come

This is the DAY that the Lord has made!

It has not been an easy ride..

the new way of learning without handwritten notes was very new for all of us around him

He called us CIA since we kept peeping at the university student portal to confirm he is still a student weuh!

and here we are

Congratulations deNephew!

May God bless you always!

Target: 12 walks/hikes in 2026

 So I have told myself that for 2026 I need to get to 12 walks/hikes by end of the December 2026

This means on average 1 walk/hike per month

We are halfway into the year and I have done only 2!

Imagine!!

May - Mater Heart Run Walk - 8km

June - Expressway Walk - 10km

I need to do better, weuhh

10more to go!

AIDEX Nairobi 2026

 

The AidEx Nairobi 2026 conference themed "Beyond Delivering 'More with Less,'  has gone ended on a high note! The message to the development sector was very clear – the funding ground has shifted, a systemic "reset" is underway. 

5 Key lessons for me:

1. Actualising Localisation – its time for this buzz word to leave the reports and into action!. The examples of from Uganda & South Sudan really made me realise that indeed this is possible- they showcased an innovative flexible funding model that saw them assess funding as a locally led network and be able to respond to real needs at real time especially on deep community data and knowledge of cultural context. The challenge of course on how this can be scaled -and the element of trust was highlighted; trust that local agencies can effectively absorb huge budgets.

2. Anticipatory action – Shifting from reactive programming to predictive, risk-prepared strategies. This requires longer term funding to become a reality

3. Embracing Mutualism: Scaling up resource pooling and asset sharing between development actors.This approach is our new reality and indeed as FCA, this is already embraced!

4. Supply Chain Management – the challenge given to the audience was how many agenies involved Supply Chain team in strategy development – this is a glaring gap for many agencies yet a material percent of annual budgets go into supply chain management – food for thought!

5. Diversify Funding via Private Sector & Philanthropic Blended Finance

As traditional institutional funding declines, NGOs must adapt to become "investor-ready." Organizations should strategically pitch to Kenyan and regional corporations, family foundations, and commercial suppliers, aligning proposals with corporate social responsibility (CSR) goals

I enjoyed the sessions – lots of food for thought…especially the reminder that governments are the custodians of development – NGOs are partners in this…now to action!

Kazi kwetu

Michael!

So we went to see the movie Michael on 27th May

I must say I was pleasantly surprised..the movie was done really really well...and of couse Jafaar Jackson (his nephew, son of his older brother Jermaine Jackson) embodied Michael like nothing else!!

Getting a glimpse of what inspired his best selling albums was insightful...and of course the break MTV gave him! What amazed me was the reminder of the level of influence Michael had and this was pre-social media! He filled stadiums over and over again across America & Europe. Cant imagine what kind of ICON he would be in this day and age

He was simply one of a kind....wow wow wow!!

The movie hinted at why he did a nose job (aki parents...words are powerfiul wena!) and why he loved animals (he was clearly denied a childhood) - the movie barely scratched the surface of what the man, the myth, the legend was...but....what they delivered was excellent for me! Maybe a part 2 is in the works?

Michael, thank you for the music!

Easter 2026

This Easter was special

I was determined to take part in all the church activities

Thursday April 2 -Missed the Chrism mass at 10am Holy Family as i had to attend to some work obligations

Thursday April 2 was evening mass where the Priests washed the feet of 12 men

Friday April 3 - Way of the Cross...we walked slowly for 3.5km taking 4hrs / and then Passion of Christ at 3pm to 5pm

Saturday April 4 - visited a sick relation

Saturday April 4 evening - attended Easter Vigil Mass from 8pm to 2am! and i loved the Easter Exultation sang by Fr Dan...I have had this as my ringtone for 2yrs now!

Sunday April 5 - visited Mum

Monday April 6 - attended a nice ayie - marriage introductions

Tuesday April 7 - took a break!

Morning after angry rains..

I woke up extra early on Saturday March 7

Power had not come back

The rains had really poured the night before

and there was a blackout around 10pm

I pushed the curtains aside and looked outside

There was a stillness

Almost scary 

Too quiet

The rains the night before seemed angry

Like we had blocked Mother Natures veins and arteries

They poured like they were revenging something!

si sorry bas!

Anyways, I set alarm for 30 more mins 

whispered a prayer that the rains let off

and went right back to sleep

The rains indeed spared us until the afternoon

....

Womens Day Walk 2026

 IWD2026

Today my sis & I participated in the Womens Day walk in Nairobi

The previous week has been quite rainy

and the night of March 6/7 had extra extra downpour

marked by a lot of damage given the blocked drainage in this our city

Then Saturday morning we trooped to Karen to participate in the walk

The skies spared us and we completed the walk before the rains

This time there was 6km, 10km, 15km and 21km

we decided to do the 6km 

so as to be able to come back and enjoy some of the post walk activities

Last time we did the 15km and weuh, we came back when the guys were folding their tents!'

Give to Gain...thats the apt theme for 2026 IWD

when we give, we gain

CTA - consider your contribution today in advancing womens human rights! - what can you give for a woman to gain?

Happy Womens Day

50monthversary....is that even a word?

So turns out end of December 2025 marks my 50th month with FCA!

(Correction: I miscalculated by a whole 50mths!)

Yeah, I sometimes count weird things like that

I can look back to various milestones...that have marked these 50 months

•  Launch of new Finance ERP system and the mess and unmess that we created -weuhh
• Trip to Kampala to quickly learn about this new fin-system and come launch it asap and get ready for the audit...with a new auditor...fun times I tell you!
• Trips to Diani & Tsavo for team building, when this was afforded by budgets....
• One appearance on Citizen TV because they needed someone to weigh in on the finance bill and I was in my period of saying Yes to challenges that shake me!..that was...interesting! sema winging it!!!
• Trips to Kakuma and somehow never to Dadaab!
• Almost went to Samburu - part of an amazing project to bring children back to school & I kept saying I will go to Samburu, and never did! 
• Trip to Finland -had never been! the interplay between of modern and old architecture made Helsinki interesting...
• TRUMP in January 2025 - exactly when the rain started pouring on us!
• Two surgeries - one for me and one for my LO -a year apart - tough season...but Jehovah reigns!
• Being part of Season 3 of staff with exit of 2 major donors -watching team members go and some come back when funding resumes..then they leave and new ones join....
• The many celebrations, the low moments...the tough times...all rolled into experiences that have made it all worthwhile
• Amazing colleagues, amazing work env & chats at the gazebo every lunch hour - not to be missed!

I dont know what 2026 will bring - we are taking it a day at a time, literally!

But I wish FCA the very best!

Happy Halfcent to me!!

Am I my hair?

Am I my hair?

I dyed my hair

I dyed it black

It was turning a weird off black colour and 

of course white at the front because of wisdom...ahem...age

I dont mind the white front line hair...but the off black...it makes it look like my mane is not well maintained

Anyways, the dyes in the market look like they can make the hair fall off!

the texture really become coarse and no amount of haircream can change that on day one

But now it feels better

Wonder where i can get natural hair dye for natural hair...thats my next agenda!

The 2025 NGO Whisperer Global Fellowship!

 I got into an NGO focused Global Fellowship!

Yeahhh

The official launch was on Saturday May 31 2025 and I was so excited at the program ahead. It involved taking part in a 2 hour master class very engaging every Friday between June and December 2025 - you didnt want to miss any session

and now its Feb 2026 and we are about to graduate at the end of this month

My take?

This was my parting shot

The NGO Global Fellowship 2025 experience was both impactful and timely for me. 

I was drawn to the program by the strong testimonials from previous Fellows and the relevance of the topics for me. The masterclasses were insightful and practical, leaving me with clear action points to implement. They provided valuable guidance on best practices in leadership and management. The instructors were highly knowledgeable and engaging. 

The Change Management masterclass stood out for me, as our organization was navigating major shifts due to funding cuts. The session equipped me with practical tools to manage the transition professionally and confidently. 

My sincere thanks to Dr. Carol Opinde and the entire faculty for this enriching journey. 

Congratulations to all my fellow Fellows, Class 2025!

Car Trouble in 2026!

 Goodness me!

The car gave up on us on our way back from Muranga on Saturday Feb 7!

We drove very well from Muranga from 4pm and the idea was to reach Nairobi by around 6pm which was still daytime

Then boom....as we approach Githurai, this light came on!!

This was around 5.30pm

I know its NOT a good sign

The car was hopping when I try to accelerate

So we decided to get off the highway to the scary Githurai stage! as soon as we reached there the car now stalled fully!

all manner of menacing looking fellas came to the car saying they want to push it off the road

we are all scared!!!

very scared!!

Lord have mercy!!

anyways, after many calls to many different people including a mechanic and silent prayers

The decision was made to tow the car

One of my brothers came to the rescue! 

Thank you Lord! never been so happy to see someone

it was now approaching 7pm and we could now take an uber as he sorted out the car

The car was finally home at 10pm

Thank God we were in a busy place even if it was Githurai - it was the ironically the safest place

well....

i need a day to recover from that experience!

Back to Avid!

 I used to be an avid reader!

Life happened...and at some point could not even remember the last book I read!

So this year, am determined to change that!

My first book is Dream Count - i struggled through the first chapters, but now am OK and powering through the book..it gets interesting in later chapters

My second book is The Humanized Leader - am reading and reflecting on this timely book with a bookclub - its interesting to go through this book with other ladies..its every Saturday from 7.30am to 8.30am for 8 consecutive wees....so far so good...am enjoying it!

I aim to read at least 12 books this year!

Whats your book challenge this year?

My first Comedy show in Nairobi..after a long time!

So my sis and I went for a comedy show 

after a long long time

since those days of Churchill show etc

It was on a Friday - end month

at a small comedy club venue we had never heard about

the pricing was fair

but we wondered what the profit margins were 

since the show stopper was coming from Uganda

there was an MC and 3 curtain raisers

for me....

their brand of comedy doesnt do it for me

so we waited for the main act

and he was AMAZING!

BUT

for just. 30min and it was over!!!

weuhh....

i saw on the socials that the show on Saturday lasted one hour

oh well

That was a new experience to crown January 2026

Happy New Year 2026

Happy New Year 2026!

Its the 4th day of January

First Sunday of January

New chance to create anew

New chance to create new habits

 

Best wishes to you all !

16 days of activism Year 2025

This week we are in the 16 days of activism week - which runs from Nov 25 to December 10 - in between are significant days for women

Nov 25 is International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women

Dec 1 - World AIDs Day

Dec 3 - International Day for PWD - Persons with disability

Dec 10 - Human Rights Day

The theme for 2025 is apt  - Unite to End Digital violence against all women and girls

This is our reality now - violence against women has infiltered the digital space and spreads like wildfire - we need to keep informed, keep speaking up and equipping each other especially the girls to be confident and not let digital bullies have their way!

Anyways...16 days has fond memories for me

In September 1998, I stepped into COVAW having never heard the words Womens rights, Human rights, UDHR,  let alone a whole campaign called 16 days of Activism! We received initial funding from CIDA and went into full gear planning for the 16 days including marking 50yrs of UDHR - Universal Declaration of Human Rights

How things have changed! Like we used to send invitations via fax to all media houses and agencies - and needed interns/volunteers to do this. Am sure someone here will wonder what a fax machine is!

The logistics for the events was something else - we made lots of IEC materials - posters, banners, leaflets, tshirts - and since donor funds came so late, we did this at the very last minute. We had a vendor who was used by many agencies to do T-shirts (he used to actually stitch them and print the message) and at one time he mixed the order and so the COVAW tshirts that were sent to Taita Taveta had on message for another agency at the back!! weuhh

How would I have done it differently? since we know we shall mark the campaign, prequalify suppliers and be ready just to issue the order once funds are received; avoid the last minute dash.

The designs for the IEC materials were just from us..and this used to amaze me since I didnt think that an idea I have can actually be translated and placed on a campaign item. So we used to have images of women being down and a man over them to show violence against women - and one Board member came and said we need to show women in better light! That was the design of a strong woman holding the womans sign! Loved it...and this lesson i have carried with me...everytime my view is needed on IEC, I remember, keep it positive!

What a ride!

Now the campaign is run by government, just the way it should be!

Keep safe in this digital space :)

A Legend has rested

 Oct 15 2025 will forever in the hearts and minds of Kenyans

The Man

The Legend

The Enigma

Raila Amolo Odinga, has rested

In a far away place in India, RAO suffered a heart attack and met his end

His remains were brought into Kenya on Thursday Oct 16 morning

KQ, in his honor, renamed the flight to RAO001 (who is cutting onions!!)

Kenyans were visibily & collectively devastated

A sea of people escorted him to Kasarani Stadium for public viewing, the entire 32km from airport  to stadium was filled with chants and song, I think he would have loved that

His last borne daughter Winnie hang on to his favourite white fedora hat and symbolically handed it over to her mother, Mama Ida - oh the image!!

Where do we go from here, they say when a Mugumo tree falls, the birds scatter!!

Love him or hate him, the man for sure did his part

May we not scatter ohhhhhh

we need to be brave enough to say goodbye

and look forward for a new dawn

Eternal rest grant to Baba Oh Lord

and may perpetual light shine upon him

Rest in power Agwambo (the mysterious one)!

Rest in power Jakom (the chairman)!

Rest in power Tinga (the tractor)!

Rest in power RAO!

Your voice will echo forever! 

Concert things....international guest..wow!!

 Saturday Aug 30 rolled in and I was super excited!

The one and only Cece Winans was gonna be in town and the venue was Uhuru gardens. From the great drone shots on Instagram we saw many red chairs and actually ASSUMED all the tickets will have seating. Turns out these days concerts don't have seats for the last category....did we know??? Nope!!

so we reached venue early at 4pm and lo and behold....yes....no seats!!

This really dampened my mood! I felt so conned....but as people came in they laid out their maasai shukas, popped up their umbrellas...they seemed to know!! The sun was still up from 4pm to 6.30pm so we were in the sun all this time ai ai ai...had to keep my bandana against my face to keep from the sunburn........very uncomfortable...

There was a couple about 70yrs...and they were also in the no-seats section - and I was like, organisers should afford to have special seats for senior citizens ama?

Anyways, 7.45pm Cece Winans came in and my mood lifted kabisa!

The concert was grand...just 90 minutes...we were in the front line just behind the barrier (see paparzzi shot above) ...and sang along in full volume! the stage was magical with lighting giving all the necessary effects to wow us..... one of the songs was done so beautifully and i didn't know the song....we were sure it was a new song...we checked you tube and the song was released 11months ago!!!! weuhhhh...He is Worthy is the name of the song....check it out!

Last time I saw Cece Winans was in 2010 when she came to Kenya, and the event was at Bomas at Kenya...which was a perfect venue, since its auditorium style, so we were all seated and all could have excellent view of the stage.... 

Next time I go for a concert, I need to be prepared to pay for top tier tickets

Else, I left there fully blessed by the experience :)

World Humanitarian Day Aug 19 2025

 Aug 19 - Is World Humanitarian day - and it was started in 2008 to honour humanitarian workers and promote awareness of the humanitarian efforts globally.

The theme for 2025 is Strengthening Global Solidarity & Empowering Local Communities

I started working in development sector in late 1998 - yes its been a minute! The theme for this year is indeed apt - empowerment begins from the micro level...that's is where change has to happen!

I checked my albums, and here are some pictures

This is me with colleague when working with Cordaid,  at Lake Paradise in Marsabit National Park. This was around 2005 and was my very first visit to Marsabit. We had supported disaster risk reduction projects in Marsabit county and this was a monitoring mission

This is me in Samburu - receiving a beautiful necklace from the women - who exclaimed how thick my neck was! oh well....hehehehehe

This is me with my colleague in Dukale Moyale ...am holding a beautiful container that is used to store milk - called Gorfa (correct me if thats not the right name!). If i remember right, this place was nested between hills and the community was not able to access clean water - the project was a water pan for them to capture rain - very scenic place

In Oloitoktok...with a womens group

in Lodwar - promoting local enterprises

Means of transport :)

Back in 2005 the roads to Northern Kenya were very bad....when I see these highways now 20years later, am like...its about time!! Access to everything is important for growth....and this was a long time coming

I love and enjoy what I do - we get hit once in a while (like the big one done by Trump admin, weuhh) but we do what we do  because we see the evidence of change at community level!

Salute to all the humanitarian workers! Especially those who live with the communities they serve.... the work is challenging, but rewarding....

You make a difference...receive your flowers :)

Road trips!

 I love road trips..especially those that the trip is within my control and we can move at a good pace! 

No rush to get somewhere...just enjoying the ride!

we have done several trips with this red car....Kisumu mostly, Nakuru alot and of course Machakos 

This one is of me going to Kakuma from Lodwar airstrip - it was just me and the driver and when i saw the backdrop of the mountains, I was like, stop stop...lets take a photo here!

This was somewhere in Lukenya..wide open spaces!

This was in sweltering Jordan...weuhh

Of course one has to stop at the Equator line and take a pic!!

The best part about road trips is the endless conversations and banter! am here for it!

Heres to more road trips this year!