http://www.nairobi.tujuane.comTujuane Network - RSS Feeden-usCopyright (C) 2009 Nairobist Media LimitedKenyaBuzz Limited is a Nairobi-based company which provides the most comprehensive entertainment and lifestyle information available in Kenya. KenyaBuzz also publishes guidebooks such as KenyaBuzz Kids and How to Start a Business in Kenya; and organizes events. Nairobist caught up with Alix Marta and Marta Anna Gloserova, Founders and Directors at KenyaBuzz to learn more about the company, the people behind it and other interesting topics. http://nairobi.tujuane.com/featuresview.php?mediaID=265Sun, 13 Sep 2009 00:00:00 -0400In 1996, Jane Delorie identified a gap in the marketplace for an information solutions firm. Armed with ample knowledge of the marketing and research industries and with over 10 years working experience in senior management positions within the sectors, Jane Delorie set out to create something that would fill that gap. Thus, Research Solutions Ltd was established. So many years later, Research Solutions has become a leading pan African power house with local field forces in over 20 countries across the continent. She shares her journey thus far with Tujuane in this interview. http://nairobi.tujuane.com/featuresview.php?mediaID=264Sun, 13 Sep 2009 00:00:00 -0400 The internationally renowned Toastmasters Club is quickly taking hold in Kenya with more and more individuals recognizing its importance and joining the club. More and more chapters are coming up most recent being the Nairobi Toastmasters Club whose launch was held on August 10th 2009 at the United Kenya Club Nairobi. http://nairobi.tujuane.com/featuresview.php?mediaID=263Wed, 26 Aug 2009 00:00:00 -0400Starting a business anywhere in the world is no easy task. The time, money and effort an entrepreneur needs to put into just having a legally operational business in place can easily weigh down any ingenious business idea. In Kenya, the red tape bureaucracies of setting up a business are a bit tedious, if not disheartening. Until recently, there has been no single source of information on how to set up a business in Kenya. http://nairobi.tujuane.com/featuresview.php?mediaID=262Wed, 26 Aug 2009 00:00:00 -0400Human beings spend countless hours a day in pursuit of the one thing that will make them happy. A lot of times that one thing is success, money, happiness, spirituality and such like common denominators. A lot of times while on these pursuits one may lose focus, go off course, lose hope, become impatient and lose sight of the ultimate goal. Deprived of adequate motivation and the crafty ability to adapt to circumstances, many never make it to the final destination. So how does one ensure that they stay the course, make the right choices, and plans are seen to fruition? http://nairobi.tujuane.com/featuresview.php?mediaID=261Wed, 19 Aug 2009 00:00:00 -0400VC4Africa is a platform for connecting entrepreneurs with possible partners and investors. It is a community of people dedicated to building businesses on the continent. Nairobist interviewed Ben White, Founder VC4AFRICA to learn more about their efforts to connect African entrepreneurs with possible investors. http://nairobi.tujuane.com/featuresview.php?mediaID=260Wed, 19 Aug 2009 00:00:00 -0400One of the most important personal investments one can make in their life time is the security that comes with owning your own home. You no longer pay rent indefinitely, remain under the mercy of rogue landlords or live through the anxiety of waiting to see if your landlord will renew your recently expired lease agreement. Purchasing a home upfront is beyond the reach of the majority but that does not imply one cannot still own their own home. http://nairobi.tujuane.com/featuresview.php?mediaID=259Fri, 07 Aug 2009 00:00:00 -0400Meet John and Carol, a middle income couple who were recently married and are in their early thirties. John, an accountant at an insurance firm in Nairobi earns a net salary of approximately sh55,000. Mary a marketing executive also based in Nairobi and works at a pharmaceutical firm earns a net salary of sh40,000 after statutory deductions. They live in a rental house in Nairobi West. After meeting all their expenses, they have a combined net saving of sh15,000 monthly. http://nairobi.tujuane.com/featuresview.php?mediaID=258Fri, 07 Aug 2009 00:00:00 -0400The traffic jam in Nairobi is horrendous, I thought to myself. I was thirty minutes late to the latest Tujuane mixer that was been held at the Stanley Sarova Hotel on Thursday 30th July 2009. http://nairobi.tujuane.com/featuresview.php?mediaID=257Tue, 04 Aug 2009 00:00:00 -0400Eric Kibui has always been fascinated by the dating scene and relationships in general. It is for that reason that he decided to study the science of social dynamics and learn how to help people to improve their love life. After many years of observing, experiencing and analyzing this behavior he has come to the conclusion that most men and women do not understand each other but they can learn to and it is now possible to help people to improve their relationships i.e. how to find, keep and please your partner all the way. http://nairobi.tujuane.com/featuresview.php?mediaID=254Mon, 03 Aug 2009 00:00:00 -0400Over the past 10 years mobile phone usage in Africa has grown faster than anywhere else in the world. According to an Ernest and Young report, this industry is expected to record significant growth over the next 5 years. This opens up new market opportunities for entrepreneurs in the mobile phone emerging services market. Nairobist caught up with Ken Njoroge, co-founder at Cellulant, a Kenyan based Value-added mobile phone services provider, to learn more about the mobile phone emerging services market in Africa. According to Njoroge, in the future when you consume any mobile service on the continent, be it buying a music track, paying for a book on the internet from your mobile phone, there is a 50% chance that Cellulant facilitated the transaction.http://nairobi.tujuane.com/featuresview.php?mediaID=252Thu, 09 Jul 2009 00:00:00 -0400As the global economic crunch tightens Kenyans have been faced with reduction in the income due to increase in prices and reduction in revenue sources. Tax authorities have further stepped up efforts to meet their tax target that would finance the increased government expenditures. The penalties for non-payment of taxes are quite severe. It thus leaves professionals and entrepreneurs with no choice but to employ tax planning services that enable them reduce their taxes through tax avoidance.http://nairobi.tujuane.com/featuresview.php?mediaID=253Wed, 08 Jul 2009 00:00:00 -0400Eric Kibui has always been fascinated by the dating scene and relationships in general. It is for that reason that he decided to study the science of social dynamics and learn how to help people to improve their love life. After many years of observing, experiencing and analyzing this behavior he has come to the conclusion that most men and women do not understand each other but they can learn to and it is now possible to help people to improve their relationships i.e. how to find, keep and please your partner all the way. http://nairobi.tujuane.com/featuresview.php?mediaID=254Wed, 08 Jul 2009 00:00:00 -0400If you are a regular visitor to local business websites, chances are that you have used or visited a website or internet application developed by Dotsavvy. From designing eye catching web applications to development of complex internet content management systems, Dotsavvy has established itself as a key player in the Kenyan Digital media Scene. Nairobist caught up with Moses Kemibaro, Director and co-founder Dotsavvy and recent winner of the KABA Youth Entrepreneur Award from Kenya Institute of Management. The KABA Youth Entrepreneur Award recognizes young entrepreneurs who have managed to build a successful small and medium sized enterprise (SME) in Kenya. In this interview, Moses shares his insights on Digital media and entrepreneurship in Kenya. http://nairobi.tujuane.com/featuresview.php?mediaID=244Wed, 10 Jun 2009 00:00:00 -0400For entrepreneurs in Kenya, franchising presents an opportunity to develop a start-up business with the assistance of an international firm. However, Kenya is a demanding environment for establishing and operating a business. This environment challenges the ability of franchisors to transfer their franchise concept from their home market to Kenya. In the second part of our Interview with Gavin Bell, we learn about his experience running a franchise in Kenya, what it entails and the future of franchising Kenya and the region. http://nairobi.tujuane.com/featuresview.php?mediaID=243Fri, 29 May 2009 00:00:00 -0400Kenyans are regularly criticized for their lack of a reading culture. Why do we Kenyans shy away from reading books? Is reading books an foreign culture? Nairobist caught up with Francis Akuka, a local author and founder, Aura Books to talk about the publishing industry in Kenya. According to Akuka, Kenyans simply respond to carefully positioned publications if they feel that these publications address their situations in life. Kenyans want books that will help them get out of dependency, to own their lives, to raise better families, to foster cross-ethnic relationships among other things. Young Kenyans want to get out of regressive habits; they want jobs and are looking for proper mentorship with an insatiable desire for inclusion in decision-making. The message of hope, optimism, and self-confidence has not been preached enough in our publications from a practical standpoint.That is why Kenyans consume books by Richard Branson, Robert Kiyosaki, Donald Trump, Tom Peters, John Mason, Jack Welsch, Robert Schuler, T.D Jakes, and Joel Osteen the way we do. http://nairobi.tujuane.com/featuresview.php?mediaID=242Thu, 28 May 2009 00:00:00 -0400In today's world, the risks and threats to our businesses are growing each day, hence the need to prepare for business continuity in the face of unforeseen or difficult circumstances. Several large scale tragic events in the world, for example, recent post election crisis in Kenya, and the current international credit crisis have heightened awareness of the extremely difficult challenges businesses face when disaster occurs. With this in mind, Nairobist sat down with Amos Ongalo, of Business Continuity Africa Ltd, to shed some light what is business continuity and how businesses can effectively implement it. http://nairobi.tujuane.com/featuresview.php?mediaID=241Mon, 25 May 2009 00:00:00 -0400Elance, Guru, RentACoder, gofreelance e.t.c as some of the largest bidding site that caters to both the buyers and freelancers in the international arena. One young man saw an opportunity and hence AfLance Today was born. "I am a very ambitious, hard working person and failure is not option." His sheer determination to make waves in this sub-sector that is yet to be recognized and its players taken seriously, has made the bold step to create a bidding site that caters for Kenyans in particular and the rest of the world in general. Nairobist took sometime to get his views about his online business.http://nairobi.tujuane.com/featuresview.php?mediaID=240Sun, 24 May 2009 00:00:00 -0400Tujuane Network , the fastest growing online resource for mature and progressive professionals in Nairobi, in Partnership with Public Image Africa held a professional image and etiquette seminar and networking event for men at Nairobi Club, Upper Hill on May 13th, 2009. On the menu was an exciting coaching on the art of dressing and essentials basics for professional. The event was facilitated by Derek Bbanga and Carolyn Makana, image consultants and founders of Public Image Africa and Rolyn Image Consultancy respectively. http://nairobi.tujuane.com/featuresview.php?mediaID=238Sun, 24 May 2009 00:00:00 -0400Mr. Kiprono Kittony, Chairman of Radio Africa and MD Capital Realtime Ltd was the guest speaker at the May 2009, British Council Leadership forum. The Leadership Forum is a monthly event, held every third Wednesday of the month in Nairobi and sponsored by The British Council in Kenya.http://nairobi.tujuane.com/featuresview.php?mediaID=239Fri, 15 May 2009 00:00:00 -0400The Kenyan property market has taken a knock, but it is still a potentially lucrative investment option. Until about two years ago, Kenya experienced phenomenal growth in real estate investments, particularly in the residential housing sector.Town houses and apartments sold like hot cakes, and new developments sprouted all over Nairobi and surrounding areas.http://nairobi.tujuane.com/featuresview.php?mediaID=237Fri, 15 May 2009 00:00:00 -0400In 1998 a new bistro-style and entertainment establishment that would revolutionize the Kenyan social restaurant scene was launched in Nairobi. Offering more than excellent service and unique decor; Kengele's Bar and Restaurants opened its first restaurant in Lavington to raving reviews. Within three years, the group had expanded its restaurant portfolio, opening up three new restaurants around Nairobi with an ambitious strategy to expand across the country. In the back of every franchiser is a dream of expanding and owning multiple chains with lots of franchises and a massive amount of sales. What happened when these aspirations became a reality for Kengele's? Nairobist caught up with Gavin Bell (Tujuane Network Member), M.D. and Founder, Kengele's Management Group and CEO, African Franchise Partners. To talk about Kengele's, franchising industry in Kenya and how his experience is a cautionary tale that reveals how rapid expansion can turn into an operational nightmare. http://nairobi.tujuane.com/featuresview.php?mediaID=235Fri, 15 May 2009 00:00:00 -0400Meet Elijah Wachira, the man who has the task of persuading many more Kenyan to invest in medical insurance. http://nairobi.tujuane.com/featuresview.php?mediaID=236Fri, 15 May 2009 00:00:00 -0400 The fact that I know what I want in life thus giving me the self drive to pursue it. I am my own boss and that I have to work hard to achieve and accomplish my dreams and goals. My family keeps me motivated and also clients who appreciate the work that I do for them. All these give me morale and a reason for pressing on with my work as a freelancer. Getting to meet a lot of people some of whom maybe influential to your business. It acts as an eye opener because it allows you to get more insights from different surroundings and different people as well. Are you home-based or have you rented an office? I am home basedhttp://nairobi.tujuane.com/featuresview.php?mediaID=234Fri, 15 May 2009 00:00:00 -0400Studies on industries in Kenya show that most women-owned enterprises start at the micro level and do not grow beyond five employees, if they grow at all. The larger the size of enterprise, the fewer the women one will find. 46% of SME's in Kenya are owned by women who face numerous constraints in establishing and running their business. http://nairobi.tujuane.com/featuresview.php?mediaID=233Fri, 15 May 2009 00:00:00 -0400From a distance, Derek Bbanga is a picture of gentility; his dress sense and his manner a testament to his refinement. Brings to mind another Kenyan gentleman we have all grown to admire and love by the name of Charles Njonjo but not so as their dress sense are drawn from two totally different generations. Derek is taking it a step further, realizing that Image and Etiquette are almost a foreign concept in the local business scene he is taking it upon himself to impart some knowledge to local professionals and entrepreneurs. Thus Public Image Africa, a local subsidiary of Public Image Inc located in the UK. Nairobist had the privilege of talking to Derek about Public Image and how he is reaching out to Kenyan professionals and entrepreneurs. http://nairobi.tujuane.com/featuresview.php?mediaID=232Fri, 15 May 2009 00:00:00 -0400I am a freelance writer, editor and proofreader. These are the titles I introduce myself with but the response is usually a puzzling one. From jaw dropping to totally uncalled for and unsolicited advice on getting a 'real job', are some of the responses I get. Having left the corporate world almost ten months ago and literally falling into writing accidentally, my experiences as a freelancer have been both exhilarating and down right discouraging to say the least. But, pray, you may ask, why am I still freelancing? http://nairobi.tujuane.com/featuresview.php?mediaID=231Fri, 15 May 2009 00:00:00 -0400I have been following the debate about cough syrups with lots of interest. particularly, because I am a mother to an 18 months old baby, and more so, a health care practitioner charged with the very responsibility of dispensing medication. http://nairobi.tujuane.com/featuresview.php?mediaID=230Fri, 15 May 2009 00:00:00 -0400The process of becoming self-employed can take a number of paths. One common situation is doing freelance work on the side while working a full-time job. This allows you to build up a client base, generate some extra money, and have time to do the rest of the necessary preparation to give yourself a running start when you finally take the plunge. There are lots of assignments out there. With the growth in SMEs and continued adoption of technology especially the internet, there are plenty of places that don't want to hire full-time employees. Yes, even in this bad job market. Nairobist caught up with Philip Lagho a freelance graphic designer to talk to him about his experience as a freelancer. http://nairobi.tujuane.com/featuresview.php?mediaID=229Fri, 15 May 2009 00:00:00 -0400