Changamwe to Miritini

There are at least 3 routes you can use to travel from Changamwe to Miritini.

One is where, from Changamwe round about, you turn left (and follow the Nairobi Road Straight) to Bahati, then Bangladesh, then Mikindani/Kibaoni, then Kwa Jomvu interchange -- just keep on going straight -- then Kenya Vox and finally Miritini.

Another approach is where, from Changamwe Shell petrol station, you go straight (without turning) to Magongo Mainland, then to Wayani, then to Kona Reli, then to the Majani Depot all the way to finally land at Miritini (the old Railway Station side, though the road goes all the way to SGR Mombasa terminus).

Yet another approach is where, from Changamwe Shell Petrol station, you turn left (taking the new SGR road/southern bypass), turn left  at the next interchange (the Migadini/Airport Interchange), follow the Southern Bypass all the way to where it connects with the Nairobi Highway at Bonje, then turn back for a kilometer or two to get to Miritini...

Much of course depends on which specific area within Miritini you are going to. Are you going to the Mombasa SGR station? Then the SGR road/Southern Bypass would be ideal for you. Are you going to Miritini Estate? Then the Bangala, Mikindani, Jomvu route would be ideal for you.

There are matatus, at Magongo Mainland and at Nuru area (jsut below Changamwe cooperative Bank and Changamwe KCB) where you can find matatus plying the Changamwe to Miritini route. There is also the option of going to the Changamwe round-about (which is currently being replaced with a Changamwe flyover) and from there, picking one of the matatus that serve the Miritini Estate route.

Fare from Changamwe to Miritini can fall to as low as 30 shillings during the off-peak hours and as high as 50 shillings during the peak/rush hours.

Transport between Changamwe and Miritini is available on 24-hour basis, though it does tend to start faltering at around 1 Am when a good number of the matatus close for the night. Between 2 am and 4 am, you may find yourself having to take a boda boda or a tuk tuk, if you must travel between Changamwe and Miritini then.

Top 10 Kamba Gospel Musicians

According to me, as a Kamba gospel music fan, there are certain names that can’t possibly miss, if we are talking about the top 10 Kamba gospel musicians -- the ones who are currently active musically.

One is that of Wilberforce Musyoka. He has, over a relatively short period of time, managed to cultivate a strong fan base, with songs that are doctrinally sound, with unique beats and catchy melodies.

Another name that is bound to come up in any list of top 10 kamba gospel musicians is that of Stephen Kasolo. Kasolo is known to come up with songs that have messages that resonate with the masses, and with some serious melodies to go with them.

Yet another name that keeps on coming up whenever discussions on the top 10 kamba gospel musicians are held is that of Justus Myello (by the way, is it Mielo or Myello?). Anyway, Myello’s songs come with deep logic and are always quite well constructed.

Further on, we have Purity Kateiko, and any list of top 10 Kamba Gospel artists without the name of Purity would surely be an utter travesty.

A young upcoming Kamba gospel artist who has nonetheless managed to earn a spot in the top 10 is Jackson Mutinda, of the Masekete fame.

Then of course there is James Mwongela of the Mbua Nene fame who surely belongs in the list of 10 kamba gospel musicians.

Of course there is the evangelist John Kay, who is known to come up with hard-hitting Kamba gospel songs from time to time.

David Munyao may have been a one-hit wonder (with his ‘Mbete’ song), but many would agree that he is a supremely talented Kamba gospel musician.

Stella Mengele is another well-loved Kamba gospel artist, as is Faith Nzilani, Pastor Musembi, Caxton Mutambuki, Pastor Dan Mutemi, Kenny Bizzoh… among many others.

Of course there are other top kamba gospel artists who sing for a national audience – the likes of Hellena Ken, Bahati (it is easy to forget that Bahati is Kamba), Mercy Masika and others.

And there are those who would be considered among the oldies – the likes of the Kasangas and Pastor Nzuki Tata (whose song ‘Ninakwatie Tata’ is sung even in Western Kenya… among many others.

Oh, and by the way, this list is by no means exhaustive, as every Kamba gospel fan has his own ideas on whom the top Kamba gospel artists are. I just mentioned the ones that come to mind instantly.

Kivutha Kibwana for President?

One of the individuals being fronted as an ideal candidate for Kenya’s 2022 presidential election is Kivutha Kibwana. Incidentally, this is not the first time Kivutha Kibwana is being fronted for such a role. Those of us who were politically active around the year 2002 will remember that Kivutha Kibwana, then a civil society leader, was similarly mentioned as possible ‘compromise candidate’.

One thing I like about Kivutha Kibwana is the fact that he is a real intellectual. Therefore my reckoning is that he would be a 'philosopher king', if he were to become Kenya’s president. And that can be a good thing, especially when you look at the track records of previous ‘philosopher kings’ like Nyerere in Tanzania, Nkuruma in Ghana and Leopold Senghor in Senegal.

It helps a great deal too that so far in his public life (first as MP for Makueni constituency and later as Makueni Governor), Professor Kivutha Kibwana has not shown a tendency to grub. So he would, at the very least be a President with the moral authority to lead the fight against corruption. This is very important because when all is said and done, corruption is a big challenge in Kenya.

It helps too that Kivutha Kibwana is an elder, meaning that he perhaps doesn’t have the arrogance that comes with youth. He is also an individual who knows (or who at least should know) how things are done: given his long experience in the civil society, as a presidential advisor, as an MP and as a governor.

At another level, we also see that Kivutha is an individual who has shown a tendency to respect the common man, the small man. So perhaps he would not be an elitist President and that would surely be a good thing.

Yet for all his niceness, Kivutha Kibwana is also a firm leader, as he demonstrated during his stand-off with the MCAs in his first term as Governor of Makueni. 

Chaani Mombasa – Why Has Chaani Area of Mombasa Grown So Fast?

Well, to my mind, there are at least 5 reasons as to why Chaani Area of Mombasa has grown so fast.

First, Chaani is not too far from Mombasa CBD/Mombasa City Center, and this is a major attraction. So you find that is possible to live in Chaani and (conveniently) work in Mombasa CBD. There are even lowly paid workers who live in Chaani, work in Mombasa CBD, and have to walk the distance every day. It is quite some distance, to be sure, but it is still walkable. On the part of investors, one can work with the assurance that having invested in a Chaani plot, it would be very unlikely to go for long without tenants as Chaani houses are always in great demand – especially the low cost ones.

Secondly, Chaani is one of the most cosmopolitan parts of Mombasa. This is a great attraction, especially to individuals who are sensitive to the ‘locals vs upcountry people’ politics. In Chaani, you find coastals coexisting in true perfect harmony with folks who have their roots in upcountry Kenya.

Thirdly, Chaani is a reasonably secure area. This too is a great attraction, especially for individuals who have to work till late.

Fourthly, the cost of land in Chaani is not too high. Or at least historically, the cost of land in Chaani has not been too high. Therefore investors looking for land that can give them decent returns on investment tend to find Chaani ideal.

Fifthly, Chaani is reasonably near the port of Mombasa, especially the second terminal. This means that Chaani is a very ideal place to live for individuals who work within and around the port. Many of the port employees are also inclined to invest in Chaani, which is close enough to their workplaces – meaning that they can manage their investments with ease.

Mitaboni Location

Mitaboni is one of the most densely populated rural locations in Machakos County, and indeed in the entire Ukambani.

Mitaboni location is in Machakos’ Kathiani subcounty.

To get to Mitaboni Town from Machakos, you need to take the Machakos-Kangundo road. Go all the way to the town known as Kenol, and you will find a junction to Mitaboni there. So, at Kenol, turn right. From Kenol to Mitaboni, it should be 3-5 kilometers or thereabouts.

There is a direct path between Nairobi and Mitaboni. Therefore, if you are in Nairobi, and you want to travel to Mitaboni, you don’t have to go through Machakos. Instead, to get to Mitaboni from Nairobi, you just need to take the Nairobi-Kangundo road (popularly known as simply Kangundo Road). Go all the way to Komarok (the actual Koma Rock Hill), and you will find a junction to Mitaboni there. From Komarok, and after traveling for about 10 kilometers, turn left at Kenol, and do another 3-5 kilometers to Mitaboni town. 

It is at Mitaboni Town that you find the Location’s Chief’s office, as well as the MCA’s office, Mitaboni Social Hall (Kwa Mung’atha), Mitaboni Health Center and Mitaboni Police Post. The last time I checked, Mitaboni market day used to be on Wednesdays and Saturdays? It is quite a busy market, with quite a bit of money changing hands.

Once you are at Mitaboni Town, you can find your way to the various villages/sub-locations – including Kithima, Keaa, Kalikya, Miumbuni, Thinu, Mathunya, Kyemole, Ngoleni, Ngiini, Mukukuni… among others.

Some of the old-time schools in Mitaboni have, over the years, grown into reasonably prestigious institutions. Those include Mitaboni Mixed High School, Mitaboni ABC Girls, Mitaboni Polytechnic and Muindi Mbingu high school. The ABC church has a big divinity school at Mitaboni.

Mitaboni location has a reasonably good climate and it is indeed one of the few parts of Ukambani where coffee is grown. Mitaboni Farmers Cooperative Society runs the coffee mill at Kithima.

The parts of Mitaboni around Kenol and Koma Rock have become increasingly urbanized, as the city of Nairobi creeps towards Mitaboni location.

Magongo Mainland – What you Need to Know About Mombasa’s Magongo Mainland at a Glance

Where is Magongo mainland?

It is in the western side of Mombasa, Changamwe constituency. It is the area adjacent to the defunct KPRL (refinery) in Changamwe. The areas surrounding it include Nuru, Wayani and Sisi kwa Sisi. The very spot where you find a junction between the road to Magongo Mwisho and the Old Mombasa-Nairobi highway is the one known as Mainland (though the last time I checked, the junction was being replaced with a Magongo Mainland flyover).

What are some of the landmarks in Magongo Mainland Mombasa?

There is the refinery on one side. Further up is Narok Bar and Restaurant, Magongo Night club and Limuru Annex club, Kilindini KNUT branch offices… to mention but just a few.

Which Matatu Saccos serve Magongo Mainland Mombasa?

The ones I know of include MOM Sacco (Matatu Owners Mombasa) Sacco and 3M Port Sacco. By the way, it is worth mentioning that not all Magongo-bound matatus pass by mainland. There are two Magongo routes: Magongo Kwa Hola and Magongo Mainland. Therefore, if you are going to Magongo Mainland, you better be sure that you take a Magongo Mainland (as opposed to a Magongo Kwa Hola) Matatu. You can catch Magongo matatus at Likoni Ferry, KFA/Mwembe Tayari, Majengo, Saba Saba or Changamwe Round About.

How much does it cost from Mombasa CBD to Magongo Mainland?

On a matatu? It depends on when you are traveling. During the peak hours/rush hours, the fare can be as high as 70 shillings. During the off-peak hours, the fare can fall to as low as 50 shillings or even 40.

What does house rent cost in Magongo Mainland?

It depends on the standard of house you are looking for. A single room can cost as little as 3,000 and as much as 5,000 depending on its classiness and depending on its location. For a 1-bedroomed house, you should be looking at anything between 7,500 and 15,000, again depending on its classiness and exact location. For a bedsitter, the figures would be between 5,000 and 10,000.

Is Magongo Mainland safe?

For the most part, yes. Magongo mainland is one of the few places in Mombasa that I personally feel safe in anytime of the day or night. The clubs around the area (including Magongo night club, Limuru Annex and Narok Bar and restaurant) create a solid 24-hour economy that comes with quite a bit of security. The area also seems to be well patrolled by Changamwe Police.

Top Kamba Benga Artist – Who is the Top Kamba Benga Musician?

The question as to who is the top Kamba benga musician is bound to cause a great deal of controversy. That is because each of the top musicians has his horde of fans who believe that he is 'top'. So it is hard to pinpoint a single musician, and proclaim him to be the top Kamba Benga artist. The best we can do is mention some of the names that keep on coming up whenever there are discussions on top Kamba benga artists.

One name that is bound to come up whenever there is such a discussion is that of Alphonse Kioko, Maima, the leader of Kithungo Raha band. There are many individuals who believe that, by and by, Maima is the top Kamba benga artist.

Another name that is bound to be mentioned in this sort of discussion is that of Alex Kasau Katombi, the leader of Nguuni Lovers Lovers band.

Yet another name that keeps on cropping up in discussions about the top Kamba benga musician is that of Ben Mbatha, Kativui Mweene, the leader of Kyaume Boys Band.

Then there is Ken Wambua Nguze, Ken wa Maria, Wa Nzanze mweene, the leader of Yatta Orchestra (previously Yatta Boys Band) who many people believe that he is still the top Kamba musician. At the very least, if you ask anyone outside of Ukambani to mention any Kamba musicians they know, the list is bound to start with Ken Wa Maria...

Still in the list of the top Kamba Benga artists is Dominic Benedict Muasya Mbithi, Vuusya Uungu Mweene. There are individuals who view him as the top Kamba Benga Musicians – or, at the very least, as one of the top Kamba Benga artists.

Others in the list of top Kamba Benga artists are individuals like Kilinga of Mulutu Boys Band, Kana Nicko (of Nunguni Band, though he is more into Rhumba), Makato wa Yumbe, Kongowea wa Kongowea, Nganangu, Musomesa, Kyeemba, Adams Malombe (Ithumula Boys), Kevin Kyalo (Kenya Stars), Kana Mbovi of Maluini, Sanita (Wote Boys Banda), Tata wa Ngoma of Mananja Boys band, Mauda ma Mwarabu, Mukuyuni Simba Mundu,Ya Shoto (Kathekani), Kana Kethi of Machinery Boys Band, Nyaiika... among others.

There are also studio artists (who help the stars in recording their music) – the likes of Mambo, Kitema, Sammy Kasee, Volo, Mumina, Mukuu, Master Kachu, Boy Masaa and Olumbe – among others.

And then there are the fallen stars – the likes of Musyoki Kikumbi of Kimangu, David Kasyoki of Katitu, Peter Muambi of Kyanganga, Kamukyo/Kamusimamo (Ndauni Boys Band), John Mutua of Kakuku Boys Band, Kakai Kilonzo of Kilimambogo and Mutaiti of Kalambya, to mention but just a few.