Category: Events
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At the Kilimani Organic Farmers’ Market
Last Sunday I got a nice reminder that I was born and grew up a farmer’s boy. The sun was shining, and my wife and I decided to go to the Organic Farmers’ Market at the Kilimani Primary School on Argwings Khodek Road. It was the stacks of fruit and vegetables on sale that triggered…
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Curious Kids and the Coronavirus
In these days of the coronavirus, how on earth do you convince a child about the need to keep social distance? I’m glad I no longer face that kind of challenge. But if I did then my friend Darren Collins has a brilliant answer I would use. Darren – comedian, conjurer, magician and puppeteer –…
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A Tour of Lavington’s Unique Social House
‘You see that poem up there?’, Paul said, motioning towards an inscription on a high wall above a lively café. ‘If you understand the significance of that poem, you will understand the inspiration behind what we have created here.’ Paul Kavanagh is the Manager, or Head of House as he is officially known, of The…
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The National Museum: A House of Culture
I asked a few of my young colleagues how they spent their Christmas holidays when they were children – that is, if their families didn’t go up-country or to the Coast but stayed in Nairobi. Their stories didn’t sound much fun: spending the morning in church (wearing their new clothes bought for Christmas) and in…
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The Bethlehem Boys Are Back
‘He’s going to be the best looking Santa in Kenya this year!’ That was Darren Collins speaking – Darren the magician, the juggler, the stand-up comedian and, above all, the puppeteer. And he was speaking about Zed, the potter from Kitengela Glass, who last Sunday started his Christmas stint as the Santa Claus at the…
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Introducing the Kenya Arts Diary 2020
When I was a kid, Christmas was more a day than a season. At home, we didn’t put up the decorations till Christmas Eve. But now it’s a long season for buying. I already see banners slung across Nairobi roads advertising various Christmas bazaars. So I think I will not be out of order recommending…
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At Ngong Racecourse with Horses and a Book
When I was at the Ngong Racecourse a few weeks ago for the Concours, I saw a notice in the office of the Jockey Club that they had a book for sale on the history of horseracing in Kenya. Now, I am interested in any history of Kenya, whether it is about people, places –…
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The Gods Must Love Cars
Last Sunday I was going to go to the races – to the horse races at the Nairobi Racecourse. I was prepared to brave the traffic, despite the roadworks of the Ngong Road and even though the Nairobi International Trade Fair was also on at Jamhuri Park. But the morning was wet and chilly. I…
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The Concours: More Than A Day Out For Cars
Yes, it’s Concours time again. Next Sunday will see the running of, to give its full name, the CBA Africa Concours d’Elegance. It will be the 49th time that this classiest of Kenya’s motoring events has been organised by the Alfa Romeo Owners’ Club. From a very low-key and modest beginning, the Concours has grown…
Going Places Africa 