inspiration II

Caroline Ndung’u – I lived to tell – Salon Business Solutions

Here is a story of courage, but she lived to tell it..
Carol Ndung’u, I’m a survivor of Rheumatic heart disease. Read her story of courage and faith in God. Also learn from her sound advice
Simple, humble and focused is one way of describing Carol. With her confident pose, eloquence and well calculated words she may pass for a lawyer.
Carol looks young and appears very healthy. It is amazing that as we get to talk, I discover her unshakable faith in what she has set her heart on. She is also very knowledgeable.
“I am a survivor. Most people had written me off but here I am enjoying another lease of life,” Carol begins her story.
“I was born and brought up in Thika in a family of three girls and three boys. I grew up without major incidences in my life save for tonsillitis that would be on and off. Since I was in a boarding primary school, I would get some time off every month to go for treatment.
The tonsillitis was never a cause of alarm back then as they would be managed by medication. It’s important for people to know that if tonsillitis and soar throat are not treated properly, they could lead to a heart problem,” she warns.

The year 2007 was particularly difficult for me, I was very sick, I had a constant migraine, my heart rate was very high and I had developed swellings on my legs while my left side of the body was numb. I went to hospital for about two months but there wasn’t much change.
My condition deteriorated. There is a day I fainted and it’s then that I realized something was very wrong,” Carol states adding that she decided to go to a clinic in her estate.
“The doctor used a telescope; which is an acoustic medical device often used to listen to the lung or heart sounds. He discovered a strange sound from my heart and from the tell tale signs, he notified me that I was suffering from a heart problem.
He referred me to Kenyatta National Hospital. I went to KNH early the following morning where I was directed to the casualty department. The doctor treated me and prescribed some medicine and advised me to go back for a follow up clinic after two months.
This was the beginning of another period of suffering, because the medication deteriorated my already bad health. I decided to go back to hospital after one month. It was at this point that I was booked to see a cardiologist.
The cardiologist requested for a test commonly referred to as the ECHO which I was told could be done after six months. Meanwhile, I was put on some other medicines.
“I decided to go to Mater Hospital and after running a series of test, they discovered that I had a Rheumatic heart disease where one of the valves was worn out. I was put me on medication and constant clinics to the health facility. This seemed to work alright but by the third month, I became very sick. I couldn’t even sleep; there are times I would just collapse. I was taken to the hospital and treated for lack of oxygen.
All this time my loss of weight and deteriorating health was a great concern to me and my friends. There were people who dismissed me as suffering from HIV/Aids,” Carol relives those moments and although she shows no signs of bitterness, she wishes people cared to know where she was suffering from.
“In my bad condition, I decided to seek treatment in India. I had heard a lot about Indian doctors and I thought of giving it a try. I went to the Indian Embassy and requested them to let me know of the best hospital in India. I identified about fifteen hospitals but deep within my heart I was praying for an Indian Mission hospital.
In December 2007, I went for an ECHO scan at Mater hospital. Armed with the results, I sent to all the fifteen hospitals. I got feedback from Madras Mission Hospital in India. The senior cardiologist in that hospital told me that I needed to go for treatment urgently. The charges were 500,000 Kenya shillings.
I suffered a big blow at this period as I was fired from my place of work. The management said that they were retrenching and I was one of the affected staff. This was hard to bear particularly at a time when I needed a lot of money.
I was later to learn that I was expelled because of my constant absenteeism from work,” she explains showing no signs of bitterness while adding that she has forgiven the management.
“I had to be strong, because my daughter, Dorris who turns twelve later this year got seriously ill. She had asthma which was getting out of hand. I frequented their school many times due to her illness.
On this particular day she was very ill, I thought she would pass out, I took her to Kijabe hospital though I was also feeling very weak, at some point I couldn’t stand on my own. Luckily we managed to get to the hospital, and my condition became worse.
My daughter was attended by a visiting German doctor who shared with us that his daughter also suffered from asthma. He treated my daughter and put her on two different inhalers. To date, she has been ok. She only uses the inhalers when necessary according to the guidelines,” the very confident Carol says.
In February 2008, Carol started looking for well-wishers to sponsor her to India for treatment.
She needed 600,000 shillings for her treatment and return ticket.
“I looked for well wishers to help me raise the required amount of money. I was also required to have somebody to accompany to India.
This person was required to take care of me while in India. I talked to my friend who is a lawyer who was very willing but she didn’t have money for an air ticket. I decided to go alone since my health was at risk.
In July 2008, I took a taxi to the airport accompanied by my daughter and a few friends. I was wheeled to the clearing desk.
The attendants at the airport looked at my hospital letter. After reading through, they told me that they couldn’t allow me to go alone, as even the letter had indicated so. I explained my case to them.
They called the manager and let him know. The manager came at once and listened to my case; he cleared me and had me put on business class instead of the economy class I had paid for. This was God’s favour. My journey was comfortable and the attendants kept checking on me every now and then to ensure I was alright. I had a connecting flight from Nairobi-Qatar-Madras and all went well.
I was wheeled to Madras hospital where I presented all my medical records. In India before any surgery is done, one has to go through very many tests to ensure that the rest of the body is well. In case there is another medial problem they treat it before surgery.
Thankfully I was well. The successful surgery took about six hours. I was taken to the first Intensive Care Unit where I stayed for twelve days. In this unit you are on machine through out.
Another three days was spent in the second Intensive care unit for more observation. After they were satisfied I was responding well to treatment, I was taken to the ward to recuperate.
I came back to Kenya in October 2008. My daughter whom I had left with a friend was happy to see me. While in India, I was applying for jobs back in Kenya but the applications had not bore any fruits. I decided to try my hand in catering and the business picked up so well that I started getting orders to do weddings and major corporate events.
All was well until August 2009, when I collapsed in the house. I was taken to Nairobi Hospital in a bad state. After diagnosis, I was requested to have an ECHO scan. It was done at Mater hospital and I sent it to Madras hospital, India.
The report showed that I had suffered a blockage in one of the veins in the heart,” Carol who is very composed all this time unfolds her fight with a heart disease.
“This was heart breaking enough, and to make matters worse, I did not have any money. I was required to go for a surgery which was to cost 300,000 Kenya shillings. The star of luck was on my side because in September 2009, we had a fundraiser and managed to raise the required amount of money.
I am a Catholic and I know that God is able to heal. When I was about to leave for India, I developed a severe eye problem, my eye had popped out, it felt as if it was falling off. This did not deter my going to India. I saw an eye specialist in India who diagnosed the problem as ‘a false tumour’, a condition where the eye pops out.
I was given an ointment to apply which I use up to date. I also avoid direct sunlight. After the eye problem another issue came up, my tonsillitis became very bail; they had to be removed through a minor surgery. While I was still recuperating from the surgery, I developed a thyroid problem which was discovered through an MRI test.
I was put through radio activity to kill the thyroid glands while still taking medication. I still take the mediation to this day.
The heart surgery, which I refer to as ‘balloon’ was done on me and a small ‘screwish’ metal was inserted in the blocked vein. It was not a major surgery and I was to be there for three weeks to facilitate the healing process,” she explains so eloquently not missing out any detail one would think it happened the previous day.
“When I was just about to be discharged, I developed a thyroid complication which was successfully treated. My bills had shot to 500,000 Kenya shillings. I could not leave hospital with unpaid bills as I only had 300,000 Kenya shillings, thus I started sourcing for money from my friends in Kenya.
The master of ceremony during the September 2009 fundraiser alerted the Coro Fm fans about my fate and they responded overwhelmingly by sending in their donations. I thank God because, the money was sent to me and I managed to pay all the remaining bills,” she states pensively.
I can’t help but admire the strong character behind this determined lady. It is hard to tell that she has gone through such hard times by merely looking at her. She doesn’t show any emotions of helplessness throughout the interview. She walks with her head high because as she reveals she has discovered the power of prayer and contentment. Her lips know not how to complain.
Yes, she is a lady who is living every day at a time thanking God for giving her a second chance.
“When I came back to Kenya, my daughter was very sick, this time from ulcers. It was due to the anxiety she had learnt to live with while I was away in hospital. She thought I wouldn’t make it, we are managing the ulcers and she is getting better.
There is a verse in the Bible that says ‘everything works together for good’. It couldn’t have been more right. I gave birth to my daughter when I was very young and healthy. The timing may not have been right to me, my family and friends but in God’s timetable, I have learnt that there was a purpose. The report from the doctor states that chances of me carrying a pregnancy to full term are very low. Infact the chances of a miscarriage are 90%.
I truly thank God for Dorris, my daughter, I treasure her. She is a very strong girl who has handled so much in a very tender age. She will turn twelve years in November.
Encouragement

• When you are sick, associate yourself with positive people. Learn to ignore any negative word spoken against you. It’s important to learn to forgive people. I have forgiven all those who spread rumours that I was suffering from HIV/Aids.
• When you are sick or you have a sick person learn to have a fighting spirit. Don’t look at yourself helplessly. Through out the period I was sick; I was very encouraged by 1 Thessalonians 5:16 and James 1:12.
• Stop complaining, count your blessings. Be grateful for what you have and always ensure that you encourage someone every day.
• Pray and read the Bible everyday.
• In order to take care of your healthy you need to always remember to DREAM.

D Diet, ensure you eat a good, balanced meal.
R Relax get an hour to rest everyday. Avoid stress at all levels.
E Exercise regularly
A Attitude. Always have a positive attitude towards life
M Motivation. Learn to motivate people.

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Suzanna Owiyo – The world is her stage – Passion

They have proven themselves but are not yet ready to rest on their laurels. PASSION Magazine finds out what makes them tick.
BY JULIE MASIGA
I am running late and I am trying to read the directions from my cell phone and drive at the same time. The directions are as simple and straight forward as the woman who sent them. Almost too simple for my hyper creative thought process.
But I get there eventually. It is a beautiful town house, standing with simple majesty in a quiet residential area. I make a mad dash for the door, notebooks and pens falling every which way, my every step disturbing the peace, only to be informed that the lady of the manor is running late herself.
I sink into a comfortable brown leather couch and collect my thoughts, trying to string together a valid list of questions. My gaze goes to a photograph that takes pride of place in the foyer.
The man in the photograph is US President Barack Obama. My host is standing next to him, smiling broadly in characteristic fashion. My unease deepens. Obviously this woman rubs shoulders with the high and mighty.
But her house is warm and comfortable with a familiar neo-Afro edge. Orange curtains hang from wide French windows. A wicker inspired dining table exudes warmth as if it has been privy to many a family dinners. Behind me, through another large window there is a quaint little courtyard that opens into the garden. In the middle of it, standing out like a Christmas tree in January, is a black exercise bike.
I begin to get an insight into her well-spring of eternal youth. Later, she tells me that she either walks or jogs for 45 minutes every day and if she finds herself holed up in a hotel room, always has a skipping rope handy.
Back in the living room, I fumble with the remote for the DSTV PVR decoder, tempted to watch every channel in sequence just to enjoy the clarity of the plasma screen. With a cup of black coffee in hand and a platter of pancakes within reach, I am beginning to feel quite at home but just at that moment Suzanna Owiyo walks in, resplendent in her own skin. Her clothes are a little more than accessories to her natural African beauty.
“Hi girl. Sorry I am late! Have you been offered something?” Assured that I have been treated like a queen, she sits down and we launch into our conversation. Only thing is, I still do not know where to begin. So by a stroke of pure luck, I ask about her busy schedule.Turns out almost every minute of her days are spent in service to others.
“I have just come back from Nyeri with some artistes and personalities in the Kenyans for Change (2010) Initiative. Change is our philosophy and our work will continue even beyond the civic education we are carrying out in the run up to the Referendum.
“It is not about being in the Yes or No camps because a person’s vote is one’s own business. It has been more about urging women and the youth to read and understand the document”.
“Of course there are certain clauses that interest me as a woman. The document carries many gains for women. I am not afraid to say that I am voting Yes, because a new Constitution will create an environment where we will have equal access and equal rights.”
As the leader of a mostly male band, she is well acquainted with the power of a woman.
“Leadership takes skill and a certain level of understanding of human nature. It is also about the power of a team. But my dream is to play with an all female band because what a man can do a woman can do better.”
Suzanna understands that our potential as women is largely untapped and her challenge to the sorority is to take the initiative. “Female singers ask me if they can join the band but most of them cannot play an instrument. I encourage them to go the extra mile and learn how to play an instrument so that they can bring more than just a voice to the band.”
She knows what she is talking about. After all, she started out as a solo woman, with just her guitar – which she learned to play in record time without ever reading a sheet of music – for company.
“Back in 2002, with the help of one of my band mates, I learned to play by ear. Music comes naturally so if I hear something I can play it.”
Now Suzanna is learning to play the eight stringed nyatiti, the traditional Luo instrument.
“When I saw Anyango Nyar Alego, a young Japanese woman playing it, I decided that if she could do it, I can too. It was played by my grandfathers because it was a taboo for women to play it.”
But being the strong and independent woman that she is, and spurred on by a foreigner who had the nerve to dance where natives of the land feared to strum, Suzanna’s nyatiti has become a permanent companion. “Once I was performing in Spain and a player in Youssou N’dour’s band made me an offer for it but I declined. Where I go, my nyatiti goes.”
Suzanna is an arresting woman – tall, statuesque and regal. She carries herself with an air of absolute assurance and complete composure. So it is surprising when she admits that she gets the occasional bout of stage fright. “I do get butterflies in my stomach before I go on stage. I never know what to expect so I take a few minutes to say my last prayers.”
Over the years, she has mastered the art of performing for all manner of audiences, from international arenas to local hospital wards. “Twice a week for a year, I played for patients at the Mater Hospital as part of an Arts in Medicine programme which I trained for in Florida, US. It was challenging for me but it was therapy for them and I began to understand how music can heal.
“My presence in the wards made a difference. We even had incidences where patients who were very ill in the ICU opened their eyes when they heard me play. I was humbled when many of them thanked me for the music.”
She is almost saintly in her dedication to humanity. And it doesn’t stop there.
For years now, she has been a 46664 ambassador, endorsing the Nelson Mandela Global Campaign for HIV & Aids and human rights. “The thrust of the campaign is that we are all responsible and we all have a role to play whether or not we are affected by the issues.”
On Mandela Day this year, she was on the civic education trail, together with Kenyans for Change members.That is how she spent her 67 minutes.
To further commemorate the day and the man whose own sense of sainthood has changed the world, she will soon be distributing sanitary pads in to girls and women in Kisumu. Usually, she would have performed at the annual Mandela Day concert which this year was scheduled to be held in Spain, but was postponed.
She holds Madiba close to her heart which is why when she heard news of the death of his great granddaughter in June, she sent word though his personal assistant. Before long, the great man -through his assistant – acknowledged her condolences and expressed his gratitude.
Behind the veil of super stardom, she is a woman and a mother first. Her music has travelled across the nations and brought her much success, and with it a complete invasion of her privacy but she has taken the good and the bad and pressed on towards even loftier goals. “I have been pushed to the edge trying to meet other people’s expectations but I have learned to keep my low moments to myself.”
And with the company of an eight year-old daughter, Nadia, she is keeping her head above water and working to create a lasting legacy for Nadia to aspire to. “Now I want to start my own initiative so that I can support the things I am passionate about directly.”
One thing that is completely within her own control is her career. Her third studio album will be released later this year and is aptly titled My Roots. The 12-track-album launches abroad in September and locally in November.
It is releasing under Kirkelig Kulterver-sted (KKV), one of Norway’s premier recording companies that offers a large catalogue of traditional and modern music. Through her London based manager, she signed with KKV several months ago.
Suzanna is changing the universal chorus one stanza at a time, but as she hits even higher notes, neither money nor fame is changing her. At the end of the day, she is simply a woman with a heart for her fellow man. “I am just a singer who is doing her thing. People can give me any label they like but I am just me.”

Sanaipei Tande – Single and not ready to mingle – Passion

By Gertrude Nyambu

They say that great oaks from little acorns grow. This is true of Sanaipei Tande. She went out on a limb to audition for the Coca Cola Popstar talent search because her brother thought she had a great voice and guess what? She won. Now her voice is her instrument. She is a singer, radio presenter and Karaoke host.

But that’s not all. She’s also beautiful and friendly with a wicked sense of humour. Her face is so spotless that I can’t resist asking about her beauty regime. She says it’s all natural. I’m jealous.

More than that, Sanaipei is sharp. She qualified to study Pharmacy at the Kenya Medical Training College (KMTC) and even though she hasn’t yet completed the course, she is determined to go the distance.

Sanaipei burst onto the limelight with Kevin Waweru and Pamela Waithaka in 2004 when the trio were named Kenya’s Coca Cola Popstars – together they formed the group Sema. The group split up in 2005 with just one album to her credit.

According to Sanaipei, she left the group under the influence of a third party who plied her with money and gifts with the mention of disbanding the group.

As a result, Sanaipei went solo, recording songs like Kwaheri, Dhahabu, Najuta and Niokoe among others. She insists that the rumours about bad blood between herself and Pamela are false.

Sanaipei joined Kiss FM in 2006, after working with Eve D’Souza on Hits not Homework at Capital FM. She is on air from 10am to 3pm from Monday to Friday. Off air, she composes and writes her own music.” I always seek inspiration before writing a song,”says the young musician whose music has R&B and taarab influences.

“The songs I am compiling will one day make a beautiful album but I am in no hurry. I am very passionate about music so in the meantime I want to nurture young talent.”

She has performed alongside some of the country’s top artistes including Jua Cali, Nameless and Bigpin but her dream is to work with Sauti Sol, Beyonce and Eminem. That dream just may come true as she was once voted the hottest, sexiest, female artiste alive.

On the personal front, Sanaipei recently broke up with her long time boyfriend – meaning she is single but she makes it clear that she not ready to mingle. Not just yet.

“I am really sorry it had to come to this but now I have to move on,”

Sanaipei was born 25 years ago in Mombasa.The family moved to Matasia, in Ngong when she was a teenager. “Speaking my mind is something I learnt when I was young. My family is all about honesty and integrity.They are very supportive of me and I treasure them.” She has just one sibling, her elder brother Saimi. Naturally, they are very close. Together with mum Lucy and dad Manase, they are a tight knit family.

Sana – as she is known to family, friends and fans – speaks from the heart. She is well aware that press people can often quote celebrities out of context, and sometimes report outright falsehoods, but she was raised to tell it as it is.

“I don’t like it when the papers run false stories. People believe what they read and will judge you by what they believe. It used to bother me but these days, I don’t care.”

Categories: Kenyan Musicians, Passion Magazine, Radio Presenters, Successful Women  |  28 Comments

Princess Faridah – God Saved the Queen – Passion

Just hours before she delivered her second child, former Queen of Chakacha, Princess Faridah talked to PASSION’s Antony Ongalo about her road to Damascus.

She may have changed her music genre from secular to gospel but she is still as charming and radiant as ever. When PASSION got a tip that she was about to be admitted to hospital to deliver a child, we had no choice but to catch up with the once revered Queen of Chakacha, Princess Faridah Migwalla.

Hours before she gave birth on Thursday, 15 July at the Pumwani Hospital in Nairobi she spoke to us about life, music and family.

Princess Faridah was widely known for the gyrating hips that she moved so effortlessly to the chakacha beat. Her prowess took her around the world as she entertained and enthralled audiences.

In 2001, at the peak of her career, she shocked her dedicated fan base when she not only retired from the stage but also converted to Christianity from Islam.

“I am about to mark my tenth anniversary in salvation with the launch of my debut Christian album and a book I authored. The book is about my journey to salvation,” says Faridah, who is married to Mr Isaac Migwalla, a man she met in church, and wedded in 2004.

The 10-track album, Kiumbe Kipya, was recorded at Robert Kamanzi’s studio in Nairobi. Some of the tracks include Kiumbe Kipya, Maisha Bila Wewe, God is Good and YesuAnitosha which features Groove Award winner Daddy Owen.

Seven years down the line. Princess Faridah is still very much in love with her husband. “It gets better and better everyday. I do not regret getting married and I thank God for giving me a man who is loving and understanding,” she says, as she hugs Isaac, who is seated on her hospital bed.

Shortly after we spoke. Princess Faridah gave birth to her second child, a bouncing baby girl named Hadassa Migwalla. Hadassa is Hebrew for Esther. “We have been blessed as a family and as a society. This is why I will keep on glorifying God’s name through music and preaching,” says Princess Faridah, who for eight months of her pregnancy was visiting schools, colleges and churches to sing and pray.

Even though she could afford the services of a private hospital, she chose Pumwani Hospital, an institution that has been embroiled in allegations of malpractice for years. But Dr Fridah Govedi, the chief executive officer, insists that the institution has been treated unfairly.”We want other people to emulate Princess Faridah and seek services at Pumwani.”

Up to 1500 women deliver at Pumwani every month and Ward Four, where Princess Faridah spent almost a week after she delivered, will be named after her.

During the interview, Isaac kept a watchful eye on his wife.”She is the love of my life. She may be a big name both within and without the country, but I thank God that she has submitted to me.

During courtship, I was jealous of all the attention she was getting but I soon got used to it. I believe ours is a marriage made in heaven,” he says as he reaches for Princess Faridah, who at this point in to our interview, has started going in to labour.

Three hours later, she was holding baby Hadassa in her arms. To give mother and child time to bond we postpone the interview and return the next day when we easily pick up from where we left off.

As far as music goes, Princess Faridah does not regret joining the gospel sorority. “The age when you would not hear gospel music in a public service vehicle or a club is long gone. Unfortunately, people appreciate our songs, but hardly buy our music. That is why most musicians here are not well off, unless they have the support of family or are lucky to have somebody supporting them from abroad.

“Locally, it is very difficult for all of us. There is a lot of piracy, although the authorities are trying to reduce it. But there are many gospel musicians who are working really hard and I think the future is very bright.”

In 2000, Princess Faridah was compelled to go to church to seek healing from ulcers. “I don’t know why I went to church because I was a Muslim at the time, but I went and I was healed.”

Then in November, 2001 while airborne from Dubai to Nairobi, she had another encounter with the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob. “While I was on the plane, I had a dream of people wearing white robes. They were singing hymns but when I tried to join them, I was restrained by a spiritual power which told me that I was not clean enough to do so.”

She says it was then that God spoke to her. “My Daughter, where will you go if this plane crashes?” At the top of her voice she shouted, “‘Heaven!’ I believe God wanted to use me to change the world but I still had a tough time explaining to my band mates that I was leaving.”

Breaking the news to her family was not any easier. “It came as a shock to the family when I announced that I wanted to convert. They even threatened to disown me, but this did not bother me for I knew that the Lord was on my side,” she states with finality.

James Mworia, CEO Centum Investments – The Business of Investing – Management

August 16, 2010 | Posted by kenyanmagazines

Some define investing as the art of playing with money and multiplying it; no doubt, everyone loves a good investment. BRENDA OTINDO spoke to one of Kenya’s young executives who is in the business of investing.

WHEN I MET James Mutitu Mworia, I remembered something I had read in Peter F. Drucker’s book: Management Challenges for the 21st Century. Drucker says success in the knowledge economy comes to those who know themselves – their strengths, their values, and how they best perform. If you have got ambition and smarts, you can rise to the top of your chosen profession, regardless of where you start out, Drucker writes.

I remember it was a chilly July afternoon and I was sitting on the 5th floor of International House waiting to speak to Mworia, the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Centum Investment Company Limited. ‘Could this be the African version of Warren Buffet’s Berkshire Hathaway Inc?’ I quietly wondered. Centum like Berkshire is in the business of investing and Mworia is the man who is at the helm of this multi-billion investment company.

The Centum brand name is only two years old having re-branded from Industrial and Commercial Development Corporation (ICDC). Apart from the change in name, Centum also adjusted the end of their financial year from June to March. A public listed company, Centum is in the business of investing its shareholder capital in the equity of other companies.

Unlike Buffet, the Centum CEO is younger – in his early 30′s – adding him to the growing list of Kenya’s under-35 CEOs. Centum has a history of young executives; Peter Mwangi, Tony Wainaina and Mugo Kibati all who have once headed Centum. Mworia has worked at Centum for almost a decade with a break in between having joined the firm in 2001 and risen to become of Head of Investment in 2005 in the then ICDC. He took a short hiatus and returned in 2008 as the CEO replacing Peter Mwangi – now CEO of the Nairobi Stock Exchange (NSE).

Mworia is an advocate of the High Court, a Chartered Financial Analyst and a Certified Public Accountant. This is an interesting mix that has produced an investment manager. He says he has succeeded by carefully managing the three disciplines which have helped him in managing Centum. “This calls for proper planning,” he says.

Forty years on

Centum has been in business for over forty years – from 1967. It was started with the objective of mobilising capital from Kenyans. “Then we had 3,000 shareholders with a capital value of KSh 30 million. Currently, we have 38,000 shareholders valued at KSh10billion,” he says.

In 2007, ICDC went through a re-branding process that saw it change its name to Centum Investment Company Limited – ending the confusion between ICDC and ICDI Investment Company. It also resulted in an expanded ambition identity among African investors.

The change in name also came with a change in strategy. “We had to change our focus to the entire African continent. The firm also had to refurbish its investment channels to work in realistic time frames, at least 10 years, considering the various economic challenges.”

Because of the turbulent economic times that included the global recession and the post-election violence that hit Kenya in 2008, Centum saw the need to re-invest in other portfolios. Centum now also invests in well run and managed medium-sized companies with a view of influencing their strategic direction through broad participation.

The main portfolios that Centum participates in are private equity both in listed and non-listed firms which form at least 60 per cent of the capital base.

Companies include: UAP Insurance, AON Minet, Nairobi Bottlers, Kenya Wine Agency, Kisii Bottlers, General Motors East Africa and Longhorn Publishers. The firm also has shares in quoted private equity which are marketable securities in Africa; an example being Carbacid Ltd.

“This is a growing sector and I see the strategy to influence decisions now being seen.” Mworia says Centum’s investments are doing well in Kenya, Uganda, and Ghana and now Centum seems to be eyeing Kenya’s thriving real estate market.

The RVR deal

Earlier this year, Centum opted to offload its shares in Rift Valley Railways (RVR), paving way for fresh re-structuring of the company managing the Kenya-Uganda railway. The company, in a statement, announced that it was selling off its $6 million (KShs12billion) stake in RVR for $4.5 million (KShs nine billion). This was $1.5million (KShs3 billion) less than its initial investment at the company.

Centum was, however, categorical that the 10 per cent stake would only be transferred to interested existing shareholders. This decision was in line with the business to purchase and sell business and also the fact that RVR was not benefiting shareholders. Centum was only able to recover 75 per cent of initial investment. Analysts indicated that Centum’s move to shed-off its shares came after the US$ 6 million loss in RVR. The 70 per cent decline in profit, experts insisted, also resulted from a shortfall related to a reduction in business at the NSE and its KSh7.6 billion write-down in RVR.

As the CEO of an investment company, Mworia says one must look forward at the pending risks, make a plan, forecast returns and realise that there are possible constraints to the investment being made. He adds that the liquidity levels of both the market and the upcoming firms must be considered. “In relation to all these is the fact that the government plays a key role in licence fees and laws alongside taxation levels.”

The main interest of Centum is in investments that will produce substantial but not a controlling stake. This ensures that Centum has a governance stake in such firms.

As many as the demands for good investment exist, there is still the challenge to have a vision, mission and a definite definition of the business. This, according to Mworia, aids in the development of goals for the organisation subsequently aligning the objectives and ensuring their implementation. “Our vision is to be the lead investment company and brand in East Africa and become both the investor of choice and a premier capital mobiliser.”

Broken down, the mission is Mworia’s job description as his core objective is to generate returns for Centum’s shareholders and contribute to the creation of wealth and employment regionally.

Kenya is East Africa’s most vibrant economy but Mworia believes the country and its neighbours are not yet there. He expresses his concern on the lack of a clear strategic planning by investors.

“A strategic plan as such is the best package for investors,” he says and adds that strategic planning is not a technical term but a practical tool of management. “This calls for continuous monitoring and evaluation of returns and objectives which must be tangible.”

Investment advice

Mworia says investing especially in the African market is a combination of many things. He borrows the principles of Benjamin Graham’s – the Father of Modern Security Analysis and says investors must: be conservative in your valuation assumptions where the chief risk is not overpaying for excellent businesses, but rather, paying too much for mediocre businesses during generally prosperous times; only purchase businesses you understand; recognise your own limits when it comes to performance; measure your success by the underlying operating performance of the current business; have a rational disposition toward price ratios; minimise frictional production expenses, and keep your eyes open at all times for new opportunities.

So what then are the traits of a smart investor? I prodded. “A smart investor should be patient, disciplined, systematic, a good planner, ambitious and focused at all times. Hold onto your vision at all times.”

One of the things that keep Mworia on his toes is the fluctuating inflation rates. A higher interest ratio makes money more costly to re-invest as the returns are much lower. Firms like Centum are affected in such situations as this discourages new investments. “Economic growth should ideally be driven by domestic consumption and investment.

However, this is not so in Kenya which is mainly a government expenditure driven economy,” he says. “No wonder, the loan rates are not local market driven leaving the investor at the mercy of those who fund the government spending,” he notes.

With all these insecurities should one place their money in a capital investment firm like Centum?

“To start with, nothing should make you fear investing as with a good balance, you will benefit. Investment is a critical tool that frees many professionals to use their time well as managers. It also encourages innovation and creativity both physically and psychologically.”Mworia encourages investors to put their money where it will grow; an example being the information technology and the telecommunications sector.

Mworia the manager

Mworia’s dream is backed by one principle; to build an innovative investment environment with little if no stereotypes. “This will make me be fortunate to have a positive impact on Africa’s turnaround.

As a manager Mworia hold certain values dear:

• Integrity – One must be accountable to the community and people they are working with at all times;
• Diligence – A good manager should be committed to their job and work without queries on the quality of their final job;
• Focus – A vision is needed by all good managers in order to create targets thus a focus;
• Expertise – Knowledge and qualifications do not hurt, thus one should have information on what they are doing and
• Maturity – A good manager should grow from one level to another and accept correction, a key sign of maturity in a manager. “It is not the amount of papers or long-term experience one has. It is what you do with what you have!”

Mworia is on top of his game because he has kept his eyes and ears open and mind working. On retirement: “Not until my mind stops working!” Like in Drucker’s definition of success Mworia knows his strengths, values, and how he best performs – the reason he is on top.

The lowdown

• Age: 32
• Family: Married with one son
• Education: Alliance High School, Strathmore University and University of Nairobi
• Hobbies: Football, rugby and travelling
• Life Principles: Have no sleepless nights, delegate duties and spare time for you
• and your family