-Earl Karanja has been behind multimillion dollar deals across the globe.

-Before venturing into this field, he worked as an automotive blogger for a German magazine where he was paid handsomely and decided to incept his own venture.

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For more than a decade, Earl Karanja has been at his elements connecting clients across the globe to supercar suppliers in Europe. Even though it has been a treacherous path, he put in an unwavering determination and has earned multimillion in commissions.

From a humble blogger to making big moves across the globe, Karanja’s story is one of patience, resilience and learning tough lessons.

The Nakuru High School alumnus also says the industry is full of conmen and his client once lost a whooping €200000 to a scammer.

In this article, we tell of his story.

Strict parents and money lessons

Earl Karanja’s parents were teachers who were strict with education and instilled the importance of being frugal at an early age. They insisted on not wasting money and planning for it. His mother would knock at his door as early as 3 a.m to wake him up for studies.

While in high school, Karanja had already figured out that he wanted to be in the advertising industry. This is the reason he started his blog while in form three at Nakuru High School. After completing his studies, he went in for mechanical engineering but he didn’t like it. He tried telecommunication engineering too but it wasn’t particularly appealing.

He then decided to pursue International Relations, ‘just to have the papers.’

“I chose the easiest thing there is – International Relations. I could cram the whole exam the morning to the paper,” he says.

However, he opines that it is the kind of course that one needs to be well connected in order to reap from available opportunities.

“It is the kind of course which, unless you’ve really good connections, you’re going nowhere,” he says.

Studying advertisement

After completing his studies, he took a short course at Zetech University. It involved advertising, marketing and public relations. As this was something he felt it could shape his destiny, he threw himself into the task with unwavering determination.

Pushing his blog

Karanja didn’t mind a flow of sweat on his brow and  worked tirelessly to keep his website alive. He did this between 2009 and 2014 and he landed a life-changing opportunity.

A German auto magazine, GT Spirit contacted him and offered him a chance to write on their blog. He would spend almost 10 hours daily researching and posting car reviews. The magazine paid him between 300 and 700 Euros (Ksh 44k – 107k).

“It helped me get into the space of cars properly,” he says.

However, he decided to get out of the comfort zone and started car brokerage in 2015.

Making Ksh 405k from a single deal

Karanja’s masterstroke was incorporating his company in Europe. He approached a law firm that did everything for him, and it was surprisingly so easy.

“I found it so easy. I went online, found a company that does that and within a couple of days, they gave me all the necessary details I needed for any company,” he says.

When starting, it took him years before he could close a deal. He recalls helping a client, only for the deal to be closed without him earning a cent. He then figured out instilling a robust structure that would involve signing contracts which finally worked.

His first commission came from the sale of a Porsche 911 GT3 RS to an Argentine who was shipping it from Germany. He made a cool 2500 CHF (Ksh 405k). Since his first deal, it has been a boom for Karanja who then cemented his presence on Instagram with supercar reviews and advertisement.

Being conned

Karanja narrates that the industry is full of conmen. At one time, his client lost €200000 (Ksh 30 million) after they paid the said amount to a scammer. According to Karanja, the conman had branded himself as a legit supplier and even had friends who recommended him.

“We did our due diligence (but) he had masked himself properly. People who knew him said he was good, but it turns out he was just a proper con,” he says.

Karanja had vouched for the money to be deposited through an escrow but his client thought otherwise. A direct deposit to the ‘supplier’ led to the multimillion scam.

Extortion at the Kenyan port during clearance

Earl Karanja also revealed why the Kenyan market is not his favourite. According to him, getting a car to Kenya is quite easy, but the extortion before being cleared is a headache.

In case he has a Kenyan client, he normally doesn’t do the clearing. So if you want a luxurious Ferrari, he’ll get it for you but you will have to deal with clearing at the port.

Speaking to Financially Incorrect, he said the level of corruption at port, even after paying taxes and all the required levies is ‘insane or a nightmare.’

“Ask people who have tried to do this on their own – you’ve paid the taxes, you’ve done everything to just get that car out. The level of corruption involved, the number of people you have to pay – It’s a nightmare,” he said.

Once there was a Kenyan tractor operator who had done commendable work and after completion, a lady chose to gift him, so she asked for his favourite drink.

“Bring me Bell beer,” he said.

But the lady’s reaction was the least he expected. She looked at him the way a marathon world record holder might look at someone celebrating a 100m jog.

Then she said:

“You drink beer meant for ladies. I will bring you four bottles of Nile Special,” she said.

The lady said so because Bell beer has only 4% beer, while Nile Special is considered a strong beer with 5.6% content.

In Nakapiripirit town, alcohol is just but a usual cup of tea. Or let’s say, in some towns, people bond over tea; in Nakaps, tea is what you take when you are taking a break from alcohol.

Most farm workers wake up to a morning breakfast of traditional booze and a teetotaler may have a boring social life here.

“We no longer do drinking in moderation, it is now a social identity. If you didn’t touch booze for a month, what would your social life look like,” a resident tells WoK.

You must buy busaa for your farm workers

Nakapiripirit is located in Eastern Uganda, around 60 km from the Kenyan border. It is home to the Karamojong people who share an identical culture with the Turkana of Kenya. However, there are also Pokot people, Bagisu and the Kadama.

Traditionally, the Karamojong people are known to be pastoralists. It is only a few years ago that Nakapiripirit started embracing agriculture. The main crops cultivated are maize, beans, sorghum and groundnuts.

If you’re a newcomer in this town and you decide to venture into agriculture, you must be prepared to buy jerricans of busaa for your workers, otherwise work won’t be done.

“That is our tradition here. For ten workers, you must buy 20 litres of busaa. If you don’t do that, nobody will work for you. The only alternative is to go to prison and pay a fee to have prisoners brought to your farm,” hinted another local.

Breweries, clubs cash big

Because of this, people brewing traditional alcohol cash big. The breweries are a hive of activities in the mornings, especially during peak agricultural activities. The sound of deep rumbles of motorbikes as they transport hundreds of litres of booze in yellow jerricans is not unusual.

In the evenings, the clubs come lively with booming music, regardless of the day of the week. In Nakapiripirit (and Uganda by a large extent) alcohol, whether illegally brewed or otherwise is quite affordable.

A 500ml bottle of Nile Special costs approximately Ugx 4500 which translates to only Ksh 150. Its availability is ubiquitous; even general stores and dukas stock alcohol.

But Nakapiripirit is not only about booze, the town is rapidly expanding and transforming. The recent road projects especially one that links it to Mbale is set to attract more investors. It is also a mining centre with deposits of gold and mercury. Additionally, it serves as an administrative centre with an office of the Regional District Commissioner.

Kenyans rushing in to invest

There is a robust community of Kenyans investing in Nakapiripirit. The biggest retail shops are for example dominated by the Somali community. Some have ventured into hardware business and furniture workshops.

At the heart of town is a businessman nicknamed ‘Beba Yote.’ He is from Ukambani and runs a successful mitumba shop. He has a chain of Beba Yote stalls in other towns as well including Moroto.

-Festo Muriuki rose like a phoenix from the ashes in pursuit of better opportunities.

-He once worked as a Huduma Centre attendant in Lamu before a massive salary cut forced him to look for further opportunities.

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Festo Muriuki Njoroge currently wears a uniform of honour as a United States Navy Sailor. He is a man who credits his success to being prayerful, resilient, disciplined and committed.

He studied education at Laikipia University before dumping the chalkboard for the gun.

Here is his story as told by WoK:

Humble Beginnings

Njoroge comes from Murang’a County and attended school at Mariira Primary school before joining Kianyaga High School in Kirinyaga. He scored a B+ and was placed at Egerton University for a Bachelor of Arts (History).  However, this programme wasn’t particularly appealing to him.

This made him do an inter-faculty transfer to study education at Laikipia University.

“I wasn’t interested in pursuing the said course and I did an inter-faculty transfer and secured admission to pursue Bachelor of Education (Arts-Kiswahili/History) degree at Laikipia Campus (currently, Laikipia University),” he tells WoK.

He then completed his undergraduate in 2013 after undertaking teaching practice at Mûthua-inî Girls Sec School in Tetu, Nyeri.

Working as a teacher and joining Kenya Police

After graduation he secured a teaching position as a B.O.M teacher at Kamukabi Sec Sch in kigumo and then moved to Kigumo Bendera High school, still as a B.O.M teacher.

While still at Kigumo Bendera in July 2014, he decided to participate in a police recruitment exercise. He was able to secure a docket number to join Kiganjo Police Training College as a graduate/cadet. A day after the recruitment exercise, he participated in a TSC interview and became position one in that exercise. He now had two options, but he decided to join the law enforcement career.

Cancellation of recruitment

Sadly, after a few weeks, there was public outcry regarding the then concluded recruitment exercise. There were allegations of rampant corruption during the exercise, prompting then Chairperson of the National Police Service Commission, Johnstone Kavuludi to nullify the entire process. The heartbreaking move meant Njoroge had lost a lucrative deal, but all was not lost.

In April 2015 after the terrorist attack at Garissa University, former President Uhuru Kenyatta ordered for a repeat of the recruitment exercise. The determined Njoroge took another shot.

“I decided to try my luck again, and luckily, I managed to secured the chance again. I reported to the National Police Training College on 26th April 2015 and graduated on 12th Feb 2016. I was absorbed into the Directorate of Criminal Investigations,” he says.

Long journey to Lamu

He underwent a DCI induction course at the DCI Training School in South C and thereafter was posted to DCI Lamu, Mpeketoni Police Station in April 2016.

He recalls the exhausting, long journey to Lamu, that was full of tension, and the roads were in dire condition. Nevertheless, the most important thing is that he arrived and began a new role.

“The journey to Lamu was very long, exhausting and full of fear. Mpeketoni had experienced attacks in May 2015 and tension was very high in that area. The road from Minjila junction to Witu and past the Boni Forest was so scaring. Additionally, it was in bad shape,full of potholes and it all looked like there was imminent attacks. You could feel it in the air,” he says.

He arrived safely and began a new phase of life. In September 2016, he was attached to Lamu Huduma Centre where his main duty was to assist citizens in applying for the certificate of good conduct. He worked there upto May 2021 when he was transferred to Migori Huduma Centre. Three months later, he moved to Murang’a Huduma Centre.

Salary slash

All was well until Njoroge faced an abrupt salary cut. Initially, the salaries of graduates was the same as that of an inspector of police despite not going for the inspectorate course. The dent to his paycheck was not only heart-wrenching but it also made him plan on resigning.

“I worked for 13 months earning less than ksh 10k until I couldn’t take it anymore. On 21st December 2022, I submitted my resignation letter and it was approved in mid January, 2023,” he told this publication.

Working as a teacher

In January 2023, TSC announced vacancies for permanent and pensionable terms and internship for JSS teachers. Njoroge applied and he was yet again fortune’s favourite.

“I secured a PnP position at Mathare 4A Primary school in Kasarani Sub-County as a JSS Teacher.”

He worked until January 2024 when he felt stagnant and resorted to look for improved prospects in Dubai.

“I needed a new challenge. I decided to resign and went abroad for greener pastures,” he says.

While working in Dubai, he decided to check on his DV Lottery results and was shocked and elated to find out that he was successful, and was due for further processes.

“On 4th May 2024, I was resting in a hotel in Dubai when I decided to check on my DV Lottery Results – I had applied for DV Lottery on 31st Oct 2023 and I got a shock of the year. I had been selected for further processing. I was very excited that I found myself celebrating wildly in that hotel,” he says.

He traveled back to Kenya in June 2024 and had expected to get his second notification letter (2NL) by the end of the year. However, that was not to be and the long wait weighed heavily on his mind.

But one day while seated in a kibanda, taking a meal of githeri, he received an email notification and that was it!

“I got stressed. There were no 2NLs until July 2025. I had almost given up. I was in at a kibanda in Makongeni, Thika when I received an email notification. It was my 2NL.”

“The long wait was now over. I didn’t even finish my githeri. My celebration attracted the attention of other clients. I called my family, parents and siblings and broke the news to them,” he reveals.

Njoroge then booked his medicals at IOM Gigiri and completed everything by early August, 2025. It was a seamless process for him as he passed the medicals.

His interview was scheduled for 22nd September 2025. He kept waiting and praying that he could be successful.

“I prayed that God may grant me that opportunity to go to the United States of America. I reminded my family, parents and siblings to pray for me too,” he says.

Two days prior to the interview, he ensured everything was set – money, passport and other documents.

The final day came, and he woke up at 3 am and called an Uber. He arrived at the gate of the embassy some minutes past 4 am.

The gates were opened at around 6 am and after the normal security checks, he was ushered in. He was the 3rd person to be interviewed and after a few questions, he emerged successful.

“I heard the best statement ever – Festo, I am going to approve your visa…enjoy your stay in the United States of America ” he recalls.

His prayers had been answered. Njoroge was elated and shed tears of joy. Immediately after exiting the gate, he called his family to break the good news.

“I called my parents and siblings and broke the good news to them. They were all patiently waiting for my call,” he says.

The excitement left his legs feeling weak and was trembling. He then boarded a matatu and headed to CBD where he took another matatu back home.

A few days later, he got an email telling him to go and collect the passport. The visa had been stamped. He then did some shopping as he awaited booking of a flight to Seattle,Washington where his host lived.

“My host booked for me Emirates Airlines and I left Kenya on 9th Oct and arrived in Seattle/SeaTac international airport on 10th Oct 2025,” he says.

He was picked up and after 2 days, he was taken to apply for the Washington State ID. The host also organised for a caregiving course for him.

“After a week, he applied for me a 2-week caregiving course and I started working as a caregiver immediately after the course. He also guided me on opening bank account and registering for driving classes,” he disclosed.

Joining the military

After receiving his Green card in November 2025, he  decided to join the United States military. He  contacted a kenyan U.S Navy Recruiter, Moses Ngotho, who guided him on the whole process.

“I completed the process on 30th January 2026 and shipped for the United States Navy Bootcamp on 25th February 2026. I graduated on 21st May 2026 and I am now a United States Navy Sailor,” he says.

Njoroge is grateful to God, Family and Friends for their prayers,moral and financial support throughout this journey.

“Be prayerful, resilient, committed and disciplined. You will go far. Never give up.”

-At its peak, Elgon pine was processing up to 90 tonnes of canola, sunflower and soya annually and was seen as a promising venture. In fact, the proprietor was optimistic of upscaling to 300 tonnes.

-While their monthly power bills averaged Ksh 30 000, they were surprised when Kenya Power slapped them with a Ksh 400 000 bill, a matter that led to the ultimate fall of the project.

Here is the story as told by WoK:-

Humble beginnings 

Njuguna worked as a technical manager engineer at the Agricultural Development Corporation (ADC) before his retirement in 2019. For years, he had mastered the process of cold pressing and manufacturing of animal feeds from various produce, albeit on a small scale.

Njuguna decided to upscale his production upon retirement and invested Ksh 16 million into the business which he used to purchase pressing and refining machines.

“I’m now processing 90 tonnes of canola, sunflower, and soya in a year and my goal is to hit 300 tonnes, which is the capacity of our machines,” he said in a past interview.

Njuguna had contracted 100 farmers who supplied him with raw materials although he also grew sunflower and canola on his 10-acre farm.

“The farmers aggregate their produce at specific centers then they call us when ready to go and inspect and collect,” he added.

Other than oil products, Njuguna also made poultry feeds and soap.

“We sell by-products of the crops to those who make livestock feeds and also make some for sale at between Ksh 40 and Ksh 45 per kilo,” he said.

Kenya Power erroneous Ksh 400000 bill

In August 2021, Njuguna was surprised when he was slapped with a Ksh 400000 power bill from Kenya Power. This was a shocker for him given the fact that his bills mostly averaged Ksh 30000 monthly.

This prompted him to file a complaint to the company, remaining optimistic that the dispute would be resolved amicably. However, Kenya Power stated that they had underbilled him for several months and that he had to pay the amount. Njuguna insisted that the bill was abnormal.

In what then led to grounding of operations, Kenya Power then disconnected electricity to both his plant and residence. He complained to EPRA stating that the power to his residence was separate from the plant and pleaded for reconnection. EPRA ruled in his favour but implementation of the reconnection was never implemented.

For a plant that depended on electricity to run its operations, the income channels had been painfully cut off, while his relationship with various farmers and suppliers became frosty.

Energy and Petroleum Tribunal

In 2024, the dispute escalated to the Energy and Petroleum Tribunal which ruled that Kenya Power had failed to satisfactorily justify the disputed bill. It ruled that any monies that had been paid to offset the Ksh 400000 bill be refunded.

However, despite noting that Njuguna had stayed without power for an extended period of time, the tribunal didn’t award damages. It ruled that the losses had not been ‘proven to the legal standards’ required.

That memorable quote from football legend Lionel Messi suggests that we often admire success without comprehending the years of hardship, sacrifice, and unseen struggle that paved the way.

This lesson fits perfectly with the life and journey of Gathaiya Dennis. Widely recognized as one-half of the beloved Kameme FM duo, Gathaiya co-hosts the wildly popular afternoon show “Kwigangara” alongside comedian Ngoni wa Thuita.

He also commands the airwaves on Sunday nights with his country music show, dubbed ‘Kameme Country’. But what is the story behind Gathaiya’s household name and the easy on-air chemistry?

This is his journey as told by WOK:

Humble Beginnings

Dennis Gathaiya was born in the verdant tea-growing region of Mioro in Mathioya, Murang’a County.

A lastborn of three, both his parents worked as teachers. His father taught at Muthangari Primary School while his mother was a teacher at Mioro Primary School.

With his parents working as civil servants, Gathaiya’s childhood was relatively stable.

That was until he was ten years old and in class 5, when his father passed away, leaving his mother to shoulder the family’s responsibilities alone.

In class 7, he was transferred to St Benedict Boys’ Primary School in Neri. “It was there that I encountered my first culture shock after tasting boarding school life. I met students from every part of Kenya. The official languages were Kiswahili and English. For the first year, it was hard for me to adapt to the life,” he said in an interview.

After passing his KCPE, he was admitted to Karima Boys’ High School, still in Nyeri. However, life was a bit hard financially because his elder siblings were still in high school. “I remember going home a few times for school fees, but my mother did her best to ensure I stayed in school,” he said.

A Dream Takes Root

It was during his time at Karima High School that Gathaiya developed the passion to be a vernacular radio broadcaster. “I used to listen to presenters like Penina Muthoni Mbugua (PM squared), Njoki Ndegwa, Anderson Waweru, and I wanted to be like them one day,” said Gathaiya.

He was also a great reader of magazines, a trait he inherited from his father. “My father’s favorite magazine was called Mwihoko, a Kikuyu newspaper that was published by the Diocese of Murang’a. I would wait for him to finish reading, and then I would take it and read after him. I especially used to enjoy stories by Wahome Mutahi,” he said.

These traits, coupled with his prowess in language subjects, led him to be chosen as the school’s youngest student to ever chair the journalism club.

After high school, Gathaiya enrolled at Smart Media College in Nairobi. The school is located next to the Khoja stage.

From day one, his focus was singular. “All my peers wanted to be put in Kiswahili and English radio stations, but my path was different,” he stated. He was determined to master the art of vernacular broadcasting.

His attachment at Bahasha FM, which later became Countryside FM, gave him his first taste of the industry, allowing him to rub shoulders with veterans like George Waweru and a young Larry Madowo.

After the attachment, Gathaiya got his first job as a lecturer to teach radio production and journalism at a startup college that was located in South B.

“The institution had only one journalism student. It was there that I got my first end-of-the-month salary of sh 5,000. They used to pay me in cash. With such an amount, there was no need for bank deposits,” he said.

A subsequent lecturing job offered a higher salary of Sh12,000, but came with its soul-crushing challenge. “Throughout my time at that institution, I never once got the Sh12,000 salary in full,” he explained. “I used to be paid in small random amounts of like Sh2,000.”

When the frustrated staff finally protested, they were all unceremoniously fired. Jobless and unable to afford rent, he gave up and relocated back to his village in Murang’a.

A job at Kameme FM

After three months in the village, with his dream seemingly dead, Gathaiya’s mother intervened. She encouraged him to try again, reminding him that opportunity lay in the city, not in the village.

With her support, he moved back to Nairobi, renting a house in Githurai to start over.

It was then that he heard an advertisement that would change his life: Kameme FM was hiring.

He hand-delivered his application to their offices at Union Towers. After a series of interviews, his talent and passion paid off.

In 2012, he was hired and assigned to the “Kwigangara” show, the same show he hosts to this day.

Walking into the Kameme FM studios was a full-circle moment. “I was surprised to find that some of my former colleagues at Bahasha FM were also presenters here,” he said.

Although he has had various co-host combinations throughout the years, the one he seems to have clicked with the most is his current Co-Host, veteran comedian Ngoni Wa Thuita.

Some of the awards include being recognized as Influencer of the Year in 2024 at the TUKO Awards. He has also been recognized internationally, including in countries like London, Nigeria, and South Africa.

Kennar’s success reminds one of Jane Austen’s memorable opening line in her famous novel Pride and Prejudice, where she says that “It is a truth universally acknowledged, that a single man in possession of a good fortune, must be in want of a wife.”

For years, the woman beside Kennedy Othiambo has remained a quiet, steady presence away from the full glare of the limelight. It wasn’t until recently that Kenyans learnt that her name is Natalie Asewe.

But who exactly is she?

Business Acumen

On her LinkedIn Profile, Asewe describes herself as a ‘Social media manager’ and ‘full-stack creator’. A full-stack creator is someone who makes content, builds a brand around it, and sells products or services directly to their audience.

She attended Africa International University, where she joined in 2017 and graduated in 2021 with a Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA) in Banking and Finance.

Aside from social media management, Natalie is also an entrepreneur who runs a fashion business as a wardrobe stylist. She also served as manager for Kennar’s restaurant called Instant Delicacies, which was based in Juja but closed down in 2023.

According to online sources, Kennar and Natalie have been in a long-term relationship, having known each other since primary school.

In 2022, they shared photos as they were coming from a church service, and in 2023, they made headlines after attending a friend’s engagement party in striking, matching red outfits.

Natalie has also featured in some of Kennar’s skits as his co-actor. On Instagram, she is quite the celebrity, with 65.5k followers.

Losing a son

In late 2023, the couple’s world was shattered by an unimaginable tragedy. They lost their newborn son just five days after his birth. The baby had spent his short life in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU).

Kennar bravely shared the heartbreaking news with the public during his Happy Country show at the KICC, revealing that his son had passed away just four days before he was due on stage.

While Kennar grieved publicly on stage, Natalie navigated her sorrow through a series of deeply emotional social media posts.

On Instagram, she wrote a heartfelt tribute, saying that “They say there’s no greater pain than childbirth, but I disagree. The greatest pain in the world is carrying and delivering a child that you never get to raise.”

In another heart-wrenching post accompanied by photos of her baby bump, she mourned the future she had lost. “I don’t just grieve my son, I mourn never getting the chance to hear him cry, to hear him speak, teach him to walk, and see him grow.”

A new chapter of hope

On August 3, 2025, Crazy Kennar and Natalie welcomed their second-born child, a daughter.

The news was well received by their fans, with the couple receiving numerous congratulatory messages from Kenyans and celebrities such as Njugush, Abel Mutua, Philip Karanja, among others.

As an artist, he can find inspiration everywhere – in people’s stories, films, and music. He believes you just need to “stop and smell the roses” to find it. This approach has shaped his art, making it not just visually appealing, but also full of emotion, bold storytelling, and a strong sense of his own identity and Kenyan spirit.

Let’s delve deeper into the mind of this creative force.

Hi Ed, what do you do?

Hi, I’m an illustrator, muralist and animator based in Nairobi, Kenya.

What inspires you daily?

Oh, would it be corny if I said everything? I’m inspired by my personal journey. Other people’s stories (Any background), Film, music. The list can go on and on. Inspiration is everywhere. I say, “you just got stop and smell the roses “

Looking back at your artistic journey, what’s the most significant shift you’ve observed in your style or perspective?

Looking back, the biggest shift has been learning to trust my voice. I started off trying to “get it right,” but over time, I have embraced boldness, emotion, and storytelling as my signature. Now, my style is not just about how it looks, it’s about how it feels. There’s more soul, more Kenya, more me in every piece.

What’s the most important lesson you’ve learned about the power of visual communication?

Storytelling. Even if it’s just a moment. I’m able to share a minute with the viewer. They’re able to understand life and experience, life situation through my lens.

Also allowing the viewer to block away the world for a moment and enjoy my art with me.

When faced with creative block, what’s your go-to strategy for reigniting your inspiration?

Easy. Travel, travel, travel. Watching documentaries. Being around other artists and enjoying their craft. Gallery visits

What’s the most surprising or unexpected thing you’ve learned about yourself through your art?

I don’t know if it’s magic. I can learn a new style of art in just days. And that’s why I’m always like a crazy scientist. Experimenting. This tends to keep the journey fun cause it’s not about the destination.

How has working on projects for established brands shaped your understanding of the relationship between art and commerce?

It has shown me that art is not just for galleries, with the digital era, it can hustle too! It has taught me how creativity and strategy can blend, turning my ideas into visuals that not only look good but sell. Art meets commerce when storytelling meets purpose, and I have loved finding that sweet spot.

As a Kenyan designer, what does it mean to you to have your work featured on such an iconic Kenyan brand like Kenya Cane?

It means the world! As a Kenyan designer, having my work featured on a legendary brand like Kenya Cane feels like being woven into the fabric of our culture. It is pure joy, knowing my art gets to live on a bottle that’s been part of celebrations, stories, and memories across generations. I’m not just creating, I’m becoming part of a legacy, and that’s magic!

What inspired the visuals behind the logo? 

The Kenyan culture was my compass, especially the magic that happens when the old and new generations meet. I was inspired by elements that both generations instantly get, those nostalgic, proudly Kenyan visuals that still feel fresh and bold today. You know that perfect balance between “aii, I remember that!” and “yo, that is fire!”

And in true Ed style, I had a whole stash of designs (yes, many) that I was excited to share with the team. It was such a pleasure showing the range, how I can remix culture, style, and story into visuals that feel rooted and new.

What is your favourite element on the pack and why?

That’s like choosing a favourite kid haha. I can say the matatu culture. It’s a moving canvas. Do I need to say more?

Which of the Kenyan elements was the most challenging to incorporate, and why?

The animal was definitely the hardest! Kenya has so many iconic animals, again it was like choosing a favorite child. But I finally settled on the flamingoes of Lake Nakuru. They’re not only striking and elegant, but they also carry that unmistakable Kenyan charm. Plus, their vibrant color and movement brought the design to life in such a unique way!

As an artist, what message do you hope the overall design conveys about the Kenyan culture?

I hope the design proudly shouts: “This is Kenya bold, vibrant, and full of soul!” I wanted it to celebrate our culture as something alive and evolving where tradition meets creativity, and where every pattern, color, and symbol tells a story. It is a love letter to Kenya’s spirit: joyful, resilient, and always expressive.

What do you hope people will always remember about your work?

That Ed is a crazy vibrant artist always on the go. I hope people always remember the feeling, that spark of joy, pride, and connection. I want my work to leave a mark that says, “This is us. This is Kenya.” Bold, unapologetic, full of rhythm and story. If it makes someone smile, reflect, or feel seen… then I have done my job.

24-year-old Vivian Kabono, a creative beads designer known as Vivy Kabz, echoes this sentiment, saying beadwork is a deep connection to cultural traditions and spiritual beliefs. In many communities, beads signify important aspects of life, such as marital status. “When you look at different communities,” Vivian notes, “there is an aspect of a married woman and the type of beads that they are supposed to wear.”

Nathan Letoluo, a member of the Maasai community, shares this perspective, highlighting that beadwork is not just fashion but a reflection of his identity. “Wearing them makes me feel proud, powerful, and grounded. In Maasai culture, every colour and design has meaning—red for bravery, blue for energy, white for purity. When I wear beads, I carry those meanings with me. It is also a symbol of heritage and continuity; many of us learn beadwork from our mothers and grandmothers, so there is a beautiful generational bond. It is not just an accessory; it is a language of identity, emotion, and respect,” Nathan, a Genz says.

Vivian sees beadwork as a potent symbol of local and global identity, embodied in her slogan “carry nyumbani with you.” She believes Kenyans in diaspora can also travel with locally designed beads to promote their culture, as international celebrities have been captured wearing beads patterned with Kenyan flags over the years.

Nathan adds that beads can be used to promote Kenyan culture globally through fashion and art and tell stories about the Maasai, Samburu, and Turkana who adore them. “This can open up conversations about our values, history, and the beauty of our traditions, helping the world see Kenya through our eyes,” he says. Yaba reinforces this idea, stating, “By staying true to our heritage, we’re creating music that stands out globally because it carries depth, identity, and authenticity. It’s not just about entertainment—it’s about preserving history and passing it on through sound.”

Maureen Mwangi, a Gen Z professional in PR, adds that beads, beyond being an expression of her personal style, create a sense of connection and shared identity, evoking a feeling of home for Kenyans abroad.

She remembers spending her childhood making beadwork, adding, “It is something that I have grown knowing that it is part of my beauty, it is part of my personal expression.”

Beads also hold deep spiritual meaning, with some viewed as protection against negative powers. The “protective eye” pattern is famed for ‘shielding one’ against an evil eye. Beyond these traditional uses, Gen Zs are finding new, personalized ways to express affection and connection through beads.

A recent report by Dazed highlights this trend, noting that Gen Zs are hand-picking beads that match the colour of their loved ones’ eyes, stringing them into bracelets and waist beads – a hyper-personalized emblem of love. This trend, popularized on TikTok, represents extreme intimacy and DIY creativity. For example, the “matching-eyes” bracelet trend often features a mix of seed beads in varying shades of brown, green, or blue to mimic the intricate patterns of the recipient’s iris. Dazed notes the eye colour bracelet trend from TikTok has 104.4 million related posts.

Capitalizing on this cultural trend, brands are also incorporating beadwork into modern designs to promote local culture and connect with their consumers. Wainaina notes that the KC label was a way to create something that speaks to both the old and the new.

Kenya Cane’s latest offering, the Lemon & Ginger flavour, taps into this cultural statement, promoting the Kenyan spirit as a Made in Kenya drink with Maasai beads, Matatu art, Nairobi skyline, and Kenyan Sports excellence featured on its artwork. As a local brand made in Kenya by Kenyans for Kenyans, Kenya Cane also actively supports local DJs, MCs, and artists at its events, providing them with opportunities to earn a living while celebrating Kenyan culture and heritage.

Edwin Wainaina, the logo designer behind Kenya Cane’s vibrant new label, shares this sentiment: “The KC label was such a fun project for me—it all started with a deep love for the things that make Kenyan culture so bold and beautiful.”

Wainaina’s design, which incorporates Maasai beads, Matatu art, and other iconic Kenyan symbols, aims to create “something that speaks to both the old and the new—a visual bridge between generations.”

This connection to heritage resonates with Yaba, a musician famed as the Prince of Rhumbacane, who notes, “Culture is the foundation of everything we do. As cultural musicians, we draw deeply from our roots—language, sounds, rhythms, and traditional instruments—to create something that’s not just music, but a reflection of who we are. I’ve been telling stories and keeping the culture of music alive from the beloved classics (“Zilizopendwa”), to Rhumba (“Rhumbacane”), and now contemporary hits (“Zitakazopendwa”). It’s a journey that connects generations, evolving with time but still rooted in tradition. I’ve connected millennials and Gen Z with this music.”

Yaba adds that by staying true to her heritage, she creates music that stands out globally because it carries depth, identity, and authenticity. “It’s not just about entertainment—it’s about preserving history and passing it on through sound,” she emphasizes.

“Beads go beyond decoration; they carry meaning. In traditional music and culture, beads represent identity, status, and heritage. Each color, pattern, and placement can tell a story—whether it’s royalty, spirituality, or a rite of passage. When I wear beads during performances as a Prince of the Rhumbacane Kingdom, it’s full of style and fashion. I’m not just accessorizing—I’m honoring my ancestors, invoking energy, and visually expressing the soul of the music. They’re a bridge between sound and symbolism, making the entire experience more powerful and connected.”

It is at such events where Vivian Kabono says the power of beads extends beyond personal expression and is used to connect people and promote artistic movements. She is currently creating bracelets for a music artist under a slogan “The Movement,” a project that allows fans to show their support and spread the word about the artist’s message. Yaba, as the Prince of Rhumbacane, understands this connection deeply: “When I wear beads during performances…I’m not just accessorizing—I’m honoring my ancestors, invoking energy, and visually expressing the soul of the music. They’re a bridge between sound and symbolism, making the entire experience more powerful and connected.”

Whether embracing versatile pieces or personalizing your style with bead charms, let your accessories tell a story of heritage, craftsmanship, and progress.

The musician from DR Congo (then Zaire) did not realize that powerful forces within the government were orchestrating his deportation and eventual ban from the country. According to celebrated radio presenter Fred Obachi Machoka, government operatives contacted him and instructed him to tell Kanda Bongo Man to leave the country immediately.

“So nikaingia kwa room nikapata Kanda Bongo man amevaa vizuri ready to come down and perform, and he was in very good mood. I told him, ‘Kanda, kumeharibika’”, (loosely translated: I entered Kanda Bongo Man’s room and found him well dressed preparing for his show. He was in a good mood. I told him, ‘Kanda, things are bad),” he shared on Hot 96.

Recounting the events that led to his deportation, the seasoned radio presenter said the news caught Kanda off guard. He asked why he was being told to cancel his show, to which Machoka explained that the demands had come from State House and he had not been given any reason.

After stepping out of the room, they encountered police officers who informed the king of kwasa kwasa that he had to leave the country. He asked how he would depart since Air France had already left. The officers told him he would leave on the first available flight the following day.

The next day, Fred visited the hotel and found police officers still stationed outside Kanda’s room at the Stanley Hotel. Kanda informed them that he would leave on the Air France flight departing that night at 10 PM. The officers instructed him to go to the airport, where he would wait for his flight.

Obachi drove Kanda to Jomo Kenyatta Airport and was allowed access to the departure lounge. Before leaving, Fred pressed the officers to explain why Kanda was being deported.

“…wakaniambia kuna msichana ambaye alikuwa girlfriend wa Moi na Kanda Bongo Man akapita naye. Msichana gani, ‘eti Catherine Kasavuli’…(They told me there was a woman who was the girlfriend of President Moi, and Kanda Bongo Man had been involved with her. I asked, ‘Which woman?’ and they replied, ‘Catherine Kasavuli),’” shared the ‘Blackest Man in Africa.’

Machoka refuted these allegations, stating that he was with the Congolese musician every minute of his stay in the country.

When they arrived at the airport, they saw Catherine Kasavuli on TV reading the news. “I asked Kanda, ‘Do you see that woman on TV?’ He replied, ‘TV girl, very beautiful.’ I then asked if he knew her, and he said he didn’t have an idea who she was.

Machoka believed that based on Kanda’s reaction, he was telling the truth. After Kanda left the country, the radio presenter began his own investigation.

Machoka recalled that before Kanda performed at the KICC, he had been staying at the Intercontinental Hotel. While at the hotel, Hezekiah Oyugi, the powerful Permanent Secretary of Interior Security during the Moi era, had requested that Kanda perform at his daughter’s wedding in Rongo. However, Kanda refused, stating that he didn’t perform at private functions.

Instead, Kanda suggested they invite Tshala Muana, who was in the country at the time. Fred believed that Oyugi must have felt slighted and used the rumored relationship between President Moi and Catherine Kasavuli as a way to get back at Kanda.

The late queen of TV refuted claims that he was romantically involved with Kanda Bongo Man.

Interestingly, the Congolese musician was in love with a Kenyan woman, Rose Wambui Wahito. His affection for this Kenyan beauty, who later married Mombasa businessman and East African Legislative Assembly (EALA) Member of Parliament Suleiman Shahbal in 1999, was immortalized in the song Wahito.

This article first appeared on whownsafrica.com

Sheryl Gabriella

The TikToker was denied a U.S. visa, leaving her ego in tatters. She shared her emotional experience on her platforms. The Tik Toker thought for a minute she would get the visa only to be issued with the dreaded ‘pink slip’.

Here is what she shared,

“She is asking you questions, and in your mind, you are thinking you have already gotten it. Then she puts her hands and says, ‘Sorry, but your visa has been declined’. Let me tell you, you leave the embassy crying. You do not show it. Even when someone greets you, you size them up. But it is okay, we are used to it. The good thing is you walk in there 50-50. I remember there was a soldier who said hello to me when I showed up and later he kept talking to me and I was sizing him.”

Njugush

Speaking on Iko Nini podcast, Abel Mutua shared how his bossom buddy Njuguna was denied a visa to perform in the US.

Abel Mutua

His show in Canada had to be cancelled after he was denied the much coveted visa. He said of the experience.

“I never went to Canada. They are very strict. Canada and the States have returned so many artists, so badly, they do not even care. Even Timo (Njugush) got a gig last year and they gave him that pink slip very fast. And they never tell you the reason.”

Flaqo

According to Iko Nini host, Flaqo was also denied a visa but he did not give details.

Jaymo ule Msee

He was also denied a visa.

Mwafrika

A frequent traveler, he was denied a visa to the UK because he did not have money in the bank.

“Last year they denied so many people visas. Jaymo Ule Msee, if I am not wrong Flaqo. For Britain, they ask you how much you intend to use and that is the money you are supposed to leave in the account,” Mwafrika said.