If you could have something named after you, what would it be?
Kenyan breakfast
Breakfast is said to be the most important meal of the day, it gives you a good start and energy to keep going.
In Kenya, a breakfast meal differs from household to household but the staple breakfast must include a cup of tea.
Most Kenyans love to have their tea with milk but some prefer it black with or without lemon, with some spices(tea masala especially along the coastal region)
A true Kenyan breakfast experience is one way of learning about the culture and traditions of a community.
Here are some of the most popular dishes served for a true Kenyan Breakfast.
1. Mandazi (deep-fried dough)
This is made from dough that is deep-fried. It originated from the Swahili people from the Kenyan coast.Dont confuse Mandazi and Mahamris. Mandazi is a flat deep-fried with lots of flesh inside and in most cases no yeast added when mixing the dough.
It is similar to donuts but may taste different depending on the ingredients used.Some common ingredients added to the mandazi for flavor are lemon zest, cinnamon,or cardamom; commonly known as ellaichi.Maandazis can be made at home or bought from cafés, restaurants or from street vendors that make them every morning and evening.
They are usually eaten with tea(chai)or coffee. They are served warm for breakfast or can be eaten as a snack with evening tea.
2. Mahamri (Swahili donuts)
Mahamri is Swahili donuts popular in the coastal region in Kenya. It is similar to the Maandazi but it is hollow and is made from yeast.
This is a staple breakfast among the Swahili and it is usually accompanied by mbaazi (pigeon peas) in coconut milk.
A good mahamri has to be soft and hollow for a good scoop when eating it with ‘mbaazi’.With the modern preparation methods coming up and evolved; they can be baked, or deep-fried.These cannot be enjoyed without a cup of steaming tea.
3. Vibibi (Rice Coconut pancake)
Vibibi are sweet fluffy delicious pancakes made from rice and coconut. It is also another coastal breakfast staple.
The rice is soaked overnight then blended with coconut milk and other ingredients to make a smooth batter.
It is then let to settle,ferment naturally and puff up nicely. Ghee is used in frying them in a covered pan. Once cooked they can be served with tea or coffee.
4. Sweet potatoes, Arrow roots or Cassava
These are common traditional breakfast dishes served in most homes and can be bought from cafés and restaurants in Kenya.
They are considered healthy because they are full of fiber, healthy carbs, and vitamin. Traditional way of making them is by boiling or roasting them but now people do fry them as well.
5. Chapati Rolex
Chapati is a flatbread made from dough and fried on a pan just like pancakes. They are popularly served as a main dish with stew but is also eaten during breakfast.
Chapati for breakfast is usually from dinner leftovers. To spice it up, most people prepare rolex, an omelet then roll it up with the chapati.
They can be made at home, ordered in restaurants or from street vendors.
6. Sweet bananas
The sweet bananas are tiny and sweet as the name suggests and are a common traditional breakfast dish served with tea in rural Kenya.
It is mostly enjoyed with a cup of black tea or tea with milk and mostly with no sugar because the bananas have enough sweetness.
The bananas can be bought from the supermarket, open-air markets and from street hawkers that sell them at affordable prices.
7. Uji (Porridge)
This is also another Kenyan breakfast meal that is popularly served at home or in restaurants. It is loved by many as it is considered to be healthy and rich in fiber and nutrients.
It is common to see women selling Uji by roadside kiosks early morning mostly to bus drivers and construction workers.
Most Kenyans love their Uji fermented. Some add lemon juice, margarine or milk to the non-fermented Uji for more rich flavor.
Uji is made from a mixture of millet, sorghum, cassava, and maize flour. The flour can be bought from the supermarket, or cereal shops and is either fermented overnight and will be ready to cook in the morning.
It is usually served in a traditional dried calabash cut in half.
8. Kaimati (sweet dumplings)
Another delightful crunchy breakfast delicacy that does not miss the breakfast table especially if you are down at the coast.It is similar to mandazi and mahamri but unlike the two. Kaimati is made from batter without sugar, a main ingredient in the other two.
Once all the ingredients are well mixed, the batter is left to settle then deep-fried by scooping the batter using oiled hands and squeezing them into the hot oil, it requires skills
From the fire they are placed in a bowl with sugar and cardamom syrup and mixed well to ensure they are fully coated.
In conclusion, I would say that meat or Proteins in a Kenyan breakfast is considered heaven.Meat is rarely seen on the table.However there are various options which you would see or get on the modern Kenyan fusion gastronomy or more so in restaurants. These options includes Meat samosas(mincemeat wrapped in pastry and fried) . Chicken or Beef Mshikaki(skewers charcoal grilled) . Bone soup is also commonly eaten in the morning…..
With the modern food changes and new generation adoption of western world, the above breakfast is seen as a pleasant way of eating…So Wil find sausages and french pastries to some young well-to-do individuals.
Why I Would Return To Kisite Mpunguti Marine Park Countless Times
Where would we go next??One of our adventure gang member asked me.. Being a lead of distination,site and route researcher for the group, i was sorry that I had to google to check what’s the best marine park to visit. I have been to Shimoni and Wasini island but not with the gang .
Kisite Mpunguti Marine Park come to my mind.The park is roughly70km south of Mombasa. I knew the road would be rough since I had been to Shimoni before, so we settled for a 4*4 van and set out a date for the journey.
The journey was on a Sunday,As usual I don’t wake up early but I had to wake up at 5AM to get our snack packs for the day ready,thus started the road trip at 6AM.We crossed the ferry as usual but the jam to get to Likoni was crazy. After an hour or so we made it through. South coast is just chilled and calm and driving past Diani brought back memories of the rough road when I last travelled. The road was really poor then, and I mean really really poor. I never thought you can get to the Island with a vitz using that dirt road, but now the road network is smooth and very comfortable to any type of vehicle. A few kilometers down the road and we got to Shimoni.
Shimoni is a major historical site. This was where the slaves were kept before being shipped to Europe or Asia.
I met my guide Mr. Mohamed Hassan waiting for us at the shopping centre.A very kind gentleman who made our stop there very worthwhile. Hassan is a local at Shimoni and owns a company that provides tours in the island. I asked if we could get to see dolphins. To answer this question Hassan gave hope to all my heart. He explained clearly that to visit Kisite Mpunguti you had to wake up at the crack of dawn and get the boat ride to the island. The boat will then go to tides where you could be able to view the dolphins. We asked so many questions and Mohammed had a ready answere and a solution to every of our concern.
Here we are at Shimoni. Mohammed led us to the KWS marine part offices for the registration and verification of identity.The Kisite Mpunguti Marine Park is managed by KWS (Kenya Wildlife Services) All of us were ready for the voyage to kisite mpunguti through Wasini island.
We got in a dhow parked at the jetty named MV. Subra with three crew members on board. Jaffari was the captain (a smart young boy) and started the voyage to Kisite Mpunguti Marine Park Island. The Shimoni mainland and Wasini island are separated by a Kilometer of the Indian Ocean. Mpare hills which are in Tanzania could be seen and our guide told us guys cross into Tanzania everyday.
We got a brief from the guide about the journey from shimoni to Kisite-mpunguti- Marine Park, safety measures to take in case of emergency. At 9:30 the sail started. The sail is to take 3-4 hrs then stop over at Wasini- Island for lunch before returning to shimoni mainland, I realized the guide had a quite grasp on safety measures while at sea. I was easy about this and inquired, what if one gets sea sickness or vomiting what/ where would she/he vomit. His answere was short as ” you feed the fish” meaning you just vomit on the sea. No plastic or waste is allowed to be thrown out ot the dhow. The dustbin is provided on board. Kisite-mpunguti- Marine national Park was smooth and we saw dolphins swim along the boat. Along the way the sea got little rough but the boat cruised through despite the fact that some of the members got to vomit .
We arrived at the park after about 1hr and 30mins. The boat was anchored and some of us went off for snorkeling and swimming to see the marine fish. Many other toirists from different groups of nationality and myself enjoyed the view from the boat . The anchor- stop at marine park was to take 1hr 45 mins then leave for the island before high tide. However snorkeling took too long, the boat crew could not get us all together in time to leave for the island as planned. It was really fun on the sand bath and swimming.By the time all other visitors were back on board of their shows it was already high tide and the sea waves were getting rough.
We set out to Wasini island about 1pm , the experience on the sea at Wasini channel was very chilling, the waves were rough as the dhow was wavering from side to side. That is when I inquired more on the available life- jackets and buoy- life –rings on board.. The dhow was well equipped in all of these vital equipment. We finally arrived at the Wasini island after about 1 hour 30 mins bumpy sail. Access to the island was by a one small boat ( there is no jetty for the dhows ) which takes trips to collect all the tourists and the reserve trip to return. I found these many trips also tiring but worth the adventure.
Lunch at the Wasini island restaurant was refreshing sea food (selection of Fish, crab, lobster, rice, cassava ,vegetables , chicken , chapati and drinks ) and residents are very hospitable. We returned to shimoni mainland about 3.30 pm with unique experience and much of appreciation to God for safety. I also recognized that the dhow crew members mainly rely of their own experience on navigation but knowledge able of the sea around their area.
I would return to kisite Mpunguti countless time s due to ;
1. Unmatched scenery at Kisite Mpunguti Marine National Park. Before getting lost in all there is to discover below wild side of the sea with beautiful rock features, vast clear waters and beautiful blue skies and the scenery here is nothing short of divine.
2. Majestic coral reefs at Kisite Mpunguti Marine National Park Coral reefs in the sea are what forests are to land. Coral reef barrier present at Kisite is so vast, providing a suitable home to octopus where dolphins feast on,You will therefore get to witness one of the most extraordinary features of the sea.
3.Mysterious sea birds at Kisite Mpunguti Marine National Park.They love the bare rocks, which allow them the free space they are accustomed to in the ocean. As a result, Kisite is listed as an Important Bird Area.
4.The intriguing underwater world . Kisite Mpunguti Marine Park is one of the most ideal places for diving. The clear and clean waters boast of thousands of sea life that has been referred to as a rainbow. Snorkeling here will allow you to see beautifully colored fish of all sizes, shapes and forms.
5. Dolphins and whales at Kisite Mpunguti Marine National Park The most interesting part of visiting Kisite Mpunguti is the chance to swim with dolphins in their natural habitat. These friendly mammals love playing in the water, and when they feel co enough can come within inches of you.
6.Shimoni Caves at Kisite Mpunguti Marine National Park: These are located in a small fishing village, these ancient coral caves were for century’s sacred sites of worship for the local communities. However, fate and history brought a darker aspect to this tranquil spot. In the 18th and 19th century the caves became pens for captured slaves on their way to the slave markets in Zanzibar. Your entrance fee will help pay school fees for the school going children from the village. It’s manned by the community here.
At 4pm we boarded our van back to northcoast Mombasa. But before them We made a stop at Diani for a quick one for the road. Sought to know where we could go and unwind for an hour or so.
Our source asked us to go to Manyatta Resort and lounge where entertainment is made. Yes ,…the place was epic. We danced till midnight . Exhausted, we left for Mombasa……….
This Red Thing Valentines.
- In summary;it doesn’t matter what you’ve done for your significant other all year if you fail to remember this one day.You could have bought her a plot of land and build her dream house, but if you forget a thousand-shillings worth of flowers which will die in a days time you’re the most unromantic son in the universe.
Now that Valentine’s shenanigans are over, it feels a little safer to dig a bit into the origin of the day that made me occupy my mind to get my gifts delivered on time or else I would be that dead son of soil. In my budget was red roses, red outfits and a bottle of something called Belaire Luxe, a champagne from burgundy that goes for slightly over USD.80, and tastes very much like regular muratina..
One popular theory connects Valentine’s Day to a Christian martyr named Saint Valentine. The Catholic Church recognises several saints named Valentine, but the most commonly mentioned is a priest in Rome during the third century.
The 8th-century ,Gelasian Sacramentary recorded the celebration of the Feast of Saint Valentine on February 14.The day became associated with romantic love in the 14th and 15th centuries, when notions of courtly love flourished, apparently by association with the “lovebirds” of early spring. In 18th-century England, it grew into an occasion for couples to express their love for each other by presenting flowers, offering confectionery, and sending greeting cards. Valentine’s Day symbols that are used today include the heart-shaped outline, doves, and the figure of the winged Cupid.
Yes,this valentine I did my part as a boy child to making sure that the basics are met.Before expressing my love to my Valentine I had to show love to my own self by Joining Our Mombasa Walk Movement Bonje Valentine’s 2nd edition organized 4 days earlier.
Love was literally and figuratively poured into the streets of Mombasa as over 1,000 residents participated in a 19km walk to celebrate this year’s Valentine’s Day.
The young, old and youth thronged to the street to participate in the walk organized by the Mombasa Walk Movement.
So ,on the 10th, February we walked for 19 km to celebrate our health.
Legend has it that Valentine defied the Roman Emperor Claudius II, who had prohibited marriages for young men, believing that single men made better soldiers. Valentine continued to marry young couples in secret. When discovered, he was imprisoned and eventually executed on February 14. Ouch! Kind of makes Valentine’s Day Good for lovers, especially to a Man of the world.Thats why it’s very important to send a gift(No matter how small) to a woman you truely love.
Some historians link Valentine’s Day to the ancient Roman festival of Lupercalia, which took place in mid-February, a fertility festival dedicated to Faunus, the Roman god of agriculture, and Romulus and Remus, the legendary founders of Rome.And the theories will go on and on.
The commercialisation of Valentine’s Day, with the mass production of cards and the exchange of gifts, gained momentum in the 19th century. It doesn’t matter what you’ve done for your significant other all year, if you fail to remember this one day. you’re the most unromantic son in the universe. Where did the red colour theme come from ? May be because of the blood the Valentine matyr shed?
To the red colour!!, this son of soil decided to pull a surprise to the old girl. We all left for work in our different fields. However I managed to sneak back to the house to colour the entire room red. Yes, pulled the red curtains up, the beddings red. Literally everything was red.Placed the Rose as bed centre piece. Off to plan for dinner.
Yes the suprise worked,It blew her off..All my sins for a year were pardoned.. To end the day was a church organization dinner where we had a good time with the speaker of the day.
I remember one woman who said, “I’d rather get a packet of maize flour than a bunch of inedible flowers.” I believe come judgment day, that woman will suffer a similar fate to the biblical Eve. You remember her, right? Apparently, she’s the reason women lose a tonne of blood once every month and get moody. My partner overheard that couples conversation on adjacent table.So I went ahead and posed a question.
“Diana,” I said to my love, (just to get her opinion on the woman conversation) -“I’ve loved you since the first day I laid eyes on you and I’ve done everything in my power to show how much you mean to me. What’s one day compared to valentine”
She answered “If you don’t get me flowers and wine,” she said, “you’re dead to me.”!!!!
Fried Calamari Rings.
Perfect homemade crispy fried calamari rings are not as hard as most will have you think, this breaded version can be cooked in under 15 minutes.
What you need
350g Squid Tubes cleaned, and cut into round tubes. Juice from one lemon.
1 Egg, whole beaten
50g (¼ Cup) Flour
50g (¼ Cup) Panko Breadcrumbs (if not you can use ordinary crumbs)
Pinch Paprika or cayenne pepper (optional). Salt to taste
Oil for Frying
Procedure
Heat the oil in a pan or deep fat fryer to 180°C. If you are using a sauce pan ot pot ( take care not to fill oil in the pan to more than a third full.
Sprinkle the squid with salt and a pinch of cayenne if using. Drizzle the lemon juice on the squid and mix well
Dip them into the flour, followed by the egg and finally into the bread crumbs.
Batch fry the squid in two batches in either a large saucepan or a wok.
Each batch should take 2 minutes to brown and cook through.
Remove from the pan and drain on kitchen paper before serving. Serve with tartar sauce or mayonnaise aside…
I like serving with fried rice if using as a main course…
Enjoy 😉.
Grilled Garlic Butter Lamb Chops
Garlic Butter Lamb Chops Recipe can be grilled or pan seared, so simple to cook and such a delicious and healthy option for dinner. This is an Easy Lamb Chop recipe in just 15 minutes!
So, today I’m so excited to share another recipe with you, because I’m sure you’ll love making it for dinner over and over again.
These garlic butter lamb chops are super juicy, flavourful and tender. Thanks to the garlic butter thyme. People!!! I’m m telling you this sauce is to die for and it’s so simple to make.I love garlic….
In only 5 minutes, you’ll prep everything, and in 10-12 minutes you will sear the lamb chop in a cast iron skillet or a heavy pan and they’ll be done and ready to eat. And the butter sauce is super easy to make as well.
Once you melt the butter in the skillet or even the pan,simply add the minced garlic and chopped thyme, and give it a good stir. Done! Then, you just need to pour this sauce over the lamb chops, and enjoy!
Know your Lamb Chops
- When picking lamb chops at the store, look for chops that are pink to red with white marbling(fat around edges)The lamb chops should be a little bit more than an inch thick on bone. You don’t want chops that are too thick or the outside will be overcooked before the interior is ready to eat.
- There are many different cuts of lamb chops: loin chops, shoulder chops, sirloin chops, and rib chops. You are welcome to use whichever cut that is sold at your local butcher or grocery store. If you’re able to pick, rib chops would be ideal as they’re not tough.
Ingredients to cook the chops:
For this super easy and flavourful garlic butter lamb chops recipe you’ll need:
- Good quality butter —if possible good quality ghee.
- Garlic — fresh garlic is best
- Fresh thyme — you can also swap for basil or cilantro
Cooking Lamb Chops:
- Remove lamb chops from the fridge 20-30 minutes before cooking and pat them dry with paper towels. If there is moisture on the lamb chops, you won’t get a nice sear to it. Season well with salt and pepper.
- Heat a dry cast iron skillet over a medium high heat. Then, place the chops narrow fat side down just like on the picture above. Using tongs press the chops down so that the fat renders and turns crisp and brown. This prevents the lamb chops from being overcooked while the fat renders.
- Once the fat has melted into the pan, lay the chops flat on one of their sides. Cook them until browned, then turn and cook on the other side. Then, add 2 tablespoons off butter, garlic and thyme.
- Stir well until the butter is foaming, and spoon the butter over the lamb for a minute or so. Basting the lamb chops will add much more flavour to them.
Easy chicken Tikka Using a Grill
This is a recipe that I developed from a mixture of recipes, adapting to my taste. I hope you enjoy it . Cooking time is an estimate, depending on how hot your grill is and how big your chicken pieces are.Similar to Tandoori chicken but different in the use of grilling equipment.
Ingredients:
2pcs whole skinless chicken cut into 1/4 pcs
1/2 cup fresh lemon juice
1cup plain yogurt or mala(curd)
1bulb of pressed garlic or 2tbs garlic powder
2tbs freshly grated ginger
2tbs ground cumin
1tsp ground turmeric
2tbs Spanish paprika.
1tbs Garam Masala
1tsp cayenne pepper
Salt to taste
1tsp ground black pepper. Vegetable cooking oil or olive oil. Melted butter for brushing the chicken while grilling.
Lime, for serving
The procedure:
1.Clean your chicken, and cut it into 8 parts .
Take a fork or make some cuts across and prick the chicken many times.
Put lemon juice in bowl with chicken, stir well, and set it aside.
2.In a large bowl, mix all the ingredients -yogurt/mala,oil garlic, ginger, cumin, turmeric, cayenne, salt and pepper,Garam masala. When Your marination is ready;
Place the chicken in the bowl with the marinade, and marinate for at least 2 hours, preferably 4-6 hours or overnight.
3.Heat your grill with a nice flame and place chicken on the grill.
Brush with butter or olive oil marinade, and grill approximately 6 minutes on each side, or until done, having nice grill/char markings on . Even charcoal grill is ok to use.
4.Once you have grilled one side for 6 minutes, turn them over and brush with butter or olive oil, and grill 6 more minutes or until done.
5.Serve with potato chips or Naam bread/garlic flat bread.and lime wedges on the side for squirting on chicken pieces;
Perfect Mzedu Home Made Beef Burger
The beef patty is the key player when making a perfect beef burger,Mix the ingredients to combine so the proteins start working and stick to each other to create the perfect patty. Keep treating the meat tenderly while shaping the patties. Don’t pack them together too tightly. Just gently form them into loose patties. Make sure the patties are even in size – you can weigh them to be exact or you can use a burger pressing machine, if you have.I craft my burgers using my hands can, if you like.
As a rule of the thumb, Burgers go well with fries and cabbage slaw.
Select your ingredients: can serve 15.
1.5kg medium ground Beef Mince
250g fresh breadcrumbs
4 large brown onion, grated
1/2cup chopped fresh parsley leaves or coriander if you like
4 garlic cloves, crushed or 2tsp garlic powder
4 egg, lightly whisked
4 tbsp Worcestershire sauce or Tomato Ketchup
4 tbsp olive oil
150g cheddar, thinly sliced
15 hamburger buns, halved
100ml Mayonnaise /mustard
8 lettuce leaves
450g (about 3 medium) ripe tomatoes, sliced
Mix mince, breadcrumbs, onion, parsley, garlic, egg, Worcestershire or tomato ketchup sauce,if using in a large bowl. Use your hands to mix until just combined.Divide the mixture into 15 -17equal portions. Shape each portion with your hands into a patty about: 10cm in diameter and 1.5cm thick.
Place the patties on prepared tray. Cover with plastic wrap and place in the fridge for at least 20 minutes to rest.
Heat the grilling pan and cook the patties for about 4 minutes each side or until browned and cooked through. Transfer the patties to a tray. Set aside and cover to keep warm.
Meanwhile Place the hamburger buns, cut-side up, under the grill and toast for 1 minute or until golden. Leave the grill on. Place the patties on prepared tray. Top patties with cheddar. Place under the grill for 1 minute or until the cheddar is just melted.
Spread the bottom halves of the toasted hamburger buns with the Mayonnaise or mustard, if using. Top with the lettuce, tomato and patties. Dollop with tomato ketchup. Cover with the hamburger bun tops to serve.
The excitement of Yatch excursion
Finding joy in the simple pleasure of good food and and amazing friends above the waters!
Planning a day out with friends is always fun. We decide where to go, what to do, and what food to bring. We make sure everyone agrees with the plan. This way, everyone feels involved and excited.And so I was involved in organizing on the best possible thing to do.
Having time on the Yatch was what we agreed on.Its excitement and steaming off is on the next high level.The Yatch Gang group was formed.Group of nine with equal contribution to the fun.ating, laughing, and making memories – just another day with my favorites. Friends who munch together, stick together! Cheers to food, friendship, and fabulous times!”
Excited and energized we set off from our meeting point at the garden park lounge restaurant to our walk to one of the floating restaurant in mtwapa, the gem of kilifi. During our trek to the mtwapa creek, we had to endure some coastal heat as well as rain, which made a funny and slippery time on the muddy path. Slow and steady did it, or ‘pole-pole’, as they say here in Swahili.
After enjoying a freshly brewed mug of coffee, we were treated to a locally produced lunch . On the menu were charcoal roasted whole fish and fish soup, vegetables, rice, and chicken. A delicious and hearty meal was what we needed before setting off on our excursion.
The journey along the way passes through the footpath trail a neighborhood so close to nature.You can observe the local dwellings and chat with some locals. There’s an abundance of fruit and food vendors throughout the route with soft drinks and fresh squeezed madafu in plentiful supply. You’ll also pass a few ‘forest pubs’ where they’re serving the local wine, ‘Mnazi’ which I was assured is much stronger than regular beer or normal wine.
The yacht squeals while it slips off the trolley into the bitterly cold harbour’s water. The sails tighten and the boat leaps forward, away from the safety of the shore. The tame lapping of ripples against the hull rings out across the bay. The soft breeze streams through our hair and the chill nips at our faces.
A day out with friends is more than just fun. It’s a day of bonding, making memories, and strengthening our friendship. It’s a day that brings us closer and makes us appreciate each other more. It’s a day we look forward to and cherish.
In conclusion, a day out with friends is a special event. It’s a day filled with laughter, fun, and memories. It’s a day that strengthens our bonds and deepens our friendships. It’s a day we will always remember and cherish. It’s a day that makes us appreciate the simple joys of life and the value of friendship.
As out Yatch captain “docks back” after a happy excursion and a sunset cruise, all of us were happy and refreshed. Before we realized it was nightfall..
Next will be an all out food adventure …
MV LOGOS HOPE AT THE CITY PORT OF MOMBASA, KENYA
The world’s largest floating library MV Logos Hope with different book titles, passengers and crew from across nations moored in Mombasa on August 22 for 45 days, signalling a boon for the tourism and educational activities in the port city of Mombasa. The vessel library am told has over 4000 book tittles of different categories. On board are quite a number of passengers and crew members
To access they charge Ksh 50(appr. 0.5 USD) members of the public are able to access the ship from 1pm to 7pm from Tuesday to Sunday, Monday it’s closed to re-arrange the shelves after a week of public purchase. The public can select and buy books from a wide variety of disciplines including science, cooking, sports, languages, religion among other items like pens ,Mugs with a logos brand.
Upon arrival,The well organized crew usher in visitors and then introduced to the vessel through a short movie and interactive displays. After introduction Visitors are allowed in the library to feel the floating library.
During visiting hours, the vessel’s amphitheatre hosts illuminating talks aimed at enriching maritime careers and other related activities.
People tour and Purchase books inside the MV Logos Hope Ship Library at the Port of Mombasa, Kenya on September 3, 2023.
Talking to some of the crew members they say that .they are really happy to be here in Mombasa Kenya, after Kenya, they will go to South Africa, but they will also visit Tanzania, Madagascar, Mauritius and most parts of East Africa,
Book and excursion lovers from different parts of the country visited the ship with numbers multiplying over the weekends if my observations are anything to go by.
The Logos Hope brings affordable literary gems to Kenya. The prices of some of the books are being sold as low as 10 USD,(Appr. Ksh100) making it accessible for all. For most books, the price point will be around USD 50 or more, still a reasonable cost for the wealth of knowledge they offer.Tgey are sold on the Ships points . Each point translates to a certain price amount.
The price ranges between Ksh 500 – Ksh 1800 for most of professional books which would ordinarily cost Ksh 2000-3000.
Some of the book lovers came as far as Nairobi to come and witness the floating library,
This is a well travelling ship which has visited over 150 ports in different countries according to one staff who I spoke to and who has worked with the ship for over 1year
In 2005 a similar ship docked by the name of MS Doulos docked at the Port City of Mombasa on a similar mission. I was previledged to work on board doing sandwiches and beverages while in Mombasa. Duolos is expected to begin her 2024 expeditions making her first stop-over in Maputo, Mozambique in January, so am informed
The floating book fair was to come to Mombasa in 2015 but the voyage was suspended due to fears of insecurity. MV Logos Hope’s visit to the country was organized in partnership of Kenya Ports Authority, the county government of Mombasa and Kenya Tourism Board. The Likoni chanel Food and fruit vendors says their business have improved substantially during this time of book fair. This type of tourism attracts different people to visit .
If you have not visited please make plans to visit the floating library.
Mzedu Kitchen 