A LOVE AFFAIR WITH MY HOMELAND - KENYA

24Feb2025   Mt Kenya from 30,000ft enroute to Mogadishu - photo taken from my seat window I deliberately choose this quote because the country I am headed to has not known peace since 1991 ... 'May the Power of Love overcome the Love of Power - Ameen!' Once again am headed to Mogadishu. A close friend and long time client, Bashir has called me up to go see the possibility of 2 projects. One an interior job and another a Master Plan. PREAMBLE: Mogadishu, the capital of  Somalia , is the country’s largest city and economic hub. Located on the  Indian Ocean , it has been a key trade center for centuries, connecting Africa, the Middle East, and beyond. Key Facts About Mogadishu: Population:  Over  2 million  people Language:  Somali (official), Arabic, English, and Italian are also used   Currency:  Somali Shilling (SOS) Climate:  Hot and arid, with average temperatures around  27–32°C (80–90°F)  year-round Economy:  ...

21Feb2025 SUNRISE AT MIGORI AIRSRIP I have the blessing of having designed the masjid in Isebania. This is on the edge of Kenya on the border with Tanzania in the Southwest. I travel almost every month to inspect the works. Sometimes it's a day trip and sometimes it's a night out. So here goes. Some of my experiences. Am off to Isebania today. We went through the brand-new Skyward Lounge at Wilson Airport. It's been tastefully designed with comfortable seating and even a Business Centre. The staff are stiff. No smiles. Almost angry! Just work and no jokes. Afterall Skywards Express now belongs to the powers-that-be (we call them wenye nchi). The departure lounge is a long space with a nice winding ceiling. A set of aesthetic-but-rather -uncomfortable wooden seats and another set of more comfortable cushioned grey seats. We all sit facing one another awaiting the boarding announcements. Reminds me of wooden benches of a rural government hospital. The st...