Ambiae-magazine

Inside this issue

The story of Janet MbukhaA strong willed woman

Teeing for Sight

Special InterestsPatience Mehta’s Roller Skating Dream-

Cyril Oluoch’s love for Dogs-

Uncovering facesLiz Kiambi & Ndung’u Njoroge

Issue 02, 2012

Editor’s Note...

Dear Team,

I am happy to bring you this second issue of Ambia

in time. We have lived to re-alize the dreams of Quarter 2

as we anticipated and this not only gratifies our exuberance, but also reaffirms the benefits our individual commitments.

In this issue, we look at the major developments that have happened within AccessKen-ya and how we have made strides towards achieving the best possible results.

I am particularly im-pressed by the enthu-

siasm employed by the Strategic Policy

Implementation Commit-tee (SPIC) and the Social Committees improving the work environment at AccessKenya as well as inculcating new values that will help us grow as a company.

The PITCH values adopted are key tenets of any Ac-cessKenya and will propel each one of us to our ulti-mate points, career-wise and even socially. PICTH, as it sounds is a perfect pitch towards the reali-zation of our collective goals. I encourage each one of us to play a part in transforming this organi-zation into a

global entity with high stand-ards of service.

Similarly, I would wish to laud the EXCO for the unyielding support they have rendered over the past months as teams work towards creating a successful ICT empire that is AccessKenya Group. I wish you all the best in reading this issue and as usual, welcome your feedback. Thank You!

Enjoy!

Sincerely,

Editor

THE EDITORIAL TEAM:

Editor: Kevin KEYA | Writer: Daniel SIMIYU | Photography: Daniel SIMIYUContributors: Isabel OBURE, Edith KINYA, Isabella SEGINA |Design & Layout: Dennis NYAGAH

Last month, AccessKenya Group played host to leading investors

and real estate agents with the aim of sharing the new developments in technology and how the latter can be applied to the construction industry in Kenya.

Themed “Using technology to create ‘intelligent Build-ings’ for optimal safety and efficiency” the early morn-ing session held on June 28,

2012 at San-kara Hotel in Kenya’s Capi-tal Nairobi.

The ses-sion, which launched the Fibre to The

Premise (FTTP) Solution, showcased the versatility of the fibre technologies at play and how they can be utilized by architects and property developers to enhance efficiencies within their new properties as they improve on the respective value of the properties.

The Group is set to revo-lutionize the construction industry by injecting new ideas in the market and remains upbeat about the prospects of the project

AccessKenya

which is a Building Manage-ment Service. This technol-ogy has been implemented elsewhere in the world, for instance in India but has not yet been adopted in Afri-ca. AccessKenya becomes the first service provider to chat this route by venturing into it alongside one of the appointed turnkey solutions provider TMK Maestro.

FTTP, as has been coined, implies delivery fibre con-nectivity to new and up-coming premises right from the design and construction level through to the finish. This means that as other utility likes such as water pies, electricity and tele-phone ducts are planned for the design of the building, so will the fibre optic cable be accommodated.

plays host to Leading Developers

Patience Mehta 101

Inline Roller Skating

It will not surprise you that many of us don’t know much

about this Roller Skating. It’s definitely an urban sport, what is it all about?Roller skating is putting on a pair of shoes that has wheels which enable you to move with great speed and maneuverability. It all depends on what you want to achieve while on the wheels; speed, fitness, dance, games you can practically do anything.

Inline skating or inline roller skating is actually the official name for “rollerblading” which is a sport.

What prompted you to get into this sport

and when was this?In 2008 I came

across an article in the Young Nation & just waltzed my way to the Agakhan Walk Sunken parking. Since I wasn’t sure about the dangers of the sport, I got my older son to try it out forgetting that he is a boy and will actually get a kick out of it. It then became an addiction/hobby that spread within the Mehta household.

Special Interests

Certainly, it’s not for the faint hearted. What’s the learning process like?Hahaha it’s for everyone! It’s just like learning how to ride a bike; you fall a few times, get up dust yourself and back onto the bike until you get stable….yes you do fall while on blades! It only takes longer for adults to learn but with kids it’s plug and play , put the roller blades on a few hours to adjust and off they go

How long did it take you to at least be sta-ble on the rolls?Two Sundays practicing for two hours, you get better every time you do it

Heavy people, do they have a chance with this?Definitely, anyone can do it!

Another discouraging factor

will be facilities. Surely, they look quite expensive, it’s not a common man sport yeah?Amazingly most of the kids who skate are actually from the low & medium living

areas , they purchase the equipment second hand from the flee markets. Ac-tually my whole family also got their first pair of skates from there as well before we imported the speed

skates and got more professionally involved.

Give us a few training spots within town?Kasarani, Agakhan walk sunken parking in town and most high end schools

Common misconceptions about the sport in Kenya?It’s a rich man’s sport

Have you participated in a competitive platform na-tionally or internationally?Personally NEVER, I skate for fun and fitness Word is your kids are doing exceptionally well with the sport, tell us more...Yeah my older one to be precise is my champ! He has participated in competitions both nationally and in Africa and both times he brought

home medals 1 gold, 2 silvers respectively.

The younger one only started skating & train-ing 4 months ago.

Their father & I train them as we have both taught ourselves a lot about the sport on-line, they are currently training for the African championships coming up in December 2012 in Kenya. Best make sure

you don’t miss it!

All the best to you guys!

Thank you

Dog keeping, not a very common enterprise I suppose. Why dog keeping and what intrigued you into this?

I have loved dogs since I was a young child. My fam-ily has always had at least 3 dogs at any given time.

This environment made me appreciate dogs, I guess this influenced my liking for dog breeding

Takes us through the logistics? Getting started to the point of making money.

I started out with one dog which I got from a friend in Naivasha who had 7 dogs. This was a terrier. Af-ter about 2 months I saw an advert at Sarit Cen-tre for some puppies on sale and I went to them.

It was a nice Pomeranian and I decided to get it. I had to part with

Special Interests

A Techie with a Heart

for Dogs and a Thing

for Speed!

Cyril

A Pomeranian

Oluoch

Kshs 20K to get it.

Later on we got a Chihua-hua and that’s how we kicked off

What breeds do you raise and what are some of the most sought after?

I have a Chihuahua, Pomer-anian and a terrier. The Chihuahua is very sort after and expensive when you get it. Also on the security end the trained German Shep-pard’s and Rottweiler’s are much sort after breeds

Do you offer dog training as well? I do not offer dog training. It is quite demand-ing in terms of hours to be qualified. Besides the dogs, I have an aquarium with 4 KOI’s and 1 gold fish to tend to.

This must be a somewhat engaging engagement. How do you juggle office work and your side business?

Dogs are not that hard to breed. Just make sure you have the right kernel, a good vet and the right food and you are set.

Roughly, what’s your esti-mate income from this?

A puppy’s price depends on the breed. Prices of pup-pies range from Kshs 15000 per puppy.

Beyond financial gain,

how has dog rearing influ-enced Cyril the person…Dog rearing helps you un-derstand and respect ani-mals. Training the dogs to do what you want is amazing and a nice venture

Common misconceptions about dog rearing?

Dog is a man’s best friend. If you’re not part of the man’s family it will bite you.

Why are more and more people acquiring dogs nowadays?

People buy or rear dogs as pets or for security, for me it is both. I’ll always know when there’s a stranger at the gate, it’s really nice to have them around. I also have fun with my kid at the backyard playing with the dogs on a Sunday afternoon

You’re also a motor rally enthusiast, yeah?

I have loved rallying since the days of Joginder Singh, quite some fun we used to have. I do not miss any rally unless I have a commit-

ment at work.

Do you see yourself giv-ing JS a run for his money soon?

Definitely, the winning car is in the garage, awaiting build to rally specs. For now I’ll be a spectator while taking vital notes. I have been studying some pace notes so that I catch up on the soft side of rallying.

When the budget is availed JS better be wary of the Subaru man in the office

Any additional info you feel free giving!

Pets are lovely and they give a piece of mind when you get home from the hec-

tic schedules of work. I would advise

anyone to have one. My next project is a parrot

JS Revs to Purshottam!

JS is known to have high energy and is always psyched up for the day

(even in July weather). Some of us, often, are grumpy and slow and would be really good if you avoided us in the morning. But that’s not the story.

JS’s energy and high will can never be lik-ened better to his zeal and love for speed. Probably the reason why he chose to pursue a business in ‘high speed’ internet (slap happy).So this particular afternoon, JS whispers to me that he’s going to bring his Ford Escort Rally Car to Purshottam…so that we can also see his pastime hobby.

True to his word, he brings the little red monster for us to feel. Excited as we were, a mischie-vous rev on the high powered gasoline engine would not only spark some random happiness but also send some of us into the miasmic dreams of wanting to become rally drivers.

Just like some of us desperately want to be pilots, in old age- a retirement plan huh?

JS Revs to Purshottam!

The question remains, HOW DOES JS DO IT? We are coming for lessons JS ….?

Scorched by bareness...

Special Feature

...and left to billow with love

The Story of JANET MBUKHAa precipice of Strong Will

The journey to parenthood is often coated with a luster of happiness and conveniently glazed in some cream of good intentions. It is story optimism, hope and often takes the path of an evening fairytale. In Life, there’s no better a fairytale than that of Janet Mbukha, 43.

Janet is our office stationery keeper cum filing clerk who operates from 3rd floor. Judging from

her demeanor, she is a harm-less, motherly and accommo-dating to say the least. Janet

may go down in the history of AccessKenya as a true embodi-ment to the saying ‘no passion in the world is equal to the passion to alter someone else’s draft’. She has not only defied rebuff and mortification from those she would least expect,

but instead gathered suffi-cient steam to be the carrier of hope that sweeps up hearts and carries dreams to the land of bliss. After what seemed to be a ‘denied chance’ to parent-hood, Janet is today a happy

and proud mother of two gift-ed kids, who continue to cher-ish her with unwavering sat-isfaction amidst unrelenting cruel setting. Hers’ is a story of absolute strength that she has chosen to live a fearless life driven by the will to do what is right and needs to be done. Married for over 12 years, Janet found herself in that ag-onizing spot that no woman finds solace: failure to con-ceive children. After numer-ous medical examinations and operations proved futile, a rare chance presented itself. It was 2001 when a friend of hers’ with the government’s children department gave her an insight of an abandoned baby up for adoption from a Kakamega Children’s home. Without hesitation, she ap-proached her husband with the news and with little discussion he gave consent to what would be their first born. She named her Clare Shalom. Her life de-sire to raise and see a child through childhood seemingly back on track after a scare. However, this was not to go well with her family in-law. Her parents’ in-law strongly reject-ed this arrangement, terming it un-cultural and unwelcome in the family. Her option re-maining to either return Clare to the children’s home or lose his man, the latter happening briefly after. Her miracle was getting the test of a lifetime, and with no choice she let him go. She anyway would not get him want he wanted most, his own blood children. Scarred but out rightly still standing, Janet embarked on single motherhood. Five years on, another chance present-ed itself. Again from Kakame-

ga, a friend would confine to her that a baby arising from an incest relationship was in-creasingly facing little chance to life. The family debating between abortion and elim-ination of the baby at birth. Once more, rather than see an innocent soul purged, Janet offered to take up the child at birth, naming the baby boy Jayden Brandon. Today Bran-don is four years and in baby class at Wisdom Academy in Kariobangi.

Harsh DifficultiesWith little support coming her way; Janet is more than ever facing harsh difficulties to sus-tain the going. With an eye to the future, in October 2010 Janet took a loan from CFC Bank to help purchase a piece of land she cited in Utawala, Embakasi. She later on took a loan from Access Sacco to construct their future home. Today though, the construc-tion has stalled at the roofing stage. Her own siblings have not been of much help either. They have as a matter of prin-ciple discarded her action to adopt children far from with-in her family. “My family nev-er liked the idea of adopting children. They even wondered why I didn’t take one of my brother’s kids and take care of instead of going elsewhere”, laments Janet.

“Today, my biggest worry is what would happen to these kids should something bad happen to me. Who

will take care of them? That’s why my biggest desire now is to at least get a permanent roof over their heads that they

will always call home”.

Barely EnoughToday, Janet makes about Ksh.7, 000 at the end of the month. This’ after all her loan deductions have been made. Evidently, barely enough to pay her rent at her current residence at Riverside drive in Baba Dogo near Ruaraka. Her sustaining source of income remaining her dwindling side job of selling snacks to her fel-low colleagues. With this, she just makes enough to feed her family.

With her burning responsibili-ty currently being to finish the construction of her house, she is appealing to you All, to help in however simple way you can get this done. “Getting the kids to where they are today makes me happy. But today also am being open to you be-cause it is me who volunteered to help them. Today however, am overwhelmed with all their needs, that’s why am asking for at least assistance in fin-ishing this building”.

Appreciating AKG FamilyAmidst all these challenges, Janet is full of appreciation to those who’ve helped her scale the ladder. She’s in par-ticular graceful to JS for the great help he offered in adopt-ing the children and later on recommending a rise to help meet her new responsibilities. Also grateful to Jane Gituanja and Patience Mehta for their sustained financial and other support they’ve offered. And finally the entire AK family for your support, knowingly or un-knowingly especially in buying her snacks that have continued to support her family.

AquinasWedding

Congratulations to Aquinas Obonyo of Distribution Team, for a beautiful wedding held over the

Easter period.

Many happy returns to this beautiful couple.

Wishing you a wonderful journey as you build your new life together.

Staff Baraza

The Staff Baraza

A Closer LookccessKenya is a small but big family. People

here are vibrant, despite

the daily pressures that the

industry piles on individual

heads. Since the beginning

of this year, things have

been changing for the better

with everyone continuously

growing from within with love

for one another. Nothing pulls

us even close than congregating in one forum

and sharing experiences, interacting with

each other and thrashing out any phlegm

of discontent .

This year’s staff baraza achieved a worth-

while cause of stitching the social fabric

within AccessKenya Group. Members of

staff assembled on 4th floor of Purshottam

building as the Mombasa team joined via

Video conference. This would not only em-

phasize the company’s technology inte-

gration but also underscore the value of a

savvy team in this industry.

Judging from the discussions, the team ex-

hibited a friendly aura of a close nit family

united by a single sense of purpose. We are

all geared towards getting the best results

and this is what defines a ‘professional

family’ that we are. More of such events

will serve to grow us even better.

Sammy Mutai’s new-found hobby, clicking away to fame CTO Raymond Macharia’s gadget-

Carrier Ethernet enabled

Who’s got the moves like jagger? Alice Kirumba, Diana Mulili face-off

Whisper, whisper...paparazzis after my expensive 3 course meal

Is Joseph Njogu casanova?A fine line with a techie’s touch. CTO’s ironing skills at play

Gallery

Boss, you can send it to my iPad, iPhone 4s or my HP Pavilion. I have a whole server room in my house, owada!

Bone crashing technology, Felix or Felis?

Who said Santa’s got to be in Red n’ white?

Kris, is this a mug and a tray?

Wait, i can start this car on my iPad

My golf ball has wings. I perch on its behalf

Dude, you mean that thing can fry eggs?

Sammy Mutai’s new-found hobby, clicking away to fame CTO Raymond Macharia’s gadget-

Carrier Ethernet enabled

Who’s got the moves like jagger? Alice Kirumba, Diana Mulili face-off

Whisper, whisper...paparazzis after my expensive 3 course meal

Is Joseph Njogu casanova?A fine line with a techie’s touch. CTO’s ironing skills at play

Gallery

Of all the foods available to us, fruits are the most attractive, delicious and enjoyable.

Of all natural foods, that is, the foods we can eat in their natural state, fruit is the food we are most attracted to and that first entices our senses. Humans are born with a natural instinct for sweet foods and in nature, that instinct naturally draws us to fruit.

The vitamins and minerals in fruit and vegetables can help reduce the risk of cancer, heart disease and high blood pressure, and type 2 diabetes. People whose diet is rich in fresh produce have more energy and are less likely to gain weight. And fruit and vegeta-bles also help reduce the effects of ageing.

Just one apple or orange a day could cut your risk of dying early from cancer or other diseases by 20%.

Health Watch

Fruits are such a

delight to the senses.

“Natural Hygienists recommend that fruit be eaten alone with no other foods. They also recommend eating melons alone and avoid-ing mixing acid fruits with sweet fruits

such as bananas.”

Fruit should be a staple Fruit has always been recognized as one of the healthiest foods there is. In the minds of most people, fruit is seen as a healthy food we should eat more of due to its vitamin content. But even when My Health, My Life, My Resolution realizing the exceptional nutritional qualities of fruit, very few people actually give it the place it deserves in the diet. Fruit is still eaten as a “snack” or a “dessert,” but is rarely seen as a staple food.In the mind of the masses, fruit is a “healthy snack” but not something that can really sustain a hardworking man, like meat or bread.

Eating much fruit can have a mysterious healing effect on human beings.

Even better is to drink a lot of freshly squeezed fruit drinks on a regular basis.

It will take approximately 30 days until you start to notice the effects.

Don’t forget to drink these smoothies 20 minutes before the consumption of other meals.

This way the fruit will not ferment in the stomach and the nutritious elements can be absorbed by the blood effectively.

A good start is to eat and drink more fresh fruits; it’s as simple as that. Before you know it you will feel much better;

Don’t forget to eat fruit on an empty

stomach, not after other meals and; inform your-self about the substances that our ‘modern’ food contains.

...Fruit stimulates the memory!

If you didn’t know yet, fruit is the ultimate brain fuel. Fruit has a positive effect on our brains.

Research is still ongoing as we speak. What we do know is that if you consume fruit effectively, your brains can recall information faster and

more easily. This is very useful information for people who are

preparing for an exam.

Did you

know?...

Here’s some fruit eating tips:

For further details on how fruits make our lives healthy, follow this link:http://www.resolution.co.ke/fileadmin/user_upload/PDF_Documents/How_to_eat_fruit.pdf

It’s never that serious!Jokes

Customer: can’t get on the Internet.

Tech support: Are you sure you used the right password? Customer: Yes, I’m sure. I saw my colleague do it. Tech support:

Can you tell me what the password was? Customer: Five stars.

Support

DrunkTallking

Things that are difficult

to say when drunk:

InnovativePreliminary

Cinnamon

Things that are very difficult to say when drunk:

- Specificity

- Anti-constitutionalistically

- Passive-aggressive disorder

- Transubstantiate

Things that are downright impossible to say when drunk:

1. No thanks, I’m married.2. Nope, no more booze for me!3. Sorry, but you’re not really my type.4. Galitos? No thanks, I’m not hungry.5. Good evening, officer. Isn’t it lovely out tonight?6. Oh, I couldn’t! No one wants to hear me sing karaoke.7. I’m not interested in fighting you.8. Thank you, but I won’t make any attempt to dance, I have no coordination. I’d hate to look like a fool!9. Where is the nearest bathroom? I refuse to pee in this parking lot or on the side of the road.10. I must be going home now, as I have to work in the morning.

Impossibilities in the World

Where is the mouse they were talking about?

Futur

etech

Edwin Kimotho

Miriam Wanjiku

Pictures doing round in AK

1) You are reading this2) You are human3) You can’t say the letter ‘P’ without separating your lips4) You just attempted to do it6) You are laughing at yourself 7) You have a smile on your face and you skipped No. 58) You just checked to see if there is a No. 59) You laugh at this because you are an idiot & everyone does it too10) You are probably going to send this to see who else falls for it..

10 things i know about you.

You can’t count your hair

You can’t wash your eyes with soap

You can’t breath when your tongue is out- Put your tongue back in fool!

AK Alpha MalesHere’s a look at men who stand out, Men most likely to make the ladies tickle at AKG.

As observed by Isabel Obure – Administration

Martin Mbugua

If you want a mood lifter just see Martin. Quite charming with heaps of infectious en-ergy…very likeable

Charles Nguna

Has a confident personality and is always smartly dressed

Joseph Njogu

Always cool, calm and collected and display’s high levels of professionalism.

Julius Macharia

He is one focused dude and His mature persona makes him stand out.

AK Alpha MalesHere’s a look at men who stand out, Men most likely to make the ladies tickle at AKG.

As observed by Edith Kinya – HR

Wilfred Lang’atAlways active and full of life. Has a naturalist Intelligence, ask him the name of any mountain or place,he will have it on his finger tips. A true lover of outdoors.

looking cool every day, well mannered, calculated steps and coordinated graceful pose.

Leonard WamburaHe’s a perfectionist, he will push for things to happen the way he wants them to happen. With him on your project, be assured Isaac will write the cheque.

Willy Mutai Kiprono

Sam OduorI must say!! you will never get bored in the company of Sam, he will always make your ribs pain because of laughter. He possesses an interpersonal intelligence, people smart in short.Jerry Teka

He’s always willing to listen, kind and gives concrete advice. We thank God for you.

Dan MlangoThis is the guy you would want to accompany you to a client meeting. His always neat and looks executive. Be assured….with him?? You will always make a sale.

Fredrick YamboYambo!!!! Ever sharp, whether on Mon-day or Friday, his on point. He knows how to choose his wardrobe and keeps up with the fashion trend, check him out on Monday.

MEETTHEPROJECTSMANAGER NDUNGU

NJOROGE

Those who’ve not interacted with you think you’re a reserved kind of guy; are they right to think you hold in reserve?

Those who have not interacted much with me would probably think that. Guess it depends on who you ask. If you were to ask some of the AK oldies you may get a different tale. Would say I am generally calm but can be a bit of a joker.

Going back to your childhood, where did you grow up?

I was born and bred in Nairobi.

Describe your childhood and schooling?

Childhood was fun. Have two brothers so it was a male dominated house with the usual teasing and fights that crossed the line. School was interesting too, being a minority in a primarily Indian school.

Would you say your relationship with your father has influenced the decisions you’ve made in life to your convenience?

Would say my Dad has been a big influence and a role model. I draw a lot from him and

MEETTHEPROJECTSMANAGER NDUNGU

NJOROGE

try and emulate a lot of his traits as far as being pa-tient, humble and confident in my abilities.

In your relax time, what are we likely to get you doing?

My downtime is normal-ly spent hanging out with friends – here, there, every-where. Also watch movies and generally chilling. I try and rest on the weekends as the week can get pretty hectic.How long have you been at AK and how has your stay here moulded your person-al and professional life?

Have been at AK for over 5 years now and it has abso-lutely moulded my life in all aspects. Professionally it has been filled with op-portunity and I have had the chance to work on several significant projects from fibre, national rollout, voice interconnection to now managing project installa-tions.

I have dealt with all sorts of organizations and people and have grown and devel-oped skills which have also helped me in my personal life.

What’s your best cherished achievement so far with AK?

Probably the roll out of the fibre network and now con-nection of over 400 buildings.

At given times we all work with a person where there is a serious clash of personalities. How do you handle a situation where there is mutual dislike?

I don’t think a clash of per-sonalities means a mutual dislike. People will clash, then you have let it go and get on with it. You will al-ways deal with people with different personalities but I always try and understand where a person is coming from and then address spe-cific issues. I try and live by the mantra “treat others as you would like to be treat-ed”. I believe it solves a lot.

Your work revolves around dealing with clients di-rectly. What steps do you personally take when work tasks are falling behind schedule?

I note my key critical tasks for the day and general-ly just try and manage my time better. Delegate where I can which I am learning to do more and take a step back to think how I can work smarter either through a better sys-tem or process that frees up more of my time.

Family life…you married, searching or just chilling?

Eh, kind of in between all 3? Jokes! (See answer 1). There is an option there you left out…….or is that now considered chilling?

Your current car collection includes? Why this / these model/s?

Collection? Is that because my current car is current-ly in pieces? Anyway, am currently revamping a 1978 BMW 520. Lime green and coming soon. Just a car that has good memories.

In 10 years, Ndungu will be…

Retired and rich……….or in a time machine coming back to re-answer this question.

Meet Liz Kiambi MIS/QA Manager

To those of us who just see you around but have not really interact-

ed with you, please de-scribe your persona I think my friends would describe me as loyal, funny (hilarious actually) a good listener and sociable.

Growing up…how was your childhood and early schooling? We’re three kids in the fam-ily, I’m the mid-dle child and I

have a younger broth-er and older sister.

We

were typical kids always getting in trouble for some-thing or another. My early schooling was at RVA (Rift Valley Academy) which is a boarding school; so I got to create lots of memorable friendships.

How would you describe your current lifestyle (what activities, hobbies make you happy, satisfied). I’m an avid reader so on my relaxed days you’ll find me curled up with a good book. When cabin fever hits there’s nothing better than socializing with my friends. They’re quite disparate so that could be anything from going out to golfing. I also try and get out of Nairobi as much as possible on the weekends.

Your hair, very cute sil-ver strands you have. At a much later age, you’ll certainly be a silver fox. How did this come about? When I was 17 I was struck-by lightning and it turned silver overnight. Ok, no – its genetics from my dad’s side of the family. The lightning story just sounds so much more interesting.

Your current four wheel machine is… I drive a VW

Beetle – the newer model.

Why this ride? I’ve always wanted one. They’re fun to drive and I think suit my personality to a T.

Your role at AK is basically being the back-end of AK. All decisions are informed by your reports and find-ings. Is this a lot of pres-sure on you? Yes, but I have a fantastic team and transparency is one of our key objectives.

What was the last book you read? Movie you saw? Sporting event you attended? I read a lot so it might be better if I mention the last memorable book I read which was A Thousand Splendid Sons by Khaleid Hosseini. The last movie was Avengers at the Imax and the last sporting event was rugby.

Your life…you married, kids… I’m not married and no kids…for now.

Being at AK has … Propelled my career in Kenya and more important-ly improved my capacity to think methodically.

Teeing for sight

AccessKenya group remains committed to supporting the less

fortunate in society through technology. Last Month, the Group was

part of the sponsors of InAble Charity Golf tournament held at the

Royal Nairobi Golf club to raise funds toward aiding the Thika School

for the Blind.

The Charity tournament, which was ably organized by the Director of

Vision 2030 Secretariat Mr. Mugo Kibati, was a successful event that

not only championed a good cause, but also gave an opportunity to

the little kids of the Thika School for the blind and Thika High school

for the blind to showcase their acquired abilities in use of technology

as well as be part of a gathering that is keen on supporting them.

AccessKenya provides free internet to the school giving the children

a unique opportunity to connect with the rest of peers around the

world, especially in this day and age. As a company, we’re proud to

be part of this noble cause.

JUNECOCKTAIL

Michael KangaraHead of IT Sales

Njoroge ThitiriHead of CRM

Catherine KibochiDeputy CFO

Carol BosireIntermediary Support Engineer

Martin KamuguCCO

Lilian OdenyoCCO

Joseph KimaniTeam Leader, Credit Control

Betty OmondiProjects Coordinator/Sales Administrator (Mombasa)

New Staff at AccessKenya

(2012)

Notable Developments

• AK Sports Day - July 2012

• Staff Cocktail - September 2012

• AK Western Region presence, Kisumu office launch - July 2012

• AITEC East Africa ICT Summit 2012 - 24-25 October 2012 Oshwal Centre, Westlands, Nairobi.

• 2nd annual IT Leaders East Africa Summit - September 5-6th 2012 Driving the business forward through innovation. The summit will address how IT challenges can be overcome through innovation, alignment of technology and the positive influence of active government participation. • CIO Quarterly Executive Breakfast - 05.07.2012 - 05.07.2012 Where: Crowne Plaza Hotel Category: CIO Events Placing the organisation’s relationship with the customer and the quality of business offered to the customer.

• Cloud Camp - July 7th Venue: iHub Nairobi A UN conference where attendants can exchange ideas, knowledge and information in a creative and supporting environment. Advance current state of cloud computing and related technologies.

Save the Date

After theDietYELLOW

Jonathan & Kris

CharlesKinyanjui

2009

2009

2012 2012

Duncan Mukora

When a company grows, its people grow too-literally!

Sammy Mutai

Jerry Teka

Sirima Makokha

2009

2009

2006

2007

2012

2012

2012

2012

RugoLate 90s

Rugo2012

EdwinKimotho

AccessKenya’s Nod for Bloggers

A couple of months ago, AccessKenya alongside other leading telecommu-

nication companies sponsored the inaugural Bloggers Association of Ken-

ya (BAKE) Awards in Nairobi. The colorful event saw some of the leading

bloggers awarded different accolades based on their content and commit-

ment to their work.

AccessKenya’s Joseph Njogu, Agnes Waweru, Dan Simiyu and Kevin Keya

were among the few invited guests to the event that, from the extrapola-

tive informal setting, came across as a unique and peculiarly noble.

Leading personalities such as Kenya Red Cross Director Abbas Gullet, ICT

Board Director Paul Kukubo enjoyed the happily colorful night, sipping

away minutes on glasses of colored fluids on the bed of flamboyant Larry

Madowo’s disturbing baritone. For a moment, seeing Mr. Gullet sitting on

a cushy bean bag could only inspire thoughts of how insanely exciting the

event would be at Pushottam.

AccessKenya remains proud to be part of a vibrant community and is

happy to share even in the social space. The sponsorship is a clear affir-

mation from the Group that we support local content and re happy to see

Kenya grow into a world class hub for technological inventions and

innovations!.

Retrospect

A Few

THINGSYou don’t

Kris SenanuKNOW

about

He is an

ambitious MD, with a bright

future with regard to Leadership in

Africa

Hetweets for

himself [mainly when he’s having

breakfast] He delivers

talks in high powered forums in

and out of the country [very often

by the way]

He once took beer in a

stem glass [runs and hides*]

He hangs out

with leading personalities around the

world

He Lovesfashion

Hey Team,

This year AKG is a buzz of activity and most of us have attended and participated in the activities that have taken place so far.

Those of us who haven’t…bidii ni kwenu☺! And as the fun and interactive activities continue, our collective team - building

activities continue. So far, we have had a very informative and interactive Staff Baraza & fun filled Staff Cocktail in which we

launched our company values. I hope that we all have derived value from these events and that we are all positive of achiev-

ing an even better family as a team.

And there’s more yet to come:

• Sports Day.

• Staff Baraza 2.

• Staff Cocktail 2.

• Annual Xmas Party.

A word about the AKG Values

We saw models parade posters at the cocktail. Despite the darkness and the counsel of alcoholic beverages, it’s worth sparing

a sec to remind ourselves of the values that we launched on this somewhat beautiful evening. Of course it was preceded by a

5-day trivia that with no doubt had an impressive participation. Congratulations to the winners by the way!

What are personal values (we may ask)? Do they resemble the ones below? If so you are in the right place. We are all encour-

aged to not only treat the values as the alphabet that defines AccessKenya but to also live the values and ensure those around

us do the same.

They are as easy and peach as P.I.T.C.H:

Professionalism

Innovation

Teamwork

Customer Centric

Honesty and Integrity

……..Lets be each other’s keeper and take AKG and our careers to greater heights..

HR Speak And the Beat Goes On...

Isabella Segina

A word About Your health….

Our Health needs are once again in the able hands of Resolution Health. We have renewed our cover with new improved value adds to the cover. We shall also be having a series of health talks organized by HR and OSH and facilitate by Resolution Health. This are aimed at ensuring we all remain aware and are more in touch with pre-ventative care modalities!

Hey Team,

This year AKG is a buzz of activity and most of us have attended and participated in the activities that have taken place so far.

Those of us who haven’t…bidii ni kwenu☺! And as the fun and interactive activities continue, our collective team - building

activities continue. So far, we have had a very informative and interactive Staff Baraza & fun filled Staff Cocktail in which we

launched our company values. I hope that we all have derived value from these events and that we are all positive of achiev-

ing an even better family as a team.

And there’s more yet to come:

• Sports Day.

• Staff Baraza 2.

• Staff Cocktail 2.

• Annual Xmas Party.

A word about the AKG Values

We saw models parade posters at the cocktail. Despite the darkness and the counsel of alcoholic beverages, it’s worth sparing

a sec to remind ourselves of the values that we launched on this somewhat beautiful evening. Of course it was preceded by a

5-day trivia that with no doubt had an impressive participation. Congratulations to the winners by the way!

What are personal values (we may ask)? Do they resemble the ones below? If so you are in the right place. We are all encour-

aged to not only treat the values as the alphabet that defines AccessKenya but to also live the values and ensure those around

us do the same.

They are as easy and peach as P.I.T.C.H:

Professionalism

Innovation

Teamwork

Customer Centric

Honesty and Integrity

……..Lets be each other’s keeper and take AKG and our careers to greater heights..

And the Beat Goes On...

Thinking investment?

Access Kenya Staff can now access Standard Chartered Bank facilities. The MOU with SCB was re-established and list of SCB products circulated to all for information. We have also reached an agreement with SCB for Financial Planning Advice Consultative sessions. The sessions will be held here in AKG and open to all staff that are interested in talking to the Financial Advisors.The dates for these will be communicated in due course.Stay Tuned as more is yet to come for a more interesting stay at AccessKenya.

The vibrant Stanchart team

Celebrating Global Excellence

within AccessKenya

Hongera SCB TeamThe AccessKenya Standard Chartered Bank (SCB) team deserves more than praise. They are a team addicted to excellence, not only at the local level but also on the global scale. Since the beginning of this year, the team has successively delivered best results of SCB and repeatedly commended by the global team.

The team has a track record of maintaining an SLA of 99% over and above the SCB global SLA of 98%.This is by far the most commendable effort that puts the AccessKenya service on a competitive global scale.

As a Group, we are proud to have such a dedicated team on board. They are an embodiment of success and professionalism as per our visionary formation. Say Kudos to this team, whenever, wherever!

Baby Boom

Baby JeremyJackie Njau’s baby

Baby Liam David Kamande’s baby

In the wild world of Twitter

AccessKenya now offering Estate & Apartment

Internet Solutions