kemra Final SPREADS LOW

Transcription

kemra Final SPREADS LOW
Kenya
Motor
Repairers
Association
ISSUE 003
JANUARY - MARCH, 2016
FREE COPY
Our Love
For Vintage
Cars
Female Biker:
Just Call Me
Warush
CAR REVIEW:
Battle of the
big & bulky
beasts
DADDY
OWEN:
DRIVING ON
THE FAST LANE
K e m r a /JA N -MAR 2016 1.
How Post Election Violence reduced me to ashes:
Garage Owner
word from from chairman
We are bigger and better!
For the last two years we have witnessed growth of over 70 per cent. Today, we are proud
to have 110 members drawn from all regions in the country.
M
ay I take this opportunity to thank the
Executive Committee members for their
tireless effort and commitment in serving
and growing the association.
May I also thank the secretariat for their diligence and
hard work in ensuring that the association is functioning
optimally.
I cannot forget to thank and appreciate all our
members for their contribution and commitment. The
efforts of the three stakeholders mentioned above have
immensely contributed to the success of KEMRA in many
ways.
One of the major successes in the past two years is
the growth in numbers. We have witnessed phenomenal
growth with new members joining the association. For
the last two years, we have witnessed growth of over 70
per cent from year to year. Today we are 110 members.
We have also managed to get members from all the
regions ranging from Mombasa, Kisumu, Meru, and most
parts of the country.
As far as our mission is concerned with professionalising automotive repair industry, we have achieved a
number of standards through Kenya Bureau of Standards
(KEBS) to help in that regard.
Going forward, we would like to entrench professionalism by getting government intervention even if it means
an Act of Parliament to regulate the industry so that we
are able to nurture skills and competence in automotive
repairs. We are in the process of registering all automotive
repair professionals to establish an inventory of skills and
capability in the industry.
It is our strong belief that automotive repairs industry
if well-developed can grow the capacity to produce motor
vehicle components and finally manufacture our own
Kenyan vehicles.
This will go a long way in converting our culture of
consumerism in automotives to a culture of producing
and hence tapping into the pool of young talented Kenyans who are otherwise not gainfully employed.
It is our strong belief that automotive
repairs industry can grow the capacity to produce motor vehicle components
and manufacture our own Kenyan vehicles
Eng. Bernard Ngore, Chairman, KEMRA
+254790332222/+254790913333
K e m r a /JAN- MAR 2016
3.
INSIDE>>>
CONTENTS
Word from SEC GEN
Word from CEO
KEMRA will fight Insurance Fraud
K
Our core business is
setting high standards
A
s the apex body of the
motor repairing and
allied, we have a lot of
insights in what goes on
in Kenyan
transport industry. As KEMRA, we
are represented across the country
and we get many insights on matters
automotive. We know the quality of
cars and insurers in terms of claims
settlement. We also get to know so
much about insurance brokers in the
market.
Further, we also understand the
driving habits and many other issues
on our roads.
We also know so much about the
nature and practice of assessment
as we are at the end of the chain and
can easily tell about underwriting
habits and so on.
In a nutshell, there is so much
intelligence about vehicles, insuring,
repairs, driving habits, parts and the
general conduct of the trade. The
auto sector in totality contributes a
huge chunk of Kenya’s GDP.
This is in trend with other
countries of the world. In developed
countries such as USA, UK, Australia, Germany and Japan, the auto
industry is a critical segment in the
Kenya
Motor
Repairers
Association
K emr a /JAN-MAR 20 1 6
out programmes across the nation and
we are building requisite capacities in
membership and competence amongst
members.
Besides, raising standards among our
members, we are keen in contributing
to the safety of motoring public and
other road users.
We at KEMRA are very keen to
contribute to the development of Kenya
and the larger Africa for a prosperous
future.
At KEMRA be assured we are striving to raise the bar on standards.
Joseph Njenga
SECRETARY GENERAL
BOARD MEMBERS
ENG. -BERNARD NGORE JAMES KOGI
- CHAIRMAN
- VICE CHAIRMAN
4.
industrial set-up and productivity.
Therefore, this infers the need to
properly guide and take care of the
industry.
It should be noted that auto repair is a critical cog in ensuring road
safety and productivity in a nation.
Whenever a vehicle is properly
repaired or maintained, it not only
ensures a peace of mind to the user
but also assures on performance and
hence productivity. Poorly repaired
vehicles not only change the standards and structure of the vehicles
but are also a danger to the users
and others on the road.
This is one problem that any nation would want to address. In Kenya, there are all manner of repairers.
There are good schools for training
but so much is learnt through apprenticeship or practically.
Furthermore, training in poorly
equipped institutions is no guarantee that you get competent technicians. It requires proper practical
experience besides the theoretical
learning and conceptualisation of the
workings of an automobile.
This is one of the reasons KEMRA
is very keen in the development of
the industry. We are currently rolling
JOSEPH NJENGA
- SECRETARY GENERAL
GEORGE KARIUKI
- ASST. SEC GENERAL
RUDOLF D’COSTA
-TREASURER
enyan media has continually reported fraud
afflicting insurance
companies. The regulator,
Insurance Regulatory Authority (IRA)
has also sent alarm bells ringing over
what they term as increasing fraud
especially those affecting motor and
medical claims.
3 | Special messages
Likewise, billions are lost annually
Word from KEMRA Board
in the banking industry as well as re6 | News
tail sector, especially the supermarket
ICT comes to class and much more
chains. Fraud in these arenas is often
perpetrated by employees or with the
help of conmen and fraudsters. It is
8 |Special Feature
a good guess that the fraud afflicting
Why we love our vintage cars
the insurance industry has similar
24 Hero Ridder
patterns. Well, I have some insights on
10 | We
Money
the insurance industry having had my
rideTalk
to live, not to die.
Understanding exchange rate dynamics
formative working years there.
Strive to get the best gear
you can
Indeed, the industry moulded me
as a junior employee until now. I have
12 | Car Doctor
receipted premiums, done a bit of cusWhy regular visits to the mechanic could
Leadership
on the
28
tomer service, underwriting, accountsave your
car
ing, finance management, business
road
analysis and risk management. I have
14 | Cover
Story
focuses
on the mandaalso had a stint in product pricing, asGroove
Awards
winner Daddy
Owen on his
tory
legislative
requireset management, operations, business
ments,
safety
love of
sleek carspersonal
support among others. During this
prudent
measures
20 | and
Business
Reflections
journey, I interacted with diverse exfor any
rider
to be
on the
Take stock
of your
business
in 2016
perts, customers and regulators. I have
road. Meeting these chalalso worked in industries that have
lenges
close ties with insurance firms.
22| Inspiration
I can authoritatively state that
Turning your business dreams into reality
insurance
is a good industry with
Michael Desouza
30
enormous opportunities. However, it
23 | How
Car Review
I got my life back
is marred with numerous challenges,
Big beasts battle it out
fraud being one of them. One of the
Stress Free Ridig
32
problems facing Kenya today is the
25 | Divas
lane the insurer
culture of yearning for free things and
Tips from
Tribulations of a female driver on Kenyan
enormous riches without working
roads
hard. This destructive problem has
35 SEAN CARDOVILLIS
permeated our society and sabotaged
development.
Nonetheless,
to tackle
Stung by
the riding
bug
26 | Road Safety
this menace, there is need for a diverTop 10 rules motorists should have at
sified approach. To minimise or elimtheir fingertips
STYLEZ
41
inate DJ
insurance
fraud, insurers own
internal
mechanisms,
law enforcing
The
King of Speed
27 | Shedriver
agencies and service providers must
Woman ruling Nairobi streets on her
be involved in the claim process. Just
motorbike
as the government has found it pru
dent to deploy multi-agency plus the
private sector in tackling the corrup30 | KEMRA Membership
tion menace, the same should happen
Full list of KEMRA members
in eliminating the bad elements from
the claims management cycle.
33| Pictorial
When it comes to motor claims, this
Catch KEMRA team in action
is a case of two industries that need
to work hand in hand as siblings with
common interest.
If as alleged, there are unethical
practices there is need for professional
conduct.
Fortunately, the insurers have a
powerful lobby called Association
of Kenya Insurers (AKI) and Kenya
Motor Repairers Association (KEMRA)
whose aim is to professionalise the
repair trade. Even though KEMRA and
AKI have been discussing a number of
pertinent issues, there’s a need for the
relationship to go a notch higher and
for the insurers themselves to take remedial measures if they have to stem
the malpractices from their industry.
Nonetheless, there have been steps
in the right direction as according to
IRA some insurance criminal have
been nabbed and prosecuted.
Without working together for mutual benefit, some criminal elements
benefit from shortcomings in the
system.
In a nutshell, a stronger multi-industry relationship is inferred if
players have to survive the turbulent
nature of some of the products within
the context of prevailing social economic conditions in the country.
It’s not easy to eliminate criminal
Hero Ridder
24
activities but closer collaboration and
We
ride
to live,professionals
not to die.
dealing with
accredited
Strive
to
get
the
bestsysgear
who are answerable to a robust
you
can
tem can
offer
solutions.
KICKER HERE atisi ex el Orperit ad tet, qui te
fe KICKER HERE atisi ex el Orperit ad tet, qui
te fe KICKER HERE atisi ex el Orperit ad tet,
qui te fe
PETER KAMAU
-MEMBER
34 | My Story
How my garage business survived Post
Election Violence
Published By:
Maridadi Creatives for KEMRA
Tel: +254 723 101 648
Leadership
on
the
Harrison Ikunda
CEO,
28 Mr.
KEMRA
road
focuses on the mandatory
legislative requirements,
Design:
personal safety and prudent
Nijoh Creations
measures
Tel: +254 726
00 73 14 for any rider to be
K e m r a /JAN- MAR 2016
5.
News
News
ICT FOR SCHOOLS
It’s all systems go for 2016 cba
Africa concours d’elegance
T
he Kenya Motor Sport
Federation (KMSF) has
set September 25th for
the 2016 CBA Africa
Concours d’Elegance
in the new motor sport
calendar. The event will
be the fifth to be sponsored by the Commercial Bank of Africa (CBA) and will be
held by the Alfa Romeo Owners Club at the
Nairobi Racecourse. Since the formation of
the Club in 1970 a Concours has been held
each year as an anniversary celebration.
Minor changes have been made to the
regulations which have been approved by
the KMSF. The regulations will soon be
posted on the event website (www.concourskenya.com) and printed copies will
be available for distribution prior to the
official launch. This is likely to be held in
the last week of February and will feature
the Premiere of the CBA Africa Concours
d’Elegance TV programme.
The regulations for 2016 list 20 classes
for all types of cars and motorcycles.
Because of the diversity of the ages and
makes of the competing vehicles, originality is not taken into consideration in their
assessment. The judging is based entirely
on cleanliness, condition and the standards
of preparation.
The judging process for cars starts on
the Total Quartz inspection ramp with a
check on the underside. Competitors then
6.
K emr a /JAN-MAR 20 1 6
drive in front of the Racecourse grand
stands stopping for checks of the paintwork, interior and engine. The marking of
motorcycles is carried out in a similar way
at the Racecourse parade ring.
Recognising the current harsh economic environment, no change has made to the
entry fees. Emphasis has been placed on
encouraging newcomers to prepare their
cars and motorcycles for the classiest event
on the motor sport calendar and to attract
more overseas entries by the provision of
special prizes. Last year, there were 23
competitors from outside Kenya at the
Racecourse who came from Rwanda, South
Africa, Tanzania and Uganda.
The 2016 CBA Africa Concours d’Elegance will be the tenth to be recognized
and sanctioned by the FIM.AFRICA. The
event has full continental status for both
cars and motorcycles and showcases Kenya
as a country which has the capability
to hold international motoring events.
Overseas news coverage helps to showcase
Kenya as a holiday destination which offers
special interest vacations in addition to
seaside and safari visits.
GENUINE NEW SPARES
GIVE CONFIDENCE AND
SAVE MONEY
D
espite the
increasing
pressure on
personal and
household
budgets under
the current tough economic
conditions, thoughtful vehicle
owners fit genuine new spares
covered by warranties. This
practice gives confidence in the
reliability of cars and trucks and
saves money in the long run.
Talking on this subject
Simion Babos, the Parts General
Manager of DT Dobie, said, “The
temptation to buy spares for the
lowest price should be resisted
because it often causes mechanical problems which can affect
safety and addition expenses.”
“Buying genuine spares from
appointed vehicle dealers is the
best choice. This maintains the
safety and reliability of your
car, or truck and the parts are
covered by a warranty.”
“Faced by shortage of funds,
some motorists turn to replacement and used parts. These are
priced lower than the genuine
items and are often sold in
packets carrying manufacturers’
brand names and logos. If they
are priced much less than genuine parts, they are likely to be
fakes and most certainly do not
have a warranty.”
“Some unscrupulous freelance mechanics obtain used
parts which have been taken
from accident write-offs and
vehicles which have been sold
for scrap. These are to be avoided because their working life
has already been reduced and
they are likely to fail. A vehicle
fitted with suspect spares can
easily cause break downs and
accidents.”
He continued, “Apart from
the limitations of low priced replacement parts and used items,
there is the tedious search to
source them. Instead of visiting
several suppliers to find one
part, or paying someone to deal
with this task, it is much easier,
faster and trouble free to buy
from an authorized vehicle
dealer.”
“Our DT Dobie parts department stocks 12,000 line items
for the Mercedes Benz, Jeep and
Volkswagen vehicles which we
sell and service. Trained staff
locate parts for customers in a
matter of minutes and the ready
availability of spares is both
convenient and time saving.”
Summing up Simion Babos
concluded, “Experience has
convinced me that motorists
should buy only new genuine
spares from recognized dealers.
It pays to avoid the temptation
of having a short term saving
by paying lower prices for replacement and used parts. Why
give yourself potential causes of
trouble which can easily lead to
additional expenses?”
Total Kenya Limited donated ICT
equipment consisting of scanners,
central processing units, monitors,
printers, laptops and other assorted
equipment to Computers For Schools
Kenya (CFSK) for refurbishment
and distribution to schools. Dr. Tom
Musili (left), Founder Director of CFSK
received part of the consignment
from Premenand Dhoomon (centre),
the Finance Director at Total Kenya
Limited and Joseph King’ola (right), the
Information Technology Manager.
TJ & U Auto is the leading provider of auto
repair and maintenance services in Nairobi. We
pride ourselves in providing a vast array of
exceptional services including:
Car Painting Specialists
Computerised Diagnostics
Complete Body & Frame Repairs
Computerised Wheel Alighnments
Complete Autorepair & Services
Its all about you!
TJ & U Auto Garage,
Buruburu phase 1,
Along Rabai Rd.
Tel: +254 20 250 1972
Cel: +254 20 721 222585
K e mEmail:
r a /JANMAR 2016 7.
[email protected]
SpecialFeature
Our Love For
Vintage Cars
weddings.
The Chair says, “the idea was actually
to offer cheaper alternative for weddings
instead of going for costly limos and range
rovers. The more of our vehicles you hire
the cheaper the rates.”
While their charges are negotiable
depending on the type of wedding, Nyaga
points out that the cost ranges between
Sh15,000 to Sh35,000 per beetle.
This has seen the group receive invita-
C
ar bazaar owners are on
a roll. They are not leaving anything to chance
with their state of the
art vehicles which they
proudly display and auction at the drop of a hat.
The competition is arguably inspired
the sudden surge of people to acquire
sleek vehicles. Old models which had been
pushed to the back burner and were out of
the market have suddenly re-emerged.
Take for instance Volkswagen Beetle
which was popular back in 80’s. Well, a
group of youthful Kenyans have decided to
rescue the beetles from extinction.
Volkswagen Anonymous Classic Club
of Kenya is a group of 30 members aged
8.
K emr a /JAN-MAR 20 1 6
between 25 and 40 who all own beetles.
Henry Nyaga the group’s chairman
explains, “The group was formed around
2009 with the aim of bringing together
owners of the vintage cars for building and
restoration of the vehicles.”
Initially, the group would converge to
discuss their machines including where
to get genuine spare parts and reliable
mechanics in town but with time, they realized that apart from recruiting members
and beetle lovers they could direct their
energies to charity events in aide of vulnerable children in the society.
One such event dubbed ‘Bite the Dust
for Charity’ conducted by the group in
collaboration with their Dutch Friends is
slated for June 2016 and is expected to be
tions from as far Mombasa. When they go
out of town, the charges increase and the
client must accommodate the group.
To ensure that the club keeps running
the money earned from each vehicle goes
to the club’s account but sometimes members share the spoils.
Not every Tom, Dick and Harry can join
the club as there are strict requirements
that must be met before one is given a nod.
This includes recommendation by one
of the members, love for vintage and the
potential member must vow to be available
whenever the club needs them.
“The car must be air-cooled (vehicles
that do not use water instead oil).
A beetle that meets the club’s standards
costs anything from Sh250, 000 upwards
says Nyaga adding that maintenance and
running costs are minimal for those who
have reached daily driver standards.
of its kind.
Nyaga shares, “We will drive all the way
to Mombasa via the bush between June
1 and 6 this year to raise awareness and
funds for wildlife conservation. We will
also give donations to two other causes
that are dearest to our hearts like Teule
Children’s home in Loitoktok and Verkaaat
Orphans’ School in Kwale.”
He adds, “The journey will take us
through the bush into the Kenyan wilderness and national parks. It will begin
from Nairobi and end at the Indian Ocean.
Meanwhile, we will visit and even spend
the night at the projects we support.”
The club which is slightly over five
years, have also ventured into business of
events. Their vehicles are cheaply hired for
K e m r a /JAN- MAR 2016
9.
MoneyTalk
An Introduction to
Exchange Rate
Dynamics
BY Joseph Kivuva Makau
Q
. What is Exchange Rate?
A. The exchange rate is defined
as ‘the rate at which one country’s currency (in this context
the KES) may be converted into
another currency (US dollar- USD, Ugandan
Shilling-UGX…..etc.)
The exchange rate may fluctuate day to day
due to the varying market forces of demand
and supply of currencies.
A country with a lower inflation than
another country does will see an
appreciation of its currency in relation to
the other country’s currency.
Q.What factors affect the Exchange Rate
A.Some of the leading factors affecting the
exchange rate are explained below.
Inflation Rate
….Inflation is defined as the relative increase in
the price of goods and services in a country….
A country with a lower inflation than another
country does will see an appreciation of its
currency in relation to the other country’s
currency. For example if Kenya had a lower
inflation rate than Uganda, the Kenya shilling
will appreciate against the Ugandan Shilling.
Interest Rates
An increase in interest rates causes the country’s currency to appreciate as higher interest
rates attract foreign capital.
Public Debt
This is debt owned by the central government.
A country that borrows locally from its people
and institutions is less likely to acquire foreign
capital. Heightened domestic debt crowds out*
private investments and can be inflationary.
Foreign investors will exit the market in order
to prevent erosion of their investments due
to high inflation and as a result there will be a
10.
K emr a /JAN-MAR 20 1 6
and major imports are Fuel and Lubricants,
Industrial supplies, machinery and capital
equipment. When the values of a country’s
imports are more than the value of its exports,
a country is using more foreign currency to
pay for its imports that what it receives from
its exports and this causes a depreciation of
the exchange rate.
decrease in the value of the exchange rate.
*crowding out is an economic theory stipulating that rises in public sector spending
drive down or even eliminate private sector
spending
consequently attracting foreign capital
through foreign direct investments and capital
investments. Flow of foreign exchange into
the country will lead to an appreciation in the
value of the exchange rate.
Political Stability & Economic Performance
A country’s political stability plays a critical
role in the dynamics of a country’s exchange
rate. A politically sound country creates an
enabling environment for business to thrive
Current Account Deficit
A country has a high current account deficit
when the value of its imports exceeds the
value of its exports. Kenya’s main exports are
Tea, Coffee and fresh Horticultural produce
Terms of Trade
Terms of trade are the ratio of the price of
exports to the price of imports. The exchange
rate appreciates when price of a country’s exports are greater than the the price of imports.
Q. What do the terms weak Kenya Shilling
(KES) and strong KES mean?
A. The two terms, weak KES and strong
KES, are generalizations used in the foreign
exchange market to describe the relative
value and strength of the KES against other
currencies.
A strengthening KES is one in which the KES
has increased in value compared to another
currency in context the US dollar. This means
that the KES now buys more of the US dollar
than it did before.
A weakening KES is the opposite as it means
the KES has fallen in value compared to the
US dollar- making the KES buy less of the US
dollar.
Q. What does a strong KES or a Weak KES
mean to my business?
For businesses that import goods, a strong
KES means that they pay less for the goods
they import. For exporters, it’s the opposite;
a strong KES makes the goods they export
expensive and this hurts them those employed
in the exporting industries.
Q. What has been the performance of the
Kenya Shilling to the US dollar?
A. Since December 2013 the KES has been
depreciating against the US dollar, until June
2015 the pace of depreciation was modest
and posed no immediate risk to exchange rate
stability, however from June 2015 the fall
was rapid forcing central bank to intervene
by increasing interest rates because a further
decline would have a negative effect on the
economy.
Factors leading to the depreciation of the
shilling include the downturn in the price of
tea (Kenya’s main commodity Export), weaker
tourism inflows because of security risks, high
current account deficit, high public debt due to
government running on high budget deficits
and external forces including the strength
of the dollar, the prospect of US monetary
tightening, slower growth in China and uncertainties in the euro zone.
The Author is a Fixed Income Investment Analyst at Alpha Africa Asset Management
Email: [email protected]
K e m r a /JAN- MAR 2016
11.
CARDOCTOR
CARDOCTOR
Systems integration is the backbone of
efficient motor manufacturing industry
By Amos Okwemba
[email protected]
together and efficiently, it ensures smooth
running of assembling process and hence,
reduce challenges.
In short, this means that good system
integration facilitates proper management
in the manufacturing factory.
S
ystems integration is
defined as the process of
bringing together all the
component subsystems
into one large system and
making sure the systems
work together to achieve a
common goal meant by the manufacturer.
System integration also advances
technologies for intelligent, or predictive,
monitoring and control of processes, and
accelerate progress in efforts to achieve
plug-and-play compatibility among
equipment, processes, and information
management systems, an emphasis that
complements other manufacturing efforts.
In the manufacturing industry, the system integrator brings together discrete systems using the various techniques available
in the assembly of the motor vehicles.
Systems integration in the manufacturing of motor vehicles largely depends on
the technology used in the industry.
However, despite the technology used,
there are some challenges that are faced.
Coordination with all the subsystems to
achieve an integrated system is one of the
challenges.
Changes made in a particular department of the subsystems should be communicated to the whole team.
System integration is prudent in the
various assembly processes, which are
developing economical, modular systems
for body and powertrain assembly that can
be implemented (or reconfigured) within
4 to 6 months, as compared with today’s
average of 24 to 36 months, and improve
technologies for controlling paint and coating processes.
There are various sub-systems that need
to be integrated for proper working of the
assembling and repairing of motor vehicles
industry.
These subsystems include:
Computer systems analysts
This team works with the computer systems to improve manufacturing efficiency.
They help in putting in place the machinery
12.
K emr a /JAN-MAR 20 1 6
2.
Maintenance and operations
No doubt, non-functioning sensors and
failure of system integration leads to waste
of time and resources.
In the assembling of motor vehicles, all
the departments need to communicate and
facilitate proper system integration to prevent the possible wear and tear that would
be caused in case of poor communication
and response and also, poor cooperation
within a subsystem.
The operations of the industry would
also be affected once the subsystems don’t
work towards their integration. Good
system integration would facilitate good
operations of all the departments and the
whole industry as a whole.
and the tools needed for the assembly line
in the vehicle production.
Management workers
This team establishes guidelines for
the design of motor vehicles to provide
direction to the teams of experts in engineering, design, marketing, sales, finance,
and production. From the earliest stages
of planning and design, these specialists
help assess whether the vehicle will
satisfy consumer demand, meet safety
and environmental regulations, and prove
economically practical to make. These
executives also serve as public representatives for the company. They are the face of
the company.
Industrial production managers
They oversee first-line supervisors and
managers of production and operating
workers. These supervisors are in-charge
of inspectors, precision workers, machine
setters and operators, assemblers, fabricators, and plant and system operators.
They coordinate a variety of manufacturing
processes and production activities, including scheduling, staffing, equipment, quality
control, and inventory control.
Assemblers, fabricators, metal workers
and plastic workers put together various
parts to form subassemblies, and then
put the subassemblies together to build a
complete motor vehicle.
Most assemblers in this industry are
team assemblers, who may work on a variety of tasks as needed. Some may perform
other routine tasks such as mounting and
inflating tires; adjusting brakes; and adding
gas, oil, brake fluid, and coolant.
Welding, soldering, and brazing workers
are needed for welding and for maintenance and repair purposes.
Machinists produce precision metal
parts that are made in numbers too small
to produce with automated machinery.
Tool and die makers produce tools, dies,
and special guiding and holding devices
used in machines.
Among other subsystems apart from the
ones mentioned, ensure a clear and common understanding among all the various
subsystems in the assembly.
Unfortunately, in most cases, their functions are overlooked.
There are various benefits of good and
appropriate integration of systems in the
assembling of motor vehicles.
1.
Proper management
Establishing accurate target set points
for manufactures involved in the assembling of the motor vehicles and repairing
them is a key function of the system integration.
When all subsystems involved work
3.Improving efficiency
Systems integration is important since
it ensures different systems are integrated
into one architecture, which saves time and
energy.
Once all the subsystems work together,
it improves the efficiency of assembling
and even saving on cost.
A manufacturing industry, particularly,
a motor vehicle assembly and repair is key
to efficient and productive performance of
the manufactures in producing the vehicles
and repairing them.
The writer is the ICT and Communication Strategy Consulting Director for Africa
and the Middle East at Impact Consulting
Group.
Impact Consultancy Group has operations in over seven countries in Africa
and the Middle East. It is a think tank of 15
multi-nationals and business restructuring
firms. It is a consultancy firm of several
companies engaging the expertise of ICT,
Finance, Banking, Communication, Strategy
and Business Processes Re-engineering.
K e m r a /JAN- MAR 2016
13.
COVERSTORY
COVERSTORY
Daddy Owen: My
dream car is a
power house
O
By KEMRA TEAM
wen Mwatia commonly known as
Daddy Owen was
born was born in a
Christian family.
Coming from a
humble background
Owen was not able to hit the limelight at
the beginning of his musical journey. He
had started singing way back in high school
but getting funds became a big deal.
Later on in life, his brother Rufftone
and his family was able to uplift him and
support his career financially and spiritually. The late Gospel artiste Kaberere
also mentored him. Nevertheless, Daddy
Owen has risen to become one of Kenya’s
celebrated artiste after winning numerous
awards. KEMRA caught up with him in the
busy streets of Nairobi.
He opens up about his life away from
music and his love of sleek cars.
Tell us about your first car
It was a VW Passat, and it sure served
me for a long time. Finally I could enjoy the
fruits of my labour and move around without giving so much money to cab drivers.
I worked hard for it because the moment I started doing gospel and getting
called for shows, I needed reliable means of
transport.
How much did it cost?
Since I didn’t have so much money to
splurge on a new car, let’s just say it was affordable enough for a first time car owner.
What did you love about the VW
Passat?
I loved the convenience it provided since
I could now move around town and attend
concerts. Secondly, with its fuel tank at 2.0
CC, I must say it was not a fuel guzzler.
So, tell us about your first road trip.
My first road trip was from Nairobi to
14.
K emr a /JAN-MAR 20 1 6
Eldoret for a performance. I finally got the
chance to engage with my car features to
the maximum.
I was able to test the speed, fuel consumption, stability and so much more.
What’s your worst experience on the
road?
Driving from Eldoret to Kakamega was
quite eventful. The potholes on that road
can make a driver postpone their journey.
Also, the road trip to Kampala Uganda
was chaotic due to human traffic and many
boda bodas.
Where did you acquire your driving
skills?
Initially, like many young men, I learnt
my driving from the hood. I had older
friends who had cars so we always tried
them out. I later went to driving school and
got my driving licence.
Obviously your life has changed after
winning numerous awards. What are
you currently driving?
I don’t want to get into so much details
for fear of being stalked.
But let’s say, I am comfortable with my
current choice of car.
Are you driving your dream car?
My dream car is
the Aston Martin
DB 10. That car
is a power house and
I’m sure it would feel
great to drive around
No, it’s not my dream car yet, although
it once was. Currently my dream car is the
Aston Martin DB 10. That car is a power
house and I’m sure it would feel great
to drive it around and interact with its
features.
Who would you leave your car upon
getting your dream car?
My younger brother Sledge
What features do you like in a car?
Speed, flexibility and stability are key
whenever I think about cars. They make a
difference between a normal and smooth
ride.
Driving in Nairobi can be a nightmare; how was your first experience?
At first it was tricky navigating the
traffic, but I have mastered that art. I think
Nairobi drivers can be difficult at times, but
you get to tolerate them.
If you could be a traffic cop for a day,
who would you deal with first?
Overlappers! They get under my skin
and I’m sure other motorists get frustrated
as well.
Most first time drivers make rush
decisions on the choice of cars and
panic when they hit the road; one word
for them?
I would advise them to keep calm, and
wait for their opportune driving moment
rather than compete to get the latest cars.
Sometimes we rush into things only to realise that patience would have done it.
Is it so much pressure for celebrities
to get new cars?
Yes! You see once people start recognising you, they will say hi to you everywhere.
That’s why most celebrities quit using
public transport. Secondly, a celebrity
wants to enjoy their status, so they will use
taxis. However, taxis can be expensive and
eventually, they opt to get their own cars.
K e m r a /JAN- MAR 2016
15.
FUN FACT
The DB10 from James Bond movie
“Spectre” was never put into production
and only a total of 10 were built.
This DB10 however, was one of two
that the crew kept back as show cars for
display.
Featuring a 6-speed manual transmission and a 4.7-liter V8 engine, it is expected
to fetch somewhere between $1.4 to $2.1
million dollars (1 to 1.5 million British
Pounds).
MINEKA AUTOWORKS
Have you ever been stopped
by traffic police?
Yes! This is Kenya. I’m sure
most drivers have been stopped
more than once on the road.
Are you ever scared of the
police whenever you are driving?
Not exactly scared, but I don’t
like the kind of inconvenience
they bring to motorists.
Have you ever had to bribe a
policeman?
Not directly. But most time
they will stop me and once they
identify me, the conversation
changes and they will ask me to
sing for them. Sometimes, they
ask for souvenirs like my Music
CDs. I have given out so many
already but it also shows that they
love my music.
MOMBASA
1.MECHANICAL REPAIRS
2. AUTO ELECTRICAL
WORKS
3. PANEL BEATING
4. SPRAY PAINTING
5. ACCIDENT REPAIRERS
6. MINOR &MAJOR SERVICE
7. VEHICLE BRANDING
Accident Repair, Motor Vehicle Repair,
Consulting Services.
Engine Service for the all vehicle models
Panel beating for Body Repair
Spray paint in a oven baked booth
Buffing services
Free diagnostic check if you come with this magazine
Member of
MOMBASA,0721539682/072282607
K emr a /JAN-MAR 20 1 6
NEW
WE OFFER
Along Lumumba rd,next to ocean engineering P.O.BOX 84894-80100
16.
THAT
BRING BACK E L I N G
CAR FE
Contact us: 0722 522 970
0721 946 994
0722 399 938
Email: [email protected]
P.O Box 50964 - 0200
Location: Industrial Area, Shimo la Tewa Rd.
VAS AUTO CENTRE LIMITED
Automobile Engineers & Accident Repairs Specialists
VAS PREMISES AT
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BAT
Chassis Jigging
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Five Black hawk Korek
4000 jigs are fully operational. These equipments
are technologically advanced in the sense that by
using special computers..
VEHICLE BRANDING
COMPUTERISED WHEEL BALANCING
Chassis Jigging And Alignment
Inside our busy workshop floor
The workshop is divided into sections namely:- ⇒ The booking area ⇒ The washing bay ⇒ The parking area (to await repair authority) ⇒ The stripping area, ⇒ The jigging area ⇒ The panel beating area
⇒ The spray painting preparation area ⇒ The spraying booth ⇒ The buffing and polishing area ⇒ The
fitting area and ⇒ The showroom (for the storage of the repaired as well as the new units). Our workshop area is large enough to accommodate at least 50 vehicles at a given time. In addition, we have a
spacious store where all the parts, new equipment's, paints and consumables are stored.
Spray Painting
We have installed two of the latest
Burnt Wood Spray Booths from the
United Kingdom. The booths are
fitted with baking facilities capable
of drying vehicles within thirty
minutes irrespective of the prevailing weather condition...
CAR DIAGONISTIC
SPRAY PAINTING SERVICES
Panel Beating
Our Services
Accident Repairers
VAS undertakes accident repairs
ranging from the minor accidents to
major accident repairs and are proud
to be one of the most modern and
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OUR STATE OF HEART WORK SHOP
1.
MECHANICAL REPAIRERS
2.
AUTO ELECTRICAL WORKS
3.
PANEL BEATING
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5.
ACCIDENTAL REPAIRES
6.
BODY BUILDING
7.
MINOR &MAJOR SERVICE
8.
VEHICLE BRANDING
Londiani Road, off Likoni Road, Tel:254-020- 553509,650283,650284 Industrial AreaMobile:0733328858
/0722636326 P.O. Box 78449-00507 Fax:254-020-531804/553509 Nairobi, Kenya Email: [email protected]
Website:www.vasautocentre.co.ke
We don’t just repair your car
after a collision, we can look
after your car throughout its
life with you. As your vehicle is
the second most expensive purchase you are likely to make, it
makes...
VAS AUTO CENTRE is a registered member of KEMRA
Mechanical Repairers & Services
We don’t just repair your car
after a collision, we can look
after your car throughout its
life with you. As your vehicle
is the second most expensive
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make, it makes.....
VAS AUTO CENTRE has been categorized
as a three spanners garage.
KOMBANI AUTOWORKS KWALE
BUSINESSREFLECTIONS
TOYOTA DEALER
STRATEGIZE
AHEAD AND
TAKE STOCK OF
THE BUSINESS
JOURNEY
t
OUR SERVICES
1.MECHANICAL REPAIRS
2. AUTO ELECTRICAL WORKS
3. PANEL BEATING
4. SPRAY PAINTING
5. ACCIDENT REPAIRERS
6. BODY BUILDING
7. MINOR &MAJOR SERVICE
8. VEHICLE BRANDING
Located at kombani along Mombasa-ukunda highway.
P.O.Box 1844-80400 ukunda
Email:[email protected] /Tel:0722684524
W
e recently
held our AGM
and I was
lucky to have
either been
consulted or
talked to by
many of the participants. Judging from the
depths of the discussion there was a lot
of knowledge to mine and intelligence to
gather useful for research, dissemination
or generally worth sharing. One successful
member in the auto industry did mention
to me that his biggest challenge in business
today is succession. He is worried about
who in his family can lead the business to
the future or even the next level.
I had other interesting discourse with
a number of entrepreneurs in the auto
industry in course of the evening. They had
interesting stories to tell relating to their
business, their journey, the ups and downs
and their hopes for the future. They had a
gold field of knowledge to mine and I did as
much as I could amidst the many chores I
had to attend to during the occasion.
I had a one on one with a seasoned businessman whose family has run a successful
family business in auto repair and sales for
several decades. He mentioned to me that
he has a serious challenge. The challenge
is transitioning the business to the next
generation. He did mention that getting
the next team of hands from the family
20.
K emr a /JAN-MAR 20 1 6
is a challenge. I asked “you don’t have
competent managers and staff to carry on
with the business within a modernized
structure where family members play a
crucial role in the board?’’
He admitted that the employees rely so
much on him in almost everything.This is
notwithstanding that they also do a good
job for him. However, most of the critical
decisions but even some simpler ones
they rely on him. He said he found this a
challenge. Though we agreed to touch base
later, it re-affirmed one or two things. Succession planning in business is critical.
What is Succession planning? According
to the free online Encyclopedia Wikipedia,
Succession planning is a process for identifying and developing internal people with
the potential to fill key business leadership
positions in the company. Succession
planning increases the availability of experienced and capable employees that are
prepared to assume these roles as they become available. In today’s world it is tempting fate to let business or any organization
run without a lot of forecasted future. This
then means that building capacities for
now and future is important.
Ofcourse no capacity building in an
organization can be complete without the
human aspect being looked into. Human is
at the apex of any strategic decisions in an
organization. Without them all else comes
to naught. Not surprising then, that this
otherwise successful businessman was
worried that he has done everything else
right but worried that the business model
he is carrying is not sustainable.
Surprisingly even while involving family
members seem to work for some businesses when it comes to transitioning across
generations, it’s not a fire proof solution.
There are many businesses that have
become stuck or failed to match the innovativeness of new comers despite having a
solid history of success across generations.
Many stick to the old tested way of doing
things and the inbreeding of management
seems a problem in getting into new frontiers. Some however have managed. There
are some very big companies in Kenya that
have grown through family generations.
However, there are many more that have
sprout in Kenya and globally and grown
successfully by people coming up with new
or innovative ideas.
This happens to people who had no
prior solid family business of any kind.
Some companies have grown big through
significant application of new ways of
doing business that have included sale of
shares and some even floating in the stock
markets. Incidentally most big businesses
that trade across the world started small
and many of them as family businesses or
by partners before spreading out to other
shareholders. It pays to tap into the right
diverse talent.
P.N .KABARA AUTO GARAGE
Along kianda road NYERI
‘Beyond the standard’‘
Our services
Accident repairs

Spray painting


Major &minor car services
Towing services


In a nutshell for business to thrive
for many years and grow for a long time,
proper succession planning more so for
key positions is vital. At the same time the
world is awash with talent and those that
have spread out deftly have grown to be
mega empires that run all over the world
today. The future has unlimited opportunity but to tap that requires working high on
Intellect.
The Writer is KEMRA CEO
Car branding
Contact us through:
P.o.box 3155 nyeri,phone +254720715197/0729157154
,Email:[email protected]
Battle of the
INSPIRATION
Moving from wishful
thinking into action
big & bulky beasts
Dare make a move towards your goals in 2016
By Stephen Gaiti
‘’ ….but i chose you and appointed you so that
you might go and bear fruit-fruit that will lastand so that whatever you ask in my name the
Father will give you’’ John 15:16
M
any are the Goal Setters
but few are the Goal
Getters. You must come
out of the multitude of
goal setters and graduate to the slim number
of goal getters.
Breaking from the multitude: Nigerian writer Chinua Achebe in his book titled
‘’Things Fall Apart” brings out a strong character called Okonkwo who wants to bring change
into the community. Okonkwo was determined
to reduce the White man’s onslaught on Ibo’s
cultural values through brutal force, something
that the rest of the community was against. So
when Okonkwo beheads a white colonial governor with a machete in a village baraza, he is
surprised that the people are not impressed by
his actions. Instead the people turned tumultuous and scandalous. Okonkwo, disappointed,
wiped the blood on his machete on sand and
went on to hang himself. Nevertheless, Okonkwo’s action, unpopular as it was, sent a very
strong statement to the Queen in England who
ordered colonial DC’s in Africa to henceforth respect African traditional values.
Like in a marathon race, we start off every year as a multitude but as the year progresses; you start seeing determined guys advancing towards the finish line while others either remain stranded at the starting line and still
others fall by the wayside thereby missing their goals.
You must be determined to go and conquer regardless
of the limitations.
The Quran admonishes Muslims to strive and attain
their goals bearing in mind that Allah is the chief planner.
’’Although they plan, Allah also plans. And Allah is the
best of planners’’
(Quran Surah al-Anfal, v30)
Cast out, rejected and condemned to death, the four
lepers in the bible made a resolute decision regardless
of their pathetic situation. They had three options; to GO
BACK to the city where they had been cast out, TO STAY
WHERE THEY WERE or TO MOVE AHEAD .They consulted and agreed to MOVE AHEAD even if death stared at
them. And when they started moving with their feeble
feet, God amplified their faint footsteps, sounded like a
mighty army advancing and the enemies fled leaving behind food, gold and silver. The lepers ate to their fill and
fed the starving nation. A mega business idea doesn’t
have to start with millions of shillings; thousands of shillings can lay the foundation.
‘’Now there were four men with leprosy at the entrance
of the city gate. They said to each other, why stay here
until we die? ….So let’s go…if they kill us we die….’’ 2 Kings
7:3-4
Life is full of decisions. Some decisions, whether good or
bad are permanent, we got to live with them.
In the year 2016, you have to make a choice; You either
GO BACK to your former situation i.e. deteriorate, STAY
WHERE YOU ARE i.e. remain stagnant or MOVE AHEAD
(advance)
May God amplify your steps as you advance to your
goals in 2016.
Some decisions you make may be risky and daring but
remember we don’t learn any lessons from cowards. In
the community where you live, you are either an Example to people or a Warning.
The writer is the Marketing Manager, Kenya Motor Repairers Association (KEMRA)
[email protected]/ [email protected]
22.
K emr a /JAN-MAR 20 1 6
CARREVIEW
Judging from its size and sheer bulk, you’d guess the new X5 is a big,
thirsty machine designed for family space rather than sportiness, but car
enthusiasts know otherwise. This is as much a performance car as any
other BMW
L
onger than the model it replaces,
BMW have finely tuned the X5
rather than redesigned it. Restyled
headlamps now slide the whole
way across the front and the
chrome-slated kidney grille has
been adjusted in keeping with the rest of the family. Overall, though, it’s not as well-proportioned
as before and the effect is quite drab. The macho
bulging wheel arches and wide tyres that gave the
previous model an almost menacing presence have
given way to a more estate car-like stance, a look
designed to appeal to American and Chinese buyers, the two biggest markets for the new model.
What the X5 lacks on the outside it makes up for
on the inside – sit behind the wheel and the dashboard is beautifully uncluttered with a variety of
materials and textures that exude quality. From the
black gloss and white leather to the ambient lighting our M50d test car is pure luxury. Room is good
front and back and even middle-seat passengers
won’t feel like they have drawn the short straw.
The 40:20:40 split in the middle row is new and
allows for much greater flexibility than before.
With the seats upright there is 650 litres of
luggage space. While this is not class-leading, it is
30 litres more than the current X5 offers, but Land
Rover’s Range Rover Sport offers 784 litres. There
is also an optional third row of seats making it a
seven-seater.
In contrast, the new Range Rover Sport is strikingly
different from the model it replaces. With styling
details borrowed from the Evoque and full-size
Range Rover, the chiselled exterior gives it a hot
hatch-like stance while the aluminium body shell
means its 420kg lighter than before.
The inner beauty of the Range Rover Sport nearly
eclipses its stunning exterior. The seating position
is lower than the model it replaces but every bit
as commanding. For the first time there is also an
option of two extra seats in the back. Overall, it
makes passengers feel a little more special inside
than when in the X5.
Armed with a stunning 510bhp 5.0 litre V8,
the Range Rover Sport shoots from standstill to
100kmh in just over five seconds. There are three
other engines in the range; two three-litre V6
diesels (TD and SD) and a 340hp, three-litre V6
petrol. A hybrid will join the range next year.
The X5 range starts with a 215bhp BMW X5
sDrive25d, powered by a four-cylinder diesel, there
is also a four-wheel-drive option of the same.
Those looking for more power should opt for the
254bhp 3.0-litre six-cylinder xDrive30d. BMW also
offers a 5.0 litre petrol, the xDrive50i, that bolts
from standstill to 100 kmh in five seconds.
The on-road manners of the X5 are subtly different
from the Range Rover Sport. It feels more like a
performance model and almost defies gravity with
no body-roll in the corners. On the downside the
steering fails to impress.
K e m r a /JAN- MAR 2016
23.
DIVASLANE
CARReview
Press the start button on the Range Rover Sport
and the exhaust delivers a deep and resonant
note that pairs beautifully with the car’s excellent
acceleration and overall performance. Beautifully
controlled on bends, the suspension is transformed
and is both forgiving and stiff in equal measure. On
the road, the Sport feels nothing like its predecessor and while it is still a huge vehicle and tips the
scales at about two tonnes, it is light and agile.
Off road, the Range Rover Sport is mind bogglingly
good and is unmatched by any of the German
competition. At the launch, the X5 reassured
through a wet and slippy forest and over small hill
dunes but while it was all accomplished with ease ,
we were left unconvinced that a road car wouldn’t
have achieved the same. But it is on road which is
the true battle ground and despite the very similar
weight of both vehicles, the X5 feels the lighter
and is the most agile of the two.
The BMW X5 may be huge but it’s deceptively frugal. On a mix of urban and motorway it will return
42.2mpg. The Sport, with a 3.0 litre turbo-diesel,
returns 37.7mpg.
The BMW X5 is available in a variety of trim levels,
the basic being the €67,380 SE model. Three
packages can be added to SE version to add a variety of interior and exterior trim finishes. BMW also
provides an M Sport package. Our range-topping
test car, the M50d, costs €109,630.
Prices for the Range Rover Sport are still unconfirmed due to supply restrictions, but we expect
the starting price to be in excess of €80,000. It is
available in four trims: S, SE, HSE and Autobiog-
raphy.
the BMW X5. But if I was opting for a remote
For so long, Land Rover played catch-up to BMW’s
rural idyll, the muscular Range Rover Sport is
performance machine and just as it was about to
engineered to take on the most gruelling off-road
pull up alongside its German competitor, BMW
travel you can imagine.
changed
the
rules.
Recognising
that
it
is
on-road
The Range Rover Sport is the Swiss army knife of
CHILD CAR SAFETY
handling and good looks that woos buyers, this
cars, but in reality most of us will never appreciate
We all love our little people, and with love come responsibility and care.
is the
most
road-focused
X5
that
BMW
have
its endless mud-plugging abilities. The X5, on
Child car safety begins with carefully choosing, properly fitting and always using the right child car restraint or booster seat for your
produced.
the other hand, has everything you will need – it
child's age and weight.
So if you were buying a premium SUV, which
is slightly bigger, faster and more efficient than
buying the right car seat
would you choose? If elegance is defined by speed,
before and, crucially, it does it all for less.
For a new baby, you will need an infant carrier (or combination seat) which should be suitable for your car.
power
and space then the answer is probably
Courtesy of Sunday Independent
important car seat advice for parents
Newborns need rearward facing car seats from their very first journey home.
Rearward facing car seats offer the best protection for young babies who have very little control over their heads and necks. Baby should
be positioned rearward facing for as long as possible.
Car seats are tested by the weight they can carry, not the age of a child.
Child car safety comes first
fitting your baby's car seat
W
e all love our little
people, and with
love come responsibility and care. Child
car safety begins
with carefully
choosing, properly fitting and always using the right child car restraint or booster
seat for your child’s age and weight.
Make sure the harness around your baby or child is firm but not restrictive.
The seat belt should be as tight as possible (seatbelt goes onto the car seat), to minimize forward or sideways movement of the seat.
The seat belt buckle should be straight when locked and should never rest on the child's car seat frame as it may snap open.
types of car seats and suitable weight of child
Weight
Group
Approx. age.
Car seat type
Birth – 13kgs
(29lbs)
0+
Birth – 12 – 15
months
infant
Birth– 18kgs
(40lbs)
0+ and 1
Birth – 4yrs
9 – 18kgs
(20– 40lbs)
1
9months – 4yrs
9 – 36kgs
(20– 79lbs)
1-2-3
9months – 11yrs
15– 36kgs
(33-79lbs)
2-3
4 – 11yrs
15–36kgs
(33-79lbs)
2-3
4 - 11yrs
combination
Forward facing
High back booster
with harness
High back
booster
without
harness
Booster seat
-rearward facing
-use rearward
facing from birth9kg/20lbs
-forward-facing
adjustable
-forward-facing
use with integral
harness from 9-15kg
(20-33lbs)
-secured with
an adult seat
belt only
-forwardfacing
secured by
an adult
seat belt
buying the right car seat
For a new baby, you will need an infant
carrier (or combination seat) which should
be suitable for your car.
Newborns need rearward facing car
seats from their very first journey home.
Rearward facing car seats offer the
best protection for young babies who
have very little control over their heads
and necks. Baby should be positioned
rearward facing for as long as possible.
Car seats are tested by the weight they
can carry, not the age of a child.
fitting your baby’s car seat
24.
K emr a /JAN-MAR 20 1 6
-lightweight and
portable
-with carry handle
-use forward facing
from 9-18kg/2040lbs
-recline
positions
-seat has integral
harness
Courtesy of Mothercare UK
-secured with an
adult seat belt
Make sure the harness around your
baby or child is firm but not restrictive.
The seat belt should be as tight as
possible (seatbelt goes onto the car
seat), to minimize forward or sideways
-use with vehicle belt
from 15- 36kg (33-79
lbs)
-integrated harness
-a useful
back- up
option e.g.
grandparent
s' car or for
unexpected
situations
movement of the seat. The seat belt
buckle should be straight when locked
and should never rest on the child’s car
seat frame as it may snap open.
WARNING: Female
DRIVER AHEAD
D
By Ms THING
riving while female in Nairobi
is a trip.
If there was a way to hide my
gender for purposes of being
behind the wheel, I would go
for it.
For a good number of male drivers – heck, possibly
for all of them – the fact of being a woman is all
the proof they need that you are not road worthy.
It doesn’t matter how expensive your car is.
You could be driving an Escalade for all the difference it would make.
Any brownie points you might have earned for
handling a top-of-the-range automobile are instantly erased when the Toyota behind you realises
that you are female.
And as soon as he does, all highway good graces
fly straight out the window. It will become his
short-term mission to outsmart you with his
superior driving skills.
God forbid if you are driving a Vitz (a red or
blue is even worse) or one of those mini-Mazda
contraptions. That is just a blanket invitation to
be manhandled and bundled into the tightest
possible corner, so that the river of vehicular testosterone can flow unencumbered by that irritant
called estrogen.
Driving in Nairobi is like trolling on social media.
Whether their windows are tinted or not, drivers,
feel anonymous and thus, suitably emboldened to
behave badly.
From switching lanes without indicating, to
hooting at red lights (apparently there is hurry in
Africa), obstructing traffic to drop people off and
chatting up random females through lowered windows, there are few limits to the kind of madness
that can be found on the road.
But there is one thing that Nairobi drivers do that
takes the gold in the grand prix of on-road acrobatics. Overlapping! If I was God for a day, every
last overlapper would be on the fast track straight
to hell, with their offending vehicles in tow.
Nothing is more annoying than an overlapper getting to the end of the service lane, garden path or
whatever, and then making an aggressive attempt
to force himself back into line without so much as
an, “Excuse me, I know I’m an idiot, but please have
mercy on me”.
Overlappers always have an exaggerated sense
of bravado, and a heightened sense of their own
driving ability, especially when they are male and
you, a woman, are civilized.
They bully you with the threat that if you deny
them entry, they will drive right into the side of
your car, the assumption being that they would
rather cause an accident than let you stay ahead.
If that fails, they will try to make eye contact
because everyone knows that once you make eye
contact with a driver who wants to cut into your
lane, you have to let them through.
So, ladies, rule number one; do not make eye
contact. As soon as I hit the road, I put my brick
face on.
It’s hard out there for a chick, I’m sayin’! You are
judged on the basis of your sex alone, and if you’re
not quick on your wheels, the danger of a fender
bender is real.
K e m r a /JAN- MAR 2016
25.
ROADSAFETY
SHEDRIVER
Did you know that police need a
search warrant to
enter your car?
Being stopped by a traffic cop is a motorist’s worst nightmare. There’s
always fear of being caught on the wrong foot, no pun intended. These
ten traffic rules will come to the rescue of any motorist should they be
stopped for a traffic offence or for a routine or random police check.
1
2
3
. It is illegal to talk on the phone while driving so don’t do it.
. The fine for talking on your phone while driving is up to the discretion of the Magistrate and can range from Sh400 to Sh5,000.
. If you have been pulled over for any traffic offense, you can call
this phone number 020 8562263 or 020 8563515/6 to speak
to a Commandant of Traffic who will answer any traffic-offense
question you might have. We called and got the information for the
previous bullet.
4
5
. If you are being harassed by the police, you can call the Diplomatic Police: 020 521446 or 0735 356506.
. If you get pulled over by the police, you have your rights: If You
Are Stopped For A Minor Traffic Offence in Kenya, Please Follow
These Simple Rules: Please find below an official statement of
the Ministry of Justice, Law and Order Reform Programme (GJLOS)
concerning your rights and obligations towards traffic police in case of
minor traffic offences. I recommend you to make a print out and place
it in your private vehicle in case of need.
6
7
8
. Demand that the officer identify him/herself through an appointment certificate OR through the name and number normally pinned on their uniform. Equally always identify yourself by a
driver’s license or ID document.
. Please do not allow police officers to get into your car when you
have been stopped for a minor traffic offence. Your car is private
property and technically the police require a search warrant to
enter your car, but we are normally polite and allow them to look inside.
. If you are being charged with a minor traffic offence, the paper
work can normally be done on the spot – it’s called a “bail bond”
or “police bail”. You make a cash payment and get an official receipt (which is also a notice to appear in court on a future date). If it cannot be issued on the spot, insist that you follow a police car to the nearest police station and then ensure that the bail bond is issued at the
police station. Please also note that all minor traffic offences in Kenya
are indeed eligible for “bail bond” or “police bail” - there is absolutely
no justification for you to be locked up at a police station for minor traffic offences. But this is a threat normally used to scare people.
9
10
. Never allow a police officer to take the keys of your car from the
ignition – this is illegal.
. Be polite and non-confrontational at all times.
Source: Kenya Traffic Offences Guide
26.
K emr a /JAN-MAR 20 1 6
Just call me
Warush
on the other hand was initially unhappy about it, but of late, he has
warmed up,” says Warush.
Since she started riding, Warush has no regrets whatsoever since the
bike has changed her life.
“I’m a member of super Hero biker’s Club where I get to interact with
the other members,” she says.
They are about 80 lovers of the bike at the club with over 10 being
ladies.
At the club, we attend weddings, engage in corporate affairs and it’s
just amazing to do what we are passionate about,” she says. “I also get to
mentor new riders and the experience is helpful.
Has she been involved in bike accidents?
“Yes,” Warush says, “I have fallen off my bike a number of times, but
only escaped with minor injuries.”
Bike accidents, she says are caused by arrogance of drivers who
adamantly refuse to use the walk sides.
“Be cautious of your surrounding and always be on the lookout.”
The only thing new female bikers can do is to enjoy and have fun on
their bikes.
T
raffic snarl-ups in Nairobi are bad. Motorists living around Mombasa Road, Langata,
Jogoo Road and Thika Road spend hours on
end to get to their workplaces every morning. And
when ‘jam’ gets nasty, motorists literally spend the
night in their vehicle seats.
But not all of them, some smart ones like one
Nairobian lady have figured out how to maneuver
the winding queues of vehicles that stretch from
Uhuru Highway all the way to Utawala.
Eunice Karanja or Warush as she is popularly
known, was just a driver, a no nonsense female
driver who after successfully completing her driving school, took on the wheels of Eldoret Express
for three years. She then moved to City Hoppa
and later joined Standard Group as a driver. Having
interacted with traffic jam in the city for all those
years, she decided to try something else.
A good friend taught Warush a few basics of
riding a motorbike and off she went. Sooner or
later, her first ever motorbike, an Apache was at
her doorstep.
“My motive was to beat traffic, it was too
much,” Warush said adding that, “After a while I
graduated into a bigger and more powerful bike, a
Hero Karizma.”
Since then, ‘jam’ became a thing of the past.
Long distance driving is not something Warush
considers a challenge; she has done EldoretNairobi in 62-seater bus several trips a week for
three years.
The male-dominated industry didn’t come
with few challenges. But the shapely and beautiful
28.
K emr a /JAN-MAR 20 1 6
AUTOSPIN GARAGE NYERI
A sign of quality
EXPERTS IN:
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OUR BEST SERVICES
1.MECHANICAL REPAIRS
2. AUTO ELECTRICAL WORKS
3. PANEL BEATING
4. SPRAY PAINTING
5. ACCIDENT REPAIRERS
6. MINOR &MAJOR SERVICE
Warush says, “I turned a blind eye and ear and
survived; plus my no-nonsense attitude always
saves the day.”
At her current workplace where she distributed
newspapers to various regions in the country,
there’s no special treatment she gets.
“Work is work, in fact, it’s only recently that I
was relocated to Nairobi City,” Warush says.
On the bike, the farthest she has gone is
Kapsabet.
“The only challenge here is fatigue,” she says
adding that, “the trick is to make frequent stop
overs to freshen up,” says the mother of two, a boy
aged 10 and two-year-old girl.
Her children she says are crazy about the bike.
“They love it. They are crazy about it. My husband
7. VEHICLE BRANDING
AUTHORISED TATA DEALER

WE ARE LOCATED AT:
Along Waiyaki Way
Opposite
All Africa Conference of Churches,Westlands
Next to New Safaricom Headquarters
CONTACT US:
P.O.BOX 14939-00800,NairobiKenya
Tel:020-2017754,Fax:4440277
Email:[email protected]
Situated at king’ong’o along Nyeri-Nanyuki,RD
Tel:0722794684,0721794148
Website:www.dekelvinsgarage.com

Panel Beating
Mechanical Engineering
Computerized Paint Mixers


Seat Cushioning
Car Alarms etc.
2016 KEMRA MEMBERS
2016 KEMRA MEMBERS
MEMBER
ADDRESS
PHONE
ADDITIONAL CONTACT
Foton East Africa Ltd.
Along Mombasa Road, at the junction with
Shimo la Tewa Road, before NCW&SC officesNairobi
0722748843
0722748843 ,0703333133
Four Runners Auto Tech Ltd.
Along Hola Road, off Baricho Road, next to CMC
bodyshop, Industrial Area -Nairobi
0722703584
020-555611, 0722703584
Absolute Motor Services Ltd
Industrial Area, Shimo la Tewa Rd. Nairobi
0722522970
Access Panel Craft
Crescent road,Nairobi
0722328603, 0720972563
Ace Auto Centre Ltd.
Along Giligil Road, off Enterprise Road, Industrial Area - Nairobi
0722529178
020-2491820, 020-2491825,
0718391540, 0786622509
Golden Auto Centre Ltd.
Along Road ‘A’, off Enterprise Road,
Industrial Area - Nairobi
0722752065
020-2001221, 0722770682,
0722752065
All Auto Services Ltd.
Factory St, Nairobi, Kenya
0720819356
0720634448, 0720819356
Haji Motors Ltd.
020-3535552 /3
Kiambu, Kiambu Rd.
0716-052000
0721-849457
Off Mombasa Road, Behind Vision Plaza, inside
Hyundai Complex Go- downs - Nairobi
0722519008
Alpha Automobile ltd
A-One Auto Services Ltd
Opp Nakumatt Highridge, 3rd Parklands Ave
Nairobi
0722521446
0722790500
Hanspol Auto clinic
Industrial area,Nanyuki rd Nairobi
0725-623363
HI Techz Investments
Voi town,Nairobi-Mombasa Rd.
0722-267501
Apex Motor Mart Ltd.
Off Outer Ring Road, after Doonholm roundabout, nextto E.A. Hydraulics - Nairobi
0722817799
020-2016878, 0722817799
Homeboys Auto Garage
Voi town,Nairobi-Mombasa Rd.
0721-616565
Auto Extreme
Kisumu
0721-888878
Huade Motors Kenya Ltd.
Along road opposite Isiolo Road, off Enterprise
Road -Nairobi
0712504013
0713451844, 0712504013,
0718770375
Auto Village
Opposite Uhuru Gardens, Langata Rd, Nairobi,
0722525238
Jaffery Motors
041-2226604, 041-2224365
Along Rangwe Close, Off Lunga lunga Road,
Industrial Area - Nairobi
0722207085
Mombasa,Nkurumah Rd. Fort Jesus ,behind
bank of India.
0722367441
Autofine Ltd.
Jamii Auto Care Ltd.
020-2158334
Vision plaza,mombasa rd,Nairobi
0719-330202
Along Ngong’ Road, Opposite Nairobi Baptist
Church - Nairobi
0722582296, 0721517212
AutoMan T/A Smarton Equipment
Ltd
JB Motors
Industrial Area, Enterprises Rd, Factory Street.
0722959588
Automotive Solutions (Nairobi) Ltd.
Road A, Off Enterprise Road
Industrial Area.Nairobi
0721709133, 0722308460
020-3563205, 0731899057,
0722203858, 0735401752
Jeet Motors
Kericho Town
0722-284910
Autoskill limited
Autoskill Ltd Bldg, Solai Rd.Nairobi
0722-328666
0733-826555
Jogi Motors
Malindi, Kilifi-Malindi Rd.
0721-855412
Autospin Garage Nyeri
Nyeri, Along Nyeri-Nanyuki Rd, King’ong’o
0722794684
061-2032927
Joginders Auto Service Ltd.
0722510675
Autozone Mombasa Garage
Mombasa ,Next to Darajani Hotel,Buxton
0722-710765
0721-634777
Along Butere Road, Off Dar-Es- Salaam Road,Industrial Area - Nairobi
020-555122, 0734838022,
020-6531349, 0729570268
Axel Engineering & Manufacturing
Ltd.
Along South Airport Road,
At the TNT junction, opposite Samax Plaza Nairobi
0722-206262
020-2526362 /3
Kenya Bus Service Management Ltd.
Riruta Depot, off Gitanga Road - Nairobi.
0724715828, 0733 741042,
0727999343
020-2019685, 0727999286
Kineticar Auto Garage Ltd
Off Eastern By pass Ruiru,Nairobi
0722814051 0722481455
B.K Motors Meru
Meru, KPCU Rd next to fire station.
0722 175258
0722 175258
Kithan Autocare
0718-755100
Bagda's Auto Spares Limited
Nairobi, BASL Hse.Kumasi Rd. off Kirinyaga Rd.
0739-527956/0722527956/0774-162414
2122987/2122988/2122980
Along commercial street off Bunyala Rd next
To Robbs magic
kombani auto works limited
Kwale,Mombasa-Ukunda Rd
0722-684524
Bavaria Garage
Mombasa , Mtwapa along Mombasa-Malindi Rd.
0729-921365
0729-921365
Kylin Motors Ltd
Kisumu,Makasembo Street.
0722-743297
Carmate Auto Workshop Ltd.
Along Muindi Mbingu Street, near Thika High
School - Thika
0724418779, 0771586550
0724418779, 0771586550
Liya Motors Engineering Contractors
Mombasa,Changamwe.
0722-0450651
Central Famers Garage
Kitale Town ,near CMC
0721-318603
0721-593333
Logistech Ltd.
Off Mombasa Road, Near Standard Group Ltd. Nairobi
0722410828
Complete Auto Centre Ltd.
Along KPA Road, off Mombasa Road, inside Godown next to Inland Container Depot -Nairobi
0720771572
0721363751
Lunka Autoserve Ltd
Behind Vision plaza ,Mombasa rd Nairobi
0722759766 0718567734
Concorde Motors Ltd.
At Hurlingham, behind Shell Petrol Station and
opposite
DOD - Nairobi
0720977112
020-2720091 /79 /43 /46
M/S Safari Motors Service Kericho
Kericho Town
0712-336841
0712-336841
Markmann & Company Ltd
Enterprise Road Kayaba Lane Behind Old Fire
Station
0721374241
020-651432;020-3518438
Crown Paints (K) Ltd.
Along Likoni Road, Industrial
Area-Nairobi
0713600699/0700223506
020-651331 /2, 020-556019
Mercantile Enterprises T/A Oserian
Motor Services Ltd.
Donholm, off Outer Ring Road
- Nairobi
0722293601
0722918028, 0722293601
Crystal Motors (K) Ltd.
Along KPA Road, Off Mombasa
Road, near Inland Container Depot - Nairobi
0722707124, 0733707124
0787468801, 0705854445,
0722707124, 0723914222
Midland Auto Care Ltd.
Along Busia Road, off EnterpriseRoad, Industrial
Area - Nairobi
0722311794
0722311794, 0722230624,
0721258771
DAC Motors
Along Wajir Road, off Chogoria
Road, Industrial Area - Nairo
0727709817
0720669731, 0722822063
Mineka Autoworks Ltd
Mombasa,Next to King’orani Prison.
0721-539682
Modern Auto Maintenance
0722412533, 0738460123
Daivin Auto Ltd.
At the junction Of Mogadishu Road and Lungalunga Road, Industrial Area -Nairobi
0722983411, 0703890640
020-2346664, 0739565769,
0703890640
Opposite Total Petrol Station, Mombasa Island,
Lumumba Rd, Mombasa,
Motor Care Ltd.
Langata Rd, Nairobi City,
0722526160
020-2526126, 020-2023806
De-Kelvins Auto Service Centre
Along Waiyaki Way, opposite All
Africa Conference of Churches,
Westlands - Nairobi
0722651618
020-2017754
Motor Lab Auto Centre
Along Baba Dogo Road, Ruaraka- Nairobi
0701328989
020-2692020, 0701328989,
020-2426232
Destiny Motors
Along Busia Road, off Enterprise
Road, Industrial Area - Nairobi
0722520040
020-2639502
Motor Zone Auto Repair Shop
Along Ngong’ Road,
Opposite War Memorial Cemetry,
Behind Kenol Petrol Station - Nairobi
0727029475
020-2648665, 0713056010,
0786624846
Dollar Auto tech Limited
Langata road,near uchumi hyper
0724702320
Motorways (K) Ltd.
Along Falcon Road,
Off Enterprise Road - Nairobi
0722519944
020-2132358 /9, 0722275885,
0733237862
Along Bamburi Road, off Enterprise Road, Industrial Area- Nairobi
0722220620
Dreamcoat Automotive Refinishing
Products Ltd.
020-535237, 020-650757 /8,
0735266492
Motorworld Fastfit Ltd.
Jogoo Road, Opposite City Stadium .Nairobi
0722820112
Echo kenya limited
Along kitui Rd off kampala Rd,Industrial road.
Nairobi
0722-363216
020-6650059
020-2526126, 0733713670,
020-2023806, 0721713670
Mutindwa Toyota
Meru, along Meru-Maua Rd.
0722-888840
0733-983555
Eureka technical services ltd
Along Nanyuki Road, Off Lunga lunga Road,
Industrial Area - Nairobi
0720-960752
020-4445155/70
Muwasa Motors Enterprises
Kisii Town
0733965223
0726-669945
Fast Fit Auto Care
Off shimo la Tewa Road Next to macs pharmaceuticals –industrial Area.
0724974995
Naivaboch auto.Electrical
Hobra Rd industrial area Naivasha Town.
0721-212091/0728715205
0728-715205
New Embu Uhuru Garage
Embu, off Nairobi-Embu Rd.
0724829133
+254-682231234
Forange Auto Allied Suppliers (K)
Ltd.
Along Nanyuki Road, Off Lunga lunga Road,
Industrial Area - Nairobi
0722522392
P.N Kabara Auto Garage Nyeri
Nyeri Town,Kianda Rd.
0720715197
30.
K emr a /JAN-MAR 20 1 6
0722399938;0721946994
020-2344322
020-3597826, 020-3598473
0738-006007 /0522020605/2021144
057-2022280
020-3563127
K e m r a /JAN- MAR 2016
31.
2016 KEMRA MEMBERS
PICTORIAL
Palm Motors Ltd.
Industrial Area, Off Enterprise Road, Dakar Rd,
Nairobi
0722524511
Peter motor works
Mombasa, King’orani.
0722-629387
Pistonheads East Africa Ltd
Nyumba Moja Rd langata/Karen(Galleria)
0725518031/0710702555
Pony Motors Panel Beaters Ltd.
N.C.P. Board Godowns No.2, Off Lunga Lunga Rd
0722529363
Quick Star Enterprises Ltd.
CITY Cabanas,north airport road.
0700706641, 0722746616
Rallytec Auto
Kisumu,Makasembo Street.
0722-745551
Rucini Auto Garage
Thika, Munene Industries
0718-635561
Safe Zone Auto Care Ltd.
Along Changamwe Road, off Enterprise Road,
Industrial Area- Nairobi
0720329235
020-553679, 0721212170,
0735212100, 0720329235
Sagoo Automech Ltd
Nakuru, near K.I.E offices
0722-800904
722800904
Sagoo Motor Service Ltd
Kericho Town
0722-774255
0722774255
Save Time Oil Changers Ltd.
Nairobi,Rongai
0703207105, 0728260298
Silver Rano Motors Ltd.
Off Lusaka Road, next
toTelcomsExchange - Nairobi
0722704222
020-555900, 0722704222,
0722356869
Sim Autocare Ltd.
Off Melili Road, South B -Nairobi
0722607366
020-2147713, 0722607366,
020-559913, 0737227000
Simba Corporaton Ltd
Mombasa Road, Nairobi
0722674589
020-2966000
Solex Motors Ltd.
Along Addis Ababa Road, Industrial
Area - Nairobi
0722518340, 0733518340
020-553286, 020-555695
South coast Auto works
Kwale,Mombasa-Ukunda Rd
0722-307712
0729-569644
Spraymaster Ltd.
Behind Vision plaza ,mombasa rd Nairobi
0722511689
0733636244, 0722511689
St. Austin's Service Station Ltd.
Along Ngong’ Road, After junction to Jamhuri
Show Ground - Nairobi
0722707262
020-8155139, 0726705517
Stantech Motors Ltd.
Along Shimo la Tewa Road,
Off Mombasa Road - Nairobi
0722410736
020-8070403 /4 /5, 0208045683 /4, 0722891659
Stephens Auto Engineering Works
Ltd.
Along Factory Road, opp.
City Stadium - Nairobi
0722520075
0722520075
Suba Motors Ltd
Nairobi, Utawala, along Eastern Bypass opp. AP
Training school
0720-934446
Super Touch Auto Centre Ltd
Along Addis Ababa Road, off -Enterprise Road,
Industrial Area- Nairobi
0722759310
020-651645 /9, 0720895555,
0732895555
Tabby James and U Auto Limited
Nairobi, Buruburu phase 1 Estate
0721-222585
0700-534823
Teryx Motor Services Ltd.
Funzi Rd, Nairobi City, Kenya
0726395979, 0720700425
Thika Motor Dealers(K) Ltd
Thika, along Thika-Mwingi Rd.
072172654
020-2321605
Top Job Motors
Along Londiani Road, off
Likoni Road, Industrial Area - Nairobi
0721377098
+254 20 350133
Top Quality Auto Ltd.
Along Thika Road, next to
Safari Park Hotel - Nairobi
0725852085
0725852085
Topworks Garage Services
Mombasa,Kisimani, Mombasa-Kilifi Rd.
0722-673181
020-2103020, 0725852085
Toyotsu Auto Mart (K) Ltd.
Toyotsu Building, Toyota Kenya Business Park,
Popo Rd, Nairobi City
0723115734
TransAfrica Motors Limited
Mombasa
0722-411114
020-6967000
Twiga Panel Beaters Ltd.
Along Busia Road, off
Enterprise Road, Industrial Area - Nairobi
0726572620
0722-411114
Unity Auto Garage (Nbi) Ltd.
Along Kampala Road, off Enterprise Road,
Industrial Area-Nairobi
0722511028
0726572620
Universal Auto Touch Ltd.
Along Kikuyu-Dagoretti Road, next
to Green Gardens Educational Centre - Kikuyu
0722376640, 0721390978
020-6531664, 0721206033,
0735210218, 0736100786,
0722925501
Vas Auto Centre Ltd.
Along Londiani Road, off
Likoni Road, Industrial Area - Nairobi
Walker Automec Garage
Meru Town KPCU Rd.Next to fire station
West Fit Motors
Along Kikuyu Road, next to Dagoretti Shell
Petrol Station -Kiambu
Zhong Shun Motors Ltd.
Along Nanyuki Road, off Lunga lunga Road, opp.
Kenya Shell Depot, Industrial Area -Nairobi
020-552368, 020-552369,
0703138880, 0722/0731524511
0722529363, 020-351483
SPRAY PAINTING training at VAS auto ,kemra had organized a training of
spray painters
AKI safety awards
KEMRA CHAIRMAN presenting awards to various
groups at an Association of Kenya Insurers event
Members at Koroga Event in Mombasa
0733-732543
0722629782
KEMRA secretariat
during an event in
carnivore organised
by CHEKI.CO.KE
0722376640, 0721390978
‘Our mission is to work as a team to deliver quality service for you 'United we
stand divided we fall'
SPECIALISTS
SUBARU
SPECIALISTS
 Mechanical Repairs,
020-650283 /4, 0722518816,
0722636326, 0733328858
 Panel Beating,
0722236728
0733-222590
 Spray Painting,
0731813317, 0713891476
0722236728 0713891476,
0735212100
We are located along the Embakasi bypass opposite the AP Training School;
 Genuine Parts
 Car Importers
 Engine Diagnosis
32.
K emr a /JAN-MAR 20 1 6
K e m r a /JAN- MAR 2016
CONTACT US :P.O Box 9109 00300 NAIROBI KENYA Tel: 0720934446 Wireless: 020 3588290 [email protected]
33.
MYSTORY
Post Election
Violence reduced
me to ashes
S
amuel M. Wambugu was
born in 1965, in Molo,
Nakuru County. It was in
Kisumu town where his
eventful career began. His
elder brother J.G Mworia
had already settled there
working with Kenya Breweries Limited. He
assisted Samuel get casual jobs at the Breweries depot in Kisumu. Samuel, however,
would repair peoples’ vehicles in the evening
at the estates. He finally quit and openeed
his workshop in Kisumu, Makasembo Street.
That wasin 1995.
The workshop was the biggest in Kisumu
and had 10 workers and 10 casuals. The
facility sat on a 2.5 acres of land. He was in
the panel of many insurance firms.
His facility was insured but political riots
were not insurable by then. He had a wide
range of clientile.
But December 2007 was his turning
point.He had settled in Kisumu with his
family at Mamboleo estate where he owned
a one storey three-bed roomed house. His
children schooled at Arya Primary School.
He was a registered voter in Kisumu East
Constituency. Samuel says on December 26,
2007, there was political tension but he had
not anticipated much trouble. However, the
murder of Embakasi MP elect Mugabe Were
in Nairobi and that of Ainamoi MP in Eldoret
was the beginning of a full scale violence.
There was wide spread demonstrations,
looting and destruction of property by angry
youths. Several facilities were razed down in
Kisumu’s CBD.
Samuel’s garage, the owner being from
the “wrong community” was targeted for
destruction. His garage was looted and
destroyed. The customers’ vehicles
which were parked in the yard were vandalized and cut into scrap.
He serviced KPLC vehicles and as the
company went for their lorry to save it from
destruction; they also managed to rescue one
of his cars.
It was a double tragedy for Samuel. His
rural home in Molo was also razed down and
could not take his family there.
Tension was high and fortunately, for Samuel, he knew a bit of local dialect language,
having lived in Kisumu for many years. He
34.
K emr a /JAN-MAR 20 1 6
drove himself without police escort, carrying
his family in a four seater vehicle. Youths
looking for rival party supporters would occasioally stop him but he would trick them by
speaking in local dialect and giving them cash
handouts. He intended to go to his brother’s
home in Thika through Narok but this proved
impossible as Kericho area was a hotspot of
political rivalry. He opted to travel to Kisii via
Sondu as this area was relatively peaceful. He
finally arrived at Keroka police station where
they were admitted as Internally Displaced
Person (IDP‟s)
Life as an IDP was torturous, boring, stressful,
uncertain and generally demeaning.A man
who once comfortably fed his family was
now a beggar. The days and nights were long,
but he stayed together with his family at the
police station for a month. He eventually
started to venture out and look for casual
jobs like selling second hand clothes. Samuel
is grateful to the Britam insurance company.
When he claimed for compensation, they
informed him that political riots were
uninsurable then but all the same gave him a
gratuity of Sh 400,000. He used this money to
set up Muwasa garage within the Kisii CBD.
His former customers brought their vehicles
all the way from Kisumu to him for repair.
Soon, other former clients like KPLC, POSTA,
Kenya seeds, county government and other
parastatals came on board placing his garage
on the recovery path.
He is gradually coming up though not
so easily. Many people were and still are inspired by Samuel‟s story. It is a story of sheer
resilience and a metallic will to remain afloat
against all odds.
Samuel believes in offering quality work
to his customers, a benchmark that has
sustained him all through. Majority of his
customers come from Kisumu. Most of his
tools were vandalized.
Samuel would like to network with other
garage own-ers in a view to restore and
modernize his garage as most of his equipments were destroyed in the skirmishes.
Samuel Muwasa,
Chairman Muwasa Garage, Kisii
-As narrated to Stephen Gaiti, Marketing
Manager KEMRA.
[email protected] or [email protected]
About Kemra
KEMRA is an association of
garage owners in Kenya.
We support and advocate for
conducive & favorable business
atmosphere for our members.
MISSION
Protecting and promoting members’
business interests through advocacy
and instilling professionalism in the
motor repair industry.
KEMRA’S aims & objectives
WHO CAN BE A MEMBER?
Any registered business
whose primary activity is auto
repairing or provides goods
and services to the industry
and meets KEMRA stipulated
standards.
1. To forward our KEMRA
certified garages to
insurance panels for
selection for business
engagement.
2. To advocate for discounted
prices in spare parts
for our members with
the manufacturers and
suppliers through our
website.
3. To offer training through
KEMRA organized
workshops and seminars
for garage staff e.g in panel
beatings, spray works, auto
electrical etc.
4. To offer a forum for garage
members to engage other
stakeholders on matters
affecting our business e.g.
Insurance companies, NTSA,
KEBS, AKI, & IRA.
5. To liase with NTSA and
lobby for our certified
garages to be selected as
fitting centers for speed
limiters.
VISION
To be an institution of excellence
in the motor repair industry.
THE KEMRA SECRETARIAT
Mr. Harrison Ikunda,
Ceo, Kemra
Mr. Stephen M. Gaiti,
Marketing Manager,
Kemra
Mr. Solomon Musyoka,
Communications Officer,
Kemra
Mrs. Lilian Murithi,
Administration &
Accounting Officer.
For Enquiries On Membership And Registration, Kindly
Contact Our Marketing Manager Mr. Stephen Gaiti On
+254 0708854071/0792426898.
Email [email protected]
Contacts
Phones:
+25472247112, +254721440989
+254722378760, +254717738641
Email: [email protected] Facebook:kenya motor repairers Association
Twitter:@_kemra, www.kemra.co.ke
K e m r a /JAN- MAR 2016
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