Case study Branded Lifestyle Holdings Limited: Strategic Transformation in China

TMA 2

TMA 02: BRANDED LIFESTYLE HOLDINGS LIMITED: STRATEGIC TRANSFORMATION IN CHINA

Learning Objectives

The primary purpose of this case is to teach students about the key strategic planning frameworks used in strategic management, including those used in external analysis (industry, suppliers, customers, and competitors) and internal analysis (resources, capabilities, and firm value chain). This case outlines the strategic planning process in order to enhance students’ ability to develop appropriate business strategies from Units 3 and 4. After working through the case and assignment question, students should be able to:

1. Discuss the major activities in the strategic management process.
2. Conduct strategic analysis using various analytical frameworks for external analysis (political, economic, socio-cultural, and technological analysis and Porter’s Five Forces) and internal analysis (resource-based view analysis, firm value chain, and core competence analysis).
3. Develop a comprehensive business-level strategy based on sound strategic analysis.

Instructions

Word limit: 2500 words.

This assignment is based on the case study Branded Lifestyle Holdings Limited: Strategic Transformation in China. This TMA will contribute towards the achievement of BB835 Learning Outcomes 7A2, 5, 6; 7B2; 7C2; 7D3. There are two tasks that you must perform to complete this assignment. The tasks involved in this TMA have been designed to provide you with practice in answering the types of questions you will face in the BB835 examination.

Task One: General Environment and Industry (1750 words, 60 marks)

1. Shivkumar must carefully evaluate the general consumer trends in China. What are some opportunities and threats facing an apparel retailer such as Branded Lifestyle Holdings Limited?
2. Is the Chinese apparel retail industry attractive? What should an apparel retailer do to succeed in this market?

Task 2: Creating and Sustaining Competitive Advantage (750 words, 30 marks)

3. What are Branded Lifestyle’s key resources, capabilities, and weaknesses? Analyse the company’s performance, and compare it to key competitors.

Notes on answering TMA 02

Your assignment should be prepared in a report format.

This assignment builds upon skills you have developed from the activities in the units of BB835 that you have studied so far. As you prepare your answers for this assignment, ensure that you make use of the concepts you have read about and used, as well as the insights you have gained, during your BB835 studies up to this point. All of the units that you have read so far are relevant. However, in this assignment you should demonstrate a particular understanding of Units 3 and 4, which focuses on the internal analysis of an organisation and all aspects of resources and capabilities of the organisation and their relevance to strategy is discussed.

This TMA specifically tests strategic thinking skills and the ability to apply module concepts to understand the situation facing the case organisation, developing insights in the process and then using those insights to offer your perspective on what the case organisation should do and why. This aspect of the TMA task, offering your own view on how the case organisation should act, is an important measure of your ability to think strategically and construct a supported argument.

You are required to draw explicitly on relevant BB835 models, concepts and theories to support your analysis, conclusions and recommendations. In answering the tasks, it is important that you draw upon all of the information provided in the case study, including appendices and any statistical and financial data that is relevant to the assignment.

Your assignment should not exceed 2500 words in total. The 2500 words exclude appendices, which should not be excessive; your application of frameworks should not be presented in appendices.

Paper

 Case study Branded Lifestyle Holdings Limited: Strategic Transformation in China

Table of Contents

General Environment and Industry. 3

General consumer trends in China. 3

     Young Chinese consumers are the drivers of the economy. 4

     Many Chinese consumers are astute, savvy, and careful about their spending. 4

     The presence of an unwavering health-conscious movement 5

     Many Chinese consumers are becoming cultured travellers. 5

     A rise in appealing high-end Chinese consumer brands. 5

Opportunities and threats facing an apparel retailer 6

Opportunities. 6

Threats. 8

Is the Chinese apparel retail industry attractive?. 9

Threat of new entrants. 9

Rivalry among competitors. 10

Bargaining power of suppliers. 10

Bargaining power of buyers. 10

Threat of substitution. 10

What should an apparel retailer do to succeed in this market?. 11

Creating and Sustaining Competitive Advantage. 11

An analysis of Branded Lifestyle’s performance. 11

Reference list 16

Appendices. 19

Appendix 1. 19

Appendix 2. 19

Appendix 3. 20

Appendix 4. 20

Appendix 5. 21

Appendix 6. 21

 

General Environment and Industry

General consumer trends in China

China’s slow-growing GDP, as well as the constant disputes with the US, has created a cloud of improbability in the Chinese economy. Some financial experts, according to a report by McKinsey & Company (2019a), are projecting that these developments will end up spelling terrible news for the Chinese consumer, who is presently the driver of the economic growth of China. However, according to McKinsey & Company (2019a), there is possibly no cause for alarm.

Even though the traditional drivers of the Chinese economy, which include investors, exporters, and manufacturers, are under pressure, Chinese consumers remain assertive. Even after plummeting in the second half of the year 2018, McKinsey & Company (2019a), as cited in the National Bureau of Statistics, the Consumer Confidence Index (CCI) shot a 10-year high in the first months of the year 2020 as shown in figure 1 below:

Figure 1: Source: (McKinsey & Company 2019a).

The Chinese consumer continues to expand their spending significantly. According to Zhang, Leeflang, and van Doorn (2012), the Chinese consumers are still eager to pay for products and services with a solid offer. According to the Chinese consumer trends report by McKinsey & Company (2019a), the following are the latest consumer trends:

·         Young Chinese consumers are the drivers of the economy.

People born in the 1990s, amount to 15% of the Chinese population, whilst people born in the 2000s are likely to create about 21% of the population by the year 2027 (Morrison and Library of Congress 2018). According to Ho, Poh, Zhou, and Zipser (2019), the young demographic is bound to consume even more products and services, now and in the future, as shown in figure 2 of appendix 1.

They are less price-conscious and further prefer immediate satisfaction. However, they are still less brand-loyal, meaning that brands have to continue diversifying to maintain them as returning consumers (Bai, Wahl and McCluskey 2008). On the same note, this younger generation has a high preference for higher product standards, especially when it comes to quality and diverse products, which is exemplified by the rise in high-end consumers in tier two cities, as shown in figure 3 of appendix 2 (Ho et al. 2019). Therefore, brands must continue to offer personalised and premium-rate products and services to continue addressing the needs of this younger demographic.

·         Many Chinese consumers are astute, savvy, and careful about their spending.

The middle-income earners in China are about 400 million. Despite this rise in their numbers, they are more astute, savvy, and careful with their spending. Even if they are rich, they are cautious about how to spend as they worry about what their future holds, as shown in figure 4 of appendix 3 (Ho et al. 2019). However, according to McKinsey & Company (2019a), optimistic researchers claim that this group of consumers is likely to lift the country’s economy.

·         The presence of an unwavering health-conscious movement

Many Chinese families are opting for healthier lifestyles for their well-being, which is tagged along with their living conditions and work demands, as shown in figure 5 of appendix 4. According to Giudice, Gianni, Grunert, and Krystallis (2016), many Chinese consumers prefer more balanced and healthy product solutions and technologies that promote this product category. Therefore, brands must go out of their way to offer more tailored products surrounding food items, health, and fitness, leisure, and sports. According to Giudice et al. (2016), about 45% of Chinese consumers claim that a healthy lifestyle is their number one priority, whilst 49% believe that health supplements made from food items foster positive health effects.

·         Many Chinese consumers are becoming cultured travellers.

Many Chinese consumers are becoming sophisticated travellers who are eager to spend in both inbound and domestic Chinese tourism and shopping markets, as shown in figure 6 of appendix 5. According to Bai et al. (2008), the rising number of Chinese travellers has increased the number of online shopping as compared to the traditional shopping experience. This will call for more innovative and digitalised shopping approaches, such as e-stores, from organisations to tap into this rising traveling consumers.

• A rise in appealing high-end Chinese consumer brands

There is a rising trend of Chinese consumers going for premium products that are more appealing and flashy than the rest. According to Ho et al. (2019), many Chinese consumers are conscious of products that come with status and class, as shown in figure 7 of appendix 6. Therefore, brands must be keen on the way they communicate messages to their audience as well as the kind of marketing channels they place their products, such as mobile-based apps and online marketing platforms.

Opportunities and threats facing an apparel retailer

An apparel retailer faces a lot of opportunities and threats that can determine its success in this competitive industry. According to Galea and Cooper (2015), the PESTEL analysis framework is the best tool that can be used to analyse and monitor the external settings of a business, in this regard, the opportunities and threats surrounding an apparel retail brand, such as Branded Lifestyle.

Opportunities

·         P –Political:

There is political stability in China, which makes business investments in this country promising as well as increased consumption. Equally, according to Bai et al. (2008), the Chinese government is promising to give out contracts to many local retail manufacturers, dubbed Green government drive, thus granting Branded Lifestyle a significant business opportunity. Moreover, according to Deloitte (2018), trade barriers on imports policy has led to the lowering of the number of imported goods, allowing the company to thrive in the market, both locally and overseas.

·         E –Economic:

Many Chinese consumers are willing to spend highly in apparel with high Chinese household disposable income a rise in consumers’ purchasing power. On the other hand, Branded Lifestyle’s strategic transformation in China is expected to grow based on the consistent growth of the country’s GDP (McKinsey & Company 2019a). Also, there is a high unemployment rate in China, which means that Branded Lifestyle can easily tap on the demand for jobs and offer lower wages. Branded Lifestyle can acquire most of its skilled workforce locally and abroad with less need to invest in additional training (Bai et al. 2008). Learning institutions in China have improved the quality of their education, meaning more skilled workers are churned out regularly. Furthermore, the tourism industry is bound to give the company a lot of revenues from rising travel consumers (Morrison and Library of Congress 2018). Most of all, the Chinese government has reduced its tax rate, which is beneficial for the company as low amounts are directed to taxes.

·         S –Social:

The company will attract many consumers by selling health conscious products for the betterment of their wellbeing. This is especially touching on e-stores. Moreover, Branded Lifestyle must engage consumers actively on social media to attract them to buying their products. Equally, according to Branded Lifestyle Holdings Limited (2013), China is large and populous country, which means a high opportunity for people who will be interested in buying Branded Lifestyle products.

·         T –Technological:

Automation and innovative digitalised systems will help the company to reduce costs and leverage on understanding consumer behaviour for increased sales (McKinsey & Company 2019a). Particularly, e-commerce is bound to grow due to constant change in consumer behaviour, that entail adopting new shopping trends and social media use (Deloitte 2018). And with improved transportation system, Branded Lifestyle can move its products fast and efficiently to consumers due to improved transport and communication systems in China.

Threats

·         P –Political:

Branded Lifestyle can have its performance hindered due to political uncertainty that could lead to unnecessary costs. On the same note, the regulatory frameworks and the onset of more strict regulations pose a significant challenge of compliance to Branded Lifestyle’s transformation in China (McKinsey & Company 2019b). Branded Lifestyle can end up in many law suits in this regard. Equally, political tensions between China and other countries, such as the US and Japan can easily affect the working relationship with partners or investors from China.

·         E –Economic:

The fuel prices in China keep changing, further leaving the company investing highly in the line of production. This also includes the exchange rate that keeps changing, which could affect the sales of the company on a global scale. Furthermore, according to Bai et al. (2008), competition is growing by the day, meaning that the company is under pressure to lower prices, which could lead to reduced revenues or loss of market share. On the same note, operational costs have increased in China, including labor, real estate and distribution, meaning Branded Lifestyle will incur a lot of costs to run operations in China, such as high rental costs, training of employees and supplying of products to retail stores.

·         S –Social:

Most of the company’s consumers are young and less brand loyal. And with the rising new entrants, the consumers are bound to substitute the company’s products with other products retailed by competitors. On the other hand, according to Deloitte (2018), the majority of the Chinese consumers of apparels go by new trends and changing consumer needs/shopping experience (changing consumer behaviours and tastes) that put pressure on the company’s level innovativeness.

·         T –Technological:

Protecting intellectual property rights in view of advancing technology in designing of apparel is becoming difficult as apparel products and reengineered fast and sold off as clones. On the same note, according to a report by Branded Lifestyle Holdings Limited (2013), Branded Lifestyle is facing a lot of competition from companies that invest in new and innovative technologies, thus posing a significant threat to its performance.

Is the Chinese apparel retail industry attractive?

The Chinese apparel retail industry is attractive as showcased by a number of factors that can be unravelled best by use of the Porter’s Five Forces. This is a framework that helps to make accurate analysis to identify the competitiveness of a given industry and give a definite answer regarding whether it is attractive or not. In this regard, the apparel retail industry is known to attract hundred billions of dollars. The Porter’s Five Forces will help to analyse whether the apparel retail industry is attractive entirely.

Threat of new entrants

The apparel retail industry may not have much to introduce, except for promoting products through innovative technologies, such as the use of social media and interactive web-based platforms, but the threat is low. According to Ho et al. (2019), the apparel retail industry is quite risky, but the high reward for new entrants is to reengineer other brand products, but copyright issues will certainly lock them out.

Rivalry among competitors

The apparel retail industry is characterised by a large number of brands, for example, PHV Apparel Group, RDM, and Gap, Inc., which are offering somewhat similar products, which means similar products are saturated in the Chinese market with little innovation. According to Deloitte (2018), entering into this industry is like a race to the bottom.

Bargaining power of suppliers

The supplier power is comparatively low in the apparel retail industry as well as insignificant force. Most established apparel brands source most of their products from third-world manufacturers at low prices; therefore, according to McKinsey & Company (2019a), suppliers are dispensable and can be replaced easily.

Bargaining power of buyers

The buyer power in the apparel retail industry is quite high and a comparatively high force. The Chinese consumers are quick to switch retailers to suite their changing consumer needs. According to Morrison and Library of Congress (2018), brands with a wide portfolio of products, such as Branded Lifestyle and plenty of alternative products will have indirect bargaining power.

Threat of substitution

The apparel industry has low or negligible substitution levels save for only rising competition (McKinsey & Company 2019b).

Conclusively, it is evident that the apparel retail industry is not practically attractive, notably for new entrants. The Five Forces analysis shows that as there are minimal threats and negligible supplier bargaining power, it is regrettable that the market is approaching saturation (Ye, Lau, and Teo 2018). According to Deloitte (2018), consumers are enjoying high levels of indirect bargaining power, such as having plenty of brands to choose from, and many competitors are making it difficult for new entrants to find a profitable niche in the market.

What should an apparel retailer do to succeed in this market?

For an apparel retailer to succeed in this market, they must strive to build and maintain a strong brand that will cut across existing and new competition. There is a need to manufacture high-quality products and utilising innovative technologies to meet the changing consumer needs (Ye et al. 2018). This entails capitalising on new consumer trends and further investing in digital shopping that is becoming the new norm, with the advent of smartphones (McKinsey Greater China’s Apparel, Fashion and Luxury Group 2019). In this regard, the company must invest in research and development to acquire recent innovations and technologies and implement them for the success of the company.

An apparel retailer will only succeed if they have a well-functioning and interactive website as well as engaging social media platforms. This includes having a robust financial structure to keep the company afloat even with tough times. Equally, according to McKinsey & Company (2019b), with an extensive portfolio of products, the company is bound to meet all the consumer needs of consumers and further prevent them from going for alternative products. Most of all, with strong relations with dealers, suppliers, stakeholders, retailers, and consumers, the company can dominate the industry.

Creating and Sustaining Competitive Advantage

An analysis of Branded Lifestyle’s performance

Branded Lifestyle is a leader in its apparel retail industry and has retained its position since the year 2011. Some of its key resources and capabilities have been employing strategic decisions that have helped the company to transform the apparel retail industry in the Asian market, regardless of some weaknesses, as depicted in VRIO analysis framework in table 1 below. This framework also portrays an outlook of the company’s performance against its competitors.

Table 1: VRIO Analysis Framework

Key Resources/Capabilities	V	R	I	0	Sustainability
Tangible resources	YES	—	—	—	SUSTAINABLE COMPETITIVE ADVANTAGE
1. Financial
2. Assets	YES	YES	YES	—	SUSTAINABLE COMPETITIVE ADVANTAGE
3. Technological	YES	NO	—	—	COMPETITIVE PARITY
4. Physical Buildings (Rent)	NO	YES	YES	—	TEMPORARY COMPETITIVE ADVANTAGE
5. Inventory	NO	—	YES	—	COMPETITIVE PARITY
Intangible resources	YES	YES	YES	YES	SUSTAINABLE COMPETITIVE ADVANTAGE
1. Reputation/Renowned brand
2. Propensity for innovation	YES	NO	NO	YES
3. Relations	YES	YES	YES	YES	SUSTAINABLE COMPETITIVE ADVANTAGE
4. Research & development	NO	—	—	—	COMPETITIVE DISADVANTAGE
5. Corporate leadership & vision	NO	—	—	—	COMPETITIVE DISADVANTAGE

 

Branded Lifestyle is an Asian apparel retailer owned and managed by Fung Retailing Company. It runs five brands of apparel: Hang Ten, H: CONNECT, Arnold Palmer, and Roots that are all controlling one of the largest apparel brands, operating in over 1,000 retail outlets in China, Taiwan, Korea, Hong Kong, Macau, Southeast Asia, and the Middle East. The company has had a strong performance of its brand products and has expanded to other viable international markets beyond the Asian market.

Branded Lifestyle has a reliable distribution network that makes it easy for consumers to access products fast. It has also been in the industry since 2011, with a strong social media following of millions of followers, which makes its brand strong and known to the public.

Branded Lifestyle has a robust financial structure and a large asset base, at least for the past five years, and a large asset base that helps keep the company afloat even for future financial expenditures as well as better solvency. It has been successful when it comes to entering into new markets.

Branded Lifestyle has a well-functioning and interactive website that attracts high internet traffic and sales from consumers who use smartphones. This is tagged along with stable social media platforms that have millions of followers both on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. The company has managed to attract a high number of social media users owing to the onset of smartphones when it comes to online shopping.

Branded Lifestyle has an extensive product portfolio, which entails a broad category of quality products (apparel brands) that its competitors cannot access, further making the brand matchless in the industry. Equally, the Company owns a couple of trademarks, patents, and copyrights, which prevents competitor companies from copying or reusing (reverse engineering) its products.

Some of its major competitors are Giordano (headquartered in Hong Kong) and Uniqlo (headquartered in Japan) that focus on the Asian market. Other new emerging competitors of Branded Lifestyle are PHV Apparel Group, RDM, and Gap, Inc. However, Giordano and Uniqlo pose a significant competitive challenge to Branded Lifestyle as compared to the new entrants.

Moreover, Branded Lifestyle has managed to create strong relations and partnerships both in China and overseas, with dealers, stakeholders, and retailers, which helps to access supplies efficiently. The dealers also promote the brand’s products.

Despite its key competencies and capabilities, Branded Lifestyle is still marred by some weaknesses that cannot be overlooked. It makes inadequate investments in research and development that limits its performance, expansion and innovation as compared to other successful competitor companies. The Company relies on out-dated market research data that is risky, especially with the constant changes in consumer behaviour and needs with time.

The Company has the highest employee turnover rates in the industry, meaning it has to invest a lot in the training of new employees as it loses unique talents. Furthermore, the company is sometimes forced to work with a few employees who strain to perform, leading to a lack of morale that leads to poor performance.

Most of the company’s decision-making is centralised, and decisions are made by senior employees, further leading to inefficiency in operations that leads to time wastage and reduced product innovation. This is also tagged along with poor financial planning, which brings about unnecessary borrowing. Equally, Branded Lifestyle may lack performance efficiency as a result of poor inventory management approaches. On the same note, a large part of the company’s branches is rented, meaning that the company has to incur a lot of rental costs.

Regardless of the presented weaknesses, Branded Lifestyle earns about 60% of its total sales in the Asian markets (Branded Lifestyle Holdings Limited 2013), whilst Giordano earns about 70% of its total sales overseas (Woo and Jin 2014). This clearly shows that Branded Lifestyle has a stable ground in the Asian market as compared to Giordano, which has also gained traction in the apparel retail industry after 25 years of slow performance in business. Equally, Uniqlo continues to enjoy high sales overseas, as compared to that of the Asian market. Uniqlo continues to open many more stores abroad to capitalise on the rising demand for its products. Most of all, for Branded Lifestyle to remain robust in the apparel industry and counter the increasing competition, it should make even more innovative investments in the global market as well as in the Asian market.

Reference list

Bai, J., Wahl, T. I., & McCluskey, J. J. (2008). Consumer choice of retail food store formats in Qingdao, China. Journal of International Food & Agribusiness Marketing, 20(2), pp.89–109.

Branded Lifestyle Holdings Limited (2013). About Branded Lifestyle. [online]. Branded Lifestyle. Available at: http://www.brandedlifestyle.com/about1.php [Accessed 9 May. 2020].

Deloitte (2018). Global Powers of Retailing 2018: Transformative change, reinvigorated commerce. [online].  Deloitte. Available at: https://www2.deloitte.com/content/dam/Deloitte/at/Documents/about-deloitte/global-powers-of-retailing-2018.pdf [Accessed 9 May. 2020].

Galea, D., & Cooper, C. L. (2015). PEST analysis. Hoboken, New Jersey: John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Giudice, T. D., Gianni, C., Grunert, K. G., & Krystallis, A. K. (2016). New trends in the Chinese diet: Cultural influences on consumer behavior. Italian Journal of Food Safety, 5(2), pp. 1-8.

Ho, J., Poh, F., Zhou, J., & Zipser, D. (2019). China consumer report 2020: The many faces of the Chinese consumer. [online]. McKinsey & Company. Available at: https://www.mckinsey.com/~/media/mckinsey/featured%20insights/china/china%20consumer%20report%202020%20the%20many%20faces%20of%20the%20chinese%20consumer/china-consumer-report-2020-vf.ashx [Accessed 9 May. 2020].

McKinsey & Company (2019a). China consumer report 2020: The many faces of the Chinese consumer. [online] Available at: https://www.mckinsey.com/featured-insights/china/china-consumer-report-2020-the-many-faces-of-the-chinese-consumer [Accessed 9 May. 2020].

McKinsey & Company (2019b). The State of Fashion 2019. [online]. McKinsey & Company. Available at: https://www.mckinsey.com/~/media/McKinsey/Industries/Retail/Our%20Insights/The%20influence%20of%20woke%20consumers%20on%20fashion/The-State-of-Fashion-2019.ashx [Accessed 9 May. 2020].

McKinsey Greater China’s Apparel, Fashion, and Luxury Group (2019). China Luxury Report 2019: How young Chinese consumers are reshaping global luxury. [online]. McKinsey & Company. Available at: https://www.mckinsey.com/~/media/mckinsey/featured%20insights/china/how%20young%20chinese%20consumers%20are%20reshaping%20global%20luxury/mckinsey-china-luxury-report-2019-how-young-chinese-consumers-are-reshaping-global-luxury.ashx [Accessed 9 May. 2020].

Morrison, W. M., & Library of Congress (2018). China’s economic rise: History, trends, challenges, and implications for the United States. [online]. Washington, D.C.: Congressional Research Service. Available at: https://fas.org/sgp/crs/row/RL33534.pdf [Accessed 9 May. 2020].

Woo, H., & Jin, B. (2014). Asian apparel brands’ Internationalization: the application of theories to the cases of Giordano and Uniqlo. Fashion and Textiles: International Journal of Interdisciplinary Research, 1(1), pp. 1-14.

Ye, Y., Lau, K. H., & Teo, L. K. Y. (2018). Drivers and barriers of omni-channel retailing in China: A case study of the fashion and apparel industry. International Journal of Retail & Distribution Management, 46(7), pp. 657-689.

Zhang, S., Leeflang, P. S. H., & van Doorn, J. (2012). Changing consumer markets and marketing in China. International Journal of Business and Emerging Markets, 4(4), pp. 328 – 351.

  

Appendices

Appendix 1

 

Figure 2: Source: (Ho et al. 2019).

Appendix 2

Figure 3: Source: (Ho et al. 2019).

Appendix 3

Figure 4: Source: (Ho et al. 2019).

Appendix 4

Figure 5: Source: (Ho et al. 2019).

Appendix 5

Figure 6: Source: (Ho et al. 2019).

Appendix 6

Figure 7: Source: (Ho et al. 2019).

WARNING

This case study report is published here because the writer did not receive any compensation whatsoever for researching and writing the entire paper. For this or any other, please contact us.

12 Years & Still Writing Articles Online: My Top Secret Unveiled

I did not know that all these years, I will still be writing articles online. I did not even think that this will be my career, a field that will give me a livelihood. It all started as a simple composition, adorned with humorous expressions and idiomatic expressions back in primary school.

I started out with Composition writing

I found composition writing exciting and easy to do. I had stumbled over top secrets of mastering just the right expressions and stylistic devices that kept the reader on edge. I enjoyed my compositions. I did not want to lose any of them even after my tutor completed marking them and grading them. They were my jewels. Little did I know I was nurturing a special talent and skill that would give me my daily bread when I grow up.

The start of awards

I continued writing compositions all the way to high school with the amazement of many. Even with minimal composition writing in high school, I crafted my niche by taking part in essay writing competitions. I started scooping awards and recognition and it did not take long before I joined the journalism club where I ended up being the leader. I read press releases to an eager audience and made a name for myself in high school.

Education and honing my writing skills

I was convinced that I will make a good journalist with a knack for writing news articles or even a news anchor with the right skills of reading and reporting news. I proceeded to the university to pursue a degree course in Communication and Media, which would, of course, catapult me to practicing journalism. At the university, I sent “contributor” articles to different newspapers and magazines, including Daily Nation in Nairobi (Buzz Magazine) and even Standard Newspaper in Nairobi, on topical issues. Most of them were published and this kept me growing and nurturing my writing skills.

SEO Job

Upon finishing my 4-year study at the university, I was hired by an SEO agency (My SEO Kenya) that changed my writing career completely. I was introduced to online writing that was wide and enjoyable for me. I learned SEO and internet marketing techniques. I wrote website copy and even blog articles for link building. I was quick to get clients online who enjoyed my services. I realized I was born to write online articles.

Editorial Job

Later on, I was hired by a magazine company in Nairobi, Go Places Magazine of Leisure and Travel Guides EA Ltd that brought a twist to my writing career, sharpening my writing skills even further. I understood different writing techniques and approaches, pegged on innovative marketing techniques.

Affiliate Marketing – I can do great product reviews

Hire me now on Fiverr

It did not take long, and I was back online to do what I love doing. But this time, I was introduced to a new concept, called Affiliate Marketing. I learned the ropes quickly and considering that I had earlier acquired special SEO skills, it was somewhat simple. I dived in with ease and desire.

My WordPress blogs

I created a couple of WordPress blogs and started driving traffic to them to make sales. I realized that writing can be done for specific purposes in mind; that is after you have mastered the art of writing. You can be an adept writer if you have learned how to write right, and most of all, how to edit clearly. You must start by learning a lot of vocabulary, proper construction of sentences and expressions. Make your article witty and exciting to read. Most of all, understand your audience.

Proofread

Always proofread your articles upon completing writing. Some mistakes are thoughtless or simply hasty and can dampen the quality of your article even when you have poured all your skills and prowess in there. Therefore, spare some minutes to fine-tune your article to achieve a grade-A piece of work that attracts incalculable sense of admiration.

Golden secret – KISS!

My top secret is: always write simple sentences that are easy to read and understand. Do not write long and convoluted sentences that are difficult to comprehend. Make it easy for your reader. Let him or her see the meaning without any difficulty. In journalism we always say: Keep It Simple Stupid (KISS).

How To Apply The “Rubber Band” Technique To Control Anxiety

Anxiety is a common emotional disorder that makes you develop high levels of alertness or fear and extreme physical signs, for example, fast pacing heart rate, increased sweating, or even high breathing levels. Many people, who often have anxiety, tend to have fear in their every-day life activities, and they feel generally exhausted.

But do you know that you can use an ordinary rubber band to control your anxiety levels? Yes, you can! A rubber band or even a hairband can help snap your reality back, calm you down and bring you back to the real world around you.

A rubber band? To control anxiety?

Yes, of course! People with anxiety often drift away in thoughts and memories that remove them temporarily from the real things happening around them. This explains a situation where you can speak to your friend, all along, but they remain silent, staring at you or nowhere in particular. At some point, upon tapping them on their back or hand, they get back to reality, without any knowledge of what you were talking about. This is the same way the rubber band technique works in bringing someone, whose thoughts have drifted away, back to reality.

Now, one important thing to learn primarily is that a rubber band DOESN’T TREAT ANXIETY. It does not contain any magical healing mechanism of any sort. In actual sense, you can use any rubber band that is, of course, elastic and can snap back, such as a hair band or wrist band. A rubber band is preferable because you can wear it on your wrist, with no worry at all, but not a hair band, for a man.

How exactly does this “rubber band” technique work?

As indicated above, a rubber band is not designed in any way to drain away anxiety. It cannot also change your mood whatsoever. Rubber bands also don’t have toxins or chemicals. It is a form of prompt that people diagnosed with anxiety, require for managing severe symptoms of anxiety.

Many people with anxiety are often overwhelmed by their thoughts. Rubber bands are ideal in introducing some pain on your skin, and then help bring you back to reality, such that these thoughts don’t make you feel as if things around you are about to crash on you. Indeed, a rubber band is a great device that you can use in public without anyone noticing.

It is cheap, easy to find, and most of all, a stress-free technique that disconnects you from your deep thoughts and brings you back to a real-life situation. This means that this rubber band technique helps you to cope with anxiety quite well, leaving feeling relaxed. But, most of all, rubber bands are not designed to cure anxiety. However, when merged with conventional anxiety therapies, you will manage to lower the symptoms of anxiety to a great extent.

Lost in thoughts

One primary factor that best describes anxiety is the feeling of being in another world, and most of all, “in your head.” It’s true; you tend to feel like you are in a world that no one else is in except you. Moreover, you will feel like you are restricted from feeling the real world or enjoying it, either way. At this point, you lose all the focus and feel entrapped. This is where a rubber band comes in handy to stop you from drowning in heavy thoughts. It also prevents you from experiencing adverse anxiety symptoms.

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Six steps to follow when using the “rubber band” technique

1. Find a rubber band that can snap as usual
2. Select a rubber band that you will be comfortable wearing in public
3. Choose the golden words you wish to murmur to yourself when you snap the rubber band against your skin, such as “anxiety won’t put me down!” “I am not sick” or “Anxiety is the reason for this bad feeling.”
4. Slow down your breathing to regain relaxation
5. Snap the rubber band almost 2-3 times. This can cause some pain, but don’t worry. As long as you don’t snap it hard.
6. Resay the golden words as you snap the rubber band against your skin.

Continue with this rubber band technique each time your attention drifts away into thoughts. This will help you overcome panic attacks or anxiety. You may need to see your doctor regularly for further advice.

The future is promising

This rubber band technic is opening more doors and opportunities for technologies and apps for controlling anxiety. Technology enthusiasts, especially app developers, can take advantage of this concept of a rubber band that snaps against your skin, causing some pain, in the end, bringing you back to reality. Already, some apps exist, but most of them dwell mostly on providing people with information about anxiety and somewhat timeworn forms of therapies, some of which are not successful.

Finally

To wrap up, always note that anxiety can cause excessive sweating, or a condition referred to as hyperhidrosis. When in distress or panic mode, your body temperature rises, which triggers your sweat glands to produce excessive sweat, a biological process aimed at cooling you off. It is always advisable to manage anxiety and lead a healthy life. Remember, if symptoms persist, you may need to seek medical advice.

The Definitive Woodworking Guide For Beginner – Everything You Need to Get Started

Woodworking can be a great experience, most notably because it is an activity that makes use of an artistic mind. Moreover, creating new items by using wood can be exciting. Woodworking can be a source of your pride. It is amazing to join two or more pieces together and make them function.

Some will tell you that understanding woodworking or mastering it all together is difficult. While it may not be a walk in the park, I must say, it just can’t be a hard nut to crack. It is not a mystery, well, at least if you try a hand in woodworking. Experts say that with a little confidence, you can build a lot more than you could ever imagine, with minimal tools, skills and guidelines.

At the very beginning of everything, you must somewhat feel a little difficulty, especially when you encounter powered tools for the first time. Issues, such as safety equipment can be a little bit worrying and different types of wood can be confusing to you. This is why I have decided to write this definitive woodworking guide for a beginner. Herein, you will get everything you need to get started; from the definition of woodworking, all the way to the tips of a beginner, even as you nature your woodworking skills and experience.

Definition of Woodworking

Woodworking can be described as a type of skill that entails using wood to create operational items. This can include the use of tools of carpentry, such as hammer or saw. This skill does not limit you at all. You can build anything from a table, a chair, and even a dog house. This is to the extent that your creativity will take you. What is more, a lot of beautiful items of woodwork have been created by people with creative minds; people, who are willing to take their woodworking skills to the next level. The result in woodwork is what inspires many people to continue inventing.

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6 Golden Tips for Woodworking Beginners

1. Make one step at a time

It is often advisable to start small, even as you continue mastering a lot of woodworking skills with time. Of course, it is always amazing to try out some big ideas, done before by others, but you must always be aware that some of these big ideas have taken time and practice to materialize. Don’t be afraid to take baby steps, one at a time, because, with sheer dedication and ambition, you will get up there as well.

2. Be inspired

Inspiration is the driving force for creating new items or even trying out something new. You have to be self-inspired before embarking on this beautiful journey of woodworking. It is an inspiration that will get your mind into action, especially when acquiring new instructions and guidelines of woodworking. Some people get their inspiration by simply staying fit, but many will tell you that the best inspiration in woodworking comes from observing other creative ideas and inventions. This will spark tons of ideas in your mind, and you will start thinking about creating something out of the woodworking world.

3. Set aside a working space

Woodworking requires enough space or a large room where your inventions are not limited at all. You need to find some space in your home or yard where you will be free to use every woodworking tool or materials to curve out perfect items without restrictions. Cutting wood or driving nails into the wood can sometimes be noisy; therefore, a functional space must accommodate everything that comes with the noises of woodworking tools and other accessories. Space also helps ensure maximum safety for you and other people as well. You can still choose to work outdoors, but if you prefer an enclosed room, ensure that it is well ventilated to avoid suffocation.

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4. Practice time and again

Woodworking will always be a blast! However, you must strive to perfect your skills through practice. Any woodworking that turns out amazing is always a product of practice. You have to push yourself to achieve the most exceptional skills in woodworking. This will come from being organized. With a clear plan and outline, you will hardly get into trouble, accidents or errors. This is because, you will know the materials you need, the right tools to use, the actual budget you need, and most of all, the exact time you need to accomplish a project. Do not be afraid to learn from your mistakes. This is the only way you can polish up on your weak areas.

5. Be creative

Once you have mastered the basic rules and guidelines, you need not forget about the value of being creative. Creativity is a necessary part of the woodwork. This is what makes items of woodwork stand out. Carpenters and woodworkers are not limited to traditional styles and designs of items, such as chairs or tables. If you are smart enough, you can come up with novel ideas that can change or shape the woodworking industry for the better. Teach yourself how to break away from your comfort zone and be willing to try something new. Sometimes, your failures could be the triggers of new ideas. Many woodworkers love to stroll around indolently just to get hold of a perfect idea for the next project. Why don’t you try this?

6. Work under a guide

Working under an experienced woodworker is an ideal way to learn fast. Many established woodworkers can be excellent guides. If you get a chance to watch or observe a woodworker in action, you will be privileged. Woodworking is a practical learning skill where you learn best through practice. A guide can correct you and help you remain in line with the rules and guidelines. You can ask questions and get answers in real time. You still can learn under a virtual guide, for example, by watching videos or reading online guides, but you must be a fast learner. It is also advisable to join woodworking communities and clubs in your region to enhance your skills even more. This will also expand your social circle.

7 Fundamental Woodworking Skills for Beginners

You have reached this far because you are indeed ready to become a woodworking maestro! I will take you through some of the most basic woodworking skills that you require to accomplish different woodworking projects. Remember, you need that extra confidence the most to handle tools and wood.

• Drilling holes – Woodworking also entails drilling holes into wood. This is mostly a simple process because you will be using a drilling tool. You simply need to learn how to use different types of drilling tools, for example, a cordless drill, which is effective and affordable. This means you can even own one. Some drills are used in driving a screw in a piece of wood or simply tightening it. With minimal skills and practice, you can drill different types of holes in wood.
• Cutting – Cutting is an instrumental part of woodworking as you will have to use different sizes of wood. Cutting can be done by the use of a saw, which comes in different shapes and sizes. You can use a jig saw, hand saw or even a circular saw to cut different types of sizes of wood. However, you must always exercise safety when using cutting tools to prevent accidents.
• Selecting screws – Just as there are different types of wood, there are many types of screws, for various purposes. Screws are essential in joining wood or other items on wood, such as hinges or door knobs. Equally, screws come in different sizes and thread types. Some projects require a definite kind of screw. Some examples include drywall screw, wood screw, machine screw, and sheet metal screw.
• Understanding wood types – There are different types of wood depending on the kind of trees they were obtained from as well as their purpose. You need to take time and learn the types of woods and how to use them for different projects. Different types of wood are joined or used differently. The quality of wood is also essential in determining the outcome of a given task. Therefore, it is imperative to understand this, for example, the moisture content of wood before driving a nail in any piece of wood. Some wood types are hard, while others are soft. Some work best as panels or boards. This knowledge will help you how the environment, such as how weather can affect the quality of wood.
• Sharpening tools – Every tool, especially the ones used for cutting must be sharpened, for example, saws. This is part of maintaining the tools to ensure that they serve you better in the future when you need them. Blunt tools can give you a hard time cutting wood, including putting you at risk of an accident. Blunt tools can also affect the quality of the work. Expert woodworkers always advise beginners to develop a habit of sharpening their tools almost after use to ensure that they do not lose their sharpness.
• Sanding – Sanding is one of the most crucial things in woodworking as this helps give an elegant finish in a wood surface. Most surfaces of wood, such as tables or chairs need to be smooth. This is part of the quality that continually appeals to the eye. Tiny splinters or brushes can be left behind by other tools, during cutting, for example, a saw and this has to be smoothened by the use of sandpaper or other smoothing tools. The following are some of the sanders you can use depending on a given project: orbital sander, hand sander, and belt sander. It is advisable to learn how to do the sanding to enhance quality.
• Painting – Painting is mostly the final task of any given project. It entails using unique paint types to achieve a final outlook on an item, such as a table or chair. Paints provide a professional and elegant look on your item. Some paints even make things look glossy and reflective to the eye. Paints can be oil-based or latex-based.

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6 Fundamental Types of Woodworking Joints

It is essential to learn the basic types of woodworking joints that you will be required to use most of the times. Some joints appear complicated. Note that, the complicated or challenging to design joints, are often the strongest. Most of these joints are strengthened even further by the use of synthetic glue or nails/screws.

• Butt joint – This is a joint formed by touching one edge of the wood to an edge of another
• Dowel joint – It is a joint connected by a piece of wood that has alignment holes and another that has dowels.
• Miter joint – It is formed by cutting two pieces of wood at 45 degrees angle.
• Lap joint – It is formed by cutting a “rabbet” of an overlying piece of wood arranged as a butt joint.
• Dado joint – It is common with bookshelves where one piece of wood receives the other end.
• Tongue and groove joint – This is formed by cutting a groove at the end of a piece of wood and a tongue on another that fits perfectly. Glue joins them.

Safety Tips for Woodworking Beginners

Woodworking is an activity that must be conducted carefully, considering that you will be using sharp tools and in some cases, moving objectives. Therefore, you must learn and adhere to safety measures to prevent accidents and errors. Check out the following safety precautions listed below that will guide you always:

• Put on safety glasses
• Wear woodworking protective gear
• Put on safety shoes
• Switch off power on tools that are not in use
• Don’t be distracted while operating tools
• Ensure that a fire extinguisher is your reach
• Work in a well-ventilated workshop
• Don’t put your hand in cutting machines
• Have the right grounding or electronic tools
• Keep your cutting blades sharp
• Don’t run in a workshop

Conclusion

Woodworking introduces you to a lot more in the world than you can ever imagine. This is an enjoyable industry that you can easily take as a career. Woodworking is like art; it allows you to imagine, plan and create. You can build anything that you can think of right from your workshop. Furthermore, nothing will stop you from learning new ideas and thoughts. With confidence and creativity, you can transform the woodworking industry with beautiful designs and shapes. Most of all, stick to the rules of the workshop or working area to avoid accidents.

Different Ways to Use Hatchet on Camping and Survival

A hatchet is a miniature type of axe that can come in handy when camping. It can as well be a lifesaver when you are out in the woods. Mostly, a hatchet is described as a beautifully-designed and lightweight tool that works quite effectively in cutting and hammering. You can chop woods and clear paths in the woods without breaking a leg!

A hatchet is scaled down from an ordinary axe that makes it a compact tool for single-handed use. You can do much more with a hatchet, but it may take you a little bit more time and oomph to get things done. It will take a short time than a penknife that would not cut down seasoned stumps or clear out thick vegetation. I will describe herein different ways to use a hatchet on camping and survival, and move you to pick one up and make good use of it.

Putting up a Shelter

Building a shelter out in the jungle has never been this easy with a hatchet. This tool is more than two in one. It can be useful in finding the right materials for setting up shelter when out camping. You can cut down bamboo branches and filter branches with ease. You still can split bamboo into small useful pieces, faster than an ordinary machete. You still can use the hammering side to drive nails into wood. The hammering side is designed with more force than an ordinary hummer. This makes it even applicable in joining pieces of wood with nails. It will get you making a more strong shelter for camping, without also having to carry a hammer with you, thus reducing your camping luggage. If you have to crush some rocks, the hatchet hammer will do it with a bang!

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Splitting wood

Hatchets are ideal in cutting and splitting wood. You can chop off small pieces of wood from a large block to make firewood that can catch fire fast. You only need to hold the hatchet at the right angle to shave the wood and cut out extremely thin splinters. You can use the splinters to light a fire, especially if you do not have access to pieces of paper or grass. You must be careful when swinging the hatchet to avoid injuring your fingers. With safety in mind and practice, splitting wood will be akin to a walk in the park.

The thin pieces of wood can be used in stabilizing a broken limb. Sometimes accidents occur in the jungle. Your friend can trip, fall and sprain a leg or twist his or her arm. This can be painful. The perfect way to deal with this is to stabilize it to prevent further injury or reduce the pain. You can use a hatchet to chop splints nicely and wrap them with bush vines around the injured limb, for maximum stability. Ensure that splints are somewhat the size of the limb and placed on all sides of the limb to boost comfort. This technique can be used as you wait for professional healthcare.

Breaking ice

A hatchet can be a lifesaver when you need to break the ice and access drinking water. It is uniquely designed to cut and curve, which makes it easy for you to dig up a hole in a jiffy and with little effort. The sharp cutting edge comes with different designs, with some hatchets having a hammering side on the other end that you can use to reinforce a shot on crusty ice. The short and light handle, mostly made of wood, is finely-done. It makes it possible for you to get a good swing that does not match that of a pocket knife. You have to exercise some caution when breaking the ice, especially on a frozen lake or river. A hatchet can do a lot of damage than you expect. It can crack a thick layer of ice, leaving you trapped under water.

Curving out essential tools

A hatchet can save you a lot more than you thought, particularly, if you find yourself in the middle of the jungle without any other essential tool in hand but a hatchet. You can cut down branches and stalks, and begin curving a fishing tool. You can as well curve a spear that you will need to protect you as you find your way out of the forest. The list does not stop there. You can kill boredom by curving a digging tool that will help you uproot edible tubers or even dig to find water in the ground. Nothing will stop you from curving a bowl or plate from a piece of wood that you will use to scope water or tap rainwater in the tropical forest.

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Defense tool

You have no reason to worry if you have a hatchet in hand when out camping. A hatchet is designed to give you maximum defense even when you come up-close and personal with an enemy. A hatchet is more effective than a knife based on the extent of damage it can cause to a predator. With a sudden gust of energy and confidence, you can swing into action, knowing that a single hit can send an attacker sprawling away for its life. A hatchet can inflict a deep and painful cut on the skin of a wild animal, such as a wild pig, leaving it completely immobilized. This can give you some time to escape or scamper for safety.

A hatchet is a handy tool. Of course, camping requires you to carry small and extra light tools that can still perform like other large tools. Sometimes, all you want is a cutting tool that can get you across thick vegetation, to the other end, to your survival. A hatchet makes it less taxing for you to cover great distances in the forest without feeling the weight of your luggage. Other comparable tools can wear you down, further leaving you stranded or at risk.

With minimal safety skills in check, you can use a hatchet to do almost everything in a campsite. Talk of safety, a hatchet can be the only weapon between you and your enemy. Where your pocket knife will fail, your hatchet will hack with a swing!

The Complete Firewood Storage Guide

Firewood is an invaluable source of heat and light. Many people use firewood during winter to warm the house. Firewood also produces good heat for cooking tasty meals when camping. It takes a lot of time to cut down firewood and trimming them correctly. However, without a proper storage mechanism, you may lose this natural resource. Your sheer hard work may also go to waste.

The last thing you would like to hear is that most of your firewood is rotting away, at the time when winter is knocking on your door. Even well-chopped firewood is prone to bugs and moisture that can end up destroying it. A little rain or snow can be a disaster to your stack of firewood. Of course, nature cannot be tough enough. In this storage guide, I will take you through the best way to store your firewood without a glitch.

Split the wood into small pieces

First, you need to split the wood into small pieces to prepare textbook firewood. Huge chunks of wood may take time to dry. By splitting them, you are opening up the wood to air and sunlight, further increasing the rate of drying. This also wades off termites or carpenter insects. Nicely-split wood can be stored easily and can also be transported effortlessly from the storage place to the fireplace. Moreover, small pieces of firewood can burn easily, as compared to large pieces that may require a long time to catch fire. Small pieces also need little space of storage as compared to large pieces of wood.

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Select a strategic location

The exact location to store your firewood should be a crucial thing to consider. Firewood must not be stored indoors, but you may keep them close to your house for convenience especially when the weather turns terrible, such as during winter. You need to factor in how to transfer firewood to your house and light a fire. If you must stack them at the far end of your yard, then ensure that you have something to carry them back to your fireplace easily, such as a wheelbarrow.

Do not stack firewood against your house

Some people stack firewood end-to-end their houses, possibly for convenience. It may be easy to build a shed touching your house as well, but this is not advisable because the house may block the movement of air in and out of the firewood shed. Air should move freely to facilitate proper drying. Equally, it is advisable to store firewood some distance away from the window for safety. Insects or rodents can find their way into a stack of firewood and subsequently into the house. It is also easy for snakes to get into the house through stacks of firewood if they are close to the window or door. Most of all, firewood burn fast, even with little sparks. In the event of a fire, the firewood can catch fire and cause a lot of damage to your house. Therefore, consider having a separate shed for firewood, almost close to the fence or a reasonable distance from the house.

Keep your firewood dry

Firewood burns easily and best when super dry. Therefore, always ensure that your firewood is stored in a dry place away from moisture and water. It is advisable to build a simple shed that you can stack your firewood in an orderly way for easy retrieval. A stable shed will be ideal, mainly because you may require storing the firewood through the season, until winter, when you need them for warming the house. A shed with tough roofing that is also water-proof is superb. Also, ensure that the shed is well aerated to facilitate fast drying of wood that is still wet after chopping.

Don’t stack firewood in a play area

Firewood requires ample space for storage. If you got some kids or animals on your yard, you might consider demarcating your yard to ensure that everything is in order. Do not stack firewood in the place where your kids will be playing up and down. Keep the firewood nicely-stacked in one corner and leave enough room for playing. Dogs love space to run and play. Kids also love moving around freely. Poorly placed firewood may block them or even cause accidents. Stacking your firewood the right way ensures that they last longer than when you pile them around your yard without any proper strategy.

Keep your firewood area clean

This is where proper planning comes in mind. You must have a well-organized firewood area that is meant for the firewood only. You need to pile the firewood lying on each other in a fitting stack. Keep an eye on any unwanted material in the stack and remove them. Some foreign materials can affect the quality of the firewood if left in the firewood area, for example, plastic bags. These can provide room for insects and vermin that may end up destroying the firewood. A firewood area, characterized by haphazardly tossed pieces of wood, is not recommended. This can affect the way air circulates in the area, therefore affecting the moisture content of the wood. This can give you a hectic time when lighting the firewood. Most of all, a wet field can increase the growth of mold in the firewood, further causing rotting.

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Don’t pile firewood close to the ground

If you stack your firewood right on the ground, you will end up losing it to molds and destructive insects. Firewood is prone to moisture on the ground, especially during the rainy season. It can absorb moisture from the ground and end up soggy, which attracts rotting or decay. Some insects can attack the wood, for example, termites and end up destroying the quality of your firewood. You must always aim to preserve your firewood for use in the future through raising it a little higher from the ground. You can use a concrete floor to place the firewood or raise the firewood off the ground by using sticks.

There’s nothing comparable to the enjoyable setting of a crackling fire in winter. Well stored firewood burn cleanly and generates little smoke with more heat. You have nothing to fret about if you have all your firewood stored impeccably.

Shock as Relatives Nose-Dive into the Grave to Stop a Kin’s Burial in Nakuru

Mourners and the people of Nakuru were left in disbelief and utter shock when Edward Mwangi’s wife Mary Wangari and cousins jumped into the grave at Wanyoro cemetery, Bahati sub-county in a bid to block the burial of their kin, just as the preacher was delivering his special burial sermon.

The relatives remained adamant in the grave, protesting that the killer of their kin should be brought to book first before the burial. This happened even as other relatives begged them to come out of the grave. In the end, the agitated relatives descended on them and pulled them out of the grave literally.

The suspect of the murder had been arrested earlier before, on 10^th December 2018 after he was found with a knife at the scene, suspected to have been used in the murder.  However, the family of the deceased, sitting in the grave, lamented that the police were denying them justice that they deserved and therefore, until they protest the burial, their rights remained denied. The family, while standing in the grave, said they did not understand why their relatives were rushing to bury their kin.

Finally, the deceased was buried as many mourners fled the scene in shock and dismay.

Source: TUKO

Uhuru Kenyatta, President of Kenya Launches New Generation Coins

 

His Excellency the President of Kenya, Uhuru Kenyatta, officially launched the new generation of coins as enshrined in the 2010 constitution of the Republic of Kenya. These new generation coins were unleashed today, 11^th December 2018, in a ceremonial event at the Central Bank of Kenya (CBK).

The new looking coins are set to reach the common mwananchi as soon as possible. A lot of changes have been made already in the way the coins look, for example the one shilling coin will carry the image of a giraffe, which is a clear sign that Kenya is set to promote the wildlife. Equally, the 5 shilling coin will carry the image of a rhino and Ksh 10 coin will carry the image of the majestic lion. The Ksh. 20 coin will carry the image of an elephant.

Speaking at the launch, the President of Kenya, Uhuru Kenyatta, said that, the new currency will progress the primary objective of representing the country Kenya the best way possible to the world across. Uhuru said that this is a ground-breaking milestone for the country.

Diamond Platnumz Sets a New Date for Wedding a New Catch – Tamasha Oketch

Just as you will never forget Diamond’s bubbly hit songs, you will still not forget the new beauty queen that is making Diamond crazy in love. Known as Tamasha Oketch, the “bootylicious ghel” that is making men drool quite literally, is joining the long list of ladies that Diamond has ever fallen in love with and married.

Diamond has already set a special day when he will walk down the aisle with the new apple of his eyes – Oketch. Rumour has it that Diamond plans to stick with Oketch at least for long.

Oketch, aged 22 is a Kenyan radio presenter with an Italian decent. Already, Oketch introduced Diamond to her parents on 1^st December in a colourful welcoming party.

Diamond recently confessed that he is so much in love with Tamasha Oketch, claiming that she is one of a kind lady that he has ever fallen in love with in his entire life. Diamond was also quick to say that Tamasha Oketch has the exact qualities of marriage that every man would look out for.

The two love birds are set to walk down the aisle on the valentine’s day of 14^th February 2019, that comes just a year after the sour breakup between  Diamond and his former wife Zari Hassan of Tanzania.

Speaking to Wasafi TV, Diamond said that he has decided to get married quickly so that he can get someone to assist him in his ever-busy businesses.

We wish him well!

Uhuru Kenyatta Awards Githeri Man Yet Again

The famous Githeri man also known as, Martin Kamotho, who rose to fame when he ate “githeri,”(mixture of boild maize grains and beans) stashed in a clear paper bag while in a voting line during the last general election, August 2017, in Kenya, receives another award, by His Excellency the president of Kenya, Uhuru Kenyatta.

Githeri man had just graduated from Mama Care Rehabilitation Centre in Wangunyu Primary School in Kiambu County, when he met with the president of Kenya, who was happy to bestow him with another award.

The rehabilitation took about 9 months where Mr, Kamotho was awarded a certificate of completion together with 77 other people, who also completed the course aimed at providing them with life skills, including teaching them how to abstain from alcohol and drug abuse.

Gathoni Wamuchomba, the County Woman Representative, was also present in the graduation ceremony.

Mr. Kamotho, “Githeri man” had received a state commendation back in the Jamuhuri Celebrations of the year 2017 December 12^th from the president of Kenya, Uhuru Kenyatta.

Githeri man’s rise to fame was a blessing to him as he was endorsed by many companies and brands in Kenya, including companies retailing plots of lands and salt.

Unfortunately, his struggles with alcohol addiction gave him a hard time. But he is now a happy man, having completed the 9 month’s training and rehabilitation that gives him a new life, free of alcohol.

Source: KT