Kenyans Scoop Kampala’s Juicy Jobs
Sep 15, 2002
It was Madaraka (peace) Day, every Kenyan was expected to grace the occasion. A few Ugandans, who could part with the mandatory sh20,000 for the invitation card were hastily ushered in, leaving coupons that entitled them to various prizes in a raffle at t
Through thick and thin, the Kenyans have built their service industry — particularly the tourism sector — and can now boast of a vibrant manufacturing sector. Today, Uganda imports Kenyan business acumen to boost its industrial development, writes Anthony Mugeere
It was Madaraka (peace) Day, every Kenyan was expected to grace the occasion. A few Ugandans, who could part with the mandatory sh20,000 for the invitation card were hastily ushered in, leaving coupons that entitled them to various prizes in a raffle at the entrance.
It is shortly after 9.30 p.m. on May 31, and Tickles and Giggles, the popular Kansanga based bar and restaurant for the Kenyan expatriates working in Uganda, is the mammoth court.
The Baraka Band, from western Kenya is playing Swahili songs to which a few of the Kenyans, especially the women sing along. The dancing queens are no different from Kanda Bongoman’s Paris- based dancers who last visited four years ago. But nobody is complaining.
Dressed casually, the guests first ease themselves into the white plastic chairs. Then, they patiently queue for a buffet dinner-a mixed grill of ugali (posho) , sukumawiki, kachumbali and other delicacies. The meal is served with soup in cups; quite an unusual etiquette for the Ugandans at the function.
But the Kenyans are enjoying every moment of it. Ugali is the most popular item on menus in any Kenyan restaurant. Sukumawiki, a vegetable that tastes like nakati or ggobe (greens) is very popular, while nyama choma (roast meat) is even more delicious. Though kachumbali, is to some Ugandans, a saltless mixed grill of tomatoes, onions, salads, pepper and another fruit called dania, it is a very popular dish among Kenyans.
No wonder, Tickles and Giggles, Rib Shack (Muyenga) and Club Choices (Kansanga) are binding the Kenyan expatriates working here. “Nyama choma is my favourite and it is one of the reasons I go to such places, says Alex Kobia, the country manager, TV Africa.
Kiswahili is the main medium of communication. Back home, it is the national language. Anyone who has ever visited the country knows that it is the best language you can use in a local bar or bank if you want quick service. Kiswahili, also Tanzania’s national language, is widely used in offices for business transactions.
“It is so strange that most people here (Uganda) do not speak Kiswahili yet it is widely spoken in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC),†said another Kenyan expatriate under anonymity.
Unlike in the 1960s when the Kenyans who dominated the workforce in the defunct East African Railways and Harbours, it is a different working environment for the Kenyan Expatriate working here now. Forget the days when the Naguru and Nakawa housing estates were mostly occupied by the Luo, one of the largest ethnic groups in Kenya. Do not even think about the fact that over half of the market stalls in Nakasero and Owino (now St. Balikuddembe) markets were once occupied by Kenyan Luo women traders.
The trend has changed now. Kenyans are now a major force to reckon with in the Ugandan economy, manning the key marketing and other positions. Almost every major Ugandan company has ‘poached’ an expatriate from our eastern neighbour in the wake of increasing market competition.
Three years ago, The New Vision Printing and Publishing Corporation ‘imported’ David Waweru to manage its sales and advertising department. Hima Cement Limited brought in two Kenyan managers, including Mbuvi Nguze, its Managing Director.
John Mwalimu is sales manager Capital Radio, Mbathi Kitili is Managing Director Stanbic Bank, James Chilongo is General manager Caltex while Alex Kobia is turning round the once declining fortunes of TV Africa.
Karanja Njoroge is turning around the fortunes of Sanyu FM While Dan Kagwe is feeling at home at the Kampala Fedex Office. Rita Okuthe is also doing a lot of talking as Communications Officer of mobile phone giant, MTN
Other Kenyans who are occupying senior management positions in Ugandan companies include Kinyua, managing Director Kobil: Njoroge Nganga ( AfricaOnline); Mungai and Catherine Njoroge ( Standard Charted Bank), Marenge (Imperial Hotels) and Wanjogu (UTL).
Following years of political and economic instability, Ugandans lagged behind their neighbours in industrial development. While the Kenyans were establishing manufacturing industries for most consumer goods, Ugandans were busy expelling Asians and ‘liberating’ their country. Smuggling and hoarding became the order of the day as distribution remained the only part of trade.
Through thick and thin, the Kenyans have built their service industry particularly the tourism sector. A vibrant manufacturing sector, especially for consumer goods has given them a taste for cut-throat competition.
Although many Ugandans boast of qualifications in sales and marketing from various institutions, their Kenyan counterparts have seen it all. They know the demands of modern business quite well, some of them are literally being begged to come and join Ugandan companies.
“Whether or not Ugandans have studied the theory of doing business, the fact is that the Kenyans are now more exposed to the competitive market conditions,†says one Kenyan expatriate. “ Uganda now stands to gain a lot by learning from the way Kenya has built its industry and service secotrs.†The Kenyan expatriates in Uganda say the pace of doing business in their home country is faster than here. They also face less stress here and the overall targets and expectations are lower. To them, the much hyped results-oriented management style being adopted by leading Ugandan companies has nothing new to offer.
“ The pressure here is less though it is getting more and more competitive,†says Rita Okuthe, MTN Communications Manager.
“If you look at the quality of the mobile phone network for instance, you find that the standard here is better than that of Kenya. If our (MTN) network fails, we put announcements in the media apologising to our customers which is not the case in Kenya.â€
Okuthe who came to Uganda in August last year worked in the marketing department of the top Kenyan company for two and half years. Convinced that her experience could add something to MTN’s drive to cut a niche in the Uganda telecommunications industry, she joined the company. Despite her busy schedule, she still takes off to meet friends here and back home.
“I have friends in both countries,†she says. “I feel gladly at home here though it is very difficult to ignore my countrymen especially my family.â€
Though the Kenyan expatriates hardly get time for leisure activities, some of them have joined the Kampala Club, Uganda Golf Club and other social groups. Many of them could have joined for business-related reasons. But there is no doubt that some miss something back home.
“I miss the drive-in cinemas and large shopping malls in Nairobi,†says Alex Kobia, Country manager, TV Africa.
At Tickles and other restaurants popular among Kenyans, a plate of ugali is served at sh500, sukumawiki at sh500 while kachumabali, another Kenyan delicacy goes for sh500 a plate.
The Kenyans prefer washing down the nyama choma with Tusker beer, the most popular beer brand in their home country. Those who go out with their families speak in Kiswahili, while at table but they rise to their feet and sing loudly when Kenyan music is played.
Unlike Nairobi which is well demarcated in social status areas, Kampala is not. This is why most Kenyan expatriates prefer residing in ‘posh’ areas like Ntinda, Kololo and Bugolobi when they first come to Uganda. With time however, some of them move to ‘low’ status areas.
“The problem is that many of us have a fear that Uganda is still insecure given its history. That is why we are very selective on where to stay when we come to work here,†says one Kenyan living in Bugolobi.
Kinyua, chairman of the Kenya Business Association (KBA) is reluctant to discuss the membership to the association. Neither is he willing to comment on the prospects of the Kenyan expatriates.†I wouldn’t like to talk about that now,†he said when contacted on phone.
They may not stand out in the crowd like the Congolese many of whom are identified by their fashionable kitenge clothing or clean shaven heads. But they do have the experience and business acumen; the qualities that are compelling Ugandan companies to go for their services.
Ends
It was Madaraka (peace) Day, every Kenyan was expected to grace the occasion. A few Ugandans, who could part with the mandatory sh20,000 for the invitation card were hastily ushered in, leaving coupons that entitled them to various prizes in a raffle at the entrance.
It is shortly after 9.30 p.m. on May 31, and Tickles and Giggles, the popular Kansanga based bar and restaurant for the Kenyan expatriates working in Uganda, is the mammoth court.
The Baraka Band, from western Kenya is playing Swahili songs to which a few of the Kenyans, especially the women sing along. The dancing queens are no different from Kanda Bongoman’s Paris- based dancers who last visited four years ago. But nobody is complaining.
Dressed casually, the guests first ease themselves into the white plastic chairs. Then, they patiently queue for a buffet dinner-a mixed grill of ugali (posho) , sukumawiki, kachumbali and other delicacies. The meal is served with soup in cups; quite an unusual etiquette for the Ugandans at the function.
But the Kenyans are enjoying every moment of it. Ugali is the most popular item on menus in any Kenyan restaurant. Sukumawiki, a vegetable that tastes like nakati or ggobe (greens) is very popular, while nyama choma (roast meat) is even more delicious. Though kachumbali, is to some Ugandans, a saltless mixed grill of tomatoes, onions, salads, pepper and another fruit called dania, it is a very popular dish among Kenyans.
No wonder, Tickles and Giggles, Rib Shack (Muyenga) and Club Choices (Kansanga) are binding the Kenyan expatriates working here. “Nyama choma is my favourite and it is one of the reasons I go to such places, says Alex Kobia, the country manager, TV Africa.
Kiswahili is the main medium of communication. Back home, it is the national language. Anyone who has ever visited the country knows that it is the best language you can use in a local bar or bank if you want quick service. Kiswahili, also Tanzania’s national language, is widely used in offices for business transactions.
“It is so strange that most people here (Uganda) do not speak Kiswahili yet it is widely spoken in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC),†said another Kenyan expatriate under anonymity.
Unlike in the 1960s when the Kenyans who dominated the workforce in the defunct East African Railways and Harbours, it is a different working environment for the Kenyan Expatriate working here now. Forget the days when the Naguru and Nakawa housing estates were mostly occupied by the Luo, one of the largest ethnic groups in Kenya. Do not even think about the fact that over half of the market stalls in Nakasero and Owino (now St. Balikuddembe) markets were once occupied by Kenyan Luo women traders.
The trend has changed now. Kenyans are now a major force to reckon with in the Ugandan economy, manning the key marketing and other positions. Almost every major Ugandan company has ‘poached’ an expatriate from our eastern neighbour in the wake of increasing market competition.
Three years ago, The New Vision Printing and Publishing Corporation ‘imported’ David Waweru to manage its sales and advertising department. Hima Cement Limited brought in two Kenyan managers, including Mbuvi Nguze, its Managing Director.
John Mwalimu is sales manager Capital Radio, Mbathi Kitili is Managing Director Stanbic Bank, James Chilongo is General manager Caltex while Alex Kobia is turning round the once declining fortunes of TV Africa.
Karanja Njoroge is turning around the fortunes of Sanyu FM While Dan Kagwe is feeling at home at the Kampala Fedex Office. Rita Okuthe is also doing a lot of talking as Communications Officer of mobile phone giant, MTN
Other Kenyans who are occupying senior management positions in Ugandan companies include Kinyua, managing Director Kobil: Njoroge Nganga ( AfricaOnline); Mungai and Catherine Njoroge ( Standard Charted Bank), Marenge (Imperial Hotels) and Wanjogu (UTL).
Following years of political and economic instability, Ugandans lagged behind their neighbours in industrial development. While the Kenyans were establishing manufacturing industries for most consumer goods, Ugandans were busy expelling Asians and ‘liberating’ their country. Smuggling and hoarding became the order of the day as distribution remained the only part of trade.
Through thick and thin, the Kenyans have built their service industry particularly the tourism sector. A vibrant manufacturing sector, especially for consumer goods has given them a taste for cut-throat competition.
Although many Ugandans boast of qualifications in sales and marketing from various institutions, their Kenyan counterparts have seen it all. They know the demands of modern business quite well, some of them are literally being begged to come and join Ugandan companies.
“Whether or not Ugandans have studied the theory of doing business, the fact is that the Kenyans are now more exposed to the competitive market conditions,†says one Kenyan expatriate. “ Uganda now stands to gain a lot by learning from the way Kenya has built its industry and service secotrs.†The Kenyan expatriates in Uganda say the pace of doing business in their home country is faster than here. They also face less stress here and the overall targets and expectations are lower. To them, the much hyped results-oriented management style being adopted by leading Ugandan companies has nothing new to offer.
“ The pressure here is less though it is getting more and more competitive,†says Rita Okuthe, MTN Communications Manager.
“If you look at the quality of the mobile phone network for instance, you find that the standard here is better than that of Kenya. If our (MTN) network fails, we put announcements in the media apologising to our customers which is not the case in Kenya.â€
Okuthe who came to Uganda in August last year worked in the marketing department of the top Kenyan company for two and half years. Convinced that her experience could add something to MTN’s drive to cut a niche in the Uganda telecommunications industry, she joined the company. Despite her busy schedule, she still takes off to meet friends here and back home.
“I have friends in both countries,†she says. “I feel gladly at home here though it is very difficult to ignore my countrymen especially my family.â€
Though the Kenyan expatriates hardly get time for leisure activities, some of them have joined the Kampala Club, Uganda Golf Club and other social groups. Many of them could have joined for business-related reasons. But there is no doubt that some miss something back home.
“I miss the drive-in cinemas and large shopping malls in Nairobi,†says Alex Kobia, Country manager, TV Africa.
At Tickles and other restaurants popular among Kenyans, a plate of ugali is served at sh500, sukumawiki at sh500 while kachumabali, another Kenyan delicacy goes for sh500 a plate.
The Kenyans prefer washing down the nyama choma with Tusker beer, the most popular beer brand in their home country. Those who go out with their families speak in Kiswahili, while at table but they rise to their feet and sing loudly when Kenyan music is played.
Unlike Nairobi which is well demarcated in social status areas, Kampala is not. This is why most Kenyan expatriates prefer residing in ‘posh’ areas like Ntinda, Kololo and Bugolobi when they first come to Uganda. With time however, some of them move to ‘low’ status areas.
“The problem is that many of us have a fear that Uganda is still insecure given its history. That is why we are very selective on where to stay when we come to work here,†says one Kenyan living in Bugolobi.
Kinyua, chairman of the Kenya Business Association (KBA) is reluctant to discuss the membership to the association. Neither is he willing to comment on the prospects of the Kenyan expatriates.†I wouldn’t like to talk about that now,†he said when contacted on phone.
They may not stand out in the crowd like the Congolese many of whom are identified by their fashionable kitenge clothing or clean shaven heads. But they do have the experience and business acumen; the qualities that are compelling Ugandan companies to go for their services.
Ends