During my week-long stay in Nairobi, Kenya, as a Nigerian journalist, I had the opportunity to interview the chief chef, Mathew Nduba, and the bar attendant, Faith Livondo, at the suite where I lodged.
Marrkson Suites, located off Argwings Kodhek Groove between Kose Heights and Hurlingham Plaza, Nairobi, Kenya, is just an 11-minute walk from Shifteye Gallery and 1.2 miles from the Royal Nairobi Golf Club. Conveniently situated in the Kilimani district, the suite is also 3.6 km from Kenyatta International Airport.
When you stay at Marrkson Suites, you’ll be within a 15-minute drive of Nairobi National Park and Yaya Centre.
I engaged with the duo, interviewing them on the hidden natural endowments gifted to Africa, especially Kenya, by God and how these resources could foster integration among Africans.
Interview with Mathew Nduba
Mathew Nduba, a renowned chef in Kenya, highlighted that Africa’s glory extends beyond its entertainment industries. He emphasized that people from other continents visit Africa to witness the unique natural endowments that cannot be found elsewhere.
“Nairobi is the only city in the world that has a game park,” Nduba noted.
Nairobi, Kenya’s capital city, is home to Nairobi National Park, a vast game reserve known for breeding endangered black rhinos and hosting giraffes, zebras, and lions. Adjacent to the park is a highly regarded elephant orphanage operated by the David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust. Nairobi also serves as a gateway for safari trips to other parts of Kenya.
Nduba further stated that Africa is the richest continent in natural resources, housing all types of minerals.
“This is why the superpowers in the West fuel wars in Africa, especially in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). The DRC is the richest country in the world in terms of natural mineral resources—gold, copper, uranium, and coal,” he said.
However, Nduba pointed out that unemployment and the high cost of living remain major challenges in Africa. He advocated for government support for the growing entertainment industries, such as music and filmmaking, as they can provide meaningful engagement for youths and additional revenue for governments.
Interview with Faith Livondo
Faith Livondo, a hotelier in Kenya, shared her love for Tanzanian music, which she ranks above all other genres, followed closely by Kenyan music.
“I am particularly fond of Bongo music,” she said, referring to the Tanzanian music genre known for its emotional and rhythmic appeal.
Livondo also expressed her appreciation for reggae music and Afrobeat. Reggae, originating in Jamaica in the late 1960s, has gained global popularity, particularly in Africa, the Americas, and Asia. Afrobeat, a West African music genre popularized by Nigerian icon Fela Kuti, blends African rhythms with American funk, jazz, and soul influences.
To unwind after long working hours, Livondo enjoys watching movies.
She emphasized the complementary roles of the film and music industries, both of which fall under the entertainment beat in journalism.
“I want record labels and the film industry in Africa to focus more on producing good music and movies because the whole world is now listening to African music and watching African movies,” she said.
