TAKE 5 Jamila El-Jabry

Jamila El-Jabry is a Business Development Manager at Jaffrey Institute of Professional studies by day, and a food photographer by night, photos she puts up in her blog, Life in Mombasa. She targets those who want to explore Mombasa food, culture and architecture. She aims to change the face of Mombasa through her photography – she is on the right track, having won the Best County Blog at the Bloggers Association of Kenya awards for the second year in a row.

1. What does it feel like to have won the Best County Blog award again?

It feels great. It tells me that my dedication and passion towards what I do is appreciated. My love for Mombasa is what keeps me going. 

2. How long have you been blogging and what makes you so passionate about your county?

I have been blogging for two years and eight months under ‘Life in Mombasa’, though I started blogging in 2009 – I have since closed down those blogs. I love Mombasa because of its rich history, our diverse vibrant culture and of course the food, which is to die for. I felt like we were not telling our stories, I wanted to show my Mombasa through the eyes of a resident. 

3. What issues do you think need to be primarily addressed in your county, socio-economic, political or otherwise?

I think education is an issue that should be urgently addressed since many of our people are still unable to access it - there are many factors that play a huge role in contributing to Illiteracy in Mombasa. We need to offer assistance to those children whose parents are unable to afford to educate their children and also sensitise our people on the importance of going to school - many believe that we are marginalised, and can’t therefore get meaningful jobs so what is the point of getting an education? 

4. Let’s talk about your tempting food pictures - what is your favourite coastal dish?

Viazi karai and bhajiya- I love, love them! I make an effort to eat healthy, but I cannot resist them.  

5. What are some of the blogs you enjoy to read?

Where do I start? So many -- Potentash.com, maureenbandari.com, itsacurvyaffair.com, haythambhalo.com, to name a few. 

6. What’s next for Life In Mombasa?

I just want to continue telling stories of Mombasa and be the space where people visit for all things Mombasa.

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Hotspot

Kwani Open Mic 

Next month’s Kwani Open Mic night takes place on June 6. The main poet is Veon Ngugi, the hand behind the blog, theveon.co.ke. Here’s your chance to see her perform her delicate poetry live. The MC of the night will be Gufy, whose poetry you may also have heard around the time he released his third spoken word album, Misimu Zangu, last year. Mark this date if you enjoy poetry.

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Blog review

Akenyannomad

www.akenyannomad.com 

She describes her journal as ‘a blog that discovers Africa through travel and human interaction’.

Ever wondered how to spend your time when you visit, say, Kilifi? Or where in Kenya that you can go ziplining? Or, looking for an Instagram page that will transport you to places you have never been but would love to visit? Well, akenyannomad has all the answers. And pictures.

Sample this extract:

I have accepted that “And how do you afford to travel” (accompanied with a suggestive look) is a question I will deal with for a long time to come. Despite tagging my sponsor some time last year and forwarding that blog post as a response to anyone that asks me this question on WhatsApp, I still get queried. The most recent question came during my Citizen TV live interview last week. I will therefore let you into the not-so-glamorous side of my life by getting personal about the 10 things I had to say goodbye to.

1.My own space (also known as rent) …