BOEMEDI JWA KENYA

Kenya High Commission - Botswana

REPUBLIC OF KENYA

MARCH 2009

THE NEW KENYAN CHANCERY4th Edition

MEMBERS OF THE EDITORIAL

BOARD

Chairman

Amb. Daniel Sindiga

Vice-Chairman

Mr Hillary N. Kyengo

Secretary

Ms Habiba Ali

Members

Mr John Odipo

Mrs Patricia Muange

Design & Layout

Kgomotsego Juliet Ikaneng

This is a publication of the High

Commission of the Republic of Kenya in

Botswana. Any reproduction of articles

therein should be acknowledged.

Comments and opinions on any issue to

be directed to:

Kenya High Commission

Zebra way,off Chuma/ Mobutu Drive

Plot 2615

Private Bag BO 297

Gaborone

Botswana

Tel: +267 3951408 / 430

Fax: +267 3951409

Email: inquiries@khcbotswana.org.bw

info@khcbotswana.org.bw

Website:

www.khcbotswana.org.bw

Photography by:

Jormar Investment

Tel: +267 71366064

Contents

Word from the high commissioner................................. 3

Chancery moves to new premises.................................. 4

Kenya shines in Botswana............................................... 5

2nd session of the kenya and botswana joint

permanent commission for co-operation, 11 – 13

November, 2008, Gaborone, Botswana.......................... 6

Scout visit to Botswana................................................... 7

KEFA elects new officials................................................ 7

Pictorial............................................................................. 8-9

Obama’s Village.............................................................. 10

Botswana Global Expo 2008......................................... 11

Fridge............................................................................... 11

Jamhuri Day Celebrations............................................. 12

Arrival............................................................................... 12

National Defence Council............................................. 13

Some wise sayings.......................................................... 13

Kenya high commission members of staff.................... 14

Ten commandments...................................................... 15

Similar Bantu phrases.................................................... 15

A lady picking tea from a tea farm in Kenya

I take this earliest oppor-tunity to extend to our es-teemed readers New Year

greetings and further seize the chance to wish all of you a happy and prosperous new year. That aside, it is indeed my humble pleasure and hon-our to present to you the 4th Edition of “Boemedi Jwa Ken-ya” in which the High Com-mission has endeavoured to highlight some of its mile-stones - bilateral engage-ments, visits, Kenya’s partici-pation in events and activities that took place during the second half of the year after our last issue.

It is particularly gratifying to

note that positive developments have taken place in Ken-ya, courtesy of the National Reconcili-ation and Peace Ac-cord that was signed between H.E. Presi-dent Mwai Kibaki, EGH, M.P. and Rt. Hon. Raila A. Odin-ga, M.P., Prime Min-ister which put Kenya back on its feet and into the internation-al fold following the political crisis that gripped our country

after the disputed Presiden-tial results of 2007 general elections.

I wish to re-assure readers that Kenya is peaceful and that it has regained its reputation in the International Community as a stable country. I urge investors, our partners, businessmen, tourists and other stakeholders to regard Kenya as peaceful, safe, and therefore a potential area for business opportunity and a tourist destination. It is my hope that the Newsletter will accord you the chance to have an insight of some of the engagements of the Mission during the second part of the year 2008.I would therefore welcome any positive comments or suggestions that may assist in improving our future issues.

Welcome.

Amb. Daniel SindigaHIGH COMMISSIONER

A WORD FROM THE HIGH COMMISSIONER

We urge investors, We urge investors, our partners, our partners, businessmen, businessmen,

tourists and other tourists and other stakeholders to regard stakeholders to regard

Kenya as peaceful, Kenya as peaceful, safe, and safe, and therefore a therefore a

potential area potential area for business for business opportunity opportunity and a tourist and a tourist destination.”destination.”

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Amb Daniel Sindiga

The pride of Africa

RE-LOCATION OF THE CHANCERY TO ZEBRA WAY –PLOT NO. 2516

We take this opportunity to inform our esteemed readers that the Chancery re-located from its previous premises situated at Independence Avenue, plot no. 786, to the current premises at ZEBRA WAY, OFF CHUMA/MOBUTU DRIVE, PLOT NO. 2516. The High Commission re-located to the premises on 30th November , 2008.

We therefore take this early opportunity to welcome you all to the new chancery for encourage you to engage us for all aspects of service delivery.

CHANCERY MOVES TO NEW PREMISES

New premises at Zebra way, off Chuma/Mobutu

Drive, Plot No. 2516

Kenyan athletes doing their thing

The Masai people enjoying a masai jig.

Tourists like the Kenyan beaches

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KENYA AIRWAYS OPENS A SALES REPRESENTATIVE OFFICE IN GABORONE

In an effort to strengthen its strong network in Africa, Kenya Airways appointed Sales representatives in November 2008 and further opened a ticketing office in Gaborone. Arrangements are underway to set up an office, meanwhile the launch of establishing KQ office is scheduled to take place on 26th March 2009 at Gaborone Sun Hotel.

The High Commisssion welcomes this development which would be of immense benefit not only to the Kenyan Community but also to business people and tourists who may wish to travel to Kenya. We hope that in the long run the dream of Kenya Airways direct flights to Botswana would be realised.

“Sports diplomacy”

Kenya High Commission participated in the Botswana Consumer Fair with effect

from 25th – 31st August, 2008. The Mission won 1st Prize for the third year in a row. The result meant that Kenya will keep the Trophy for Good in their silverware.

The Mission seized the opportunity to market Kenya in the international arena showcasing Kenya’s tourism and culture. The Fair also opened a window of opportunity to the Mission to market Kenya’s agricultural products like tea and coffee. The Mission also took the opportunity to interact with Kenyans in the diaspora on various issues of mutual interest.

K E N Y A S H I N E S I N B O T S W A N A – K E N Y A S H I N E S I N B O T S W A N A – B O T S W A N A C O N S U M E R F A I RB O T S W A N A C O N S U M E R F A I R

K E N Y A S H I N E S I N B O T S W A N A – K E N Y A S H I N E S I N B O T S W A N A – B O T S W A N A C O N S U M E R F A I RB O T S W A N A C O N S U M E R F A I R

Trade fairs, expos and marketing events have stood the test of the technology revolution because people buy from people.

They provide an excellent, time efficient and effective way for “buyers and sellers” to interact. The Kenyan Stand at Botswana Consumer Fair 2008, held at Gaberone, attracted hundreds of fair visitors.

The organizers, Fairground Holdings, created the interactive forum for exhibitors and their clients to open up opportunities of diversification in the economy and promotion of the service sectors by facilitating direct trade between local and international exhibitors.

The Fair which ran from August 25 - 31 attracted exhibitors from 15 countries, including Japan, India, Syria, South Africa, Zimbabwe, Lesotho and Swaziland; together with local exhibitors.

Various productsMore than 300 exhibitors displayed products and services ranging from apparel, tourism, arts, chemicals,

leather products, food, agricultural products, telecommunication, plastics, rubber, timber, concrete, financial services, insurance and property development.

For Kenya, the fair could not have come at a better time considering the recent successes at the Olympic in Beijing.

These images were very fresh in the minds of fair visitors and they had a chance to get first hand briefing on the “mystic charm” behind the Kenyan athletes’ triumph.

There was a tremendous sale of Kenyan coffee and tea because attendees could not have enough of the two.

Kenya’s stand which was set up with a motive of showcasing and fostering partnership between the two countries also made an effort to cater for the needs of Kenyans in Botswana.

The Kenya High Commission in Botswana felt that the resultant exchange of views at the gathering would have a positive and beneficial effect in enhancing business opportunities and assisting in the development of joint ventures amongst players in both countries.

Kenya High Commission viewed the forum as a platform to find new business opportunities, discover new trade trends and more so, get informed on particular outlooks of the Kenya economic niches.

The visitors were particularly thrilled by an audio clip display of Bull fight, traditional dances and pictures of the beaches. The stand drew a lot of attention from visitors seeking information about Kenyan products.

Botswana’s retired president, H.E Mr Festus Mogae and Kenya High Commissioner Amb. Daniel Sindiga were among the many high profile visitors who visited the stand.

The tourism products on audio visual display were eye-catching and remarkable to the extent that a particular family from Belgium which was on holiday in Cape Town headed straight to the Kenyan Embassy to secure visa for a seven day trip to Kenya!

Perfect conclusionThe show came to a perfect conclusion with the Kenya stand being awarded the best international stand award, a trophy that it has bagged for the last three years.

The due recognition and appreciation shown by the visitors at the stall gave cues on benefits that can be realised from the synergy between the two countries.

It is anticipated the platform will enhance business linkages between Botswana and Kenyan businesses through the growth of opportunities.

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The Former First Lady Barbara Mogae receiving Kenyan tea

Amb Daniel Sindiga receiving a trophy at the consumer fair

The 2nd Session of the Kenya and Botswana Joint Permanent Com-

mission for Co-operation took place in Gaborone, Botswana from 11th – 13th November, 2008. The Kenyan delega-tion was led by Hon. Moses Wetangula, M.P., Minister for Foreign Affairs, while his counterpart in Botswana Hon. Phandu T. C. Skelemani, led the delegation of Botswana.

The bilateral co-operation was initiated in 1986, when lead-ers of both countries signed an agreement on Cultural, Educational and Scientific Co-operation. The 1st Session of the Kenya Botswana Joint Per-manent Commission for Co-operation (JPCC) was held on 14th – 16th June, 2006 in

Nairobi. During the meeting, the two delegations outlined areas of co-operation in the fields of Culture, Sports, Tour-ism, Human Resource Devel-opment, Transport, Energy, Environement and Natural Resources, Trade and Indus-try, Agriculture, Information and Communication, Hous-ing, Lands among others.

The 2nd Session of the Joint Permanent Comission for Co-operation (JPCC) reviewed the status of the implementation of the bilateral co-operation programmes that had been outlined in the 1st Session of the Kenya and Botswana Joint Permanent Commission for Co-operation. During the Human Resource Mangementmeeting, the progress made Development.on various draft Memoran-

2ND SESSION OF THE KENYA AND BOTSWANA JOINT PER-MANENT COMMISSION FOR CO-OPERATION, 11 – 13 NO-

VEMBER, 2008, GABORONE, BOTSWANA

dum of Understanding between respective coun-tries were reviewed, in the fields of Agriculture, Environment and Natu-ral Resources, Mining, Transport (Air Service), En-ergy, Education, Science and Technology, Health, Sports, Culture and Social Services, Information and Communication, Public Service, Human Resource management and Devel-opment, Prisons, Correc-tional Services and Reha-

bilitation, Housing and Land.

At the end of the meeting a joint communiqué was issued in which both parties were urged to conclude pending MOUs to facilitate signing by 31st March, 2009.

Indeed the Hon. Minister of Foreign Affairs and Interna-tional Co-operation of the Republic of Botswana Hon. Phandu T. C. Skelemani paid a visit to Kenya from 24th – 26th January, 2009, during which he signed three MOUs on Education in Diplomacy and International Relations,Agriculture & Livestock and

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A contingent of 38 scouts from Uasin Gishu District, In Kenya visited Botswana from 9th -13th December 2008.The scouts visited Botswana at the invitation of their Botswa-na counterparts. The scouts participated in community service and exchanged notes on scouting skills and also had the opportunity to have a joint camp fire. The team visit-ed Mmokolodi and Gaborone game reserves among other areas. The contingent leaders led by Mr. Alex Njenje, paid

EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE:

Chairman : Mr. William KaboroVice-Chairman: Mr. Paul LebooSecretary : Ms. Eileen D. MkavitaAssistant Secretary :Mr. Gitari A. KuguanguTreasurer :Mr. Gitari A. Kiguangu (Ag).

KEFA ELECTS NEW OFFICIALSKEFA ELECTS NEW OFFICIALS

a courtesy call on the High Commission .Other leaders in-cluded Mr. Martin Shikuku,Mr.

HARDSHIP COMMITTEE

Chairman : Mr. Christopher N. KiamaSecretary : Mr. Andrew N. AnyonaMember : Mr. James G. MwaiMember : Mr. Duncan Okwiri

KEFA (Kenya Friendship Association) elected new office bearers to steer the organizations through 2009.

The new office bearers are:

Vidiju Daizu Mr. Kemeli and Mrs B. Kiptugen.

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PICTORAL

PICTURE CAPTIONS

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1. HE Amb Daniel Sindiga receiving the 1st prize from the consumer fair chairperson2. HE Vice President Lt Gen Mompati Merafhe being contacted through the the Kenya stand by HE Amb Daniel Sindiga3. Former President Festus Mogae signing the visitors book at the Kenya stand. Members of KHC staff looks on.4. HE Amb Daniel Sindiga, promoting Kenya’s culture5. Amb Daniel Sindiga welcomes the Mozambigue High Commisioner Mr & Mrs Belimo Malate during the Jamhuri Day Celebrations.6 & 7. Guest during Jamhuri Day Celebrations.8. Former President HE Festus Mogae getting a brief from Deputy Head of mis sion Mr Hillary N. Kyengo.9. HE Phandu Skelemani Minister for Foreign Affairs & International drinking a toast with HE Amb Daniel Sindiga during Jamhuri Day celebrations. 10. HE Lt Gen Mompati Merafhe signing the visitors book during Botswana Global Expo 2008. Looking on is Hon Neo Moroka, HE Mr Daniel Sindiga and members of KHC staff.11. HE Daniel Sindiga, Hillary N. Kyengo and Mr John Odipo during the Botswana global Expo 2008. 12.HE Daniel Sindiga holding the 1st prize trophy won by the KHC during the consumer fair.13. Some of the guests during the Jamhuri day Celebration.14. HE Phandu Skelemani and Zambian High Commisioner being escorted by HE Daniel Sindaga during Jamhuri Day Celebrations.15. Vice President HE Lt Gen Mompati Merafhe admiring the Kenya stand.

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The now famous Kogelo Village is the home of the father of the US President

Barack Obama. Obama eager to find his roots visited Kenya 1st in 1987 immediately after suc-cessfully completing a three years work as a community organizer in Chicago. He stayed with his half sister Ouma who was then a lecturer at the University of Nai-robi. He spent a month and a few days in Kenya.

A few days after his arrival in Nairobi, the capital City of Ken-ya, he traveled upcountry by train and ‘matatu’ (combi) with chick-ens, collard greens and babies placed on his lap by exhausted mothers.

During the trip to Kogelo Obama discovered the warmth and sense of community that the people of Kenya possess.

The flora and fauna, the beauty of land through the eye catch-ing geographical features of the Great Rift Valley, the home of the flamingoes, Lake Naivasha, a beauty that haunts you long after

you’ve left and the desire to visit again and again.

While in Kogelo he got to learn the rich cultural practices of the local community and developed a liking for the same.

The Govern-ment of Kenya is constructing a Museum in Ko-gelo, thousands of tourist have

been making trips to Kogelo to appreciate Obama’s roots.

Apart from Kogelo village a tour-ist will be able to sample other mouthwatering touristic sites like the Masai Mara “the seventh wonder of the world” to witness thou-sands of wildebeests crossing a fast river infested with deadly crocodiles, the nature at its best some of the beast are swept by fast waters, others grabbed and eaten by crocodiles as you watch while the strong and the lucky ones cross over, it’s a place anybody would like to be.

Then there is the re-freshing flora and fau-na, the great Rift Valley taking you to the active Mount Longonot which emits hot lava miles away, you cant miss the ice emitting Mount Kenya Mt. Kilimanjaro.

Kenya is also home to the big five; Lion, Elephant, Rhino, Leop-ard, Buffalo, and many more an-imals, many different species of snakes and thousands of birds.The coastal town of Mombasa presents you with world class ho-tels and beaches besides many other historical sites like the fa-mous Fort Jesus.

Because of the high altitude, Kenya is a sporting Nation. Ken-ya today boosts of world class long distance runners like Paul Tergat, Douglas Wakihuri not to mention the young 19 year old sensational 800m Olympic Gold medalist Pamela Jelimo.

Kenya is also the headquarters of United Nations Environmental Progamme (UNEP) and Habitat.

Make your trip to Kenya now.

OBAMA’S VILLAGE

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From left, Ms Vivien Prince, the director of As You Like It Safaris Limited, Mama Sarah Obama, Susan Oloo, executive director of Real Useful Travel and Mr Ken Maher from San Mateo, California, a retiree and sup-porter of the Obama campaign, viewing the plaque on the grave of Barrack Obama Senior. Mr Maher arrived at Mama Sarah’s home after launching the tourist route for western Kenya from the Masai Mara through the scenic countryside of kilgoris, Kisii and onto Kis-umu then to Kogelo village.

The High Commission par-ticipated in Botswana Glo-bal Expo 08, which took

place from 15th – 18th Octo-ber, 2008 at the Botswana Exhi-bition Centre (Fairgrounds).

The objective of the exhibition was to attract foreign direct in-vestment into Botswana and to promote economic diversifica-tion and international trade.

The High Commission exhibited in its stand tourism promotional materials, tea, coffee, handi-crafts, and brochures on Uni-versities in Kenya and invest-ment opportunities. The High Commission also took the op-portunity to educate the public

on its roles and services.

During the event, organizers of the Exhibition ranked Coun-try stands, in which Kenya was 2nd position in the category of best country pavilion. Some of

the considerations taken while ranking stands included overall impression (impact appeal of the display), originality, infor-mation and quality of personnel at the stand information dis-semination e.t.c.

One morning at a doctors surgery a patient arrives complaining of serious back-pain. The doctor examines him and asks him" OK, what happened to your back?"

The patient replies "You know that I work for a local night club? This morning I got home to my apartment early and heard a noise in my bedroom. On entering I knew someone had been with my wife and the balcony door was open. I rushed out the balcony door and did not find anyone. As I

looked down from the balcony I saw a man running out and he was dressing himself. I grabbed the fridge and threw it at him, That's how I strained my back"

The 2nd patient arrives looking as if he has been in a car wreck. The doctor said "My previous patient looked bad, but you look terrible. What the hell happened to you?"

He replied, "You know I have been unemployed for a while now .Today was the first day at my new job. I forgot to set my

alarm and was running late. I was running out of the building, getting dressed at the same time, and you won't believe it but I was hit by a fridge."

The 3rd patient arrives; he looks even worse than the other two patients do. The doctor is shocked. Again asks, "What the hell happened to youuuuuu.....?"

"Well I was sitting in a fridge and someone threw it from the 3rd floor"

FRIDGE

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H.E. Mr. Daniel Sindiga led Kenyans, Members of the Diplomatic Corps and Invited guests in celebrating the Jamhuri Day Celebration. The colourful event was held at the Gaborone International Conference Centre (G.I.C.C.)

During the occasion the Guest of Honour was H.E. Phandu Skelemani, Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Co-operation of the Republic of Botswana.

H.E. Amb Daniel Sindiga reiterated his reserve in strengthening and cementing the already existing warm and cordial relation between the two governments, the

sentiments were also echoed by H.E. Phandu Skelemani who called for stronger ties and close collaboration in the face of global economic recession.

The Mission capitalized on the opportunity and showed the invited guests video clips on Kenyan tourism sites and the

In October 2008, Mr. J. O. Odipo, was posted to Kenya High Commission in

Gaborone, as a Second Sec-retary. His joining the Mission has strengthened the High Commission in Human Re-source capacity with a view to improving on service delivery.

Mr. J. O. Odipo, brings a wealth of experience of two decades of dedicated service to the government. Prior to his posting to Botswana, he had served in a similar posi-tion at the Kenyan Embassy in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. In ad-dition, he had worked at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in various Departments includ-

ing Middle East Division, Ken-ya Mission to United Nations, Environment Programme (UNEP), Press Division and Administration.

Mr. J. O. Odipo, holds a Bach-elors of Art Degree (Hons) Public Administration, Punjab University, Chandigarh, India, a post graduate diploma in International Relations, Uni-versity of Nairobi.

He is married to Stella Odero and their siblings are Joab Otieno, Lynda Odero and C. Meshack Odipo.

Welcome Mr. Odipo: KARIBU GABORONE

A R R I V A LA R R I V A L

45th Jamhuri Day Celebrations

rich cultural practices.

Amb Daniel Sindiga welcoming the German Ambassador HE Mr Ulf Hanel during Jamhuri

Day Celebrations

HE Amb Daniel Sindiga welcoming the Minister for Foreign Affairs & International Cooperation Hon Phandu Skelemani and his wife during the

Jamhuri Day Celebration

Foreign Affairs Minister, Hon Phandu Skelemani & his wife sampling Kenyan Dishes During Jamhuri Day Celebrations

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The Kenya National Defence College delegation visited Botswana with effect from

31st May – 7th June, 2008. On arrival at Sir Seretse Khama International Airport they were received by H.E. Amb. Daniel Sindiga and members of Staff of the Kenya High Commission. The National Defence College delegation was led by Lt. Gen. Jackson K. Tuwei.

While in Botswana the National Defence College delegation paid courtesy calls to Hon. Phandu Skelemani, Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Co-operation of the Republic of Botswana, the Chairman of the Ruling Party Botswana Democratic Party Hon. Daniel Kwelagobe who is also the Minister of Justice, Defence and Security and the Commander, Botswana Defence Force, Lieutenant General Tebogo

N A T I O N A L D E F E N C E C O L L E G E V I S I T S B O T S W A N A

h K N ti l D f Whil i B t th N ti l Masire.

The National Defence College group was on a study tour of Botswana and visited several areas, among them the Jwaneng Mining Co., Botswana Meat Commission and Historical Kapriri Strip.

The tour enhanced the already existing warm and cordial relations among Kenya and Botswana.

Take into account that great love and great achievements involve great risk.

When you lose, don’t lose the leson…........

Follow the three R’s: (a) Respect for self (b) Respect for others (c) Responsibility for all your actions

Remember that not getting what you want is sometimes a wonderful stroke of luck.

Learn the rules so that you know how to break them properly.

Don’t let a little dispute injure a great relation ship.

When you realize that you’ve made a mis take, take immediate steps to correct it.

Spend sometime alone everyday.

Open your arms to change but don’t give up your values.

Remember that silence is sometimes the best answer.

Live a good, honourable life. Then when you get older and think back, you’ll be able to enjoy it a second time.

Share your knowledge; it is a way to achieve immortality.

. Be gentle with earth.

Photos taken during the National defence college tour.

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KENYA HIGH COMMISION MEMBERS OF STAFF

Amb. Daniel sindigaHigh Commisioner

Mr Hillary N. KyengoDeputy Head of Mission

Mr John OdipoSecond Secretary

Mrs Patricia MyangeFinancial Attache

Ms Habiba AliAdministrative Attache

Ms Daisy GwallaAdministrative officer

Mrs Roselyn BisongaSecretary / Receptionist

Mr Moses NyandoroSenior Driver

Mr Willis OwourDriver

Ms Kwenzekele Salu MeduOffice Assistant

“ Unity of Purpose”14

1. You shall not worry, for worry is the most unproductive of all human activities

2. You shall not be fearful, for most of the things we fear never come to pass

3. You shall not carry grudges, for they are the heaviest of all life’s burdens

4. You shall face each problem as it comes. You can only handle one at a time anyway

5. You shall not take problems to bed with you, for they make very poor bed fellows

6. You shall not borrow other people’s problems. They care better for them than you

7. You shall not try to relive yesterday for good or ill, it is forever gone. Concentrate on what is happening in your life and be happy now

8. You shall be a good listener, for only when you listen do you hear ideas different from your own

9. You shall not become “bogged down” by frustration, for 90% of it is rooted in self-pity and will only interfere with positive action

10. You shall count your blessings, never overlooking the small ones, for a lot of small blessings add up to a big one.

It is an established fact that people of Bantu background who migrated to different parts of Africa share similar phrases. This can be illustrated by a Bantu tribe in Kenya namely Luh-yas who speak luhya and Batswana who speak setswana.

LUHYA SETSWANA SWAHILI ENGLISHamatsi metsi maji watertsekha tshega cheka* laughikwena kwena mamba crocodilewabone bona ona* lookifula pula mvua raininyama nama nyama* meatoluleme loleme ulimi* tongue mama mma mama* mothertsia sia ishia* leaveelino leino meno * toothingokho koko kuku* henamafura mafura mafuta* oilamare mathe mate* salivaomwana ngwana mwana* childkealwala lwala mgonjwa sick

TEN OTHER COMMANDMENTS

SIMILAR BANTU PHRASES LUHYA/SETSWANA

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The Masai women

Kenyan Coast