United States Internatinal University Fall 2013 magazine .......................................................................................................................................
SAUTI Celebrating Africa
MILESTONES
Africa and Kenya @ 50
Karungari Kahende Talent to take you places
Eugene Mbugua Young Money
smart market commodities PETROLEUM BUSINESS WAREHOUSING DIGITAL ADVERTISING HUMAN RESOURCE
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Sauti | Fall 2013
editorial
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Aluta Continua
t’s a wrap for the year 2013. This is when as individuals we sit and look back at the year that has been. I love an ending whether good or bad because it means I have to get another go at life. There are cherished moments such as Africa at 50 and Kenya at 50 but still somber moments such as The Westgate attack and Mandela’s passing. Fall semester is fun filled with events, and as usual, we had the ever anticipated Mr. and Miss. USIU event that this time round had an assortment of contestants whom represented a good number of African countries. Africa is a continent that is best defined by the people that inhabit it as explained by scholars and students in what you celebrate about Africa. So why celebrate Kenya? What makes Kenya deserve the thumbs up? It basically boils down to the people and especially the ones who go the extra mile to stand out of the crowd. There is no better way to explain it but through the articles we have lined up in this issue of Sauti. More often than not, we find ourselves faced with difficulties with regards to what we want to do with our lives. For the ones looking for inspiration from one of your own, we got Young Rich check it out and find direction. “Year’s end is neither an end nor a beginning but a going on, with all the wisdom that experience can instill in us,” -Hal Borland. Relish! Editor-in-Chief
Georgette Adrianne Wamboi
Editorial Team
Faculty Advisor- Dr. Kioko Ireri Chief Editor- Georgette Adrianne Wamboi Layout/Design-Stephen Njogu, Denver Ochieng & Georgette Adrianne Photo Editor-Cecilia Sidi Garama Fashion Editor - Malcolm Muga Photography-Kevin Kiritu & Nick Thuita Gazette Liason-Norbert Amone
Sauti | Fall 2013
This is a publication of the United States International University under the Introduction to News Editing class (JRN3002) of Fall 2013.
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contents
05 Celebrating Africa & Kenya 06 Lights! Camera! Kahende 07 News 08 Head to Head 09 Young Rich 06
10 USIU Events 11 Of Style and Men 12 Fashion 14 Student Stylist 15 USIU Radio
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16 Mr. and Ms. USIU 18 Food for thought 19 Recipes 20 What you love about Africa 21 Astrology 22 The Sauti Team
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Sauti | Fall 2013
cover story
Celebrating Africa and Kenya
W By Bina Maseno
hat a year it has been as Africa celebrated its 50th anniversary on the 25th of May together with Kenya that is preparing to celebrate its 50th anniversary on the 12th of December 2013. The celebrations will look back on 50 years of historic struggle for self-determination and achievement while also acknowledging the very real challenges still plaguing Kenya. The Kenyan celebrations began on Mashujaa Day with President Kenyatta launching the Kenya @50 celebration calendar, kicking off year long activities to mark the country’s 50 years. The Kenya @50 logo, a lion, motif, golden jubilee and Kenyan flag colors was also unveiled during the celebrations at Nyayo National Stadium, Nairobi. But what exactly are we going to celebrate? We are celebrating the visionary group of leaders who dared dream about the Kenya we have today. We stand in awe of them for they dared dream about a Kenya liberated from slavery, colonialism and apartheid and set out to achieve this great dream. They put their life on the line so that they could achieve the freedom we are now enjoying. We’ll celebrate 50 years of independence by celebrating our triumphs and reflecting upon our future progress. Gone are the days we worshipped the president and lived in fear of the government. The people who fought for this democracy, some may not be here to enjoy it but for us who no longer have to suffer the terrors of a tyrannical government are very grateful. We can now brag of the international recognition we have received in various capacities. In Sauti | Fall 2013
the ICT sector, we have to applaud Kenya for the M-pesa technology, a mobile-phone based money transfer and micro financing service that has transformed Kenya in a big way while making a huge difference in people’s lives. Currently it’s still the most-developed mobile payment system in the world. Our own athletes have also put us on the spotlight with the awards they keep winning in the competitions. Last month, we also had some of our Kenyan journalists being awarded for their great and inspiring pieces during the CNN Multi Choice African Journalists of the Year Award. Am proud of Kenya when I watch BBC, CNN, or Aljazeera and see documentaries about Kenyans who have made a mark beyond our borders. Development in various parts of the country has improved. Gone are the dreary days when it took two hours on Thika road to get to town. One had to wake up at 5 am and be in a bus before 6 am in order to make it to town by 8 am. Nowadays it only takes 10 minutes with no traffic and about 25 minutes with traffic of which it’s minimal. Some of the towns that are now flourishing were quite dormant few years back. Towns like Naivasha that were once perceived to be upcountry are now a weekend destination for party people. The shopping malls, hotels, infrastructure, technology and services available in the country are improving quite fast which is one of the things am proud of. Still in the same breath, I wonder, what will these celebrations mean for the children on the streets? What about the Pokots and Turkanas who live each day in the fear of dying due to lack of peace?
Research conducted in 2011 in Rift valley towns in Kenya perceived an increase of children joining the streets. The findings showed that food insecurity was one of the biggest factors that caused children to drop out of school and gravitate towards the streets to find food and earn money. Children identified food as their biggest need followed closely by education and their third biggest need was identified as love. As Kenya celebrates the year of jubilee, strengthening of the family should be a priority for every Kenyan. Poverty remains a huge concern for the country. Since independence we have experienced regimes which plundered the government wealth leaving the poor paying the price of corruption. A Budget Watch 2013/2014 Report recognizes that between 2005 and 2013 the number of households living below the poverty line have increased sharply. Pair this situation with the increasing taxes (VAT) and county government fees and we are headed for worse times. Unfortunately, the gap between the rich and the poor continues to grow with the common mwananchi living under a dollar a day. On December 12th 2013, we will look back with admiration as we are indeed free men and women. We’ll remember the men and women, young and old, workers, intelligent and peasants, and indeed Africans from all walks of life who gave it their all, including the ultimate sacrifice, so that they could bequeath us a better Africa and Kenya. Long live Africa, Long live Kenya. Happy 50th Anniversary Kenya.
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feature
Lights! Camera! Kahende!
“Give a Girl The Right Shoes and She can Conquer the World,”-Marilyn Monroe
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By Cecilia S. Garama imply dressed in a gorgeous white laced dress, and her hair sleeked back in a simple ponytail one cannot help but admire the simplicity and sophistication of this upcoming starlet. Upon meet and greet we take our seats in the auditorium where her costars are shooting in front of the greenscreen. For a couple of minutes we are both silent as we watch them work. Finally, the director then yells out “CUT!” Emerging from our trance and we both begin to laugh as we remember the purpose of our meeting. Kahende Karungari is the face that is taking USIU by storm. A second year journalism student at the university, Miss Karungari is a force to be reckoned with. She is the lead actress for the much anticipated student film series titled Usoni (a USIU science fiction). Many might seem surprised but prior to joining the university, Karungari had never acted or had any formal or informal training. “I was one of those weird kids in high school, I never
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did drama, debate or anything related to acting. I was and still is shy, I liked keeping to myself,” she said smiling. This shy demeanor can probably be credited to her upbringing. Karungari is the baby in her family; the last born of six children. Acting was something she stumbled upon here in USIU, by chance. One of her friends was making a short silent movie and asked Karungari to star in it. “Being that I was a freshman and wanted to experience new things in ‘Uni’, I decided why not.” And the rest as they say is history. Karungari fell in love with acting from that point on and lucky for her she was good at it. Immediately after the short film was released, Karungari became a hot commodity for broadcast journalism students. It would be an understatement to say everyone wanted Karungari to feature in their films, so much so that she would have to be booked in advance. She starred in about two big student projects before she landed the role of Ophelia, the protagonist in Usoni, just three semesters after making her debut as an actress. However, what is even more surprising than the rate at which her popularity as an actress has grown is what she does to enhance her skills in the craft. “For crying scenes, I just think of something sad and tears come, when that fails onions always do the trick,” she explains cheekily. “But honestly speaking, I just let myself get lost in the character’s world, I let myself become the character. I don’t mean to brag but it’s my God given gift,” adds Karungari. There are many weird things about her. First of all she loves plain yoghurt and secondly, she has no problem acting in front of a camera though she cannot act infront of a crowd or watch herself on the screen Although she doesn’t plan on seeing herself debut on “the big screen” people might as well get familiar with her face because this is the path she has chosen to follow in life. “I’m lucky I stumbled onto my calling. I can’t imagine doing anything else in life. I love acting because I get to work in an environment that is artistic, free and nonjudgmental, who could ask for anything more.” Talented, beautiful, hardworking and humble, there is nothing but a bright future ahead for Karungari. Sauti | Fall 2013
news
Chelyabinsk Meteor On February 15th 2013, a near-earth asteroid entered the Earth’s atmosphere in Russia. The meteor was about 20 meters wide and was traveling at a speed of 18.6 kilometers per second; over 60 times the speed of sound. It exploded over the city of Chelyabinsk, thus getting the name Chelyabinsk meteor. The rock exploded on its path to earth and resulted
in the injuries of over 1450 people. One resident in Korkino, 18 miles from the point of peak brightness, lost skin from their face after being burned by radiation. The Chelyabinsk airburst was the largest since Tunguska in 1908, but unlike that and other historic events, the strike was recorded by a full suite of modern technology.
Edward Snowden instantaneously. Snowden released NSA material to the press, which allowed a series of exposes to be published revealing surveillance programs such as Tempora as well as the interception of US and European telephone metadata (data about data). People have mixed feelings about Snowden; he has been called many things including but now limited to “traitor”, “hero” and “patriot.” According to Snowden, his motive for leaking the information was “to inform the public as to that which is done in their name and that which is done against them.” A former Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) employee Snowden is now considered a fugitive by American and National Security Agency (NSA) contractor, Edward authorities and he is living under temporary asylum in Snowden was unknown to the world until June 6th, Russia. 2013 after which he became a household name almost
Westgate Seige sieged Westgate, an upscale mall in the Westlands region in Nairobi, Kenya. The siege lasted for three days and resulted in the death of at least 61 civilians, six Kenyan soldiers and four attackers. The attack shocked the world. However, Kenyans proved to be vigilant and strong in the midst of chaos coming together to help the wounded, volunteer with rescue forces and donate blood to injured victims. What was more shocking than the attack, however, were the Kenyan Defence Force (KDF) soldiers who were caught on CCTV cameras looting the mall during the attack. Nonetheless, despite the evidence supporting On September 21st 2013, unidentified gunmen who their misconduct, only two KDF soldiers namely Victor were later linked to the al-Shabaab terrorist group Otieno and Victor Ashiundu were sacked. Stories by Cecilia Garama Sauti | Fall 2013
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profile
Head to Head
Yvonne Were aka Lyra Aoko is a third year Journalism major who is a music artist. She loves doing what pleases her and the sky is the limit. She is determined to make her name a popular brand, as she climbs the ladder of her chosen career. She spoke to Halima Nsangu. Q: Who is Lyra Aoko? A: Lyra is a singer, song writer, rose lover, walking creative….that’s my instagram description and to add on to that, a happy chic. Q: Your daily routine? A: School…wake up (laughs), check my phone (laugh)… they’re many. Take a one hour shower on days I don’t need to be anywhere, make breakfast. I love listening to music in the morning. Go to class, band practice after class, meet up with people, if I have to. I go home, watch series I guess. Studio some days. Q: Where do you see yourself in 5 years time? A Successful journalist and musician. I’d like to fuse the two and be like an entertainment journalist or something. Q: Again, on your compositions, what is the inspiring factor? A I’m inspired by everything…like right now I’m seated here eating chicken and I’m in a happy place so I feel like writing…(laugh)…for real. Q: Apart from music, what else interests you? A Nail art, nail art and more nail art and travelling. I draw anything creative basically…yeah. Q: Was music ever in your plans? A: (shakes head)…No, I guess this is where we talk about the samsung thing. I won a singing competition in 2011. It was very low key but it gave me the start I needed as a musician, as in the platform. Since then I started taking music seriously and as a source of income…yep and so far so good.
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Hilda Muthee aka The First Lady is a third year Journalism major and the host of ’Morning Madness’ on USIU Radio. The energy she radiates in the studio is infectious. Apart from radio, Hilda is a teacher at Mountain View School where she teaches French. She spoke to Kevin Kiritu. Q: What does Hilda Muthee like? A:Dancing, singing, radio presenting, cooking, making noise, doing my nails and staring. Q: When did you get the spark to do radio? A: When I felt that my friends believed and trusted me enough to do it. Q: Favourite music? A: Pop Rock, R&B and Gospel. Q: Favourite food? Q: Pilau, chips and chicken drive me nuts. A: How do you juggle school, work amongst other responsibilities? A: Life is what you make it, I make mine great. That helps me through being Hyldah, Radio presenter, teacher, student, model, church singer, good daughter and a friend Q: Who inspires you? A: My Mother....it has always been mum and Hildah against all odds(dad too but mama first). Q: What do you do or where do you go, to get away from it all, to relax and unwind? A: Home, my bedroom, earphones on, I make music then finally boom!! Like magic I’m relaxed. Q: You’re an inspiration to many young girls that hope to one day walk in your shoes, any gems you’d like to share with those that look up to you? Hilda: Always dance a yard before you dance abroad,take a step at a time and once in a while BREATHE !
Sauti | Fall 2013
feature
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By Lebohang Thuo have met a lot of people in my life; but none are more industrious or bohemic as Eugene Mbugua. On first impressions alone you can tell he is an artiste – unfortunately in Nairobi this has come to mean the same as the word ‘hobo’. But give it time and the true meaning of artiste starts to emerge from his lax demeanor. As a broadcast journalism graduate and full time businessman, Mbugua has done more things than the average 23 year old: from documenting activities at the Makini School, working on various television shows, running a gaming arcade and movie hut, to his latest venture, YOUNG RICH. Mbugua has continued to chase his dream of becoming a maverick filmmaker who may have found the proverbial pot of gold at the end of the video production rainbow Together with Barbara Karuana (producer/ ex-USIU), Chris Sang (cinematographer/ ex-USIU) and Joshua Wainaina (host/ USIU) they birthed the first season of YOUNG
Sauti | Fall 2013
RICH (currently in its second season). As the Facebook page reads; Young Rich is a TV series about young, rich and successful Kenyans who are making an impact in their fields and creating wealth while at it. The show was created as a class assignment and it soon captivated the executives at K24 TV. How does one do it? According to Mbugua, it all starts with owning your intellectual property. This means trademark and copyright your ideas, because you never know which of them will actually turn a profit. Mbugua says the spark that ignited the idea came to him one day (on the john). “To be the best you have to know the best and learn from the best and in this case it’s about being the best at making money,” he adds. Walking through his home office near Nakumatt Junction one can see the process involved in making a television show. On one wall in the room reserved for his office lies an impromptu notice board potential guests for the show. On the opposite side is his mac (final cut is always on)
in this room serious brain storming sessions and lots of coffee have been converted to what appears on your screen. Shooting generally happens on the weekends and Monday through Thursday is spent editing the footage shot and booking guests. So what is the secret to the show? Well, Mbugua attributes it to careful planning, having a sense of humor that can be translated through video, film, product or service and above all else total respect for the end consumer. “Young Rich is only the tip of the iceberg,” Mbugua says candidly. He speaks about eventually having numerous shows on different channels. I quip and say “like jerry Breukhimer?” he laughs and says “why not …” I infer that that may be overstretching it a bit, given industry politics. He replies, “No one gives it to you. You have to take it”. Taking a chance, I pose the same question he does to the people in the show “How much are you worth?” Convinced he will dodge the question I wait anxiously and he replies “about a million now, with other budding projects that could change”. At this point of the conversation, I begin to wonder if money is everything to Mbugua. “Money isn’t everything, it’s just a way to keep score,” he says. So what’s next for Young Rich? Just before I take my leave seeing as Mbugua is a busy man I ask him one last question, I ask what he would do if he had unlimited monetary resources. He smirks then he responds “Make Movies, man … I just want to make movies.” 9
events
Results Fiba Africa Zone 5 Championships
USIU’s Emma Nyakweba was the highest scorer in the women’s category in the recently concluded regional zone 5 basketball competitions held in Burundi. However, USIU Martial Eagles basketball ladies saw a defeat from Eagle Wings, a Kenyan team and managed to secure a second position in the championships. For the men’s category, Urunani of Burundi put up a fair fight and won the men’s championship against the defending champions Espoir BBC of Uganda. The USIU Eagles men held the fifth position in these championships. Congratulations to the USIU Eagles team for representing us with honor.
Honoring African Legends
Michezo Afrika in collaboration with the Nigerian Students Association Kenya on October 2nd 2013, brought “Honoring African Legends”. This was a platform for the two groups to showcase the different African cultures and diversities we have in Africa, among them fashion, music by Fela Kuti, cultural ceremonies and African literature by Chinua Achebe. It was great experiencing Nigerian culture in Kenya. The venue was the USIU auditorium.
Michezo Afrika Screens Their New Series
The USIU Michezo Afrika club launched a TV series dubbed ‘Two Faces’ at the USIU auditorium on November 8th evening. Michezo Afrika club is spearheading USIU’s film production projects. Chief Guest, Radio Africa Group chairman Kiprono Kittony said, “Radio Africa Group is willing to work with those in the performing arts by sharing their content through various platforms. The media industry is constantly looking for content as it drives conversations.” Baringo Senator Gideon Moi read the Kenya Film Commission chairman Chris Foot’s speech. He encouraged the student’s to make a contribution to the film industry. In attendance were USIU’s Deputy Vice Chancellor Academic affairs Prof Mathew Buyu, USIU’s Head of Alumni Uvyu Mbole, NTV’s producer Justus Tharao, Head of Marketing and Communication USIU Jane MuriithiThomas and USIU Alumni. -Stories by Sauti Team 10
Sauti | Fall 2013
fashion
Of Style and Men When, What, and How to Wear
By Malcolm Muga
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Summer Hats
hen it comes to fashion, men have generally been dealt a bad hand. An elite few of us have however found ways in which to enjoy the luxury of style. There is no reason as to why every man cannot enjoy a slice of the proverbial pie. Here you have a chance to enjoy this summer with hats. Looking around the USIU community, I realize that only 3 types of hats make the rounds. There is the basic baseball cap which seems to be the functional option that is very safe and boring. Then there is the beanie, which could make a statement but it’s more of a winter accessory which means we in Kenya have a window of about 6 – 8 weeks a year where it is acceptable to wear a beanie unless you are a hipster; otherwise it is such a faux- pas. Then there is the worst culprit the snap back, which is actually exhausting. Around every corner there will be one in an awkward combination of color that will confuse and cause your mind to reboot so as to be able to function properly. Do not get me wrong, the snap back is not unacceptable; it is just over done. So as the summer comes around I would like to see more risks being taken. Hats are great for the summer; first they help protect your hair from discoloring caused by the sun. Yeah guys, no one wants that awkward brown colored hair. A hat could do wonders for your basic shorts and t-shirt outfit making a Sauti | Fall 2013
very bland and average look stand out. There are two hat styles that every man needs to have this summer; the panama and the boater. One of the greatest things about these hats is the ease with which they replace the fedora as they go to dress up hat. These hats are both made of straw
which means they breathe and you will not get too hot in one of these. The Panama hat The Panama hat originated from Ecuador in the mid 1800’s. However; it sold best in Panama thus its name. It is a brimmed straw hat. Although it is an old hat and could easily make your look dated when worn correctly, the Panama hat is the semi- formal hat of the season. When you have a blazer on with a tie and button down shirt it is very easy to look overdressed. Throw on a panama hat to make your look a tad bit less formal. This will in turn constitute for a great day look when going to all those barbeques, cocktail parties and summer weddings. The Panama hat is a great addition to any man’s summer closet.
The boater Like the Panama, this hat is also a woven straw hat but it has a flat crown and brim typically with a solid or striped grosgrain ribbon around the crown. With origins in the late 19th and early 20th century, Boaters were popular as casual summer wear especially for sailing and how they got their rather obvious name. The boater hat generally works well with a v-neck t-shirt and jeans and boat shoes for the summer. You could alternatively swop the jeans for a pair of colored chinos if you are a bit more daring. You can dress up a boater hat by wearing it with a button up shirt and a bow tie this will give a more peppy and whimsical look. These looks with a boat hat work best for a day out, on a lunch date or running errands on bright summer days. Any of these two or better both would make great additions to your closet because they are versatile, they are classic and most of all they are stylish. Furthermore, the best thing about investing in hats like this, you will be able to use them for most part of the year if you live in Kenya because our weather is generally warm throughout the year. 11
fashion
Africa is increasingly making a statement in the world fashion scene and Kenya is not left by the side lines. Staying on trend is an impotant facet of society and that is why this hot season we recommend color and denim. Pairing them with neutrals like white and beige will ensure that you look fantastic and season appropriate as worn by Natasha (Kenya/Jamaica) and Ludwig (Cameroon) and Eric (Kenya) seem to apprecite it in these photos. Be worldy , be Kenyan, be African wear color this season.
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Sauti | Fall 2013
fashion
Pictures by M.M ShotsŠ Clothes & Makeup by Models Models ; female : Natasha Male : Ludwig & Eric
Sauti | Fall 2013
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fashion
Student Stylist Emerging in African Fashion as she used to tear some of the clothes that her parents bought for her and designed them to the way she preferred them to look like.“I remember a particular time when my mum was really mad at me as I had cut a dress she had bought for me into a top,” she said with a smile on her face. Angela claimed that her turning point was in July 2010 when she displayed her work during the varsity’s cultural week and ended up selling all her designs as she received positive attitude towards her work. The Psychology major student said that she has never gone back since
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By Emily Nzasu he current buzz about the African fashion industry is very evident in the works of talented African fashion designers, models, stylists, editors, bloggers and fashion entrepreneurs. The African fashion scene is creating waves globally, yet within the continent there is almost no connection or awareness of the many amazing designers and their work. I carried out an intensive survey and research on upcoming young African fashion stylist. I talked to Angela Tito who is an African fashion design stylist. The fourth year USIU student said that she started with making beaded jewelry when she was 10years old. She added that she had a sense of fashion since she was young 14
then. Angela added that she did not expect the young people especially her fellow students to show so much interest in her African designs as most of the youth today prefer clothes from international designers like Gucci. With a smile on her face, the 23 year old went ahead to add that after realizing that African fashion was picking up well, she talked to her parents and asked them for a loan which she used to buy material like beads, cloth and leather which she uses in making her products.
‘’My parents have played a big role in making me who I am today, as they have always encouraged me not to give up on fashion as it is my passion,” claimed Angela. In September 2012, Angela opened a curio shop in Ongata Rongai, known as The African Curio Ornaments shop. The USIU student stylist has been privileged to attend and dress fashion models for events such as the recent Miss Tourism Kajiado County event held at the Masai Lodge Hotel. The designs showcased in the exclusive event, featured bursts of color and flowing silhouettes. Earthy colors and African fabrics in wearable designs were prominent. She has also dressed models for modeling agencies like for the Two Face modeling agency during photo shoots which were held in August 2013 at the Maro Gardens. Angela gets her cloth materials, beads and leather from Nairobi, Kampala and Moshi. She explains that the reason she travels to all these places to get her work material is because she believes in diversity as it results to the production of quality products and in this case quality designs. Most of her customers are young people. “I think there is a wealth of fashion in Africa and I think we are making Africa fashion as we go along, so I think it changes through the season over time,” Angela says. Finally, Angela advised young people who would like to venture into African fashion to go into the field with an open mind and be creative. She went ahead to emphasize on the need of having unique designs claiming that the field is very competitive and it’s important for a designer to have his or her own unique designing style. Sauti | Fall 2013
feature
USIU Radio: Behind The Scenes
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By Denver Ochieng eople always assume that radio is the easiest media enterprise to run but what happens behind the scenes is quite the contrary. USIU Radio was set up to horne the journalistic radio talents in USIU. Over the years USIU radio has seen great success with some quarters stating that it is arguably the best campus radio station in Kenya. Some of the presenters and deejays from this campus radio have moved on to become a great success in the industry. Many people always approach me to ask about radio, how it runs, and what they have to do to be a part of the station. To begin with, if you want to be a part of USIU Radio you must have the passion. Many a times we have presenters who take up shows and after a semester or two they drop out. You have to realize that radio is all about passion, consistency, content and relevance. These are the basic guidelines you have to have so as to ensure your show has a long shelf life. In my case, I started off in USIU radio as a deejay in my second semester. Although I have been a part of many radio shows, I have
Sauti | Fall 2013
managed to stay in radio because of the four guidelines I have mentioned above. You also have to realize that it is not easy. Once you get a show on radio you would normally expect a large traffic of interaction saying how awesome the show is. In reality these interactions are rare if you are a first timer and the traffic will not be as significant as you thought it would be. Rome was not built in a day, so patience is key in radio. Humility is important in radio. Do not let all the hype get to your head. Be open to criticism from everyone including your own fellow presenters and producers. Keep an ear on your target audience and find out what areas they think you should improve on as a presenter, radio deejay, etc. Finally, be open to change and growth. Luckily you will be a part of a campus radio station and you have the time and opportunity to explore all possible areas in radio. Be open to everything because in almost all areas of life diversity and ability to do almost everything is important. Once you have all these guidelines set in your mind, approach radio with a proposal of your show which has a clock outlining how you want
to structure it with your desired timeline and a voice demo which can be organized by USIU Radio. Once this is done, we will help you to turn your radio dreams into reality.
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entertainment EVENTS
Mr. & Ms. USIU 2013:
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By Joel Tugaineyo he ivory runway, the flashing neon lights, the explosive hard rock blaring in the background, athletic dudes in sleek black suits, curvaceous ladies in killer heels... That’s never really been my kind of thing. You’re not here to read about me. You’re here to find out whether Mr. and Ms. USIU 2013 lived up to all the hype. So, was it worth the price of admission? If you were there, you’re probably pretty clear on how you felt about the whole thing. But stick around and you might learn something. I know I did. 16
Mr. and Ms. USIU is the culmination of a series of preliminary events where USIU students are pitted against each other in challenges which test their beauty, confidence, creativity, talents, and their ability to work a crowd among other things. The atmosphere was tense with contestants dashing in and out of changing rooms and organizers looking like they were minutes away from pulling their hair out. As I watched the contestants finish getting ready and head backstage in a line, I could see that they were all content to have made it so far. They all held their heads high like
they were all winners. From what I could see, the finals just seemed like a victory lap where the best of the best would be chosen. The crowd around me burst into a flurry of earpiercing screams as the contestants made their way onto the runway one by one. The excitement throughout the event was border-line insane. Everything from the flamboyant shirtless antics of the male contestants, to the suggestive dance choreography yielded screams. Though they all put on a good show, there could only be two. Raymond Shigoli was crowned Mr. USIU and Yvette Shumbusho was crowned Ms. USIU. Though I had grown to see Mr. and Ms. USIU through new eyes, I still had some reservations. When all is said and done, what does the title mean exactly? I put this question to Dr. Githua who also happens to be the new patron for the event. He told me that from here on, things were going to change. Mr. & Ms. USIU, together with the other title holders and finalists will serve as ambassadors for the university, failure to which would lead to them being stripped off their titles. The event was a clash of titans, a competition that wasn’t accentuated by bitter rivalry or shallow desires for popularity, rather it was a celebration of hard work, dedication, and selfbelief. It commemorated the accomplishments of the contestants, rewarding their courage and endurance in getting so far into the competition. That makes Mr. & Ms. USIU a positive platform for all USIU students to express themselves. For anyone who missed out on the crown, the experience is not disheartening, rather it leaves them feeling like a part of the larger winner’s circle. Sauti | Fall 2013
: A Clash of The Titans
Female Contestants entertaining the crowd.
Usiu students enjoying the event.
Contestants in evening wear. Sauti | Fall 2013
Miss. Congeniality at her best. 17
FOOD FOR THOUGHT
Here is a Thought: No Compromise!
“A
man comes into my life and I have to compromise. For what? For what?! A relationship is a relationship that has to be earned-not to compromise for.” This incredible quote from American singer Eartha Mae Kitt is an unpopular approach to relationships. Most relationship advice is about preaching compromise as it is the oil of relationships. It lubricates the contentious parts allowing for two parties to carry on rather than separate out of disagreement. Compromise is about meeting half way so that both parties are partially happy. It is supposed to be a middle ground where everyone is to be relatively satisfied. However, some compromise negotiations down the line, arguments about who gets their way more often arises and nothing spells Splits-Ville better than a dissatisfied partner. Further to that, most compromise comes from the weaker party plus it is a fact that the person least interested in the relationship is the one to not back down on what he/she wants. Soon the party who is forever giving in mainly out of the desperation to be in a relationship becomes resentful because their needs and wants are not being met. However what is the point of being in a relationship in which you are not fulfilled or where one has to give up who they are so as to be accepted by their partner. Looked at soberly, compromise is about settling for the perceived realities of life, giving in to its necessities and doing away with your ambitions because you do no want life to be too much of a chore. It is the easier option but its also a case for mediocrity. Compromise is only worth it when values and principles are not up for negotiation. It is regrettable when men and women build their dreams on a foundation of sand that cannot weather the test of storms but compromises in the face of the slightest challenge. Principles ought to be customized to circumstances not compromised away. - By Grace Akatch
Poetry
Garden
I
have my gardens recite to me In many tongues of flowers In their poppy-seeds I see sweetness and life without bearing judgement. For I have learned enough of my share of my own existence in the melodious names of a hundred fragrances And fruits. And in their sweetness, I will buy back something of their composure Which holds me here for a while under the scorching skies. For such bitterness would not chill me Half as much as these mute pleadings Held with so much promise and wealth. For that is what I understand: Ripe fruits and flowers held in their own poetry Dripping with bolus colours Set before a thousand canvas Arrayed in the sun Exhausted by their own beauty and pligh -By Kaycee Aguocha
The Funny Story of the Creation of Man
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ve was talking with God in the Garden of Eden, and she said “Dear God I have a problem. It’s a beautiful garden, but I’m terribly lonely and I’m sick of eating apples”. “Okay. I’ll create a Man for you” said God. “What’s a MAN?” asked Eve. “Oh, he’s a creature with aggressive tendencies, an enormous ego who doesn’t listen and gets lost a lot, but he’s big and strong, he can open jars and hunt animals for you, plus he’s fun in bed”. “Would you like that?”. “Oh yes, Lord!” “But there’s just one other, just one other thing....he’s going to want to believe I made him first”. - By Kaycee Aguocha
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food
Minced Chips fry for 10 minutes. Combine the rest of the ingredients and leave for 2 minutes to cook. For fries, peel potatoes. Cut into long chips about 1.5cm thick. Use a clean tea towel or large piece of paper towel to pat potatoes dry. Pour vegetable oil into a large saucepan, deep-fryer until it is half-full. Heat over medium-high heat until a small piece of potato skin sizzles when dropped into oil. Place a wire rack over a large oven tray lined with paper towels. Divide chips into 2 batches. Cook chips, 1 batch Ingredients: at a time, for 5 minutes or until they just start to color. 400g of minced beef, 1 onion, 1 green pepper, seeds Use a slotted spoon to remove to rack. Repeat with removed, a pinch of dried oregano, 1 grated corgette remaining 1 batch, allowing oil to reheat in between , 4 tbsp. of vegetable oil. A pinch of salt, a pinch of batches. Preheat oven to 180°C. pepper, cinnamon, bay leaves, a bunch of coriander, a When all chips have been cooked, allow them to cool pinch of nutmeg, a pinch of powder cloves, 1/16 tsp. for 10 minutes until crisp and golden. Keep warm on of ginger, ½ kg potatoes, 1litre of cooking oil. rack in oven while cooking remaining chips. Method: After the fries are ready, pour into the frying pan with For the minced meat, pour 4 tablespoon of olive oil the fried minced meat and mix well. into frying pan. Serve with cold soft drink, eat while still warm. Roughly chop the onion and fry till brown. -By Georgette Adrianne Add the beef minced meat in the frying pan and let it
Spicy Tomato Soup
Ingredients: 6 tomatoes, 1potato, 1 medium green pepper, 1 large onion, 4 large garlic cloves, 1 fresh chili (optional), ½ teaspoon tomato paste, ¼ teaspoon dried tarragon, Salt to taste, Coriander (dhania) to garnish, 2 table spoons Sauti | Fall 2013
of oil (preferably olive oil) Method: Peel the tomatoes and potatoes and roughly dice. Finely chop onions, garlic, chili and green pepper. Heat a heavy base sauce pan and fry onions for 2 minutes on medium heat. Add in the potato, garlic and green peppers and cover for 5 minutes, then add in the tomatoes and all the other remaining ingredients and cook on low heat for 35 minutes. Once ready, place in a food processor and blend.
Best served hot with a side serving of vegetable wraps and fresh bread. - By Cecilia Garama 19
entertainment
What You Love About Africa By Malcolm Muga and Georgette Adrianne
Name: James Oranga Area of lecture: Journalism. Hobbies: Reading and Debating. Favorite African food: Fish and Terrere. What you love most about Africa: Prominent diversity of cultures. Name: Brenda Wambua Area of lecture: English Hobbies: Reading and travelling. Favorite African food: Ugali and Fish. What you love most about Africa: The warmth of the people. Name: Joyce Akatch Area of lecture: Visual Arts. Hobbies: Swimming and Ceramics. Favorite African food: Ugali and Fish. What you love most about Africa: The weather, and the fact that Africa is homely. Name: Munene Macharia Area of lecture: International Relations. Hobbies: Thinking, watching games and occasionally playing. Favorite African food: Githeri. What you love most about Africa: Being African. 20
The weather; even when it is bad its still beautiful. The people are also friendly and very accepting. -Billy (Kenyan).
Tusker! And Diani. Also the work ethic of the Kenyan people. -Jessica (Kenyan)
The weather is pretty, the food, the fact that Nairobi is cosmopolitan and Kenyans are so nice -Amina (Somali-Dutch)
Tusker! the people are really nice and always smiling. -Tyler (American)
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entertainment
Astrology, Concisely Put
A
strology is the study of celestial bodies’ influence on human experience. Celestial bodies include the sun and other stars, the moon, and the planets of our solar system. Experience consists of our interpersonal relationships, personal finances, work and career matters, personality characteristics, family life, and our physical, mental and emotional health. Astrology has been studied for thousands of years and has been transmitted across cultures for nearly as long. Western astrology is the type with which most of us are acquainted. The zodiac consists of 12 houses or signs (with dates): Aries the Ram (20 March – 20 April), Taurus the Bull (20 April – 21 May), Gemini the Twins (21 May – 21 June), Cancer the Crab (21 June – 22 July), Leo the Lion (22 July – 23 August), Virgo the Virgin (23 August – 23 September), Libra the Scales (23 September – 23 October), Scorpio the Scorpion (23 October – 22 November), Sagittarius the Archer (22 November – 21 December), Capricorn the Goat (21 December – a20 January), Aquarius the Water Bearer (20 January – 19 February), and Pisces the Fishes (19 February – 20 March). If your birthday falls on a date of overlap, the hour and minute of birth determines your sign. The time and date of your birth determine your astrological natal chart, which includes the position of the planets, the sun, and the moon within the houses of the zodiac when you were born. The planets and the moon are in constant motion, so they are continuously moving through the houses of the zodiac as the hours,
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days, months and years pass. Because there are 12 signs in the zodiac and 24 hours in a day, the sun changes houses of the zodiac about every two hours. Modern technology makes the exact calculation of your chart simple if you know the time and geographic location at which you were born. The position of the earth within the zodiac at the time of your birth determines your sun sign, while the position of the sun at the time of your birth determines your ascendant, or rising, sign. While the sun sign is said to describe your true character at heart, the rising sign describes how you portray yourself to others or your outward personality. The position of the moon at your birth determines your moon sign, which describes your inner emotions and intuitions. A more in-depth explanation of your personal astrological natal chart should explain why daily or weekly horoscopes can be vague and misleading. Astrology is far too complex to be so simply explained; this simple and inaccurate understanding of astrology is what turns so many people away from it. You can calculate your chart by creating a profile on www.astro. com or by reading books on astrology. Linda Goodman is a world-renowned American astrologer whose books Sun Signs and Relationship Signs can be found at Text Book Centre in Sarit Centre, Westlands. Astrology can help you understand yourself and those around you, so before rejecting it, give it a try and see what it can do for you. -By Andrew Papke 21
sauti team
Georgette Adrianne Wamboi
A self-motivated meticulous individual. My diversions are my fiance and family. I dedicate the hardwork I put in the magazine to my departed grandmother Cecilia Grace Wambui and Sister-in-Law Jessica Khanyanga Mutama.
Denver Ochieng
I’m a hardworker and multitalented individual destined for greatness. My inspirations include my mother, my family,friends and life in general and my motto is “live love life”.
Cecilia Sidi Garama
Halima Nsangou
Malcolm Muga
Kevin Kiritu
I’m a 3rd year journalism I’m a fun loving, hard working, student whose concentration is film fanatic. Hobbies include in broadcast. I love choclate and reading, yoga, sleeping and swimming. watching any film by Quentin Tarantino.
A photography enthusiast who also enjoys other forms of art. I have a passion for creating beautiful things for others to enjoy.
I’m a journalism major who loves soccer, food, music and photography. My inspirations in life are Malcolm X and Mohammed Ali.
Other Contributors
Kaycee Aguocha Lebohang Thuo Nick Thuita Solomon Naviswa 22
Andrew Papke Bina Maseno Emily Nzasu Grace Akatch
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MAKING THE ORDINARY EXTRAORDINARY
a photograph is life‘s save button f facebook.com/onaphotographyke gonaphotographyke@gmail.com w onaphotographyke.wordpress.com Sauti | Fall 2013
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Mr. and Miss. USIU 2013, Raymond Shigoli and Yvette Shumbusho.