THE SERENITY

photo by paul ndunda

issue one

of media gains and loses... the journey from an underdog to a powerhouse industry in the region.

ukumbi wa lugha.. a pointer at our ignorance in creation and usage of swahili words.

do we need the government in our football?... a candid observation at what ails our football.

why same sex marriages is unacceptable in africa... are we ready to deal with it?

a ‘hustler’ or a genious? ....the how and why of living.

cohabiting among campus students..... is it really necessary? personal reflections...

journey of life after high school.

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EDITOR’S NOTE Come to think of it, there’s a very thin line between the words “frenzy”, “haze” and “parameter”. Giving a keen eye to the Kenya’s education system and the evolution of technology, then you would be in a position to agree with me.

The better part of The East African Community envies our education system but only us, who have gone through it, know it is all bark and no bite from the Ministry of Education. The system needs an overhaul and the haze is uncontrollable with employers complaining of half-baked graduates that can’t perform the simplest responsibilities assigned to them.

Unfortunately, we all are after successful lives. It is this same killing frenzy that causes regrets right after celebrating the good apples we pluck after a four-year course in high school.

Parents should be aware of the co-habiting habits among the campus students and know if it is mediocrity they celebrate after hopeful results of their kids. Find more on this in page 19 But amidst all that, we work ourselves through the already established parameters and evolve technologically with the rest of the global community. We find the relevance of electronic gadgets in our economy despite the criticisms mentioned above. We embrace operating systems for our gadgets but learn more about LINUX in our issue and get ready to be done with what you are using right now. Being more critical, I just love the cognition we have! Proud to be Kenyan.

This issue is full of stories to inspire and fill you with a steady and perpetual serenity, from JKUAT taking time to remember the disabled; showing no prejudice of any kind, relationship matters and sporty matters. Catch our Kiswahili expert, Tony Musyoka, in our Ukumbi wa Lugha feature as he takes us through the journey to proper creation and usage of Swahili words.

It is our hope that regardless of criticisms on our 8-4-4 system, you will still embrace positivism and strive to live as geniuses and not ‘hustlers’ just like our President who is putting his best foot forward without drooping The laptop project is a good start I must say.

ENJOY READING

Editor: Wangui Githugo Email: lgithugo@yahoo.com

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TABLE OF CONTENTS...

PERSPECTIVE

OF MEDIA GAINS AND LOSSES........................................................................................................................................................ 1

SENSIBLE TALK

ADDICTED TO GADGETS.....................................................................................................................................................................2

HUSTLE AND BUSTLE

THE JOURNEY BY GRACE...................................................................................................................................................................3

SPORTY MATTERS

DO WE NEED THE GOVERNMENT IN OUR FOOTBALL......................................................................................................................4.

TECHNOLOGY TALK

DEMISTIFYNG THE LINUX....................................................................................................................................................................5

MATTERS OF THE HEART

A LETTER TO MY LOVE.........................................................................................................................................................................7

DECENCY MATTERS

WHY SAME SEX MARRIAGES IS NOT ACCEPTABLE IN AFRICA....................................................................................................7

EDUCATION MATTERS

EDUCATION IN KENYA NEEDS AN OVERHAUL.................................................................................................................................9

SPORTY MATTERS

HOW MONEY INFLUENCED COMPETITION......................................................................................................................................10

JUST A THOUGHT

MY LIFE AS A SHILLING......................................................................................................................................................................14

WELFARE MATTERS

THE DISABLE RECEIVE LOVE............................................................................................................................................................16

MEDIOCRE MATTERS

CELEBRATE MEDIOCRITY..................................................................................................................................................................18

RELATIONSHIP MATTERS

COHABITING AMONGST CAMPUS STUDENTS................................................................................................................................19

CANDID TALK

LIVE AS A GENIOUS NOT A HUSTLER.............................................................................................................................................20

UKUMBI WA LUGHA

TUSIJIVISHE USWAHILI TUKAKIHARIBU KISWAHILI....................................................................................................................21

SITUATIONS

THAT SITUATION...............................................................................................................................................................................23

REFLECTIONS

PERSONAL REFLECTIONS.................................................................................................................................................................24

THE SERENITY TEAM PROFILE......................................................................................................................................25

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perspective OF MEDIA GAINS AND LOSES. By ochieng Joshua.

The media industry in the African continent and with regards to the Kenyan media, the journey to where it has reached is thus so far eventful, experiencing much needed gains and yet loosing on some fronts.

On the gains, opening up of the media space was one of the most prudent and probably the mother of all gains. The era of one station (KBC) wasn’t that promising to the development of this nation politically given the importance of the fourth estate, allowing establishment of independent media outlets has gone a long way to ensure the flow information which after all is vital to humanity.

The promulgation of a new constitution in 2010 is another massive gain. The array of rights, freedoms and liberties spelt out in the constitution is important for a vibrant media, the freedom of speech, the right to information and other relevant freedoms and liberties allows individuals and pressure groups and other bodies and entities express opinion and information as considerately as they may find.

Pursuant to what has already being discussed, an increasingly enlightened mass is very essential to growth of media. Growing media literacy skills among Kenyans is impressive and this translates to a growing hunger for information and this puts pressure on the media to feed this need thus the need to unclip its wings.

A vibrant political arena is another reason behind the growth of media. Politics based on policies though now not in a commendable level, the situation is in the right direction. The political elite are slowly realizing the significance of free flow of information and this is increasing responsibilities for the media.

Technology is another vital pillar. An evolving technology avails an opportunity for better delivery of services.

The concept of new media is fast taking root in the Kenyan media situation and this is expanding avenues for transferring information in real-time, interactivity among content creators and consumers, creation and enrichment of content and other phenomena.

On the setbacks, the legislature is one of the culprits in the betrayal of these growths. Cooking up legislations better known as draconian is not entirely conventional; these laws limit and stunt the horizons of a reliable and fulfilling media industry.

Unprofessionalism among media practitioners is eating into the gains already made, it seems like some of the journalists don’t read and understand the journalistic code of conduct and ethics. Maybe it’s not their making or maybe it is. Media training institutions with no proper approval to train media practitioners are pumping out a mass of quarter backed professionals, who are liabilities to the industry, and this is a very sorry situation and something amicable should be done about that.

jeff koinange: KTN journalist.

The independent media outlets are doing a disservice to themselves. Interests of the owners may play unfavorably with positive growth. Maybe it would be better if to a great extent they keep their personal interest to themselves and let professionals do what they do best.

Ignorance is another issue. Sheer ignorance is extremely annoying. Generally Kenyans have a very poor reading culture and this is the most obvious root of all these, witlessness can only be arrested if people especially journalists read avidly and extensively.

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sensible talk.

ADDICTED TO GADGETS.

By Wangui Githugo.

Dating has evolved and with the busy schedules people have today, social networking sites provide an introductory proximity.

Billions of people around the globe are today in possession of an assortment of electronic gadgets. Smartphones, tablets, iPods, Bluetooth gadgets, and video game consoles are some of the electronic gadgets that today mark the evolution of technology.

Numerous benefits are associated with these devices, including the fact that they help save time, increase convenience, hasten communication, and provide entertainment. Tablets, for instance, enable one to quickly read eBooks, download music, engage with people on social networking sites, and keep up with one’s emails among other uses.

However, concern has been growing over the impact of electronic gadgets on personal social interaction specifically face to face communication. With widespread use of these gadgets, many people are opting out of physically meeting and discussing matters with others. Why meet a friend when you can simply make a call or send a text? Some may ask.

The youth are heavy users of electronic gadgets and communication forms such as instant messaging and internet sites such as blogs, social networking sites, and sites for sharing photos and videos. Considering this, questions abound as to whether such means of communication are changing the amount and nature of interactions among families and relatives. .....continued on page 14

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hustle and bustles THE JOURNEY BY GRACE. By ndunda paul Many tales have been told about Nairobi. Some nicknamed it the Nairobery because of its high crime ratings. Movies have been released ‘Nairobi Half Life’ and songs have been sang,’Nai ni ya Nani’ and many others describing the state of our city, the damn city as some may describe it .Have you ever thought of how the risks encountered while you are travelling from the city to its outskirts? A trip to J-Town {juja town} as never been pleasant and is one hell of experience.

Once you hit Ronald Ngala Street in your vicinity to Munyu road where matatus that ply to Juja pick passengers, several threats are detected. This is where the hardship of your trip starts. First you have to be careful or else you get hit by the rough Githurai buses. The only buses that lack specified and designated locations for picking passengers .They flock and block the whole of Ronald Ngala street ,hooting and overlapping like craze. Their rogue crews care less and are always in competition with the other bus operators.

This isn’t so complex it’s just a threat that you can overcome.

You have now crossed safely to Munyu road. There, you either board Lopha travels, Star bus or a section of thika super highway.

Kenya Mpya. . If you are a high rocking music fanatic, without doubt you will prefer lopha of star bus. If you are a Christian and a devoted one in this case like me, you would board Kenya Mpya where drivers are ever sober and give you a psychological assurance that you will arrive safely. The threat here is only one, if it dares rain, bus fare will double and you will end up patting with serious amounts of monies.

From Nairobi to Juja is far and the journey may be boring at times. Due to this, you might think of boarding a vehicle that has some encouraging and Godly phrases, am yet to understand whether this is a strategy that matatu operators use to attract such types of passengers. Phrases like ‘by grace, God Is the provider, In God we trust and To God be the glory are very common. So to console yourself that it won’t rain you board a bus written ‘by grace’ on the rear bumper and some inspirational quote inside on window stickers and some nice posters of Gospel artists. Now you are onboard waiting for the bus to set off. One more threat, due to various grenade attacks that have been taking place in the country, you should be on look out because you never know, a grenade might find its way in the bus through your open window.

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sporty matters The bus sets off and you are now cruising on Thika road.

The ‘Asusu’ by DK kwenye Beat is blaring from the bus stereo. You are there enjoying the comfort of the back seat, admiring nice graffiti and stickers in the bus. Peeping through the window you see a Johnnie Walker billboard at roosters. On the ad, Paul Tergat is telling you that life is a journey and success is not measured by the humble beginnings but the greatness of your finishing so keep walking.

Before you conceptualize the intended meaning of whole the statement, you are on vicinity of Githurai, the only town in Kenya where your valuables are robbed in advance.

In Githurai, everything happens and people are ever busy with their errands, running up and down to make a living either legally or illegally. If you are never careful enough somebody might make you his fortune of the day, Illegal hustle I mean. In Githurai, scantily dressed ladies are undressed dare not wear anything above the knees at Githu or else you face the wrath of the natives.

To overcome some of these threats detected at Githurai, make sure that your purse and wallet are in a safe place. Still slide your glass window closed and beware of hawkers, they might snatch your phone in pretext that they are hawkers.

By grace you overcome them all, a miracle indeed.

You are now past Mugenda’s institution with hopes that the journey will end smoothly. If you are a visitor in Kenya, you might not understand what I meant with this writing but typical Kenyans do. Its Kenyan style and only in Kenya where a passenger shares a seat with another for over an hour and never says hi or turn to his/her face.

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DO WE NEED THE GOVERNMENT IN OUR FOOTBALL REVOLUTION?

By luvai ike.

It’s time for us to realize we are running out of time and start preparing for the 2016 African cup of Nations.

Kenyan football needs to get to some higher standards and start matching some of the top countries in Africa.

Am talking of Africa because a good champion starts by having authority over his own area before trying to rule his neighbors.

For the past few years, our national soccer team has been inconsistent to some level that our own fans have even rate the poorest countries to be way much better than us. In most of our international games we have been conceding late goals and end up losing painfully leaving behind so many questions to be asked. Sacking our coaches has always been our first reformation in attempts to re organize the team but has it ever worked for us? Maybe it worked during the 2013 CECAFA tournament but then how about the 2014 world cup qualification matches?

Generally, we have very good players who can deliver but they need motivation. The government or rather the ministry of sports needs to show their concern over the performance of the national team. It’s a national team and we will never run away from the fact that we need the government in every development stage as a nation. The government is like our father and as a father, the failure of your son is same as your failure as a father. Am yet to know that kind of father who never cares for his children, that kind of father who is never affected by the negative psychology of his son, that kind of father who never gives a damn when his son blunders. I mean we need to see the relevant authorities acting like they mean what they are doing.

A good number of our players have been invited to the European countries for trials but only a few have satisfied those agents. Most of them fail to perform the very simple skills that defines a professional footballer. So what could be the major problem with our players? Still I will direct my concerns to the relevant authorities. ...continued on page 6

technology talk DEMISTIFYING THE LINUX. By ochieng Joshua.

Technology is very dynamic and nowhere else has this dynamism been felt than in the world of computers, in fact it is the primary driver of technology; computers are used to run machines and everything and everybody is hullaballoo-wing about going digital, but what really drives the computers? Let me take you through one of the operating systems that run our laptops, desktops and super comps: the LINUX operating system.

An operating system is a set of instructions and commands that a computer relies on to run other applications installed in computers like Microsoft office and to execute users’ commands. There are several operating systems, the windows O.S, Macintosh O.S, Ubuntu O.S, redhat O.S and Linux O.S. Linux is an O.S assembled collaboratively making it an open source software that is free, open source meaning no company or individual claims ownership. Compared to Ubuntu and redhat they are much more the same only that Ubuntu is a subset of the Linux platform the same with redhat but redhat got discontinued from the Linux platform in 2004 and another difference though minor is the applications they run.

Compared to common operating systems like Macintosh O.S and the popular windows O.S, Linux offers a user

access to source code thanks to its open source nature and one can customize it to their own specifications. The Macintosh O.S can only be installed and used only in the Mac p.c, while Linux and windows can run in the same system.

Which O.S is better? There is really no winner here because it depends with users’ tastes, preferences and needs, but the technical people tend to prefer the Linux because it can’t be affected by viruses, it’s free, and its light weight compared to windows, meaning it doesn’t use lots of a computer’s hardware resources.

The Linux is recommended for personal use because one doesn’t need to buy it, you only incur downloading costs and its resistant to viruses, so you don’t need to bother about corrupted files and all that blah, blah, blah… but despite these unique advantages it is not popular with most users because it’s not entirely user friendly, its interface only appeals to technical people and plus windows has been in the market longer than the Linux O.S. Linux’s future though looks bright because ‘coders’ are simplifying it and recently it can also be used in mobile phones and its versatility is making it compatible to more and more applications to suite the ever growing and demanding market. Its free-for-all nature gives it a unique and perfect chance to conquer the market.

So the next time you get a chance to interact with the Linux O.S dont waste it, especially the latest versions like the Linux mint 13.

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....from page,4 sporty matters by luvai ike.

They do not teach our football young stars those professional skills such that a player goes for trials and unfortunately fails the test. George blackberry Odhiambo is among those who were affected with the lack of professional quality when he went for trials at Belgium. Rama Salim also went out last year for trials but failed to impress.

This lack of professionalism is what is costing the performance of our football clubs in the African champions’ league.

I watched Gor mahia losing a match to Esperence last Sunday and I was never impressed. Afc Leopards also lost 2-0 to Supersports united in South Africa and you could clearly see how our football lacks professionalism. Our players normally just play their game, the one they are used to play since their childhood which lacks enough professional dribbling skills, poor passing skills and also not a good organization at the pitch. Whenever they win the ball back, they cannot perform a lot of creative works and instead they just run with the ball. Contrary to what our players do, the opponents appear to be more organized and you can clearly see what they are trying to do on the pitch.

I am concerned about the number of football academies in our country. Are they enough? Definitely not. We need to save the talents that we have and start preparing for the future. We want to be a nation that is consistence in the African cup of Nations. Our presence in World cup tournaments will also be vital in our revolution. The government needs to be so close in these progress and always stand by the national soccer team’s side. African cup of Nations 2016 here we come.

harambee stars in a previous cecafa tournament.

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matters of the heart.

A LETTER TO MY LOVE By ndunda paul.

My effort to suppress my feelings towards you has been fruitless. It’s hard to mutilate my desires and hopes to you babe but easier to pursue your affections. You are not only radiant but an advert of what beauty is am certain that our souls have that affection and we qualify to wallow in unison to a world of romance as birds of the same feathers. Manners have always barred me from oozing positive appreciations in public. I’ve liked to kiss your lips and pat your hips in an inciting manner. Your physique is anonymously seductive. It’s true that you and me believe that true love exists and soon my dimple will be in close proximity to your alluring face.

I think about you, sing about you, dream about you, and lose sleep worrying about you. When you are not with me, I search for you. When am with you, I fear losing you .You are my constant source of pleasure and I can’t predict from one minute to the other what it’s going to be.

It’s a crazy love, impossible to live without. It’s an emotion of exultation of extreme happiness bordering delirium and superficial onlookers may term me as insane.

Yours in love...

decency matters WHY SAME SEX MARRIAGE IS UNACCEPTABLE IN AFRICA. By githugo wangui.

What if your son, daughter or dad was gay?

That is the question most gay activists ask when they want to trap us in our gay-hating world. Many would ponder about this question for many days but I would not. I cannot understand how much Africans have to put up. Today it would be gays tomorrow it would be rapist and the day after that who knows.

Barrack Obama may support the gays but it is time Africans need to think for themselves. Are we ripe to accept these taboos into society? I believe not. We must stand by our virtues. Same sex marriages must not be allowed into our society.

Africa cannot survive if such vices are let into our society. It is unbearable to imagine the sight of men who are born to be macho, behaving like a woman.

As a child it would be a disturbing sight. The day we accept same sex marriages in Kenya we would have lost the moral torch. ...continued on page 12 7

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education matters.

EDUCATION IN KENYA NEEDS AN OVERHAUL. By githugo wangui.

As John w. Gardner said that, much education today is monumentally ineffective. All too often we are giving young people cut flowers when we should be teaching them to grow their own plants. This statement is a fact in many third world countries including Kenya.

Our current education policy was formulated after our independence to help the country to get rid of illiteracy and to enable us to sustain a workforce. Currently the level of literacy has grown tenfold in the country but our education policy is still the same.

The ministry of the education has failed to recognise that the job market requires more specialized education rather than jack of all trades.

The removal of technical subjects in primary schools even made our education worse since our children only learn theory lesson. At that age pupils should be able to be taught subjects such as home science, plumbing, agriculture and even business.

With such skills these children can decide whether to proceed with secondary education. Many voices were raised when it was announced that nearly 200,000 primary school graduates are going to miss places in our secondary schools.

Now that form one students have already joined secondary school, it is business as usual. Little has been done to increase the number of schools or teachers in the country. The truth is that the ministry of Education has done very little to increase capacity in our secondary schools. On the contrary it has been seen active while upgrading schools to those of National standards while the quality of education is seen to be the same all these years. ....continued on page 11

students oF state house girls high school.

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sporty matters No matter how strong your team is and how confident you are, there is that little boy inside you who is always getting By luvai ike. scared of other teams’ threats. As a matter of fact there is no cushion to prevent any team from finding its way to the It was until money came in that some teams betop. came a force in English football.

Manchester city came out strongly during the 2009Every single season since the English premier league 2010 season with their anonymous ways of spending money was started in 1992, we have been experiencing drama, entertainment and even bizarre events. Out of the 20 teams during the transfer windows. Many people said that they could only buy players and never buy success but well, that act as shareholders of the English league, only four money has changed everything in the English league right teams have been catching the eye with spectacular performances displaying the shape of this league. Manchester now. Talking of changes it’s not only in England but across united, Arsenal, Chelsea and Liverpool are among the list of the world. If you can sit back and wait for your players to develop while others are busy making deals in the transfer teams that have been molding the face of this league market then too bad for you. You will only enjoy some few Well, this season has proved to be the most difficult minutes of normal time on the pitch only for money to take season ever since I joined the fanatic fraternity in 2004.

There is no more four team domination and anyone has the over when it comes to the results. The invasion of money is not only affecting the big teams but also the smaller teams. ability to cause problems to any team. At the start of the 2013-2014 season, six teams appeared to be title contend- If a team wants to survive in the current era of football then digging dip into their bank accounts must be a priority. ers. Some fell out on the way due to technical reasons while others managed to keep their feet in it. Although it looks like the going is becoming tougher to some teams, others just seem to have found their feet and are inclined to fight till the final whistle is blown.

Competition is now much harder even down the table with a good number of teams fighting for their survival.

As much as top teams are battling it out at the top, bottom teams are also doing what is best for their survival.

Three out of a possible eight teams at the bottom could be relegated to the lower division at the end of the season meaning, no one is assured of a survival ticket so it will be down to the most consistent side and you never know it could be down to the lucky one as well.

We are talking of a league where teams are never assured of a win in any match, A league where the referee’s decision could alter the ascending order of the table at any moment, a league where any stupid decision made by the coach or the player could determine the results at the end This season is just amazing and whoever happens to land at the top of the table by the end of every weekend will instantly check the number of games remaining just to find out for how long he’s going to keep crossing the fingers.

HOW MONEY INFLUENCED COMPETITION

...continued on page 11

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continued from previous page sporty matters by luvai ike.

continued from previous page: education matters by wangui githugo.

Before this era of splashing cash came into fame, teams could only rely on the quality of performance at the pitch.

That’s why Arsenal could sell most of their stars almost every season and still challenge for a top four spot. Right now, they cannot do that because the consequences will be the most severe and the fans will experience the most devastating season of their lives, worst that what Manchester united fans have been forced to endure this season. Never mind anyway, we are now witnessing a very unusual and entertaining league thanks to the force of money.

What should we expect in the future? Probably more changes but hope the financial rules will reintroduce fair distribution of power in this league.d

Low Quality University programmes.

Our university programme is even worse with employers complaining that some of the graduates cannot perform the simplest responsibilities assigned to them.

Universities and colleges are now competing to introduce degree programmes with some of them even using lecturers with inferior qualifications. Such cases have been reported in universities offering law, engineering and business courses. If this trend continues we are going to lose most of the jobs to expatriates.

Universities and colleges now need to reform their programmes to accommodate emerging industries such as coal and crude oil mining and get rid of programmes that cannot be accommodated in the job market.

Information communication technology Information communication technology is the future of many economies and Kenya should not be left back in these ICT era .ICT has evolved over time and I think it’s time we allow our children to dream big. Western economies sell technology for big money and Kenya needs to put its best foot forward. The laptop project is a good start. The government should not sleep until our children have laptops in their classrooms. I fancy the day I would see my children develop a computer programme while they are still in school. The 8-4-4 has been criticized over the years of failing churn out the best out of society while the high income citizens send their children to schools offering European system of education. It is time our education system finds its relevance in our economy .It is our children’s future we are protecting.

david silva (right ) of manchester city vies for the ball with nemanja matic of chelsea. in a past EPL match.

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continued from page 7 decency matters by githugo wangui.

We would have lost insight on our future moral compass.

If homosexuality is not wrong, then nothing after that is wrong, everything becomes permissible.

A cattle rustler from your clan is still a criminal. The debate that if those who practice these vices were our own children and parents, it would be taken more lightly is not true. From where I come from, if your own child messes up you punish him more than if your nephew had done the same mistake.

The truth is that if we are serious about the fight of such vices, we would start with our children; educate them about our African virtues. Assist them to seek help if they are victims of this disease.

What next for us? We will be forced to legalize bestiality or even prostitution. You cannot invite all the street urchins to your home at the same time.

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You need time to cleanse them, we are not despising on the gays but we cannot allow the act. We will accommodate the gays their human rights but they should practice their acts in their hole.

Our children need protection. The gays need our support to change their perversions. If really same sex attraction is a condition, we would need maximum support. For the first time, I think we would need religious voices to seek divine intervention on the matter. It would really help to know what the one above expects from us.

We know Mother Nature wanted us to have a many children and this is only done by man and woman relationship. Whatever critics say they should remember that the fall of a dead leaf is a warning to the green ones. Let us be warned.

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just a thought.

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 2 SENSIBLE TALK BY GITHUGO WANGUI

Gone are the days when a significant number of family members would sit around a fire or dinner table after a day’s work and share experiences. Today, especially in urban areas, it would be more common to find a father engrossed in his laptop, a mother on the phone with friends or relatives, and children playing video games, watching television, or downloading the latest music to their iPods and MP3 players. This leaves little or no room for personal interaction.

Another scenario is how young people, especially on the local scene, choose to spend their free time. Rather than go out to showcase their talents through sports or art such as music, many youngsters would rather chat on Facebook, watch a variety of movies which they have painstakingly collected, or play online games.

More so, of growing concern is the breakdown in communication between couples due to electronic gadgets.

Such lack of personal direct communication further widens the gap that may be surviving between them.

Social networking sites have significantly changed the manner in which people get partners. This means that people can get to introduce themselves to others over such sites, then probably get to know each other later. However, there’s need for caution when interacting on such sites as many people assume a false identity. One should not rush into making commitments such as marriage without meeting the subject of their interest in person. Take time to develop a good friendship.

Even when people meet in social gatherings, distractions by electronic gadgets is common. During a wedding ceremony, for instance, it is not uncommon to see guests scrolling their iPads or texting. In church, some members of the congregation like tweeting or facebooking during the service.

That electronic gadgets are here to stay goes without saying. The human race has come so far technologically speaking and with minds like those of Steve Jobs and Bill Gates, we can expect more from the field of technology.

Nevertheless, there is a need to strike a balance in the use of the innovations as the human touch is still vital in enhancing communication.

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MY LIFE AS A SHILLING. By motura jecinta.

A shilling, yes I am. I existed many centuries ago. To some people I mean the world. Have you ever thought of life without a shilling, that is me? I am sure you have your answer. My story is quite long but I will like to let you know about my experiences in various situations One day, I think it was on a Monday. A lady came and conversed with the cashier. I could see her from the place I was. She was good- looking. Her voice and dressing code could tell much about her. She had come to withdraw some money from the bank. Fortunately or unfortunately, the cashier gave her me and my fellows well tied with a band.

Some of my friends were left behind and this gave me hard times but I did not have an option. The lady put is in a very clean handbag from where I could smell some pleasant fragrance. I tried the best I could to be calm but I couldn’t; I could not afford to ignore checking the many thing that were in that handbag, a comb, a mirror, lip gloss, eye liners, body lotion, an umbrella amongst others. “I bet this is a modern rich lady,” I thought. Truly that was a ‘selfcontained handbag’. My face on the mirror was the most amazing thing I saw. Clean, smooth and wonderful, yes I am.

It was around 12noon, and I guess the lady must have been hungry. Again she had driven for about 30 minutes since she left the bank. She packed the car in a shade of a very big jacaranda tree. I think she loves flowers because she smiled for the flowers that fell on her car’s windscreen. This was after she got me out of his handbag. She alighted and locked the car. I think I now understand why men like holding ladies’ hands. The hands of this lady were soft and warm. What a tender touch it was.

She walked to a restaurant that could be noticed from a distance. She ordered nice food. The aroma made me almost jump out of the purse. I thought the lunch was for both of us but unfortunately, I was the meal’s bill. I frowned since my fellows were just enjoying their moments in the bag. But I could not resist. I hated the way the cashier held me at his hands. She folded me and put me in a dirty pocket. .....continued on page 15

from previous page: my life as a shilling by motura jecinta

I thought ladies are tidy beings but anyway I understood her. The worst thing is that I was all alone in that pocket, bearing in mind that all along I had been enjoying good moments with my fellows. But it, “people will not always be there for you, so you should learn to be alone.” This encouraged me and I relaxed in there. My discomfort did not take long in the pocket. Another customer paid his meals bill and was given out as balance.

Again, I met others in the wallet. But they were strangers to me, they seemed old, dirty and some torn but I had to cope with the situation and interact with them. This time there was no good smell, checking around for a comb, and a mirror, amongst others. We were squeezed in the wallet that was full of identity cards and some folded papers. I tried to request my fellows to give space for breathing but it bore no fruits. I remembered the inspiration quote and pressed on in the struggle of breathing.

Truly humility and patience are virtues. The gentleman went to certain butchery. I think he was buying meat for his family because I overheard him talking to somebody and said that he was going home. He took me out and paid for his meat. This was a bad day for me. The butcher had some blood on his palms; this means my attractive colour is no more. I couldn’t hold back my tears. Actually the way he held me made me regret why I came to existence. The place was full of flies. The noises of drunkards and nearby market women asking for change from the butcher made me fall asleep.

Next time I found myself in a tightly tied polythene paper. I wondered how did he/she, whoever it was, wanted me breathe in such an environment? From the noises I heard I could tell that was a market place. This is the place I stayed for so long, two days At least this time round I was lucky and I was not the first one to be out of the pocket like it was in the previous experiences. The lady who spent much time with me in the market place got short of stock and hence travelled to restock her business.

My next destination was tout’s hands. This was another living hell. He folded me between fingers. For real these people are dirty. I kept sneezing to the dust on his hands. In the matatu,

I saw an elderly woman who seemed to be sick, tired or sleepy. I pitied her but I could not do anything about it. Fortunately she reached her destination and alighted. The tout gave her me as the balance for her bus fare. I was happy that I was finally happy with a lady, as if I could do much to her. I thought I was lucky; she folded me with a very dirty handkerchief and tightly tied it. When she got home, she kept me in her bedroom table.

The following morning her granddaughter was going to school. She woke her up and gave her bus fare and lunch money. I was to do that task (bus fare and lunch). She unfolded me and I strongly breathed for fresh air. The girl took me and put me in her skirt’s pocket and left for school.

Truly, that was a focused student. There was a small piece of paper with a drafted timetable of her classes and study times.

Unfortunately, as she removed her handkerchief, I fell down without her knowledge. The grass on which I fell was very cold due to the morning dew. I shivered and got wet.

All this was relieved when a certain man passed by and saw me. He happily picked me and put me in his pocket where I enjoyed a warmth stay. Inside there, I met my friends that I met in the handbag with a good smell. What a nice re-union!

What wonderful and important is a shilling? Many cannot do without me.

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welfare matters.

THE DISABLED RECEIVES LOVE AT JKUAT THROUGH BEAD-WORK ART COURTESY OF THE UNIVERSITY COMMUNITY COLLABORATION DEPARTMENT (UCCD).

By motura jecinta.

The auspices of the University Community Collaboration Department (UCCD) organised a two training curriculum for production of beaded baskets, purses, table mats and a host of other artistic items. This is a part of the institutions Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) to reach out to various communities which neighbour the university.

The Kiora Disability Group comprises over forty-three members both men and women. The chairman of the group Mr. Joseph Githu Kuria said that the group will be forever be grateful for the university’s show of love to the people living with disabilities by sponsoring their training, giving them the space and also donating the raw materials for the beads artwork.

“This calls for other corporate institutions to emulate the good deeds of JKUAT and assist us acquire a modern sewing machine to enhance our efficiency and mass production of our bead work art” said Mr. Kuria.

The members showed dedication and passion in bead-work during the training and through the UCCD, the JKUAT Vice Chancellor, Professor Mabel Imbuga, during the closing of the training assured them of the university’s support see them grow their entrepreneurial and artistic skills. .....continued on the next page.

Mr. Kuria gives Professor Ngumi a beautiful beads basket done by the group. Looking on is the trainer, Ms. Nyambura.

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continued from previous page: welfare matters by motura jecinta.

The efforts shown by the Kiora Disability Group called for more support. Prof. Phillip Ngunjiri, the Director of UCCD (which is domiciled in the university’s Research, Production and Extension Division) assured them of the university’s readiness to walk with them and assist them secure markets for their high quality products.

This move of the group recently benefited from the university’s benevolence following a donation of essential garbage cleaning gear (gumboots, gloves and masks) to facilitate the group’s environmental education and cleanliness awareness campaigns in the areas of Juja, Gashororo and its environs.

Kinyanjui Paul one of the trainees, is awarded a certificate by the acting DVC Professor Ngumi.

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mediocre matters.

Celebrate Mediocrity.

By Wangui Githugo.

Young people in Kenya including me are looking for success. According to my thesaurus, success can be described as an accomplishment of an aim or purpose. For some success is the attainment of popularity or profit. I disagree with the latter because fame or monetary assets should not describe who we are. In our society we tend to value those people with money more than the rest who feed hand to mouth. This is the same way we vote, our politicians know that we will vote for them as soon as they churn out some few notes. They will even buy you beer for you to vote for them but will never approve funds for entrepreneurial activities for the youth. The truth is that when you are financially independent you tend to have liberal views and you might start asking questions and they do not want that.

After the frenzy with quails, many farmers in Kenya especially in Kiambu County have lost a lot of money in the hoax money maker. Why not invest in our children? Take them to college. Keep them away from alcohol and maybe they will

have the niche to succeed. Lease them a portion of your land to practise some farming and they will be independent. Loan them some capital to open up some business but always advise them on the right path to take. A young eagle does not set out alone. It needs guidance. One must never give anything for free to these young people ,if you do ensure the supply continues. Every day I live by the philosophy that; give a man fish and feed him for a day ,teach the man how to fish and feed him for a life time. Yes this is a Chinese proverb, not a bible verse.

The Kenya certificate for secondary education examination results are released each year. The cabinet secretary for education announces the results on live transmissions on every local television station –maybe apart from Kiss TV. Almost all national schools do celebrate on our streets, with an exception of a few village schools. Private academies put up ads on the newspapers boasting the good apples they plucked to attract parents to dislodge students from poor performing public schools. Young school leavers now have to choose their degree courses, most of them take degree courses which they do not even know what it is about. Those perceived to have failed will go to middle level colleges and those who cannot afford will be forced to take up manual jobs. Nothing new will happen this year. That is why I don’t get the hype that comes along examination results. ....continued on page 19 18

continued from previuos page: mediocre matters by githugo wangui.

These students celebrating are the same drunkards that will be in the universities. The same youths who will be stoning vehicles when food prices shoot up. Every year we celebrate mediocrity. The reason why parents are crying that they children who are graduates are jobless is because they are simply not good enough. Yes they scored As in all subjects. You should also be good and happy with the course that you chose. As I said i want to be successful and I will no matter what.

relationship matters.

COHABITING AMONGST CAMPUS STUDENTS.

By motura jecinta.

This is a common practise done by the university students. Despite the fact that they are students, they live a ‘marriage life’ in campus. Some will argue that they intend to help one another maybe in paying rent, providing for foods amongst other responsibilities. This mostly is incurred by men. It’s good to help those who need our help but it can be done without cohabiting. If it’s the issue of rent, am sure each and every parent or guardians know that their daughter or son needs somewhere to live if he/ she does not live in the university hostels.

Therefore they should do the best they can to provide for their children. According to my view, no one parent can entrust his or her son or daughter to another lady or man respectively. Therefore, this should not be the excuse as to why love birds should stay together while still in school. Provision of food can be done without living with your partner and it’s not always that you be providing for them. .....continued on page 20

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candid talk continued from previous page:relationship matters by motura jecinta.

This practise has been criticised due to its results or rather effects.

The victims are mostly brought together by love. It’s not bad to be lovers but it should not let you make such decisions. Most likely many parents will not be informed about it by the victims. This means they would not support if they know about it. As much as love is good as it is claimed to be, one needs privacy. This is not enjoyed by cohabitants.

And in case one tries to practise it, conflicts rise up leading to even cheating. You mostly don’t enjoy your time with friends since your partner needs to see you around him/ her which may not be possible bearing in mind campus students are very social.

Cohabiting also brings up the issue of STIs and HIV/ AIDS amongst these young people. This is because they get used to each other to a point of practising unprotected sex.

The will claim to be faithful to each other since they live together and hence it’s not easy to transmit the sexually transmitted infections.

Unexpected pregnancies have rose due to this practise.

Many students who give birth while still in school usually find themselves in situation they would have not wished. So what happens to the man responsible for the action? Many men do it due to lack of option and yet are responsible for the pregnancy. This affects the girl’s studies for she has to nurse her baby. They may also suffer from rejection from their friends. I have also heard lecturers criticise the issue of cohabiting among the students. They claim that it affects students when it comes to their school work.

Peace of mind is a key thing when it comes to studying.

For the cohabitants at times it becomes a challenge. This is because, if they get into a conflict and argue over a certain issue, then it becomes hard for them to concentrate on studies. In my own view cohabiting is not good especially when it involves students. Every student needs his/her time to do their things but it’s made impossible by this practise.

Leading a “marriage life” while still in school is not advisable. Mostly these people do not end up in marriage.

‘LIVE AS A GENIOUS BUT NOT AS A HUSTLER’ By ndunda paul.

In life, we are not paid because of what we know but because of what we do with what we know. It is said that knowledge is power but the truth is, knowledge on its own is powerless. The moment it’s used wisely it can change the world. Knowledge is like electricity unless it’s switched on, it’s useless.

He who does not benefit from the same knowledge is not different from those who do not know. I’ve learnt that there are different kinds of people on this planet, those who know the how and those who know why. Knowing how to do things is a miraculous thing but knowing why things are done has a bigger advantage over everything else.

The challenge for many people is to connect between how and why. The fortune goes to those who have mastered the art of playing the both leagues. A person who understands only how is called a labourer or hustler but the one who lives out of the why is called a genius.

What’s your league?

Ndunda.paul@students.jkuat.ac.ke 20

ukumbi wa lugha

TUSIJIVISHE USWAHILI TUKAKIHARIBU KISWAHILI. NA TONY MUSYOKA.

Ni vitu gani viwili ambavyo huwa haviachani? Ambari na zinduna? La. Uta na upote? La. Jibu ni hili hapa, ni mimi mwandishi wako na Kiswahili. Sisi hatutenganiki asilani na kwa sababu hiyo mwenzenu sitoketi na kukimya wakati Kiswahili kinabomolewa na watu wanaojiita magwiji wa lugha hii. Lazima nilalamike na linalosababisha kulalamika kwangu ni hili; vitu ambavyo hapo awali vilikuwa na majina ya kimombo pekee, leo wametokea ‘mababe’ wa lugha na kuanza kuvipa majina ya Kiswahili ovyoovyo. Majina ambayo kiukweli kabisa hayaeleweki yalikotokea na hawa wenye kutoa majina haya hawatuelezi kimasomaso asili ya majina yenyewe.

Nimemwona mmoja kwenye mitandao ya kijamii akisema kuwa potato chips ama chipsi zinaitwa ribendo.

Toba! Kama angetoa maelezo kamili asili ya jina hili ingekuwa heri lakini kusema tu bila maelezo sikubaliani naye kabisa. Huko ni kama mwanamke kujifungua ilhali hakuonekana na ujauzito. Kisingizio ni kwamba eti lipo kwenye kamusi. Ijulikane kwamba mtu yeyote yule aweza kuamka na kuandika kamusi.

Siwasazi hawa wengine wanaosema kuwa mtandao wa Facebook unaitwa kitandazi na ule wa Twitter kirushi. Majina haya asili yake haijulikani. Naweza hata kusema ni ukiukaji wa hakimiliki dhidi ya wenye kampuni hizi kuzipa majina mengine tofauti na yale waliozipea wenyewe. Facebook na Twitter ni majina ya kampuni kama vile Google, Yahoo au hata Youtube. Kama ni waswahili kiukweli mbona basi hawakuanza kwa kuzipa hizi majina ya Kiswahili? Majina haya ya Facebook na twitter ni kama yale ya kampuni zingine za kibinafsi zikiwemo; Safaricom, Airtel, Cocacola na kadhalika. Wenye kuziunda kampuni waliamua kuzipa majina haya na tena wana hakimiliki ya majina yenyewe.

Hivyo hata tukizungumza Kiswahili, Safaricom itabaki kuwa Safaricom, Airtel ibaki kuwa Airtel na inafaa iwe vivyo hivyo kwa Facebook na Twitter. Ikiitwa tu mitandao ya kijamii basi itatosha.

Waswahili wenzangu tutakuwa tunakosa muamana kama tutazidi kukiboronga Kiswahili kwa majina yasiojulikana asili yake bila ya kutoa maelezo kamili. Onyo hili nalielekeza pia kwa wanahabari ambao wana tabia ya kuyatumia maneno haya kila tuwaonapo kwenye runinga na kuwasikiliza kwenye radio. Jamani mwawapotosha watoto wetu walioko shule za msingi na za upili ambao wanawaona nyinyi kama vielelezo bora wa lugha hii. Kiswahili ni changu na chako hivyo tukitunze, tukitukuze na tukikuze kwa njia zenye mwanga.

Tusijitwike ufundi na kujifanya twajua zaidi. Kutojua si hatia.

Tuwaze kabla ya kusema. Tumakinike.

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situations That situation.

By ochieng joshua There are some situations and things that are downright out of character. For instance when you are sitted around a group of people and you accidentally fart, you jerk up on the seat as if a sharp object has been suddenly forced up your behind. You wish the place was noisier but the damage has been done and now people are starring at you as if they are looking at an open sewer.

That situation where you see somebody who exactly looks like your friend from behind, so you decide to do something cheeky because they are not aware you are behind so you go and do all the nasty and weird stuff you usually do to your friend and you realise when it’s too late that the person is not your friend and you end up apologizing profusely to them, and what about the embarrassment if the person was with his or her friends who are surprised at your actions and they are now starring at you as if you’ve suddenly developed horns on your fore head.

That situation when you are completely broke and you call somebody, probably your elder brother or sister or parent to sort you out and they tell you to wait for some time they are MPESA-ing you. You eagerly wait for the MPESA message and after what seems like eternity a message registers on your phone and you smile sheepishly knowing the money has come, only to find a message from that girl who turned down your advances reading, ‘hi....’ You feel like you can skin somebody alive!

That situation where your fly is open and you have no idea it is open and nobody has alerted you to sort it. You go about your things normally and when you have settled somewhere you feel some soothing coolness in that region because air is flowing in and out and you savour that moment. When you unconsciously look down at your fly perhaps in the evening you find it open, you zip up so fast and look around to see if somebody has seen you, you notice a few girls chuckling while looking at you and you wonder how many more have seen you like that. ...continued on page 24

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reflections Personal reflections. by brenda tala

More than 5 years ago i thought that life after high school is the best thing that could ever happen to any student who lived locked behind the walls of a boarding school.

Especially the excitement of wanting to know what you would want to do after high school [choosing of careers].

There i was, eager to join the medical field with so much anxiety to know what goes on behind the walls of a healthcare facility. In all this i ended up being what i wanted to be; a medical practitioner. now many are wondering which field i majored in, to cut the long story short, medical field is not any easy field to join it needs a lot of sacrifice and determination and it comes in with so many risks and challenges the health worker at more risk are the personnel with direct contact to the patients like nurses and doctors .the risks include needle pricks, cuts, contacts with body fluids and air bone transmissions ,they are at risk of contracting contagious diseases such as HIB ,HEP B ,T.B and many others .

Other categories of things that pose risks to a healthcare worker include violent psychotic patients and patients under influence of drugs. Other challenges are understaffing in health facilities lack of enough drugs and equipment resulting to avoidable deaths. All this needs a big heart and not a quitter when making career choices not forgetting the scarcity of jobs. Choices don’t look like much at first but there effects can last for generations. when it comes to time it never cease to amaze me how some people archive in few months what many do not in a lifetime, it all boils down ...continued from previous page

That situation where your undergarment is misbehaving and you keep pulling it out of the ‘valley’ it is even worse when you are in a public place and it is downright uncomfortable to leave it there and you have to perform an awkward kick or dance or just decide to pull it out discreetly thinking nobody has seen you and just then you hear somebody is like “MMHH! Ata hana tabia!” you turn back to find pretty ladies with stern faces on you.

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to what they do with time. Our choices of vocation or career will lead us to personal fulfillment and success if our decisions are based on whether we are fit for it and we can make money and a living from it, we need to think of this before choosing careers just because they are lucrative. The quality of life we lead depends on our careers and eventually we have to make firm and quality decisions regarding maintaining our physical and spiritual health.

We will need to decide why we believe what we believe.

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