USIU Gazette (Spring 2014 Edition)

Music, dance, drama marks better part of the Spring 2014 Page 9

Journalists embrace drones in coverage of news

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The Gazette Spring 2014

A PRINT MEDIA CLASS PUBLICATION

JANUARY 13, 2014 -APRIL 17, 2014

Varsity nurtures future role models and achievers

Funds drive

School activities and the making of great leaders BY sylvia njoki

USIU-Africa students during the campaign ‘4.5 million in 45 days’. The drive has so far raised Sh2.6 million. See related story Page 3. Photo: courtesy

Low self-esteem persists in Africa

BY SAFI GODANA

“The problem of Africa is low selfesteem and that is why they will remain who they are, the under dogs of the world,” said Prof PLO Lumumba, the former Director of Kenya Anti-Corruption Commission during the Black History Month celebration this year at the USIU-Africa.

Black History Month is an annual event that celebrates the achievement of Africans in diaspora as well as in the continent.

“Black History Month has evolved over the years and it is celebrated all over the world in more than 27 countries,” says USIU-Africa Black History Month chairman Stanley. “It is easier for young people to assimilate challenges of the past

by looking at it in pictures as in film,” says Stanley.

Kenya is associated with this event because it is among the African countries that struggled for independence during colonialism.

“If history is not periodically revisited, it is bound to repeat itself and if someone can’t appreciate such an event, probably they don’t understand the dynamics yet,” says Stanley.

Since 1928, every Black History Month celebration has had a theme. According to the USIU BHM committee 2014, every year’s theme is normally borrowed from the international black history theme but it is normally twisted to bring it back CONTINUED ON PAGE 4 >>

John Quincy Adams, an American statesman who served as the sixth President of the US from 1825 to 1829 said: “If your actions inspire others to dream more, learn more, do more and become more, you are a leader.”

In the simplest terms that is what leadership is.

Simple as it may sound, it is a great challenge to find a good leader. Great leaders are few.

It is argued that great leaders are born but they can also be developed through out a lifetime in a committed and purposeful journey towards a big dream.

Leadership can therefore be a choice.

Today, more and more young people are seeking ways to become great individuals. With the world being a global village and opportunities becoming more equitable each day, there is

INSIDE THIS ISSUE

Coffee Break: The quest for Sh4.5m in 45 days To mark 45 years since the launch of USIU-Africa, the university run a campaign dubbed “4.5 million in 45 days” whose aim was to raise funds to build a coffee shop at a cost of 4.5 million. Page 3

Darlene Ikirima hunts for votes during Student Affairs Council polls last Spring Semester. Angela wairimu

more motivation than ever to create a niche for oneself and to thrive in it.

So how can you stand out in campus? What can you be remembered for?

A majority of us students

hardly ever get to answer that question well enough and to find that niche, it is nothing to beat yourself over if you are continually trying to become better.

Soon enough you will find the right place for you. Leadership is one of the paths that one could cut out for themselves in campus. Not only does it greatly build your personal skills but it also greatly contributes to your professional career ahead.

Recently in USIU-Africa we had the biggest and most highly contested SAC elections yet. It was a breath of fresh air to see such large turn outs not only in the contestants but also the voters. “This year was perhaps the most hyped and organized elections we have had in the school” says the elected chairperson, Dennis Mugambi, popularly CONTINUED ON PAGE 4 >>

Student turns her hobby into profitable venture

Auditor juggles between work, school and business

When you meet Fiona Kiruja, you are immediately attracted to her bubbling personality.

She greets with a warm smile.

The student at USIU-Africa is a budding entrepreneur with big dreams of her future as an investor. Page 5

She can be described as a superwoman. She is a mother, a wife, a career woman, a student and a business lady.

All these roles describe Rose Wanjiku Muchoki. She is empathetic, success-driven and a go-getter. Page 10

Page 2

Gazette Spring 2014

NEWS | EVENTS | UPDATES

Juliani rallies youths to invest in farms Music star urges the youth to take up farming instead of seeking jobs

By Maryanne Wacera Maina

Popular gospel rapper Juliani has urged the youth to invest in agriculture. As one of the speakers during the Social Entrepreneurship Week, he sought to promote agribusiness among the youths.

The musician, who is also the Poverty Eradication Ambassador for Amiran Kenya, addressed USIU-Africa students during an agribusiness seminar at the auditorium.

“I use music and hype to show that farming is cool. We have a certain perspective when it comes to farming, of old people who have retired and have no option but to take it up. It is also seen as an activity for those who did not perform well in school or completed their education,” he said.

He promotes farming to the youth throughout the country in cooperation with Amiran Kenya and other stakeholders. He started the campaign in 2013.

The musician asked the youth to invest in agriculture as it is sustainable and profitable when they persevere. He acknowledged that there are failures in the beginning but with perseverance the venture

Popular artiste Juliani (centre) with USIU-Africa students Edwin Kariuki (left) and Mark Wangari during the social entrepreneurship week at the institution. courtesy

is eventually very successful and profitable.

“Take each day as a lesson to do better next time and always diversify in what you plant to cater for different markets,” he encouraged.

He also advised young people interested in agribusiness but lacking capital to tap into the Youth Enterprise Fund which offers the Agrivijana loan.

Joseph Macharia, founder of Mkulima Young, also addressed the issue of agriculture at the talk.

He stressed the need for the youth to know about agribusiness in order to practice it in a professional way and develop it as an enterprise that can make profits. “There is a serious need

for youth in the country to engage in agribusiness. Although 89 per cent of all rural youth are employed; in agriculture, access to education means that this number is dropping, as young people search for urban opportunities,” he explained.

In regards to Mkulima Young, Mr. Macharia assured the students that the online platform does not dictate prices but simply provides an avenue for them to market and sell their products at their own prices Mkulima Young is a social media platform which provides relevant information targeting the youth regarding farming and an online market for their products. . Mkulima Young is active

on Facebook and Twitter with many young farmers engaging with each other and selling their farm products.

The youth were also advised to think of agriculture as a business, and to come up with a business plan before getting into it as with other businesses.

The participants were urged to do a feasibility study before beginning farming of any kind, and to conduct a market analysis.

Juliani asked the students to diversify into this area of agribusiness as it is very profitable.

USIU-Africa has a number of student farmers who are enthusiastic about agribusiness.

Mark Wangari, an International Business Administration major

practices small scale farming in Kinangop. “I keep poultry and engage in mushroom farming.

There is little space needed for keeping poultry and the returns are good. Mushrooms are also very profitable and there is a huge market.”

However, as a young farmer, he and many others face many challenges . He says that people still expect older people to engage in it and that young people should focus on white collar jobs and thus not taken seriously. Mr. Wangari appeals to the youth to change their mentality about farming, and to take it up as a vital income earner, not just for the jobless.

Mr. Edwin Mbugua, an International Relations student, grows tomatoes in Limuru and Nyahururu in greenhouses. He also admits that there is a negative perception that farming is for old people and encourages his fellow youth to shun this mentality.

“Before you look for white collar jobs, maximize on farms lying idle to earn money. You will find that it is the easiest way to earn money when you persevere and put effort in it.

There is need to secure food security in the country and the youth are very important if this is to happen.”

He is especially happy that the government is taking great measures to assist young farmers.

USIU hosts first varsities Google talk series

By Angela maina

The USIU-Africa hosted the first series of round table organized by a leading corporate communications company on March 29.

The event was held as part of At The Table with Gina Din talk show series.

The panelists for the forum included Ms Gina Din Kariuki, the founder of Gina Din Corporate Communications, Mr Bob Collymore, the chief executive of Safaricom, Ms Njeri Chelimo, a budding software developer and Mr Keith Oleng, a filmmaker and USIU-Africa student. Mr Eric Omondi, a popular comedian, was also in attendance. A vid-

Gina Din Kariuki.

eo from Richard Branson, the founder of Virgin Group, was also shown at the forum.

The talk show is a youth-led global forum which was enabled

by Google Plus On-Air Hangout. Google started a series of monthly events which are hosted by different universities around the region on an on- going basis.

The main focus of the talk show is to provide a forum for aspiring businessmen and students to engage with the top achievers in different professions around the country.

The experts share their ideas on success and lifeskills.

Ms Din advised students on entrepreneurship.

“If you are in your comfort zone the whole time, then you’re just not growing,” she stated. She told students that in this world

today, one has to be ready to make mistakes and grow from them. That is the only way to move forward.

Ms Din then invited the guests to share their experiences and as well talk about their respective professions.

Mr Collymore urged participants to map their own future rather than let others do it for them. “There are very many opportunities where young entrepreneurs have proven the fact that it is possible to start your own business and be successful.

Leaders are not only born but they are also made,” he said.

The CEO said a good leader

is keen on all aspects of his or her organization regardless of its size.

Ms Chelimo, who started a developers’ school in Nairobi, spoke of her journey as a programmer.

Mr Oleng also expressed his views on challenges in the young investors face.

“Failure is part and parcel of entrepreneurship,” he said.

He cited his own experience as a filmmaker and encouraged students to follow their dreams and make them a reality.

The next university table talk was set for April 4 at Strathmore University.

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Gazette Spring 2014

NEWS | EVENTS | UPDATES

Drive to raise funds for new coffee shop nets Sh2.6 million in 45 days University community campaign to raise Sh4.5m for a new coffee outlet ends on a successful note

By Khadija Taib and Lydia Berigena

To mark the 45th year since the establishment of USIU, the university ran a campaign dubbed ‘4.5 million in 45 days’.

The goal of the campaign was to build a coffee shop on the ground floor of the upcoming student center at a cost of 4.5 million.

“The idea was hatched by the university in consultation with the Institutional Planning and Advancement Division,” USIUAfrica head of fundraising Susan Kagwiria said.

“This is an event for the students to rally around something that’s going to be primarily for them,” deputy vice chancellor, Dr Butler, told the Gazette. “This is an opportunity for them to provide input in terms of design and management as well as what goes on in the coffee shop.”

Mr Eannes Ongus who works with Ms Kagwiria: “The initiative came about because the university wants to strengthen its community, and because they want to increase non-tuition revenue to help students in need of financial aid.”

With encouraging pledges amounting to Sh1.9 million on the first day of the campaign on the May 13, the drive raised Sh2,616,952 by June 6.

The fundraising continued in early Summer Semester after being temporarily frozen during the holiday break. Recently a car wash to raise more money and awareness was held as part of the campaign. “We want everyone to participate in USIU’s development and in making a future,” Ms Kagwiria adds.

The 45 days time allotted was not a deadline but symbolic of USIU’s 45 years in Kenya. The campaign ended on June 6.

Several members of USIUAfrica including the staff council and the management council pledged and made contributions during the fundraiser.

Most contributions are made

in groups and currently the one with the highest contribution is the students. Student Affairs Council pledged Sh1.5 million and the management council promised Sh404,000 for the project. “The challenge was how to involve graduate and doctorate students because they are on campus only during evenings and weekends, but we have solved that by having presentations in the first minutes of class,” said Ms Kagwiria.

The campaign is restricted to the community within USIU-Africa precincts. The alumni would be involved in other aspects of fundraising for the student’s centre once We’ve adequate an upper consultations are hand if made. “We we can have received a lot show that of sugges- we were tions, especially from able to s t u d e n t s raise a on how the certain coffee shop should be amount managed, adds Ms Kagwiria.

Many USIU students have suggested that the coffee shop should be student run. They have put forth this idea whilst comparing USIU to other universities outside Africa, that allow their student to run a coffee shop and for it to serve as work study experience. Others have suggested that the coffee shop be profit making and to trickle the profit into student activities. However, thus far no major decisions have been made pertaining to the suggestions.

The campaign is not merely for the involvement and participation of the USIU community. The idea for 4.5 million in 45 days is sprouted from the need to fundraise for the student centre in the near future. However, USIU

CONTRIBUTIONS AS AT JUNE 6

“

cannot raise all the money by herself, hence external donors.

“In fundraising you don’t go empty handed; you show something you have done for your-

self, if approaching a donor or sponsor. We have an upper hand if we can show that we were able to raise a certain amount for our own project. In addition

to involvement and ownership, we are looking at long term fundraising at a bigger scale with evidence that we are not asking from zero,” Ms Kagwiria says.

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Gazette Spring 2014

NEWS | EVENTS | UPDATES

School activities nurture future global leaders CONTINUED from PAGE 1 >>

known as Papa. There were at least two candidates for every contested post, something that has never been seen before.

Campaigns became something to look forward in the usually uneventful days.

From the barbecue, to the inspiring messages during class sessions; it was interesting to see how far people can go for what they want and to see the spark of leadership that is a gem especially in young people today.

“Winning for me was humbling, it meant that I have to prioritize the needs of students, to merge all the dreams that each individual had and come up with a strategy to do more in the year. My key area of focus

is the issue of security, simplifying the process of getting things approved in the school and really being a true voice of the student body” says Papa.

USIU-Africa has a designed a leadership program involving, training, assessment and mentorship. It’s aim is to enable students to get skills in reading, self-confidence, pro activeness, resilience, problem solving, eloquence and the ability to inspire. Among the seven key skills the university focuses on, resilience has been a major task and understandably so.

We live in a time when people look for the easiest way out and resilience is not encrypted in a lot of people; more so Generation Y. It is therefore a crucial thing for everyone to constantly look

Posters displayed during campaigns for Student Affairs Council positions ahead of polls last Semester. photo: angela maina

into making tough decisions and going through with them.

“Many students when faced with difficulties opt to give up; it is hard to find students who bounce back time and time again,” says Ronald Kimani, head of student activities.

However, the greatest misconception is the idea that leadership is equivalent to a title.

“Students who have actively been involved in activities around the school, be it be sports, clubs, associations, committees; seem to do bet-

ter after graduating. There are mostly the ones who have jobs before graduation or even take up entrepreneurship. It is sad to see others who take up positions just to fill their CVs because, skills are seen and an employer can see who is real and who isn’t” says Mr. Kimani.

Each year, every graduating student comes to a realization that good grades are not enough to give you the X factor that the employer is looking for, they just give you an edge in considering the potential can-

didates. The soft skills gained in leadership and even other co-curricular activities while at university might be the determinant of who gets the job.

A student planning to have an easier time in the world out of campus therefore requires to invest time and effort in ensuring that they stand out for the right reasons. Leadership therefore is not a path for a chosen few. It is a journey that anyone can embark on for their own success and well being then and later.

Varsity marks Black History Month CONTINUED from PAGE 1 >>

home to address the challenges that African are facing locally. Last year’s theme was about the 150th anniversary of the emancipation proclamation. This was essentially a document adopted by the US congress that freed about four million Africans living in America from being slaves and the declaration was signed by Abraham Lincoln in 1863. The theme for 2014 focuses on the impact of civil rights movement on the liberation struggle in Africa.

Years ago, in the early 40s and 50s civil rights movement in America had a huge impact on how Africans viewed their own struggle. It was an ideological collaboration and many African leaders were influenced by some Americans like Marcus Garvey, who was leading the social change in America through intellectuals. “We are trying to model a 21st century engagement because 60 years ago our collaboration was against racial oppression but now, Africa is faced with massive challenges like disease, poverty and social deprivation,” states Stanley Mani-Kpenkaan. According to

Lawyer PLO Lumumba. Photo: safi godana

USIU BHM committee 2014, the main objective of this theme is to bring about close relationship between Africans in the continent and those in diaspora and also highlight some of the challenges facing them.

In his speech, Prof Lumumba talked about several issues that are connected to the theme with a lot of emphasis on problem facing Africa and the world’s view of Africa.

He quotes a popular statement by Prof Ali Mazrui: “Africa produces that

which it does not consume and consume that which it does not produce.”

“Despite the fact that Africa is the richest continent, it cannot even feed itself because it has no respect for itself,” lamented Lumumba.

He called upon the young generation to change the perception of themselves as people of black descent not to wait until they are recognized by the western world. He gave the examples of Lupita Nyong’o , the best supporting actress of the 2014 Oscars for the movie 12 years a Slave, was already great even before the Americans recognized her, the same way Wangari Maathai was already good before the Europeans acknowledged her.

Prof Lumumba further said that Africans must rise up and stop behaving like the children of then “lesser god”.

Among other guest speakers who attended the event were 17 AfricanAmericans including Prof Segun Shabaki who lecturers history at the States University of New York of Stony Brook.

Prof Shabaki is one of the very influential historians who travels around the world and gives motivational talks to the youths on matters regarding peace and

development. He also spoke about the future of Africa being in the hands of the young generation and how Africans must stand up for themselves. “Take the destiny of Africa in your hands and put an end to the economic hemorrhage of your land,” he said.

According to Dr Dashanaba E. King, the executive director at the USIU-A’s Center for Entrepreneurship and Development, Chandaria School of Business, who is also the patron and supervisor for Black History Month, this year’s event was unique because it exposed students to local and international issues about Africa.

“Professor Freida Brown, the USIU-A vice chancellor, is the visionary of the success of the Black History and I’m happy that finally those Africans including African-Americans were given a platform to share their mind blowing stories of how they passed through challenges as they fought for independence and also how they were able to overcome”, says Dr King.

Dr King said she learnt many things from the students and other attendants as well as through black history.

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Gazette Spring 2014

NEWS FEATURE | BUSINESS Student embarks on journey to achieve her dream to own profitable enterprise

Budding investor turns hobby into profitable venture one bead at time

By Angela Masha

When you first meet Fiona Kiruja, you are immediately attracted to her bubbling personality. She greets with a warm smile and her friendliness is easy to see.

Ms Kiruja is a student at USIU and an entrepreneur. She is currently in the process of branding her company.

Most people dream of turning their hobbies into businesses but few manage to do it. Fiona started while still in school where she learnt arts and crafts.

This gave her the foundation she needed. After school she began making beaded jewelry which she sold in her neighborhood.

Not long after, she went on a hiatus. “Since I was fresh from school and naïve I decided to take a break. I was following the trends and soon realized that the market was saturated. I also realized that I couldn’t run this business by myself. I needed to find someone creative to help me.”

Her inspiration for using beads is that they are fun. “Beads are fun to work with. They require concentration but they are still fun and I really love working with them. Realizing that I’m making something out of them can be summed up in just one word, Awesome.”

By being a student, Ms Kiruja had to learn how to balance her school and business lives. “My first priority was to finish any assignments I had. If I got orders during the week, I would work on them after dinner and during the weekends.

“As soon as I finished them, I would deliver them in the morning and then come to school.”

She also says, “By studying management in school, I’m learning how to better manage my business. I know how to balance my books and finances and I get to practice what I learn.

Though I have a business, it does not impact my school performance. As I said earlier, I have learnt how to balance my life.

I prioritize my tasks and this

LEFT: USIU-Africa student and entrepreneur Fiona Kiruja demonstrates how she makes some of her bead products.

RIGHT: Some of her bead works. PHOTOS: Samuel njuguna

way I am able to be in control.”

Despite beads being her favorite hobby, Ms Kiruja has other hobbies. “I like swimming and hiking. I enjoy doing basically any outdoor activities and watching a lot of movies.”

Ms Kiruja’s ultimate goal is to be appreciated across the country and abroad. “My dream is for people to recognize my work. To see and recognize a piece of jewelry that is mine. I want them to know who I am

and am working toward to that.”

She is a proof that if you are determined and passionate about something, you can achieve it. Take the challenge and turn your hobby into a business like Ms Kiruja did.

USIU-A alumni find common calling in NGO by safi godana

Hifadhi Africa Organization (HAO) is an NGO that aims at transforming lives throughout Africa with focus on education, health and water.

It was founded by USIU-Africa alumni Charles Mwakio, Collins Nakedi and Jovenal Nsengimana. The three great friends pursued different courses while students at the university, but they had one thing in common — a big heart. The three are in their early twenties.

During their campus years, they voluntarily participated in various community development projects that aligned them towards a common vision beyond friendship. They created a platform that focused on sustaining Africa and in April 2013, Hifadhi Africa Organiza-

tion was born.

Since then, the organization has been in the limelight and has attracted many volunteers . It is composed of three directors and a four management team who are also USIU students. It also has a theme song from USIU student, Gabbra Lakaya.

“Our main aim is to promote access to education, healthcare and water in pastoralists communities and slum areas with the ambition of helping the underprivileged rebuild their lives,” says Mr Mwakio.

The organization’s areas of focus are Nairobi, Baringo and Marsabit counties. According to the directors, the three counties need these critical services because they lag behind the rest of the counties.

“Our mentorship program covers a wide range of issues that

From left: Bob Cairns Hifadhi Africa board member with founders Jovenal Nsengimana, Collins Nakedi and Charles Mwakio during their graduation day in August 2012 at USIU-Africa in Nairobi. photo: courtesy

seek to enlighten and nurture young minds on the importance of community social responsibility and social entrepreneurship. We do this in support of our scholarship programs and enhancement of educational facilities,” states Nakedi.

Funding has been the main challenge that HAO is facing.

The organization is in partnership with Rotary internationalport orchard club. “So far the only donor money that we have received is 250 dollars from Port Orchard Rotary Club. That is what we used to take our first four beneficiaries, Fred, Halima, Antony and Sharon, from Baringo County to high schools”,

says Nakedi.

The team also organized a fundraising dinner during Valentine’s day 2014.

HAO says it is on a mission to secure resources to see the establishment of Jerry Isaac Memorial Trust Fund. It is a program instituted in memory of the late Isaac Mruma ,who was a pioneer member of HAO and a USIU student. It provides full scholarships to the next crop of social entrepreneurs.

Hifadhi Africa also provides sanitary towels to girls in secondary schools especially the ones from marginalized areas.

“We serve as the link to this dream and we pride ourselves in becoming part of the change by exploring where others have ignored the young people”, says Charles Mwakio.

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Gazette Spring 2014

OPINION | COMMENTARY | VIEWS

Students should act as school ambassadors In response to the recent blows to the reputation of various universities, it is vital to remind students that they represent their respective institutions of learning.

How a university is viewed by the public and media is very important. Its image can, however, be damaged very quickly and students take the largest cake in making this happen.

Resorting to violent protests is not the most suitable method of passing a message across. It does not invoke public sympathy and dents the relationship with the public. On the contrary, it makes a university become synonymous with indiscipline and uncouth behavior.

Even off campus, the actions of students are a reflection of the school they are enrolled in. Bad behavior at community services, internships, and general interactions with the public will have a negative impact on the university they study in. It is not uncommon for employers to reject students from a particular university based on the past experiences they have had with students from that particular institution.

Another way students can damage their university’s reputation is through social media. Posts of nude or unsightly pictures, and the like contribute to damaging the image of an institution.

As long as one is enrolled in a certain university, students must always remember that their conduct will reflect on the institution. They must also understand that a university’s reputation is very critical in their ability to secure jobs, internships or even volunteer work. Students need to conduct themselves in a manner becoming of adults and realize that their behavior will follow them to the workplace.

Moments we don’t get back Some university students don’t respect time. The disregard of the importance of being on time is a shroud that has enveloped most institutions, affecting both students and lecturers. Most lecturers don’t bat an eyelid when a student comes into class 50 minutes late. It is now almost an expectation. The exception would be if a lecturer entered a class at 3:30pm and every one of his students was present.

The need to keep time has been stressed on several occasions but it falls on deaf ears. Perhaps such expressions like, “there is no hurry in Africa,” doesn’t help the situation. Like fools, most of us have proudly adorned the stereotype that Africans are always late. It is not a compliment, in this day and age being late proves that a person is unreliable, unprofessional and many other unflattering characteristics.

The culture of being ‘in-time’ should be instilled into students early on. Universities are where students have the opportunity to make mistakes and learn from them. However, the outside world is not as understanding. The consequences of not observing time can lead to unemployment.

Most people fail to realize once a moment is gone, it is gone forever. A second ago is already history. Instead, being late is now cool, fashionable. It is has reached an extent that if a student goes to class early they are ‘nerds.’ The world, especially the West, long recognized the value of time and so the habit of being late does no longer apply. It is in fact a backward notion now.

The Gazette Vice Chancellor - Prof. Freida Brown

Sports Editor - Steve Macharia

SST Dean - Prof. Jimmy Macharia

Features Editor - Sarah Oleng’

Editorial Team:

Chief Sub-Editor - Safi Godana

Editorial/Design Adviser - Simon Libafu

Sub-Editors - Maryanne Wacera, Lydia

News Editors - Sylvia Njoki, Elizabeth

Berigena, Angela Masha and Khadija Taib

Naliaka

Photography - Angela Wairimu

Academic writing the secret weapon of top performers maryanne wacera

“

We have taken the social media language to the classroom

I

t is very disturbing when one reads the grammar students use these days.

Most university lecturers have expressed concern over the quality of academic writing.

Some students sometimes fail exams because they have poor writing skills.

Students often write assignments and exams in slang and abbreviations.

We have taken the social media language to the classroom. How can we hope to perform better in class if we cannot even write simple grammar? When ‘from’ becomes ‘4rom’ and ‘whether’ becomes ‘wetha’, how can we hope prove our intellectuality?

I dread reading some messages people write or work they post online.

It reeks of immaturity and a lack of seriousness. What university students forget is that kind of behavior will follow them to the workplace. Presenting work to an employer that looks like you were writing to your friend could cost you a job. Who in their right mind wants to hire a person who writes like they do not understand basic English, our official language of communication?

Before you hand in that assignment or write an exam, think, if this were a job, what impression would it make on my employer or my colleagues? Even the English we use to write to your friends will affect the way we write in a formal setting.

Students have to show in their work an ability to structure their writing, organize paragraphs, spell and punctuate correctly. This is what is missing when they use text speak and social media language in an academic setting.

Proficiency levels in writing are very low because many students prefer or

are used to writing SMS language style even in their academic work.

Part of the blame for poor writing skills that students have today lies with a poor reading culture. Uwezo Kenya country coordinator, Dr John Mugo, in his description of Kenya’s reading culture said: “If you want to hide anything from a Kenyan, hide it in a book.”

However, many people nowadays do not like to read, they shun books for other academic activities. Sadly, this situation is very true of university students. The only times a school library is filled to capacity is when it is exam week or when students are rushing to complete their end term projects. Many students hardly read anything that is outside their academic scope and even then, only when they have to. Most students I’m sure are not even aware that there are fictional novels in the school library. The school library offers a wide array of books to cater for all students so there is no excuse not to read.

Reading inculcates in the mind proper grammar use, new jargon, and enables one to have less spelling mistakes. Students must realize that the more they read, even if it is fiction, the more they improve their language skills.

Reading not only grows the mind but improves pronunciations and writing skills. There needs to be more writing intensive classes or assignments that require students to read and write more.

The more they do this, they better I believe they become. It’s the students’ job to make the lecturer’s work of reading what they have written easier.

We also have to realize that the more we refuse to tolerate badly written and spoken English, the better we will help each other become.

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Gazette Spring 2014

OPINION | COMMENTARY | VIEWS

More voices to tell the untold African story Sylvia njoki

“

Identity is a big deal.

Its what makes you who you are.

W

riting is a career that most people consider a calling.

Someone once told me that it is for the chosen few — those who are careful with words and think through lingual terms before speaking. Those patient enough to want not just to pass on a message but pass it with a certain effect. Those who care for history and story telling and love to share their two cents. I agree with her, yet I know too well that you can make anything your passion and it becomes so.

The reason for this rumble of words is because I feel that the world needs a little more voices.

More specifically, African voices.

Recently, I watched one of the most prominent African writer Chimamanda Adichie’s TED talk on “The danger of a single story”.

It was a very thoughtful talk and it really got me thinking. She talked of her houseboy growing up whom she viewed as needy and a little too meek, that was before she found out of the beautiful work he could do as an artist. She saw a different side of him. He didn’t seem so meek anymore, she saw something different. She went through a mental shift. She no longer had a single story of him. Where am I going with this? Well…Africa has mostly been identified from a single story. A sad single story. With the mention of the continent, people from the other parts of the world think poverty, hunger, disease. It is the part of the world where people are unlucky and need “help”.

A woman fetches water from a well. It’s time for African writers to tell their own stories rather than rely on foreigners to write about the continent. photo/oxfam

Nairobi Half Life, one of the most popular Kenyan film depicts a young man who travels to Nairobi with the hope of becoming an actor.

It highlights on his struggle he goes through and the double life he has to lead to survive. He eventually makes his debut on stage and gets his big break as an actor but his friends do not make it. I loved Nairobi Half Life. On the flip side though, one wonders why it is done to depict Nairobi in such dark light. Critics question why the ‘half life’ showcased in the film had to be the one half that the world already knows.

Perhaps it’s because sad stories sell?

Big question: Isn’t it time the happy, successful Nairobian...Kenyan...African shared their story?

Its a sad reality that part of the reason that this image is so is because Africans are busy trying to be

‘white’ right, left and centre. This is exceptional and I am fully aware that many of us would not trade of color, heritage, hair or culture for anything.

This is meant to the latter that will push long miles to be ‘westernized’. What is with the false accents?

It is easy to categorize yourself as the guy who sees people as they are, but I want you to think of a time when you have preferred to be associated with the guy who has an ‘American’ accent and shunned your neighbor with a ‘Kamba’ accent for instance.

Why is that so?

The point I’m driving home is: Most of us have in one way or another been part of painting Africa as it is. It is therefore something we should feel responsible for. It is something we should want to change. It should bother us because

Step up the fight against sex pests

BY LYDIA BERIGeNA

T

wo people meet in a nightclub. They hit it off right away. Their conversation and whiskey shots go down smoothly. There is laughter, more shots, blurriness, staggering, and finally a taxi ride back to the man’s house. One thing leads to another and the man has sexual intercourse with the half-conscious woman.

What the man has just done constitutes as rape. There is a general ignorance about rape in Kenya that makes it a dangerous place for both women and men, as rape is a gender neutral offense. Cases of rape are steadily growing while reports from victims are declining.

The chauvinist attitude held by men towards rape is distressing. Comments such

as, “she got drunk and went to his house so what did she expect?” are common. Others try to justify the act by saying that she never refused, so the man ‘assumed’ she had given the green light.

According to the Sexual Offences Act, rape is defined as any person who unlawfully penetrates the genital organs of another person with any part of the body of another or that person.

The the chief issue regarding rape is consent, which means that there should not be any kind of sexual activity until both parties have freely consented, and this consent is clear. In Section 42 of the Sexual Offences Act consent it is defined as “a person consents if he or she agrees by choice, and has the freedom and capacity to make that choice”.

Some men falsely assume that since the

woman is quiet, it is alright. It is not, it is RAPE. Secondly, if consent is given under duress or through deception or coercion, it is rape. The most important thing for people to understand is that; if a person is impaired due to alcohol or drugs, that person is seen as incapable of consenting, so in essence, having sex with such a person is RAPE. In reality silence also means no. It is difficult for victims to report cases of rape, especially men. In country where some rapists are asked to cut grass instead of serving a lengthy term in jail, there is a general carefree approach towards the crime.

Kenya should punish offenders appropriately and the victims must not be intimidated into silence.

There is a need to put war on rape top on national agenda.

we are not the helpless, filthy people the world sees us as.

I will be happy to watch a Western advertisement on charity where the help sought is not for “a black child located somewhere in Africa.”

Most of us are complacent and do not mind the picture the western media has painted of us. It is not so bad, until you step out of Africa and you realize people have no idea that Africans have ‘normal’ lives.

Interestingly, I can attest to Chimamanda’s sentiments. One of my colleagues visited the US for an exchange program at one of the prestigious university and the first question her roommate for the time there asked her was how she looked and dressed fine yet she lives in the jungle. She was completely stunned and days later she was still getting the insulting questions while constantly having to clarify that Africa is not a country.

Identity is a big deal. Its what makes you who you are. Identity is something every person yearns for. It defines us and to some extent it drives certain parts of our lives. It predetermines how other people perceive us. That is why it is of great importance for us to create it ourselves. Africa needs to take up the challenge to change the identity that we have allowed others to create for us.

Reality is that Africa is a continent that is underdeveloped. This means that there is so much more than we utilize. That is the untold story of Africa. The story, I need African writers for.

Punchline

Maya Angelou (April 4, 1920- May 2014)

How important it is for us to recognize and celebrate our heroes and she-roes!

Albert Einstein (March 13, 1879- April 18 1955)

Two things are infinite, the universe and human stupidity, and I am not yet completely sure about the universe.

Page 8

Gazette Spring 2014

OPINION | GEOPOLITICS Continent still suffers from political upheavals, unrest and impunity despite embracing democracy

Are there prospects for Africa?

BY NINGEL AWUOR

The cradle of mankind and one of the richest regions in the world is growing at a snail’s pace. Currently, there are still major transformations taking shape in Africa; both positive and negative.

Democracy, the rule of law, principles of accountability and transparency are slowly being carved out into an abstract design.

However, there are certain states in this region that are still hell-bent on maintaining the status quo and spreading propaganda and lies against the voices of change and advocates of freedom and democracy.

They continually orchestrate and champion these actions with impunity and without regard for the rule of law and the consent of the governed.

Be that as it may, there are people who have taken upon themselves to be whistle blowers of the atrocities, felonies and the human rights violations that are still happening in our beloved continent. There are voices that still, choose to shout out and assert themselves amidst constant schemes to gag and muzzle the media.

There are silent personali-

in Africa have refused to abide by helped birth the truth and recthe rule of law and account for onciliation commission. This their actions. They have twisted paved the way for the healing the law and gone against prin- and forgiveness between the ciples of democracy, freedom of blacks and the white South Africans and no one could resist speech and expression.

Currently in Kenya, the dra- his charm and warmth.

In this time and age, the conian Kenyan media act that was passed by parliament, youth are depicted as tomorrow’s future. Now is not was amended by the president to the time to talk the talk but become a more to walk the talk.

For those who are sinister draft that They have will aid and abet to write, write stotwisted the able scuttling of the ries that edify, build press freedoms law and up the common man, that we have gone against give hope , that though achieved. Back they didn’t make it, in Egypt, jour- principles of they will live to fight nalists are facing democracy another day. To those who are innovative charges for doing and creative, there is their job. There a whole new world to shift and are other African countries that affect through your ideologies still operate under state owned media and do not believe in the and creations.

I believe Africa is on the freedom of the press.

Apparently, it has become rise. Although the continent is obvious that most of the leaders traversing through a groundthat we harbor in our countries breaking process of push and make lofty and ‘high up the sky’ pull, the aftermath will be that of manifestos. They coin up prom- a purely and seasoned continent ises that they can’t keep, wooing that is shoving itself to greater the voters to actually cast them heights and scouring itself to in to form the next futuristic and pure greatness. promising government.

Africa is the land of hope and Good leadership has in the prosperity and sooner or later, it past been experienced. The likes will be the source of light to the of the late Nelson Mandela who continents of the world.

“

African renaissance monument in Senegal. Photo/internet sources

ties, who have decided not to speak. This is because they have other avenues in which they can voice their concerns and vouch for their solutions.

Suffice it to say, so many stories that are disheartening, discouraging and depressing are

said to hail from the African continent. According to the international mass media, the African continent is still plagued with political upheavals and unrest.

Economic decline is characterized by the fact that the leaders of the so called sovereign states

Hidden treasure abound in public forums By khadija taib

We all don’t like speeches or sitting in one place for long. One would prefer a chit-chat with a friend, be it in the house sleeping or rather watching movies.

People have different listening and tolerance skills, and you never know what you might get at the various forums you attend.

The Spring 2014 Entrepreneurship Week was one such forum attended by some students at the university’s auditorium. In one of the sessions, USIU-Africa graduates Charles Mwakio and Maya Hayakawa gave a riveting talk on the need for students to attend forums and volunteer in school activities. The forum

hosted by renowned personalities like Eric Musyoka, a sound engineer and producer, Mutua Matheka, a professional photographer and many others.

MsHayakawaworks withNafisika Trust Organization(NTO).

Her inspiring work saw her earn an invite to the Entrepreneurship Week.

She joined NTO in April 2011 as an intern. She later became the NGO’s program coordinator after three months.

NTO works in prisons around Nairobi. It provides education, counseling and entrepreneurship skills amongst inmates, in an effort to rehabilitate prisoners and provide them with a form of economic empowerment that

would enable them earn a decent living once out of jail.

Nafisika trains inmates in basic skills in financial management, boosts their self-esteem and help them generate viable business ideas to invest in upon release Ms Hayakawa’s advice to USIU-Africa students is that a positive attitude is key to achievement and surmounting challenges in life. “You don’t have to be someone working at the UN or in a renown company to make a difference,” she said.

Ms Hayakawa gave students useful tips on how to start a social enterprise.

USIU-Africa offers many opportunities through such events

for its students to network but only few of them attend As a result, many miss out key skills and vital connections in search of jobs after graduating.

Mr Mwakio, a co-founder of Hifadhi Africa, an NGO secured his first job right after graduation because of volunteering as an MC in a seminar that was held at USIU-Africa during his student days.

He spoke of the challenges he faced launching Hifadhi Africa and how fulfilling it has been.

Hifadhi Africa is a Kenyan based NGO that operates in Marsabit, Baringo and Nairobi.

It focuses on provision of education, health and water.

Barely one year old, Hifadhi

Africa has managed to take four children to high school as part of their sponsorship programs.

“It is not hard to start an NGO, it is as simple as having Drop Box or a Whatsapp account,” he said during a forum on social entrepreneurship.

There is only so much a student can learn from the classroom.

“Even though GPA is important, USIU-Africa provides its student the chance to link with people and form long lasting networks,” says Mr Mwakio.

Students are therefore advised to go the extra mile and participate in school activities and volunteering programs to network and gain life skills.

Page 9

Gazette Spring 2014

TRENDING

| SPRING IN LENS

With Lydia Berigena

Music, dance and drama marks better part of the Spring Semester 2014 From booty shaking during culture week to the happy dance, this semester reminded students that USIU is a great community to be part of. We complain and grumble about coming to classes, the food in the cafeteria but we never fail to come together as a community, which makes USIU truly special.

This semester celebrated black pride, love, culture, happiness, education and many other events that took place.

Ultimately what makes USIU a great place is its diverse culture.

Do not forget that there is always something going on our campus, just grab a bag of popcorn and enjoy.

pictures by Angela maina

Page 10

FEATURES

Gazette Spring 2014 | SIDE HASSLES

Passion spurs student entrepreneur in hunt for business success Auditor juggles between motherhood, work, studies and shop, thanks to technology, tight deadlines as well as self-discipline

By Angela Masha

S

he can be described as a superwoman. She is a mother, a wife, a career woman, a student and a business lady.

All these roles describe Rose Wanjiku Muchoki. She is empathetic, success-driven and a go-getter.

“I am an audit senior and outsourced accounts manager with an audit firm M G N Njung’e & Co. I also run side businesses namely Jay’s Collections, an online outlet that deals in household goods, which I run from a Facebook page. I also have a spare parts shop, at Industrial Area on Hombe Lane where I have employed two people to help me,” she says.

Ms Muchoki is busy. She has to balance various aspects of her life ­— career, school and family.

“Fortunately my three jobs are very flexible. The audit/accounting job requires working with deadlines as opposed to an 8 to 5 shift, therefore I can get into the office as early as 7am, or as late as 1pm or decide to work from home but I must meet the deadline. I therefore wake up to check my online page from the house, or if I get to the office before 8, I check and update and respond to customer queries and organize for deliveries”, she adds I also do this over lunch hour or during any breaks in during the course of the day. The same goes for 5pm and when I get home. During the day from about 9:30am I get to work on my audit/accountancy job.

I monitor my spare parts shop from the phone. It’s not a 100 %, but the prices are more or less fixed, plus my younger sister also goes there daily to oversee on my behalf.

In my free time, I go to the shop and reconcile the sales

as per last stock take and the money banked. At 4:30 I head for school; if I have assignments I do them at home or on Saturdays while at the shop.”

“Jays collections is an online business dealing in unique affordable house hold goods, e.g. non-stick sufurias, serviette holders, knife holders, garlic press and so on. We started it when I had a need for a nice sufuria set and the prices in the local shops were exorbitant!

My fellow student Sophia Kamau told me how much the things I needed actually cost overseas, and as Professor Nerubucha would say, I had my AHA! moment.

Sophia really encouraged me by giving me the names of the shops I could source from and contacts of people to take me around. My husband provided the much needed financial and moral support to kick off, and after going over logistics we finally travelled in February 2013, and my husband has since travelled thrice.

Turks agencies is a spare parts shop, inspired by my friend Salome Wangechi, who showed me the potential in the business, and was really helpful in the hunt for a good location for a shop.

Since I couldn’t be there physically, she ran the shop initially , and even got people with experience to assist me. I started the shop by acquiring financing from my Sacco, through a very helpful and friendly official called Wambui. The shop mainly deals with headlights, tail lights, corner lights, side mirrors, and fog lights.”

“I faced a number of challenges. The challenge with an online business is that most people are weary of it, afraid of conmen.

However my friends have

been the biggest marketers and my pillars of support. They believed in my products, sometimes making sales on my behalf even before the stock has arrived.

The challenge I have faced with Turks agencies is capital. Spares carry a lot of money, with one headlight going for as much as Sh46,000 from my wholesaler.

The business therefore requires a lot of capital to be able to firmly be on its feet.”

It may seem as if Rose has no time for her family but the truth is that she is a loving mother and wife.

“I thank God my workplace does not require me to get to the office very early, so I make sure I see my baby and husband in the morning and spend some time with them before leaving for work. In the evening I pass by home which is a stone throw away from my school and see the baby for a quick bath. I have planned my classes in a way that I only get to go to school Monday-Thursday.

On Friday evening, before we make our plans, I check on the baby. On Saturday I go to the shop from 11am so I can be with him, and on Sunday he knows it’s family time, The nanny gets her off day. We rarely get out of the house, and if we do it’s as a family. My husband and I get the occasional dinner out, but mostly we make every evening and Sunday family time.

In order to succeed in this

business, you should regularly do research because research will help you assess the market, network and keep the promises you make to your customers so that you gain their loyalty. .

People often jump into action

very fast without analyzing the whole picture. Give your business time to grow.

Last but not least do not be one of those people who think a business or investment can only be started by millions of shillings. The mind is the biggest asset, and do not forget to tithe.”

Page 11

Gazette Spring 2014

FEATURES | HEALTH | LIFESTYLE

The hazard that is used clothes Mitumba pose health risks and have led to the collapse of local textile industry and businesses By sarah oleng’

H

ave you ever wondered why Ngara Market is always full of people and traffic? Well, it happens to be right next to Globe Cinema, one of the biggest roundabouts in Kenya and adjacent to the city center? This because it also hosts one of the busiest mitumba (second hand clothes) markets in Nairobi. The market is the first stop for many fashion lovers.

The parade of clothes is dazzling to the eye, with new fashion styles of all designs. Truly, this is where Nairobi’s fashion trends come from. Wondering where most of them get their clothes?

Ngara Market is just one of the places!

The prices of the clothes depend on one’s looks. If you look classy, you’ll be charged more.

But frequent customers, usually young women, are accustomed to it. The clothes are affordable and a lady can buy everything

she needs. The bright colors of the ravishing and elegant dresses hanged high on rails along the Ngara stalls are meant to attract buyers from a distance.

Most of the clothes are second hand. Some buyers are oblivious of the fact that most of the clothes sold at Ngara are costly compared to those sold at Gikomba Market, the largest used clothes outlet in East Africa.

One of the traders at Ngara Market says: “We wake up very early in the morning and reach Gikomba by 5.30am. Bails of clothes from Mombasa arrive and the earliest bird catches the worm, that is, the best of the clothes. The trousers are then neatly ironed and by 8am they are ready for market.”

So now you know, the good looking trousers you buy at Sh800 in Ngara cost between Sh100 and Sh200 at Gikomba.

Trade in mitumba has seen the collapse of the local textile industry and loss of jobs.

Second hand clothes also

LEFT: Second hand bales at Gikomba Market in Nairobi. RIGHT: A trader irons mitumba clothes before displaying them for sale. Trade in second hand clothes has led to the collapse of most textile industries in Kenya. sarah oleng

pose health risks to the wearers.

Many people have gotten feet or skin infections from mitumba shoes and clothes.

A consultant dermatologist, Dr. Olufunmilayo Ajose, says the risk of infection is heightened when users fail to wash or disinfect second hand clothes well.

“Though the harsh economic realities might create a difficulty in banning the sale of second hand clothes, there should be proper awareness on handling and using them,” she says.

Consultant surgeon at the

Lagos University Teaching Hospital, Dr. Philip Ogunimi, says second hand underwear is a no-go zone. He says that bacteria can be resistant and therefore survive harsh conditions for long on clothes.

Geriatrician, Dr. Nicolette Oleng’, who is based at Boston Medical center adds: “STI’s are the most likely risks in using second-hand clothes, even after washing; one is still susceptible to being infected. Second hand clothes should be avoided as much as possible.”

Apart from poor and inadequate infrastructure conditions affecting textile industry.

A retail report by EPZ, Kenya’s textile and apparel export to USA has decreased by 20 per cent.

The African Cotton and Textile Industry Federation says after research, used clothes are one of the biggest challenges domestic textile producers face.

This was said is due to the rise of imported clothes coming in as mitumba and without tax which consequently becomes way cheaper.

USIU-Africa alumnus excels in media industry

By Safi Godana and Lul Osman

“Suleiman is exceptional. He is extremely intelligent, passionate, very knowledgeable and an epitome of excellence” says Mr Mutua, a journalism lecturer.

Suleiman Abdullahi is Somali born but raised in Kenya from a tender age. He graduated from USIU in 2012 with honors in Journalism and is making it big in the world of journalism.

We got to sit down with him, despite his busy schedule, to get to know him better.

Q: How has journalism helped you in whatever you are doing now?

A: Journalism opened my mind. I did not exactly set out to be a journalist per se. All I knew is that I wanted to understand how the media works, the models, the systems, and the platforms of everything about it.

Q: Any sort of diversion from journalism?

A: Yeah I branched off at some time and got into C4D, which is communication for development. I did that for about a year and I think now I have found where I’m most comfortable, which is strategic communications.

Q: What does that entail?

A: It’s a fairly new specialization. It’s all about learning something new and applying a mix of journalism, public relations and common sense I’d say.

Q: So how has the broadcast degree you received from USIU helped you?

A: Broadcast opened up many opportunities. I have worked on multiple documentaries, as an associate producer on other productions and generally visual communication .

Q: Who is your favorite journalist?

A: I don’t have any specific ones. I admire anyone who understands why they’re there and what their role is as the news

takes shape, and who reflects accurately the reality of that moment. That’s my favorite journalist.

Q: Were you involved in extra curricular activities while in school?

A: I did not do any extra curricular activities in school unless it was towards a journalism class.

I did 5 classes per semester so that I could finish school fast. I got to work on gigs in my spare time, which helped perfect my skills as a journalist, and helped me get connections.

Q: Where do you see your self in five years?

A: I really can’t say what I’ll be doing in 5 years but I see myself in strategic communication and teaching part time. I also love giving back and one of the ways is to open a journalism school somewhere in Somalia or in Djibouti and train the next generation of Somali journalist professionals.

Mr Suleiman Abdullahi. photo/courtesy

Q: Ups and downs in the career?

A: This might sound really crazy but stress gets me going.

It’s just another type of adrenalin. I’ve been lucky to have opportunities which give me the flexibility to pick and choose what and where I can grow at and learn more from.

Q: Most scary moment?

A: I went to cover the South Sudan referendum in January 2011 and you don’t get to witness a new country’s birth very often.

In the process I got myself arrested because I broke a curfew

for foreigners as I tried to get a scoop.

Q: Mentors apart from your parents?

A: I can honestly say that I am extremely lucky. I’ve had a lot of people to encourage and mentor me along the way. Few of those are my university lecturers, Mr Mutua, Mr Oranga and Ms Koki who pushed me to my limits and believed I was capable of anything. Their critique and advice was very essential and more importantly they steered me and recommended me to different opportunities and that was very valuable to me.

I have also had the opportunity to work with and learn from industry leaders in journalism and communication.

Q: Your advice to those who are still in school?

A: Well, I don’t like offering advice, it gets a bit too cliché because you generalize. Keep learning because learning never ends.

You must know everything.

Gazette Spring 2014

Page 12

ENTERTAINMENT | MUSIC | AWARDS

What you didn’t know about Pinye Pinye’s journey as a DJ and his advice to young upcoming artists

By Steve MACHARIA

P

eter Chuani, also known as DJ Pinye now stands tall in Kenya’s music industry.

Pinye, a self-taught disc jockey has spun discs for a living that made him one of the well-known Kenyan celebrities.

He is currently a television producer.

For the better part of the nineties, Pinye was an echo in the minds of many party goers in East Africa, making him the most influential deejay in Kenya then. The DJ grew up in Nairobi. He enrolled at St. Georges Primary School proceeding to Pumwani High School in the city. Upon completion of his OLevels, he joined the Creative Art Centre, a technical craft school for graphic design.

Aspiring to further his studies, Pinye joined the then Kenya Polytechnic only to drop out.

He explains: “I wanted to

DJ Pinye on the decks. The television producer has mentored many artistes and promoted the local music industry in the global arena. Courtesy

study in the United Kingdom, but had a burning desire to become a disc jockey. However, I did not know where to start.”

It was while at Tottenham in the UK that he came across and bought deejaying equipment Upon his return to Kenya, Pinye was given a platform to start his first radio show in 1995 at KBC’s Metro FM, which has since rebranded to Venus FM. While at the radio station, did not receive any pay. “I

was instead paying more than Sh50,000 to be on air,” he says.

DJ Pinye later on moved to Capital FM and then Nation Television, now NTV where he began a music programme “The Beat” targeting the youth.

Sine then, he has grown leaps and bounds promoting East Africa in the global music industry.

DJ Pinye remembers the long periods he had to work without pay: “I had to support myself, catering to my daily expenses.”

He confesses that the industry is tough. “Getting an edge and convincing producers needs dedication. No one then was listening to my ideas,” he adds.

The industry, according to DJ Pinye, has grown “Only videos like Monalisa by Deux Vultures and the famous ‘Wasee tumetoka Githurai’ (Guys we are from Githurai) by Mr Googz and Vinny Banton got airplay then.”

The DJ has mentored young talent, a project he still works

on when he identifies quality.

He also goes out of his way to look out for local talent who can change the music industry.

He urges budding talent not to shy away due to their dressing or a lack of content.

DJ Pinye says he has seen artistes like Octopizzo come up and has been influential in grooming him. His word for upcoming artistes and those already in the game, “Watch out for mentorship.”

Michezo Afrika raises the bar in club activities

BY SAFI GODANA

‘Conquer your fear. Unleash your potential’. This is the tagline of the unbeatable Michezo Afrika of USIU-Africa.

The club is renowned in the university because of its active participation in various activities in and outside the school over the years. Michezo is Swahili for plays. The club produces comedies, short films, and movies that are based on African stories and tales.

Over the years, Michezo Afrika has been the most active club on the campus and has attracted many talents.

Recently, they made tremendous achievements at the National Drama Festivals in Nyeri last Spring semester.

The club also represented USIU-Africa at the Annual Metropolitan Universities Drama Festivals where it won various awards, including the best production, best script, best costumes, décor and the best actor in mime.

Various outstanding students in USIU-Africa some of whom have graduated, owe their excellence to Michezo Afrika.

Ernest Wamboye, a USIU-Africa alumni, author of The Human Temple and a blogger, has mentored most of the club’s members while a student and even after he graduated Uvyu Mbole the current patron of Michezo Afrika says: “I am happy and proud of Michezo Afrika not only as the patron, but also as a Michezo family member. I believe in Michezo Afrika because they educate, entertain and empower other students through their talents and creativity.”

To join the club one must be good in both academic and on-stage performance.

“We own nothing in this world apart from our brain. Knowledge is the only personal property that you are buried with and not our luxurious houses and choppers,” says the patron on why class

Michezo Afrika actors during a past play.

performance is key in drama.

For the club, it is not only about working hard but also having fun without deviating from the path of success.

They say everything is either an opportunity to learn and grow or an obstacle that keeps you stuck. Mr Mbole adds that any kind of challenge presents an opportunity for Michezo to grow.

Michezo Africa has made big progress and they are now preparing to produce their own movie. According to chairperson Keith Oleng the club plans to shoot a movie on Mau Mau, Kenya’s freedom fighters’ movement.

Oleng attributes Michezo Afrika’s success to passion and commitment. “Our success can be credited to the passion and commitment our members have for the club and for each other, our ability to identify and exploit every member’s respective potential and our devotion to the long Michezo legacy of being better each year,” he says.

As a club leader, Oleng believes that good leadership is the key to the inspiration of club members to discover their avenues to success. “My simple advice to other clubs leaders is to find ways to keep their members motivated,” he says.

Gazette Spring 2014

Page 13

TECHNOLOGY | UPDATE | REVIEW

Sky the limit for journalists as drone eases coverage of breaking stories Creation of the Dj Iphantom makes it easier for media to gather information

By ANGELA MAINA

D

rone journalism today has changed the way in which photographers get stories from the field. It has revolutionized journalism in a way that reporters and journalists can now get full coverage on particular events and activities which could not be humanly possible in the past. Drone journalism is the use of unmanned aircraft systems or drones for the benefit of journalism.

Dickens Olewe and Ben Kreimer on created the device dubbed Dj Iphantom.

Mr Olewe, an online editor at The Star, founded the African Skycam, the continent’s first

USIU-Africa journalism lecturer Robi Koki with Ben Kreimer when the tech innovator visited the university last semester. PHOTO/ANGELA WAIRIMU

newsroom based drone journalism team. Based in Nairobi, Skycam is in the process of expanding across Africa.

Mr Kreimer, is a journalist as well as a techie who works at the University of NebraskaLincoln’s Drone Journalism Lab. The device is expected to enable journalists gather stories without exposing themselves

to danger or over long distance.

Journalists around the world can now get pictures and videos of floods in a specific area, riots, wars, or even aerial shots of a stadium during a football match.

Drones are used to monitor vast expanses of land such as farms and wildlife reserves.

The police use drones for reconnaissance missions or

border security.

Even filmmakers at the Hollywood covertly make use of the devices in its evergreen quest for more jaw-dropping and immersive scenes.

In Germany, micro drones have been used to monitor railways for graffiti gangs. Depending on the model, drones can be controlled remotely or they may be autonomous, buzzing across the sky, directed by GPS. With the relentless advancement in technology, drones are becoming increasingly sophisticated and are now fitted with cameras and numerous sensors.

They are so powerful that people have rapidly found ingenious ways to put them to full use.

Journalists can use drones to report on disasters such as hurricanes, tornadoes and wildfires.

Having an above-the-ground view may give journalists a better perspective of the extent of a disaster. By making use of sensors attached to drones, jour-

nalists can measure numerous parameters such as radiation levels in inaccessible areas. An environment journalist may also be keen to use drones to collect specimen such as polluted water samples, while an exploring nature journalist can use them as communication relays so that they can touch base when reporting from remote areas.

Drone journalism appears to make so much sense that two universities in the US have already incorporated drone use in their journalism programs.

The Drone Journalism Lab at the University of Nebraska and the Missouri Drone Journalism Program at the University of Missouri both teach journalism students how to make the most of what drones have to offer when reporting a story.

Drone journalism has changed the way journalists think today, and is still yet to improve the profession in many ways.

GADGETS

Android smart watch lands in nick of time

BY STEVE MACHARIA

Time is precious and every second counts.

A wristwatch is a symbol of a person who values treasured time. It signifies class and perhaps discipline in time management.

Today, wristwatches have faithfully kept their importance and have transformed into trendy gadgets.

From the digital blinking watches, to the classical Rolex, you can now have an Android smart watch.

Samsung has followed through in the market to give consumers a unique product, a smart watch that helps in sav-

ing your precious time.

The smart watch has surpassed expectations. It not only tells you what time it is, it surfs the internet. As if this is not enough,the wrist watch can pick calls on your behalf.

The watch sends messages, and reduces the ambiguity of carrying an iPod for it can play music.

The android smart watch is also packed with other features, which include voice memo, pedometer, calculator, stopwatch, notifications from your online office and social accounts including Twitter and Facebook.

It simply saves you time by having

these features in an easy portable trendy masterpiece frame inclusive of a TFT touch screen.

The application of the watch is pegged on Samsung Note 3 or the Samsung 10.1.

The watch and the phone simply communicate through bluetooth pairing.

For the trendy and classy you, the watch comes with different straps in different colors that can be effortlessly changed.

Pink, blue, black, red, white, you name it. Whatever the color that suits you, the Android smart watch will do.

The watch is available in various outlets, from the Thika Road Shopping Mall, to Phone express to Samsung outlets in town and Sarit center in Westlands.

Wearable devices

They say necessity is the mother of invention. In fiction movies we have seen characters in costume glasses capable of spying, taking pictures or browsing files.

The inkling of this coming to realitywas far from the movie audience’s mind.

Hands free devices that keep you wired in with technology were always hype.

This was no bluff for we now have Google

glass released in 2014.

Google Glass is an invention from Mars with a wholesome of applications; it helps one take pictures, record, get directions, speak to send messages or take notes and offers you an active hands free lifestyle.

It also comes with a prescription attachment lens for those with optical needs. The lens options are endless to suit any lifestyle. Some are a clear multipurpose lens, polarized lenses, photochromatic, and tinted lenses in four colors intended for outdoor use.

This doesn’t mean that people are indebted to wear two pair of glasses.

The lenses have an adapter clip on for Google glass explorer. The are also easily attached and removed.

Gazette Spring 2014

Page 14

GLOBAL | NEWS | UPDATES

Rwanda genocide 20 years on

Lupita to star in Americanah

Country remembers two decades since killing of its citizens as the world watched Displaying both pride and pain, Rwandans in April marked the 20th anniversary of a devastating 100-day genocide that saw packed churches set on fire and machete-wielding attackers chop down whole families from a demonized minority.

Blood curdling screams and sorrowful wails resounded throughout a packed sports stadium as world leaders and thousands of Rwandans gathered to hear of healing and hope.

“As we pay tribute to the victims, both the living and those who have passed, we also salute the unbreakable Rwandan spirit in which we owe the survival and renewal of our country,” said President Paul Kagame.

Kagame and UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon together lit a flame at the Kigali Genocide Memorial Centre, which estimates that more than one million Rwandans perished in three months of machete and gunfire attacks mostly aimed at the country’s minority Tutsi population by extremist Hutus. Missing from the stadium was the French government, which Rwanda banned. In an interview published in France during the event, Kagame accused the former African colonial power of participating in some of the genocide violence.

The ceremony and Uganda’s president highlighted the influence that white colonial masters had in setting the stage for the violence that erupted on April 7,

A grave yard where some of the victims of the genocide in 1994. More than one million Rwandans, mostly Tutsis died during the 100-day killings by Hutu extremists. Internet sources

1994. Stadium-goers watched as white people in colonial outfits jumped out of a safari car and stormed the main stage.

The wide-brim hats then changed to blue berets, the headgear worn by UN troops who did nothing to stop the carnage. Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni in his speech blamed colonization for many of Africa’s violent troubles.

“The people who planned and carried out genocide were Rwandans, but the history and root causes go beyond this beautiful country. This is why Rwandans continue to seek the most complete explanation possible.

“We do so with humility as a nation that nearly destroyed itself,” Kagame said. At a later news conference, Rwandan Foreign Minister Louise Mushikiwabo said many books, movies and documentaries provide evidence of France’s genocide role.

During an intense scene on the sports field, a young girl of perhaps 10 recounted the torture of a young boy.

Spectators screamed and the severely

traumatized were carried off. The blue beret actors evacuated and Rwandan troops — symbolizing the Tutsi military force Kagame led back then — stormed the field. Rwandans in white and grey lay scattered throughout the field, representing the dead. Ever since the killing spree, the world community has been forced to acknowledge it did nothing.

The UN chief said he hopes to reaffirm the international community’s commitment to the idea of “never again,” though he said genocide is still possible.

He mentioned violence in the Central African Republic and Syria.

The U.S. ambassador to the United Nations, Samantha Power, said the genocide was a “devastating reminder that nightmares seemingly beyond imagination can in fact take place.”As genocide survivor Fidele Rwamuhizia recounted his tale he hid in a mosque where many people were slaughtered — it triggered emotional reactions that required some mourners to be assisted by counselors. source: ap

Renowned poet Angelou dies at 86 Maya Angelou, the renowned poet, author and civil rights activist with the unmistakably regal voice, died on May 28. The author of the celebrated autobiography I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings was 86 years old.

Her death came less than a week after Angelou announced she would not attend the 2014 MLB Beacon Awards Luncheon, where she was to be honored, citing “health reasons.” In April, she also cancelled an event in Fayetteville, Arkansas, because she was recovering from an “unexpected ailment” that left her hospitalized.

“The mayor is very saddened to hear the loss of a woman of such renowned phenomenal status as Dr Angelou. Our prayers are with her family, her staff and

WORLD IN BRIEF

all the people she has worked with,” Linda Jackson-Barnes, assistant to WinstonSalem Mayor Allen Joines, said.

Angelou was born on April 4, 1928, in St. Louis, Missouri, under the name Marguerite Annie Johnson, and was raised in Stamps, Arkansas, and San Francisco, after her parents sent her off to live with her grandmother in California when she was fresh with a white store clerk in Arkansas, the Associated Press reported.

She grew up to become a singer, dancer, actress, writer and Hollywood’s first female black director.

Angelou had an impressive list of accolades: She was a three-time Grammy winner and was nominated for a Pulitzer, a Tony, and an Emmy for her role in the

1977 groundbreaking television miniseries “Roots.” But her success didn’t come easily. Angelou’s life struggles were fodder for her work.

Her childhood had been marked by sexual abuse, which she detailed in I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings — the first of six autobiographies she wrote.

A few weeks after she finished high school, at 17, she gave birth to her son, Guy. A single mother, she supported her son by working as a waitress and a cook, but music, dance, and poetry were her true passions.

Her first big break came as a singer in the 1950s, when she toured Europe with a production of the opera “Porgy and Bess.” In 1957, she recorded her first album, “Calypso Lady.” source: NBC NEWS

Oscar-winning actress Lupita Nyong’o is to star in and produce an adaptation of Nigerian author Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie’s acclaimed novel Americanah.

It will be made by Brad Pitt’s company Plan B, producers of 12 Years a Slave - which won Nyong’o an Oscar in February.

Americanah centres on two Nigerians who fall in love, but find themselves separated by immigration issues.

In a statement, Nyong’o said it was an “honour to bring Ms Adichie’s brilliant book to the screen”.

Americanah, which follows lovers Ifemelu and Obinze, won the prestigious US National Book Critics Circle Award in 2013. It was selected as one of the 10 best books of the year by the New York Times Book Review, the BBC and Newsday.

It was also on the shortlist for this week’s Baileys Prize for Women’s Fiction in the UK, but lost out to Eimear McBride’s A Girl Is A Half-Formed Thing. source: bbc

Ex-tennis star on rape charge Former Grand Slam doubles champion Bob Hewitt has been charged with rape and sexual assault of minors at a court in South Africa, his lawyer says.

Mr Hewitt, who will go on trial in February 2015, has denied the three charges, Alwyn Griebenow told the Associated Press news agency.

The charges relate to his time coaching children in South Africa in the 1980s.

Mr Hewitt, 74, won nine Grand Slam doubles and six mixed doubles titles in the 1960s and 1970s.

The Australian-born former tennis star appeared at Boksburg Magistrate’s Court, Johannesburg, for the first time on Friday.

He told the court he understood the charges, his lawyer told AP, adding that his client would plead not guilty to all three charges - two of rape and one of indecent assault - at his trial.

South African media report that Mr Hewitt appeared frail in court and was aided by a walking stick.

-- BBC

Page 15

Gazette Spring 2014

GAZETTE SPORTS

Spartans shine at Kusa tourney terrible lose to Telcom, Orange at the last minute 3-0, and a great win against Sliders 1-0, Vikings 4-0.

The final game and the last of the long hard season were against Mombasa Sports Club 4-0 early April.

“Currently we have no threatening team as the level of the Spartans, USIU team is at a point of being the threat...... despite losing to Strathmore, we have great hopes of beating them next season and we are looking forward to lead the league next season....all we need is focus, determination and commitment. We believe with God we will make it with our slogan ‘SPARTANS KWOMEEEEE’........, we know we are strong and will make it.” Says Rhoda Nyambura, Spartans captain.

Football kings To add to the university’s winning streak, men soccer team scooped the 2014 National KUSA Championship on March 23 after beating their arch rivals Strathmore University.

The National KUSA playoffs was held at the Dedan Kimathi University of Technology in Nyeri, where eight university teams were involved. The teams were divided into two groups of four each.

USIU-A was one of the three teams representing the Nai-

The football team in action. joy atieno

utes into the game, Emmanuel picked the ball just outside the box and his shot hit the crossbar only to fall on Oliver’s path who then place in the bottom left corner to give USIU the much needed lead.

Barrage of attacks

The Spartans after they won this year’s Kenya Universities Sports Association national championships games. courtesy

robi Conference, along with Strathmore University and Kenya Polytechnic after these teams emerged as the top three teams in the Nairobi Conference playoffs.

USIU’s first game of the group stage was against the hosts Dedan Kimathi and beat them 2-1, the second game was against Kirinyaga University of which they thumped them 5-0.

Last game of the group stage was against Strathmore University which ended in a stalemate.

The university topped the group which meant they progressed to the semi finals where they met with Kenya Polytechnic. It was a tough

encounter which saw the game end scoreless and the game had to be decided through penalty shoot outs.

USIU-A were in need of a hero, and goalkeeper Wamalwa Dennis stepped up to the task as he saved two penalties against

Kenya Poly while USIU converted all their first four from the spot to win the tie 4-2 on Penalties.

The Final saw USIU meet their Nairobi rivals Strathmore University for the second time in the tournament. Just 20 min-

USIU-A were then down to ten men after Temy’s sending off just after the break, they had to give every ounce of effort to keep Strathmore at bay.

They managed to hold on to their lead despite the barrage of attacks from Strathmore throughout the second half, and USIU-A soccer team Wolves were crowned the 2014 National KUSA Champions for Mens Soccer.

Godfrey Kegode, USIU-A skipper had this to say after the game, “The Red card to Temy added even more pressure to the team, but we had to give 110 per cent to see the game through, and I’m so happy for the team we turned out victorious.”

Volleyball needs support Lydia berigena

The USIU-Africa women volleyball team needs more support from both the faculty and students. The team was formally established in 2012 with just four people. In order to practice, the ladies would join the men’s volleyball team. The team’s captain Sheila admitted that, “without the boys team, we would not have gotten to where we are right now, they are the ones who helped us.”

Since then, the women volleyball team has made some progress, but it still has a long way to go and for that it needs the school. Currently, they are 12 core members and they are still looking to recruit more students.

Although the volleyball team wants to build itself, it is a challenge, especially when they are competing with teams that have better facilities and a coach. “When we play outside we represent USIU, we play for USIU, and we sacrifice out time to show up for training and for games,” said Sheila.

The women volleyball team like the softball and the men’s volleyball clubs is a participatory team which meant that they don’t have the benefits that school teams like the rugby or the basketball teams enjoy.

In order to get upgraded from a participatory team, a team must accomplish several tasks, including winning several games. “If they expect us to deliver more and perform better, we need

more help, we have already accomplished a lot with the little we have,” Sheila said.

After two years, the team still does not have a coach yet. They train themselves with the help of their captain and the boy’s team. Once in a while they get someone to train them. Despite this, they have made strides, and have left a footmark in the volleyball world. “If you go to look at the Volleyball Federation, they recognize that there is a USIU volleyball team,” she added proudly. They also clinched fourth position in Kenya University Sports Association League.

Car park “Most of the games we have participated in are university leagues, because we are limited to that, but as a way of building the team further, we started participating in high school tournaments, to gauge ourselves, to mentor those students and also spot talent for future enrollment into USIU,” she admitted.

The sport office has of course helped; the women volleyball now has more volleyballs and a better net. Still it is not nearly enough, “we need a pitch, as we speak, our pitch has been turned into a car park, we go to train and we find cars parked there, we need a pitch, more balls, and a coach,” Sheila added.

The women volleyball team is a great addition to the USIU club activities. However, it might disappear if it is ignored by the students and the school.

Page 16

Gazette Spring 2014

GAZETTE SPORTS KUSA tournament Spartans and football teams shine at the inter-university events

Volleyball

INSIDE

USIU-A’s new kids on the block need support to grow

<<

<<

Varsity champs Hockey and football teams win KUSA titles after brilliant performance at the national tournaments

Rugby team postpones May tour of France

BY STEVE MACHARIA

USIU-A Hockey team center defender Miriam Wangui celebrates after victory. Courtesy

The university rugby team was expecting to travel to Paris-France from May this summer to represent Kenya in the Cestrale Sevens.

The Marshalls were among select teams expected to play in a tournament involving university teams from France, South Africa, New Zealand, Kenya, China, Belgium, Republic of Moldova, Ukraine, Lebanon and Morocco.

The Cestrale Sevens is an international university rugby event that started in 2005 that draws participants from different parts of the world.

Speaking on phone, team captain Leonel Lewa told the Gazette that they had expected a lot in terms of exposure and experience. “We were to travel to France, an opportunity to

represent Kenya and USIU-A was a privilege and a chance to gain a lot of experience and exposure,” Leo said.

Being fully catered for by the hosts, out of the 50 dedicated team members 14 were selected to represent Kenya and the university in the tournament.

“This is a high pressure, high-end tour, we knew it would be tough, but we were full of energy and upbeat,” added Leo. USIU’s rugby team has featured in numerous events.

This year they were runners up for Mwamba Cup final in Second Division against defending champions Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology despite dismal performance during the knock-out stages. The trip was organized by USIU sports coordinator Boniface Salano.

From chosen one to fired by steve macharia

sarah oleng and mohamed abubakar

USIU hockey and football teams are the new Kenya Universities Sports Association champions.

Ladies played round robin and met KU in the final and beat them 3 - 0 to take the trophy.

National Kenya Universities Sports Association (KUSA)

games had four USIU teams representing Nairobi during the championship. The Spartans made it big during the spring season. The team won the county and national trophies after a long season in KUSA. The team scored against Egerton during a women’s tournament in Nakuru.

They finished the league season with a thrift making position 3 after tough final games. Scores were; a draw with Strathmore 0-0 during the first face and a lose to them 2-1 during the second face after a tough game, a CONTINUED ON PAGE 15 >>

Patience is a virtue but woe unto them who did not advise Manchester United Football Club. On Tuesday they called off David Moyes as the team manager. This is after a hectic season in charge of the all-time champions.

“Moyes has finally packed his bags,” read a tweet on Manchester United official Twitter feed. “His hard work, honesty and integrity are a reputation he built and we are grateful to him.”

Moyes took over from Sir Alex Ferguson as his chosen heir six months ago. This has seen the club drop to number seven in Barclays Premier League table having gunned

down 57 points out of 34 games played from position one last season.

Everton a club earlier managed by David Moyes,denied Manchester United a chance of participating in the coming season Champion’s League after beating them 2-0 making it an eleventh league defeat.

Bayern Munich even made it worse with a 4-2 aggregate win.

“United fans always ran their traps as if Moyes will become Ferguson and sneak them up the table,” said Apollo an Arsenal die-hard fanatic. “The season is over for Man-U,”with an evil grin he added.

The last time the club missed out in Champions League was in 1995 and they might as well miss the Europa League.

Sauti SPRING 2014

Ythera drops new single How to live on a tight budget Do college affairs lead to marriage?

Face of Africa

Cover photos by: Martin Migwi Munene

African cultural diversity

2 | Sauti | Spring 2014

What a semester! The excitement, the vibrant spirit displayed by the USIU community during the Spring Semester was overwhelming…there were lots of activities that propagated lots of laughter, tears of joy, student and faculty bonding, friendship making and the list goes on and on…Maybe we were motivated by the New Year’s spirit and to cap it all was the elaborate USIU’s ‘Happy’ dance that involved students, faculty, security and workers. For those who did not have a chance to participate in it, it is available on YouTube.

EDITOR’S TAKE

The semester is synonymous with cultural activities, as we began with the celebration of Black History Month and then came the most festive of all events, the Culture Week merriment where we were entertained by the multicultural set up that gave us the best platform for interacting with people from more than 54 nationalities to learn and appreciate each other’s culture and uniqueness.

During the semester, we took time to gather news and other stories for you. Some of those we have for you in this Sauti issue are on relationship and gay debate in Afri-

ca.

What about your wallet?

Can you account for every penny that you have been spending or are you the type who is a bit extravagant? Tight budget has been a big issue for some of us who are still dependent on our parents. If you want advice on how to successfully live on a strict budget in campus, we have what you need.

As we say goodbye to Spring 2014 and look forward to Summer 2014, we wish you all the very best and to Class of 2014, we say hongera!

Safi Godana

Editorial Team Editorial Adviser - Simon Libafu Chief Editor- Salome Marchal Photography- Angela Maina and Lydia Berigena Layout- Salome Marchal & Lydia Berigena

Page Page Page Page Page

Inside this issue

4: Fashion 6: Culture 7: Relationships 8: One on one 9: Campus life

Writers: Lydia Berigena Sarah Oleng Sandra Wekesa Safi Godana Maryanne Maina

Page Page Page Page

11: Healthy Living 12-13: Profile 14: Opinion 15: Recipe

Sauti | Spring 2014 | 3

FASHION

AFRICAN WEAR

1 4 | Sauti | Spring 2014

FASHION

By Angela Wairimu

2

3

4

African wear has become more versatile and easier to combine with modern trends. Here are some ways of mixing urban style and African prints.

1.

Enjoy a casual urban black and white style by mixing sequins with different pieces.

2.

From left, Leon Kimani and Asma show us how to mix vintage coats with African prints.

3.

You can incorporate African prints into your daily style by wearing it with a coat and simple denim jeans.

4.

African prints have different varieties in which you can blend together to give your outfit a statement.

Sauti | Spring 2014| 5

CULTURE

By Lydia Berigena

Let’s talk culture

Divergent perspectives of the multicultural set up of USIU-Africa Alex Roberts Ludwig Mpongo Cameroon has both English and French as its official languages. Has this had negative or positive impacts?

Well there have been some negative impacts.

Like, Cameroonians want independence from the French and this sometimes causes clashes between the people and the authority. Still, it is really great because it makes us unique.

Is the grass realy greener on the other side?

Cameroon

Benin

It is a mixed bag. When people ask me about going to the States, I don’t recommend it. It is a fallacy. Momentarily the economy is in shambles. It flactuates and the opportunities are limited.All my friends in the States work minial jobs for nothing.

There are good schools though and they are other amazing things in the States.

I enjoy life more in Kenya rather than in the States. I am a little bit weird, I need a little bit of chaos in my life.

America

Ivory Coast Marie-Christelle Djekou How passionate are Ivorians about football, is it because of Didier Drogba?

Freddy Biaou Why is Voodoo so popular in your country?

Voodoo is popular because it is considered a religion where I am from.

It has been passed on from one generation to another, so for people who have lost hope it is their way out.

But I don’t believe in because I don’t practice it.

My viewpoint is biased because I don’t really practice it. I see it more like a bloody thirsty cult that uses fear to inspire more followers. Once part of Voodoo, a person is condemned to remain part of it until his line is finished.

6 | Sauti | Spring 2014

Sarah Mbemba Why are all Congolese great dancers?

It seems to be a natural thing.

It is actually shocking when a Congolese doesn’t know how to sing or dance. Children are brought up sorrounded by music and it becomes a part of them .

They are constantly encouraged by their parents and extended families, especially during parties and events.

Ivorians have always been passionate about football, even before Didier Drogba.

Every time Côte D’Ivoire is participating to an international Congo tournament, the people will support the team up to the last stage.

With the political instability Ashway Akasha which started in 2002, Didier DrogAre all the Sudanese who ba and his colleagues committed themselves to win the African cup join USIU rich? of nations in order to give back he I wouldn’t say they are all rich, joyfulness Ivorians lost most of them are well off. Not all of them are rich, because they are from different backrgrounds.

I think that the way they carry and portray themselves and their fashionable style, makes it seem like they are all wealthy.

Generally, it is a misconception.

Sudan

RELATIONSHIPS

Do college affairs lead to marriage?

Due to the diversity and

By Sandra Wekesa

small age difference of college students, they not only find it easier to get a Mr or Ms Right but also hook up with future lifetime spouse

atlantablackstar.com

I

n this day and age, we have lots of avenues to find Mr. or Ms. Right, hence many options. However, once we find that potential someone, the next question is future potential and marriage. Unless a person is a serial dater, most people are looking for a relationship which will lead to a future or marriage later on. If we are all looking for that right person so we can all live happily ever after together, then college or university is considered to be the one of most convenient places to meet that Right person.

In college one is surrounded by hundreds, sometimes thousands of young men and women. Not only is it easier to find a boyfriend or girlfriend but it is also easier to find someone with whom one is compatible with in the long run. This is because in college there are so many people from different cultures, social status and so on. So the chances are favorable of finding someone with whom one has potential for a real friendship as well as sexual chemistry. College relationships can be a lot of fun, some will be serious, and others will be casual. They take a lot of effort, time and one has to be seriously committed for such a relationship to work.

The upside of such a relationship is that there is a solid foundation between the two parties.

This is because people from the same colleges have shared values that they adapted from the school; they have similar interests because they may have met in the school cafeteria, a club that they both frequent or even the school gym.

Women face a glass ceiling in their quest to progress upward in their careers as top or senior managers

There is also the factor that the two are of the same age group; they get to experience the same things at the same time span. The other thing is that trial and error in college helps to figure out how to operate as a couple, what works for them, how to handle pressure and jealousy from their partners.

It’s not very common to get married to a person you were dating in University, especially right after school.

This is because often after undergraduate, people part ways because of graduate school, job opportunities and even place of residence. But it’s like any relationship; if you find the right per-

Most young people think marriage is about love and love alone, but the real thing is that it is a financial contract. Love does not pay the bills

son why simply toss it away with graduation.

People do find other paths to take like grad school and stuff but it’s not impossible to end up in the same proximity or even the same school. So the logistic of post-graduation life may be a challenge, but if the relationship is important enough one will find a way to make things work.

On the other hand, getting married after college seems to be a rushed decision. This is because you have your whole life ahead of you, what is the rush? More importantly, however, you have no job, no skills and no savings. How can you possibly think about getting married at a time like this? Most young people think marriage is about love and love alone, but the real thing is that it is a financial contract. So people should only get married if they are financially stable. Love does not pay the bills. Trying to support oneself on an allowance is hard enough, think about how much harder it will be to support someone else. Marriage is money, and it’s not only the big day but settling down, paying the bills and so much more.

Sauti | Spring 2014| 7

ONE-ON-ONE

Ythera releases new hit

By Sarah Oleng

W

aithera Chege, publicly known as Ythera is a musician to look out for. Her growth in music is quite spectacular. Her mixture of Soul, Afro depicts so much of indepth understanding and African culture yet modern at the same time.

“Kijana” her first release to the public took place in 14th February, and has surprised many. During an interview with her, Ythera tells us of her journey through music, and as she speaks, you can clearly tell from her feminine yet deep voice how good a singer she is.

S: Describe yourself in a sentence Y: I am a simple, quirky twenty one year old with an undying passion for music.

What do you do apart from music?

I am a final year student of journalism (Broadcast Media and Public Relations) at USIU, hoping to graduate this August.

I also have a penchant for making things with my hands so in my spare time; I make accessories such as earrings, necklaces and bowties.

When did your music interest start? …When I was in primary school. We would sing songs during the parade and I’d find myself making harmonies to them and singing along under my breath. I always enjoyed singing, but was too shy to do it in front of an audience until I joined my high school choir.

How many songs have you produced so far and what’s your target in the next 2 years?

I have produced quite a number. However, I released my debut single “Kijana’ this past Valentine’s Day to a positive reception. I’m hoping to have an album out by the end of the year and be a musical powerhouse, and for my music to have a distinguished presence both in Kenya and internationally. Songwriting is also an area of interest for me and I would like to collaborate with other artists and even write songs for other artists.

What direction do your songs take,

8 | Sauti | Spring 2014

Ythera performing her new hit ‘Kijana’. Photo/courtesy how will your music impact society?

I call my sound Soul Afro Funk. Simply because it’s an eclectic mix where Soul meets Reggae meets Doo-woop and a myriad of other genres. I’m bringing back the funk!

I aspire to create socially conscious and relatable music, often writing about love, politics and the in-betweens. If I had a slogan it would be “Music with a message.”

I want my music to inspire and entertain people, and at the same time carry across a message.

Your instrumentalists and back up are all females as depicted in the song ‘kijana’, was that intentional or just a coincidence?

I actually do have a number of guys in my band, three to be exact. However, for the video of ‘Kijana’, I thought it best to have my female companions with me and have it be an all-girl band.

About your collabo with H3 Thomas, how did you decide to sing with him?

How was the production experience?

It was quite an interesting experience. We got to know each other from a mutual friend in school and he asked me to work on a project with him. It was nice collaborating with him in a different genre, since he does rap and it introduced me to the music scene.

What challenges have faced in the music industry so far?

It can get quite hard to put yourself out there as a newcomer in the industry, especially getting airplay and visibility and trying to create a name for yourself. However, the music industry and it’s audiences is growing more and more receptive to new genres and not just what is considered mainstream music.

What would you say to inspire those who want to venture into music?

Follow what you want and what you believe in shamelessly and relentlessly with your eye on the prize.

CAMPUS LIFE

Shoestring budget tips for university students

By Maryanne Maina

C

ollege life forces many students to live on a strict budget especially if they are dependent on their parents and live away from home. Trying to manage spending while in school can be very challenging for students who have most likely never had to budget. This article provides helpful hints to students who struggle with a limited amount of money while making sure that their social life does not suffer.

1

. Always make a budget There are many activities and expenses that demand money and it is up to a student to prioritize. Parents figure out what the possible expenses are at the beginning of the semester and hand over allowances according to that. Therefore it is up to a student to decide what expenses will figure into that â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;incomeâ&#x20AC;?. Come up with a list of expenses, in order of importance. Food, transport, emergencies are all important and should be given top priority. Remember to also plan for your leisure activities.

2

. Think creatively Always think of how you can save money yet live comfortably.

Do you need all those clothes you are buying? Buy a few items that can be worn in a number of ways giving an illusion of a big wardrobe. Also realize that newer isnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t necessarily when it comes to furnishings for your room or flat. Do your food and toiletry

shopping in bulk preferably at a supermarket.

This saves money spent doing daily trips to the shop. Buying in bulk is ultimately cheaper in the long run and leaves money for other expenses. Adjust your meal plan to a less expensive option, and live with a roommate if possible.

Photo/getty images

3

. Stick to the budget A budget is useless unless you adhere to it and this is all about willpower.

There was a reason you made the budget, to force you to spend money wisely so stick to it.

That kind of discipline helps even when you are working after university to help to manage your money.

Sticking to your budget pays off hugely in the end and you may find you have money to save.

4

. Avoid unnecessary expenses Not to sound like a no-life but cut on your drinking and partying once in a while, and watch a movie on your laptop instead. This will certainly save you more than you think. Shots, whiskey, bottles, cocktails...those take more than Ksh 1000 Ksh from your wallet per night. Reduce or get rid of bad habits: if you smoke, you will spend a lot of your budget on just buying cigarettes when that money could have been useful in more ways...

5

. Reward yourself When you have succeeded in sticking to your budget, and you have extra cash, reward yourself.

Splurge on a nice item of clothing, a little piece of jewelry. This will make you feel like there is a positive note to penny-pinching.

Everyone wants a reward for hard work put in to something and living on a budget is no different.

Sauti | Spring 2014| 9

LIVING

Hike your way to good health

By Elizabeth Naliaka

E

ver wonder how people have the energy to climb mountains, dive in the depths of the sea and still live to see tomorrow? Many people would rather spend their leisure watching television or having a snack while reading a book. It’s the most relaxing feeling, since it doesn’t require much use of our physical strength. It is also the most dangerous thing since it does nothing to revitalize our mind.

I have never liked physical exercise, the most I can do is jog around the estate for 15 minutes. There are many people who are

not good at sports or do not have the morale to do any outdoor activities. It took me a day of hiking to realize just how important working my body is. I feared going to the gym because it was too demanding on my time, and I lacked commitment.

It all happened on a Friday evening when I was filming a class project. I got a call from my friend, David, asking me to join him with some friends for a hike at the Arberdares.

While for him it was in preparation of climbing Mount Kenya and running the Safaricom Lewa Marathon, for me it was a day away from the city. The last time I hiked anything was when I was 12 years old. We left early in

One of the hikers during the Aberdares expedition. COURTERSY

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the morning with Ethan and Rebecca to join a group of runners called the Hashi runners.

Hashi runners is a group of professional people who meet thrice a week to run .Most of them suffer from various diseases like cancer, diabetes, and heart conditions. They started the group as a way of supporting each other.

They have climbed mountains, hiked in different places, and participated in marathons.

This has improved their health and lifestyle.

The journey from Nairobi to the Aberdares took about 3 hours. We met the warden, who briefed us on what we would expect during the hike.

He said that we would experience some physical changes as we got higher in latitude, which is nausea, headache and pain at the joints. I laughed it off, thinking that was an exaggeration.

We were provided with guards just in case wild animals wondered off and passed our trail. Unfortunately the only animals we saw were cows.

The hike took approximately nine hours. I have never sweated the way I did in my whole life. I experienced headaches and nausea as I reached the peak and could not move my legs.

Whenever you go hiking never walk alone.

I got support from my friends as we ascended.

Ethan carried me all the way down. It was not an easy task. A doctor from the Hashi Runners also helped.

David walked ahead of us to make sure we didn’t collide with any tree, or tripped because of unstable rocks. We did fall once, since it was very slippery. It had rained most of the week.

There was a lot of breathtaking scenery.

Lake Naivasha and Lake Nakuru were visible, even the Longot crater graced our view. The trees were tall and unique. We got a chance to act like Ninjas in the bamboo forest. We swung on them and did a bit of Japanese fighting with the sticks.

We encountered lots of elephant dung, something remarkable to the usual cow dung.

With all the adventure we experienced, it was not surprising that we had been the last group to arrive at the campsite.

Food was plenty. And drinks too. It was a feast of celebration. It is not every day you hike for hours. My body physically hurt for days afterwards, but it was a relaxing experience.

I have since hiked in Machakos and Kitui.

EVENTS

Don’t worry, be happy

By Sauti Team

H

ave you been happy lately?

The whole world has, posting remakes of Pharrell William’s song “Happy”. Countries, cities, and universities have filmed and re-produced their editions of joyful videos, taking the same concept as the original video but representing their places. In these videos people of all walks of life come together, one by one, dancing, marching, swinging in different places like offices, gyms, paths, elevators.

This trend has shown itself in Kenya not so long ago, and all kinds of videos have appeared on YouTube, like the university of Strathmore who posted their version a few weeks ago. The phenomenon finally reached USIU on April 2nd, when a large group of students gathered, wearing yellow shirts with smileys and the phrase “I’m happy #celebrating USIU”. A crew of journalism students led by Mutash Afric, Gacambi Wanjira Sidi Garama and a few others filmed all kinds of scenes around USIU but this one was involving the most people.

Students were being co-ordinated to dance on the grass forming a smiley all together, while the filming crew stood on top of the library roof, video-taping from the best angle. The video came out a few days ago, featuring staff, students, the karate team and amongst all people, Professor Buyu and our very own vice chancellor Freida Brown who appears at the end of the music video. USIU choir also sang the chorus briefly, showing their participation in the event. This is yet another event that brought USIU students together in a project representing the university in an entertaining way.

Watch the video on YouTube (Happy Dance: USIU Africa Edition), and shared on the USIU Facebook page.

Sauti | Spring 2014| 11

PROFILE

Mutash Afric the Rap ki

By Steve Macharia

M

any artists struggle to establish their musical identity, laboriously trying on different musical styles like a piece of clothing, looking to find what fits them. But there are others that emerge fully formed, in full command of their craft, their identity and their music.

Mutash Afric fits firmly in the latter category.

His new EP, College Rap King is a captivating and moving debut that heralds the arrival of a gifted and significant new talent, one whose music feels familiar in the best possible way, while striking out on its own territory.

Mutash who grew up in Ngummo, Nairobi, Afric was an artist as a child, but didn’t take music seriously until he was in high school. He explains, “I started writing songs in my head, and it took

12 | Sauti | Spring 2014

my interest in music to another level. I had to pick for an audition being held by Kenyan hit maker up the pen and pad so I could write music to the Madtraxx. I was the only one out of hundreds ideas I heard in my head. Then I started produc- who got a recording deal from that day’s exercise” ing to broaden my horizons even more.” Almost Now recording in Red Republik Studios, Afric immediately, he began perhas gathered skill as a forming Spoken Word Poetry songwriter and profesat local open mics at bars, sional musician, using Freedom allowed Afric going through what he calls, this to shape his own to choose the most interstyle. “I grew up with ‘the typical post-high school esting collaboration as well a lot of African music lifestyle.’ “I wasn’t interested as the pace to experiment influence, My sisters in anything I was doing other used to play Kenyan than music, and I loved the mixes all the time and wide-openness of my life.”

Through recording in various small studios in I naturally gravitate to that kind of sound”, he Nairobi and playing songs for his friends, Afric explains.

As his name grew in and around Nairobi, saw their genuinely excited reaction. “Two friends heard the songs and approached me, inviting me the pieces began to fall into place for Afric. Per-

PROFILE

king in the making

er ds e” ic a sng wn th ic rs an nd he

bi, r-

forming alongside Madtraxx and Redrepublik artists Kora and Ndegzeein, major shows gave him an increasing local audience. His first release was Afric Versus B.s., a mixtape that got great response from his school mates at the United States International University.

Recording continuously, Afric hooked up with local producer Majik Mike (another Redrepublik artist who’s also produced for Juliani, KrissEeh Baba, and more) and the two recorded most of the new EP College Rap King. “Working with Majik Mike and fellow Redrepublik artists has given me the freedom to be myself and to make the music exactly the way I want to make it,” he declares.

That freedom allowed Afric to choose the most interesting collaboration as well as the

space to experiment . He reflects, “There was a lot of trial and error that went into the album.

The songwriting is far more detailed, and that was reflected in how I recorded. We recorded fifteen songs, and I picked ten. I spent months on certain songs, refining them until I thought they were just right.”

With features like Lyra Aoko, Ngegzee, UNEEK,VanessaVonroe, the sound they got is a commanding and infectious one, modern in feel, while also hearkening back to the African sound that is embedded in his musical DNA. Afric adds, “It’s a little better than I thought it was going to be in the beginning. It even sounds more like an album!” From the opening notes of “College Life” the album’s opening poetry recital, one hears that combination of melodic irresist-

ibility and lyrical incisiveness that are becoming MutashAfric’s hallmarks.

Indeed, that feeling of student life is one that’s prevalent on College Rap King. “‘Enroute to Magnum Opus’ and ‘Fight the Feeling’. I based everything on the tone of those two songs. Part of it is nostalgic. It’s me seeing things through student’s eyes”, he says. It’s that sense of wonder that sweeps through the album, and with the resounding piano chords, shimmering guitars and the steady, yet propulsive rhythm section.

It’s 40 minutes of modern Kenyan rap music, made wondrously alive and new again.

Afric doesn’t just rap on songs but inhabits them and lives them out, making his tales of fun times and rap star lifestyle three dimensional in the most powerful of ways.

Afric is currently on the grind, planning his live show at the release of College Rap King.

MutashAfric is playing his songs precisely the way he’s always wanted, creating a fully realized album that is the culmination of where he’s been and where he’s going, and one that is sure to win him the reputation that is demanded by the depth and quality of his songs.

Sauti | Spring 2014| 13

MY TAKE

Gays are here to stay

By Lydia Berigena

H

omosexuals are not going anywhere. They will not just disappear into the sunset nor will they be intimidated or compelled into turning straight. They cannot all be shot dead, or put into their own country, or jailed. The reason there are no solutions to the issue of homosexuality is because, wait for it… it is not a problem.

No matter how many bans are placed, how many Ugandan presidents call the act ‘disgusting’ or how many gays are stoned and burned, homosexuality cannot be ‘fixed’ or ‘cured.’ It is not a disease you contract like HIV or cancer; it’s simply a way of life.

In reality, gays have existed for a long time, from likes of Alexander the Great and Michelangelo to the more recent Ellen DeGeneres and Binyavanga Wainaina.

Not surprisingly, Kenyans and Africans blame the West for introducing homosexuality, but it probably existed in Africa long before they invited themselves to our continent, it is just that African history lacks appropriate documentation. So, homosexuality is not just a muzungu thing, anyone can come out of the closet.

Change is coming, it is slow but inevitable. Europe fought long and hard against the gays, now look at them, half of the countries have already approved of the gay marriage bill. So what makes Kenyans or Ugandans or Nigerians any different, their higher order of thinking, their impressive self sustaining economies, or perhaps it is their vast riches?

In the end, the rights of gays will win out.

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Those who think that their fight against the gays will prevail are adorably delusional. As for the people who high-fived each other when Uganda passed the Anti-Homosexuality Act will soon enough be grouped with the sexists, racists and other extremists.

History has taught us that the oppressed triumph over their oppressors, think Women Rights Movement, African-American Civil Rights Movement and independence of African states to name a few; put simply good usually wins. The gays harm no one, all they want is the freedom to love and be loved publicly without shame and join the overrated institution of marriage.

Therefore unlike her sister Uganda, Kenya should endeavor to embrace homosexuality.

In protecting the rights of the gays, Kenya will join the league of ‘civilized’ nations, because frankly stripping away the rights of a human simply on the basis of religion or traditions is primitive at best. If Kenya has a true democracy and honors the rule of law then protecting the gays should be priority.

Comments such as, “gays should be shot,” or “they should treated like terrorists,” should be considered hate speech and offenders should be reprimanded not simply giggled away.

For once it would be nice for an African country to defy expectation by not shuffling to a podium fifty years too late to shyly apologize for breaching human rights while the European countries snicker.Homosexuals are not the ones bombing churches, the ones killing off our wildlife, or the ones stealing people’s money. So, the fight is not against homosexuals, Kenya should join the ‘right’ side and protect all its people equally.

POEM THE LOVELY INFIDELITY The lovely significant other I possess, my other half heart, The dreamy and beautiful bloke, I couldn’t share him with anyone, He’s flashy and spicy, all a woman wants, Poor wretched I, the evil human nature torments me.

He is one in a million; he completes me with his love, He wakes me with his devotion; he puts me on a silver platter, His greenish wondrous eyes, pierce my soul, genuinely is his middle name, My girly comrades are, at loggerheads with me They know; deserve him I not, My actions are against my demeanor, my heart is reckless; selfish, He worships the ground that I walk on; he believes he has made his mark, He firmly believes that I am the one, but karma believes otherwise, His purity and serenity, covers all, my dark and evil desires.

When I am havoc and trouble to him, he immediately pours oil on troubled waters, He has never pulled me to pieces, but he helps me pull through when overloaded, I am in a quandary, the neighbors know it, and the girls know it, They have seen the red flag, they smell a rat, They believe that love for me is like a thespian art, They know deep down, if they raise his eyebrows, he would whisk them away.

I am privileged, I am blessed, but wretched is the inner me, For I belong to this man, but I lust for another, I am perfect for my handsome bloke, but I have eyes for another, I am imprisoned by my desires, held captive by the wants of the heart.

Lucas is his name, sleek and slim, shiny and sporty, Tall and muscular, dark and handsome, His eyes are beckoning at me, while standing in the mall, His smile so seductive, his body language so swerve and appetizing, His rockish badboy image arouses me from within.

I appreciate and thank the heavens for the bloke I possess.

~ Ningel Awuor

DELICACY

Braised Fish & Shepherd’s Pie

By Sauti Team

Directions Put fish into a 9”x 13” baking dish.

Cut three evenly spaced 1⁄4”-deep crosswise slits into each side of the fish.

Season fish cavity and skin with salt and pepper and rub outside of fish with half of the ginger, chilies, and garlic; cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate for 30 minutes.

Ingredients 1 2–3-lb. whole fish, cleaned Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste 2 tsp. minced fresh ginger 4 red or green chilies,

Heat oven to 500°. Put remaining ginger, chilies, and garlic, along with lime juice, butter, puréed tomatoes, and 1⁄2 cup water, into a 2-qt. saucepan over medium heat and cook, stirring occasionally, until flavors meld, about 5 minutes; strain sauce.

Uncover fish and pour tomato sauce over it. stemmed, seeded, and minced 3 cloves garlic, minced 3 tbsp. fresh lime juice 2 tbsp. unsalted butter, melted 6 whole peeled canned tomatoes, plus 1⁄4 cup juices from can, puréed Cooked rice, for serving

Bake, basting fish with pan juices, until flesh is cooked through, about 20 minutes.

To serve, transfer fish to a serving platter and pour some of the juices from the pan over fish. Serve with rice.

-pikachakula.com

In between African and European dishes, whether it is fish or meat, have a go at recipes easy to make at home on your own. No need for fancy restaurants!

Cook the potatoes (preferably steam them/ boil them) and mash them. Add 1 egg, cream, milk, salt, peper, butter.Keep it warm as it is.

In butter shallow-fry the onions and garlic cut in very small pieces, add the minced meat, cook till brown, then add water and stock cube.

Cook slowly during 10 minutes then, after switching off the fire, add 2 egg yolks and a little bit of minced parsley.

Add salt and peper.

Switch on the oven at 210°C (thermostat 7).

Ingredients - 750g minced meat - 1,5kg potatoes - 2 onions - 2 garlic cloves - 100g grated cheese (optional) - 3 eggs - 10 cl cream (optional) - 20 cl milk (optional)

- 1 cube stock - 7 cl water - parsley - salt & peper - butter

Directions Peel potatoes, rince them, and cut them in cubes.

Spread the minced meat on the bottom of a dish (for baking), then cover the meat with the mashed potatoes mix.

Sprinkle the grated cheese on top.

Let it cook in the oven for 10 to 15 minutes.

Enjoy! You can accompany this dish with a nice green salad.

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