Author Archives: Dickens

BILL TO CHANGE 2012 POLL DATE | The Hidden Plot?

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Is it pushing the date to 2013? Flashback to 21st July, 2011 and, MP for Kilome, Harun Mwau, in a suit lodged at the High Court in Nairobi, said, “there has been confusion as to when the next general elections shall be held.” Mwau contends that the term of the 10th parliament began on January 15, 2008, and shall end on January 15, 2013.

The cabinet and various members of parliament, across the coalition divide, are of the view that the new constitution preserves the term of the current parliament, until mid-January 2013. Article 262 (10) of the constitution states that: “The National Assembly existing immediately before the effective date shall continue as the National Assembly for the purposes of this constitution for its unexpired term.” Thus, the cabinet recently approved a Constitution Amendment Bill 2011, which seeks to alter the poll date. httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Lmw_ceVMmws  Despite public uproar, Justice and Constitutional Affairs Minister, Mutula Kilonzo says, he will push through the Bill on election date, which sets the date for the next general elections on the third Monday of December, every fifth year of an elections cycle. Transitional provisions promise the current parliament its full tenure. It is however prudent to note that the last ‘contentious general elections’, that produced the 10th parliament, was held before the new constitution came into force. Therefore, it would be more accurate to define the “full tenure” of the 10th parliament, as it would have been defined, if the last constitution was in force. “The issue of an August date has never been contentious. The date was determined after consideration of the wishes of the people of Kenya which included submission that a December date interfered with the festive season when Kenyans travel to places where they may not have registered to vote: coincides with religious festivities and the prevailing weather conditions complicate the logistics of ferrying election materials.” CIC addressed. httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BSOWpxaZSo8 Undoubtedly, the wishes of the people of Kenya, expressed in the constitution, have an upper hand against any one single Bill prepared by a few representatives in government. “CIC wishes to remind Kenyans that what killed reforms in this country were “convenience” amendments of the constitution soon after independence… It is such amendments that Kenyans wanted the constitution to be insulated against.

This issue begs the question: Is this the 10th parliament’s plot to extend its tenure in a quest to collect more campaign monies? Politicians should not blame time for their incompetency to perform required tasks. Rather, they should resign from office already, without wasting any more time. What Kenyans need is authentic people power, not the dumbocracy of political rule.

References:

Mwau Asks Court for 2013 Election Date allAfrica.com July 22, 2011

Why the Next Elections May Be Held in 2013 MENAFN.COM July 31, 2011

Change of 2012 poll date height of mischief, impunity Capital News September 14, 2011

Mutula firm on elections date amendment Capital News September 15, 2011

CIC warns over election date change KBC News September 17, 2011

Mutunga Wants Case On Date of 2012 General Election Speeded Up allAfrica.com October 6, 2011

 

 

 

EDUCATION | Strike by Public University Dons Persists

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“Public Universities are part of the government and it was government’s wish that all its workers are well remunerated. As government, we want to see that the university staff is paid well. I appeal to unions, not to use the weapon of strike menacingly, but as a weapon of last resort,” said the Prime Minister, Raila Odinga, as he brokered negotiations to call off a similar strike by the University Academic Staff Union (UASU), last year.

The government’s failure to honor its pledges to civil servants, gives reason to the re-current strikes in public institutions. The University Academic Staff Union (UASU) cited stalled implementation of new salaries and allowances, as the reasons for the strike. Last year, Finance Permanent Secretary, Joseph Kinyua, “presented a signed letter to his Higher Education counterpart, Professor Crispus Kiamba, committing the government to pay the last installment of 2008/09 – 2009/10 financial years, collective bargaining agreements…” Capital FM website reported.  Recently on October 19th varsity dons signalled a strike with the union chairman Samuel Kubasu, saying lecturers expected the new pay rise to be between 30-40 per cent. httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ru9IicNR46Y&feature=fvsr            The impasse at the universities arose after the authorities failed to respond to demands for a salary increase, whose negotiation started in 2009, but stalled mid-stream.” Meanwhile, Mr. Justice Paul Kosgei, of the Industrial Court ruled that, “pending the hearing and determination of an application filed by the Inter-University Council Consultative Forum, the lecturers should not engage in any activity likely to paralyze learning at higher institutions.” allAfrica.com reported. Despite the ruling, the strike continues. Egerton University becomes the latest institution to be closed, and students sent home as the lecturers strike proceeds into day 3. Going into the second week of the strike, the situation is expected to worsen following Thursday night’s unfruitful talks, involving the Prime Minister, Raila Odinga, seeking to arrive at a compromise.

With this new constitutional dispensation, and in this age and time, some things were bound to happen; on one hand, the citizenry would become more aware of their civil rights, thus demanding them, where they previously would not, and on the other, the government would fail to own up to its pledges, more so during this time, that you can only hide a little or none, from the public’s watchful eyes. What a risky area to begin a crisis? Education is the key. Whoever is concerned with its safe-keeping should be careful lest it breaks.

References:

Court Halts Lecturers’ Strike allAfrica.com Novermber 9, 2011

Strike Cripples Varsity Exams and Graduation November 9, 2011

All the Sides to Blame for Unnecessary Strikes November 9, 2011

Judge Rules Varsity Dons Strike Illegal Novermber 10, 2011

Varsity lecturers’ signal strike October 19, 2011

Kenya university dons call off strike April 8, 2010

 

WINDOWS 8 | Microsoft launches Windows 8

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On Tuesday, Microsoft launched its next-generation operating system, at its Build Conference in Anaheim, California. The new operating system, which is a complete rebuild of Microsoft’s flagship product, is designed to work with both tablets and PCs.

Each attendee at the conference received a Samsung tablet, preloaded with the developers’ preview version of Windows 8, with the intention of exciting the developers, and perhaps, persuading  them to write applications for the new OS. “The tablets are part of Microsoft’s attempt to get developers excited and on board with Windows 8 … It’s the first Windows version designed from the beginning to work on both tablets and PCs.” The Seattle Times reported. Rob Sanfilippo, a research vice president at the Kirkland-based Directions on Microsoft was reported saying, “He’s a fan of the new user interface (UI), dubbed “Metro,” which looks unlike any other Windows version.” “The Metro UI is based on tiles that, when tapped or clicked on, go directly to an application,” The Seattle Times. httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U0Hr9-C8WhE  Looking back at its predecessor, Windows 7, the president of Microsoft’s Windows division announced that, “Windows 7 is now (finally) being used by more people than Windows XP.” Windows 7 has sold 450 million copies worldwide. Recent statistics also show that Windows 7 consumer usage is greater than Windows XP, and about 542 million people are signing into Windows Live services. In addition, Microsoft had launched Windows 7 in Swahili earlier in the year, a move that was intended to allow over 150 million Kiswahili speakers in Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda, and parts of the Horn of Africa, Great Lakes, Malawi, Mozambique and the Indian Ocean region, access a broader range of its programs. This followed Windows 7 debut in Kenya on 28th October, 2009. The growth of Windows operating systems since the unpleasant Windows Vista, has undoubtedly, been delightful to Microsoft executives.
httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ntSdfGzF60M
Whether Windows 8 will develop in the same trend, is an issue on the balance. Here is a url to the download page for the developer preview. It comes in three versions. Download the appropriate and get on with it! Tip the balance!

What’s Your Say?

References:

Microsoft aims to get developers excited about Windows 8 The Seattle Times September 13, 2011

Windows 7 Launched in Country allAfrica.com October 28, 2009

Microsoft Windows 7 launched in Swahili Telecentre.org February 17, 2011

Microsoft Launches Windows 8 Mashable Tech September 14, 2011

 

 

EDUCATION | Boarding schools in Kenya should strive to be friendlier.

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Most Kenyans have been to a boarding school either for their primary or secondary level education. To most, their experience in these institutions is an ordeal they would rather not talk about. This is because, with the intent of ensuring academic excellence, they tend to be too stern on their students. Therefore they acquire the opposite results. Some schools even go to the extent of banning their students from talking to their parents or relatives when they come to school, it is still indefinite why they put in place such restrictions while students get relieved and motivated when they are able to talk to their relatives when they come to school, because it is viewed as a relief from the routine. So when they are denied with this opportunity they end up being distracted and bitter. Hence automatically making them less productive in school.

Most of the schools where the administration is strict to students, mostly do not yield positive results at the end of the day and also there is usually misbehaving at the slightest exposure to “freedom”. Also, many pupils end up sneaking from school and thus exposing them to danger. The reasons why boarding schools should be friendlier is because students are more motivated to study. Also, most schools forbid their students from carrying additional food stuff to school. The food offered in school may not be enough to satisfy them. Hence they end up having low concentration levels in class or become fruitless due to hunger. Others even resolve to sneak out of school to seek for food exposing them to many risks. For instance, recently a student of Koelel High school met his death after sneaking school in search for food. Most of these institutions also deny leave out permits to their students. A student might be seriously sick and most schools lack proper medication amenities. They deny their students permission and hence the health of the patients deteriorate and therefore leading to deaths in school.

In conclusion, boarding facilities in Kenya for secondary and primary education should provide for their students a sociable environment. Being strict does not equal to performance. Instead it leaves the students frustrated and stressed. Therefore do not perform to their full academic potential. Some of the rules are bizarre, for instance in most schools scholars are not allowed to greet their relatives leave alone speaking to them when they come to school for whatever the reasons. This is very baseless. Therefore such institutions should consider loosening up a little when it comes to their rules. If they are really in pursuit of academic excellence, as hostility only makes them deter academically.

http://www.sikizwa.com/life in a Kenyan boarding school

ENGLISH PREMIER LEAGUE | Arsene Wenger splashes the cash

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After the  8 -2 drubbing at the hands of bitter rivals Manchester united, Arsenal was the busiest English premier league club, as the transfer window closed. The arrival of the new signings, goes along with  Arsene Wenger’s, long held philosophy, of buying young, little-known players, and developing them to world class football icons.

The departure of sensational captain Cesc Fabregas sounded the first warning of a falling empire which Wenger had tirelessly and tenaciously set out to build. Six trophy-less seasons were too much to bear for some of the talented players, who had spent much of  their entire senior careers at the Emirates. Despite Wenger’s re-assuring statements (Imagine the worst situation: We lose Fabregas and Nasri, you cannot convince people you are ambitious after that),  the duo left. However, Wenger was quick to answer critics, and heeded the call to sign more established players rather than dwell solely on his youth system approach. With the arrival of Per Martesacker, the gunners can now boast of having a 6 foot plus defender in their squad. Another acquisition is Brazil’s current left back Andre Santos. This creates a solid backline; with Sagna and Vermaleen completing the other two slots. Mikel Arteta was a late but key inclusion into the Wenger’s squad and should be the  ideal player to take on Fabregas’s role. Yosi Benayoun and South Korea captain Park Chu-Young, bring along to Arsenal, lots of experience, considering that  both were key players in their former clubs. httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1yZOY8yEShs

These signings should be a big boost for the Londoners, and will be tasked upon to turn around what looked set to be a nightmare season for Arsenal.

References

Official: Arsenal complete deal to sign South Korea Captain Park Chu-Young from Monaco Goal.com August 30, 2011

Arsenal’s new boys Arsenal.com Septermber 1, 2011

 

AFRICA CUP OF NATIONS QUALIFIER | Oliech gives the Stars a glimmer of hope

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Dennis Oliech scored a wonder goal 2 minutes into injury time to restore Kenya’s slim chances of qualifying for the Africa Cup of nations. The stars  went into the match knowing that only a win would ensure they remain in the race for the 2012 tournament.  The stars dominated early possession but the Western African side-Guinea Bissau, who beat them in the first leg by a solitary goal, defended well to deny the stars an early goal.

Coach Zedekiah Otieno made a double attacking substitution bringing in the exciting striker Stephen Waruru and AFC Leopards forward Mike Barasa. The substitution made an immediate impact as Barasa netted in the opener in the 55th minute to send the home fans into a frenzy. The stars continued to dominate the match and looked set for a slim victory until a defensive mistake allowed the visitors to restore parity within nine minutes of normal time left. The goal silenced the home fans, some leaving the stadium in disappointment.  Auxere striker, Dennis Oliech, however, had other ideas! He salvaged the home side by delivering a screamer following  poor clearance by the visitors from a corner kick, sending the home fans into wild cheers. httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UGHZu0lbTiY

Despite the result, Kenya’s chances of qualification remain slim. The only chance they have of qualifying is hoping Uganda loses to Angola by a huge margin and hope Guinea beats Angola. Statistically,  it is  possible for the stars to progress. This means beating Uganda on their home-soil  by more than 6 goals,  to top the group on goal difference.

References
Kenya 2-1 Guinea Bissau: Denise Oliech’s last gasp screamer saves Harambee Stars Goal.com September 3, 2011

Kenya must thrash Guinea, Uganda then wait for ‘Lady luck’ Kenya Premier League August 30, 2011

It’s seventh heaven for team Kenya

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Abel Kiprop defended his world marathon title to bag Kenya her seventh gold medal of the world athletics championship in Daegu South Korea. Kiprop completed the race in a time of 2 hours 7 minutes and 38 seconds way ahead of compatriot Vincent Kipruto who finished in 2:10:06 to complete another 1,2 finish for the Kenyan team on the penultimate day of the championship. Kenya has finished third in the championship behind the United States and Russia with seven gold medals six silver and 4 bronze.

The highlight of these impressive results has to be Vivian Cheruiyot’s remarkable double in the 10,000 and 5,000 meters becoming the first ever Kenyan to do so. She was also the only athlete in Daegu to bag double individual gold after the favourite to do so Usain bolt from Jamaica was sensationally disqualified in the final of the 100 meters. Edna Kiplagat led a clean sweep on the opening day of the championship to set the stage for what would be a remarkable outing especially for the women’s team. Asbel Kiprop made up for his error in the Berlin championship where he sat back and could not match the kick of the eventual champion Yusuf Saad Kamel finishing a disappointing fourth. This time though he stayed with the front park and dashed for the finish with about three hundred meters to the finish line.

Ezekiel Kemboi bagged the gold in what has come to be a preserve for Kenyans the 3,000 meters steeplechase finishing ahead of compatriot Brimin Kipruto who set the second fastest ever time in the distance a month ago. David Lekuta Rudisha proved to the world he is the king of middle distance running comfortably winning the 800 meters race ahead of Sudan’s Abubakar Kaki.

With less than 350 days left to the London Olympics all the team can do is work on getting medals in the other events such as the elusive 5,000 meter men as well as the 10,000 meters event. Overall the Kenyan team produced a brilliant performance and we shall be hoping to get a repeat of Daegu at the biggest stage of them all, the Olympics.

References

Kenyan runner snatches first gold at Daegu worlds in women’s marathon

http://daegu2011.iaaf.org

IAAF WORLD CHAMPIONSHIPS DAEGU 2011 | Rudisha scoops gold

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Kenya’s David Rudisha eased to victory in the final of the men’s 800M race, at the IAAF World Athletics Championships held in Daegu, South Korea, to earn Kenya, her third gold medal. Rudisha led the race from start to finish and comfortably crossed the line in 1min 43.91sec. httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TpTN5bt7ZO0

“I’ve been dreaming of this since I started my career. I was really focused and I was patient for today” an elated Rudisha told the BBC.

David Lekuta Rudisha- World 800M record-holder

The 2010, IAAF, world athlete of the year and 800M record-holder,  had his dream( to win a medal at the 2011 World championships)  come true at the Daegu  World Championships. Now, London beckons…! Rudisha wants to be the Olympic champion!

 

The final medal table from the World Athletics Championships in Daegu, South Korea, draws a good picture of what to expect in the London 2012 Olympic games. Kenya was ranked third , thanks to the exceptional performance by David Lekuta Rudisha-the Maasai warrior, with a perfect stride, and his fellow Kenyan counterparts at the various events. At jijuze we applaud our Kenyan heroes, who continually give us pride on the international stage. Kudos!

References
800M Men’s Final Results IAAF Athletics August 30, 2011

World Athletics Championships 2011 day four as it happened BBC Sport August 30, 2011

 

 

ENGLISH PREMIER LEAGUE | Manchester United beat Arsenal 8-2

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Manchester United outclassed a depleted Arsenal side by scoring 8 goals against Arsenal’s 2  in a Barclays premier league clash, at Old Trafford. United came into this game on the back of a 3-0 demolition of Arsenal’s north London neighbors, Tottenham, in a late night clash on Monday 22nd. Over a fortnight ago, Arsenal  sold two of  their key midfield players; Samir nasri and Captain Cesc Fabregas.

From the kickoff,  Man Utd exhibited intent  to score an early goal, as Arsenal took a back seat for the better part of the opening minutes. Man Utd made real their threats, as “Danny Welbeck opened the scoring with a close-range header in the 22nd minute after Johan Djourou failed to clear Anderson’s chipped pass…” The Sunday Morning Herald reported. Arsenal had the chance to level the score from a spot kick, following a challenge by Johny Evans on Walcott, but Robin Van Persie failed to convert. Before half time, Man Utd scored two more goals, courtesy of Ashley Young’s brilliant curler from 22 yard out, and Wayne Rooney’s first goal of the night from a dead ball situation, making it his 150th United goal. Arsenal registered their first on the score-board as Theo Walcott took advantage of  poor defending by United on the left, on the stroke of half-time. In the 62nd minute, Wayne Rooney curled in another free kick,  making it  4 for United against Arsenal’s 1. Nani’s dextrous  chip over Szczesny in the 67th minute made it a fifth for United, as incoming Ji -sung Park, added a sixth for the “Red Devils“, three minutes later. In the 74th minute, Robin Van Persie made amends for his earlier penalty miss, by a thunderous shot  from the spot, adding a second for Arsenal.

Wayne Rooney-Man of the match

United were not done yet; Wayne Rooney completed his hat-trick from a penalty in the 82nd minute, followed by a stoppage time, curling  finish, into the top-right corner from the new signing, Ashley Young, to make it Man Utd 8-2 Arsenal, in one of the most remarkable performances, witnessed at the “Theatre of Dreams.”httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E3rlvDdHD1I

Little has been said about Manchester City’s 5-1 win away to Tottenham-another north London side, on the same match-day. Tottenham stay bottom of the EPL table for a second week consecutively, while Arsenal are  just above the relegation zone. Collectively, the city of Manchester collected 6 points on the same match-day, while their north London rivals had none! Two worlds apart in terms of class, or was it a matter of coincidence?

 

References
Wayne Rooney hits hat-trick as Manchester United crush Arsenal guardian.co.uk August 28th, 2011
Manchester United 8-2 Arsenal: Wayne Rooney hat-trick the highlight as United

humiliates Wenger’s men Goal.com August 28th, 2011

Manchester United beat Arsenal 8-2 The Sunday Morning Herald August 29, 2011

2011/12 Barclays Premier League Table/ Standings ESPN Season 2011-12


 

Wayne Rooney hits hat-trick as Manchester United crush Arsenal