Kenyatta University Strike-Blame Game Begins!

Its only two weeks back when Kenya,s Premier Public University :Kenyatta University was closed but the senate hastily re-opened the university without first addressing conclusively the isues that the students had voiced!The result, death , rape, mayhem, burnt hostels, destroyed properties , a tartered image ...etc.And someone or some people are ultimately responsible. It is true that the acts by the students to burn and vandalize property is criminal and retrogressive but the truth is it could have been prevented if someone or some people made the right decisions starting with the Vice Chancellor Olive Mugenda!

The students want to be consulted before any decision that adversely affects them is undertaken, but that seems to be a curtain call that falls on deaf ears.Some Members of Kenyatta University Students Association (KUSA) were arbitrarily suspended following the previous strike- another decision that was hastily taken by the university senate and now the matter is in Court for Judicial review. The last time we witnessed such suspensions was during the Moi era and clamour for multi party democracy!That tells the university senate something.

Some of the administrative decisions being taken against these cream of Kenya's academia indicates lack of appreciation of what university education really entails. Prescribing uniforms cannot and will not work.Though the students clearly have valid issues with the academia , they should find acceptable methods to articulate their grievances although the university seems hell bent to silence diconsenting opinion by suspending student leaders instead of engaging them in dialogue-the result is the chaos witnessed!

What a shame, but it was seen coming and in the abscence of concrete measures it will still happen!My call dignify the students listen to them, as for the Police -you used excessive force evidenced and captured on national tv and some of this students will be absorbed into the force(see Standard News item Link here) and be your employers---basically you excercise little forethought and it will come back to haunt you, as for the Kenyatta University students there are better ways to articulate problems rather than criminal activities.Simply a sad and shameful affair!

Here's an insider perspective from blog Kenyan Chronicles

State Witchhunting in The Gambia !

Kenya has had its fair share of literal witch hunts especially in Nyanza Province, Kisii area but Gambia ha taken ift further! According to a Reuters News Item:

DAKAR (Reuters) - Witch doctors and security forces in Gambia have detained up to 1,000 people on suspicion of being witches, Amnesty International said on Wednesday. Police in the African country dismissed the reports as lies.

Victims have been held in secret detention camps for up to five days and forced to drink hallucinogenic substances which have killed at least two people through kidney failure, the London-based human rights organization said in a statement.

I believe that this action coming from a Government in this day and age is un warranted, quite ashaming and ridiculous.Whilst this post is not about the existence/belief or otherwise in witchcraft. I believe that Governments ought to treat this issue with a bit of Civility. In Kenya the problem is worse in that perpetrators and or suspects of withcraft are often lynched by public mobs.The fact that this is based on suspicion therefore makes the practice a lethal tool to be used to discipline or settle scores with enemies whether real or perceived.But atleast no state interference is employed here! Witch craft and other forms of spiritistic practices are social problems that ought to be addresed on a socio-religious setting!

Tweeter Getter Website

There is no doubt that Twitter is shaping the future of online communication and social media companies! Its just amzing to see some people or companies having more than 100,000 tweeter followers being constantly updated on new information, product launches, events etc. I have started to take Twitter as a serious marketing tool and would recommend the following twitter tool for any one interested in exploiting the full potential of tweeter-the tool is TwitterGetter created by Gary McCaffrey

It is a pyramidic kind of tool that will ensure you get more followers from anyone who follows you!For the dynamics behind it visit the site and join up! Its a useful resource!

EABL Tusker Project Fame 3

Some time in January this year there was a media item on the launch of the talent search reality TV show dubbed" Tusker Project Fame III" poised for March 17 , 2009 .The latest would be the third series in the program edition! However to date nothing has been forthcoming nor is there further official communication. This sad state of affairs is a tale tale sign of trouble for the TV program that was a favourite in East Africa and that has seen the budding of new talent such as Naakaya, Esther Mugizi Nabaasa etc.Typically Swiss Hotels

The official website has a blank screen....leading us to question what really is in the offing ? Will Tusker Project Fame 3 materialize soon or was it a media goof/public relation stunt?East African Breweries Limited (EABL) your comment?



CallingAmerica.com Free USA Calls !

Desiderata the Poem(Full Text)

Go placidly amid the noise and the haste,
and remember what peace there may be in silence.

As far as possible, without surrender,
be on good terms with all persons.
Speak your truth quietly and clearly;
and listen to others,
even to the dull and the ignorant;
they too have their story.
Avoid loud and aggressive persons;
they are vexatious to the spirit.

If you compare yourself with others,
you may become vain or bitter,
for always there will be greater and lesser persons than yourself.
Enjoy your achievements as well as your plans.
Keep interested in your own career, however humble;
it is a real possession in the changing fortunes of time.

Exercise caution in your business affairs,
for the world is full of trickery.
But let this not blind you to what virtue there is;
many persons strive for high ideals,
and everywhere life is full of heroism.
Be yourself. Especially do not feign affection.
Neither be cynical about love,
for in the face of all aridity and disenchantment,
it is as perennial as the grass.

Take kindly the counsel of the years,
gracefully surrendering the things of youth.
Nurture strength of spirit to shield you in sudden misfortune.
But do not distress yourself with dark imaginings.
Many fears are born of fatigue and loneliness.

Beyond a wholesome discipline,
be gentle with yourself.
You are a child of the universe
no less than the trees and the stars;
you have a right to be here.
And whether or not it is clear to you,
no doubt the universe is unfolding as it should.

Therefore be at peace with God,
whatever you conceive Him to be.
And whatever your labors and aspirations,
in the noisy confusion of life,
keep peace in your soul.

With all its sham, drudgery, and broken dreams,
it is still a beautiful world.
Be cheerful. Strive to be happy

Written by Max Ehrmann, a poet and lawyer from Terre Haute, Indiana, who lived from 1872 to 1945

15% off perfume

Reliable Web Hosting Services!

Finding a reliable and credible webhosting service need not be an enigma but requires some little effort on your part! Soon Kenya will have the TEAMS/seacom fibre optic cable reaching our shores making the internet accesible and affordable even at our homes.Consequently most of the business will have to join in the global trend of marketing ,advertising and selling their products online. As usual i have taken upon the task of informing my readers present and future of the online oportunities available out there and how to maximise on their use of the internet.

After identifying and having a skilled web page maker/writer come up with your website design, the next stage is identifying a credible webhosting service that will provide you with quality services at minimum costs!Thats where webhosting geeks come in !

Whats nice about the site is that they rate the different webhosting services out there and identify the credible and top rated sites. You can actually find web hosting services for less than $10 a month i.e Kenya Shillings 800/=. Thats quite a good deal. I was sprised when the other day a pal of mine aid they had paid over Kshs 100,000/= for such a service ! That happens only because many Kenyans are not knowledgeable on internet use and services leaving them open to all manners of exploitation. But now that the world is a global digital village that is bound to change!

webhosting geeks is a credible and relible site for finding useful information on hosting of your website online.If you want to learn more about webhosting there is a useful link on the site that you can readily access! Please visit http://webhostinggeeks.com ,and learn more, get honest opinion and reviews, evaluate the different price tarrifs and packages , find the most dedcated web servers and make an informed decision!

Most importantly visit their blog and get the latest in user reviews, and if you are an IT geek...the latest in technology information,search engine optimization, driving traffic to your website, discussions etc. Honestly and on a personal level...i found the site quite informative!

Zuqka Website versus Pulse Magazine

Hands down! in terms of content East Standards Pulse Magazine is better than Nation Media Groups Zuqka Magazine but the same is vice -versa when it comes to the online experience.Zuqka Magazine is just delightful online but i think more needs to be done about its content , appeal and the target group! Right here at our office everyone scrambles for the Pulse Magazine but not the same can be said of Zuqka, go online and you start to love Zuqka!

The Kenyan newspaper magazine circuit is starting to shape up and the battle is supreme! The Zuqka website has adopted an interactive edge by requiring users to register and ear points for their activities at the site! On the other hand Pulse online just basically engages the reader with its content but im sure that is bound to change! Newspapers must redifine themselves with the advent of social media and citizen journalism, even CNN has adopted IReport inorder not to loose out in the emerging reliance by consumers on e-news and social media. But when it comes to Kenya for the online experience ZUQKA is number one but for the content: Pulse anytime!

Getting Rid of Bulging Tummies & Pot Bellies!

Now thats the kind of tummy that defiantely needs a Tummy Tuck!Some time back i did a post on Traffic Police in Kenya and Bribery and it was manifestly open that some of them develop pot bellies without due regard to their profession or health.But having a bulging tummy or Pot belly need not be the end of the matter!

Tummy tucks are surgeries that are done to remove excess subcutaneous fat,skin or cartillage in the body ! Interestingly i just learnt today that there are two types of surgeries in that regards i.e

1. mini tummy tuck which basically involves an incision across the lower abdomen where excess fat and loose skin are removed.
   
2. Full tummy tuck, a cut is made across the lower abdomen and another is made around the tummy button.
   

I just came accross this site MYA cosmetic in the UK. where expert and sound opinion on different cosmetic surgery procedures and products. Many people have travelled long distances inorder to access the professionalized medical services offered by the Mya Group!
What is interesting about the site is that you can actually call in for a free consultation!Im certain that many Kenyans of means would almost do anything to ensure that they look better especially the ladies.Stretch marks and pot bellies seem to be of uttermost concern for many ladies but... from the picture of the traffic cop i think men also need to consider doing something about their"public opinions"! and if they cannot do diets or exercise ..etc then cosmetic surgery is the only option. Visit the site and learn more about the procedures !


(this is my independent opinion for expert advice contact your physician )

Edith Kimani wins KTN's Presenter Show

Edith Kimani a vibrant lively and talented 19 year old Kenyan International Relations student at USIU won the Kenya Television Network Reality Tv Presenter Show competition last week on Sunday! For her age i find her extremely talented and set to go places . She was voted by the Public to emerge winner among two other contestants James Karani and Gitoobu Koome. Interestingly Eastandard Group Deputy Chairman and Strategic adviser Paul Melley promised all the top three contestants"a role" in KTN in an off the cuff statement which almost rubbished the idea of having one ultimate 'the presenter.'

The show has generated alot of varied responses on the internet eg Mwanamishale's Post which i will not duplicate at this juncture however i would just critique...constructively the hosts YU mobile and KTN for a poor lacklustre grand finale. They really saved on the money! there was nothing fancy except for the hired limousine! The only person who made it worth it is Fareed Kimani, otherwise the other hosts didnt capture the mood or if the attempted to they ended up over doing it!

With regards to the presenters potential Edith Kimani will be burried under due to the talent already available among female Tv Presenters the likes of Janet Mbugua ,Lilian Muli , Esther Arunga etc within the same media house.James Karani who just recently did a stint at CNBC Kenya prior to the show has quite some talent but was little liked by the fans and fellow contestants at the presenter show but i found him to have been an added asset and stabilizing force for the contestants at the show due to his prior experience, confidence and determination. He certainly can still cut a niche for himself in Business News or anchoring news . For Koome he is the new face of Media and in my opinion should have clinched it save for some backward comments by probably a baby boomer generation Njoroge Mwaura !

(photos courtesy of the Presenter website)

CallingAmerica.com Free USA Calls !

Mozilla Firefox 3.0.7 Experience

Mozilla Firefox 3.0.7 browser was released on March 4 and i promptly upgraded to it! I must acknowledge that there are some ready improvements on the browser and that Mozilla Firefox happens to be my favourite web browser as compared to Internet Explorer and the rest.

However since the release of Firefox version 3.0 i have not experienced better browsing , especially with the latest edition it takes sometime before the browser comes on and i know its not about my computer,the programs on or my internet connection since Internet explorer seems to launch faster. Perhaps in ensuring more web security and privacy the software programmers are loosing on speed, is that your experience?

M-Pesa Account Payments & Statements

Ever since the innovative M-Pesa mobile phone money transfer service was introduced by Safaricom, i believe that i have sent thousands of shillings through the service that were i to get a statement tha would be sufficient proof of my liquidity and ability to service any loan. Its only recently that i realized that my bank statements are suffering since i normally cash my salary cheque and deposit the amount into my M-pesa account ! The paramount disadvantage with this is that at the moment i dont think its possible to get a written statement of how one has transacted over a period of time !Atleast Safaricom has not notified us of such a service if indeed it exists.The thing is, Banks/financial instiutions etc may not be able to capture the credit worthiness of an individual if they fail to take into consideration that many people now opt to use M-Pesa as compared to traditional banking.

I believe im not the only person with such a predicament and i believe Safaricom should now look into this.It is estimated that close to 5 million Safaricom users have subscribed to this service! Thass a whole lot of money being moved around! Issuing subscribers with statements (at a fee and on request of course!) can be an added value service and also enable them to rake in more income and enable subcribers trace, clarify and monitor their M-pesa accounts!

There are innumerable opportunities for the Safaricom M-Pesa service to morph and capitalize on! It may be possible for Banks to even charge or collect outstanding loan accounts through this service!I hope the strategic advisors of Safaricom will consider this!

CallingAmerica.com Free USA Calls !

Etalon d’Or de Yennenga( FESPACO FESTIVAL)-Africa's Biggest Film Festival

OUAGADOUGOU, Burkina Faso:The bi-annual Pan-African Film and Television Festival of Ouagadougou (FESPACO) is hailed as Africa's Biggest Film Festival and has been dubbed as Africa's "Oscars"and for good reason because at this festival Africa's best Film Productions are celebrated and the best production gets to win the prestigious and coveted Golden Stallion of Yennenga in French 'Etalon d’Or de Yennenga' award!Unfortunate;ly this film festival despite its vast recognition in the west is little known in the East African region.


The film festival showcases the best films from Nigeria ,Senegal, Burkina Faso, Ethiopia ,Niger, Cameroon Etc.The festival this year took place between the 28February, 2009 and 7 March, 2009. Winners of the festival can be accesed at the site;I wonder why the festival has not received much media attention in Kenya especially but im eager to find out more with the aim of promoting more local productions to win such awards. And for the organizers please ensure that the site can be read in english that will ensure that the festival attracts more international appeal and relevancy!

The winner of this Years 2009 Golden Stallion of Yennenga was the Ethiopian Film Teza, a feature by award-winning director Haile Gerima.The film is set during Mengistu Haile Mariam's 1974 to 1991 rule, and won the top prize at the FESCAPO festival .The plot develops around a series of horrific experiences endured by hero Anberber, who trains as a medical research scientist in Europe. On his return to Ethiopia full of expectation and eager to contribute to his country, he and his friends are violently and cruelly rejected at home and again back in Germany!

Heres the wikipedia stub:FESCAPO

Beaute' De Maman Beauty Products

Pregnancy comes with its own complications that often leave the expectant mother frustrated.However it is of paramount importance that the mother to be receives the best beauty care treatment that leaves her healthy, happy and glowing!Further it is important for the mother to ensure that they do not use products that contain chemicals that may have adverse effect on themselves or the growing foetus. Hence shopping around for beauty products becomes a serious and important task that mut be undertaken with abundant caution and reliance on certified and authoritative products. Thats where Beaute de Maman products come in!Im

Beaute De Maman is a top range of beauty products derived from only natural/herbal products and lab tested by qualified obstetrician to ensure that there are no adverse effects to both the mother (pre natal & post partum)and baby!Products include a naturally synthesised StretchMarkCream! im sure that is a hottie with the ladies......and the beauty is that there is minimal risk if almost no risk of adverse reactions involved!

The credibility of the products perhaps can be gauged by the fact that celebrity /hollwood personalities such as actresses Penelope Ann Miller, Salli Richardson-Whitfield (“Eureka”), Chyler Leigh (“Grey’s Anatomy”) and Jennifer Blanc. Brooke Mueller Sheen, wife of actor Charlie Sheen, as well as Jane Hajduk, who is married to actor Tim Allen, and celebrity journalist correspondent Victoria Recan have gone on record recommending some of the products!The manufacturers especially are eager to ensure that users do not develop allergic reactions to the products!


You can actually browse through the products at the website and get more informed ! Eager for a purchase order now at the website!(re- published post!)

Nairobi University Students Protest Gangland Style Killing of Activists

The street protests called by Nairobi University students through the streets of nairobi have proved somewhat peaceful save for their closing state house road at the moment .The students from University of Nairobi and Egerton University called for the demonstrations to protest against the killing of a University of Nairobi student by riot police on Thursday- 5 March, 2009 evening following a protest on the gangland type of execution of two activists from Oscar Foundation, Mr Oscar Kamau King’ara and Mr Paul Oulu,who were killed on State House Road near the university hostels by unknown gunmen who were for the better part of the day trailling them!What is perhaps disturbing is that the Government spokesman in response to the event claimed that the two activists were funding the activities of a banned group!

According to Nation online the students official demonstration was peaceful .They first gathered at Nairobi University grounds, marched through Kenyatta Avenue, through Uhuru Highway and onto Uhuru Park where they were addressed by Student Leaders thereafter they were proceeding to Vigilance House to give the Police Commisioner their signed petition against the wanton killing. I believe had the police stopped them earlier on we would have massive riots in town as we speak, for now they are confined to the area around the students hostel which proves that there can be order in some of this things. It's the hooliganisms that really spoils everything!

Amnesty International has a press statement on the killing of the activits at their site:Heres the url link for the press release.

CallingAmerica.com Free USA Calls !

Shopping for Designer Clothes Online

I have just come accros an interesting online shopping store called shop wiki that basically scouts the internet for online stores and agregates them on one page.The internet shopping search engine was launched in 2006 and founded by former Double Click CEO Kevin P Ryan.The site aggregates over 30,000 online stores and is constantly being updated inorder to enhance the user experience. As a consequence the site is unrivalled in the range of products and services it offers.

Like any other "wiki" website users can register online and edit or add content on their account page. This facillity enables one to share information about products and other categories.The site also features a wiki gift guide which may prove a ready resource for anyone wanting tips on gifts to get for their loved ones!

But perhaps what specifically pleasing for me was that i could actually browse and get to shop for men designer clothes according to the designer or item. The various categories include mens pants, suits, shirts & ties, etc. The various designer names/labels on these category included Ben Sherman ,Banana Republic ,Calvin Klein, Canali, Cerutti,Burberry, Gap, John Varvatos,Josseph Aboud, Nike, Prada, Tommy Hilfiger, Zegna Etc. There are thumbnail photos of the various designer items to help one with the visualisation appeal. Shop wiki is indeed a worthy resource!

ads from Shopzilla

Finding A Credible Web Hosting Service Provider

The internet is aready resource that many of us seek to exploit and invest in however it is quite a task to find the right web hosting provider. One cannot simply let this matter be left to chance or else your website may be always down and yet you are paying for it! Finding the right web hosting provider need not be brain science because one can make use of web hosting choice. This is a website dedicated in informing consumers on the various service providers out there.

Furthermore one has the opportunity not only to view the different price/tarrif plans available but also to read user reviews that may help you reach an informed decision as to which site /web host provider you may elect to use!The iste faeatures the top 10 voted for web hosting service providers such as justhost, hostmonster,bluehost,hostgator, yahoo, go daddy etc and is updated on a regurlar basis !Apart from that the site also features a host Directory and exposes scam sites on the internet so you are safe with web hosting choice .This site undoubtedly is a worthy resource that any webmaster should consider visiting and signing up on its newsletter !I definately give it an A score on useful sites one must know and visit quite often.So dont wait check out the site at http://www.webhostingchoice.com


This post has been sponsored by:www.webhostingchoice.com

The Power of Public Speaking!

Mahatma Gandhi, Martin Luther King, Nelson Mandela are among iconic gentlemen who for one reason or the other have inspired many through their speech to pursue a certain course .On the other hand persons such as Adolf Hitler and Mussolini inspired many to pursue a course that resulted in the loss of life and suffering of many. The 2nd World War claimed over 50 million lives and that in itself demonstrates the power of Public Speaking and the need for ethical & professional speeches!

In modern day mastering the art of communicating especially through coherent and effective public speaking is a must have qualification inorder for one to get employed or remain employed. Consider the following scenario you are a management trainee at a reputable company and a senior job opportunity has jus arisen however you are required to give a detailed report before the board of Directors of the Company , this will be in the presence of of other management trainees also gunning for the same job.Undoubtedly this kind of situation can be intimidating if you lack the necessary public speaking skills.Same may happen in an informal occasion perhaps when you are called upon to give thank you speech, toast, etc

Hence developing the art of presenting speeches is something that all of us must master. Therea re a number of resources on the net that can aid you in this aspect. Today i direct you to just one
Occasional Words.Com The site is marvelous and was created by a team of proffesional writers with more than 15 years of combined experience writing speeches for executives, academics, and government officials. Between them, the Occasional Words team has written literally hundreds of speeches for nearly every conceivable occasion -- from your boss' retirement party to your daughter's graduation celebration....apart from ready made sample speeches, the site has a turtorial that can make you conceive and deliver earth moving speeches.

Indeed You need not be afraid of Public Speaking All you need to do is master the art of public speaking and the internet resource i have just mentioned makes it much easier for you!And i would also recommend the book "The Art of Public Speaking" by Stephen E. Lucas( of the University of Wisconsin-Madison) now in its ninth edition and published by McGraw Hill