Category: About

By Joe Aura

 

Amidst the heart of Africa, the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) faces a harrowing human catastrophe, with the statistics painting a bleak reality. An estimated 7 million individuals, forced to flee their homes, now stand as testament to the sheer scale of internal displacement in a nation embroiled in relentless violence and turmoil. The International Organization for Migration has sounded the alarm, branding this crisis as one of the most severe internal displacement and humanitarian tragedies witnessed across the globe.

The epicentre of this anguish resides in the DRC’s eastern region, decimated by incessant clashes involving numerous armed factions. The conflict, fuelled by fighting among myriad-armed groups, has laid waste to communities and inflicted immeasurable suffering upon innocent civilians. As tensions escalate, local communities, their voices muffled by the incessant roar of violence, have raised their outcry against the U.N. peacekeepers, decrying their ineffectiveness in quelling the spiralling chaos.

Tragically, recent events have further tarnished the efforts of the peacekeeping forces. The suspension of at least eight U.N. peacekeepers over accusations of sexual assault in eastern Congo stands as an appalling testament to the erosion of trust and stability in the region. These allegations cast a dark shadow over the very institutions tasked with restoring peace and offering solace to a populace reeling in anguish.

The Democratic Republic of Congo stands at a crossroads, grappling with a humanitarian crisis of unparalleled proportions. As millions endure displacement, violence, and unimaginable suffering, the urgency for international solidarity and aid cannot be overstated. It is incumbent upon the global community to step forward, not merely to address the symptoms but to engage in substantive action that seeks to restore hope, dignity, and security to the shattered lives of millions ensnared in the abyss of despair.

The silence of the innocent echoes everywhere, let us not allow their cries to fade, unheard in the shadows of conflict.

[Photo credit – nikeracing]

 

By Joe Aura 

[aurajoe6@gmail.com]

 

Students at Daystar University have been reflecting on the need to approach the institution about extending their recess period from just a single day.

Recess is a time during the school day when students can engage in physical activity, connect with their friends, and take a mental break from their academic work. Daystar University is a well-known university that provides a wide range of scholarly knowledge and career and personal application skills, which means that a lot of information is handed out to and absorbed by its students.

Recess programs, according to a Stanford University research, can help adolescents feel more involved, more secured, and optimistic about school. A well-organized recess program can also help students prepare to learn once they return to the classroom. Recess enables Daystar University students to take a break from their academic work and engage in physical activities such as sports or games. This can help them enhance their physical and mental wellbeing.

Students can also use recess to connect with their peers and form relationships that may continue beyond their university years. Glamour, a Daystar University student and Daystar Christian Fellowship member, was able to spend her recess with her members at a camp and participate in team building activities. “ I spent my recess at Mtoni camp in Gilgil. It was an incredible spiritual awakening experience. During that time, I felt relaxed and had a lot to learn. We went for early morning runs to the river, cooked together, and fellowshipped. Meeting individuals who introduce you to a different way of thinking and perceiving life was one of the things I loved.” (Glamour is a second year student pursuing Communication in Electronic Media.)

Academic breaks are also important for students since they help them avoid fatigue and enhance productivity. Students can recharge their batteries, reduce stress, and improve their overall well-being by taking a break from studying. UCL concludes that regular pauses can improve memory, provide energy boosts, reduce stress, improve health, and increase performance and creativity.

Here’s a funny story to conclude on why taking a break is important: A teacher assigned her students to write an essay about what they would do with a million dollars. “I would give half to charity and keep the other half for myself,” one student wrote. The teacher questioned why the student would keep half for himself. “Well, I wouldn’t want to be too tired from giving all the money away!” said the student.

(Courtesy odpc.go.ke)

 

By Benjamin Wanguba

 

Last week, the Office of the Data Protection Commissioner (OPDC) fined popular Night Club Casa Vera 1.85 million for using a patron’s image on their social media pages without their consent. At the same time Roma School mixed day & boarding primary school in Uthiru as well was fined 4.55 million for posting a child’s image without parental consent. This is as the OPDC Ruled that the use of these people’s images was a violation of Data Privacy Rights in contradiction to 2019’s Data Protection Act.

These two instances offer a lesson for several institutions key among them clubs, schools, Universities and even religious institutions key among them churches. With social media usage in the country on a rise, institutions have taken to social media to market themselves. Some of the content shared often captures civilians and event attendees and may not always have received consent from those appearing.

The ruling has since forced night clubs to come up with innovative ways to identify revelers who want their images to be taken or not. One such measure is the introduction of wristbands. The wristbands are used by photographers to identify who would like to be captured by the photographers. These precautions will go a long way in ensuring consent is given and that people’s data are protected.

However, I feel churches have a lot to learn from this ruling. As someone who has served in the media ministry of a church, the ruling serves as an awakening point. Going forward religious institutions will have to devise mechanisms to obtain consent from worshipers to use their images to avoid befalling the same fate as Roma School and Casa Vera. This can be in form of marking certain sections where if sat, one can be photographed. Alternatively, churches can also avoid photographing worshipers and maybe just capture those involved in leading the service.

Universities and learning institutions too will have to seek the permission of students in the use of their images and in some cases even offer renumeration. In 2022, Justice Margaret Waringa of the High Court awarded a former Machakos University student 700,000 after the institution used her image as part of a marketing campaign. This is not an isolated incident as a University of Nairobi student successfully sued Kabianga University for using his image without his consent. The February 2023 ruling resulted in the former student being awarded 500,000 shillings.

All in all, this is a wakeup call for all Kenyans and Kenyan organizations to practice sharing of Images on social media with care.

{Photo courtesy Pinterest}

 

By Janet Wambua

 

Have you ever sprayed on your favorite perfume in the morning, only to find its lovely scent disappearing by lunchtime? If so, you’re not alone. Many of us have experienced the frustration of a fleeting fragrance. But fear not! With a few simple tips and tricks, you can make that delightful aroma linger from dawn to dusk. Here’s what you need to know;

 

• Moisturize Before Perfuming: Think of your skin as a canvas. Applying perfume on well-hydrated skin can help lock in the scent. Before reaching for that perfume bottle, make sure to moisturize your skin. This provides a moisturized base for the fragrance to adhere to.

 

• Choose the Right Perfume: Not all perfumes are created equal when it comes to longevity. Some perfumes tend to have a higher concentration of fragrance oils and others are not. Invest in quality, long-lasting scents for the best results.

 

• Target Pulse Points: Pulse points are areas on your body where the blood vessels are closest to the skin’s surface. Applying perfume to these spots can amplify its longevity. These points include your wrists, neck, inner elbows, and behind your ears. The warmth of these areas helps to diffuse the fragrance throughout the day.

 

 

• Don’t Rub It In: Here’s why. After applying perfume to your pulse points, resist the urge to rub them together. Rubbing perfume actually changes the course of the scent and can actually break down the fragrance molecules and shorten its lifespan. Instead, let the perfume air-dry naturally.

 

• Keep It Cool and Dark: Did you know that where you store your perfume matters? Store your perfumes in a cool, dark place, away from direct sunlight and extreme temperatures. Heat and light can degrade the fragrance over time, so a cool, dry environment will help preserve it.

 

• Reapply Strategically: Sometimes, you may need to refresh your scent throughout the day. If so, just reapply a small amount to your pulse points. Overdoing it can be overwhelming, so use moderation.

 

• Choose the Right Time and Place: Finally, consider the occasion when wearing perfume. Light, fresh scents are perfect for daytime wear, while heavier, more intense fragrances are ideal for evenings or special events.

 

So, next time you want to ensure your perfume’s fragrance lasts all day, remember these simple tips. Note that when worn correctly perfume can enhance your outfit, beauty and your self-confidence! With a little care and attention, you can enjoy your favorite scents from morning to night, leaving a lasting impression wherever you go!

By Joe Aura

 

In the wake of the African World Summit in Nairobi, where leaders established ambitious goals to combat climate change, it is critical for Kenyan university students to play an active part in supporting the Kenyan government’s initiatives. Here are some examples of how students and institutions may make a difference:

1. Raise awareness: University students, as future leaders, may educate themselves and others about climate change, its causes, and its consequences. To promote knowledge and support sustainable practises, organise awareness campaigns, seminars, and workshops.

2. Embrace renewable energy: To lower their carbon impact, universities can invest in renewable energy sources such as solar panels and wind turbines. Students can advocate for the use of renewable energy and support the usage of energy-efficient technologies on campus.

3. Encourage the use of sustainable transportation: To reduce greenhouse gas emissions, encourage the use of public transit, carpooling, cycling, or walking. Universities can offer bike-sharing programmes and encourage the construction of on-campus cycling infrastructure.

4. Put in place waste management strategies: Reducing, reusing, and recycling! Encourage waste segregation and recycling efforts on campus. Students can set a good example by promoting sustainable practices in their everyday life.

5: Encourage local food production: Universities can set up community gardens or work with local farmers to promote sustainable agriculture. Encourage students to eat locally sourced, organic, and seasonal foods at college cafeterias.

6. Encourage students to conduct research on climate change mitigation and adaptation options. Universities can help fund and resource creative projects that solve environmental issues.

7. Students can join environmental clubs or organizations to push for improved climate change legislation at the local, national, and worldwide levels. Participate in peaceful protests and engage with policymakers to push for sustainable practices and regulations.

Remember that every small step matters! University students in Kenya can make a substantial contribution to the government’s efforts to tackle climate change by adopting sustainable practices collectively. Let us be the change we seek!

By Joe Aura

 

Students at Daystar University, take note! In light of recent concerns, we’ve created a list of key fire safety tips to keep you safe on campus. Here’s everything you need to know:

1️. Stay calm and think clearly during fire events. Panic can hinder your ability to make safe decisions.

2️. Familiarize yourself with the nearest exits in your classrooms and living areas. Knowing the way out is crucial for a quick and safe evacuation.

3️. Avoid using elevators during fires. Always use the stairs to evacuate the building.

4️. Check to see whether the door is hot or if there is smoke coming through it before opening it. If this is the case, find another way out.

5. If there is smoke, crawl low to reduce smoke inhalation. The air closest to the ground is cleaner.

6. Use a fire extinguisher to put out small fires if it is safe to do so. Sweep side to side, aiming towards the base of the flames.

7. If you detect a fire, notify people and assist them in evacuating if necessary. When there is an emergency, every second matters.

8: Pay attention to fire alarms and obey authorities’ directions. They are there to help you get to safety.

Remember that prevention is key! Avoid using flame-producing materials around classrooms, ensure electrical appliances are in good condition, and never overload sockets. Stay safe, Daystar University students! We can protect ourselves and our community from fire threats if we work together.

[Photo courtesy of KNLS]

By Benjamin Wanguba

The Kenyan National Library Service has launched a one of a kind digital library dubbed    V-Tabu. The Library that was launched this week, is set to have 200,000 digitized reading material available to the public at a low cost.

The Library which is accessible through https://vtabu.knls.ac.ke/ , is set to be a game changer to students and researchers as it contains books, periodicals, research papers, educational videos and government publications. According to the Kenya National Library Services Website the Digital Library will have content will that is available in different formats such as documents, videos, infographics, photo galleries, memes, how to guides, case studies, research data and podcasts. It is also poised to bring together digital content originating from authors, publishers, artists, entertainers, bloggers, vloggers, film producers, music producers and many more.

Speaking during the launch of the online Library, Sports and Youth CS Ababu Namwamba, stated that the Platform will help to improve the education sector, especially CBC. He also added the library system will also be used to support the running of other Government ministries and agencies.

“The library system will also provide cloud-related systems to other ministries departments and agencies. This is consistent in digitizing government services and improving access to information,” said CS Namwamba. During the event, he also declared the 12^th of July as the national reading day.

The Library also has in a plan a revenue sharing program with creatives who upload premium content on a 70% -30% revenue sharing model. A quick review of the digital library reveals that some of the content is available for free while others require one to pay a membership fee to access. As per Citizen Digital, the membership fees consist of various options including a daily fee of Ksh.20, weekly fee of Ksh.100, monthly fee of Ksh.500, bi- annual fee of Ksh.1500 and annual membership at Ksh.2500.

The digital Library development had been initiated last year by the Government through Kenya National Library Service (KNLS) at a cost of Sh250 million.