Category: Features

By John Ilunga

Following the October 7th attacks in Israel, till now, the war continues with ever increasing tensions especially in the recent attacks between Israel and Iran. The Iron Dome defense system has been able to intercept many of Iran’s hyper-sonic ballistic missiles. Recently though, these attempts to defend itself seems to be failing.This comes following a recent coverage by APT, stipulating how much the Israeli war is not as cost effective in comparison to Iranian ammunition. The costs of the war against Israel is much cheaper compared to the millions of dollars spent so far by the Israeli defense forces. Most missiles costs for Iran spans around $800, making it very cheap and cost effective for a full on scale assault against its enemy.

Every war has a goal, either economic, political or global domination. Whether it’s acquiring resources or trying to outdo another territory in conflict, Every war has a motive behind it.

What did Israel get itself into and why is this war not ceasing. What is the goal?

The way I see it, It all comes to Gaza. He who controls Israel controls the World. The main reasons behind the war is the religious indifference between the Israelis and the Iranians. The conflict started following Israeli’s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s declaration of a new season of peace and safety at the United Nations Headquarters in New York City. This did not sit well with many Palestinians and Iranians; ultimately leading to the October 7th Attacks. Without a shadow of doubt, this whole war began in Gaza.

The President of the United States; President Donald trump recently tweeted an A.I generated video on X of the U.S influence on Gaza. The video clip shows how the USA will bring peace and prosperity across the region. It is more than just acquiring the temple mount according to CBN News correspondent,…. It is about control of the middle east by elimination. If Israel is eliminated, then it gives room for World powers to massively exploit the region and acquire the bountiful resources legally and constitutionally.

It is an endless race for power. Opportunistic and greedy leaders rushing in to amass resources at the expense of those who are most vulnerable. Africa had already been partitioned amongst the Europeans and China is a big stakeholder in the African region. Gaza is a new economic landscape that could bring much gains to the political powers. That means, America is Watching, NATO and BRICS are also carefully monitoring the situation as well. The race to remain at the top is certain, as the US dollar still fights to remain at the top and China closely behind the race.

Many economists are worried that we might be going into a recession both economically and globally. Fears of a World war 3 surge frequently across many news reports. Where are we headed?

Can the leaders reconsider Prime Minister Netanyahu’s UN peace and safety proposition; the Blessing and the curse?

Iran will never comply, unless the world comes into the awareness of the need for peace and security across the middle east. On a recent clip of of The US President; His Excellency Mr. Trump said that Iran is willing to negotiate but crossed the line and It is not certain what He is willing or will not do. Gaza is fundamentally the bone of contention. If the world can devise a way to ensure that Israel and the Arabian rulers stop focusing on the many problems rather than the solutions, then they can harness the power of unity. The opportunities are endless for peace and prosperity. Oil pipelines, Across Saudi Arabia, from Asia to Israel, food, Uranium in Iran. However, the Curse is Iran trying to hinder a regime of peace and prosperity. Because they want to control the resources near Syria and Iraq and the entire region.

Recently the USA has deployed the B-2 Spirit spacecrafts in the sky and we have seen footage of the massive devastation occurring In Iran. Could this be a way for the USA to finally find ground to acquire territory in Gaza?

Could the USA be seeking a way into the war to gain much control and dominance over the region. A partnership with Israel is a good deal. But at what cost? There have been too many casualties. Men and women of value and influence. No war is pleasant and Human life must always be regarded as sacred In the course of any conflict. The Hope is that the United States of America will finally close a deal with Iran and end the potential anarchy and terror of a global world war. Peace deals in the region must continue on to ensure a place of understanding and satisfaction on both ends. Israel is at the centre of a global world war. It is at the heart of Life or death, Hope or distress. It is time for the War to end peacefully. Pray for the peace of Jerusalem.

 

 

By Sophia Kiragu

From the moment you land in Dubai, you can feel the lavish lifestyle, fast world vibe the thrill of a different culture. Dubai is known for its world class infrastructure a My taxi from the airport was luxurious and unlike the taxi from my house to the Jomo Kenyatta International airport.

Dubai has a lot to offer, a diverse and cosmopolitan environment that offers you modern luxury and cultural experience. Dubai appeals to tourists, to international students and to the expatriates. It offers career advancement and strong economic opportunities.

For these reasons I took a chance and travelled for economic reasons and to see this city which sprouted from a desert and against all odds has the most spectacular skyscrapers. My initial plan was to shop for ladies’ clothes and handbags to sell back at home, but there is no way you can travel to Dubai and not experience this treasure.

There are hotels for different types of travelers in Dubai. If you are looking to shop at wholesale markets, then the best place to stay will be Deira, or Baniyas square area. You can shop every day in the various buildings around this area.

Dubai has spectacular malls for those who want a mall shopping experience. The shops in the malls mainly attract high-end clients who are visiting for leisure and shopping. There are various malls in Dubai like the mall of the emirates, Dubai festival mall, Deira city center and Dubai mall. These are just but a few of the malls that give you good experience.

Eating out in Dubai 

You can never go wrong with the Arabian cuisine. Most of the malls have a food court and a kids play area. The food courts in most cases will offer you diverse restaurants, eg, Indian cuisine, Lebanese, Chinese and Italian. I enjoyed the street food, especially around the Deira area. Food is affordable and served in big portions. The generosity of the people can be shown by the potions served.

Places to Visit  

One of the most sort after areas in Dubai is the Dubai marina area. In this area you will find a lot of tourists either going for a swim or water activities like jet skiing and yacht tours with breakfast of dinner. Basically, there are activities to enjoy at any given time of the day.

The Burj Khalifa was our next stop. This is mega skyscraper that offers you spectacular views, next to Burj Khalifa you get to experience the Dubai mall that houses, the Dubai fountain which is the world tallest dancing fountain, the Dubai aquarium and underwater zoo. All this was exhilarating to see on my third day in Dubai.

My attention was drawn to one on the latest addition to the magnificent architectural pieces in Dubai. The Museum of the Future is picturesque. It brings out well thought of art, imagination which goes to drive the hunger in you to see what is inside the museum. This building welcomes people of all ages, to see, to envision and feel the world imaginations of the future.

 

The Dubai Museum of the future; Where the future lives

 

The weather

Almost every day is summertime in Dubai. This is the pace to be if you are looking for warmth, for some sun away from winter or just to indulge in a different weather zone. The heat outside is harsh, but the government has invested heavily to ensure that the weather doesn’t stop tourists from visiting. All buildings have automated air conditioning, restaurants and most public areas are well aired and hospitable.

If you are looking for a travel destination, Dubai is worth your while. So many activities, so many things to learn from, smooth transport systems and government services work well. The people in Dubai are friendly and our stay felt short. I will be back to explore more.

 

 

 

 

 

By Joe Aura, aurajoe6@gmail.com 

World Radio Day, celebrated every February 13, highlights the power of radio as a tool for information, education, and entertainment. For journalists, effective voicing in broadcast is crucial to engaging audiences and delivering clear, compelling messages. Robert McLeish, in Radio Production, outlines the key principles of broadcast voicing, often referred to as the “Ps of Voicing.” These principles ensure clarity, engagement, and professionalism in on-air presentations.

The main Ps of Voicing for Broadcast

1. Pace

The speed at which a presenter speaks must match the content and audience needs. A moderate pace enhances clarity, while variations in speed can add urgency (e.g., news reporting) or emphasis (e.g., storytelling).

2. Pitch

Variation in pitch prevents monotony and maintains listener interest. High pitch conveys excitement, while lower tones suggest authority and seriousness.

3. Projection

A strong, clear voice ensures a commanding presence. Proper breath control and diaphragm support enhance vocal projection without strain, essential for both studio and outdoor broadcasting.

4. Pronunciation

Clear articulation avoids confusion, especially in diverse audiences. Proper enunciation of names, locations, and technical terms ensures accessibility.

5. Pause

Strategic pauses enhance meaning and allow listeners to absorb information. Well-placed silence before key points builds anticipation and highlights important messages.

6. Personality

A broadcaster’s natural style fosters authenticity and engagement. The voice should reflect warmth, authority, or enthusiasm, avoiding robotic or artificial tones.

7. Passion

Emotion in delivery captivates audiences and enhances storytelling. A passionate voice conveys sincerity and credibility, essential in entertainment, sports, and inspirational content.

 

 

Training Techniques to Improve Broadcast Voicing

To master these principles, journalists must engage in continuous practice. Effective training techniques include:

• Pace Control: Reading aloud with a metronome, recording, and timing speech.

• Pitch Modulation: Practicing reading scripts with varying emotional tones.

• Projection Enhancement: Engaging in diaphragmatic breathing and resonance training.

• Pronunciation Drills: Using tongue twisters and slow, exaggerated enunciation exercises.

• Pause Strategy: Marking pauses in scripts and practicing emphasis variations.

• Personality Development: Speaking as if conversing with a friend and storytelling exercises.

• Passion Building: Emotion mapping and emphasis variation to enhance engagement.

As journalists celebrate World Radio Day, mastering the art of voicing remains a fundamental skill in broadcast media. Effective delivery enhances storytelling, maintains audience interest, and reinforces credibility. By integrating these principles into daily practice, broadcasters can elevate their craft and continue making radio an impactful medium.

References

McLeish, R. (2005). Radio Production. Focal Press.

[Include any additional references in APA 7 style]

 

By Leeroy Wuone

leeroywuone02@gmail.com

 

Jake Paul arrived in a customized chevy dually on Friday November 15,2024 at the AT & T stadium or the Death Star stadium after NFL’S Dallas cowboys owner Jerry Jones.

In the first two rounds Mike Tyson showed his prowess as he landed successive jab-overhand right towards Jake Paul’s beard with a few successive jab-overhand left’s which was impressive for a fifty eight year old boxing legend retiree. Despite this Mike Tyson who is overly half of Jake Paul’s age landed only 18 punches through the eight rounds over Jake’s 78.

Jab-overhand right is a boxing move that involves throwing an overhand right punch after throwing a jab and the motive of this tactic is to draw the opponents attention to the left side then throwing an overhand right.

Tyson wore a knee brace and when asked after the match he mentioned that he did not want to use his knee excuse cause if he did he would not have been in the ring. He was further questioned by a Netflix reporter if he had an issue with his mouth piece or glove as he constantly appeared to be biting his glove through the eight rounds. Tyson answered that he has a biting fixation and he promised the fans that that match would not be his end and he felt that he has more in him. He jokingly said that he would fight Jake Paul’s brother Logan Paul who is an American Influencer and professional wrestler.

In a post bout Interview Jake claimed that Mike Tyson’s punches did not hurt but only left him off-balance. Jake mentioned that it is easy for people to hate him by what he says but promised his fans that he has more to prove in the boxing sport. Some fan remarked that Jake just beat the shadow of Mike Tyson’s legacy while another mentioned he couldn’t knock out KO a fifty eight year old which left most bewildered some claimed that the fight was staged.

To many, Mike Tyson still remains the legend of the ring with an incredible 50 wins, out of the fifty wins forty four have been by Knock out KO and his first heavyweight title was won when he faced Trevor Berbick on November 22,1986 at the age of twenty years after he floored Berbick with his viscious three-punch combination to secure his first World Boxing Championship win WBC.

By Molly Wasonga

I’m obsessed with AI, and I’m going to talk about it, again. So, you’re probably sitting there wondering if robots and AI are going to steal all our jobs, leaving us to reminisce about the days when humans were relevant. It’s a hot topic right now, that’s for sure.

But hold your horses! It’s not as doom and gloom as it sounds. We may be entering an era where humans and AI become the ultimate power couple—think Batman and Robin, but with less crime-fighting and more task efficiency.

I recently read from an enterprise tech writer and Forbes contributor, Bernard Marr, about the potential impact of AI on the job market, examining whether concerns about AI-driven job displacement are grounded in reality or merely hype.

This topic has become a source of growing concern, especially among recent graduates and students in higher education institutions. Many are anxious about the future of their careers, fearing that the skills they are currently acquiring may become redundant due to the rapid rise of AI and automation. The future, it seems, is fraught with uncertainty. However, there is a need to clarify misconceptions and provide a more balanced perspective on the matter.

To begin with, it is important to acknowledge that AI is no longer a hypothetical technology of the distant future, it is already here, and its presence is only expanding. The pertinent question is not whether we will use AI, but rather how we will use it. While AI undoubtedly has the capacity to automate a wide range of repetitive and mundane tasks, this development should not be viewed solely as a threat. Yes, it could potentially displace jobs that involve routine tasks, but it also presents an opportunity for businesses to optimize operations and reduce costs.

In fact, according to Bernard Marr’s article, AI is projected to contribute an additional $15.7 trillion to global GDP by 2030, signaling a profound shift towards AI integration across industries. This underscores the need for individuals to focus on how they can harness the potential of AI, rather than fearing its rise. Are we approaching a future in which robots and advanced software will take over all the mundane, labor-intensive jobs, allowing us to live lives of leisure? In some cases, the answer is yes. Some jobs will be automated.

However, it is equally important to highlight that the adoption of AI and automation will also create new opportunities. The World Economic Forum, for instance, has predicted that while 85 million jobs may be displaced, 97 million new jobs will be created as a result of this technological revolution. These figures suggest that while certain roles may evolve or disappear, new ones will emerge, many of which will require a more sophisticated interplay between human and machines.

The types of jobs most at risk are those that involve simple, routine tasks, such as data entry or basic customer service inquiries, which can be easily automated. McKinsey estimates that up to 45 percent of current work activities could be automated in this way. However, for more complex tasks, AI will play a supportive role, augmenting rather than replacing human skills. For instance, healthcare professionals may use AI to analyze medical images and data, and legal professionals could employ AI to summarize documents and identify key information more efficiently.

In light of these developments, it is crucial for students and future professionals to embrace AI as a tool that can enhance their work rather than replace them. Developing an understanding of how to work alongside AI, leveraging its capabilities to improve productivity and innovation, will be essential in the evolving job market.

 

By Sharon Mwazuna

Mental health is imperative at every stage of life, from childhood and adolescence through adulthood, as our emotional, psychological, and social well-being are all components of mental health. It influences our thoughts, emotions, and behaviors. It also influences how we respond to stress, interact with others, and make wise decisions. It is widely contemplated that about 46% of people, per research statistics, who die by suicide have a known mental health condition. Symptoms leading to suicidal thoughts such as very low mood, negative thinking, severe anxiety, and psychosis, have an emphatic voice and should not be ignored. Moreover, several factors may put a person at risk of suicide including, but, not limited to a family history of suicide, emotional distress, and stigma among others. Coupling this, suicide and unsound mental health should not be taken seriously.

Daystar University Nairobi Campus held a dynamic International Conference on Suicide Prevention from October 22nd to 23rd 2024, bringing attention to the importance of mental health and the need for all-encompassing suicide prevention techniques. TINADA, the Kenya Institute of Business and Counseling, the Amani Counselling Center and Training Institute, and the Kenya Counsellors and Psychologists Association (KCPA) were among the stakeholders who attended this conference.

The two-day conference commenced with a warm welcome from the university’s administration Prof. Faith Nguru DVC ARSA on behalf of Prof. Laban Peter Ayiro, Vice Chancellor, Daystar University, stressing the value of teamwork in mental health programs. In her stirring speech, MBS Secretary to the Cabinet Republic of Kenya, Madam Mercy Wanjau, the Chief Guest, emphasized the critical need for easily accessible support services. She encouraged participants to spread the word about these options in their areas by providing important information about hotlines for reporting suicide and getting assistance, such as 1192 NACADA. Furthermore, she echoed the Government of Kenya’s commitment to addressing the suicide cases in the country and forging mental health awareness through expanding mental health facilities and equipping them, encouraging employers to implement mental health policies in the workplace, and policy and legislative strengthening through the Penal Code (Cap 63).

The keynote address from Dr. Matilda Mghoi Omollo, CEO of the Counselling and Psychologists Board (C&PB), centered on the part mental health practitioners play in preventing suicide, emphasizing the value of continual education and training in handling the complexity of mental health conditions. She advocated for a multifaceted strategy that incorporates support and involvement from the community.

Subsequent to the opening addresses, the conference included several presentations from different subject-matter specialists. Following a revitalizing health break, participants participated in enlightening conversations about the latest findings, best practices, and creative strategies for preventing suicide. Abstracts and presentations of surviving suicide case studies from James Kamau and Valentine Wairimu demonstrated how tactics and interventions are used in the real world and that surviving suicide is very feasible, were part of the afternoon sessions. Participants engaged in a vibrant exchange of ideas as presenters shared their findings, emphasizing both achievements and challenges in various circumstances.

Participants likewise, were able to interact directly with the presenters during a Question-and-Answer session, addressing specific issues and exchanging personal stories about mental health and suicide prevention. This exchange demonstrated the conference’s collaborative spirit and the eagerness of participants to share knowledge.

Dr. Hassan gave a passionate vote of gratitude to the Chief Guest, delegates, and all participants for their efforts and dedication to mental health awareness as the conference came to a close. During the closing ceremony, awards were given to notable field contributors in recognition of their commitment and influence on suicide prevention initiatives.

The International Conference on Suicide Prevention at Daystar University not only highlighted the pressing need for action in mental health but also fostered a network of professionals dedicated to making a difference. The partnership of the Kenya Institute of Business and Counseling, TINADA, Amani Counselling Center and Training Institute, and KCPA represents a concerted effort to address the issues of mental health and suicide in Kenya.

“Mental health is not a destination, but a process. It’s about how you drive, not where you’re going.” Noam Shpancer