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  • THE WOMAN BEHIND THE SPORT

    By: Valyne Laibuta

    Kalaine Kathambi is a student at Daystar University who embodies excellence. She is not only pursuing her degree in Marketing but she is also one of the most valued female players for the Daystar Hockey team. Outside school, she also plays for the Reiners Hockey Club.

    Her love for hockey began in high school when she was in form two and once she picked up that hockey stick, she has never looked back. She describes hockey as being “thrilling” and unlike other sports, hockey puts more emphasis on the skill and technique. Therefore, due to her zeal and hard work she has perfected her skills and technique on the hockey pitch, allowing her to be able to go against the boys without even breaking a sweat.

    For Kathambi, hockey is more than a hobby because it has provided her with the platform where she has been able to find herself and grow into the strong woman she is. She adds, “Hockey has become her outlet” when she has been experiencing a bad day and needs to release that negative energy. Unlike other players, she goes that extra mile such as going to train even on days that the team is not training, investing in the best hockey gear and going for a morning jog to ensure that she is at the top of her game.

    “As females, our voices are not heard,” she said, “During tournaments, 16 male teams are enrolled while only 8 female teams are enrolled”. This is one of the challenges she has faced as a female hockey player. It is saddening that female hockey players can put in the work but still not be valued as highly as men. Another challenge she has faced is the injuries she has sustained during training, matches, and tournaments. She jokingly describes the injuries she has sustained such as “having cut my lip by being hit by the ball”.

    “It was the last game I played in high school” describes Kathambi when asked about her most emotional match, “it was a goal that was meant to determine if we would make it for nationals and I could not score”. She adds that she hopes to redeem herself when she meets the goalkeeper from that last match in their upcoming match against Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology.

    Lastly, she concludes by urging the Ministry of Sports, culture and the Arts to invest more in hockey and encourage more high school hockey players to pursue hockey once joining universities. She hopes to see more and more people joining her to train with the Daystar Falcons.

  • NOT MY BODY

    By Nyokabi Ng’ang’a

    Leshnyokabi@gmail.com

     

    Photo courtesy: Pinterest.com

     

    In times of war, they lay me down

    Taking turns I mourn

    Of this body of gone.

     

    In times of peace, they put me aside

    Dictating frocks of long

    To cover this body of gone.

     

    In times of love, they put me aside

    Choosing my lover of life

    To govern my body of gone.

     

    In times of work, they weigh me down

    Giving tasks of long

    To focus this body of gone.

     

    In times of culture, they lay me down

    Mutilating my inner make,

    To make me pleasing to thine god.

     

    In times of birth, they cast me down

    Giving shrills of fail,

    For it’s a girl who’s been born!

  • KUNA NINI KATIKA BARABARA YA MAGADI?

    C21B84F3-9D5B-4371-BC87-FD7C59550353wangukanuri181152@daystar.ac.ke

    Na: Wangu Kanuri

    Ilikuwa vuta nikuvute katika barabara ya Magadi baina wanafunzi wa chuo kikuu cha Multimedia na polisi. Wanafunzi wa chuo kikuu hicho waliandamana na kufunga barabara hiyo kufuatia ajali iliyomlaza mmoja wao katika hospitali kuu ya Kenyatta huku akiwa katika hali mahututi. Kamanda wa Langata bwana Gregory Mutiso aliwarai wasafiri kutumia njia mbadala wanapowatuliza wanafunzi hao waliokuwa wamekabwa koo. Ajali katika barabara hiyo zinazotamatisha maisha ya wanafunzi katika chuo kikuu hicho si jambo geni ndio maana maandamano hayo yaliyoonyesha kughadhabishwa kwa wanafunzi na madereva.

    Kwa kutaka kuchukulia haki mikononi mwao kwa mwanafunzi huyo aliye katika mwaka wake wa kwanza na ambaye wiki jana aligongwa na yu katika hali mahututi, wanafunzi hao waliokerwa walistahimili vitoa machozi ambavyo maaskari waliwarushia nao wakiwarushia mawe. Mwanafunzi huyo aligongwa na matatu iliyokuwa ikiendeshwa kwa kasi mno hapo karibu na lango la chuo hicho kikuu. Isitoshe wanafunzi hao walilalamikia polisi kwa kuchelewa kushughulika baada ya mwanafunzi huyo kugongwa.

    Uchungu uliokuwa nyoyoni mwa wanafunzi hao ulidhibitisha kuwa walikuwa wamekerwa na ajali zinazofanyika katika barabara hiyo zinazotamatisha nyoyo za wenzao huku wakikumbuka kuwa mwaka wa 2016 walipoteza wanafunzi  wawili katika barabara iyo hiyo. Zaidi ya hayo, walilalamikia kuongezewa kwa nauli kwa matatu ya tume ya Ongataline na kunyanyaswa na waendeshaji wa magari hayo.

    Japo gari hiyo iliyomgonga mwanafunzi hiyo I katika kituo cha polisi, usakaji wa dereva huyo aliyemgonga mwanafunzi huyo bado waendelea. Hali kadhalika wanafunzi watatu walikamatwa katika maandamano hayo.

  • Behind The Lens

    Wanjiru Njoroge is a third-year student pursuing her degree in Business Logistics at Daystar University. However, there is more to her than what meets the eye. Wanjiru is a photographer focusing mostly on nature photography. Her photography Instagram page, @_rushema_, is flooded with the most breath-taking pictures of the environment and people she interacts with. This week I had the pleasure of engaging her in a conversation about her photography.

    She pays homage to her father who is a photographer too, she credits him as her inspiration for starting her photography journey. She grew up watching how he interacted with the surroundings and was able to capture the moments, she too wanted to capture her memories and the wonderful experiences she encounters.

    Wanjiru explained her fascination with photography began in 2015 and she described herself being particularly drawn to nature photography, though she has doubled in portraits and event photography. She is quoted saying “her heart has a special place for nature”, not only does nature bring her peace but also through her photography she has a platform to inspire people to take action against climate change by showing the beauty and importance of the environment through her photos. Her most notable photo series is the ‘Sunset series’ where she has been able to capture the sunset here in Athi River so beautifully.

    For Wanjiru, photography is more than a hobby and she continues to practice it because “it makes me feel calm” and allows her one her worst days to take that negative energy and to channel it into photography into positive energy. She hopes to transition to documentary series type photography by showing what life is from a day to day basis, the good and the bad moments. She encourages those who want to take up photography or are currently practicing it to do what they love and to do it to the best of their ability.

    Lastly, I asked her for the most embarrassing shoot she had and she went on to say once when working during a baby shower shoot, she was having such a lovely time and the clients were so friendly and there was so much food, that she forgot that she was supposed to be working but instead felt like part of the party.

    I had a lovely time, interviewing her and I hope that she can inspire more people to venture into photography particularly using photography to shed light on the challenging issues in our society such as climate change. Do not forget to check out her Instagram page: www.instagram.com/_rushema_/

  • A LITANY FOR CELIBACY

    By Nyokabi Ng’ang’a

    Leshnyokabi@gmail.com

    Photo courtesy: redubble.com

     

    Lord, I pray for a strong back not a light load,

    But in this prayer lies the fears of this heart!

     

    Lord, I pray for a good life,

    But in this life of good,

    Marriage lacks!

     

    Lord, if it’s not a good and honest man,

    Give me strength for celibacy.

    If it’s not a man of my expectations,

    Give me grace for celibacy.

     

    If it’s not a man worth my salt and coat,

    Lord, give me strength for celibacy.

    If it’s not a man of stature, reasoning and understanding,

    Lord guide me through celibacy.

     

    Lord! If his heart speaks of dirt and mouth of romance,

    Strengthen me for celibacy.

    If he is of no full awareness of your existence,

    Lord make me celibate.

     

    If he speaks of love,

    And acts out of wrath,

    Lord prepare me for celibacy.

     

    If he is ashamed of my weakness

    And emasculated by my strengths,

    Lord speak me into celibacy.

     

    Lord, if he sees not me for me,

    But me for him,

    Lord! Drive me into celibacy.

     

    Lord, I have searched and found that all have fallen short,

    That’s why I crave for celibacy.

     

  • Six protective hairstyles for the rainy season.

    By: Bernice Grace (Bgrace494@gmail.com)

    Photo courtesy: ewoodshomepics.site

    The umbrella and jacket season is a time for cultivation. It’s a time for hibernation not just to ensure survival but to ensure a stronger return in the warmer seasons. It’s no different for your hair. This season should be a time for your hair to get strength and growth, free from frequent manipulation and styling, which is where protective hairstyles come in.
    Other than masking and moisturizing, protective styling should be a prioritized part of your autumn and winter hair care. The science behind protective styling is going for protective hairstyles that you will keep for six to eight weeks (or more!) that way your hair is free from manipulation during that part.

    Box Braids
    When it comes to protective hairstyles, box braids are a classic! Not only are they a statement-making hairstyle, but they are also affordable, and a low maintenance hairstyle. Box braids and twists are perfect as they will allow you to play around with size, length, and texture – and if you work in an accommodating work environment, you can experiment with color too.

    Faux Locs
    Faux Locs (or goddess braids) have been enjoying a moment in the past two years and it’s not about to slow down. As the name suggests, faux locs resemble dreadlocks but they give you the look, not to mention the length, without the years of commitment.
    Faux locs are also a great way to keep a bit of tropical inspiration with you as you go through the cold months – forget flowy “beach waves,” faux locs are the look and feel of summer.

    Cornrows
    Cornrows can be the simplest of the protective hairstyles but that isn’t to say they can’t be creative and versatile. Cornrows are the easiest to pair with other styles. So, you can protective style your hair with cornrows but wear a wig in that final week when the hair is in its ripest stage. Or add a puff or ponytail (depending on your hair’s texture). Cornrows can be dressed up or down, it all depends on what you’re aiming for.
    Wigs the simplest of the protective hairstyles but that isn’t to say
    Wigs are currently having a moment in Africa and there’s no better time to wear one than in the chilly season. The wig can be the main act of your protective styling or it can act as a reprieve from your other style. The thing to remember when using wigs as your protective style is that you will still have to take the step of braiding your hair under the wig – be it cornrows or matuta.

    Bob cut braids
    The bob cut braids are a classic yet edgy 1990s throwback hairstyle that all your style icons and idols from the 1990s had. The bob cut braids are a perfect protective hairstyle for someone who has grown tired of box braids and is looking to try something new.

    The Sho Madjozi
    This is a South African hairstyle where braids and cornrows meet at the top of the head. All your nieces have probably had this style in recent time and there’s no denying its relevance. Both playful and cute, this style is where cornrows meet braids and it can be versatile in execution.
    As long as you take care of the hair beneath your protective style and keep an eye on your hairline, you will thank yourself for protective styling during the cold months come summer.

  • Fun at the Fair

    By: Mercie Njoki (mercienjoki12@gmail.com)

    Image courtesy of: http://clipart-library.com

    On Wednesday 24th July, Daystar University held a spotlight career fair at Valley Road Campus. The career fair focused on the film industry boasting a large number of professionals from the industry who were invited to talk to the great number of students who attended the fair.

    The industry professionals who were invited to give a talk on the film industry are none other than Writer and Director Mona Ombogo, Award-Winning Executive producer Quincy Wandera, Actor and Director Mugambi Nthiga, Director Ezekiel Onyango and last but not least, Comedian, law consultant, and Singer June Gachui. The career fair was sponsored by trademarks like Aspire and Empire International and it focused on the theme of building brands.

    Since these industry professionals are very familiar with the film industry, they have a huge understanding of different people’s capabilities in film. One of the speeches that stood out and resonated with the audience full of students was Ezekiel’s speech. He talked about how millennials are people who rely on technology and film plays a key role. He emphasized on how millennials have the most energy and they should use it in creating useful content.

    These industry professionals also emphasized on utilizing our skills in the film digital space. June Gachui talked more about this, she added that in her role on the award-winning film ‘Nairobi Half-Life’, she used her skills intellectually and she goes on to encourage her audience to tell themselves they are great and they can accomplish anything they want. As a law consultant, June deals with copyright and trademarks. She went on to say “if you create your content you own it and if you are employed they own it. Therefore, be careful with whom you collaborate so that the beauty of the product comes out.”

    To sum it all up, the career fair was quite educative and inspiring. The talk enabled the creatives in the room to open their mind further by creating not only great content but also revolutionizing the Kenyan film industry. It was truly an honor to have had the pleasure of listening to these great people as they shared their wisdom and experiences with the future of the Kenyan film industry.

  • Day of the African Child

    By: BY Nyokabi Ng’ang’ a, Claudine Otieno
    Leshnyokabi@gmail.com, otienoclaudine@gmail.com

    Photo courtesy: pin.it/aodvrosnrngw33

    “To every child- I dream of a world where you can laugh, dance, sing, learn, live in peace and be happy,” these are the words and the hope of Malala Yousafzail, an activist from Pakistan, that every child should be given an opportunity to dream and dream big for that matter.
    The Day of the African child is one that is set apart for celebrations every June, the 16th, in a bid to celebrate the African child while commemorating the thousands of children who died in the Soweto uprising. Sarafina, a potent film production created in 1992, was one that resonated well with many, especially those of the African descent, on the issue and importance of liberating education as a measure of unchaining Africa from the bonds of colonization and foreign dominance. Just like the film Sarafina gestures, in 1976 the 16th of June, thousands of students took to the streets of Soweto in protest to the decision that was made on having Afrikaans, as the officiated language of instruction in all local schools. This decision was a move deemed racist hence imploring the thousands of students to counter it.
    It is reported that 176 students-with an estimation made of up to 700 students died in the protest as a result of being gunned down by the then brutal police force, with thousands them injured in the events of the protests. This led to the adoption of 16th June as the ‘youth day’ in South Africa, by its government, and the ‘Day of the African child’ by the African Union in 1991. The Day of the African child, presently, commemorates the brave students who took part in the protest but also seeks to raise awareness of the situation of the Children in Africa and on the need for continuing to improve the education of the African children as reported by the World Health Organization.
    It seeks to unite all the African children and build on the interests and the issues facing the African child. Annual celebrations of this day are themed by the African Union. This year, the Day of the African child was themed; “Humanitarian Action in Africa: Children’s rights first, in an effort to call forth for the attention of the issues of children who are at the risk of being manipulated by the virtue of being in a vulnerable state in the event of being displaced, being orphaned or being a refugee.
    It has been a struggle to liberate African children. In a continent where their rights are heavily exploited, little is being done to ensure that children actively and continuously know their rights. It has not been rolled out as a class or clubs in a majority of the schools to educate our young ones on their rights, not only for purposes of their own protection but also to bring up leaders who fully understand their position and influence they have in the society at large. The education system has not supported the uprising of African children into what we keep telling them to be. Rather, the system has been used as a form of control with no room for them to counter or raise questions on ongoing events in our countries. We are still witnessing cases of deaths involving student leaders. Students protesting for their own rights and reasons are faced with brutality, guns, and bullets. Even the license to protest or age as a young member of society does not separate you from the wrath of the harsh reality of African streets. Many rules have been formulated to protect the African child such as the Agenda 2040 developed by the African Committee of Experts on the Rights and Welfare of the Child, that expands ten aspirations made in a bid to make an ‘Africa fit for children.’
    It is high time that all Africans realize there is a need to modify our education system. Education is a tool used in enlightening all Africans, whether young or old. If we do not let ourselves and those to come to be taught of justice, be taught of transformation, be taught of freedom, to be taught of excellence or even on the culture of ‘ubuntu’ through our educational system, we will sink into the deep ends of suppression and downgrade to the dependency syndrome.
    Desmond Tutu clearly voices, “Children learn about the nature of the word from their family. They learn about power and about justice, about peace and about compassion within the family. Whether we oppress or liberate our children in our relationships with them will determine whether they grow up to oppress and be oppressed or to liberate and be liberated.”

  • What Daystar Can Learn From USIU Culture Week

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    By Vincent Embukane Liboso

    Photos Courtesy of Githinji Mwai

    As an events blogger, writer and one who has a little expertise up my sleeves on events, I will be honest about one thing: Daystar Nairobi campus culture week was a flop!  I love seeing a great initiative trend and take hold; that is why when I was invited to USIU (United States International University) Culture Week; I couldn’t refuse even though it was at happening concurrently with Daystar Nairobi’s.

    There was glitz and glamour in abundance at USIU culture week. At Daystar, we lacked that and we drank our sorrows to a stupor  on free Nescafe coffee. In fact, not even our students had an idea it was culture week.

    Moreover, Daystar culture week lacked the hype and the excitement. Why you ask? It is because we are doing the same things done by past leadership over and over again, expecting different results. But it never works that way!

    I will give you a clear perspective on how USIU turned their earlier low-hyped event into one of the best ever event in their history and in my history of events blogging. (more…)

  • Athi Health Awareness Week

    By Waridi Ajambo

    Daystar Compassion and Care Center (DCCC) successfully organized yet another health week in the Athi River campus from the 10th to the 14th of March 2014.

    A schedule was made to enable the smooth flow of activities during the week. HIV testing and counseling, conduction of the Tuesday chapel service, cancer screening and community outreach program.

    (more…)