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  • Daystar Selected as ICGLR Research Institute of Reference

    By: Sumaya Hussein (husseinsumaya1@gmail.com)

    Thumbnail photo: CAS of ICT, Youth and Innovation Hon. Nadia Abdalla. Photo courtesy of Daystar University.

    Daystar University has been selected as the research institute of reference for the International Conference for the Great Lake Region (ICGLR).

    The office of the Vice-Chancellor and the Directorate of Research and Post-Graduate Studies will spearhead the initiative alongside the entire Daystar Fraternity. Owing to this, a multifunctional youth forum was held on Wednesday at the Nairobi Campus to deliberate on jumpstarting the process of developing the Regional Action Plan on United Nations Security Council Resolution. (UNSCR 2250).

    The Forum
    The forum was attended by the Speaker of the Senate, Hon. Ken Lusaka, CAS for ICT, Innovation and Youth Affairs Hon. Nadia Abdalla, and the VC Prof. Laban Ayiro. Also present were Ambassadors and High commissioners as well as representatives from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, United Nations (UN), youth-serving organizations, International Organizations, ICGLR Fora and Daystar fraternity.

    “We are honoured as Daystar that you chose to convene this very important youth forum in this University that has a serious intention in the area of research and is a university that is heavily built on values,” said Prof. Laban Ayiro. “Not just religious values, but the societal norms that this country is so much desiring for”.

    The UNSCR 2250 focuses on ways to give youth a greater voice in decision-making at the local, national, regional and international levels. The resolution defines youth as persons aged 18 to 29 and urges the Member States to set up mechanisms that will enable them to participate in peace processes and dispute resolution.

    “Despite the fact that the youth account for more than 70 per cent of the population, they are not involved in social, economic and political spheres,” said Speaker of the Senate, Hon. Ken Lusaka, during his speech at the forum. “If the youth are not engaged in the designing, planning and implementation of programs and policies that affect not only them but also the country at large, their knowledge skills and energy become underutilized”.

    Speaker of the Senate, Republic of Kenya, Hon. Ken Lusaka. Photo courtesy of Daystar University.

    The VC Prof. Laban Ayiro insisted that the destiny of the country is in the youth, hence the need to strengthen them. “We must increase young peoples’ economic framework. Strengthening youth service system is very important,” stated Prof. Ayiro

    ICGLR is an inter-governmental organization of the countries in the African Great Lakes Region, whose purpose is to promote sustainable peace and development in African countries. It has 12 core member states including Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, Sudan, South Sudan, Zambia, Angola, Burundi, Rwanda, Democratic Republic of Congo, Central Africa Republic and the Republic of Congo.

  • Book Review: The Woman in the Window

    By: Sharon Jerotich (jerotichsharon096@gmail.com
    Thumbnail courtesy of thecoast.net.nz

    The woman in the window is a New York bestseller with over a million copies sold worldwide. It was written by A.J. Finn, an editor and author. Now, a general rule is that the name of the book alone should be enough to draw readers in, the woman in the window did this for me.

    The story is about a woman, Anna Fox, who has not left her home in 10 months she cannot. Anna has a rare condition known as agoraphobia, the fear of outside spaces or rather being in a situation where escape might be difficult.

    This comes about after a series of events. In those ten months, she has been living like a ghost; watching movies, drinking wine (too much wine), remembering old and much better times, only allowing herself to live vicariously through the lives of her neighbours whom she spies on through her window every chance she gets. When her new neighbours, Russell’s move in next door, she is immediately drawn to them as it reminds her of the life she once had. However, everything is not as it seems in the Russel household, or is it?

    After ten months of nothingness, her life begins to get complicated as it gets intertwined with that of the Russell’s. She is forced in positions that are otherwise uncomfortable for her especially with her case of agoraphobia.

    Reading this book, all sorts of emotions run through you especially as the story untangles. You begin to realize just how twisted the lives of the various characters are. It is a classic story of, you do not know who the bad guy is and you will not be able to guess until you approach the end of the book. A.J. Finn managed to turn what started off as a sad, somewhat normal story into a thrilling, dumfounding one.

    However, the book can get confusing, some might say too confusing. The story takes many twists and turns and one may end up giving up before reaching the end, which we all know, is always the best part. Therefore, if you have the patience to see this book to the end, I would recommend it. It is a good read that will have you sighing and at the edge of your seat very often.

  • MKU becomes the First University to Acquire COVID-19 Testing Machine


    By: Sumaya Hussein (husseinsumaya1@gmail.com)

    Thumbnail photo courtesy of tuko.co.ke.

    Mount Kenya University has become the first university in the country to purchase a Real-Time PCR machine that will be used for detecting COVID-19.

    The machine, acquired at Ksh15 million, is set to arrive in days from China through TBC biotechnology corporation. “Ours is a commitment to the student population and the society at large that we want to ensure we can test all our students for the virus, at any time,” said MKU’s new Vice-Chancellor Prof. Deogratious Jaganyi. “We not only want to have the ability to test, but also impart skills to our medical students on how this is done since COVID-19 will be with us for a long time.”

    Prof. Jaganyi further added that the institution is considering extending the service to the community at a reasonable rate, this being part of their corporate social responsibility.

    MKU Council Chair, Prof. David Serem (right) hands over the University’s Mace to the new VC Prof. Deogratius Jaganyi during his installation ceremony on 29th January 2021. Photo courtesy of KCB.

    Real-Time RT-PCR is one of the most widely used laboratory methods for detecting COVID-19. Many countries use it to diagnose other diseases such as Ebola and Zika virus. Currently, there are 34 medical institutions in Kenya which have approved PCR machines and some charge as high as Ksh10,000 for Covid-19 test

    In 2020, MKU Medical School was ranked the best in Kenya with a score of 82 out of 100 points in an inspection conducted by a team of technical health experts from East African Community Partner States National Medical and Dental Practitioners Regulatory Councils.

  • Daystar Begins Asset Verification Process

    By: Neema Oloo (oloojneema@gmail.com)

    Thumbnail photo courtesy of Business Daily

    Daystar University began its fixed asset verification exercise on Thursday to establish its existing assets, their location, numbers and condition, after which a report will be prepared.

    According to the Finance Manager, Mrs Phyllis Mutua, it is important to have the exercise to identify where resources are and for accountability purposes given that the University has two branches. The exercise was set to begin on February 1 but delayed due to registration of new students that tied the hands of the few available staff.

    Speaking to Involvement, Mrs Mutua emphasized that the department cannot neglect other office assignments to carry out the exercise. Therefore, they shall dedicate two hours of their day to conduct the exercise from Thursday 4, February 2021.

    Agape Library at Daystar University Athi River Campus. Photo courtesy of Daystar University Twitter.

    Asset verification has not taken place for the last two years majorly because of the changes in the leadership of the institution that saw Prof. Laban Ayiro take over as the university Vice-Chancellor.
    However, the institution is well endowed with resources, in terms of land, equipment, vehicles and buildings. It has heavily invested in the physical libraries on both campuses, ensuring they are well equipped with core textbooks and other learning materials.

    “Daystar is well endorsed with resources and that is in terms of land, vehicles and classrooms and even the facilities we have”, said Finance Manager, Mrs Mutua.

    The finance department is set to introduce a new implementation of their systems that will not only be beneficial to students but shall also ease the work done by its staff. The department is working hand in hand with a few members of the admissions department to ensure that the exercise is a success.

  • Teach Me Lord

    By: Evelyne Syombua (issyombua@gmail.com)

    Thumbnail photo courtesy of theconversation.com

    It’s been long,
    Long since I sat and listened,
    Long since I prayed,
    But not too long since I called.
    Just for You to keep me strong,
    For you to keep me going.

    In the brokenness,
    Teach me to praise.
    In the waiting,
    Teach me patience.
    In the healing,
    Teach me to trust.
    Not just the process,
    But also the processor – You.

    Teach me your ways,
    Let my heart delight in your laws,
    Let my desire be your will.
    During the storm,
    Teach me to be still.

    Remind me of your love,
    Remind me of your grace,
    Remind me of your mercy,
    Remind me to hold on.],
    For a while,
    Just till you say…
    “It’s over….”
    Till you are done with me.
    Remind me, Father,
    That I am yours.

    As you heal my broken pieces,
    I will have peace.

  • Somalia’s Threat to Withdraw from IGAD

    By: Evelyne Syombua (issyombua@gmail.com)

    Somalia’s President Mohamed Abdullahi Mohamed. Thumbnail photo courtesy of africanews.

    On Wednesday the 27th of January, Somalia threatened to withdraw from the Intergovernmental Authority on Development after the group sided with Kenya in a diplomatic row between the two countries. On Monday the 25th of January, Somalia ordered all its diplomats in Kenya to leave within seven days while also giving Kenyan diplomats to quit within the same period. This comes after the diplomatic relations between Kenyan and Somalia being severed for the recent weeks with Somalia blaming Kenya for meddling in its internal political affairs.

    Last month IGAD created a fact-finding mission seeking an intervention which was aimed at settling the tension between the two countries. Somalia wrote to the members of IGAD on the 15th of December 2020, demanding an independent mission to verify its claims that Kenta was training forces to fight the Somalia National Army forces stationed in Gedo their common border. This came after it cut its ties with Kenya.

    The team which was led by Yacin Elmi Bouh, the Djiboutian Ambassador to Kenya and his colleague to Somalia Aden Hassan Aden and also included an IGAD observer said they had found no evidence supporting violations by Kenya.

    The Somalia Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation Minister, Mohamed Abdirazak on Wednesday said the country will reject the report since those who took part in it were “biased, partisan, unfair, compromised and predetermined to exonerate Kenya”.

    IGAD SUMMIT’: UHURU IN DJIBOUTI OVER SOMALIA. Photo Courtesy of wardheernews.com

    The Kenyan Ministry of Foreign Affairs said the findings of the team were proof that Somalia’s claims were a political ploy meant to distract the region from security issues. “The report of the fact-finding mission affirms the fact that the allegations by Somalia against Kenya are wholly unfounded”, the ministry said in a statement. The ministry further said, “The impartial report definitively settles the matter, Kenya will not be drawn into the reckless campaign whose sole intent remains the creation of artificial fissures for parochial and domestic ends at the expense of regional peace and security and regional integration”.

    The report criticised Somalia for severing ties with Kenya, arguing the historical problems faced by the two countries could only be solved through deeper diplomatic engagements. “Somalia strongly holds to all its initial accusations against Kenya and will pursue all means to protect her sovereignty”, Abdirazak said in a statement, threatening that his country will withdraw from Igad.

  • KQ opts for Cargo Flights to Compensate low Passenger Numbers

    By: Sumaya Hussein (husseinsumaya1@gmail.com)

    Thumbnail photo courtesy of LogUpdate Africa

    Kenya Airways (KQ) is reducing its dependence on passenger flights and turning to more cargo flights to stay afloat.

    On Tuesday, the airline said it had agreed with Avianor to collectively repurpose its aircraft cabins into cargo transportation on the Boeing 787. This joint effort is in response to the growing demand and need for increased cargo capacity.

    The repurposing began in December 2020 and was completed in January 2021. This is the first-ever cargo repurpose of this type to be performed on the Boeing 787 globally. The repurposed cabin has been certified to carry up to 16 tonnes of cargo, potentially enabling the aircraft to reach its maximum payload while in cargo operation of 46 tonnes.

    Kenya Airways Cargo plane at the airport. Photo courtesy of The East African.

    KQ CEO, Allan Kilavuka said the airline is prepared to respond to the outgoing demand for essential and medical goods and support future commercial opportunities for the local and regional economies. “We are excited to be part of the first-ever certified cargo conversion of this type on the Boeing 787 aircraft”, Kilavuka said.

    Kenya Airways has received airworthiness approval from the Kenya Civil Aviation Authority (KCCA) and Federal Aviation Authority (FAA) for the repurposed aircraft. “This represents a unique design and certification challenge and we are thrilled to demonstrate once again, our ability to find unprecedented solutions to customer needs,” Avianor President Matthieu Duhaime said.

    The move to cargo flights follows a big drop in the number of international travellers due to the Covid-19 pandemic, that saw the airline plunged into losses. KQ net loss for the six months ended June 2020 widened by 67.3% to Sh14.33 billion due to the disruptions that led to the grounding of flights. The crisis hit the global aviation industry hard, with African airlines alone expected to lose $6 billion this year in revenue. KQ had estimated the virus will cut its revenue by almost Sh100 billion.

  • Return

    By: Guest Writer – Santiana Havyarimana (Shavyarimana17@gmail.com)

    Photo Courtesy: Pinterest.com

    I open the front door of my mind to you,
    Wanting to explain why I cannot do the things you want me to.
    You tell me that there is a Creator who loves me,
    Who wants me to follow Him, to be free.

    But I ask you to stick around and understand,
    To stay and explore this sad, dry land.
    I have welcomed Depression into the living room,
    Anxiety and Fear with all their gloom.
    Insecurity has overstayed its welcome;
    Pride somehow snuck by the security alarm.

    Friend, look at all these guests!
    Would your God want such a mess?
    What’s that you say, yes He would?
    Oh, maybe I misunderstood.

    You say there is redemption through His grace?
    Again, you say that I was bought with a price?
    Could it be that I’ve been blinded by a haze?
    Maybe it’s time I turn on the lights.

  • Jane Mugo: The Kenyan Spy Queen

    By: Joy Ng’ethe Shiku3joy@gmail.com

    Thumbnail photo courtesy of bbc.com

    On January 25, 2021, Jane Mugo, a private Kenyan detective was brought into the limelight through a BBC Africa documentary which highlighted her life and work practice. Jane Mugo was referred to as a ‘Spy Queen’ or rather ‘Kenya’s James Bond’ in the documentary.

    She mentioned that she is hired by politicians to spy on their opponents making her an easy target for death threats. This in turn makes her very conscious including using her right-hand man, Charlie one to taste her food before she eats to ensure it is not poisoned. The documentary also showed that Jane’s chef has to eat the food too so that she can make sure it is good for her consumption.

    Jane Mugo, Kenya’s Spy Queen. Photo courtesy of tuko.co.ke

    “Sometimes politicians would be specific and they’d tell us ‘I want you to give me somebody who’d be a bodyguard and an intelligence officer’ during the campaign time,” said Jane.

    She also eagerly showed off her Taekwondo moves and her teams’ training session including torture methods used to interrogate suspects. Experts brought in during the documentary labelled her work as malpractice due to her unconventional methods to solve cases.

    Kenyans responded to the documentary with mixed reactions, with most calling out BBC for taking them on a ride thus forcing the channel to turn off comments on the video. With comments turned off, Kenyans took to social media to air their thoughts.
    “That BBC documentary on Jane Mugo is painful viewing. Should’ve come with viewer discretion for those who don’t want to burn their brain cells,” tweeted Gabriel Oguda

    Despite the negative reception of the documentary, Jane in an interview on Radio Jambo pointed out that she ought to be celebrated for breaking through a male-dominated field and emerging top. She also referred to those hating on her as idlers who have never appeared on a local radio station or in their village limelight and cannot show off what they have done in their village as they struggle to put food on the table yet they go-ahead to be jealous souls. In her closing remarks, she said that she’ll keep fighting for justice because she is the best and no one can beat her.

  • Kapedo’s Never Ending War

    By: Winfred Wacera Kamau (winfredwacerakamau@gmail.com)

    Thumbnail photo courtesy of The Star

    Insecurity in Kapedo has once again become a subject of national security. The recent killings of General Service Unit Operation commander Emadau Tebakol and that of Chief Inspector of police in charge of Rapid Redeployment Unit (RDU) has led the government to deploy security personnel in the region to flush out armed bandit in the border area of Baringo and Turkana counties.

    More than 10 people have died in one week including police officers. These counterattacks have sparked tension among residents as hundreds of families have been forced to flee their homes fearing for their lives. The displaced families have been begging for humanitarian assistance from the government and well-wishers.

     Following the recent bandit war in Kapedo, four schools have closed, businesses have been shut down, residents are running out of food and essentials like medicine due to restrictions which have been imposed to affect the security operations in the area and the road to Marigat through Ameyan is inaccessible.

    Teachers Union have issued an ultimatum to the government to restore normalcy in the area within seven days or else they will withdraw their teachers from Kapedo

    Cabinet Secretary for interior security, Dr Fred Matiang’i, blamed leaders for funding the bandits. “We are in hot pursuit of certain people including leaders and I want to assure the country on this particular score we are going to act very decisively and we will make sure that those who are involved in that are facilitated to meet with the law.”  said CS Matiang’i “We will remain in that part of the country and we will remain in that operation until we have collected every one of those people who murdered our police officers.”

    The Rift Valley Regional Commissioner, George Natembeya, speaking to Citizen Tv on Monday said, “The government is prepared to end lawlessness in Kapedo.” Kapendo is currently under partial lockdown as the government is restricting the movement of people. The Rift Valley Regional Commissioner stated that “Kapedo is an active compact zone with ammunitions flying all over the place so you go there at your own risk. So those who are daredevils and want to go there they are welcome.”

    Disclaimer: Kapedo is a trading centre located in Turkana East sub-county of Turkana county. It is headed by a chief assisted by a village administrator recruited by the county government of Turkana.  It is approximately 4 hours from Nakuru town. Though with insufficient modern infrastructures for a town, Kapedo has a lot to offer from its hills which are a sight to behold, to its hot springs which are a few meters from the shopping centre is a good place for relaxation. Kapedo also has natural resources, several geological tests have been conducted where the mineral deposit has been discovered as well as Geothermal power.

    If all these resources can be utilized well Kapedo can be the heart of Turkana County.