Latest articles (150)

cerealinabox.blogspot.com

  • My Sugar Daddys Box

    Posted: September 2, 2010, 12:17 am by cerealinabox
    I hate the gap between your teeth,
    And that huge tummy you slap while you
    speak,
    I hate a whole lot of things,
    But the thing that i hate most,
    Is that you can't see that am pretending to
    fit in your box.
    I love that you buy me new heels and
    clothes,
    I love the impromptu trips abroad,
    I love the sound of coins clinking in my new
    purse,
    And the large wad of notes in a neat row,
    Maybe again i love that you can't see that
    am pretending to fit in your box.
    I don't come from money boss,
    And if i didn't do this i would rot,
    I would be some useless little twat,
    Typing letters and handling someone's calls,
    I definately prefer this option,
    Pretending that i do fit your box.
    You're not funny and still i laugh at your
    jokes,
    You're not fun and i still hang out with you
    alot,
    If this means i don't have to hold down a
    job,
    Then babe please,
    I will always prefer pretending to fit into your box

    All copyrights Wacu Mureithi

www.sportskenya.blogspot.com

  • ATTENTION : SPORTS BUSINESS, MARKETING in Kenya

    Posted: September 2, 2010, 11:36 pm by SportsKenya
    If you know of anyone in sports business, sports marketing, sports branding and any other consultants in sports in Kenya ( be they homegrown or international franchises with local offices) kindly send us a note at sportskenya@gmail.com.

  • Sports Policy : - Mr. Minister less talk, more walk , please, will get it done...

    Posted: September 2, 2010, 11:15 pm by SportsKenya
    As is the case with every new Minister for Youth and Sports Affairs, there is lots to say but much more to do than portends to be. Mr Minister, as you aptly put it, there is a 'big' matter of the Sports Bill which ought to help administer sports bodies in Kenya some which have operated under rogue characters while others seem like monopolies tied to few individuals tightly running the discipline(s).

    From our brief there are some more issues which though on paper are not being done. Our nosy selves found this little policy document which among others is supposed to have a National Sports Institute who's vision is ..."be a leading institution in sports training and capacity building in the country". There are the following bodies (centres) supposed to be set up under this Institute;
    1. Centre for Sports Science
    2. Centre for Documentation and Information.
    3. Centre for Sports Marketing
    4. Sports Heritage Centre
    None is in existence as we speak. Fair though we might say on the intended establishment of the International Sports Academy at Kasarani, Nairobi.
    There is the other sporting body that is under your Ministry going by the name Sports Stadia Management Board - which has become like a dumping ground for political cronies. They may have spruced up two of the countries biggest stadia, but that doesn't stop there. There are more 5 stadiums in need of reclaiming, renovating and generating the much-needed income that the Board is mandated to do. And no don't give us the charade that was the naming rights of one of the stadias, you lost and LOST BIG in the past 2010 World Cup ( by not hosting a single nation even for a day!).
    Mr. Minister, there is the small bit that we have tackled down there of alcohol and the ban in advertising and sponsorship(s). With Tobacco out ( which almost entirely killed Kenyan rallying), and now alcohol, what options are there for sports federations to pursue and what is the line Ministry doing to cushion our fratenity against this?
    Mr. Minister, we are about to go to another major meet in the name of Commonwealth Games. Shall we have the usual retinue of 50 athletes and 100 officials 'bloating our budget' yet coming home with less than 10 medals? As a Ministry, please help us save this much-needed spending by sending ONLY those deserving to be there.
    As a Ministry too, work with the Finance Ministry to help get tax holidays, tax rebates for those willing to invest in sport. As an example, please travel to Brazil and see what they are doing hoping to become one of the few countries to host the Olympics and World Cup back-to-back. Being an emerging economy, we can learn so much from their success and see what can aid our fledging sports industry ( You might also want to make time for Cuba seeing as it the lost glory in our boxing team, fondly named 'The Hit Squad'.
    Oops before we forget, there is the other matter of Football in Kenya...you know as we do, the 'magnanimity' of the world body FIFA in running the sport. We currently have a fairly organised local league which if well-managed and supported can see us become the 'pride of Africa'. The elections are around the corner. We shall be watching your move and that of the prospective officials...burn the midnight oil reading all those statutes that FIFA might use against the country and this document from Transparency International on local sports but for goodness sake, save the sport.
    Well as we said, the less talk, the more you'll get the work done! Ours is to remain vigilant for the sake of the country and our sportsmen!

That Bad Bitch

  • TI and TINY Arrested…

    Posted: September 2, 2010, 10:24 pm by itchbay
    Oh Boy! I just don’t know what to think. TI and Tiny were arrested last night for possession of a controlled substance. According to TMZ, County Sheriff’s deputies pulled over the multi-platinum selling rapper and his wife in a Maybach on Sunset Boulevard around 10:30PM after they made an illegal U-turn. Deputies say they smelled [...]

www.sportskenya.blogspot.com

  • It is OFFICAL - Alcohol Bill in Kenya ends Sports Sponsorships

    Posted: September 2, 2010, 10:17 pm by SportsKenya
    With the signature appended on the paper, Kenya's Pres. threw the alcohol industry into a new era. Gone will be the creative ads that have graced your screens, radios and billboards among others; your favourite drink will have larger imprints warning you of the harmful effects alcohol is likely to have on your health and that of your future generations.
    In an earlier post, we had lamented about this given the amount of sponsorship and support accorded to sport by alcohol manufacturing firms in the country and the region too. Some firms seem to have read the script early and EABL in some mind-boggling changes dropped sponsorships from rugby, football and the premiere sport they have always supported, golf. (Wonder what happened to Tusker Sports...)
    The tragedy for sport is that now more than ever there is need for companies to support this budding industry. The challenge though is seen in the form of companies being forced to enter into what some like to call CSR activities and also the sports federations developing very tight proposals for the companies they wish to target to approach for this.
    If the Minister of Youth Affairs and  Sports is to be believed then let's hope to have robust sports industry....

asmithontour.blogspot.com

  • Two Sun Rise

    Posted: September 2, 2010, 9:07 pm by John
    Another piece I wrote for the Serian blog :

    Peering into the stygian starless black that cloaks a vista that you know stretches into the far far distance you can barely see your hand in front of your nose. The dark gradually leeches away, colours start to return as black surrenders to shades of grey. Then to purples as the pink harbingers of the day start to show the horizon.

    An orange orb - the harbinger of another glorious day - starts to float into the sky, seeming to speed up as the seconds pass and then to slow as soon as it breaks free of the horizon.

    . . . and then another red orb appears, rising from the distant plain but this one doesn't float in serene silence but bursts from the ground with a roar that would have put many dinosaurs to shame. Slung below the orb is a large basket full of guests that have risen from their comfortable beds at a very early hour.

    With a couple of bumps they rise into the cool air and, with a couple of more saurian bellows, they are floating up to where only the eagles and vultures usually venture. Slowly they drift across the plains, with a whole new perspective to what had before only been seen from the back of a vehicle.

    Soaring over the plains, the lines of Wildebeest extend even further, the herds seem even bigger and the distances infinite. With shrill trumpets, families of Elephants turn, protecting their young in their midst, to challenge this new avian monster. As its shadow passes over the water startled Hippos grunt their displeasure and slip below the surface leaving only their eyes, ears and noses above the water to monitor its passage.

    However, many animals completely ignore this new passing cloud. Below the Hyena still lopes along looking for an easy kill or somebody else's left overs. The male Impala still tries to keep his unruly harem together and away from his rivals. And if anything so insignificance could disturb his regal slumber, the pride male remains oblivious to anything but his dreams of fat Wildebeest.

    Every type of sun must eventually set and the balloon borne passenger eventually drift earthwards. Awaiting them, under a sheltering Acacia tree is the reward for their intrepid adventure : a champagne breakfast.

bankelele

  • The Grid Goes Global

    Posted: September 2, 2010, 8:59 pm by bankelele

    The Grid, a mobile only social network owned by Vodacom, has gone global.

    First heard about The Grid when 'Portfolio Manager', Vincent Maher, spoke at Mobile Web in Nairobi earlier this year.

    - The Grid is a mashup of instant messaging, content sharing, location based services
    
- They target ads by location gender age time of day. Also they use location based adverts. To use LBA one needs user location, ad server that support this (Google does) and application that adds location. This is good for very small businesses e.g. hairdresser, plumbers, and they can expect to see low volume of impression but a high click though rate

    - Users don’t need to have GPS to use the service
 as the Grid uses aerial photographs and their own maps (not Google maps)

    - 

What is coming next?
- Ambient (mood based) advertising
    
- Desire line anticipation (plot where you will be and advertiser prompts you to buy later when you get there)



    The Grid has about two million users in South Africa, Nigeria and Tanzania. It rivals MXit, which dominates South Africa, and was launched in Kenya with Vodafone-managed Safaricom in May 2010.

cdohnio.blogspot.com

  • Campus and music

    Posted: September 2, 2010, 8:30 pm by cdohnio
    Too soon to be doing another post? Have you even fully digested the last one? It's okay you can read both of them! Right? Anyway I'm in my room at about 10.30pm, not really trying to sleep but in bed none the less, phone in my hand and it hits me there's a lot of noise in the background.

    I pause to listen and I hear about 4 different sources of music and sound all seemly competing to overpower the rest.
    The dude across from my room is listening to traditional Luyha Christian choir songs, some dude up the hall is booming his favourite rhumba and lingala tracks while his neighbour watches an action movie at max volume. Two doors down from me is some playing what seems to be a Hip hop mix and further down opposite some is listening to reggae/ragga.

    What is unfortunate is that some of this music is headache inducing for me, especially the Luhya Christian songs from my closest neighbour! Someone, please kill me now! I feel like committing suicide!*Pulls out sumarai sword and stabs himself in the heart and twists, honourable like*

    Why, you might ask, am I not booming my own music? Well all I carried, electronics-wise, when coming was my phone. But wait, just wait, when I finally set up my noise making devices they'll rue the day they inadvertently declared war on my poor ears. Hard and metal rock until they come and beg me to stop! I can tell that they won't like it, so few people do. I can't wait *rubs hands in glee*

    I can't wait until I can launch this on everyone on campus. MAX VOLUME!!
    All this ranting actually brings me to the point of this post. While I may hate the music being played it made my realise something; I had previously assumed that most people my age listen to certain types of music; hip hop, locals, reggae and ragga & similar styles while the rest was old people music but it seems the taste of my generation is as diverse as the people of the world.

    Some of us are tall, short, fat, thin, black, blue, yellow, red, white, brown-eyed, blue-eyed, gay, sraight or bi and others yet asexual but somehow we learn to live together just as I'm learning to live with the noise of other people's horrible taste in music:). Learn to live with your brother's(and sister's) choices and tastes! Peace!

Me I Think...

  • 30 Day Challenge: Day 1

    Posted: September 2, 2010, 7:33 pm by Joliea
    Five interesting facts about me Wow! That’s a tough one. Okay here goes. 1. Am an avid blogger! Oh yes, that may not sound like much (I do that a lot…something called modesty) but I really love blogging and I try as much as possible to put up a post every day and write from [...]

AWF Blog

  • A Visit from our CEO

    Posted: September 2, 2010, 7:03 pm by admin

    When Dr. Simon Munthali called to tell me that our CEO, Dr. Patrick Bergin, was planning to come to the field to spend a few days, I couldn’t believe my ears. My brain immediately went berserk. I started counting stock of the good things and the not so good things I may have been involved with during the last few months. I was startled by these sudden plans to host our CEO.  Many times when my superiors wanted to see me, I was in some kind of trouble, but that was back in high school. I must have called our office in Johannesburg about 10 times in one hour in an attempt to squeeze information out of any person unlucky enough to pick up the phone.

    One hardly expects a lot out of life in the bush except endless persecutions and taunting by the residents. Still, there is a lot of joy that emanates from being out there and being part of this dynamic world where systems are continually changing; and being one of the people playing part in helping resolve conservation issues is surreal. Dr. Bergin’s visit was a very pleasant surprise and confidence booster for our work in the Kruger Park and made me forget about the un-accommodative dwellers of the low-veld.

    I went to pick up Dr. Bergin from the Phalaborwa airstrip, and we immediately made our way back to the field. I was very excited that he would have a first-hand experience of life in the bush in this part of the world, but I also braced myself for an impending barrage of questions. His questions were direct and constructive. I immediately realised that I was talking to a very intelligent person.  This was good because it meant he could pick up loopholes in our approach for the project, thus giving us a chance to mend loose ends. We had constructive discussions about the project, and this helped me to realign my thinking to realistic levels.

    The previous day, Kaizer and I had gone out to remove the cameras from the field as they had run their course, and we had found a really nice pair that was in an immaculate condition — they were both untouched and still working. I had then suggested that we reserve those for our day out with Dr. Bergin. On that day, after Dr. Bergin had checked in his bungalow, we went to pick up Kaizer and to retrieve some of the cameras — in particular, the working pair we had left the previous day. I was walking with a great deal of zeal and was particularly talkative on the way to the camera station. I think there may have been a fine line of cockiness and arrogance that I was flirting with. I pray that Dr. Bergin didn’t pick that up, but being the man that he is, he probably did.

    We arrived at the cameras, and they were both there, but one of the cameras was not working. All that arrogance fizzled away like a balloon that had just had the tip of its mouth released. There was a resounding “NOOOOOOO” in my head as I stood there looking at the camera and then at Dr. Bergin. I quietly started loosening the cameras while attentively listening to Dr. Bergin’s questions. I realised then that while most of the time we try and pose for pictures with our best sides facing the camera, the other not-so-beautiful side is still there and is part of us.

    After Dr. Bergin had left, he wrote a really good letter about his visit:

    “I had a wonderful time being out of the office to join these purposeful walks through the bush.  It was just Nakedi, Kaiser, and me. There was bright sunshine, and the cool breeze of a Southern Hemisphere winter. On the way out to a trap, we tended to talk about the World Cup, African politics, or our families.  On the way back, we were each quiet, each with our own thoughts, and Nakedi doing arm lifts.  One of the benefits of Nakedi’s research methodology is that he has intentionally chosen to place his camera traps in diverse vegetation types – so each walk had a different character to it.  First, we walked through Mopani scrub-bush, and then through grasslands on sandy soils lined by palm trees.

    The only destination that gave me slight pause was a cool, green, densely vegetated stream bank where we collected cameras at high noon.  It felt like a perfect place for a leopard, or a buffalo, to hole up from the mid-day heat.  Given the low visibility, we could have become an unpleasant surprise for each other.

    After a long day of walking, I went back to a nice little bungalow in one of the South African National Park’s rest camps and put my feet up with a good book.  Nakedi, however, spent the evening downloading his images, untangling cords, and recharging battery packs on equipment until lights off at midnight.  When he is through collecting all of the cameras and data from the Shingwezi block, he will move slightly south and start the process all over again at Letaba block.

    Nakedi’s work in the Kruger is significant at many different levels.  The ecology of Kruger Park has changed significantly over the last 40 years with major factors such as the provisioning, and then removal, of artificial water sites, greater encroachment of bush, suppression of fires, and greater human pressures.  A major concern in the southern end of the park is the prevalence of bovine tuberculosis (TB) among buffalo, and the transmission of TB to lions as they hunt and eat infected buffalo.  One hypothesis proposed is that lion numbers may be in decline due to TB, and that since lions and leopards compete to some extent, a decline in lions may give an advantage to leopards.  However, a paper recently published on lion numbers came to the tentative conclusion that their numbers have not changed significantly.  Nakedi’s findings will help complete the picture of how large carnivores are faring in Kruger at this time.”

    In the end, I am very grateful and thankful for Dr. Bergin’s visit ,and I’m hopeful that our project will be a success and will be a reliable basis for generations to come.

KCB Rugby Football Club

  • From The Desk Of,

    Posted: September 2, 2010, 6:40 pm by KCBRFC
    From The Desk Of,Engineer. Carlos Zuma.Owner /(Manager) Zuma's, Shipping Co Ltd.Bern Switzerland. Gooday My Best Friend......                                  I didn't forget your past efforts:              It's my pleasure to reach you today, How is life and Family: It's been long I heard from you. Well, I just want to use this medium to thank you very much for your earlier assistance

The Green Calabash

  • Making Room for Baby

    Posted: September 2, 2010, 5:50 pm by thegreencalabash
    This weekend we finally got around to buying a crib and holy crap are those things gigantic or what?! A ten year old can fit in that freaking thing. It has completely and utterly taken over our bedroom. So now, we’re mourning the loss of our lusty love shack, our steamy sex cove, our…who am [...]

Inari Media

  • Are You Good at Blowing your Own Trumpet?

    Posted: September 2, 2010, 5:30 pm by Stephanie Migot
    How often do you boast about your latest achievements? Do you boast at all? Or do you hide your light under a bushel and play down your achievements because you were told that it’s better to be modest than an arrogant blowhard? I was thinking about this yesterday after reading a few articles in the [...]

KCB Rugby Football Club

  • RE: Notice of Special General Meeting

    Posted: September 2, 2010, 5:24 pm by KCBRFC
    Well in,Wapi Red and Green Teams,Simon Jawichre.From: mandere.tz@alliancemedia.comTo: kcbrfc@gmail.com; shoooz.kcbrugby@blogger.comCC: a_ochino@yahoo.com; alubakaasher@yahoo.com; adollaogot@yahoo.com; arthur_ars@eudoramail.com; arthur_ars@eudroamail.com; arthur_ars@lycos.com; arthur_sar@eudroamail.com; arthur_sar@lycos.com; bhobson39@yahoo.com; bernard.itebete@gmail.com; bkiragu@

That Bad Bitch

  • Why Ne-Yo Is Not Marrying Monetta Shaw

    Posted: September 2, 2010, 3:05 pm by itchbay
    Monetta Shaw is pregnant with Ne-Yo’s child. She should be giving birth in January of next year. Ne-Yo recently gave an interview to Cleveland’s 107.9 Radio Station. I don’t even know where to begin. I understand that men are scared of marriage. But shouldn’t you be more scared of having a baby with someone you [...]

mugendi.wordpress.com

  • rain

    Posted: September 2, 2010, 2:39 pm by Mugendi
    I dream of rain I dream of freedom I close my eyes Take it all in The world is my playground I want nothing, I have it all I know all, I am all The luxury of time and space The glory of the human race The world is moving at my pace My fears [...]

Storymoja

  • “Verse of Fire”: A Conversation with Benjamin Zephaniah

    Posted: September 2, 2010, 2:20 pm by Storymoja Africa
    Sunday 3rd October 4pm to 6pm In “Bought and Sold,” Benjamin Zephaniah asks, “What happened to the verse of fire”? “Smart big awards and prize money,” he warns, are “killing off black poetry.” Poets who seek commercial approval risk losing their ability to find what Zephaniah terms “de magic poem,” a poem that “can ease [...]

www.storymojaafrica.wordpress.com

  • “Verse of Fire”: A Conversation with Benjamin Zephaniah

    Posted: September 2, 2010, 2:20 pm by Storymoja Africa
    Sunday 3rd October 4pm to 6pm In “Bought and Sold,” Benjamin Zephaniah asks, “What happened to the verse of fire”? “Smart big awards and prize money,” he warns, are “killing off black poetry.” Poets who seek commercial approval risk losing their ability to find what Zephaniah terms “de magic poem,” a poem that “can ease [...]

www.butdoisay.wordpress.com

  • Elizabeth Bristmans Mother Is Dead…

    Posted: September 2, 2010, 2:05 pm by clay07
    Elizabeth Bristmans mom has died in Kenya.You are invited to an “OPEN HOUSE”  daily  at ALTAVÄGEN 202,NACKA,BUS 401 från Slussen.Prayer  meeting on Friday-3rd.Time 14hrs.Info. 0736694039. REST IN PEACE DEAR MOTHER.

Diary of a Mad Kenyan Woman

She Blossoms...

  • “Verse of Fire”: A Conversation with Benjamin Zephaniah

    Posted: September 2, 2010, 1:45 pm by She Blossoms...
    Sunday 3rd October 4pm to 6pm In “Bought and Sold,” Benjamin Zephaniah asks, “What happened to the verse of fire”? “Smart big awards and prize money,” he warns, are “killing off black poetry.” Poets who seek commercial approval risk losing their ability to find what Zephaniah terms “de magic poem,” a poem that “can ease [...]

www.jmaruru.wordpress.com

  • “Verse of Fire”: A Conversation with Benjamin Zephaniah

    Posted: September 2, 2010, 1:45 pm by She Blossoms...
    Sunday 3rd October 4pm to 6pm In “Bought and Sold,” Benjamin Zephaniah asks, “What happened to the verse of fire”? “Smart big awards and prize money,” he warns, are “killing off black poetry.” Poets who seek commercial approval risk losing their ability to find what Zephaniah terms “de magic poem,” a poem that “can ease [...]

She Blossoms...

www.jmaruru.wordpress.com

bankelele

  • Rockefeller helps Farmers cope with Climate Change

    Posted: September 2, 2010, 1:44 pm by bankelele

    The Rockefeller Foundation involvement in Africa goes as far back as 1914 and one of their goals is to strengthen food security in sub-Saharan Africa.

    Climate change is affecting food security and the current floods in Pakistan attest and African farmers are seeing wild swings in weather, coping with higher temperatures, less dependable rainfall, and experiencing longer droughts. In Kenya, the Rockefeller Foundation estimates that maize production could decline by 30% in the next 20 years.

    Africa countries need to recognize their vulnerability to climate change as ½ billion people depend on agriculture for their livelihoods, yet some governments are instead selling off buying tracts of productive land to other countries who are themselves investing to enhance their own food security through geographic diversification

    The Foundation has thus made agricultural investments improve their productivity of farmers by reducing the risks they face through key innovations including

    - Developing new affordable insurance products for small farmers & pastoralists that are indexed to weather; this encourages farmers to increase land & agricultural investment with the knowledge that they may be compensated if weather conditions adverse affect their harvest

    pastoralists & their cattle camp in Nairobi's kileleshwa suburb during 2009 drought
    - Funded the World Food Program to develop a software platform to predict most destructive elements; Known as RiskView, it can be customized or every district in every country in Africa and allows governments and aid agencies to when and where a drought will occur.
    - Funded Kencall to implement a national helpline for farmers, staffed by a team of experts to answer farmer question on climate change, seeds, fertilizer, agro-dealer location etc – this will help overcome a challenge many famers don’t try new techniques or seeds because they don’t have enough information to take a risk. The information collected will become a research resource even outside Kenya.
    - Partnered with Kenya-based Alliance for Green Revolution in Africa (AGRA), in a $50 million loan program through Equity Bank’s ‘kilimo biashara’ program in which the Foundation undertook some risk guarantee enabling the Bank lend to small farmers at below market risks who take up other products like fertilizer weather insurance, and use the help line.

    read more

  • Ship Repair in East Africa

    Posted: September 2, 2010, 1:22 pm by bankelele

    There’s an old company located near the port of Mombasa called the African Marine and General Engineering Company Limited - (AMGECO) which is a dry dock ship repair facility, and one of its kind on the East Coast of Africa.

    The company has a long history in East Africa, and has gone through ownership and management changes over several decades, but the core investment is the Lloyd's certified giant facility & dry dock which carries out all manner of ship repairs including steel & metalwork, engine servicing, mechanical, electrical, cabin/woodwork, refrigeration/air conditioning and hull-cleaning among others. They also re-stock ships with provisions like food and water.

    pic from their website
    The facility can handle repairs of various ships including cruise liners, military , cargo, tankers and others in its 40 metre wide berth, and currently they are repairing one of the old Kenya Likoni ferries.

    The skilled work and scope of repairs is fascinating, and ranges from light repairs of lifeboats to heavy ship re-building in their dry dock - and it makes for an interesting place to visit in Mombasa if you get the chance

Black Looks

  • Literary Nigeria: Saraba Magazine

    Posted: September 2, 2010, 1:00 pm by Sokari
    Saraba is an online literary magazine created and published by Emmanuel Iduma and Damilola Ajayi, two Nigerian students of the University of Ife. Saraba has just published its 6th edition in just 18 months and has gone from strength to strength. There are a number of Nigerian run literary blogs such [...]

Gukira

  • Wrestling Over Bashir

    Posted: September 2, 2010, 12:33 pm by keguro
    As the Kenya media and (so-called) leaders continue to wrestle over “protocol,” they keep losing the plot. For some, not inviting Bashir would have been un-African. Africans are hospitable. We invite all our neighbors to our parties. Even those who have killed and raped our wives. Good old African hospitality! For others, not inviting Bashir [...]

That Bad Bitch

  • 3 Hot Men On Essence October Cover

    Posted: September 2, 2010, 11:52 am by itchbay
    Ladies please make sure you grab your copy of Essence Mag’s October issue. On the cover they have Blair Underwood, Boris Kodjoe and Lance Gross. These 3 dashing men will be speaking about their love for black women. I think Essence is trying to make up for the time when they featured Reggie Bush in [...]

Atheist Kenyan

  • I am God;I will smite thee

    Posted: September 2, 2010, 11:47 am by admin

    How many people did God kill in the Bible?

    It’s impossible to say for sure, but plenty. How many did God drown in the flood or burn to death in Sodom and Gomorrah? How many first-born Egyptians did he kill? There’s just no way to count them all. This list doesn’t include those figures.

    SAB, Brick Testament Number Killed Cumulative Total
    Lot’s wife for looking back Gen.19:26, BT 1 1
    Er who was “wicked in the sight of the Lord” Gen.38:7, BT 1 2
    Onan for spilling his seed Gen.38:10,
    BT    		 1 3
    For dancing naked around Aaron’s golden calf Ex.32:27-28, 35, BT 3000 3003
    Aaron’s sons for offering strange fire before the Lord Lev.10:1-3,
    Num.3:4, 26:61, BT    		 2 3005
    A blasphemer Lev.24:10-23, BT 1 3006
    A man who picked up sticks on the Sabbath Num.15:32-36, BT 1 3007
    Korah, Dathan, and Abiram (and their families) Num.16:27, BT 12+ 3019+
    Burned to death for offering incense Num.16:35,
    26:10, BT    		 250 3269+
    For complaining Num.16:49, BT 14,700 17,969+
    For “committing whoredom with the daughters of Moab” Num.25:9, BT 24,000 41,969+
    Midianite massacre (32,000 virgins were kept alive) Num.31:1-35, BT 90,000+ 131,969+
    God tells Joshua to stoned to death Achan (and his family) for taking the accursed thing. Joshua 7:10-12, 24-26, BT 5+ 131,974+
    God tells Joshua to attack Ai and do what he did to Jericho (kill everyone). Joshua 8:1-25, BT 12,000 143,974+
    God delivered Canaanites and Perizzites Judges 1:4, BT 10,000 153,974+
    Ehud delivers a message from God: a knife into the king’s belly Jg.3:15-22, BT 1 153,975+
    God delivered Moabites Jg.3:28-29, BT 10,000 163,975+
    God forces Midianite soldiers to kill each other. Jg.7:2-22, 8:10, BT 120,000 283,975+
    The Spirit of the Lord comes on Samson Jg.14:19, BT 30 284,005+
    The Spirit of the Lord comes mightily on Samson Jg.15:14-15, BT 1000 285,005+
    Samson’s God-assisted act of terrorism Jg.16:27-30, BT 3000 288,005+
    “The Lord smote Benjamin” Jg.20:35-37, BT 25,100 313,105+
    More Benjamites Jg.20:44-46 25,000 338,105+
    For looking into the ark of the Lord 1 Sam.6:19 50,070 388,175+
    God delivered Philistines 1 Sam.14:12 20 388,195+
    Samuel (at God’s command) hacks Agag to death 1 Sam.15:32-33 1 388,196+
    “The Lord smote Nabal.” 1 Sam.25:38 1 388,197+
    Uzzah for trying to keep the ark from falling 2 Sam.6:6-7, 1 Chr.13:9-10 1 388,198+
    David and Bathsheba’s baby boy 2 Sam.12:14-18 1 388,199+
    Seven sons of Saul hung up before the Lord 2 Sam.21:6-9 7 388,206+
    From plague as punishment for David’s census (men only; probably 200,000 if including women and children) 2 Sam.24:13, 1 Chr.21:7 70,000+ 458,206+
    A prophet for believing another prophet’s lie 1 Kg.13:1-24 1 458,207+
    God delivers the Syrians into the Israelites’ hands 1 Kg.20:28-29 100,000 558,207+
    God makes a wall fall on Syrian soldiers 1 Kg.20:30 27,000 585,207+
    God sent a lion to eat a man for not killing a prophet 1 Kg.20:35-36 1 585,208+
    Ahaziah is killed for talking to the wrong god. 2 Kg.1:2-4, 17, 2 Chr.22:7-9 1 585,209+
    Burned to death by God 2 Kg.1:9-12 102 585,311+
    God sends two bears to kill children for making fun of Elisha’s bald head 2 Kg.2:23-24 42 585,343+
    Trampled to death for disbelieving Elijah 2 Kg.7:17-20 1 585,344+
    Jezebel 2 Kg.9:33-37 1 585,355+
    God sent lions to kill “some” foreigners 2 Kg.17:25-26 3+ 585,358+
    Sleeping Assyrian soldiers 2 Kg.19:35, 2 Chr.32:21, Is.37:36 185,000 770,358+
    Saul 1 Chr.10:14 1 770,359+
    God delivers Israel into the hands of Judah 2 Chr.13:15-17 500,000 1,270,359+
    Jeroboam 2 Chr.13:20 1 1,270,360+
    “The Lord smote the Ethiopians.” 2 Chr.14:9-14 1,000,000 2,270,360+
    God kills Jehoram by making his bowels fall out 2 Chr.21:14-19 1 2,270,361+
    Ezekiel’s wife Ezek.24:15-18 1 2,270,362+
    Ananias and Sapphira Acts 5:1-10 2 2,270,364+
    Herod Acts 12:23, BT 1 2,270,365+

She Blossoms...

www.jmaruru.wordpress.com

Like Chapaa

  • What Successful Companies Do Differently

    Posted: September 2, 2010, 11:29 am by tranx

    This article was submitted to Like Chapaa anonymously.

    To be frank – your best clients and your easiest jobs – I don’t want. We don’t look for typical clients looking to build a website or implement some online marketing. We turn down all requests that come our way.

    Here Is The Goldmine I’ve Discovered…
    Create “products” for niche markets and sell them to the masses of small businesses who are eager to buy them.

    We’ve perfected the formula. It goes like this. Pick a niche. Develop something that works and passes the following test:

    1. It is simple and inexpensive to produce
    2. It can be priced to produce a killer profit
    3. It can be marketed like crazy

    Successful Businesses Create Niches Where They Don’t Exist
    Most businesses are the same company with different owners and a different name and logo. They’re all chasing after the same prospects and leads with the same marketing and sales methods and the same products.

    Successful businesses, on the other hand, sell a different type of product or service. They are not carbon copies of their competitors. They have found a different type of product or service to sell to their clients.

    • Maybe they add something to their product to make it different from what everything else sells
    • They sell their service as a premium version of the commodity that everyone else sells, since it is unique
    • They are able to control the price as their product/service is unique

    Do SOMETHING different than everyone else. Usually that involves the product or service that you sell. When you dig real deep, it might be the same type of thing that your competitor is selling. However, successful businesses have done something different – made it more special somehow. Once you do that, it’s easier to sell, you can make more money, and you don’t have to struggle to reach a hotly contested market. Why stay in the shark-infested waters when you can seek out the deep blue ocean?

    For example, if you run a web design company, or if you do web design on a freelance basis, do you really think you can compete in today’s market? Everybody and their mother is a web designer nowadays! If you run your business just like every other web designer out there you will be dead in a few months. You have to be smart. So be smart. Be different.

    Similar Posts:


dutchezjuma.blogspot.com

  • Caged

    Posted: September 2, 2010, 10:52 am by Dann Juma
    The pillow that stifles my soul stinks of love, and whispers that hiding my [he]art away is not a sacrifice, not really.

    I can speak silently, perform to nobody, paint with invisible ink, and express myself to a blank page… all in the name of love.

    I poured out the wine gone sour because I love you, and hate the idea of you sipping from a poisoned chalice, but you caught every drip and stared at me with pained eyes when your flesh melted away.

    So the wine sits and sours every time something comes up, and the drains are off limits from now on. Removing the cork doesn’t empty the bottle, merely lets the fumes waft over us and turns the air as bitter as the brew.

    I made no promise so there’s nothing to break, except a fragile glass with ‘trust’ tentatively written on the label next to a piece that many cherish but forget. I’ll dust around the plinth it sits on and try not to knock it, but I was always clumsy and the glass wobbles alarmingly whenever I get too close.

    You never asked me to stop doing, only to stop speaking. My soul is still there but the cage has come down and the silence is terrifying.
    Rachel Gleavy


My Side Of The Story

  • Change

    Posted: September 2, 2010, 10:06 am by sk8rrboi
    Change is as good as a rest they say. Change is constant. I once read someplace that the difference between the living and the dead is the living’s ability to change. The truth is; everything changes. Everybody changes. Times change, seasons change and places change. Change really is constant. But we have all at some

Storymoja

  • Kenyan Conversations 18

    Posted: September 2, 2010, 9:30 am by Storymoja Africa
    Comment on the blog under the picture on the Storymoja Blog or Send in a story or dialogue that is not more than 500 words long. Send in your story or dialogue to blogs@storymojaafrica.co.ke. Clearly mark in the subject Contemporary/Kenyan Conversations 18 The prize details are as follows: 1st Prize: 2000/-, 2 Storymoja books and 1 complimentary [...]

www.storymojaafrica.wordpress.com

  • Kenyan Conversations 18

    Posted: September 2, 2010, 9:30 am by Storymoja Africa
    Comment on the blog under the picture on the Storymoja Blog or Send in a story or dialogue that is not more than 500 words long. Send in your story or dialogue to blogs@storymojaafrica.co.ke. Clearly mark in the subject Contemporary/Kenyan Conversations 18 The prize details are as follows: 1st Prize: 2000/-, 2 Storymoja books and 1 complimentary [...]

th3 int3llig3nsi4

  • Twitter Updates for 2010-09-02

    Posted: September 2, 2010, 7:39 am by NiKolaS

    • Twitter's new best feature yet, Mute.
      Next opt out of "non formal Twitter" RTs. #wishesandhorses #
    • So i went out and bought this Old Spice i keep hearing so much about.
      I sure hope it brings out the flavour in this beef stew. #
    • Y'all who are worried about HOAX RED CALLS; send this to your families, friends & mostly enemies. [bit.ly] Hope that ends that. #

ann-masibo.blogspot.com

SCHOOL FOR THE GIRLS

  • Dig toilets, Not graves

    Posted: September 2, 2010, 5:06 am by Miss Welby


    4,000 children die, every day
    That’s three children every minute of every day. They die because they don’t have proper toilets, so many have to defecate wherever they can. Faeces contaminates everything they touch, eat and drink, causing deadly diarrhoeal diseases.

    The solution is so simple
    We can stop the suffering by digging safe pit toilets. The technology needed is as simple as a spade. The training and equipment are no more complicated. And pit toilets last for years, saving lives day after day. So your gift will keep on working.

    WaterAidGirls (member of school for the girls) Have started some income generating programes, where they sale some African Kikoy fabrics (check on the side bar). you can buy one Kikoy fabric for 20 us dollars to support the Girls or pay school fee for one girl ang get one kikoy free!!!

KENYAN JURIST

  • NHIF Contributions

    Posted: September 2, 2010, 4:37 am by jurist
    I have this long time friend who has condition that needs constant treatment and monitoring. Unfortunately, he cant be insured because he has a pre-existing condition. Every so often he comes to see me for 1k or so to buy medicine, go for tests etc. He cant afford all his medical expenses on his meager salary. The current NHIF benefit only comes in handy the few times he is hospitalised It is for this reason I support the current NHIF initiative. This guy would be able to go for his tests and get his drugs when he needs them. I am willing to fork out the extra 1k to see that I do not have to budget for my friend's emergency needs.

>d®

  • THIRTY, PT. 1

    Posted: September 1, 2010, 12:24 am by |d®|
    I'm not working today, and neither am I tomorrow. Taking a well-deserved break from work. I'm content to just sit at home watching TV, surfin' the web whilst sippin' on some sizzurp. Maybe it's the Tequila that inspired this post, but I never post when I know I'm inebriated so this is probably me still. Or it isn't. In any case, here it is:


    *********************************

    There's something about the number 30.

    Maybe there are 30 celestial bodies in our solar system, most yet undiscovered. Maybe there are 30 wonders of the world, not 7. Maybe there are 30 particles in the oxygen molecules' nuclei that we breathe in every instant, and we don't know that yet. Or maybe I've watched Matrix the movie 30 times, maybe. But there's something special about that number.

    I'm over 30 and can truly say my mental faculties started operating when I turned 30. No surprise, then, that Jesus waited till he was 30 years old to do that which he came here to do, coz that's when life really begins. Yeah yeah, whatever, I can hear you say, but this is especially true for us males. The average woman is, between 25 and 30 years of age, as grown up as she'll ever be, but there are some men hovering around 40 that still don't have their shit together. A man's life begins at 30. Of course there are some exceptions to that, but that's usually how it works.

    I cringe to think of some of the things I did when I was in my 20s. Frankly, I'm amazed I lived though it. I partied so much, wasted so much money, messed with so many people's feelings, told so many lies. But when I turned 30 I literally woke up one morning and felt like Johnny Nash coz I Could See So Clearly Now. Honest.

    Case in point, I've cited over and over again, on this blog even, that I was hopelessly attracted to bad, dont-give-a-f*ck girls. They'd wreck shit up, cuss me out, key my car, slap me - all that. And I loved it, coz my lifestyle was similarly chaotic. They'd keep me guessing and I'd do the same; thrust and parry, thrust and parry. And then I turned 30 and was suddenly tired, so very tired, of it all. So tired was I, in fact, that I cut off anyone I'd been stringing along coz it just wasn't worth the trouble that came along with it.

    Fast-forward a few months, and I met this one girl. She was nice, too nice. Knowing my distaste for good girls, I quickly shut her out. She ignored me too, but I was used to that. Which man isn't?

    But then one night, around Christmastime I believe, we got trashed together. Not just she and I but a bunch of other people. And, as luck would have it, some other girl was there too, trying to make me jealous by grinding on some other dude, but I was actually relieved that the heat was off me and on him. [To self:] Oh Dee, you're such a dumbass. Did you think you could get off that easy? It was all for show!

    But I digress. Where was I? Oh yes: The good girl and I got trashed together. She, especially, was hammered. [I learned later that I was much more tipsy than she, but this is my story and damnit, I'm sticking to it!]

    Everyone was dancing with everyone else and it was all good, until she danced with me. The instant my hands grasped that slender frame it was all she wrote. Love? I didn't know. Lust? Definitely. Chemistry? Absolutely.

    [To be continued.]

    ps: Congrats, Lewis Hamilton, on the Belgian Grand Prix.

Opalo's weblog

  • Potholes potholes potholes!

    Posted: September 1, 2010, 11:58 pm by kenopp
    It is a key road that links western Kenya, Uganda, Rwanda and the eastern DRC to the Kenyan port of Mombasa. But the state of the Kisumu-Busia “highway” does not exemplify its economic importance to the wider east African region.  Potholes, dangerously narrow stretches, and encroachment by vendors are some of the many things that [...]

KCB Rugby Football Club

  • RE: Notice of Special General Meeting

    Posted: September 1, 2010, 11:56 pm by KCBRFC
    Well DONE Team this is a great Show!!     Regards,   Mark Andere   From: KCB Rugby Club [mailto:kcbrfc@gmail.com] Sent: Wednesday, September 01, 2010 3:54 PM To: shoooz.kcbrugby Cc: a_ochino; alubakaasher; adollaogot; arthur_ars; arthur_ars; arthur_ars; arthur_sar; arthur_sar; bhobson39; bernard.itebete; bkiragu; calvinsbiko@yahoo.com; calvinbiko@yahoo.com; collokimani@hotmail.com;

Opalo's weblog

  • Drinking their savings and lives away

    Posted: September 1, 2010, 11:51 pm by kenopp
    Rural (western) Kenya has a drinking problem. I base this conclusion on three weeks of traveling in and around Siaya. From Bondo to Ugunja, Siaya town to Rabar trading centre, men start drinking from as early as ten in the morning. They call it “kustuwa kichwa” (loosely translates to jumpstarting the mind). East African Breweries [...]

  • jkia has free internet!

    Posted: September 1, 2010, 11:41 pm by kenopp
    The last time I had free wireless at an airport was in Hartford, Connecticut. I am therefore absolutely delighted to be able to blog as I wait for my flight to London tonight. I am not looking forward to the long hours in pressurized steel tubes – as one of my pals calls them – [...]

Kenyanpoet

  • “Verse of Fire”: A Conversation with Benjamin Zephaniah, Sunday 3rd Oct 4 to 6pm

    Posted: September 1, 2010, 10:40 pm by N.W
     In “Bought and Sold,” Benjamin Zephaniah asks, “What happened to the verse of fire”? “Smart big awards and prize money,” he warns, are “killing off black poetry.” Poets who seek commercial approval risk losing their ability to find what Zephaniah terms “de magic poem,” a poem that “can ease our sorrows” and celebrate “our tomorrows.” A poet of the heart and of the head, Benjamin Zephaniah writes and performs socially engaged poetry, a poetry that makes audiences laugh and cry, feel and care, think and plan, engage the world in its possibilities and its obstacles.

    Deeply committed to an ethical vision of the world, an expansive ethics that ranges from veganism to anti-racist activism, Zephaniah works on and off the page. He has championed a poetry that speaks to publics, eschewing the model of the isolated genius artist intent on writing in cryptic codes. His commitment to a democratic poetics is perhaps most evident in his writing for children in the volumes Funky Chickens, Wicked World, and School’s Out: Poems Not for School. Zephaniah is deeply committed to the future of a risk-taking poetry that pursues social and political utopias. In “Protest Poets,” he urges “human poets” to “unite,” “Lest we pass on to future poets / a world in which, poets do not fall in love / or mek mistakes.”

    On this “Verse of Fire” panel, Benjamin Zephaniah is joined by Kenyan poets Tony “Smitta” Mochama and Njeri Wangari, in a wide-ranging discussion about the present and future of poetry, the relationship between art and activism, and how to engage multiple audiences through innovative performances. The panel will be moderated by poet and literary critic Keguro Macharia.

    Bio:
    Keguro is an Assistant Professor of English and Comparative Literature at the University of Maryland, College Park. he belongs to the Koroga Collaborative and to the Concerned Kenyan Writers Collective. His writing can be found at gukira.wordpress.com

    Bio:
    Tony 'Smitta' Mochama is a successful journalist, and popular performance poet in Nairobi, with two published works of poetry to his name - 'What if I Am a Literary Gangster', and its sequel, 'The Literary Gangsta - II.' A third work of poetry 'Evanescence' is on the way ... Mochama has also lectured on creative writing and poetry, most recently as a guest speaker in June at Concordia University, in Montreal. A self-confessed vodka aficionado (no lemons, no avocado), the dread-locked poet also did Law at UoN, but sez: "Don't practice. Just preach!"


    Bio:
    Njeri Wangari is well known local poet/ spoken word performer, blogger and literary activist. Her first book of poetry was launched last month, Mind and Mind Fields: My Spoken Words. Check out her blog http://kenyanpoet.blogspot.com/


    Bought and Sold from "Too Black, Too Strong"

    Smart big awards and prize money
    Is killing off black poetry
    It's not censors or dictators that are cutting up our art.
    The lure of meeting royalty
    And touching high society
    Is damping creativity and eating at our heart.

    The ancestors would turn in graves
    Those poor black folk that once were slaves would wonder
    How our souls were sold
    And check our strategies,
    The empire strikes back and waves
    Tamed warriors bow on parades
    When they have done what they've been told
    They get their OBE's.

    Don't take my word, go check the verse
    Cause every laureate gets worse
    A family that you cannot fault as muse will mess your mind,
    And yeah, you may fatten your purse
    And surely they will check you first when subjects need to be amused
    With paid for prose and rhymes.

    Take your prize, now write more,
    Faster,
    Fuck the truth
    Now you're an actor do not fault your benefactor
    Write, publish and review,
    You look like a dreadlocks Rasta,
    You look like a ghetto blaster,
    But you can't diss your paymaster
    And bite the hand that feeds you.

    What happened to the verse of fire
    Cursing cool the empire
    What happened to the soul rebel that Marley had in mind,
    This bloodstained, stolen empire rewards you and you conspire,
    (Yes Marley said that time will tell)
    Now look they've gone and joined.

    We keep getting this beating
    It's bad history repeating
    It reminds me of those capitalists that say
    'Look you have a choice,'
    It's sick and self-defeating if our dispossessed keep weeping
    And we give these awards meaning
    But we end up with no voice.

    Copyrights to Benjamin Zephaniah

  • Lauryn Hill bounces back with 'Repercussions'

    Posted: September 1, 2010, 10:35 pm by N.W
    She is back! and boy am I glad, although looking very different reformed and not as eccentric as we knew her. Lauryn Hill who has been on a break since the release of her Award winning Album 'The Mis-education of Lauryn Hill'.
    Repercussions is the name of her new single. I would say her legendary raspy voice & style are still very much with her.

    “There’s been such a long period of time where I haven’t been able to communicate where my mind is, where my consciousness is, where my ideas are,” Lauryn Hill told MTV News last weekend, following her performance at Rock The Bells in New York.

    Talking of this come back, it seems to be an ongoing trend with the pioneers of the Neo-Soul movement/genre. Erykah badu is another Icon who has shed her signature head wrap, platforms and long dresses and early on in the year, Maxwell made a comeback, lost the unkempt afro and the retro funk look to suits.
    Whats happening, somebody fill me in!

  • The Kenya Boys Choir in 'Trees for Harmony Concert' 4th & 5th Sept, @ Alliance Francaise, Nairobi

    Posted: September 1, 2010, 10:30 pm by N.W

KCB Rugby Football Club

Martyns in Africa

  • Oh, say, can you see….

    Posted: September 1, 2010, 9:00 pm by Taylor

    We have been attending Nairobi Chapel on Sunday mornings and recently started a membership like class called, Mizizi. Well, one of the first classes they decided to have some ice breakers for us to get to know each other. As it so happened they wanted those whose name started with an “A” to get up and sing, dance or tell a joke. Silly me, I thought I could blend in but with us being the only Westerners in the class I kind of stood out. With little time to prepare I was up in front of a group of 40+ people being told to sing the American national anthem! Let me just say that I have a voice that is “cute” in the little kid choir stage but not for long after that. What makes it even more humorous is that another lady after me sang a FABULOUS worship song in Swahili and got the others to follow along and start dancing a bit….yea I have a long way to go!

mzalendo :: Eye On Kenyan Parliament

  • Should the CDF be used to support local small businesses?

    Posted: September 1, 2010, 8:51 pm by admin

    Mzalendo in partnership with the Kuweni Serious team will be traveling around various constituencies to get a sense of how Kenyan voters feel about their MP, about issues facing their constituency, and about solutions they would like to see in place. We welcome your feedback.

    A recurring theme as we work on these videos is the use of CDF funds to support entrepreneurs. Virtually every interviewee has said that they would use CDF funds to support small businesses in the constituency and to help people be self-sustaining. We wonder whether MPs consider are aware of how their constituents feel and whether they could consider using CDF funds to support more entrepreneurial activities rather than start projects that become white elephants?

cdohnio.blogspot.com

  • The first campus post!:)

    Posted: September 1, 2010, 8:47 pm by cdohnio
    Okay ladies and gentlemen! This is the very first post coming direct from my campus!! The first campus-post! Yeah I joined campus, finally, in Maseno! It's written in two parts, the first were the thing's written on the first day I arrived in the morning and mostly on the registration line. Everything else was after! This is not conclusive, I'm still organising my thoughts, but it'll have to do until I can give you something more solid. Hopefully this means a return to more regular blogging for me!*Fingers crossed*




     Part1
    The next 4 years of my life began with a bodaboda ride into the Siriba compus. Only to join the reegistration line. Note that it's about 7.30, I can't believe the line is this long! Crap!

    Still on the line, I've noticed the line for the girls is far shorter than that of the boys at least for the faculty of science.

    Standing here in the line, still, I'm noticing that the sun is about to rise above the trees that are protecting us for it and looking at the speed at which the line is moving I'm going to be cooked, well-done, scratch that I'm going to be burnt, before I register.:(

    Another thing to be noticed from here is the girls in the faculty of Arts look so so much hotter than those in Science.

    Shock! There a girl here report who's already preggas! The hell!?? I always thought that people'd wait for the last year of school. But I guess a head start isn't bad
    Part2
    So I've now spent almost 2 weeks on campus and what do I have to report?

    Not much really, life really just goes on I guess. I can tell you though school can be rather boring if you have nothing to do or something to entertain you. Infact the first week has been like that boring because the continuing students hadn't reported yet.

    My random acts of kindness count has enjoyed a dramatic climb! So many continuing students have been crashing in my room(my room mate was late) or leaving their bags with me for safe keeping and shit.

    Also they told me stories of how continuing students scramble for the fresha girls(What me and my cuzo call Fresha Pap!!*snap fingers*) and the tactics they use. Apparently game has very little to do with anything. What matters is the music system in your room, laptops and other physical posessions. I personally wouldn't like to be with a girl just coz she likes what I have (bought with daddy's money), would you?

    Still on that I meet this girl here, but just before we reported so atleast I had a slight head start against the rest of my year. She's not really my type, she seems the type to be papped!*snapping fingers* But she's an in to one of the girls hostels and through her I've met several, far more interesting, chics. Yes I'm selfish like that.

    While on the topic of chics I'm on a no ulterior motives vybe, been on it for several months. I no longer vybe chics with the goal of being more than friends with them. I find it makes for much less stress.

    The first years have some in all types of dressing styles but I'm more interested in the people who dress in some seriously shady styles. There's this one girl in my class who wore a skirt(length: past the kness), sports shoes and socks written USA! I swear I almost colapsed! Who does that? I'm sure if @nanciellah saw her she'd have died! But I'll keep an eye on her to see how school might influence her clothing choices in the future.

    Well all in all I can say that school looks like it'll be one of my more interesting experiences! Stay tuned for more campus tales and others, soon! Peace!

    Overheard:
    Ng'arisha maisha na fresha
    90 freshas in 90 days
    Jikonect na fresha

    Feel free to add anything else you've heard, peace!!

Kikulacho

Words Much Like Poetry

  • Water Candle

    Posted: September 1, 2010, 8:09 pm
    the struggling light
    flickers atop a water candle
    a windy spell blows
    and threatens to put it out
    the flame almost leaps off
    but grabs onto the icy wick
    burning at the watery fuel

    the flame dreams of the water
    and the water holds its silence, unyielding
    ceding no ground
    betraying no emotion
    but the flame burns still
    on the water candle consuming the icy wick

    the water seeks the company of the flame
    the words exchanged of half passion
    half mystery
    betraying no emotion
    a perfect perplexity of state
    a perfect refusal of pairing

    yet the flame burns
    atop a water candle
    the flame aches
    denied for long
    no chance handed him
    no hint of future unity

    the flame burns upon an icy wick
    dreaming of the comfort of watery embrace
    the water plays games of wiles
    leading the flame's yellow heart to abeyance
    leading it to passion's end
    a place of hopelessness
    and pointless visions

    the water candle lets the flame burn
    upon an icy wick it has stood for long
    waiting for a sign of hope
    the struggling light weathers down
    waiting for the next gust of wind
    to extinguish it for eternity

Diary of a gay Kenyan

  • How to make love to a woman

    Posted: September 1, 2010, 6:35 pm by Tamaku
    Hi diary. What have I been up to? Well this morning Imelda and I decided to go to Nairobi's Central Business district, something we very rarely do. The streets are just too crowded and it feels as if one is always navigating around people who stop to chat in the middle of the sidewalks oblivious of other pedestrian traffic. Anyway we parked the car at the Stanley carpark where the Nakumatt store that was destroyed by fire used to be. Then we made our way along Kimathi Street, Imelda was making me laugh saying that I should have worn that scarf I recently knitted for George because I was saying how cold I was in just a t-shirt. It's ridiculous that Nairobi is still chilly in the mornings even now in September.

    We looked at some shop windows along Mama Ngina Street and went into Bata just next to Dormans where I treated Imelda to a lovely pair of brown Hush Puppies. She was over the moon with them. I was too with the free gift of a hijab which I got as part of the Eid Mubarak promotion that Bata have on at the moment. After that we popped into Dormans for an early lunch. I had grilled beef kebabs with sorrowful looking chips and served with a slice of tomato and a slice of cucumber! Imelda had a fish curry served with fried vegetable rice and a more substantial side salad.

    I was feeling sleepy after the meal so Imelda drove us back home. I've just turned on my laptop sitting in the garden thinking about that hijab which I plan to wear for George coming home from work today. We can have some role play, I think I'll ask him to call me Shaafia for one night only, lol! I wanted to know how to wear the hijab like the alluring Kenyan Muslim women that fascinate me so much when I see them on the streets so I decided to ask google how. When I typed 'how to..' the top suggestion that showed up was 'how to make love to a woman'....Hmmmm. Surely.Tamaku


Rugby in Kenya

  • Castle 7's : Kenya Shujaa fall in Plate semis

    Posted: September 1, 2010, 5:38 pm by Back2Besics
    Kenya Shujaa 7's had a mixed showing in last weeks Castle 7's. Theyfinished second in their pool to Northern Region of SA on day 1.Day 2 had them play Namibia in the quarters where they lost. Down inthe plate they then met hosts Zambia who dumped them out of thetournament.The Castle 7's was won by South Africa's Northern Region who beatZimbabwe the four time champions in the final.Much needed the

Me I Think...

  • Happy September!

    Posted: September 1, 2010, 5:35 pm by Joliea
    Its friggin September people!!! How on earth did the year fly by so so fast?? Anywho, mwezi ndio huo umetufikia na the best we can do is appreciate it. Gawsh! The number of things I gats to do this week and the next are astronomical!!! ← astronomical hmm..nice word! But am not complaining. I know [...]

a reflection of divine creativity

  • When did you fall in love with hip-hop...

    Posted: September 1, 2010, 5:22 pm
      When did you fall in love with hip-hop...     Brown sugar has been like one of my favourite movies for time unknown. I have watched it 16 times and can almost recount the...

    [[ This is a content summary only. Visit my website for full links, other content, and more! ]]

www.memoirsofunique.blogspot.com

  • When did you fall in love with hip-hop...

    Posted: September 1, 2010, 5:22 pm
      When did you fall in love with hip-hop...     Brown sugar has been like one of my favourite movies for time unknown. I have watched it 16 times and can almost recount the...

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jobs2kenyans.blogspot.com

  • Retail Sales Executive Job in Kenya

    Posted: September 1, 2010, 5:14 pm by ken kahugu
    Duties Include:

    * Sales- Retail Counter Sales
    * Customer Care
    * Cash handling
    * Stock Control

    Qualifications

    * Minimum 1 year experience in retail sales
    * Degree or diploma in sales & marketing
    * Computer literate
    * Good communication skills
    * Personal initiative, creative and able to work independently
    * Knowledge on IT or communication products
    * Between 24-35 years

    Apply, with a comprehensive CV including a passport size photo, a handwritten application letter and supporting documents before the 15th of September 2010 to:

    DNA 704
    P.O. Box 49010,00100 GPO
    Nairobi Kenya


  • Sales/Marketing Executives and Accounts Assistant Jobs

    Posted: September 1, 2010, 5:12 pm by ken kahugu
    Our Client is in the ICT Sector and is an Agent for a fast growing, data and internet service provider.

    The Client is in the process of expansion and requires the following:

    1. Sales/Marketing Executives

    2 Positions

    The ideal person will be self-motivated go-getter wtio requires minimal supervision, possesses excellent communication skills and a passion for ICT. Person should hold a Degree, Diploma in Sales/Computer Science Plus Experience in selling ICT Products

    2. Accounts Assistant

    The ideal person is an aspiring accountant with eye for details and accuracy. The person should be good in control of costs, has CPA II and above plus experience in book keeping.

    Applications together with CVs, current passport sized photo, current salary, copies of certificates and daytime telephone numbers should be posted, emailed or hand delivered to:

    Mucmar Management Concepts Ltd.
    Vision Plaza, Mombasa Road. 1st Floor Suite 17.
    P.O. Box 12283,00100-Nairobi
    Tel 828644/3; 0724 420100; 0734 770884; Fax 828575;
    E-mail. recruitment@mucmar.com


  • Nation Media Group Assistant Accountants Jobs in Kenya

    Posted: September 1, 2010, 5:08 pm by ken kahugu
    Job Ref. HR-AA-09-10

    Nation Media Group Ltd. the leading Multi-Media organization in East & Central Africa is growing and wishes to recruit suitably qualified Assistant Accountants for its Finance Department.

    We invite applicants who are result oriented, dynamic and self driven with proven track records and attributes to excel in a highly competitive environment.

    Key responsibilities of the job:

    * Reconciliation of supplier accounts;
    * Timely processing of payments;
    * Timely and accurate receipting of cash and cheques from clients;
    * Reconciliation of daily collections and ensuring revenue completeness;
    * Prompt and accurate updating of customers accounts and issuing of monthly statements.

    Knowledge. Skills and Experience required:

    * University degree and CPA(K):
    * Must have demonstrable hands-on experience with an accounting system;
    * Knowledge of SAP or DTI system will be an added advantage;
    * 1 to 2 years working experience.

    If you meet the above criteria. please send your application and a detailed CV online to http://careers.nationmedia.com before 15th September. 2010,

    NB: Only shortlisted applicants shall be contacted.


mikenificent1.wordpress.com

  • Red Call Scare

    Posted: September 1, 2010, 5:05 pm by mikenificent1
    Kenyan mobile phone users have been in a state of panic over the last two days following the red call rumour. The rumour started doing rounds on social media sites Twitter and Facebook yesterday. The rumour says that picking ip calls from a private number or the following numbers 7888308001, 9316048121, 9876266211, 9888854137, 9876715587 could [...]

jobs2kenyans.blogspot.com

  • Postal Corporation of Kenya Jobs and Careers

    Posted: September 1, 2010, 5:05 pm by ken kahugu
    1. Webmaster
    2. Assistant Manager/Legal
    3. Legal Officer
    4. Assistant Manager/Strategy

    The Postal Corporation of Kenya (PCK) is a key public communication and financial services piovider charged with specific statutory functions that are geared towards rapid social and economic development of our country.

    To enable PCK discharge these functions, it has put in place a strategic business plana to ensure efficient delivery of services and improvement of corporate image. Effective identification and deployment of the human capital is hence key to the success of our corporate goals and objectives.

    In this regard, the following posts are hereby advertised.

    Webmaster

    Department: Corporate Communication
    Grade: MG6
    Location: Nairobi Posta House

    Duties and Responsibilities

    * Ensuring, Monitoring of PCK domain and timely annual renewal.
    * Monitor and restrict download of inappropriate content that can compromise the entire PCK network.
    * Uploading the website regularly and ensure website is up to date with the current information. Maintain database for website files, monitor online activities, including chatting.
    * Carry out audit of all PCK ICT web based equipment as required.
    * Liaise with internet service providers (ISP) in case of down time on internet or e-mails.
    * Ensure daily server maintenance. Maintenance will include the following; service pack update, anti-virus updates, mdaemon mail server is running (e-mails are going in and out normally), back up of data in the server on a daily basis or at least after every two days, ensure software running on server is licensed.
    * Develop and regularly upload the intranet, facebook and twitter pages for PCK.
    * Perform any other duties assigned by the HOD/ICT.

    Qualifications and Experience

    * Bachelors degree in Information Technology/Computer Science
    * 3 years experience in web development/maintenance.
    * Proficiency in web development tools e.g PHP, ASP NET, VB NFT; XML; MS SQL server and IIS.
    * Working knowledge of website content management systems (CMS).
    * Strong analytical and organizational skills.

    Assistant Manager/Legal

    Department: Corporation Secretary
    Grade: MG5
    Location: Nairobi Posta House
    Reporting to: Manager/Legal Services

    Duties and Responsibilities

    * Provide in-house legal advice to the Corporation
    * Preparation of Leases, Contracts and other in-house documents.
    * Assist in carrying out Legal Audits.
    * Liaising with external lawyers on the Corporation’s legal matters.
    * Assist in ensuring safe custody of Corporation’s assets and other security documents.
    * Assist in ensuring that the Corporation complies with all relevant legislation and legal requirements.
    * Be conversant in litigation, insurance matters, and registration of copyrights, patents and trademarks.
    * Participation in preparation of budget and ensuring effective control.
    * Preparing legal reports and advisories on key legal issues.
    * Participating in review and formulation of legal policies and practices.
    * Conducting internal training on legal matters.
    * Any other legal and administrative duties assigned by the Supervisor.

    Qualifications & Experience

    * Bachelor of Laws Degree (LLB) from a recognized university
    * Certified Public Secretary CPS (K), (shall be an added advantage)
    * Advocate of the High Court of Kenya with a current practicing certificate
    * Five (5) years relevant legal experience in a busy law firm that practices both litigation and commercial law or similar experience at a state corporation.
    * Must be computer literate with proficiency in report writing and presentations.
    * Ability to work under pressure and meet deadlines.
    * Must be proactive, of high integrity and professionalism.
    * Possess strong analytical and critical thinking ability, have well developed negotiation and influencing skills, be attentive to detail and have excellent interpersonal and communication skills.

    Legal Officer

    Department/Section: Corporation Secretary
    Grade: MG6
    Location: Nairobi Posta House
    Reporting to: AM/ Legal

    Duties and Responsibilities

    * Provision of legal advice to the Corporation.
    * Advising and assisting in the drawing up of Contracts, Agreements, and leases among others.
    * Monitoring enactments of parliament and interpreting the provisions of Laws and Legal Notices relevant to the Corporation.

    Qualifications and Experience

    * Bachelor of Laws Degree (LLB) from a recognized university
    * Must have been admitted as an Advocate of the High Court of Kenya
    * Must have a valid practicing Certificate
    * Three (3) years legal experience in a busy law firm, legal department of a Government institution or a private organization.
    * Excellent interpersonal and communication skills
    * Must be computer literate
    * Ability to work under pressure and meet deadlines

    Assistant Manager/Strategy

    Department/Section: Strategy
    Grade: MG5
    Reporting to: Manager – Strategy

    Duties & Responsibilities

    * To spearhead formulation of strategic corporate business plans (short, medium and long term).
    * To participate in the development of policies and strategies that will help management achieve corporate goal and objectives as stipulated in the business plans.
    * Co-ordination of the implementation process of the plans, enhancing its achievement through continuous monitoring and evaluation and guiding management on achievements and any other needs arising from the process.
    * Evaluation of the effectiveness, efficiency and appropriateness of service quality standards and targets, making broad recommendations for redressing performance gaps.
    * Develop measurable parameters to be used in measuring strategy implementation and ensuring that business managers understand them.
    * To carry out business environmental studies and analysis that has a bearing on postal services development.
    * To carry out business research in an effort to improve the current products and also introducing new products to expand the product portfolio.
    * To co-ordinate performance management plans, guide stakeholders in selection and formulation of performance indicators.
    * To supervise staff in the section.
    * Any other duty as may be assigned by the Supervisor.

    Qualifications & Experience

    * A degree in Economics or Statistics from a recognized university.
    * A postgraduate Diploma in Project Management, Strategy, Economics and Statistics will be an added advantage.
    * Five (5) years relevant experience in a related field.
    * Be computer literate
    * Excellent interpersonal and communication skills.
    * Team player and with strong leadership skills
    * Ability to work under pressure and meet deadlines.
    * Ability to analyze, synthesize and interpret business data.

    Interested candidates who meet the specified minimum requirements should submit a written application and up-dated Curriculum Vitae through the post and attach relevant copies of certificates and testimonials to the

    Postmaster General,

    P. O. Box 34567 – 00100

    Nairobi

    to reach him not later than 10th September, 2010.

    Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.


  • The Nairobi Hospital Critical Care Lecturer Job Vacancy

    Posted: September 1, 2010, 4:58 pm by ken kahugu
    The Nairobi Hospital, a leading health care institution in Eastern Africa has the following career opportunity

    Critical Care Lecturer
    Ref: HRD/LEC/08/10

    Reporting to the Principal, Cecily McDonnell School of Nursing, the successful candidate will take a lead role in developing competent nurses by providing integration of critical care nursing theory and practice in the Bachelor of Science, Kenya Registered Nursing (KRN) and other basic and post-basic nursing education programmes.

    Particular Responsibilities Include:

    * Participating in curriculum development and review
    * Conducting theoretical and practical training.
    * Organising lesson plans and teaching resources for learning programmes.
    * Setting, moderating, administering and marking examinations
    * Participating in recruitment of students.
    * Supervising students in both classroom and clinical set-up.
    * Providing guidance and counselling to students.
    * Participating in the development and review of procedures, policies and standards.
    * Maintaining proper students records throughout training.
    * Taking up departmental responsibilities in the absence of the Principal, School of Nursing and Principal Lecturers
    * Contributing to research, publication and professional conferences and workshops.

    Qualifications, Skills and Experience:

    * Bachelor of Science in Nursing/Diploma in Advanced Nursing and Postgraduate diploma in Critical Care Nursing or Masters in Critical Care Nursing.
    * 5 years Work experience, 3 of which should be in teaching.
    * Experience in teaching, assessing and mentoring.

    If your background, experience, competence match the above specifications, please send your application and a detailed CV, quoting the reference on the application letter Include your current remuneration, testimonials and give full contact details of 3 referees including day time telephone to:

    The Human Resources Manager
    The Nairobi Hospital
    P. O. Box 30026
    Nairobi, 00100
    Or e-mail: hrm@nbihosp.org

    To be received not later than Friday, 10th September 2010.

    Only short-listed candidates will be contacted.


  • Concern Worldwide Jobs in Kenya

    Posted: September 1, 2010, 4:57 pm by ken kahugu
    Concern Worldwide is a non-governmental, international humanitarian Organization dedicated to the reduction of suffering and working towards the ultimate elimination of extreme poverty in the world’s poorest countries.

    We invite applications from suitable qualified Kenyan nationals for following positions:

    Project Engineer
    Location: Kisumu, with frequent travel to field

    Job Summary

    Under the direct supervision of the Assistant Programme Manager, the Project Engineer will assist contractors. Partner organizations and relevant stakeholders in undertaking all construction related activities within Concern’s areas of operation.

    Required Qualification

    * At least 3 years experience in project management and supervision.
    * Previous work with an NGO in a similar capacity would be an added advantage.
    * The holder of this position must have a minimum of a BSC in Civil Engineering, Construction or equivalent qualifications.

    IT Support Officer
    Reporting To: Logistics Transport Manager
    Location: Nairobi, with frequent travel to the field offices

    Job Summary

    The incumbent will be responsible for Information technology, security of data and information systems and Information management.

    S/he will also provide user support in systems usage and functionality within the Kenya programme offices.

    This is consistent with the Concern’s ICT strategy, policies and procedures.

    Required Qualification

    * Minimum of 3 years experience in busy computerised environment involving upgrades. troubleshooting, testing and maintenance of PCs
    * Bachelors Degree in Electrical and Computer Engineering, Computer Science or any other related iT Degree.
    * MCSE/CCNA or other IT professional qualifications preferred

    Interested candidates, who meet the above requirements, should apply by sending a CV including telephone contact and a covering letter by email addressed to:-

    The Human Resource Manager,
    Concern Worldwide,
    P.O. Box 13850, 00800, Nairobi

    Email: nairobi.hr@concern. net

    Each application should include telephone and email contacts of three referees, at least two of which can validate field and technical expertise,

    The closing date for applications is 15 September 2010.

    Only short-listed applicants will be contacted for interview.

    Qualified female candidates are particularly encouraged to apply.


  • Account Executive Vacancy Announcement

    Posted: September 1, 2010, 4:56 pm by ken kahugu
    Our client is a growing Sales Consultancy firm that primarily offers retail and manufacturing sales solutions for leading organizations.

    Account Executive

    Position Overview:

    Reporting to the Director, the Corporate Account Executive will be responsible for generating revenue for the organization from the sales and marketing of corporate solutions.

    The incumbent will be responsible for holding and defending existing revenue through retention efforts revolved around proper account management activities as well as capture and grow new corporate business.

    The incumbent will work closely with the Director to achieve corporate objectives. This position requires a versatile, aggressive individual who is energetic and ambitious.

    Key Responsibilities:

    * Achieve set corporate sales targets
    * Manage a portfolio of corporate clients with a view to delighting them while pursuing new business with and/or through them
    * Carry out account management programs designed to ensure that existing customers are happy with the level of service provided from all fronts.
    * Participate in marketing, communications and promotional activities developed per customer segment.

    Educational and Professional Qualifications:

    * Minimum of a University Degree

    Work Experience:

    * At least one year of experience working in Sales and Marketing.
    * Agency experience would be a plus.

    Competencies:

    * Good interpersonal and communication skills
    * Excellent command of Office Applications (especially PowerPoint presenting)
    * Professional and well groomed
    * Assertive
    * Proactive, initiative and good networking skills.

    NB:

    The position is required urgently.

    The candidate should be available to move. The position has a lot of exposure to major corporations (including Blue Chip). For acceptable performance the position requires a first degree in a business related field with at least 2 years of successful experience in a similar environment.

    The incumbent must have relevant experience in sales and account management, and possess awareness of the market and willingness to act quickly in response to situations that affect the business.

    Remuneration:

    * Monthly salary of between Kes 25-30,000/= per month fixed
    * Plus incentive-percentage of operating profit per project

    If you meet the above criteria, and would like to be a part of the team, please send an application with a detailed C.V stating your experience, qualifications, current remuneration, list of at least 3 referees, day-time telephone numbers and email address to :- jobs@truenorthcareermap.com on or before Friday, 3th September, 2010.

    Only short listed candidates will be acknowledged


Memories, Sentiments, Rants and Raves

  • SC Day 1: About Me

    Posted: September 1, 2010, 4:48 pm by gishungwa
    Day 1 of September Challenge: 5 interesting/special facts about myself. 
    1. I am afraid of the dark ,until recently i had to sleep with a night light on though am learning to exhaust myself so that i just blackout once in bed.
    2. My friends are classified in terms of where i knew them from and tend to hang out with each other in those classifications. I have people i was in school with, people grew up with, my blogger friends, Rotary friends, workmates and others.
    3. As a kid i couldn't stand going to the farm, i would literally do anything to avoid it. Now two weekends a month am in the farm and it seems to be all that i think about.
    4. I love everything to do with food. I love to shop for food, cook, eat and try out new things. I have this endless collection of recipes that are all to be made someday. 
    5. I don't know how to wash and oil my hair i have to go to a salon for that to be done. Maybe i know just don't think that it comes out as clean as when its done by someone else.

Unlimited Expressions

  • BATTLES OF MY SOUL

    Posted: September 1, 2010, 4:36 pm by eudiahkamonjo
    BATTLES OF MY SOUL By Eudiah Kamonjo He speaks to me in silences that burn and stab my spirit I battle with his mystic and crash under his revelations I starve everyday. Waiting, longing for answers, fulfillments, A sign I kill myself because he has snubbed me And left me on my knees seeking his [...]

Gukira

Inari Media

  • Does the Timing of Your Tweets Matter?

    Posted: September 1, 2010, 4:30 pm by Stephanie Migot
    Previously, before the blog went on a little hiatus, I’d update the Inari Media twitter account throughout the day, usually at five-minute intervals. As my followers are based throughout the world, I never worried about whether anyone was awake to see it, or if people were about the leave the office. News is news, so [...]

KCB Rugby Football Club

VIOLA's IRIS

cizoepoetry.blogspot.com

My Dreadlocks

  • Gel or wax for your locks, how to make the right choice

    Posted: September 1, 2010, 3:28 pm by Cee
    I bet this is the most asked question about palm rolled/ twist/ gel locks and not only with newbies but also with those that have had locks for a while and still haven't settled in with any specific kind. The most irritating thing though is the answer to this question. It's usually very ambigous as it is very common that the answer goes something like " the type of gel or wax you choose will be influenced by a couple of things which include your hair type, how often you wash your hair and your preferences". I know most have asked and got that same answer and you think, thanx a lot for NOTHING.

    Though it is true that these do affect your choice in a gel or wax, I have tried to compile a small list that will help you out. The list might not give you a specific brand that you'll go pick at the store tomorrow but atleast it will help you choose one more easily and faster.

    First things first, what are all these things, there is gel, wax, pomade, mousse, paste and gum? What can you use on your locks and what can't you? What is the difference between them? Well considering we all want our locks held in for at most 2weeks, we'll just cancel out mousse, paste and gum from the list as they are not meant to hold the hair for too long. If you have dry hair, completely stay away from mousse, it contains alcohol that dries hair. Now we're left with gel, pomade and wax. Pomade is wax like, actually for some it means the same thing but according to the Wise Geek, pomade contains wax in it plus other oils and fragrances while wax is pure. Both of these lead to build up in the lock though they do hold much better than gel. I would say pomade is better than wax in that it contains oils that moisturize your hair unlike wax that's just plain wax. Though wax doesn't dry up hair like mousse I do think the extra oils in pomades do make a difference. You have to check what kinds of oils are in the pomade as sometimes they use petroleum based oils which cause more build up than moisture.

    Now that all those are solved, we're now left with gel and wax yet again. Which is better?

    1. Gel is water based so it can easily be washed out of hair after only shampooing once while wax tends to build up and to avoid the build up you may be required to shampoo more than once.

    2. Gel should only be used on wet hair as it tends to set the hair, setting dry hair may cause breakage. Wax on the other hand is very flexible and may be applied even on dry hair with no damage.

    3. It's advisable to stay away from alcohol based gels, especially for dry hair.

    Lastly, I would insist you always check the ingredients of the gels you use before you take them to the cashier at the department store. If you definitely want a specific gel even with it's unadvisable characteristics, you can always "pimp" it. Check out websites on different homemade recipes to enhance your gel, or wax or pomade.

    You may also use honey as a substitute for your usual gel or wax, it doesn't hold as well as either of the two but it gives a very fresh feeling to the scalp, you can read about that at Sweet Locks and Sweet Locks Aftermath. But even with honey it's not advisable to use it throughout your locking journey as it bleaches the hair not unless you already do bleach your hair.

    Another school of thought advices to completely stay away from both of the above (wax and gel) and instead use oils while other advice to make your own gel. Shea butter is a no go zone, as adviced by various readers when I revealed I wanted to try it out on my own locks. I hope with this I've brought you closer to a decision on what is best for you. Unfortunately, I still don't really know what is in the gel I have been using for my 3 locked years but I'm still trying to get my loctician to reveal the BIG secret.


    Finally just for the fun of it, does anyone
    remember this scene on There's Something about Mary when she used the guy's sperm thinking it was hair gel?

www.mydreadlocks.blogspot.com

  • Gel or wax for your locks, how to make the right choice

    Posted: September 1, 2010, 3:28 pm by Cee
    I bet this is the most asked question about palm rolled/ twist/ gel locks and not only with newbies but also with those that have had locks for a while and still haven't settled in with any specific kind. The most irritating thing though is the answer to this question. It's usually very ambigous as it is very common that the answer goes something like " the type of gel or wax you choose will be influenced by a couple of things which include your hair type, how often you wash your hair and your preferences". I know most have asked and got that same answer and you think, thanx a lot for NOTHING.

    Though it is true that these do affect your choice in a gel or wax, I have tried to compile a small list that will help you out. The list might not give you a specific brand that you'll go pick at the store tomorrow but atleast it will help you choose one more easily and faster.

    First things first, what are all these things, there is gel, wax, pomade, mousse, paste and gum? What can you use on your locks and what can't you? What is the difference between them? Well considering we all want our locks held in for at most 2weeks, we'll just cancel out mousse, paste and gum from the list as they are not meant to hold the hair for too long. If you have dry hair, completely stay away from mousse, it contains alcohol that dries hair. Now we're left with gel, pomade and wax. Pomade is wax like, actually for some it means the same thing but according to the Wise Geek, pomade contains wax in it plus other oils and fragrances while wax is pure. Both of these lead to build up in the lock though they do hold much better than gel. I would say pomade is better than wax in that it contains oils that moisturize your hair unlike wax that's just plain wax. Though wax doesn't dry up hair like mousse I do think the extra oils in pomades do make a difference. You have to check what kinds of oils are in the pomade as sometimes they use petroleum based oils which cause more build up than moisture.

    Now that all those are solved, we're now left with gel and wax yet again. Which is better?

    1. Gel is water based so it can easily be washed out of hair after only shampooing once while wax tends to build up and to avoid the build up you may be required to shampoo more than once.

    2. Gel should only be used on wet hair as it tends to set the hair, setting dry hair may cause breakage. Wax on the other hand is very flexible and may be applied even on dry hair with no damage.

    3. It's advisable to stay away from alcohol based gels, especially for dry hair.

    Lastly, I would insist you always check the ingredients of the gels you use before you take them to the cashier at the department store. If you definitely want a specific gel even with it's unadvisable characteristics, you can always "pimp" it. Check out websites on different homemade recipes to enhance your gel, or wax or pomade.

    You may also use honey as a substitute for your usual gel or wax, it doesn't hold as well as either of the two but it gives a very fresh feeling to the scalp, you can read about that at Sweet Locks and Sweet Locks Aftermath. But even with honey it's not advisable to use it throughout your locking journey as it bleaches the hair not unless you already do bleach your hair.

    Another school of thought advices to completely stay away from both of the above (wax and gel) and instead use oils while other advice to make your own gel. Shea butter is a no go zone, as adviced by various readers when I revealed I wanted to try it out on my own locks. I hope with this I've brought you closer to a decision on what is best for you. Unfortunately, I still don't really know what is in the gel I have been using for my 3 locked years but I'm still trying to get my loctician to reveal the BIG secret.


    Finally just for the fun of it, does anyone
    remember this scene on There's Something about Mary when she used the guy's sperm thinking it was hair gel?

jobs2kenyans.blogspot.com

  • Marketing Executive and Client Service Rep Jobs in Kenya

    Posted: September 1, 2010, 2:28 pm by ken kahugu
    Marketing Executive

    A fantastic opportunity has arisen at a design and communication agency for an experienced Marketing Executive.

    Your key role will be to identify, generate, win and manage profitable new or existing clientele.

    Your duties will be:

    * To generate sales via the development and management of strong client relationships with a thorough understanding of Company’s products and services.
    * Understanding client’s current and prospective requirements and being able to communicate a brief and deliver a suitable solution.
    * To prepare and make presentations to clients that will enhance business growth both in volume and value
    * Undertake market research to identify emerging opportunities and proactively employ marketing strategies with an objective of meeting the company’s set marketing objectives
    * To meet the agreed sales targets

    Desired competencies

    * Degree/Diploma in Sales and Marketing
    * A minimum of 2 years experience in selling and marketing of design, print or advertising
    * Proficiency in Microsoft Word / Excel / PowerPoint
    * Knowledge on branding

    Skills required

    * You should be motivated, enthusiastic with exceptional interpersonal skills and organizational skills
    * Able to work under pressure and meet sales targets
    * Demonstrated ability to work against a sales plan and meet the agreed set sales targets.
    * Team player
    * Excellent communication and presentation skills
    * The ability to demonstrate an understanding of customers’ business requirements
    * Must be enthusiastic and results orientated with high energy and drive.
    * Good personal and business planning skills.

    Email your CV with an expected salary indication to: info@creative.co.ke

    Client Service Representative

    A fantastic opportunity has arisen at a design and communication agency for an experienced Client Service Representative.

    Reporting to the Marketing Manager your key role will be to objectively manage clients assigned to you for all their design, advertising and print requirements.

    You will need to:

    * Understand the client’s requirements and be able to communicate a brief and ensure that the clients meet their required objectives
    * To proactively employ strategies with an objective of meeting both the company and clients service objective
    * To meet monthly agreed set sales targets

    Desired competencies

    * Degree/Diploma in Business Management or related subject
    * A minimum of 2 years experience in customer service or related field
    * Be motivated, enthusiastic with exceptional interpersonal skills and organizational skills
    * Able to work under pressure, multi task and make effective and consistent decisions under pressure
    * Knowledge on advertising and printing will be an added advantage

    Skills required

    * Demonstrated ability to work against a sales plan and meet sales targets.
    * Team player
    * Excellent communication and presentation skills
    * The ability to demonstrate an understanding of customers’ business requirements
    * Must be enthusiastic and results orientated with high energy and drive.
    * Good personal and business planning skills.

    Email your CV with an expected salary indication to: info@creative.co.ke


  • Human Resources Manager Job Vacancy

    Posted: September 1, 2010, 2:27 pm by ken kahugu
    Job Title: HR Manager

    Main Purpose of the Job:

    Reporting to the Director, the Job Holder will manage the entire Human Resource function e.g. compensation management; industrial relations/ union management; recruitment and selection; internal and external human relations; training and development; workers' compensation; and benefits administration.

    Main Responsibilities and Key Performance Indicators

    * Sending monthly reports to HO in terms of employee turnover, recruitment, legal matters, any welfare activities etc.
    * Manage all human resource activities to include employment, compensation, labor relations, benefits, and training and development.
    * Manage personnel files for unionized employees and ensure adherence to the collective bargaining agreement
    * Manage the recruitment process: Interview job applicants; review applications/CVs; evaluate applicant skills and make recommendations regarding applicant's qualifications.
    * Develop and maintain relationship with employment agencies, universities and other recruitment sources.
    * Prepare and maintain company salary structure, job documentation, and job evaluation systems. Complete salary survey questionnaires.
    * Conduct new employee orientations.
    * Implement and regulate the appraisal and evaluation systems.
    * Administer benefits to employees; serve as liaison between employees and insurance carriers.
    * Gain updated information on labor laws in order to resolve labor relation issues.
    * Recommend training and development courses.
    * Maintain human resource data bases, computer software systems, and manual filing systems.
    * Liaise with the local and govt. authorities.
    * Ensure timely labour licenses renewals and Workers Compensation Policy review.
    * Ensure the statutory compliances on time.
    * Maintaining & sending manpower status to HO for the on roll staff on daily basis.
    * Statutory Compliances Checking of labour status NSSF deposits, Monthly NSSF return
    * To maintain and send the attendance sheet/OD forms every month to HO by 1st week of every month.
    * Provide training to all staff at plant level with coordination from HO.
    * To handle the grievances at site.
    * Preparing and updating Vehicle and Muster roll reports.
    * Maintain the register under Contract Labour Act.
    * Effective execution of HR strategy determined by management.
    * Ensure excellent relations with management and employees.
    * Ensure the efficient and effective use of implemented HR policies and procedures.
    * Ensure complete understanding of Company practices and knowledge of external industry best practices with a focus on continuous improvement.
    * Implementation of personnel policies.
    * Day to day administration functions.
    * Maintain personnel files of Employees.
    * To ensure proper house keeping & discipline in the company.
    * Preparing reports for payment of salaries within time.
    * Preparation and submission of statement of NSSF and NHIF and other statutory acts.
    * Conduct Recruitment, Induction and Training programs for new employee.
    * Conducting the monthly meetings with Operators or their representatives to discuss the issues of absenteeism, attitude, rejection and their problem and take corrective actions to solve the problems.
    * Managing Medical Claims and GPA policy for welfare of the employees.
    * Preparation of full & final settlement of resigned employees.
    * Handling total Industrial relation independently.
    * Ensuring timely confirmation and probation of the employees.
    * Leading, mentoring & monitoring the workforce to ensure efficiency and sustaining a dynamic environment that motivates the personnel.
    * Ensuring prompt resolution of employee grievances to maintain cordial management-employee relations and achieve dedication by workers.
    * Negotiating and amicably settling disputes with the Union and maintaining discipline & harmonious working environment across all employee levels.
    * Monitoring statutory compliance at all levels involving liaison with external agencies, Govt. authorities & offices like PF/ESI and Labour Office, etc.

    Preferred Educational and Skills.

    * Masters in Business Administration with HR Option preferred
    * Bachelors with a Post Graduate qualification in Human Resource Management
    * A member of Institute of Human Resource Management.
    * IT knowledge required
    * Minimum of 8 Years experience, 5 of which should be in senior management
    * Previous work experience in Horticulture Industry will be an added advantage.

    Occupational Skills

    * Excellent, proven interpersonal, verbal and written communications skills.
    * Effective problem-solving and mediation skills.
    * Excellent analytical, planning, management and reporting skills.

    Personality Traits

    * Flexible, outgoing, mature, personable, vibrant, professional, calm and collected and must be able to handle challenges.

    Please send your current C.V to mycv@myjobseye.com

    Indicate the position applied for on the Email subject line.

    Closing Date of the Application: 3rd September 2010 at 5.00PM


  • MIH Internet E. A Ltd Office Administrator Job Vacancy

    Posted: September 1, 2010, 2:23 pm by ken kahugu
    MIH Internet E. A Ltd is looking for a suitable candidate to fill the above position

    Main Job Tasks and Responsibilities

    * Greet visitors and determine whether they should be given access to specific individuals.
    * Prepare responses to correspondence containing routine inquiries.
    * Perform general office duties such as ordering supplies, maintaining records management systems, and performing basic bookkeeping work.
    * Prepare agendas and make arrangements for committee, board, and other meetings.
    * Compile, transcribe, and distribute minutes of meetings.
    * Attend meetings in order to record minutes.
    * Make travel arrangements for executives.
    * Conduct research, compile data, and prepare papers for consideration and presentation by executives, committees and boards of directors.
    * Coordinate and direct office services, such as records and budget preparation, personnel, and housekeeping, in order to aid executives.
    * Set up and oversee administrative policies and procedures for the offices.
    * Supervise and train other clerical and support staff.
    * Interpret administrative and operating policies and procedures for employees.
    * Answer telephone, screen and direct calls, take and relay messages and provide information to callers
    * Deal with queries from the public and customers
    * General administrative and clerical support

    Education and Experience

    * College diploma is the minimum requirement.
    * Knowledge of administrative and clerical procedures
    * Knowledge of computers and relevant software applications
    * Knowledge of customer service principles and practices
    * Keyboard skills

    Key Competencies

    * Verbal and written communication skills
    * Professional personal presentation
    * Customer service orientation
    * Information management
    * Organizing and planning
    * Attention to detail
    * Initiative and Reliability

    If you meet the above requirements, Send in your cover letter and a detailed CV to Kenny@mocality.com on before Friday 3rd 2010.


Storymoja

www.storymojaafrica.wordpress.com

Wanjiku's Take...

  • CCK reacts to red number urban legend

    Posted: September 1, 2010, 2:04 pm by rebecca

    Yesterday my bro came to me with a funny story of a red number calling which meant that you die at 1 am or something like that. I grilled him how the number would predict my death and he said he was being nice to the sister.

    I laughed and reminded him of the movie one missed call, which had a similar story. He indicated that the story was going on Facebook and I can imagine it has spread very fast. I though it was only him.

    But this morning someone raised the issue on a mailinglist and I wondered whether they were serious. Well, it seems am the only one not clued in because the Communications Commission of Kenya has just issued a statement to that effect.

    I must say I am impressed by the way CCK has been responding to issues nowadays; from managing price wars to determining dominant player status in the telecoms industry, seems they are alert and I think it can only get better.

    It also shows CCK is committed to ensuring the broadcast media exercises caution because it has reacted fast; maybe to cut the fear mongering. Maybe in hot political times, CCK will say that it acts all the times, whether political or otherwise.

    Anyway, here is the press release from CCK....

    The attention of the Commission has been drawn to SMS and email messages that are doing the rounds in the country warning mobile users against receiving calls from unknown or certain listed numbers. The messages further allege that receipt of calls from either the unknown or listed numbers would cause “brain haemorrhage due to high frequency”.

    Upon analysis of the messages, the Commission has established the warnings are a hoax generated by unscrupulous people bent on causing fear and despondency among members of the public. The listed numbers are non-existent as mobile, fixed or international calls. In addition, the alleged haemorrhage due to high frequency has no technical basis whatsoever. The Commission, therefore, wishes to urge the public to ignore these messages and go about their business without any fear. The public is also advised to avoid fuelling the fear by transmitting the said messages to friends and family members either through SMS or email forwarding.

    The Commission also wishes to call on the media, particularly FM stations, to exercise responsibility and avoid fuelling fear and despondency among Kenyans by dwelling on these baseless rumours.

    We further wish to warn the originators of these messages that they are in breach of the law (i.e. Section 29 of the Kenya Communications Act, 1998). The Commission is already in contact with law enforcement agencies to ensure that the perpetrators of this crime are brought to book.


She Blossoms...

  • Kathy Vaughan presents ‘Management Proverbs’

    Posted: September 1, 2010, 1:39 pm by She Blossoms...
    Sunday 3rd October 4pm to 5:30pm at the SHFK 2010 Growing up, everyone learns lessons about life through direct instruction and through our social environments.  Some are positive, some negative, some unexplored.  This session will engage the audience in thinking about proverbs as a tool for the modern workplace.  The audience will have a chance [...]

www.jmaruru.wordpress.com

  • Kathy Vaughan presents ‘Management Proverbs’

    Posted: September 1, 2010, 1:39 pm by She Blossoms...
    Sunday 3rd October 4pm to 5:30pm at the SHFK 2010 Growing up, everyone learns lessons about life through direct instruction and through our social environments.  Some are positive, some negative, some unexplored.  This session will engage the audience in thinking about proverbs as a tool for the modern workplace.  The audience will have a chance [...]

jobs2kenyans.blogspot.com

  • Human Resources Manager Jobs in kenya

    Posted: September 1, 2010, 1:31 pm by ken kahugu
    Job Title: HR Manager

    Main Purpose of the Job:

    Reporting to the Director, the Job Holder will manage the entire Human Resource function e.g. compensation management; industrial relations/ union management; recruitment and selection; internal and external human relations; training and development; workers' compensation; and benefits administration.

    Main Responsibilities and Key Performance Indicators

    * Sending monthly reports to HO in terms of employee turnover, recruitment, legal matters, any welfare activities etc.
    * Manage all human resource activities to include employment, compensation, labor relations, benefits, and training and development.
    * Manage personnel files for unionized employees and ensure adherence to the collective bargaining agreement
    * Manage the recruitment process: Interview job applicants; review applications/CVs; evaluate applicant skills and make recommendations regarding applicant's qualifications.
    * Develop and maintain relationship with employment agencies, universities and other recruitment sources.
    * Prepare and maintain company salary structure, job documentation, and job evaluation systems. Complete salary survey questionnaires.
    * Conduct new employee orientations.
    * Implement and regulate the appraisal and evaluation systems.
    * Administer benefits to employees; serve as liaison between employees and insurance carriers.
    * Gain updated information on labor laws in order to resolve labor relation issues.
    * Recommend training and development courses.
    * Maintain human resource data bases, computer software systems, and manual filing systems.
    * Liaise with the local and govt. authorities.
    * Ensure timely labour licenses renewals and Workers Compensation Policy review.
    * Ensure the statutory compliances on time.
    * Maintaining & sending manpower status to HO for the on roll staff on daily basis.
    * Statutory Compliances Checking of labour status NSSF deposits, Monthly NSSF return
    * To maintain and send the attendance sheet/OD forms every month to HO by 1st week of every month.
    * Provide training to all staff at plant level with coordination from HO.
    * To handle the grievances at site.
    * Preparing and updating Vehicle and Muster roll reports.
    * Maintain the register under Contract Labour Act.
    * Effective execution of HR strategy determined by management.
    * Ensure excellent relations with management and employees.
    * Ensure the efficient and effective use of implemented HR policies and procedures.
    * Ensure complete understanding of Company practices and knowledge of external industry best practices with a focus on continuous improvement.
    * Implementation of personnel policies.
    * Day to day administration functions.
    * Maintain personnel files of Employees.
    * To ensure proper house keeping & discipline in the company.
    * Preparing reports for payment of salaries within time.
    * Preparation and submission of statement of NSSF and NHIF and other statutory acts.
    * Conduct Recruitment, Induction and Training programs for new employee.
    * Conducting the monthly meetings with Operators or their representatives to discuss the issues of absenteeism, attitude, rejection and their problem and take corrective actions to solve the problems.
    * Managing Medical Claims and GPA policy for welfare of the employees.
    * Preparation of full & final settlement of resigned employees.
    * Handling total Industrial relation independently.
    * Ensuring timely confirmation and probation of the employees.
    * Leading, mentoring & monitoring the workforce to ensure efficiency and sustaining a dynamic environment that motivates the personnel.
    * Ensuring prompt resolution of employee grievances to maintain cordial management-employee relations and achieve dedication by workers.
    * Negotiating and amicably settling disputes with the Union and maintaining discipline & harmonious working environment across all employee levels.
    * Monitoring statutory compliance at all levels involving liaison with external agencies, Govt. authorities & offices like PF/ESI and Labour Office, etc.

    Preferred Educational and Skills.

    * Masters in Business Administration with HR Option preferred
    * Bachelors with a Post Graduate qualification in Human Resource Management
    * A member of Institute of Human Resource Management.
    * IT knowledge required
    * Minimum of 8 Years experience, 5 of which should be in senior management
    * Previous work experience in Horticulture Industry will be an added advantage.

    Occupational Skills

    * Excellent, proven interpersonal, verbal and written communications skills.
    * Effective problem-solving and mediation skills.
    * Excellent analytical, planning, management and reporting skills.

    Personality Traits

    * Flexible, outgoing, mature, personable, vibrant, professional, calm and collected and must be able to handle challenges.

    Please send your current C.V to mycv@myjobseye.com

    Indicate the position applied for on the Email subject line.

    Closing Date of the Application: 3rd September 2010 at 5.00PM


My 2 Cents

  • Men:Women

    Posted: September 1, 2010, 12:58 pm by Digzer
    The results are in! There are 19,192,458 males in this country (less a pal of mine who tells me that he and his chicken weren't counted) and 19,417,639 females. That means the the ratio is almost 50:50 ...

    I'm just saying ...

myshairi.blogspot.com

  • Birthday Wishes

    Posted: September 1, 2010, 12:53 pm by Digzer
    My birthday wishes come to you
    Ever so sincere and true

    May this day bring lots of joy
    And leave you shouting loud ‘Oh boy!’

    May friends and family’s prayers for thee
    Be heard by God the Almighty

    May this new year for you truly be
    The best so far in this decade of 3

    And many other birthdays may you share
    Together with all those for whom your love is bare

jonmcleanpcv.wordpress.com

  • U.S. Legal Bug Tracker

    Posted: September 1, 2010, 12:09 pm by unteer
    I am sitting here, waiting for a colleague to return so that we can continue setting up his file and print server for his school, so I thought I might take the time to blog a bit. On the long bus from Dar to Arusha, TZ, one of my eCorps teammates and I had a [...]

Connected dots

  • Brown ugali monday

    Posted: September 1, 2010, 12:06 pm by lutivini
    I cooked brown ugali yesterday. A major improvement from a previous attempt though not yet at the desired consistency. Brown ugali is not something I eat regularly. Funerals and diabetes is what I associate it with. A few years ago I accompanied my grandmother to a funeral where we were served brown ugali with soggy cabbage. We both struggled to finish it as it would have been discourteous not to. Every diabetic person I know has at some point reluctantly switched from eating maize meal to brown ugali.

    Brown ugali is made from ground millet. It is sticky and when you put it in your mouth it sticks to the roof the same way that a spoonful of peanut butter does. That’s why murere is the preferred accompaniment. Murere when cooked is so slippery it lubricates the ugali enabling it to go down easily. Whatever you have with your brown ugali you tend to drink more water.

    In January I returned to my grandmother’s home just about a month after she died to mark the end of the mourning period. It was not an elaborate affair, more of a chance for the family to gather and reminisce. We had this big lunch which in this case points only to the fact that there was plenty of chicken. On the menu there was brown ugali and shitieni. Shitieni is made of beans that are peeled and cooked into very thick gravy. It’s the first time I truly enjoyed eating brown ugali. After lunch my drowsy self found a mat and spot under a tree and then fell into blissful sleep under the setting sun.

    I scalded my fingertips and burnt the sufuria yesterday. I was hungry and the aroma and the memories that came along with it were appetizing enough. It is unlikely that brown ugali will ever be a staple in my diet; the taste is not outstanding. Then again rice and maize meal ugali are not exactly mouth watering delicacies.

dutchezjuma.blogspot.com

  • Note to whom ever, My last day alive.

    Posted: September 1, 2010, 12:02 pm by Dann Juma
    You said I never had to feel alone.
    I've heard more promising words.
    But I believed you.
    Yet I feel so alone.
    I give it about 7 months.
    You wouldn't even remember my name by then.
    You'll never enter my room again.
    Because it'll be closed off.
    But you know inside.
    Is where I lay.
    Dead.
    You know inside my room is where I took my last beath.
    You said I'd always have a reason to stay alive.
    You said you'd never leave me without no reason.
    Then one day, your no where to be found.
    Tell my family this is not their fault.
    This is but mine.
    Note to whomever.
    This is my last day.
    Alive.
    Note this.
    Trust no one but yourself.
    Things change.
    People change.
    People lie.
    The world still turns.
    Only now.
    I'll be six feet under.
    You drove me to death. 
    Written by Nik-Forever


  • liberty or death

    Posted: September 1, 2010, 11:58 am by Dann Juma
    I spit senseless shit..........jumbled words to disturb,,,, the morals within,your proper up bringing, fuck ya I was raised in a barn,And my pops is a piece of shit, was love to much to ask?he could of at least hung around and beat my fuckin ass,disfunctional would had been better than nothing,now my life lacks fatherly guidance, I latch on to role models,its so goddamn disgusting, but I is who I is, And the counselor says I have personality issues,a fatal prognosis, how did it happen?with this fat sack of cannabis I entertain smoking,you must be fucking joking , with your positive influences,and your uptown attitude, I dont mean to offend,my words just get misconstrued , you dont desire to understand me, reality wont let you...forgiveness is bullshit, just a way of saying you're a pussy....to damn scared to do something about it,pull the pistol and pop it.... consequences forsaken,you wrong me I wrong you, revenge replaces forgiveness,thats true about justice, fry him where he stands, dont get me wrong I still love, just a little bit differentI love if it suits me, helps me in some small waymutually benefical, maybe I'm shallow,a shell of a man, I'm fine with thatno identity crisis, just acceptance here, throw in the hand I was dealt, or double down,screw it I'm all in, jaw dropped and long facedaddicted and dont know why, bullshitI decided to get high, nobody forced my handcrack was a decision and I am not sorry for your pain,dont choose now to be the hero and save me from myself,I'm drunk and i'm driving, swerving in all lanes,I drive like I live, reckless and shit,and the dopeman is my friend, he furnishes my escapeputs it on face, but my face value is void,even as a baby, I was twisted when they made mea faulty product destined for the system,a third world mentality, destitute and despicable,it fuckin amazing, and I live next door,close to your love ones and future and fancy dreams,I enjoy people like me who cause pain, destroy destiny,give people a reason to give up, promotes prostitution,not an office job but it works, blue collar if you will,seedy hotels with nasty smells, the scent of failure,scars like lines on a mirror, and anger like fury,give me liberty or give you death
    Written by drugfree1977


Diary of a Mad Kenyan Woman

Kenya Capital Investment Group

  • An analysis of the 2009 Census figures

    Posted: September 1, 2010, 10:29 am by MainaT
    Well. Its official. China's one child per family has never seemed more appealing. We've increased by a third in 10years. As many couples will tell you, have one child is very noticeable on the budget. Having two or three is even mooore noticeable.Unlike in Chine were you need permission to have two children, in Kenya, GoK should just say you have to pay for schooling your second. And clearly we need family planning education.
    Other highlights?
    • Nai has the highest proportion (14%) of its young going to University. Central is next with 2.6%. Vast gap and I'm pretty sure some of it is explained by the fact that Nai houses more single people than children.
    • 2 of the largest counties (outside of Nai), are in Western. Bungoma and Kakamega with around 1.7m each both have 700k more people than Mombasa. Nyeri has a similar population to Kajiado and Kwale (just under 700k).
    • North Eastern hs the highest proportion of bush toilet users (63%). Unsurprisingly, Nai has the highest proportion of its population (47.7%) with main sewer toilets followed by Coast. With 5.8%. Huge gap. Only 8% of Nyanza households have piped water. Only 2.6% of households in NE (which has the highest), use rain harvesting techniques.
    • Despite (or because) fo their love of mbuzi choma, Central only have 0.5m goats compared to 4m in Eastern and almost 12m in Rift Valley. Human population outnumbers each of its animals even ingoho which are only 25m. There is an economic opportunity here and I think guys need to think harder about the meat business. If you want asali, go to Eastern province where
    • Surprisingly, Central has the highest proportion of households (85%) that own a radio. 62% of Nairobian households own a TV with 40% in Central doing the same. Only in North Eastern do less than 50% of the households own a cellphone. A flattening market? Computer ownership (14% in Nai at the highest and 3.8% in Coast which is 2nd), is paltry although I think cellphones have been a handy substitute.
    • 42% of our population is aged less than 14 years.

    Well done to GoK for doing this census because it'll help to guide planning.

KENYAN JURIST

  • Vetting of Judges and Magistrates

    Posted: September 1, 2010, 10:21 am by jurist
    The turning point for the judiciary came when Chief Justice Chunga made the "For What, About what ....." speech. The current provisions in the Constitution is a culmination of the failure of the failure by Chunga to recognise that indeed there was a problem in the Judiciary and deal with it decisively. The Gicheru "purge" similarly failed as it was ill conceived and lacked leadership f to follow through reforms that would rejuvenate the Judiciary. Now we have come to the position where the constitutional imperative is that all Judges and Magistrates must be vetted. It is a legal and political process. It must adhere to established principles of law and justice yet the public must be convinced that the process results in a new Judiciary capable of meeting the challenges facing Kenya.

The Lily Review

  • My Smelly Princess [Part 3]

    Posted: September 1, 2010, 9:00 am by lawrence

    Daisy is one insightful girl. It’s one of her most endearing qualities, and often times, her main source of headaches. How I forgot this little fact I still don’t know. Friday evenings would typically be either movie nights, game nights or a combination of both. It had always been an unfair arrangement since we would both retire at the wee hours of the morning yet I had to report to work on Saturdays, while she didn’t. I really didn’t mind it though.

    For a whole week, I had been trying to figure out the best way to tell my girlfriend, who was mad at me half the time, that another girl, who happened to be a million times prettier than her, had come to my house, used our(my) shower, dressed up in her clothes, including that red top that she had asked about at least thrice so far, and now wanted me to meet up with her the next week to catch up, you know, like old friends. There was no easy way in sight, but I was determined to find it.

    Come Friday, and there were, cuddled on the Sofa watching a movie whose title escapes my memory. “Sweetie, I need to ask you something” she announced in the middle of some romantic scene. She never entertained interruptions while a movie was on, a habit that happens to be a major weakness of mine.

    “Yeah, of course babe” My nerves warned me that this wasn’t good.

    “Are you cheating on me?” I almost choked on the peanut in my mouth.

    “What!?”

    “I asked, are you cheating on me?” she repeated calmly, making no effort to pull away. That peanut was now painfully finding its way down my esophagus.

    “Uhm, I’m sorry but where is that coming from?” The romantic scene gave way to some boring dialogue, which I wasn’t listening to or watching anymore.

    “It’s simple really. For almost a week, we haven’t had a fight, you have been unusually polite, you have been cleaning your dishes, and you just spent 45 minutes without interrupting the movie.”

    I hated how calm she would become when we were about to start a fight. It always got me worked up even more. Today was different though. I had no strong case to support my stubbornness. Plus she was still in my arms, staring at the Television as if she had just made a passing comment.

    I made an attempt at mock laughter.

    “Have you thought that maybe I’m just trying to become a better boyfriend?” Even I wasn’t convinced by that. I threw in a peck on her neck to support my feeble defense.

    “Yes I have. That’s not it, and you know it. So let me ask again…”

    “I got it the first time Daisy. The answer is an offended No. I’m not cheating on you”

    “Ok. So what is it then?” She hit pause on the remote, and disengaged herself from the confines of my arms. Now she was eyeing me straight on, awaiting her answer.

    “Frankly, I don’t like the tone of your voice. And the fact that you would baselessly accuse me…” My pride was at work.

    “Damn it Lawrence! I know you too well. You are hiding something from me”

    “Maybe you don’t know me as well as you think Sweetie. Maybe you are in one of your moods again and you just need someone to vent it out on. Maybe you are the one cheating on me and are now pulling some reverse psychology stunt!!”

    “Excuse Me!!?” I could see that last statement hurt her. I cursed myself a little bit for it. Daisy would never cheat on me. But I wasn’t giving in to her condescension.

    “I mean, we are peacefully watching T.V, and all of a sudden…”

    “So you won’t tell me what it is?” She had switched to the firm tone. This fight was about to get ugly.

    “Who the hell do you think you are Daisy? Pointing accusing fingers and issuing ultimatums…” As always, I stood up waving my arms in the air in mock frustration. She never stood up.

    “Lawrence if I think something is wrong…”

    “If you think something is wrong, find a more respectful way to raise it!!!!”

    “And what did I do that was so disrespectful? I simply asked you a question…don’t be such a child Lawrence!”

    That was it. She had crossed my path.

    “Oh, so what are you now, my Mum?? ”

    Fifteen minutes later, we were still at it. I was still standing, she was still sitting. The fight had spread its wings to cover topics I wouldn’t have thought of before. A battle of wits is what it had come down to. Until I announced my exit.

    “F*** you Daisy?? F*** you and your self righteousness!!I’m out of here!”

    “No!! Don’t bother, it’s your house sweetheart, I’ll go!” This was new, but I didn’t realize it at the heat of
    the moment.

    “Good! Finally we know who owns this house!”

    She disappeared into the bedroom, came out ten seconds later with her hand bag and one of her fifty something pairs of shoes and slammed the door behind her.

    That weekend passed without a single phone call between us. Come Sunday evening, and Tim calls me up.

    “Dude, are you cheating on Daisy?” Apparently Daisy had called him to ask if he knew what was up with me, but I had kept him in the dark about Crystal as well, so he wasn’t of much help to her.

    “Oh, so now the whole world has branded me a cheating moron?” I always retreat to sarcasm when I feel cornered.

    “No, not the whole world dude. Just Daisy. And you need to fix this before it’s too late” Tim was somehow always right about stuff. He and Daisy had always made such a good team that I often wondered what she was doing with me. I decided to spill out the Crystal saga to him.

    “Ha ha ha!! This is so hilarious man!” Tim can be such a punk sometimes.

    “It’s not a laughing matter bro. Daisy would kill me if she found out about this.”

    “Did you seriously give out her clothes? You are such an fala! Then you pick a fight with her??…”

    “She started it! And you are not helping Tim!”

    “Ok, here’s the deal bro. Call Daisy and apologize for being an idiot, and then tell her everything, except may be that part about giving out her clothes. Oh, then delete Crystal’s number and no meeting with her next week!”

    “That sounds great, except for one thing Tim”

    “A ha…”

    “Do you remember Marie?”

    There was a long pause before Tim finally whispered a stifled “Oh Yes!”

    I don’t even know where to start about Marie. Tim often said that if he was about to die and he was granted one last wish, his wish would be to have one last glance at Marie. About a year back, on a boys’ weekend out in Mombasa, we stumbled upon sweet Marie as she strolled alone on the beach. Simply put, she revived my childhood beliefs about the existence of mermaids. Tim had never gotten over her but that’s a story for another day.

    There was another long nostalgic hiatus before Tim finally said, “You better have a good reason for mentioning her name man!” I had touched a really soft spot.

    “Crystal is like three Maries put together after a very refreshing swim.”

    “Oh boy! And you never told me about her? Our friendship is hanging on thin ice bro. Tread carefully.”

    “Chill man, I was confused and had tried to forget about Crystal until that night last week. And here is another problem.”

    “Ehem”

    “I just happen to be her knight in shining armor. It’s a straight pass bro!!”

    “That’s the dream dude.”

    “I know Tim. Well? Say something intelligent!”

    “Ok, this is the point where you need to ask the million dollar question”

    “How deep is my Love for Daisy?”

    “Exactly.”

    The last time Tim and I had this exchange was during the Marie fiasco. He came out alive and salvaged his relationship with Christine. It was now my turn.

    “In two months time you’ll celebrate your one year anniversary with Daisy bro. You are so close. It pains me to say it, but you need to call Crystal and tell her you can’t meet her next week, or ever.”

    “Damn you Tim! Alright, I’ll do it.”

    I called Crystal. She took the news so well that I almost asked to meet her maybe one last time. Through
    some miracle, I didn’t. Then I called Daisy, who calmly absorbed the tale like the angel she was.

    After a heart wrenching ten-minute story telling on my part, and silence on her part, she finally said, “Wow. She must have been really pretty.”

    “Well…” This was a trap. Tim had warned me about this many times. But this was Daisy. There was no
    pretense with her.

    “If you saw her, I swear sweetie you would strongly consider becoming a bi-sexual” I was getting carried
    away.

    “Would she be open to a threesome?”

    “W-w-wha-what?????” All the saliva in my mouth instantly evaporated.

    “Kidding! I’ll see you tomorrow. Get some sleep pumpkin!” Click. She was gone. Daisy was a heartless witch that I was so madly in Love with.

    Daisy and I broke up before we could get to celebrate our one year anniversary. It had nothing to do with Crystal though. Trust me when I say this. In my adult life, I don’t think anything has left me as distraught as that breakup did. She was beautiful, intelligent, strong willed and sly as a fox.
    Related Posts


th3 int3llig3nsi4

  • Twitter Updates for 2010-09-01

    Posted: September 1, 2010, 7:39 am by NiKolaS

    • There sure is a lot of porn at this Chess Tournament.
      Wait, what was that son?
      Right, with an A and a W?
      Well, fuck me sideways! #
    • There sure is a lot of p0rn at this Chess Tournament. Wait, what was that son? Right, with an A and a W? Well, feck me sideways! #
    • It is my not so humble opinion that @freshlygroundsa is an amazing band. #NowPlaying I'd Like – Freshly Ground. #
    • #MusicMonday Aisha (Remix) – Khaled. #
    • Would anyone like to have some of my lollipop?
      Ladies? #
    • According to the Census Bureau, Kenya is now a veritable sausage fest. #

Power to the People

  • Defend and Free Diop Olugbala!

    Posted: September 1, 2010, 6:09 am by blackstone

    This article was taken from UhuruNews Published Aug 29, 2010

    PHILADELPHIA-On Tuesday, August 24, the US government gave another example of its desperation in the face of popular resistance with the conviction of Diop Olugbala in Philadelphia.

    Despite all the efforts to paint imperialism with a new, benign and friendlier face, the US government, using its local arm of the law in Philadelphia, showed its vicious fangs for all to see, with a pretense of a trial that was designed to take Diop Olugbala off the streets and deny the ability of Africans to struggle against our own oppression.

    The official felony charge that Diop was tried and convicted for, punishable by up to ten years imprisonment and fines, was Aggravated Assault on a cop.

    He and his co-defendant, Shabaka Mnombatha, were also convicted of Disorderly Conduct and Resisting Arrest. Felony charges against Shabaka had been dropped in court proceedings earlier in the year.

    However, for everyone familiar with the case, it is known that the charges were political.

    The US pretends not to conduct political trials so the Philadelphia government went out of its way to criminalize political protest that is legal even by US constitutional standards.

    Diop’s case stems from a demonstration at a Philadelphia city council meeting, where he and others were protesting the latest attempts to transfer the system’s economic crisis onto the backs of African workers and other exploited and oppressed people in the city.

    As the video of the protest clearly shows, the government, concerned about the growing unpopularity of the vicious economic attacks on the people, had the police physically attack Diop and the protesters, snatching his protest banner and choking him in full public view.

    But, as is usually the case, Diop was charged with attacking the police. A case of the thief yelling, “STOP, THIEF!”

    If there was any doubt of the nefarious intent of the government to silence Diop, one only had to see the history of the events leading to the trial.

    In Philadelphia, under Diop’s leadership, International People’s Democratic Uhuru Movement (InPDUM) held numerous demonstrations against the police violence in the African community and candlelight vigils for victims of police murders, sometimes being the only organized voice of resistance.

    InPDUM held People’s Tribunals, one of which put the City of Philadelphia on trial fro crimes of genocide.

    In the process of building the tribunal Diop physically served Mayor Nutter and Police Chief Charles Ramsey with the People’s Subpoena to appear at the Tribunal.

    This subpoena was served on Mayor Nutter Chief Ramsey at a December 10, 2008 Townhall meeting at Ben Franklin High School, where Diop also exposed the 1.1 billion dollar police budget of the city.

    And in addition to many other community based struggles, Diop also managed to unite the progressive black movement in Philadelphia against the selection of neocolonial District Attorney Seth Williams, who ran for office on a platform calling for the opening of Prosecutors’ Offices in every African community in Philadelphia, as well as calling for the execution of Mumia Abu Jamal.

    To deepen the reality that these are political charges against Diop, in addition to the formal charges leveled in Philadelphia, there also exist the unspoken charge, which stems from the August 2008 Obama rally in St Petersburg, Florida.

    Diop had the temerity to raise the question of Obama before millions of people around the world, the same question he has been raising with Philadelphia mayor Michael Nutter’s regime: “What about the black community?”

    Judge Roxanne Covington at left

    The trial itself was a mockery of justice. It only took Judge Roxanne Covington ten minutes to review all the evidence, including witness statements and video of the meeting in question, to render a verdict of guilty on everything the State claimed Diop and his co-defendant did.

    These 10 minutes were apparently used for her to go to her chambers, wipe the smirk off her face, put on her make-up, so that she could come back and read what did not even appear to be a sober or just verdict.

    Here is a summary of some of the observations of the legal skullduggery that arose during the proceedings in Judge Roxanne Covington’s Courtroom:

    Incompetent counsel: This should have been a jury trial. We should have given the judge the opportunity to sustain all of the prosecutions objections and overrule all of the defenses.

    The colonial court was unchallenged. When comrade Diop objected to a Bench Trial, the Judge intervened, recessed the trial for five minutes and instructed attorney Michael Coard to confer with his clients with respect to the Bench Trial was already a done deal.

    Coard’s advice was that “Hey, I just won a Bench Trial this morning before Covington, and I can do it again.” Thus, the bench lynching transpired.

    There were many, many other legal travesties that occurred at this trial. Not the least of which our attorney failed to present a single witness for the defense that would have contradicted the police testimony, which the video would have clearly done.

    The police testified that they did not put a hand on Diop. Our attorney led us to believe that he knew something, that he had the inside scoop. Maybe he did.

    Our paid lawyer never put Diop or anyone else on the stand to testify to our right to free speech or the right to protest. We saw Diop raise a banner during an Obama meeting and he was not attacked by the police.

    They must have been playing catch up at the Philadelphia city council meeting.

    Michael Coard never solicited ACLU or National Lawyers Guild’s help to raise the question of free speech, which he assured us he would raise. He only cited one case law on free speech. And we can go on and on.

    However, from years of experience of having to defend ourselves and our people in rigged US courtrooms, and having to go in with legal representation who has absolute confidence in US colonialist courts, there was no reason what-so-ever to believe that Michael Coard was any different.

    Therefore, allowing this travesty to occur rests squarely on the shoulders of those who were leading the effort to Free Diop Olugbala.

    This trial absolutely came to be because of the problems Diop and the InPDUM presented to the Michael Nutter and Barack Obama regimes in raising the question, “What about the black community.”

    Black Liberation Movement has raised its head in the US, dealing with the oppression and colonial exploitation of our people as it represents itself today, at this moment. This is not just a rehashing of the past repression as exposed by the attempt to murder our dear brother, Mumia Abu Jamal, for something he is accused of from the 1980s; this is not the case of the San Francisco 8, those courageous brothers who fought for our freedom in the 1960s and 1970s.

    Diop’s case is about resistance as it is necessary now. Indeed, the attack on Diop is clear evidence of the impact our movement is having in the struggle against imperialism within US borders today.

    It is clear evidence of the fragility of a great “super power” that cannot even tolerate real, critical political and ideological debate. It is evidence of the fraudulence of US white ruling class democracy.

    But, despite the efforts of the US capitalist-colonialist state, the genie is out of the bottle: the resistance has begun and it cannot be stopped by the arrest and conviction of Diop Olugbala.

    The militant all day demonstrations in support of Diop Olugbala and the packing of the courtroom showed our determination to resist and struggle for our and Diop’s freedom.

    The hundreds of phone calls and emails to the neocolonialist Negro judge, Roxanne Covington, demanding the freedom of Diop bear witness to our total commitment to fight and resist police and economic terror whose interest she ruled in favor of.

    This movement to Free and Defend Diop Olugbala will do even more to build the resistance while exposing US imperialism under Barack Hussein Obama to its rotten core.

    ALL POWER TO THE PEOPLE! AND BLACK POWER TO THE AFRICAN COMMUNITY!

    FREE DIOP AND ALL POLITICAL PRISONERS AND PRISONERS OF WAR!

    What You can Do:

    Take Action! Support and Sympathy Must Transform Into Organized Resistance

    InPDUM, our supporters and allies waged a fierce campaign to Free Diop. This campaign is far from over. In fact it has just begun. There is an appeal process that we have every intention to pursue as we await Diop’s sentencing hearing on October 13th.

    The International Executive Committee of InPDUM is calling for our supporters and members to participate in the effort to carry out following plan of action:

    Main Goals and Objectives of the Free Diop Campaign:

    1. Build and Consolidate a Free Diop International Steering Committee comprised of (but not limited to) the following positions: Chair, Secretary, Fundraiser, Treasurer, Membership Coordinator, Political Action Coordinator and Outreach Coordinator.
    2. Build and Consolidate local Free Diop committees in all the cities where support for the campaign exists.
    3. Put Diop on tour. Bring Diop to speak to your community, college campus or high school.
    4. Continue to call and write Judge Roxeanne Covington demanding the charges be dropped.

    If you are willing to help out in any way described above, immediately fill out a membership form to join the Free Diop Committee or call 215-459-7551 or email info@inpdum.org.

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Words Much Like Poetry

  • La Morena and her... Negroe

    Posted: September 1, 2010, 5:47 am
    by Jerome Hambrick

    I could have used your company last night
    Could have talked or had a tongue and kitty fight
    And no, I'm not all right
    Until you come over and fix my plight
    Had a most stressing day
    And was looking towards some one on one word play
    Your presence is enough for me
    I drink you in and perspire glee
    I remove you from your pedestal
    And return you back... your love gently bruised
    No matter the path I find beneath my feet
    I sense you just over my shoulder hovering, lovingly
    I enclosed you in our love knowing your fear of small places
    That defenseless look... could almost taste it
    And I know it's sick but seeing you that way turns me on
    But understand my illness will do you no harm
    My nature rages to overwhelm and break right through
    But I would turn tide on myself before it turned on you
    Because you loved me and you knew I wasn't right
    And for that I'd kiss your feet or risk my life
    You see the world needs more people like you...
    That can separate between Black and Evil
    And know that one is an adjective and one is a people

Yipe log

  • On land grab …

    Posted: August 31, 2010, 11:09 pm by yipe
    Friends of the Earth, an international grassroot environmental network recently published a 36 page report that warns of the developed countries drive for biofuels. The report titled “Africa: up for grabs” says that arable land that would provide food is now being turned into biofuel plantations, leading to hunger and increased food insecurity. The research [...]

Diary of a Mad Kenyan Woman

Bakings & Bitings

  • It’s all in there…

    Posted: August 31, 2010, 9:29 pm by muh1t0
    The above cake was made with a lot of love in mind especially seeing that it was a 40th wedding anniversary celebration. My instructions were to come up with a not too sweet elegant cake. The cake itself is a strawberry shortcake with a whipped cream filling and lots of fresh strawberries. The frosting is [...]

SCI-CULTURA

  • Kenya :: New Constitution

    Posted: August 31, 2010, 6:43 pm by sci-culturist
    I was in Uhuru Park on 27th August for the promulgation of Kenya’s new constitution. Rather than post  pictures from the day, or write – and I am still reflecting on the experience -this collage came to mind. The image on the right from the book “Kenyatta A Photographic Biography” by Anthony Howarth is  © [...]

Black Looks

  • James Baldwin “Precious Lord, Take My Hand”

    Posted: August 31, 2010, 6:35 pm by Sokari
    “Precious Lord, Take My Hand” – I learned a great deal from James Baldwin and haven’t written as much as I had planned. But I read and read. On my bedside table I have copies of Notes of a Native Son and The Fire Next Time. I randomly opened the latter with [...]

kenyanguru.blogspot.com

  • You can now receive send and recieve payments in Kenya via paypal

    Posted: August 31, 2010, 6:23 pm by Jigsawman
    During the world cup period it was with much excitement that paypal announced they would add South Africa to the list of countries that they would enhance support for by enabling members to recieve funds to their paypal accounts.Kenya is now proudly on the same list and together with South Africa are the only two countries in Africa from which you can send and recieve funds to your paypal account.
    NB:You cannot withdraw your paypal funds to a local bank account just in case you did not know(yet)
    For a list of which features are supported in which country you can visit their country list page here;

    Send. Receive. Withdraw to a U.S. Bank Account.Send and receive payments in these countries. Withdraw from your PayPal account to a U.S. bank account.
    • Bermuda
    • Bulgaria
    • Cayman Islands
    • Costa Rica
    • Cyprus
    • Dominican Republic
    • El Salvador
    • Estonia
    • Gibraltar
    • Guatemala
    • Iceland
    • Kenya
    • Kuwait
    • Latvia
    • Liechtenstein
    • Lithuania
    • Malta
    • Panama
    • Peru
    • Qatar
    • Romania
    • San Marino
    • Slovenia
    • South Africa
    • United Arab Emirates
    • Venezuela

Like Chapaa

  • Enter Elance – Part 3

    Posted: August 31, 2010, 6:21 pm by Crystal

    Just got here? Here is Part 1 and Part 2.

    In the morning, I got mail that I’d won two jobs on Elance. Yay! Then I went to the kiosk and came back to see that I’d won two more jobs on GAF. Oookkkaaaaaay. While I was fixing breakfast, a third GAF client sent me a ‘yes’ for my bid. Yikes! I now had five different gigs totalling $300 and just four days to get them done. This was a different kind of panic.

    I managed to push two of the clients to give me some extra time. One was crabby about it, but he liked my work, so he said ok. The other seemed excited that he had to wait. Go figure. He actually gave me five exra days, which is awesome. I like Canadians.

    So far, I’ve managed to finish three of the projects, but I still have two to complete before Tuesday, and they total 190 articles ranging between 350 and 600 words, for which I will be paid $140. Wow.

    Sometimes I think it’s sad that people with talent and papers get stuck doing grunge work. On one job that I bid, a fellow freelancer explained that he had two Masters degrees and had edited a newspaper, yet his bid was lower than mine. Plus, he’s in the States, so I’m sure he needs to earn way more than I do. The cost of living there is higher. But I guess we do what we have to.

    Elance is a touch more OCD than GAF is, which is why the clients there are willing to spend more. Once you win a job on Elance, you get a workroom where you have to issue status reports on the progress of your work. You have milestones, or targets, so that the client knows exactly how many articles you have written by a certain time. You can get jobs where you’re paid per hour, and there’s a stopwatch to calculate just how much time you’ve actually spent on the project. There’s a provision for having a freelance team, so you can bid on multiple projects and ‘outsource’ with more transparency.

    I like Elance more than GAF because the jobs are at a higher level, so you’re more likely to work with professionals. Online professionals are generally nice. Sometimes the people I work with on GAF are bullies with zero customer care, and it’s enough to make you smash your monitor … on their heads! The things we do for love money.

    So, between Elance and GAF, I’ve reached my August target of $500, which has me pretty excited. My target for next month is $2000. I’d eventually like to make $5000 dollars a month, so that I can own a penthouse by 2020. I still have clients offline who bring in another 10 to 20,000 Ksh some months, but they’re not consistent, so my online work does the bills. Any work from the ‘real world’ is an investment bonus.

    I can’t withdraw my GAF money before 31st, but after that, I can access it through Moneybookers, and I hear Paypal finally styled up, so yay! My GAF debit card gets here in about a month, and it’s usable on Elance as well, so I can easily draw my money. But meanwhile, I’m paying my membership through Paypal via my KCB card, and now that it accepts cash receipts, I can divert my Elance cash there and figure out some other way to draw it.

    I’m really liking this freelance gig. It’s virtually cost-free except for electricity, $30 for membership, and my Zuku subscription. There’s no market saturation because there’s enough work for all of us. And the best part is that unless the worldwide web collapses, I’ll never be  retrenched or fired. How cool is that?

    Crystal Ading’ is a professional author, editor, rock lover and mother. Her work is available through www.threeceebee.com.Similar Posts:


She Blossoms...

  • International Freelancers Day – September 24, 25 – 2010

    Posted: August 31, 2010, 5:15 pm by She Blossoms...
    The information below was courtesy of Kenyan Freelancer - Register for free here Freelance has become a force to reckon with. With that, a day has been specially created to celebrate and learn from each other – September 24th and 25th 2010. The event will take place virtually (online) and is free to join. Participants will [...]

www.jmaruru.wordpress.com

  • International Freelancers Day – September 24, 25 – 2010

    Posted: August 31, 2010, 5:15 pm by She Blossoms...
    The information below was courtesy of Kenyan Freelancer - Register for free here Freelance has become a force to reckon with. With that, a day has been specially created to celebrate and learn from each other – September 24th and 25th 2010. The event will take place virtually (online) and is free to join. Participants will [...]

A Nairobian's Perspective !

  • Tandaa Announces Winners of Kenya Government Information Portal grant

    Posted: August 31, 2010, 4:41 pm
    The Kenya ICT Board has just released the names of the winners of the Kenya Government Information Portal grant 2010 .The successful bidders will each receive a Grant Amount limited to a maximum of US$ 50,000 for firms and US$ 10,000 for individuals. The Tandaa symposium was conceived with the aim of generating and distribution of locally relevant digital content,the initiative grants seed money to webprenneurs with ingenious products to develop the same.

    Among the winners cited at the website and their innovative projects include:


    1. Octopus ICT Solutions Ltd for their 'HIV and AIDS in the workplace e-Learning Course' that will bring HIV and AIDS workplace policy to every civilian servant in the country. Starting with training for over 40,000 health workers in the first year, Octopus will develop an eLearning course that will work to sensitize civil servants on how to address HIV and AIDS at work and in their private lives. The course will help to reduce stigma and create a safe and supporting working environment for all civil servants including people living with HIV.


    2. Infotrack Strategic Solutions Ltd for their 'Teacher's Portal' that will link teachers to their employers, the Kenya Teacher's Service Commission. Teachers across the country often have to travel al the way to Nairobi to access service. The portal will allow the TSC to reach teachers country-wide with services and teachers to communicate easily and effectively with the TSC. The portal will also have public facing competent allowing citizens to review information on teachers in each county.



    3. iBid Labs for their 'Kenya Online Museum' project that will seek to document Kenya's history online. Through multi-media, ibid labs will capture 3 million years of Kenyan history to be distributed online and accessed from mobile phones. Inspired by over 25 museums in Kenya that host a rich history of the country, ibid started their project several years ago by extensively researching Kenya's history. The grant will give them the opportunity to realize their dream of making Kenyan history accessible to all Kenyans.( this is quite creative and will indeed rake in revenues with additional tourism interest being generated)


    4. Foundation Support Services (FSS) Ltd for their 'IVR Tax Filing Solution', which will offer a voice prompted option for tax filing. The Interactive Voice Response system will allow any Kenyan with a mobile phone to fill taxes in variety of Kenyan languages. The system will help more Kenyans fallen their tax requirement. The team at FSS have a variety of experience in voice enabled technology and are passionate about making service available to all Kenyans country-wide.


    5. BTI Millman Company Ltd for their 'eMazingira Software Application' - an open source application that will run on Ushahidi's crowd-sourcing platform. eMazingira will concentrate on documenting and collecting information on environmental degradation and abuse. The environment is one of Kenya's most precious resource and eMazingira will help citizens ensure that our natural resources are preserved for future generations. Citizen will be able to report environmental degradation cases to a dedicated mobile short code number and the information relayed to the relevant authorities for action. People will then be able to view reported cases and the actions being taken on an online interactive map of Kenya.


    6. RiverCross Technologies Ltd for their 'EDUWEB - An education institution listing and interactive mapping portal' that will provide a comprehensive list and interactive map of all education institutions in the country allowing users to locate institutions by proximity to relevant locations. The solution seeks to integrate data already available from the Ministry of Education, as well as additional information--all accessible from a computer or mobile phone. The portal will allow students and parents to research and identify the best schools and will also the allow the public to view and analyze vital data on educational institutions.


    7. JBA Advertising Co Ltd for their 'Lost and Found Project', which will collect information on the hundreds of IDs and official documents lost every day and provide an online and mobile based solution for search and retrial of lost documents. Loosing an ID can be quite a debilitating experience, and yet the document could be lying in a building or office nearby. With security and privacy in mind, JBA Advertising will build on a platform they have developed over the years to enable Kenyans to find their documents by accessing the internet or a query from their mobile phone.


    Without doubt the Kenya online sphere is rapidly developing and creating avenue for creative solutions and products to develop.Our ministry of Information especially the vibrant Permanent Secretary Mr Bitange Ndemo are actively involved in harnessing and encouraging the development of local talent, products and solution.

    Indeed here at 'A Nairobian Perspective Blog' we laud their efforts and congratulate the winners .It is our sincere hope that with the financial impetus much good will be accomplished and that the resources will be conscientiously utilized in the development of user friendly portals that will enhance the Afro-presence on the digital divide.


unmeritedgrace.wordpress.com

  • LAY ASIDE EVERY WEIGHT THAT HINDERS- NO RESURRECTION WITHOUT DEATH

    Posted: August 31, 2010, 4:34 pm by mwendwa
    There are Things, Habits, People, situations, comforts, Attachments we must give up if we’re to get to the next level God has for us. It’s really the small foxes that spoil the vineyard (Songs of Solomon 2:15) and they are the most difficult to get rid of. But we must lay aside every weight that [...]

Inari Media

  • When Is the Time to Ban Someone From Your Blog?

    Posted: August 31, 2010, 4:30 pm by Stephanie Migot
    The rules are simple, aren’t they? If you have a blog, your standards apply and any blog comments that fall short of that can be deleted without a second thought. Anyone who doesn’t like it can go away and start their own blog, right? Imagine that your blog is wildly successful and you have a [...]

KENYAN JURIST

  • JUDICIAL INSANITY

    Posted: August 31, 2010, 3:29 pm by jurist
    There is this Judge I think is insane. My ruling, on an application to set aside judgment, has been pending before her for the last one year. The last time she delayed a ruling, the parties were horrified when she delivered a ruling in respect of an application which was not argued before her and had in fact been subject of a ruling. When her attention was drawn to this fact, she brushed it off and told the aggrieved party to appeal. Today, she just said she can't see the file which was right in front of her. While humming what sounded like a negro spiritual, she promptly dismissed us and told us to get in touch with her clerk next week!

Storymoja

  • Kathy Vaughan presents ‘Management Proverbs’

    Posted: August 31, 2010, 2:17 pm by Storymoja Africa
    Sunday 3rd October 4pm to 5:30pm at the SHFK 2010 Growing up, everyone learns lessons about life through direct instruction and through our social environments.  Some are positive, some negative, some unexplored.  This session will engage the audience in thinking about proverbs as a tool for the modern workplace.  The audience will have a chance [...]

www.storymojaafrica.wordpress.com

  • Kathy Vaughan presents ‘Management Proverbs’

    Posted: August 31, 2010, 2:17 pm by Storymoja Africa
    Sunday 3rd October 4pm to 5:30pm at the SHFK 2010 Growing up, everyone learns lessons about life through direct instruction and through our social environments.  Some are positive, some negative, some unexplored.  This session will engage the audience in thinking about proverbs as a tool for the modern workplace.  The audience will have a chance [...]

Harvest Tone

  • Promulgation parade

    Posted: August 31, 2010, 1:02 pm by Nekesa

    During the promulgation ceremony the military showcased some of their hardware. We were promised a parade that would dazzle us. Not so.

    I hear the procession was eventually downgraded because of poor visibility, which made it impossible to show us the jets.

    Oh, well..

Diary of a Mad Kenyan Woman

Socialight Media Kenya

  • E-Tourism East Africa Conference

    Posted: August 31, 2010, 12:10 pm by Marvin Tumbo

    The E Tourism East Africa Conference will be commencing on the 2nd of September and I can’t wait.

    The press release sent to me partly reads:

    East African tourism industry stakeholders are set to benefit immensely from discourses on e tourism to be presented at a regional e tourism conference set for early next week. The conference, which will feature global online giants such as Trip Advisor and Expedia, will focus on how East Africa’s tourism sector can harness the potential of the web, especially following the enormous interest generated in Africa from the 2010 FIFA World Cup.

    Below is the gist of it all. I have written before that the Hotel and Tourism Industry in Kenya stands to benefit the most from the advent of social media. Allow me to reiterate that point.

    In the past month, many of my friends have been writing on their Facebook walls and tweeting their experiences from how they have been able to purchase Air Tickets via MPESA, how they some have finally managed to book a flight online, how JKIA fairs when compared to other Airports, how they changed hotels because the one they were staying at did not iron clothes, which local flight operators were cheaper, to the prices one should expect to pay for a night’s stay in the various cities across Africa. Basically, from my Twitter and Facebook streams, I acquired information based on user experience on how to book my flights with ease via MPESA, which hotels not to stay in when I am in Uganda, how much I should carry when I travel to Angola (expensive) etc.

    That is the reality today. With everybody today being a broadcaster thanks to social media, they are determining whether people will book a flight to your country, whether they will stay in your hotel, checking their wallets to see if they can afford you, and looking for alternatives if they don’t like what people have to say about you. It is that real.

    It is with a deep appreciation of this reality that I feel the E Tourism East Africa Conference in Nairobi on the 2nd and 3rd of September is long overdue. As a Kenya business especially those in the Tourism, Hotel, and related industries, I believe that this conference is where you should be. I have looked at the invited list of speakers and I must agree that it is impressive.

    The bottom line is that your bottom-line will in the future will increasingly be determined by how adept your company gets at integrating social media to your business strategy. People don’t care what you think about yourself, they care about what other users think and it is that information that they are using to make their booking decision from choosing getaway destination, booking flights to the hotel they are going to stay at. As a business, you need to know what people are saying about you, understand brand sentiment, learn to monitor this sentiment, and learn how to leverage the intelligence you gather to sway what people say in your favour.

www.warero.wordpress.com

  • The Blogger’s Desiderata

    Posted: August 31, 2010, 11:44 am by warero
    I got a cool comment worth posting, it is, in essence a blogger’s Desiderata, with kind permission from http://www.almasimanagingstress.blogspot.com If you compare your blog with others, you may become vain or bitter, for always there will be greater and lesser blogs than yours. Enjoy your articles as well as your posts. Keep interested in your [...]

bankelele

  • Reading the Safaricom Tea Leaves

    Posted: August 31, 2010, 10:53 am by bankelele

    Post two of three: Safaricom has been one of the most progressive companies in terms of investor relation’s management, largely because of the cost of their large shareholder base. They spearheaded move to avail electronic instead of printed annual reports and payment of dividend by m-pesa, as opposed to cheques which were unviable for many shareholder who had the bare minimum of shares. Another benefit of electronic reports is that they are easier for potential investors to obtain (some companies print as few reports as legally possible and they don’t circulate widely)

    Inside Safaricom's 2010 A/R

    Shareholders: - Safaricom has 787,363 shareholders down from 828,912 in 2009
    - The Government of Kenya has acquired more shares in the company despite a stated move of divestment. This year they have 22 million more shares, going up from 35% to a 35.06% stake
    - Overall there are more foreign buyers of Safaricom shares, but NSSF Rwanda may have exited
    - Director Esther Koimett bought 517,600 shares, and chairman Nicholas Nganga has 850,100. Outgoing CEO Michael Joseph and Finance Manager Les Baille each own 2.5 million shares, while their replacements, Bob Collymore and Chris Tiffin have none
    - Last years’ AGM (the first since NSE listing and prominently advertised as having no handouts or frills) was attended by just 2,182 shareholders.
    - 180,000 shareholders got their 2009 dividend by m-pesa (mobile phone payment)

    Performance - Revenue breakdown of the 83 billion ($1 billion) in revenue voice accounted for 75% (2009: 83.4%), with SMS and other data at 9.7% (2009: 8.8%), Mpesa at 9.0% (2009: 4.2%) and equipment sales at 4.4% (2009: 3.3%). Revenue growth was 8% for voice, 32% for SMS/Data and 158% for Mpesa n all categories was positive with voice at 7.8%, SMS and other data at 32.4%, 58% for equipment sales and 158% for Mpesa
    - North Eastern Kenya region is growing by over 200% owing to improved security

    Other Numbers - Earned Kshs 7.6 billion ($95 million) from m-pesa (up from 2.9 billion in 2009)
    - Has Kshs 10 billion ($125 million) in cash and short-term deposits, up from 4 billion the year before. Safaricom earned interest income of Kshs 350 million in the year
    - Borrowings comprise 6.28 billion from a consortium of banks, 2.3 billion from one bank, and 7.5 billion in corporate bonds
    - Have 2,000 dealers and 200,000 retailers
    - Pay income tax at 27%, compared to 30% before they listed at the NSE

    Staff - Launch ESOP in 2009 with 101 million shares and which will be issued in 2013. 2165 staff (88% of total) have joined the scheme
    - Key management were paid 522 million (up from 438m)
    - Of their 2,470 staff the company has an almost equal ratio of male and female employees

    Fibre/Data Investments: - are investing 890 million into Seacom: they paid 316 million and balance of 573 million is to be paid over the next 5 years
    - Paid 2 million to TEAMS for a 22.5% stake (other shareholders are GoK and Telkom both with 20%)
    - Paid KPLC Kshs 116 million as part of 290 million for use their power network for fibre distribution over the next 20 years
    - Bought packet stream data networks, for wimax,for Kshs 373 million shillings, and has lent Kshs 600 million to One communication (in which they own 51%)

    Customers - their internal customer delight index had a measure of 7.38 last year against a target of 7.76
    - Its true that premium customers get better customer service - there is a platinum line at call centre to service platinum (high end) customers on a prioritized basis (i.e. even by calling regular customer service free help line, ‘100’ they get through and served faster
    - Safaricom business has over 2,000 customers including airlines, media houses, banks
    - Mobile data is responsible for 90% of data revenue
    - customer growth (their measure) Safaricom took up 65% of new phone lines in last year
    - website: Safaricom the most progressive companies in online investor relations in terms of results and investor briefing posted on the web site and now dividend payments by mobile phone. It now uses twitter & facebook accounts, to promote its services and also try and (slowly) responsd to numerous customer service and product queries posted online

    Rival disclosures: Safaricom’s main rival is Zain Kenya - and while it is not a listed company, the former Zain parent was listed on the Kuwait Exchange, and used to produce some extensive reports on their African operations - ranking individual countries by revenue, profit, subscribers - which was information that the local Zain office did not typically share. Similar information can also be gleaned from Orange of France about their Telkom Kenya operation.

    Zain Africa sold to Bharti Airtel of India and while a financial quarter is yet to pass since the takeover, it appears they may follow the trend, as they are also a listed company with segmented reporting requirements. For Kenya in July 2010, they note that:

    - Airtel Kenya has been given additional frequencies that enable it to offer 3G services
    - All operators will have the right to borrow funds from the universal service fund (a fund that will comprise 1% of mobile operators annual turnover) and to use to set up infrastructure in the identified rural areas.
    - Kenya companies are Bharti Airtel Kenya B.V. (name changed from Celtel Kenya BV), and Bharti Airtel Kenya Holdings B.V. (name changed from Celtel Kenya Holdings BV)

www.awokensoul.blogspot.com

  • SHORT TIMES!

    Posted: August 31, 2010, 10:46 am by AWOKEN SOUL


    Romancing ants’ nakedness exposed …..Victims of a hen’s impunity scratchesCheeky chicks rapping and raping….with no memories of hatches A die-hard fights back…its scissor-blades shearing with vengeanceMother rushes with filthy beak……offender tortured and swallowed in defenseA shy shrub dances to wild wind tunes….answering prayers of a preying mongooseSky-tall eagle wearing cloudy lenses….scheming to set its killer nooseIn a short time, the mongoose pounces ….with cold mercies of a mad flood!In a short time, Chicks chicken off…their mother’s remains are feathers and blood
    A bright day dies … in a deep tasteless sleepA mysterious night smiles… as lovers moan and weep!Hot-cold skins paraded...…for price-tagged quickiesBlack lions prowling….for take-away sweeties!Chocked skirts rejoice…when a zip is undoneTheir torments return…once a lion is done!Dead are wet dreams…of long-term engagementsThe time is faster! Faster...for short-time investments!
    For a miracle I rush to church….. Welcomed by ushers’ anointed facesMy Bible warms my hands…….Holy Ghosts gracing all spaces!Dancers’ wings spread on stage….their songs awakening sleeping angelsEvery soul religiously on heat……..goodies shaken at all angles!A pampered pastor takes pulpit charge…..God’s words he carries with zeal to serveMy soul is coiled like a millipede….my wicked ways I’m tempted to preserveGod’s words oil up our souls…..lusty eyes divorce scented beauties nearbyIn a short-time, I go on my knees……to my senile past I kiss goodbye!
    Lost, buried, drowning…in a face- book’s holy creed!Their photos you sweep and flip….profiles you explore and weed!In a short time your heart’s gate opens …ooh how friendship you need!Requests bounce back with joy….from new good friends indeed!Notifications, emails, comments….in your page they weep…. and in walls they bleedIn a time so short...a cold silence is born….a new found breed!A new script is opened….friendship passions scattered and freed.2010©Meshack Sewe
    Hmm…. was reflecting on short-time moments…..how short-time moments or actions affect our daily lives…how within short-times, we change our lives…. how within short-times, our actions, hopes, expectations, passions, etc, are changed…..

>d®

  • AUGUST RUSH

    Posted: August 31, 2010, 10:13 am by |d®|
    Yeah, been gone for a spell there. A man must eat, and therefore must work. Truth be told, not much else has been going on.

    Of course, there's the occassional douche I manage to stumble across every day. Like, see below. To sum this up, allow me to quote a discussion some years ago in some economics class:

    Student: No, professor. I think the city's new parking spaces are way too small. It was never like that.
    Professor: Have you considered that maybe you need to drive a smaller car?


    And remember my post about the various eateries around the workplace? The other day I went to one of the delis and saw this sign there. Only an Asian would be so blunt. Love it.


    Hot joint of the day:
    Jazmine Sullivan's Holding You Down.

White African

  • SwiftRiver: Curating in an Age of Information Overload

    Posted: August 31, 2010, 9:44 am by HASH

    In an age of information abundance, curating meaning is key.

    9 months ago that is just what Jon Gosier set out to do as he took over the reins of the SwiftRiver initiative at Ushahidi. Today he announces the Beta release, and unveils the new website at Swiftly.org.

    What is SwiftRiver?

    SwiftRiver Open Beta Announcement. from Ushahidi on Vimeo.

    “SwiftRiver is an open source intelligence gathering platform for managing realtime streams of data.”

    Using 5 different tools in the toolbox, you can create a host of useful applications. Tools ranging from natural language processing to handling duplicates, or a source’s importance in the ecosystem. Much like a box of Lego’s, the value and usefulness of the apps created are up to the creator.

    SwiftRiver lets users:

    • Manage realtime data streams (e.g. RSS, SMS, Twitter, Email)
    • Identify relationships between content (e.g. email and tweets)
    • Set parameters to auto-filter incoming feeds
    • Curate content based on preferences
    Swift code and web services

    Like all Ushahidi work, the code is free and open source, anyone can download it, contribute to the code, and run it on their own server. Due to it’s complexity, SwiftRiver also offers a software as a service solution, allowing you to tap our servers for your own needs. Swift Web Services (SWS) is our cloud platform. The platform offers a number of different APIs to developers. With this platform you can easily beef up your applications with natural language processing & active learning, reverse geocaching, distributed reputation, content filtering and web analytics.

    This first app, called the Sweeper is the first project to enter Beta and now ships with SwiftRiver. Sweeper, is a term Ushahidi uses to refer to people who ’sweep’ through a system, performing certain tasks, and it was for this reason that we put the Ushahidi resources behind the whole initiative.

    SwiftRiver | Sweeper

    History, contributors and code

    The origins of SwiftRiver are in the community of Ushahidi developers and users. Chris Blow and Kaushal Jhalla asked some hard questions after the Mumbai terrorist attacks in 2008, discussing the need for something that can help with this information overload we have in the first few hours of an emergency or disaster. Today, we’re seeing the first fruits of that technology, and it’s exciting to know that the potential for it’s use goes far beyond the crisis scenarios that we first envisioned.

    Matthew Griffiths (Uganda) and Neville Newey (South Africa) have done a great job hacking out much of the code and designing the architecture for the platform. They’ve been joined by an army of volunteers and contributors, including: Joshua Bronson, Soe, Nishith Rastogi, Mang-Git Ng, Josh Bronson, Ivan Kavuma, Andrew Turner, Chris Blow, Kaushal Jhalla, Ed Bice, Moses Mugisha, Victor Miclovich, Wolfgang Werner, M. Edward Borasky, Maarten J. van der Veen, Ahmed Maawy, Colin Meinke. A huge round of thanks to everyone who gave freely of their time and energy to move this project forward!

    Find out more on the website at Swiftly.org
    Download the code, v.0.5 Cape Jazz

Storymoja

  • Kenyan Conversations 17

    Posted: August 31, 2010, 9:30 am by Storymoja Africa
    Comment on the blog under the picture on the Storymoja Blog or Send in a story or dialogue that is not more than 500 words long. Send in your story or dialogue to blogs@storymojaafrica.co.ke. Clearly mark in the subject Contemporary/Kenyan Conversations 17 The prize details are as follows: 1st Prize: 2000/-, 2 Storymoja books and 1 complimentary [...]

www.storymojaafrica.wordpress.com

  • Kenyan Conversations 17

    Posted: August 31, 2010, 9:30 am by Storymoja Africa
    Comment on the blog under the picture on the Storymoja Blog or Send in a story or dialogue that is not more than 500 words long. Send in your story or dialogue to blogs@storymojaafrica.co.ke. Clearly mark in the subject Contemporary/Kenyan Conversations 17 The prize details are as follows: 1st Prize: 2000/-, 2 Storymoja books and 1 complimentary [...]

www.warero.wordpress.com

  • Power of Microblogging,Billie and Marion, Salsa Clip

    Posted: August 31, 2010, 9:10 am by warero
    This is Marion and I dancing at Kamata School of Dance, in the CBD, Nairobi. The school is known for guitar and music sproduction but also have salsa classes. But more important is the fact that I have used a past time of mine to showcase the power of microblogs. This particular post has been [...]

Black Looks

  • James Baldwin 8 : Who is the Nigger? or Reclaiming the Dream 2010

    Posted: August 31, 2010, 8:21 am by Sokari
    A short clip from “Take This Hammer” in which Baldwin throws the “nigger” back at whiteness who invented him in the first place. Very pertinent in these moments of escalating right wing anti-Muslim hatred – a hatred invented to fill a void of hate that must always be full. Without hate there is [...]

th3 int3llig3nsi4

  • Twitter Updates for 2010-08-31

    Posted: August 31, 2010, 7:39 am by NiKolaS

    • A little Being Five humour for the day. [twitpic.com] #
    • I find myself playing this song again; Where Did it Go Wrong – Anthony Hamilton, where did it all go, how did it go wrong, tell me what… #
    • Whenever someone yells out *TIGER!* I usually wonder if its the Forest predator, then i think those are Woods & pretty much the same thing. #

  • Twitter Updates for 2010-08-31

    Posted: August 31, 2010, 7:39 am by NiKolaS

    • A little Being Five humour for the day. [twitpic.com] #
    • I find myself playing this song again; Where Did it Go Wrong – Anthony Hamilton, where did it all go, how did it go wrong, tell me what… #
    • Whenever someone yells out *TIGER!* I usually wonder if its the Forest predator, then i think those are Woods & pretty much the same thing. #

You Missed This

  • Nyanza To Be Double Taxed Under The New Constitution

    Posted: August 31, 2010, 6:51 am by Phil
    By Mwarang'ethe

    On 27th August, 2010, the day Kenyans promulgated a “new constitution,” the Kenyan Prime Minister, Raila Odinga told us that, in accordance with the best constitutional experts, we are “Free at last, from the tyranny of the State,” as we read here. On his part, the President, Mwai Kibaki told us that, “It’s a new dawn for Kenya, and we deserve to celebrate,” as we read here:

    To reinforce this wonderful message, Julius Kipng’etich, he of the KWS, told us jubilantly this: “Ready for takeoff: Finally, Kenya has a blueprint to be an economic powerhouse,” like Singapore, Honk Kong and Botswana as we read here:

    On our part, we declare that, to rely on so called constitutional law experts to draft a constitution was a terrible mistake. What we needed are men and women well versed with Ancient, Middle Ages and Modern history (history of rise and decay of civilizations), economics (history of economic ideas), philosophy (moral philosophy) and sociology. With such people, we would only need a single lawyer, who need not call himself pompous names such a constitutional law expert, for his job will be that of a mere draftsman. This is a heavy charge against eminent lawyers like Ghai and Nzamba Kitonga. However, we shall support it by demonstrating how Nyanza, a region that has suffered terrible economic injustice in the past will now be double taxed under this wonderful “new constitution ” of theirs.

    On 31st May, 2010, the DN reported this: “Fishermen on Lake Victoria to pay fee.” See here . Among other stuff, we read this: Fishermen on Lake Victoria will soon start paying fees to be allowed to ply their trade on the water body. This is one of the ways that a joint fisheries ministers meeting between the three countries using the lake came up with as a source of funding. It is among a raft of measures aimed at raising money to run affairs of the sector. Also, “All countries must ensure that the landing site user fee is legislated as a funding mechanism for Beach Management Unit.”

    By introducing land rent on the Nyanza fishermen, the Kenyan government is telling them this. No other Kenyan will pay taxes to maintain the lake. All the revenue to maintain the lake must therefore, come from those who benefit from resources provided by Nature. This is the way forward, and we fully support this proposal. Our proposal along these lines can be read under “Proposed Constitution: Land Question Mishandled ". However, note this very carefully. In addition to this land rent, the poor Nyanza fishermen will also pay other taxes such as VAT when they buy necessities of life like salt and sugar.

    If the poor fishermen from Nyanza must exclusively pay to maintain “their” lake, how do we propose to treat those others who “fish” in waters called Nairobi, Thika road or Machakos etc? The answer is here. On 7th July, 2010, inquiring mind read this in the Standard: “Speculators anxious over Machakos land”.

    Among other stuff, inquiring minds read this. A certain bare land in Machakos “turned into a fruitful vine overnight after the State made its intentions public on the development akin to California’s Silicon Valley.” In other words, when the State, whose tyranny we are told is over by Raila Odinga announced the INTENTION to build some infrastructure funded by the VAT paid by the poor fisherman from Nyanza, a lot of “investors” rushed to buy land to “secure vantage positions ahead of the technopolis."

    Why are they doing this? Simple, "People who bought an acre at Sh300, 000 and less five months ago sold it at Sh800, 000 within a month." Simply, within a month, these so called investors pocketed Sh500, 000 while doing ABSOLUTELY NOTHING. So, who has made these millionaires and billionaire? The poor fishermen in Nyanza who must pay VAT, income tax to the Kenyan government so as to build the infrastructure which raises the value of the land for the FEW who are strategically placed. If you do not call this tyranny and ROBERY, then, we would like hear what you call it. Simply, ROBBERY just like that of a common thug with an AK 47, but, this time without guilt feelings because you can hide behind a fiction called State.

    There have been endless talks about wealth gap between the Nyanza fishermen and “investors” such as the ones we read about here. Herein, we demonstrate the SOURCE. So, how do solve the problem? Extremely simple. Require those who “fish” in Nairobi, Machakos, Thika road etc to EXCLUSIVELY pay for the privilege of “fishing” in such rich waters. In other words, STOP ROBBING the poor Nyanza fishermen via VAT etc, and require those who occupy Muthaiga, Karen, Thika road, Kiambu, Machakos to pay for the police, roads, and sewage.

    Where will they get the money from? Only a constitutional lawyer cannot see what a fool can see. Take the sh500, 000 as an example for all the land surrounding the technopolis and fund the common infrastructure therein. If these so called “investors” (gamblers) want to get rich, we are very happy with that, but, let them develop the land and build factories so as to create real wealth if they are men and women of substance. Even better, we will leave them to pocket all the gains once they pay land values.

    There are those like Phil, Chris, and Philip who have asserted that, we are utopian. Fine. We ask why is it utopian when we demand that, those who occupy land in Nairobi be treated in the same manner as we propose to treat the poor fishermen in Nyanza? In all honesty, we have demanded what is just in law and equity. This is so because; we have demanded what is right before God and Man.

    Let the useless land speculators who unlike the Nyanza fishermen who give us food relinquish land values created by poor fishermen from Nyanza so as to fund the necessary infrastructure. So, implemented, we would relieve the long suffering fishermen from this state sanctioned tyranny and robbery? This is the SIMPLE formula for liberty and wealth creation.

    However, instead of such a simple formula, Kenyans have come up with complicated nonsense to hide their naked formulas of oppression. We denounce these complicated formulas for what they are. The shameless shifting of the man’s curse that; he shall eat bread from the sweat of his brow, to the shoulders of his helpless brother. We therefore, violate both Divine and Natural laws for we build a nation in total disregard of true nature of both physical and moral nature of man. Nothing built upon such rotten foundation can stand. A heavy price shall be paid for this attempted impunity.

    Many conclusions flow from above observations. Firstly, the failure to adhere to what we have said has brought about so called welfare state. However, anyone versed with the history of this stupidity from the Roman times, knows where all is going to end up. Even worse, when we refuse to take what is social wealth by privatising it, we drive the land prices up through speculation which eats all our bank credit as they try to grab a piece of the free lunch instead of funding real wealth creation.

    The consequences for this are very grave for we squeeze industrial capitalist’s profits and thereby, wages for the labour. How we intend to industrialise a nation of low profits and low wages is unknown to us. In other words, we have squandered the greatest opportunity to lay a firm and just foundation for industrializing our nation so as to remove want among our people.

    Some will tell us about the land commission that is forthcoming. Well, our answer is that, we have seen this movie many times in history and we are pretty sure what is going to happen. For instance, the “new constitution” talks about limiting the size of land. As the Machakos story educates us, it is not size that matters, it is three things. Location, location and location.Kumekucha


Like Chapaa

  • Enter Elance – Part 2

    Posted: August 31, 2010, 6:10 am by Crystal

    Just got here? Here’s Part 1.

    Next, you set up your profile by adding education and employment info. You don’t have to, but it helps you get jobs, because the client can see what you can do. Papers [or lack of them] are not necessarily a disadvantage online. On the internet, most people don’t care if you’re a boy or girl, if you’re black or yellow, if you have three PhDs or a high school diploma. What they care about is your skill, and you can show that clearly in your bid.

    Speaking of skills, Elance has lots of free tests that you can do to prove how good you are. All the tests are multiple choice and are timed at 20 to 40 minutes. Some of them are pretty hard. When I first joined, I was afraid to bid and fail, so I procrastinated by spending six hours doing tests. I told myself I was improving my chances of being hired, but I knew I was just stalling. I did about 12 tests and failed two of them. Four more tests were registered as incomplete because I chickened out after doing three or four questions. Incomplete grades you as auto-fail by the way.

    Depending on the type of membership you have, your profile will show between 5 and 20 test skills. They’re important because when you bid on  job, the client will check to see if you have the right skills for it. Fortunately, you have an option to hide your failed tests, so phew. Also, if you fail a test [or if you want a higher score] you can resit the test after 14 days.

    Let’s see, what else. Oh, you have a number of connects every month which allow you to bid jobs. Most jobs need just one connect to bid, but the higher the budget, the more connects you need. Free  membership gives you ten connects a month, which means you can’t bid on more than ten jobs, although you can buy more connects at any time. 10 extra connects cost $5. I have a paid membership, so I pay $10 per month and get 25 connects. I generally bid on one job per day. Combine this with GAF and I’m trying out for 6 jobs every day, though I don’t bid when I have clients waiting; I don’t want to be overwhelmed and end up breaking deadlines.

    Being the Queen of Technobofia, I had a few issues registering on Elance. I somehow managed to book myself in as a programmer, so I couldn’t bid on any writing jobs. I tried to correct it but got nowhere, so I registered a new account, this time as a writer, but it wouldn’t acknowledge my membership so I couldn’t do any tests. Then, because I had two account on the same IP, both accounts were suspect and kept asking me to prove that I was really me. *russumfussumsecretquestions*

    I asked Support for help, and this awesome lady named Sophie helped me out without so much as a giggle. She deleted one account, corrected the second account, and upgraded me to 25 connects. I’m amazed she was so patient, as it took 10 emails between us to fix everything. I’m clearly a Passenger D kind of girl, but you rock Sophie.

    When I finally got over my fear [and ran out of tests to do] I bid on four jobs, then I went to sleep. Two bids were $100 each, one bid was for $250 and the fourth was for $300. I used up four of my 10 free connects. That day had been particularly rough, because I hadn’t won a bid for five days. I went into panic mode and bid on seven GAF jobs plus the four on Elance.

    … to be continued …

    Crystal Ading’ is a professional author, editor, rock lover and mother. Her work is available through www.threeceebee.com.Similar Posts:


SCHOOL FOR THE GIRLS

  • Miracolo Rudisha scoperto dal prete che crea fenomeni

    Posted: August 31, 2010, 4:55 am by Miss Welby


    Il più famoso sacerdote nell'atletica è stato il reverendo Bob Richards, tre partecipazioni olimpiche nell'asta, un bronzo a Londra e due ori a Helsinki e Melbourne. Ora c'è Padre O'Connell, 63 anni irlandese di Cork, cattolico, simpatico personaggio dal viso rotondo ed un perenne sorriso sulle labbra. Lui non ha vinto nulla, anzi lo sport non sapeva cosa fosse, come confessa candidamente. L'ha scoperto suo malgrado ed ora si ritrova sotto i riflettori perché è l'allenatore di David Rudisha, primatista mondiale degli 800 prima a Berlino e domenica a Rieti. L'Africa è nel cuore del reverendo che vi è approdato nel 1976 chiamato in Kenya dal fratello del campione britannico Brendan Foster, professore alla St. Patrick's. Si giocava a calcio o rugby, poca atletica. Ma due anni dopo Foster tornò in Inghilterra e padre O'Connell restò solo. «Non mi sono perso d'animo anzi ho provato a cambiare i programmi, anche atletica, corsa per lo più, dove i keniani sembrano dotati. Però non sapevo nulla dei metodi di allenamento, dovevo imparare. Comprai libri, leggevo di tutto, poi provai ad applicare. Piano piano mi sono trovato ad essere un tecnico a bordo campo a preparare tabelle ed a giudicare i giovani che passavano per la St. Patrick's, dove lavoravo insegnando letteratura»... continua sulla Gazzetta dello sportGirls (member of school for the girls) Have started some income generating programes, where they sale some African Kikoy fabrics (check on the side bar). you can buy one Kikoy fabric for 20 us dollars to support the Girls or pay school fee for one girl ang get one kikoy free!!!

Kikulacho

She Blossoms...

  • 2nd Republic and ¿Que Paso?

    Posted: August 30, 2010, 10:51 pm by She Blossoms...
    The last few weeks have been really weird. I have been seriously depressed, much of it the side-effects of my medication for SLE. But a nice doctor from the UK, who has more experience than my doctor gave me advice, and thankfully my doctor did not feel slighted, but put into place the suggestions the other [...]

www.jmaruru.wordpress.com

  • 2nd Republic and ¿Que Paso?

    Posted: August 30, 2010, 10:51 pm by She Blossoms...
    The last few weeks have been really weird. I have been seriously depressed, much of it the side-effects of my medication for SLE. But a nice doctor from the UK, who has more experience than my doctor gave me advice, and thankfully my doctor did not feel slighted, but put into place the suggestions the other [...]

Diary of a Mad Kenyan Woman

Storymoja

www.storymojaafrica.wordpress.com

A Black Woman's Poem

  • Daddy, by Sylvia Plath

    Posted: August 30, 2010, 7:54 pm by Nkirote Nkirote
    You do not do, you do not do
    Any more, black shoe
    In which I have lived like a foot
    For thirty years, poor and white,
    Barely daring to breathe or Achoo.

    Daddy, I have had to kill you.
    You died before I had time---
    Marble-heavy, a bag full of God,
    Ghastly statue with one gray toe
    Big as a Frisco seal

    And a head in the freakish Atlantic
    Where it pours bean green over blue
    In the waters off the beautiful Nauset.
    I used to pray to recover you.
    Ach, du.

    In the German tongue, in the Polish town
    Scraped flat by the roller
    Of wars, wars, wars.
    But the name of the town is common.
    My Polack friend

    Says there are a dozen or two.
    So I never could tell where you
    Put your foot, your root,
    I never could talk to you.
    The tongue stuck in my jaw.

    It stuck in a barb wire snare.
    Ich, ich, ich, ich,
    I could hardly speak.
    I thought every German was you.
    And the language obscene

    An engine, an engine,
    Chuffing me off like a Jew.
    A Jew to Dachau, Auschwitz, Belsen.
    I began to talk like a Jew.
    I think I may well be a Jew.

    The snows of the Tyrol, the clear beer of Vienna
    Are not very pure or true.
    With my gypsy ancestress and my weird luck
    And my Taroc pack and my Taroc pack
    I may be a bit of a Jew.

    I have always been sacred of you,
    With your Luftwaffe, your gobbledygoo.
    And your neat mustache
    And your Aryan eye, bright blue.
    Panzer-man, panzer-man, O You----

    Not God but a swastika
    So black no sky could squeak through.
    Every woman adores a Fascist,
    The boot in the face, the brute
    Brute heart of a brute like you.

    You stand at the blackboard, daddy,
    In the picture I have of you,
    A cleft in your chin instead of your foot
    But no less a devil for that, no not
    Any less the black man who

    Bit my pretty red heart in two.
    I was ten when they buried you.
    At twenty I tried to die
    And get back, back, back to you.
    I thought even the bones would do.

    But they pulled me out of the sack,
    And they stuck me together with glue.
    And then I knew what to do.
    I made a model of you,
    A man in black with a Meinkampf look

    And a love of the rack and the screw.
    And I said I do, I do.
    So daddy, I'm finally through.
    The black telephone's off at the root,
    The voices just can't worm through.

    If I've killed one man, I've killed two---
    The vampire who said he was you
    And drank my blood for a year,
    Seven years, if you want to know.
    Daddy, you can lie back now.

    There's a stake in your fat black heart
    And the villagers never liked you.
    They are dancing and stamping on you.
    They always knew it was you.
    Daddy, daddy, you bastard, I'm through.

SportinKenya

  • How kenya MPs will enact transitional clauses

    Posted: August 30, 2010, 7:08 pm by Andruid

  • Final reckonig

    Posted: August 30, 2010, 6:54 pm by Andruid
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    Kenya’s under 19 cricket team will, at the end of this month, begin the journey to qualifying for the World Cup. One could argue that this team, carries more than just the hopes of a bunch of young cricketers desperate to appear on theglobal stage, but the hope of a cricket organisation that has struggned to overcome the legacy of non-development of the game in Kenya.

    I have blogged variously on this matter so, I will not say alot about it here.

    Kenya’s under 19 cricket team, virtually dead in the mid 2000s, has been a mixed bag for Cricket Kenya. They have not been to their World Cup since a side dogged by racism in selection issues suffered world reccord defeats against major test teams in 2003. The resultant hiatus has shown with alot of its graduants to the national team struggling to cope with international cricket due to a lack of exposure.

    The under 19 squad travelling to the Africa Qualifiers is very significant for two reasons. Firstly the bulk of the players in this team have learnt their cricket entirely under the auspices of the current Cricket Kenya structure. Players like Emmanuel Bundi and Irfan Karim have played alongside one another all the way from the under 13 level for teams run by Cricket Kenya. Qualifying for the next edition of the u19 World Cup would be welcome vindication for the efforts that Samir Inamdar and his team has done. The second reason is that given the extremely dubious manner which the International Cricket Council stripped Kenya of hosting rightsfor the last U19 World Cup.qualifying would be a good way of getting back at the ICC fof their henious deeds.

    In the first leg of the qualifying tournament, Kenya face:Uganda, Namibia, Tanzania, Zambia, Sierra Leone amongst others. From those listed above, the stiffest competition shall come from, regular World Cup camapigners, Namibia and Uganda. In 2007, it was only Namibia that stooped Kenya from making that year’s World Cup, whilst Kenya’s rivalry with Uganda at the age group level goes back many years. Getting past these two should allow Kenya through to the Global World cup qualifying tourney, where 6 of the 10 participating teams will qualify for the 2011 u19 World cup.

    The Under 19 World Cup Africa qualifiers start on the 29th of August in Windhoek, Namibia.

Me I Think...

  • Wamathai Spoken Word – September Edition

    Posted: August 30, 2010, 6:51 pm by Joliea
    As you may have heard, Wamathai.com has organized a September Edition to its infamous Wamathai Spoken Word. Please find below the event details. Wamathai.com presents Wamathai Spoken Word on Thursday the 9th of September 2010 at Secrets Lounge (Ground floor,View Park Towers – Next to Alliance Francaise) from 7 – 10 PM and the program [...]

The Green Calabash

  • Meditation – Take 1

    Posted: August 30, 2010, 5:54 pm by thegreencalabash
    So on Friday I decided to try out my meditation CD for the very first time. Thanks to Amazon’s spiteful policy of giving a month long window for possible delivery, I had spent a week stalking the mailman. Needless to say, we were both relieved when it finally arrived on Thursday. The CD came with [...]

Kenya Christian

Black Looks

www.raymondchepkwony.wordpress.com

  • The Art Of Being Kalenjin

    Posted: August 30, 2010, 4:34 pm by raymondchepkwony
    The premium accessory in Luo night is a display of blingage! A Gold chain here, gold cufflings there, gold watch on display… With Kalenjin Nights, Gold is not a big fuss! How do you display a gold watch next to someone with a neck full of I.A.A.F certified gold? How do you show a dash of gold cufflings, next to I.O.C issue limited edition gold neck? IMPOSSIBLE! What is now the most sought out fashion accessory is the now infamous “William Rutto” Cap! YES, the one with the Kenya flag. Only a chosen few wore this fashion item and they wore it with pride. For those that do not have access to this fashion item, they wore caps of all brand names… from the “mike” to an original Nike Cap, to another cap that screams Kalenjin- The “Ngombe/Nyati barbed wire” cap!

KCB Rugby Football Club

Inari Media

  • Lessons for Business from the Pakistan Cricket Corruption Scandal

    Posted: August 30, 2010, 4:00 pm by Stephanie Migot
    The news that Pakistan players have been questioned by Scotland Yard detectives investigating allegations of spot-fixing rocked the world of cricket over the weekend, casting a shadow over the last day of a Test match that had seen some remarkable individual achievements, which are now tainted by the suspicion that all was not above board. [...]

Blah blah blah

Fish cakes

Alas a fish cake.

Yet more fish cakes

Guess what ... yeah ... fish cakes.

The end of the fish cakes

Kenyan Blogs