Opinion Base

Reading does for the brain what exercise does for the body                                                                                                                             ~  Anonymous A thought characteristic of readers, that is, men and women who are serious about getting better is that any quiet time they get is by default reading time. Jim Kwik, one of the world’s foremost authorities on hacking learning and memory retention advises that you can get more out of reading a book if you schedule time for it rather than just grabbing one only when you find some time, for instance in your bed just before you sleep. Amidst all the hustle and bustle of c...

As an Executive Committee member of one of the fastest-growing and member-driven Alumni Associations in the region, I am tasked with the role of ensuring that all functions of the Association are properly coordinated in line with our Association’s objectives. One of my responsibilities involves drafting of the year’s calendar of events for deliberation and adoption by the Executive as well as implementing resolutions as so ordered. If you have ever hosted an event, whether it’s a child’s birthday party or a wedding ceremony, you will no doubt agree with me that the preparations are similarly daunting regardless of the scope. This is where the saying that “It’s not over until it’s over!” rings truest. It is noteworthy that prior to the registration of Dr.BAMU Alumni Association - Kenya, a few of us had met informally over lunch and resolved to elect an office, adopt a blue print and draft constitution for lodging with The Registrar of Societies. Cabinet Secretary for ...

I am not huge fan of TV, at least not any more. In fact, renewal of our monthly TV subscription at mi casa is usually some sort of a tag of war with my people. To put this in to perspective, it is the only monthly bill that I never budget for and whenever I do, it is purely for selfish reasons - you can bet there is almost always a fixtures pamphlet in the vicinity for reference, if you know what I mean. This is because in terms of satisfaction it offers me the least ROI, both monetarily as well as psychologically. But to my family’s consolation, I always ensure that Wi-Fi connectivity is available at all times though I doubt I succeed in sending the message across when I remind them that they are very privileged to be among the 55% of world’s population who have internet access. The club is not really select as I would want it to sound, but it’s still way more exclusive than that of the number of households that own a TV set which stands at 79%! Frankly, despite the hand...

Once in a generation, there comes along a few individuals who impact society in a significant manner that leaves an indelible footprint on posterity. These are ordinary individuals who despite their often meager resources and limited political capital endeavour to leave society with less suffering and more light. Think of Mother Teresa or Mahatma Gandhi or our very own Wangari Maathai. Motherly Care Children’s Home situated in Ruai, just about 25 km from Nairobi City is a testament to John Bunyan’s famous quote that you have not lived today until you have done something for someone who can never repay you. Members of Dr. BAMU Alumni Association - Kenya present their gifts to the children of the Motherly Care Children's Home during their visit on 22nd November 2018. Founded by Mama Mary Metobo in 1998 in response to the cry of the needy children in her neighbourhood then who would incessantly knock at her door begging for something to eat, the Home has grown over th...

Just like most Kenyans, I learnt of our Deputy President, Hon. William arap Samoei Ruto’s successful defence of his PhD thesis in amazement after the much publicised previous attempt about two years ago apparently failed to meet the mark. I bet everyone was as impressed by this development considering his busy schedule as the second in command to the President of the Republic of Kenya and also his oversight role in his flourishing family businesses. What, however stole the headlines was his remarks regarding the relevance or otherwise of Sociology and Anthropology courses as offered by our local universities to the Kenyan job market. This he spoke as he launched the TVET Competency Based Educational and Training Framework at The Kenya Technical Trainers College, Gigiri – a ground-breaking initiative that will, no doubt, enable youths to easily acquire relevant and practical skills from Vocational Training Centres across the 47 counties. The said remarks by Mr. Ruto must ha...