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Category: Features

  • MONARCHIES OF AFRICA: The Kingdom of Morocco

    MONARCHIES OF AFRICA: The Kingdom of Morocco

    By Nyokabi Ng’ang’a

    Leshnyokabi@gmail.com

    Thumbnail Photo-courtesy: sahara-experience.com

    The Flag of Morocco
    Photo Courtesy: alltherooms.com

    The Kingdom of Morocco originally had its inhabitants as the Berbers. This later changed when the Arabs invaded Morocco between the 7th– 9th century causing a shift in the culture and religion of the latter. It is acclaimed that Morocco was once a province of the Roman Empire as highlighted by https://www.globalblackhistory.com/2019/02/a-brief-history-of-the-kingdom-of-morocco.html.

    In 1906, Morocco was a joint colony of France and Spain. This was later cemented with a treaty known as the Treaty of Fez in 1912. This all came within the leadership of Sultan Moulay Yusuf, an Alaouite Sultan, who succeeded King Ahmed of the Saadi Arab tribe who died during the early 17th Century as written by https://www.lawrenceofmorocco.com/country. Upon Sultan Moulay Yusuf’s death, the French appointed Sidi Muhammad, also known as Muhammad V, to take charge as Sultan in 1927. This however, didn’t favor them, as the newly appointed Sultan consolidated powers and threatened French’s rule and power over Morocco as written by https://www.globalblackhistory.com/2019/02/a-brief-history-of-the-kingdom-of-morocco.html

    Muhammad V (Sidi Muhammad)
    photo courtesy: www.ipost.com

    The French responded by exiling Mohamed V in Corsica. This unexpectedly caused a major uproar from the nationalists who started an independent movement due to the reverence they accorded Muhammed V with- as a national hero.

    This resulted to the French bringing him back to take up the seat of a King and not a Sultan anymore in 1956 when Morocco gained independence. “Although Morocco gained its independence in 1956, Spain still colonizes two parts of Morocco to this day.  The cities of Ceuta and Melilla and a small chain of islands of the coast in the Atlantic Ocean are still under the control of Spain,” https://colonizationofmorocco.weebly.com/independence.html.

    In 1961, King Muhammad V died and his Son, Hassan the Second took charge of the newly formed Monarchy until 1999 when he died leaving his position for his son, Mohammed VI.  

    King Hassan the Second
    Photo Courtesy: www.youtube.com

    This Monarchical seat of Morocco is hereditary though with an adopted constitution of 1992 that stipulates the laws of the land. The Moroccan Constitution highlights three arms of the government namely: Judicial, Legislative and Executive as written by https://globaledge.msu.edu/countries/morocco/government.

    The Monarch appoints the Prime Minister who is the head of the government. This is done with the assurity that the appointed Prime Minister is from the largest party in Parliament. The Monarch is also regarded as the ‘Commander of the Faithful’ and a secular political leader- an item that is not in practice in Lesotho.

    In as much a constitution stipulates what governs the state, the Monarch has a supreme hold of the Monarchy. He is involved in all the nitty-gritties of the Monarch to ensure order and respect for the Kingdom is fully given by its citizenry.

    King Mohammed VI of Morocco
    Photo Courtesy: www.bbc.com

    Prime Minister Saad Eddine El Othmani
    Photo Courtesy: www.moroccoworldnews.com

    Irrespective of the political tensions and the ‘lack of democracy’ from an international perspective, the Kingdom of Morocco stands out in its own format. From its authentic culture to its beautiful towns and not forgetting their tasty meals served in Tagine clay-pots; this is a Kingdom worth traveling and learning about!

    Shukran bezzef! (Thank you in Moroccan-Arabic)

    • Casabalanca – A city in Morocco
      Photo Courtesy: www.amazon.com
    • Tagine Pot/Clay Pot
      Photo Courtesy: www.factmagazine.com

     

  • Photo Story: CBMC African Convention

    Photo Story: CBMC African Convention

    Find the link for the CMBC African Convention article Here.

    Photos by: Joseph Gichari

    Josephndungo55@gmail.com

  • ROGERS: UNDERPROMISE AND OVERDELIVER.

    ROGERS: UNDERPROMISE AND OVERDELIVER.

    By
    Aaron Kituku
    (kaykituku@gmail.com)

    Daystar University has today held a career talk on ethical business practices in the market place. The event hosted delegates from connecting business and market place to Christ (CBMC) on what was termed as a pre-convention on the African chapter.

    The ICT theatre at the main campus was packed with curious students and staff members ready for insights about the business world, and where the latter meets Christianity and ethics. Godwin Roger, a political science graduate and a serial entrepreneur from the United States of America was the keynote speaker.

    “You don’t have to do anything you don’t want to do […] People that say ‘No’ are focused people,” Rogers said as he emphasized the need to finding your passion, talents, and gifts as you venture into business.

    Further, he emphasized that Self-awareness, Investing in knowledge, taking action, developing skills and cultivating good habits are imperative traits that individuals need to develop to stay atop the business ladder.

    “Build relationships, people are not a transaction, people are people.” Rogers clarified. Being in business for the last 20 years, this serial investor admitted to having had zero budgets on marketing. His secret, he said, was building and maintaining good relationships with people.

    “I have never failed my entire life […] failure happens when you stop moving forward.” Said Rogers in response to a question from one of the audiences about handling failure. Setting your priorities right – God, Family, Job/Business, Ministry and Fun was, according to Rogers, the recipe to a balanced.

    “Pick whoever you want to work with… and don’t discount your value.” Said Rogers in his parting shot.

    For information, click here

  • PHOTO STORY: DC3 HEALTH WEEK AND CHAPEL

    PHOTO STORY: DC3 HEALTH WEEK AND CHAPEL

    From 7th to 11th October Daystar Compassion and Care Centre, hosted health week in Athi River Campus.

    Find photos from the health week and the DC3 chapel below.

    Photos courtesy of: Joseph Gichari

    Josephndungo55@gmail.com

    Click here to read about the Health Awareness week

  • MONARCHIES OF AFRICA: The Kingdom of eSwatini

    MONARCHIES OF AFRICA: The Kingdom of eSwatini

     

    By Nyokabi Ng’ang’a

    Leshnyokabi@gmail.com

    Thumbnail photo-courtesy: mountaininn.sz
    犀利士

     

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    Photo courtesy: www.motosha.com

    The Kingdom of eSwatini, formerly known as Swaziland, is an absolute monarchy state based in South Africa. It gained its independence from Britain in the year 1968. The British government colonized eSwatini for 66 years, from 1902 till independence. However, the Boers in 1894 had taken charge of eSwatini, but upon defeat by the Britons, they surrendered their colony to the latter in 1902.

    As written by http://www.sahistory.org.za, “…the Swazi nation…originally came from Mozambique.” The Kingdom of eSwatini dates its existence from Mozambique, with its majority populace streaming from the Nguni tribe. The Swazi people deserted their original homeland for “the Pongola River valley in Kwazulu Natal in the nineteenth century as a result of internal pressure,” http://www.sahistory.org.za. Their settlement, however, lasted for a short-time due to the Zulu Civil War or Ndwandwe-Zulu War of 1817-1819; resulting to their resettlement in Ezulwini Valley- modern day eSwatini.

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    The Nguni people: soulsafariwordpress.com

    Modern day, eSwatini, is led by King Mswati III- who came into power in 1986 at the age of 18 years. King Mswati III succeeded his Father, King Sobhuza II- who is the acclaimed world’s longest reigning monarch- http://www.gov.sz. Before King Mswati ascended to the throne, Queen Dzeliwe acted as a regent until the former was of age. It is recorded by http://www.gov.sz that there were two female regents in eSwatini’s history, namely: Queen Gwamile and Queen Dzeliwe who tentatively graced the throne on behalf of the then young heirs, King Sobhuza II and King Mswati III respectively. The monarchy’s power lies on the King (Ngwenyama) and the Queen Mother, Ndlovukazi (She-elephant).

     

    Aside from eSwatini’s monarchical base, important to note is that the ratified Constitution of 2005 is regarded as the supreme law of the land. The constitution asserts that the kingdom’s power lies with the King. The Constitution also stipulates the three arms of government in eSwatini, namely: Bicameral legislature, Judiciary and the Executive; of which all are independent from each other. The Bicameral Legislature consists of the House of Assembly and the Senate, which contain 65 members and 30 members respectively. The House of Assembly members are usually elected by the monarch and universal adult suffrage-which comes from the Tinkhundla electoral system; afterwards, the house of Assembly elects a section of members of the senate and the remaining number is left to the decision of the monarch, https://thecommonwealth.org/ .

    The monarch also elects the Prime Minister of the State who then runs government business and chairs the Cabinet. Moreover, the Prime Minister is tasked with the responsibility of keeping the monarch abreast with all governmental affairs.

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    Current Prime Minister of eSwatini: H.E. Mr. Mandvulo Ambrose Dlamini Photo courtesy: voiceofafrica.tv

    The Kingdom of eSwatini is one that has stood the test of times. Not only is it true to itself and its existence but also true to its practices and authentic African culture. From its still practiced ceremonies; Umhlanga (reed dance) http://www.thekingdomofeswatini.com/news-blogs/the-umhlanga-reed-dance-an-amazing-cultural-spectacle/ and Incwala (a cleansing and renewal ceremony) http://www.thekingdomofeswatini.com/eswatini-experiences/events/incwala-festival/to its authentic traditional attires and not forgetting its embrace of the Ubuntu Philosophy. Swaziland is a monarchy worth watching out for!

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    Reed dance Photo courtesy: daughterofafricablog.wordpress.com

     

    Ngiyabonga! (siSwati name for Thank you)

     

  • MEN GET BREAST CANCER TOO

    MEN GET BREAST CANCER TOO

    By Sharon Waithanji
    sharonwawaithanji@gmail.com

    Breast Cancer month is here. From 1st October to 31st October every year. It is symbolized with a pink ribbon. This movement is really effective with people learning how to make breast cancer known everywhere.

    There are easy methods which are taught during this time on how to check whether there are lumps in your breasts. There are also many cancer centres put up country wide that provide free screening of cancer. This not only increases awareness of breast cancer but also allows people to learn about the symptoms, preventions and treatment.

    One thing people fail to know is that breast cancer can also affect men. According to statistics by the National Breast Cancer Development Inc. only one percent of all breast cancer diagnosed is men. About 245,000 cases of breast cancer are diagnosed in women and 2,200 in men each year in the United States, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. It said 41,000 women and 460 men die from breast cancer in the US annually.

    In most cases the breast cancer is diagnosed late. One factor in diagnosis delay is a lack of awareness. While many women know how to look out for changes that could indicate breast cancer, there is less awareness among men, which means they may be less likely to seek help in the early stages.

    The fact that both men and women are born with some breast cells and tissue. Even though males do not develop milk-producing breasts, a man’s breast cells and tissue can still develop cancer.

    The likely symptoms of the breast cancer in men are the same with the ones in females:
    • A lump in one breast, which is usually painless
    • Nipple retraction, ulceration, and discharge
    • Skin puckering or dimpling on the breast
    • Redness or scaling of the skin on the breast or nipple

    If the cancer spreads, there are advanced symptoms like:
    • Swelling in the lymph glands, in or near the underarm area
    • Breast pain
    • Bone pain

    The treatment for Male breast cancer is the same as the women’s so there are really high rates of survival are cure and solutions.

    Just last week, Singer Beyoncé Knowles’ father, Mathew Knowles revealed his fight with breast cancer. This should be a push to all men and a good reason to spread awareness.

    As we spread the Breast cancer awareness, let us not forget the men and make them aware it also affects them. Men get Breast cancer too.

  • SHUJAA WETU

    SHUJAA WETU

    Na: Wangu Kanuri

    kanuriwangu@gmail.com

    TOA maelezo yako kuhusu mchezo wa raga

    Raga ni mchezo ambao unahitaji nguvu haswa kwenye misuli. Mchezo huu umegawanywa katika makundi mawili makuu; ya wachezaji saba na ya wachezaji kumi na tano. Kundi hili la wachezaji saba hujulikana vyema kama rugby 7s ilhali hilo la wachezaji kumi na tano hujulikana kama rugby 15s. Vikundi hivi ndivyo vimepewa kipaumbele nchini ila kuna vingine.

    TUELEZE kwa ufupi kukuhusu

    Slyvester Miheso, ni mwanafunzi wa shahada ya Udhibitishaji wa Rasilimali za Nchi katika chuo kikuu cha Daystar. Anapenda kusikiza muziki, kufanya mazoezi na kutizama filamu. Isitoshe, mimi ni mchezaji wa kawaida katika timu ya Falcons ambayo ni timu ya raga katika chuo kikuu cha Daystar.

    NINI kilikuchochea kuupenda mchezo huu wa raga?

    Nilipojiunga na shule ya upili ya Mtakatifu Inyasi ndipo ari yangu ya kupenda mchezo wa raga ilianza. Nilijiunga na timu ya raga nikiwa kidato cha kwanza japo shingo upande kwa kuogopa kuumizwa. Baada ya kujiunga na mchezo huo nilijua sheria na masharti zinazomkinga mtu wakati wa kumenyana na hofu yangu ikapungua.

    NI mchezaji yupi katika raga hukuvutia? Kwa nini?

    Mchezaji ninayemuenzi anachezea timu ya na Mwamba anafahamika kama Collins Injera. Mchezaji huyu ana bidii na anapenda kuwapa mwelekeo wachezaji chipukizi ili waweze kubobea kama yeye. Isitoshe, Collins amejivunia taji nyingi katika ligi za Uingereza kwa kufunga mabao mengi.

    MCHEZO HUU umekuvunia tija ipi?

    Mchezo huu umeniwezesha kufadhiliwa kimasomo katika ya shule ya upili na ya chuo kikuu. Hali kadhalika, nimejivunia taji la mchezaji bora na pia mchezaji aliyefunga mabao mengi upande wa Division 2. Nimeweza kuzuru nchi ya Uganda na Rwanda na miji ya Kisumu, Kakamega, Nairobi, Meru, Nanyuki na Nakuru.

    UNAWASHAURI vipi wachezaji chipukizi?

    Wasififishe talanta zao kwani ni zawadi kutoka Maulana. Pili, wafanye bidii wakati wa mazoezi huku wakiamini wao ni wachezaji bora kwani jambo huanzia kwa kukata shauri akilini. Tatu, wasikate tamaa hata wakishindwa kwani kufeli si kujaribu bali kutojaribu.

    FB_IMG_1569857000774

  • MONARCHIES OF AFRICA: Lesotho

    MONARCHIES OF AFRICA: Lesotho

    By Nyokabi Ng’ang’a

    Leshnyokabi@gmail.com

    Photo courtesy: artmajeur.com

     

    The Kingdom of Lesotho is an enclave within South Africa. It could be an independent country, but South Africa has played much importance in its political scene and stability where military coups are not a matter of shock.

    Lesotho could be a monarchy led by a King namely, King Letsie III, but its administration is one that takes a different turn due to the authority the Constitution has in all modes of governance. The Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Lesotho is the one in charge of the government operations, leaving the monarchical base being one that is ceremonial. The King in all his majesty is not allowed to take charge of governmental operations or intervene in any public affairs or settle any disputes whether between political factions or sections of the population as stated by King Letsie III in his interview by Al Jazeera.

    The Prime Minister, the Right Hon. Dr. Motsoahae Thomas Thabane is the one who heads all governmental operations; and also selects his Cabinet to fit into the executive arm of the government. He first became Prime Minister in 2012, but took to South Africa for asylum, with the claims that a coup was in progress to usurp his powers. This later on led to South Africa giving him a military envoy, facilitating his return to Lesotho to continue with his rulership.

    Aside from the governance stance of Lesotho, important to note is that Lesotho houses over two million people, with an estimate of the populace being 2, 125, 268 as recorded by the UN. The Major ethnic sect of Lesotho is the Basoto with its sub-groups ranging from Batluong, Bakuena, Baphuti, Matebele, Batokeng, and Batso-enang, (trading economics Website). With all the sub-groups present in the Kingdom, Sesotho and English are used as official languages that unite all persons within Lesotho.

    English: One of the official languages of Lesotho, came into play when King Moshoeshoe I, wrote to “the newly appointed governor of the cape, Sir Philip Wodehouse, suggesting that an Alliance be formed between the two territories (Basutho and Britain),” as recorded by South African History Online Website. This was done by King Moshoeshoe I when the Dutch, Voortrekkers, took advantage of the King’s hospitality by annexing a sect of the gifted land and calling it their own. Moshoeshoe then turned to the British government and his request was granted, leading to Basutoland being a British protectorate and colony in the years 1868 and 1959 respectively. Later on, Basutoland gained her independence in the year 1966 with her first Prime Minister being Jonathan Leabua, who was later deposed in the year 1986 by a military coup.

    Lesotho could be a small kingdom, but its majestic view, its resources and the love its citizens have for their indigenous culture, is a holding factor for all posterity. As reported by the South African History Online Website, Lesotho is the main supplier of water to South Africa with South Africa responding to the transaction with the supply of electricity. A small country it could be, but with an indigenous basis root, extensive land, weighty resources and beautiful culture with beautiful prints impressed on their clothing and their authentic housing structures.

    Next time you meet a Mosotho/ Basotho, don’t mind saying hi to an individual or a group with the words, Lumela and Dumelang respectively!

  • STAND BY ME

    STAND BY ME

    By Nyokabi Ng’ang’a
    Leshnyokabi@gmail.com

    Photo courtesy: YouTube.com

    Stand by me.

    At my worst, at my best:
    When the wind blows and the sun sets
    Stand by me.

    Stand by me;
    In my cries of depths,
    In my smiles of breaths,
    within greatest sorrows and huge burrows.

    Stand by me:
    When fears set while victory is at its best
    When humanity takes in insanity
    And insanity wipes of humanity.

    Lord, won’t you stand by me?

  • New Education System: Competence over Competition

    New Education System: Competence over Competition

    By Aaron Kituku.
    (kaykituku@gmail.com)

    A weekend at home gave me a glimpse of what the competency-based curriculum (CBC) is all about. If skill-set is the focus of this shift in academia, then this is a blessing in disguise.

    Pupils from Rock school in Nairobi were cleaning the streets with improvised brooms, aprons, and wheelbarrows on September 5th during a class project in the new curriculum. Apart from the adorable scene of these children sweeping, the direction the new system is taking is impressive.

    The 2-6-6-3 curriculum is replacing the old, exam-oriented system, 8-4-4, which was adopted in 1985. Contrary to the traditional education system, the competency-based curriculum advocates for a progressive assessment rather than a single event of an exam, which, whether a student passes or fails, the class will move forward through to new material and assume that students will figure out concepts as the study progresses.

    As some might argue that CBC is not encouraging competition, well that’s the idea; it is mastery or proficiency-based kind of learning.

    Opposed to studying piles of notes before an exam regardless of whether you understand or not, the new system emphasizes on whether or not a student is demonstrating well-defined competencies. That is knowledge applied. That is true learning.

    Just 2 years ago I was helping my brother do his homework in math’s, science and the like, this weekend was different. Shaping a car model from a box, curving out windows and doors was his take-home. It was fun, physically engaging and a provoked creativity. At grade 2, the child is already introduced to basic literacy and numeracy skills, appropriated communication, creativity and critical thinking, hygiene, digital literacy skills, emotional, physical and spiritual development among others.

    This is not just an improvement of the 8-4-4 system, it is a complete shift in academia whereby the trainees advance after they have demonstrated proficiency in carefully defined learning areas. That is to mean that if you get over the bar faster, the shorter you take in going through the system.

    “We shall ensure that we have now 100 percent transition from primary through to secondary school.” Said President Uhuru Kenyatta during the 3rd National conference on curriculum reforms.

    Equality of learning is probably the most important detail of the new system. It accommodates Individuals who would not thrive in a traditional class. It stresses training on a person’s natural inclinations. The system has flattened the playing field for all learners.