Category: News

By Benjamin Wanguba

On Wednesday, Daystar University emerged as the first runners up during the annual Public Relations Society of Kenya (PRSK) bootcamp. The PRSK bootcamp is an annual event, where various Universities from across the country come together for mentorship from industry professionals and thereafter engage in a PR competition amongst the attending schools. The theme of this year’s event was ‘Sustainable PR practices in a Disrupted World.’

During the competition, The Multimedia University of Kenya (MMU) emerged victorious with 148 points with Daystar University coming closely in second place with 145 points and Mount Kenya University finishing in 3rd. This was an improvement as the team that represented the school in the previous year’s event had emerged 3^rd in an event where St. Paul’s University won the overall bootcamp. The Daystar team, which was comprised mostly of Public Relations and other Communication students was brought together by the Public Relations Association of Daystar (PRAD). The association has been one of the most active clubs in the school in the last year and has been organizing events whilst actively recruiting students to its ranks, even previously being recognized as the best association during the Clubs and Association (CLASS) week in Athi River.

Wendy Rugut, the association’s Finance Manager, expressed her joy over the outcome of the Bootcamp. “I am very happy with our team. Even though we did not emerge as the top, we put in a good fight and it was a great experience overall. Getting to network with our peers as well as these distinguished mentors was a fun experience and I am looking forward to the bootcamp next year,” Ms. Rugut said.

The bootcamp usually consists of two parts. During the first session, the attendees attend a special session where they get to listen to industry professionals who speak about their experience in the field of PR as well as offer guidance to the students. This year’s bootcamp saw noteworthy individual’s address the students. First to go up on stage was Ruth Chitwa, The Communications Manager at Living Goods Kenya. She was followed by Peter Mwaura, the Corporate Communications manager at KCB Group. Next up was Evelyn Serro, the Sustainability Manager at Safaricom PLC followed by Ms. Maureen Mambo, the Director of Nation Brand Development, Marketing and Communication at KEPROBA. To sum up the presentations came Cleophas Agwanda who currently serves as the Marketing Manager at IMAX Africa Ltd.

During the final session, the speakers create a challenge for the participating schools, where the students are expected to pitch a campaign in about 5 mins. This year’s campaign centered around communicating the actions of Climate Change and how they affect Sustainable development. The speakers then participate as the judges during this section.

PRAD President Shirlene Omondi congratulated the PRSK for the organizing of a stellar. “The event was fun and educational and despite taking the second place, we were able to learn from the other competitors and identify where we made mistakes during the case study challenge,” she said.

By Joe Aura

The persistent political crisis in Sudan has not just engulfed the nation in turmoil but has ravaged the lives of countless innocent civilians, plunging them into an abyss of despair. Amidst the clash of powers and conflict, the true casualties are the hearts and souls of Sudanese individuals, grappling with unfathomable suffering and anguish.

At the heart of the clashes lie two figures, Abdel Fattah al-Burhan and General Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo (widely known as Hemedti), whose power tussles have plunged the nation deeper into turmoil. Their struggle for control has led to relentless clashes between the Sudanese Armed Forces and the Rapid Support Forces, leaving a trail of devastation—countless lives lost, families shattered, and communities torn apart.

The impact of this ongoing conflict transcends mere statistics; it’s a human tragedy etched in the sorrowful faces of Sudanese citizens. Lives are upturned, livelihoods obliterated, and dreams decimated in the wake of relentless violence. Scarred and traumatized, innocent souls are caught in a whirlwind of chaos, with no respite in sight.

However, the plight of Sudanese people is not solely marked by violence. It is a tale of deprivation, where necessities like food, water, and medical supplies are scarcer than ever. Families grapple with excruciating choices—balancing survival against soaring prices and dwindling resources. In the midst of the turmoil, children endure the most of the crisis, their innocent laughter drowned by the deafening sounds of conflict.

The humanitarian crisis gripping Sudan is an urgent call to action, resonating across borders and pleading for immediate intervention. Lives are uncertain, yearning for a glimmer of hope amidst the unfathomable despair. It is a moral imperative for the global community to extend compassion and aid to alleviate the harrowing suffering of Sudanese civilians.

Sudan’s cry for peace and stability is not just a national plea—it is a universal call to uphold the values of humanity and solidarity. Every life lost, every child’s tear, and every shattered dream demand an urgent response—a collective effort to end the anguish and rebuild the shattered lives. The time for action is now, to stand united and restore hope in the hearts of those shattered by the relentless turmoil.

By Joe Aura

Amidst a recent public holiday in Kenya, initially designated for tree planting but embraced with a mix of reflection and concern, the atmosphere was charged with anticipation. The impending announcement by Kenya’s energy regulator regarding fuel prices loomed large, casting a shadow of apprehension over the long weekend.

Throughout 2023, Kenya’s fuel prices have exhibited volatility due to various factors such as on-off subsidies, a mid-year doubling of VAT, global fuel price fluctuations, and the consistent weakening of the national currency. Unfortunately, these factors have not shown significant signs of favoring a reduction in prices over the past month.

In the last review in mid-October, the regulator increased fuel prices by a range of KShs. 2.45 to KShs. 5.72. Notably, these hikes could have been more pronounced if not for government subsidies ranging from KShs. 3.07 for petrol to KShs. 11.64 for diesel, aimed at mitigating the impact on consumers.

Interestingly, governors utilized helicopters for the tree planting exercise during the public holiday, prompting discussions about associated costs and the allocation of funds in such a challenging economic environment. Behind the scenes, stakeholders convened to assess the implications of the imminent fuel price announcement, recognizing its potential impact on households and businesses nationwide.

Moreover, Tanzania’s recent decline in fuel prices has sparked comparisons and conversations within Kenya’s economic circles, raising concerns about the disparity and its implications for the country’s economic competitiveness.

As the country eagerly awaits the regulator’s announcement, the palpable tension underscores the significance of this impending news. The potential ramifications on Kenya’s economic landscape warrant a cautious but vigilant observation of the developments ahead.

By Joe Aura,

{aurajoe6@gmail.com}

German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier’s recent visit to Tanzania was not just another diplomatic tour. His three-day sojourn from October 30, 2023, took a significant turn on Wednesday, November 1, 2023, when he publicly apologized for the colonial-era atrocities committed by German forces in Tanzania. This poignant moment of reconciliation echoed across Tanzanian hearts and history.

In a moving encounter with descendants of local hero Songea Mbano, a brave figure from the Maji-Maji rebellion, Steinmeier’s words carried weight: “This cruel deed has left its mark on many generations. It shames me. I am ashamed about what German colonial soldiers did to your forefather and his fellow warriors.” This apology reverberated on social media, sparking varied reactions. Some Tanzanians demanded more than mere words, advocating for reparations from Germany.

The arrival of colonial leaders in African countries has sparked divided sentiments. While some extend a welcome, others view such visits with skepticism. The preservation of colonial heritage by African leaders themselves has come under scrutiny. For example, in Kenya, the Maasai leaders sought redress from the British government before the King’s arrival. Historically, the Maasai were reluctant to engage with colonial rule, yet an informal alliance emerged between 1895 and 1904, benefiting both parties mutually.

The timing of the King’s visit, coinciding with the birthday of an ex-freedom fighter, bears a poignant irony. Despite this, the British extended no direct apology for colonial atrocities to Kenyan leaders during this visit. The legacy of colonialism, marked by wounds that still resonate, underscores the complexity of reconciling the past and moving forward.

As nations grapple with historical wounds and reckon with legacies of oppression, apologies serve as symbolic steps. However, the call for reparations and comprehensive acknowledgment of past wrongs continues to echo, emphasizing that healing requires more than words—it demands action and sincere efforts toward restorative justice.