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  • WORLDCOIN: The new cryptocurrency

    WORLDCOIN: The new cryptocurrency

    {Photo courtesy of Techweez}

     

    By Sophie Kinya.

     

    A new fascination has risen in Kenyans with the launching of a cryptocurrency called Worldcoin. The digital currency initiative was introduced by Sam Altman the CEO of OpenAI earlier this week on July 24th.

    Worldcoin is a project to create a digital network in which everyone can be able to participate and join the digital economy. A person’s iris pattern is scanned by Worldcoin employees using a tool called the “Orb,” which they use to collect biometric information and assist the user to obtain a World ID using the World app. This software allows scanned users to transact with their World ID when it is possible and even collect Worldcoin [WLD], at regular intervals. According to Sam Altman’s Twitter account, the development of eye-scanning technology is essential for a day when it will be harder to tell humans from robots due to the development of AI.

    This project has been launched in over 30 countries worldwide among them being Kenya where 13 stations have been established. Singapore, Seoul, Tokyo, Mexico City, Dubai, Madrid, London, Paris and Lisbon are among the other cities.

    Kenyans joined the almost 200 million users who have signed up so far worldwide.  Most of them have embraced this new development with open arms. This could be seen in the way they were queuing in supermarkets and malls around Nairobi city to have their irises scanned.

    Their motivation is believed to be the token that they have been assured to receive after they complete the process. When someone signs up and is verified, they receive 26 WLD, which is equivalent to around 7000 Kenyan Shillings. In addition to that, Worldcoin is offering 1 WLD weekly in a program called Worldcoin grants.

    The Worldcoin project may seem to have come as an answered prayer to some Kenyans especially light of the country’s declining economy and consequent lack of finances. However a section of Kenyans do not agree with the Worldcoin cryptocurrency. Here are some comments to what Kenyans had to say on Twitter;

    “Anything to deal with giving away your data should be approached with caution. Data is the new oil and am not ready to sell it at 7k” MaxwelMogambi1.

    “I am human,,why would I need to verify that,,kwani we got extra terrestrials” Fred Murithi.

    “Hii ndio 666? Asking for my SDA brethren” Bayoz7.

    The Office of the Data Protection Commissioner (ODPC) said in a statement on Friday that it was aware that Worldcoin has been introduced in the country and that it was handling sensitive personal data in a way that required a showing of appropriate protections in accordance with the Data Protection Act of 2019.

    ‘Kenyans are reminded to make sure they have the right information before submitting any personal or sensitive data,’ the statement continues, ‘as the ODPC evaluates Worldcoin’s operations to guarantee compliance with the law, people are urged to fully research how their data will be handled’.

    To sign up, users must first download the Worldcoin app and create an account, after which they must visit a Worldcoin Orb station and scan their irises for identity verification. To withdraw your worldcoins to M-Pesa, first convert your crypto currency to dollars, then navigate to the dollars area of your wallet, and then click the withdraw option. After that, pick the option to withdraw to M-Pesa and enter the amount you want to withdraw in dollars. Finally, select an M-Pesa agent and complete the withdrawal process.

  • MEN’S SUIT RULES YOU NEED TO KNOW

    MEN’S SUIT RULES YOU NEED TO KNOW

    {Photo courtesy of Pinterest}

     

    By Samuel Owino

     

    Suits have been in existence since the 19th century and can be credited to Beau Brummell, a prototypical gent back then. Before Beau Brummell, suits were heavy influenced by the French court. He broke these rules of clothing by simply putting on a jacket, a pair of trousers and boots.

    The name suits comes from the French word, “suivre” which means to follow. This could translate to, the jacket follows the trousers and the trousers follows the jacket.

    I have observed that most students in Daystar do not know how to properly put on a suit and this reflects poorly on us. Here are some of the basic rules that should be followed when wearing a suit.

    First of all, one has to know what type of suit he or she is wearing. There are two kinds, a single breasted suit and a double breasted suit.

    For the single breasted suit, there are three kinds; one-buttoned suit, two-buttoned suit and three-buttoned suit.

    • The one-buttoned suit, one must always keep the button closed while standing.
    • For the two-buttoned suit, keep the top button closed and never close the bottom button.
    • For the three-buttoned suit, the top button is optional, the middle button must always be closed and never close the lower most button. The rules goes “Sometimes, always, and never.”

    The double breasted suit may seem complex but pretty easy once you understand.

    The double breasted suit has one simple rule: close all the working buttons but the lower one that seals it is optional, meaning you could decide to close it all, or leave one button open.

    Now remember that whenever you sit down, it is advisable to unbutton your jacket. This makes one avoid ruining their suit and keeps it straight.

    Never undo all the buttons of your jacket unless you are seated. It is just the way it cut and it is not meant to be open.

    Now you know, so please Daystar students, let us change how we put on our suits when we are at events and especially the law students who put on suits on a regular.

    These rules are important as they show sophistication and cuts a better silhouette.

  • Derby Delight for Daystar Falcons

    Derby Delight for Daystar Falcons

    [Photo courtesy of Maingi Mutiso]

    In a highly charged and action-packed football match, spectators were treated to a rollercoaster of emotions as Daystar Falcons and Daystar City battled it out. The game, held at the Bethel Grounds lived up to its hype, featuring incredible goals, contentious decisions, and moments of pure excitement.

    The match kicked off with both teams displaying their attacking prowess from the outset. Daystar City’s Nathan had an early opportunity to open the scoring. However, much to the disappointment of the travelling fans, his goal was disallowed. The decision sparked debates among fans, but the match referee stood firm with her decision.

    The home team, not to be outdone, quickly capitalized on the momentum shift. Madede, broke through City’s defense with a brilliant effort, to put Falcons ahead after being set up by a cutback cross from fellow teammate Mike. The home fans erupted in jubilation.

    Shortly after, Falcons would double their lead again through Madede who was set up by Musanka. Musanka lashed on to a paried away save after City failed to clear the ball.

    As the first half drew to a close, Mike would add to his assist and put the home side 3 goals to the good with a stunning header on goal after teammate mida mida found him with a cross. The stadium erupted with cheers.

    The second half began with even more intensity, as both teams sought to gain the upper hand. City piled the pressure on Falcons early on in the second half and would get their reward as Abubbakar’s effort found the back of the net.

    Falcons would bring City goalkeeper, Ken Andrew into action forcing a double save that kept City in the match. City’s onslaught would see another goal disallowed when Deng found the back of the net but the referee again called foul play.

    City’s spirited fight in the second half could not help mount a comeback as Falcons saw out the game holding on to their two-goal lead and taking the campus bragging rights.

     

     

     

  • COUP ATTEMPT IN NIGER

    COUP ATTEMPT IN NIGER

    {Photo courtesy of Financial Times}

     

    By Samuel Owino

     

    Troops from the presidential guard of Niger have declared a coup on Wednesday 26 July 2023 after holding the president and key ministries hostage.

    Col Maj Amadou Abdramane and nine others soldiers from the presidential guard, declared on national television that they have put an end to the government regime.

    “We, the defence and security forces… have decided to put an end to the regime you know.” Maj Amadou said.

    “This follows the continuing deterioration of the security situation, and poor economic and social governance.” He continued.

    He also said that said that the soldiers were acting for the National Council for the Safeguard of the Homeland (CNSP)

    The African Union and the western bloc, ECOWAS have commented, rebuking these actions to seize power by force.

    The attempted coup in Niger marks the seventh coup in West and Central Africa since 2020, making the efforts to promote stability by the western forces in the Sahel region much harder.

    The country has remained largely peaceful since the coup announcement. On Thursday however, supporters of the coup set fire to the ruling party’s headquarters in the country’s capital, Niamey, after the army command declared its backing for the coup.

    The country’s last coup occurred in 2010, overturning then President, Mamadou Tandja.

  • ICT MINISTER, ELIUD OWALO CONFIRMS CYBER ATTACKS

    ICT MINISTER, ELIUD OWALO CONFIRMS CYBER ATTACKS

    {Photo courtesy of Techweez}

     

    By Samuel Owino

     

    The ICT and Digital Economy CS has confirmed cyber attacks on government services platforms on 27 July 2023.

    CS Eliud Owalo on Thursday, confirmed that there was a cyber attacks on the government’s e-citizen platform. The CS however insisted that there was no data lost.

    “They tried jamming the system by making more than ordinary requests into the system… no data has been accessed, no data has been lost.” Owalo said.

    Kenyan citizens have been complaining for the past four days of their inability to access government services through the portal.

    The CS speaking on SpiceFM, assured Kenyans that there is no need to panic as they had been anticipating such attacks and the government has adequate capacity to address cyber insecurity. He also said that the portal should be back to normal by the end of the day.

    On social media, a hacktivist group that goes by the name Anonymous Sudan took credit for the cyber attacks on the government platforms.

    The group is not only responsible for the government websites attack, it has also hit banks, hospitals, Kenya’s telecom company, Safaricom, and universities such as The University of Nairobi.

    The group said it attacked Kenya because Kenya released statements “doubting the sovereignty of Sudan.”

  • Arsenal Stuns Barcelona in 8-goal thriller

    Arsenal Stuns Barcelona in 8-goal thriller

    [Photo courtesy of AFC]

    In a thrilling encounter Arsenal showcased their attacking prowess to secure a remarkable 5-3 victory over Spanish giants Barcelona. The match, filled with twists and turns, left fans on the edge of their seats until the final whistle.

    The game kicked off with an early lead for Barcelona when Robert Lewandowski found the back of the net in the 7th minute, setting a confident tone for the visitors. However, Arsenal’s young talent, Bukayo Saka, equalized the score just six minutes later with a skillful finish in the 13th minute.

    The action continued as Arsenal was awarded a penalty in the 22nd minute, giving Saka a chance to put his team ahead. Unfortunately, the young Englishman missed the spot-kick, allowing Barcelona to breathe a sigh of relief. However, Chelsea’s star midfielder, Kai Havertz, made amends for the missed opportunity, giving Arsenal a 2-1 lead with a goal in the 43rd minute.

    Just when it seemed Arsenal would enter halftime with a narrow advantage, Raphinha of Barcelona produced a moment of brilliance, leveling the score at 2-2 with a well-taken goal in the 34th minute.

    As the second half commenced, Leandro Trossard showcased his scoring prowess, firing two crucial goals for Arsenal in the 55th and 78th minutes, giving his team a commanding 4-2 lead. The Belgian winger’s brace left the Barcelona defense in disarray.

    In the 88th minute, Ferran Torres gave Barcelona a glimmer of hope, pulling one back for the visitors and making it 4-3. However, the late-game drama wasn’t over, as Fábio Vieira of Arsenal sealed the deal for his team with a composed finish in the 89th minute, sealing a memorable 5-3 victory for the Gunners.

    The match displayed an enthralling display of attacking football from both sides, delighting fans and neutrals alike.

    This result will undoubtedly boost Arsenal’s confidence as they head into the upcoming season, leaving their supporters hopeful for an exciting and successful campaign.

  • Bellingham Opens Account for Real Madrid Against Manchester United

    Bellingham Opens Account for Real Madrid Against Manchester United

    [Photo courtesy of Getty Images]

    On Tuesday evening in San Diego, Manchester United’s Under-21s team suffered a 3-1 defeat against Wrexham. Fast forward 24 hours to Houston’s NRG Stadium, and the first team faced a harsh reality check from a talented and energetic young Real Madrid squad.

    Andre Onana, the newly acquired No. 1 goalkeeper for £47.1 million this summer, couldn’t prevent the two goals, as Real Madrid ran riot.

    The first goal was a display of brilliance from Jude Bellingham, who once had the privilege of touring United’s Carrington training base with the legendary Sir Alex Ferguson. Real Madrid’s latest star recruit skillfully controlled a long ball from Antonio Rudiger before casually chipping it over Onana, leaving the defense stunned.

    The second goal was an audacious bicycle kick from Jose Luis Mato after Lucas Vazquez set up the fellow Spaniard with a cross.

    Manchester United has only one more match in the US to face German Bundesliga side Dortmund.

     

  • POLICE DISRUPT PROTESTERS HOLDING VIGIL

    POLICE DISRUPT PROTESTERS HOLDING VIGIL

    {Photo courtesy of COTAA}

     

    By Samuel Owino

     

    Police in Mombasa disrupted a vigil held at Uhuru Gardens on 26 July 2023.

    The protesters lit candles in honor of their fallen colleagues, a directive by the opposition leader, Raila Odinga. The police came and interrupted the meeting and sent them away. The national government had put police in various areas in fears that citizens may hold protests.

    There were also marches at Jacaranda gardens where they also held a vigil. They marched as they sang songs.

    “Sisi ni wageni, hapa Nairobi, wanaua watu wetu, hapa Nairobi” that translates to “we are visitors, here in Nairobi , they kill our people, here in Nairobi”

    The opposition leader, Raila Odinga visited patients at Mama Lucy Hospital during the vigils. The patients were victims of police brutality during last weeks protests.

    The nation remains confused as the political tensions rise and the citizens issues that seems to be snubbed by the national government.

  • Mbappe Saga Takes a New Twist

    Mbappe Saga Takes a New Twist

    [Photo courtesy of sky news]

    By Eugene Oyier

    Saudi club Al-Hilal, now home to Ruben Neves, Sergej Milinkovic-Savic, and Kalidou Koulibaly, has expressed interest in acquiring Kylian Mbappe (24). The club made a record-breaking offer of 300 million euros (£259m), but Paris Saint-Germain is in no rush to respond.

    PSG plans to wait until July 31st before considering the various offers for their star player.

    Transfer expert Fabrizio Romano disclosed Al-Hilal’s substantial offer, although there have been no discussions with Mbappe yet. The final decision from PSG is yet to be revealed.

    RMC Sport confirmed that Al-Hilal submitted a written offer. Additionally, Barcelona has entered the race, scheduling direct talks with PSG officials on Monday, as reported by the French daily L’Équipe.

    Apart from Real Madrid, Chelsea, Manchester United, Tottenham, and Inter are also reportedly interested in signing Mbappe.

  • Messi to lead Inter Miami as club captain

    Messi to lead Inter Miami as club captain

    [Photo courtesy of Inter Miami]

    By Eugene Oyier

    World Cup winner Lionel Messi, 36, has been appointed as the new captain of Inter Miami, confirmed by coach Tata Martino on Monday.

    Upon his recent signing with Miami, Messi donned the captain’s armband in his debut during a Leagues Cup tie against Liga MX’s Cruz Azul on Friday, where he scored a stunning stoppage-time free-kick.

    The club’s previous captain, Brazilian midfielder Gregore, is sidelined with a foot injury, paving the way for Messi to assume the leadership role.

    When asked about Messi’s captaincy, Martino asserted, “Yes, he will be,” indicating the star’s continued role as captain.

    Inter Miami aims to secure advancement to the knockout stages of the Leagues Cup, a World Cup-style tournament featuring all teams from MLS and Mexico’s Liga MX, as they face Atlanta United in the final game of the two-game group stage on Wednesday.