Despite improved performance, challenges in education sector persist

Despite improved performance, challenges in education sector persist

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he 2014 KCSE was marked by improved performance among the candidates with 3, 073 (0.63%) candidates scoring a mean grade of A Plain in 2014 compared to 2, 722 (0.61%) in 2013. Some 149,717 candidates attained C+ and above which is the minimum grade for university entry. In other words, those who will join campus this year increased from 27.5 per cent to 30.8 percent.

However, disparities persist since in terms of gender, only 41 per cent or  61,418  girls will join university compared to 59 per cent of male candidates which represent  88, 299 boys. This clearly shows boys outperformed girls in the national examination. Similarly, male candidates took up 69.4 per cent of A Plain slots leaving female candidates to contend with just 30.6 per cent.

Gender stereotyping in subject choices and careers also informed performance given girls scooped better scores than boys in languages such as English, Kiswahili, Christian Religious Education, Home Science and Arts and Design. Science subjects and Maths were dominated by boys.

There was also yawning gender dispiriting in historically marginalised counties. For example, in Garissa, only 28 per cent of candidates for KCPE were girls while the rest were boys. In Mandera the ratio of boys to girls stood at 71:29. Education CS Jacob Kaimenyi was also concerned about underage candidates who increased from 1.3 per cent to 1.9 per cent from 2013 compared to 2014.

Kaimenyi cited increased dropout rates among students as wastage of resources. While 521, 621 students were admitted in form one in 2011, only 483,630 graduated from high school. A whole 7.85 per cent went down the drain despite the government’s colossal investment in education since education takes up a lion’s share during annual budgetary allocations.

Additionally, retrogressive cultural practices such as the Female Genital Mutilation, early marriages and teenage pregnancies contributed to the school dropout.  Child labour and poverty too conspired to shatter the education dreams of the Kenyan Child.

The government should enforce the school fee guideline that was recommended by Kilemi Mwiria- led committee and compel school principals to release result slips and certificates of poor learners who are bright but held back by poverty.

To its credit, the government has increased learning opportunities by chattering new universities and converting middle level colleges to universities. But the middle and low cadre students are ignored since there is little investment in technical colleges. They are endangered since when the middle level colleges are converted to universities the government does not create other tertiary institutions for low performers who also deserve quality education just as top students.

MUSYOKA NGUI, Kitui

Campus elections: Nothing is off limits; even the kitchen sink will be thrown at you

Campus elections: Nothing is off limits; even the kitchen sink will be thrown at you

Ideally, campus politics are supposed to be fertile ground for future politicians to hone their skills in order to practice later in national politics. But going by the recent student campaigns the university polls are anything but a training ground for political leadership. MUSYOKA NGUI investigates the dirty tricks used by aspirants to clinch coveted seats in campus.

Fake Polls

Some comrades are hired to spread populist opinion on who is believed to be the most famous candidate. The statistics do not reveal sources neither do they show the target population which acted as respondents. What’s more, there are no details on the distribution patterns on the campus demographics say, the popularity of candidates among their peers, course mates, faculty and communities.

The drafters of the dodgy numbers serve only to advance propaganda- which may work if it is told over and over again.

Samuel Ombati posted this on CUC (Chuka University) Live: Chairman: Bonnie Kiunga 56%, Kenyatta 34%, Akoko 8%, (the) Rest 2%. On the Secretary General docket he wrote: Ruffor Munene 48.1%, Keffar Mugambi 35.9%, Rest 16%. Treasurer: Alex Omanga 62.12%, David Ontiti 0.2%. He added: “other posts we are still analyzing”.

Ombati claims to have obtained his figures from Facebook posts on CUC Live. However, few comrades will say they were interviewed by Ombati. There are still other pollsters in the internet throwing around “poll results” to keep their preferred candidates relevant. The community is large enough to attract campaign teams given that the current membership stood at 17244 as at mid January while the uploaded photos numbered 3737 and total uploaded files were 23. The elections for Chuka University student body are slated for Saturday January 31^st.

 Celebrity Endorsements

Well known comrades are used to drum up support for aspirants in the hope that the celebrities’ followers will turn out to be voters.  Salome C Muchiri, an ardent supporter of Robinson Kenyatta Elmargo  and Alex Omanga for Chairman and Treasurer respectively drew parallels on CUC Live which left tags wagging. Hear her,” BABU OWINO &NDEGE SIRKAL TO CAMPAIGN FOR KENYATTA AND OMANGA. The joyous Ndege Sirkal has promised to give Chuka University a taste of Nairobi University student politics.

Salome’s post drew condemnation from supporters of opposing candidates.

Kendi Tinar Meeme laughed: Hahahahaha! Eti Babu! Enos Muthomi Njeru dismissed the post as an insulting comparison between UoN and Chuka University. He wrote: Hii ni Chuka si UoN. Bonnie for Chair. Jay Max added: We don’t need anyone’s help to vote....aende UoN apa ni Chuka.

Yule Corporate Amigoh blasted Team Kenyatta as liars by stating that he(Amigoh)  knew Babu Owino well and the latter “cant kam to support ua foolish camp...”

Babu Owino served two terms as SONU Chairman at UoN and is regarded by many comrades as influential, wealthy and able to lead-despite the fact that his term was characterised by rampant strikes of student body.

Censorship

There have been claims that the admins of the student online platform censor dissenting views. Yule Corporate Amigo complained that the admin deletes post: ata ukitoa hii post admin venye umezoea kutoa,,,ushaisoma pia ww&u know how Akoko is a good leader.

The damaging allegations by Amigo did not augur well fair competition given that the new constitution guarantees media rights in Chapters 34(1): “Freedom and independence of electronic, print and all types of media is guaranteed”. These include right to free expression, freedom of the media. But the rights have limitations which prohibits hate speech.

Members also allege that they are blocked by admins for holding less than acceptable opinions.

Anonymous Posts

Controversial users operate under the veil of anonymity. While this prevents them from reprisals of the comrades and candidates who do not support their ideologies, it gives the faceless users an advantage to bash genuinely identified users who stick to decorum and fair play.

Big spenders

The contestants with deep pockets mount oiled campaigns reminiscent of real general elections that are held in the country after every five years.  This disadvantages candidates who may have the leadership qualities but do not have resources to vie for the seats on offer.  Ann Wanjau, a final year Communication and Media student at Chuka University who participated in vetting the 2013/14 CUSA (Chuka University Students’ Association) election contestants says that the candidates who vie for lucrative seats like Chairman and Secretary General impress their supporters by hiring trucks and fitting them with loud speakers in order to attract voter attention hoping that eventually they will be voted in.

“They showcase big and expensive campaigns like using large and coloured posters and trucks fitted with loud speakers”, says Ann.

Characteristic of this description, former CUSA Chairman Boniface Mutinda assembled expensive campaign team complete with hired vehicles.  Another contestant X Mutembei also had a convoy of vehicles and aggressive campaign secretariat. Both went ahead to clinch the respective posts they vied for.

An impeccable source who declined to be named said that tribalism plays a key role in the student elections. The populous tribes, he alleged, connive to present a Chairman and a running mate cobbled from another equally sizeable community in order to use their numbers to win elections. Ethnic politics is sensitive issue in a country nearly brought to its knees during the 2007/8 post election violence.

Who’s the fairest?

Beautiful and handsome contestants stand better chances to be elected into the governing council under ceteris paribas (holding other factors constant). George Kobia, a blogger and a fourth year Communication and Media student in Chuka University claims that university students are lured by looks and superficial attributes and not substance in the brain or values. He adds that getting the most beautiful ladies as running mates and cheer leaders will work wonders for hitherto faceless contestants.

“Campus guys do listen to ladies a lot as part of pleasing them mainly for the sake of appeal and taking in mind that most campus guys are usually in for a short term fling when it comes to relationships. So I think getting the support of the best ladies counts  as well as handsome and popular guys help especially when campaigning in ladies hostels”, said Kobia.

Kobia also added that freshers are the swing constituency and the easiest prey to devour politically. That combined with buying cheap liquor such as spirits and diluting with water propels the candidate to the polls with a head start.

Unrealistic Manifestos

He also argued that fake promises and sugar-coated manifestos attract gullible blocs of voters. These manifestos are jotted in full colour and are well illustrated and touch on matters directly affecting the students. Candidates for Director of Student Welfare and Director for Academic seats are known for unrealistic promises and lies. The most misused campaign items are lowering of hostel prices, availing of fast internet connection and quality library services.

However, not all candidates let down their supporters. Geraldine Ndila served as the Organizing Secretary for CUSA in the last academic year. She credits herself as the leader who brought Mseto East Africa Campus Tour caravan from Nairobi led by Citizen TV’s Willy M Tuva. The event was graced by artists like Avril, Big Pin and producer Refigah.

Jaford Mbihi was also a popular CUSA Chairman who demystified the high seat by being social with other students and advising them on entrepreneurship given he is a relatively successful young businessman.

The university has employed affirmative action on the CUSA membership by citing that the post of Organising Secretary should be reserved for ladies. Additionally, the candidates vying for chairmanship are required to pick a person of opposite gender as their running mate.  And to keep candidates on course with their key mission in university, no one can vie for any CUSA seat if they don’t have at least 60% mean grade on their transcripts.

To their credit, Chuka University comrades hold peaceful elections and are tolerenat of dissenting ideas.

Article 32(1): Every person has the right to freedom of conscience, religion, thought, belief and opinion.

When the editor kills writer’s story

When the editor kills writer’s story

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here is great power in deciding on news values and placing premiums on stories, lives and destinies. 

BY MUSYOKA NGUI

musyokangui02@gmail.com

Writing is an active undertaking. It consumes calories to think about ideas before the writer pens them. It is even more tedious despite advancement in technology. Writing manually with a ballpoint pen can be stressful. The tip causes friction on the paper slowing down the writer.  Then after toiling so much the gatekeeper trashes the writer’s manuscript much less giving it a glance. Such situations place writers at a critical juncture.

I have met budding writers asking me how I broke into the world of letters. As a man of letters I have been published by distinguished presses as well as rags. I handle diverse topics for varied audiences. To me no topic is off limits under the sun.

And so you can imagine the number of editors I have worked with. On the way I have been privileged to work as an editor as well. A very high calling, that.

First, let me address those who have been discouraged by editors. Your work is a masterpiece.  Let no one tell you otherwise. Editors have a habit of killing good stories which in turn spell doom on promising careers. I equate killing a story with procuring an abortion when the latter is not justified. An editor who declines to publish your story is obliged to explain the reason why.

It is fine to give the reasons why you did not publish a story. You owe it to your readers and the content producers.  You may not publish a story due to lack of space in the edition you are packaging. You may also find the article irrelevant. For example, if your newspaper deals with political beats and you receive entertainment gossips you may decline to publish the said article on the grounds that it will be misplaced.

Another reason for not publishing writer’s stories is legal ramifications. You may have a scoop that will cut you a niche in the competition but you may shelve the story altogether if it bears potentially damaging consequences. For instance, if a public servant is accused of abuse of office and you obtain damning dossiers revealing the inner corruption which stink to high heavens you may want to shelve the story for a little while to verify. Once you are sure of the authenticity of the stuff, hit the keyboard like the computer is the offending party.

News is highly perishable commodity. What is trending now is history the next moment. If you submit stale stories, be sure the editor cannot touch them even with a ten-foot pole. The next stop will be the recycle bin and your story will be buried and forgotten.  You must script with speed. Get the facts fast. That way you will carve out credibility for efficiency and be the go –to- guy for breaking news.  Colleagues will always want to be in your team. Competitors will covet you.

So what do you do when an editor trashes your story? First, understand the reason why the editor declined to publish you. You could be the problem. Editors detest stories which do not flow. Grammatical errors are the last thing to expect from a seasoned writer especially when the editor is working under tight deadlines and odd hours to make ends meet. Please make the work easy for your boss.

Once the editor corrects your errors make a conscious effort not to repeat those errors in future. Use those unkind comments to build your career. Let pride not get into your mind. We all get rejected in life. Things cannot always go as planned.  Point is, take corrections positively and later you will thank the editor for setting the standard for you. Strive to be excellent. Mediocrity will not only degrade your professional profile but also may cost you your career and injure the reputation of your company.

If you know your value and think that the editor did you a disservice be unafraid to take your talent elsewhere. Explore other options. You can self-publish. Today due to technological advancement anything is possible. If an editor mutilates your story, paste the full version on your blog for your followers to read, watch and listen.

Be consistent. Persist to send stories to the editor who is hard to please. Bombard him or her with manuscripts upon manuscripts.  Hit their inbox with worthwhile submissions that will eventually crack their tough skins.  Again, if you freelance for a particular paper and it declines to publish you, try your luck elsewhere. Who knows? It could be a blessing in disguise.  Diversify your options to minimize disappointments.

Once you establish yourself they will come looking for you. The game will be turned on its head. The hunter will become the hunted.

As I indicated above, I have served as both a writer and an editor. In fact, most of the times I do both. It is much like holding up a mirror on my face. In my little world I am the judge and the judged. There is great power in deciding on news values and placing premiums on stories, lives and destinies.  I am humbled to be trusted by my audience to tell their stories. I will try to be faithful. Don’t spare the criticism. It is essential for constructive development of this revered career.

The writer is a blogger at musyokangui.blogspot.com and a Fourth Year Communication and Media student at Chuka University.

Gas gimmicks making comrades broke

Gas gimmicks making comrades broke

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t is a place we have learnt that freedom is best earned by giving it up. So much time we had yet so little we did. We couldn’t have done everything. Even in a lifetime.

BY MUSYOKA NGUI

musyokangui02@gmail.com

The drop in fuel prices early this year was termed by industry players as the best New Year’s gift so far. Gas prices drastically came down much to the benefit of comrades.  Some were quick to declare that the economy was doing well. Others said it was government’s commitment to drive down inflation and cushion the ordinary citizens from unwarranted price hikes despite the drop in international barrel billings.

I do not want to delve into the details of economics but I will offer you an insider perspective on the changes that have occasioned the downward revision gas prices.

Comrades who were used to relying on charcoal and kerosene literally upgraded their energy consumption by acquiring new gas cylinders for only KES. 3800(initially it was up to KES.5000 a cylinder). Refilling these tanks cost anywhere between KES 950 and 850. For once, real benefits were trickling down to the intended beneficiaries.

IRRESISTIBLE OFFER

Some gas dealers offered to transport the bulky cylinders to the premises of the comrades. Others could just deliver on your doorstep and pick the empties-at no extra charges. When you visit their filling stations they could give you flyers of their trade. The leaflet contained discounted offers which could not be resisted especially by those who have lived through the times of jiko smoke and soot and paraffin’s searing smell and taste(like when it accidentally mixes with food either by touching foodstuffs with stained hands or confusing paraffin for water.) You know what I mean if you’ve been there.

As if the gas was the panacea of college cooking, the burners got faulty. Comrades complained about roaring sound made by the burning fuel. This not only produced irritating noise but also “consumed gas at a guzzling rate” if you ask comrades. They equated the roaring sound with gluttony of the gas to burn fast so that they may refill before the semester ends.

As we turn March, the dealers have suddenly hiked gas prices much to the chagrin of comrades who are normally as broke as church mice during the tail term. Painful decisions will have to be made. Like boiling water using an electric heater and baking ugali on the gas holder as if the gas heated the water it was then faithfully and dutifully mixing with flour.

PHOTON PACKETS

Estate electricity will “fall”. Landlords and caretakers better brace yourself for more repairs of the circuit breakers or find a higher capacity that can allow more heating.  Nowadays we don’t watch TV because our analogue broadcasters were forcibly shut down by the Communications Authority. So do us a favour and transfer those photon packets to better use like electric heating, ironing and warming water.

You will bear us witness that our PCs and smartphones do not consume so much electricity. Thank you for including electricity charges on the monthly rent. In the past we used to get a separate electricity bill of KES. 150 and if it happens that we are broke Kenya Power came to cut the connection and cart away the assorted electrical equipment. We’d go for days in the dark until we paid the KES.500 penalty for reconnection.

I am no doomsayer but I take this early chance to warn freshers and their ilk to be vigilant in their houses. Someone may be tempted to keep your gas safer if you cannot take the trouble to lock your house. Those trendy shoes you proudly display on your doormat could turn out to be the next covet for broke comrade. Tuck them inside.

For those of us who are leaving we reminisce campus residence as an experiment to clone comrades in a test-tube of freedom. A perfect dose of government stipend is dropped in to measure their mettle in managing the meagre upkeep. It is a place we have learnt that freedom is best earned by giving it up. So much time we had yet so little we did. We couldn’t have done everything. Even in a lifetime.

We can only hope that heavens will open up for us to permanently depart from dormitory dwelling to wallowing in mansions.

FINAL BOW

PS: Just received tragic news about demise of a neighbour, Munyambu Ngundi. Death has a rude way of reminding us about our mortality and the fickleness of air. You went to be with the Lord. Your now orphan sons will take the mantle. I pray that God give them the strength to carry on. To Mwathe and Kyalo, you’re in our thoughts and prayers.

RIP neighbour.

The writer is a blogger at musyokangui.blogspot.com and a Fourth Year Communication and Media student at Chuka University.