INSIGHTFUL CURRENTS

TUM'S 10th Graduation  The successful 10th graduation ceremony held physically at the Technical University of Mombasa’s graduation square (lower pitch) was truly a momentous and joyous occasion. The event marked a significant milestone in the lives of the graduating students, their families, and the entire university community. As the sun set over the ceremony, casting a warm glow upon the proceedings, the atmosphere was filled with excitement, pride, and a sense of accomplishment. Graduants of 2022 seated at the podium awaiting awards from the Vice Chancellor Professor Leila Abubakar. For the graduates, this ceremony represented the culmination of years of hard work, determination, and sacrifice. Each student’s journey through their academic pursuit at the Technical University of Mombasa had been unique, filled with challenges, triumphs, and growth. From the early days of attending classes and grappling with complex concepts to late-night study sessions and collaborative projects,...

Kenyans Brace for Major Disruptions as Three Protests Take Center Stage on Wednesday July 12, 2023 Kenyans are being urged to prepare for significant disruptions on Wednesday, July 12, as the nation anticipates three major protests taking place across the country. These demonstrations, called by opposition groups and other entities, are driven by growing disillusionment among Kenyans regarding the soaring cost of living and controversial tax hikes introduced through the Finance Act. The protests are expected to paralyze major urban centers and cities, impacting essential services and causing inconvenience to the general public. The three main protests to be held on this day are: 1. Taxi Association Protests. Taxi drivers down their tools to call on the Government to lower the cost of fuel that triggers high cost of living. PHOTO FILE | NAIROBI NEWS Taxi-hailing apps have announced a nationwide strike on Wednesday, July 12, to draw attention to various issues affecting the transport sec...

  Saba Saba: A Defining Moment in Kenya's History During President Moi's Era Tear gas and water cannon dispersing crowds during 7th of July 2023, SABA SABA peaceful protest in Kenya. The Saba Saba (meaning "seven seven" in Swahili) rally held on July 7, 1990, stands as a significant milestone in Kenya's history during President Daniel arap Moi's tenure. This rally marked a turning point in the struggle for democracy and political reform, as citizens united to demand an end to one-party rule and demand for constitutional reforms. The Saba Saba rally, which led to clashes with the police and subsequent political developments, had a profound impact on shaping Kenya's political landscape. Moi's Presidency and One-Party Rule Daniel arap Moi assumed the presidency of Kenya in 1978 following the death of Jomo Kenyatta, the country's first president. Under Moi's leadership, Kenya experienced an era characterized by a single-party political system, as t...

  Celebrating International Joke Day: Spreading Laughter Across Borders. By Nicholas Omondi Achieng 1st July 2023      Photo File | News 18 Laughter is a universal language that transcends cultural barriers, and International Joke Day serves as a delightful reminder of this fact. Observed on July 1st every year, this light-hearted celebration encourages people from different corners of the world to come together and share in the joy of humour. The Power of Laughter Laughter has long been recognized as a powerful tool that brings people together, breaks down walls, and fosters a sense of unity. Regardless of language or nationality, a well-timed joke can elicit smiles and laughter from individuals of all backgrounds, instantly bridging the gaps between cultures. International Joke Day emphasizes the significance of humour in promoting cross-cultural understanding, as it encourages people to engage in playful banter and celebrate the diversity of comedic styles and ta...

  Raila Amollo Odinga Launches Raila Odinga Stadium in Homa Bay County, Igniting Excitement and Unity 30th June, 2023 An arial view of the stadium. [Photograph by Nicholas Achieng] A close up side view of the stadium. [photograph by Nicholas Achieng] Homa Bay County was set ablaze with excitement and unity as Raila Amollo Odinga, a prominent Kenyan politician and statesman, launched the highly anticipated Raila Odinga Stadium. The grand event marked a significant milestone in the county’s sporting history and served as a testament to Odinga’s unwavering commitment to development and youth empowerment. With thousands of eager spectators in attendance, the stadium launch became an unforgettable moment that brought together communities, celebrated talent, and exemplified the power of sports in fostering unity. A Vibrant Celebration of Talent and Unity The inauguration of Raila Odinga Stadium was a culmination of meticulous planning, dedication, and the collective efforts of various st...

  Kenyan Muslims Celebrate Eid ul-Adha In Style As Government Declared Wednesday A National Holiday. Wednesday, 28 June 2023 Kenya witnessed vibrant celebrations on Wednesday as Muslims across the country came together to commemorate Eid ul-Adha, one of the most significant festivals in the Islamic calendar. The Kenyan government declared this day a national holiday, allowing Muslims to fully embrace the festivities and observe their religious customs. Pilgrim of Muslims on a special prayer known as 'Salat al-Eid'. Marking Eid Ul Adha festival [photograph, The Standard] Eid ul-Adha, also known as the Festival of Sacrifice, honors the willingness of Prophet Ibrahim (Abraham) to sacrifice his son as an act of obedience to God. It is a time of prayer, reflection, and sharing with the less fortunate. The holiday also marks the end of the annual Hajj pilgrimage to the holy city of Mecca in Saudi Arabia. From the early hours of the morning, Kenyan Muslims gathered in mosques across ...

  Technical University of Mombasa Students Stage Protest, Campus Building Engulfed in Flames Monday, 25, 2023 A student carrying his luggage as He vaccates the institution premise. [Photograph courtesy of Jambo news] Technical University of Mombasa (TUM) witnessed a tumultuous Monday morning as students organized a peaceful demonstration at G-Square to voice their concerns and demands. The protest, which began at 9 am, resulted in an unfortunate incident at the Students Centre, where a fire broke out, destroying all business structures and leaving student entrepreneurs in a state of uncertainty. The primary objective of the protest was to draw the attention of the university management, particularly the Vice Chancellor, to address several pressing issues affecting the student community. These demands encompassed fee increments, de-registration of students, the reopening of Manyani ground, a comprehensive report on a missing student, Daniel Muvea, and the matter of 50% unit registr...

  Excitement Peaks as Kenyan Edition of World Rally Competition 2023 Draws to a Close. An aerial view of a Rally car on a speed motion. [ Photograph from Google ] The highly anticipated Kenyan edition of the World Rally Competition 2023 has captured the attention of motorsport enthusiasts from around the globe. Since its kick-off on June 22nd, this exhilarating event has showcased the skill, precision, and passion of the world's top rally drivers. With the competition set to conclude today, on June 25th, fans have been treated to four days of high-speed action and unforgettable moments. Day 1: The Rally Takes Off On the first day of the competition, the picturesque Kenyan landscape set the stage for an epic battle of speed and endurance. The rally drivers faced challenging terrains, including dusty trails, tight corners, and treacherous jumps. Spectators lined the route, eager to catch a glimpse of their favorite drivers in action. The energy in the air was electric as the rally ki...

THE TUM CULTURAL WEEK GRAND FINALE ;  Cultural Week at Technical University of Mombasa Ends in Style. The Technical University of Mombasa (TUM) recently concluded its highly anticipated Cultural Week with a grand event held on Friday night, 23rd June. The event was a spectacular showcase of talent, diversity, and the vibrant culture within the university. Students, staff, and members of the community gathered to witness a series of captivating performances, competitions, and announcements that made the evening truly unforgettable. Models on runway demonstrating their skills. [ Picture by Nicholas Achieng] One of the highlights of the night was the performances by internal artists from the institution. These talented individuals captivated the audience with their melodious voices, impressive dance moves, and awe-inspiring poetry. Their performances showcased the immense talent within the university and provided a platform for students to express themselves creatively. The energy and...

 IS CLEAR WATER CLEAN? Water is essential for life. It nourishes our bodies, supports ecosystems, and sustains our planet. When we think of clean water, we often envision clear, pristine water that glistens in the sunlight. But is clear water always an indication of cleanliness? Let’s explore the positive and negative aspects of clear water to understand the bigger picture. A water truck pumping water from the River for daily consumption. [Photograph courtesy of Larry Madowo Facebook page] Positive Response Clear water is often associated with cleanliness, and for good reason. When water is crystal clear, it generally means that it is free from visible contaminants such as dirt, debris, or particles. Clear water is visually appealing, and its transparency allows us to observe the aquatic life thriving beneath the surface. Additionally, clear water can be more inviting for recreational activities such as swimming, snorkelling, or simply enjoying the beauty of nature. In terms of dri...

 SHAKAHOLA MASS DEATHS:  The Dark Intersection of Religious Beliefs, Brainwashing, and the Alleged Gruesome Business of Human Body Parts. Photograph courtesy of depositphotos In the depths of Shakahola, where religious fervour intertwined with manipulation, a chilling tale unfolded. A tragic collision of twisted beliefs, insidious brainwashing, and shocking allegations of a macabre trade in human body parts emerged. As the world gasped in disbelief, it served as a stark reminder of the treacherous path that can unfold when fanaticism and greed converge. The Shakahola mass deaths stand as a haunting lesson, urging us to remain vigilant against the dark forces that seek to exploit and corrupt. The Shakahola mass deaths have sent shockwaves through the world, exposing the horrifying consequences of religious extremism, brainwashing, and the alleged involvement in a gruesome business centered around human body parts. This article delves into the disturbing story of the Shakahola t...

UPHOLDING FREEDOM OF THE PRESS   Moses Kuria’s Verbal Attack on Nation Media: A Threat to Press Freedom Date: June 19, 2023       photography; standard Media In a recent turn of events, Moses Kuria, the Cabinet Secretary for the Ministry of Investment, Trade, and Industrialization, launched a scathing verbal attack on the media, specifically targeting one of Kenya’s leading media houses, Nation Media. This incident has raised serious concerns about the state of press freedom in the country and the government’s commitment to upholding democratic principles. During a press conference held earlier today, Moses Kuria unleashed a barrage of criticism against Nation Media, accusing the media house of spreading false information and engaging in biased reporting. Such a verbal attack on a respected media organization is not only an affront to press freedom but also undermines the crucial role of journalism in a democratic society. Freedom of the press is a funda...

HONOURING MOTHERS' DUAL ROLE   A Tribute to Fathers: Celebrating Father’s Day Through the Eyes of a Mother’s Love.     Caroline Achieng, Nicholas' mother and Nicholas' sister pose for a photo. Father’s Day is a special occasion dedicated to celebrating the role of fathers in our lives and acknowledging their love, guidance, and support. However, for some, like Me (Nicholas Achieng), the experience of having a fatherly figure has been absent. In my world, my mother, a remarkable woman, has shouldered the responsibilities of both motherhood and fatherhood. This article pays homage to the unique perspective of individuals who have found solace and strength in the unwavering love of their mothers, celebrating their resilience and dedication on this significant day. My story is a testament to the enduring power of a mother’s love. Growing up without a father, he has only known the nurturing presence of his mother, who has selflessly taken on the role of both parent...

DON'T PANIC M You're first-time mother and haven't a clue what you are doing! But that's all right – most new parents feel like that. There are some simple, but invaluable, wisdom.     picture; African journal  When a child is born, so is a mother. Here you are: you've given birth, you are over the moon and you can't wait to take your infant home. But when you leave the hospital, you are suddenly overwhelmed. You think: “I have no experience at all! How do I take care of my baby? Can we please go back to the hospital and stay there for a year or so?” to help you get over those first-time parenting hurdles, pediatric cardiologist DR David Githanga has seven tips on how to hurdle your newborn baby and yourself. PARENTING HURDLE #1 Is that my baby? He looks like an alien! Newborn babies can look rather weird. The journey through the birth canal, maybe coupled with a vacuum extraction, has baby’s head looking all out of shape, and she’s covered in a past...