The Kenya Universities and Colleges Central Placement Services, KUCCPS, recently released students’ placements. The 2023 KCSE candidates were placed in different universities and colleges according to their grades. According to the KUCCPS, 258,935 students are scheduled to join different programs. Seven hundred thirty-four will attend Diploma Secondary Technical Training Centers, while 9529 will join Primary Technical Training Centers. Sixty-three thousand nine hundred twenty-one students have been placed in Ministry of Education TVETs, 3963 in non-Ministry of Education TVETs. Public universities placed 134,743 students, while private universities placed 1558, and 19,653 were placed in KMTC. Traditionally, getting a university education was seen as the definition of academic excellence, not anymore. The story is changing, with many students choosing technical colleges over universities even after surpassing the cut-off points to join universities. The placement board raised a concern that close to 600k students didn’t apply for university opportunities despite having the needed grades. At the University Every year, thousands of our university students graduate. However, they live to tarmac looking for a job. Are the studies learned in the universities relevant to our society? Do they solve our country’s problems, or do they deter us from realizing our challenges and strategies for overcoming them? Unfortunately, one must look for a job after university studies, yet the cost of going through the system is exorbitantly high. The high number of unemployed degree students makes the market competitive. This makes these students continue to pursue higher education to earn master’s and PhD degrees, thus using more money. Undoubtedly, the high costs and skill-focused training in TVETs make technical training a preference for many. The Technical Training Institutes, TTIs, as they were known before, were seen as a place of learning for students who had failed their national exams. The perspective has changed after these students make it in life and greatly contribute to the country’s economic growth. In the job market, most degree holders, even master’s students, have gone back to pursue a diploma in their area of specialty. Employers are looking for candidates with hands-on skills, especially in technical roles. However, it should be noted that education qualifications have their place, especially in managerial roles. KUCCPS stand in ASK Machakos show From culinary schools with state-of-the-art kitchen equipment to mechanical or automotive garages with modern equipment, students learn skills that they continue to employ in their jobs. These skills also give these students the opportunity to be self-employed from the moment they leave class. This disposition usually makes them financially independent from a young age. The Cabinet Secretary for Education has encouraged students to consider technical learning. Speaking when TVETs were celebrating a century since their establishment in Kenya, Mr. Machogu informed the citizens that the ministry is ready to hold exhibitions and even competitions to inspire more students to enroll in these courses. The permanent secretary of the State Department for TVETs, Dr Esther Muoria, also emphasized the government’s intention to ensure students receive the needed learning in these colleges. She stated that the government has been ensuring that the colleges have skilled trainers and required equipment, not forgetting the in-demand and relevant skill learning. The country has indeed seen the benefits of these courses. Besides finding employment in the local job market, some students have found employment opportunities in foreign arenas. Some of the courses done in technical institutes include electrical technicians, plumbing, masonry, carpentry, medical training in nursing and medical assistance, and information technology studies in cyber security, network administration, and software development. Other courses are in agriculture, the environment, and natural resources management. Culinary students Think about a person who has specialized in tile placement or modern ceiling installation. They will acquire these skills in class, continue to improve on their craft while working, and become experts in it. While we cannot dismiss university education, we also cannot underestimate the value TVET training offers by offering practical, in-demand skills. Technical graduates start their careers with a competitive job advantage, and as they advance, they are able to command higher salaries.
The First Child with Cerebral Palsy to Win American Ninja Warrior
One teen has shown the world that, against all odds, he can achieve his dreams. 18-year-old Vance Walker has proved that nothing would get in his way of realizing his aspirations. This teenager is a remarkable one, having been born with cerebral palsy. Up until first grade, he had to wear braces to assist him in walking. Interestingly, he had been informed he would never do sports. Despite the odds of doing regular physical therapy to manage pain, the teenager competed in the last season of American Ninja Warrior. He not only participated but also went through and won! Vance Walker became the first person with cerebral palsy to win and only the third person in fifteen seasons to take home the $1 million prize. Speaking about his achievements, he said, “It was the greatest moment of my life. Right there was eight years of training.” He explained that it was a dream come true for him after multiple years of training. Vance Walker in the competition The champion shared how, at the age of ten, he was fascinated by a guy he saw doing a backflip as one of the obstacles. The show was in its sixth season. This was one vision and dream, and he was unwilling to let anything take him down. He decided to put in the work that would see him through. Although sometimes hard on himself, he constantly reminded himself of his accomplishments and pats himself. He started with going to a gym for a camp the championships had. It was an adult playground filled with all the giant obstacles. He fell in love with the imagination he would have by flying through the air. He has received positive support from the cerebral palsy community through emails and letters. He has also influenced and inspired many children with the condition and their parents. Since the American Ninja Warrior started, no one has ever won it twice. Vance understands this and acknowledges that he is just having fun, having won the last season. “Nobody has ever come back and won it twice. So I’m not expecting anything. I want to win it again, but I am here to enjoy it.” Vance also advised that to overcome fear as a participant, one needs to be prepared and put in years of extensive training on replicas of those types of obstacles. The competition is open to teenagers 15 years and above. For him, he has been a competitor since he was 16.
How Athletes are Helping Eldoret Town Transition into a City
Uasin Gishu is fondly nicknamed ‘City of Champions.’ Even as world champions continue to rise from the county, retired athletes have been leading activities and measures to preserve the good name born out of athletics. The county eagerly awaits the presidential admission and chartering of its county headquarters, Eldoret town, into a city. The town is undoubtedly the maker of world champions. Along with the neighbouring Transnzoia counties, the county excels in farming. Eldoret is getting ready for City status and continues to host international sporting championships. Some key games include the Eldoret Marathon, a leading nurturing ground for upcoming talents. Prize money earned from different world events has shaped the town’s skyline. Three-time world 3000 meters steeplechase star Moses Kiptanui is one of the thriving entrepreneurs in Eldoret. Sports management should offer holistic support to the athletes to continue churning out athletic talent. Lack of discipline and mentorship has made the athletes susceptible to frequent anti-doping tests. We lack mentorship, which has contributed to the athletes from the events within a short time. As much as I am coaching my athletes, I have to coach them even outside this running career. I am not only coaching one to run but also coaching them to have a better life tomorrow, said Kiptanui. Former 800-meter Common Wealth Champion Japheth Kimtai is giving back to society by nurturing young people interested in the game. He has established a complete sports athletics training Centre in Kaptagat. Ariel view of Eldoret town Besides training, the Centre has helped some trainers get USA scholarships and is dedicated to holistic mentorship and coaching. “Every day at 5 o’clock, they have to go for devotion… You will see them teaching other athletes even what to do on their own,” Japheth shared. The entrepreneurship and coaching efforts these athletes offer continue to propel the beauty of the town. The president is expected to confer the charter in August this year. In mid-September 2023, the Senate Committee on Devolution and Intergovernmental Relations recommended that Eldoret municipality be given city status. The committee purported that the city had complied with the Urban Areas and Cities Act of 2011. When declared a city, Eldoret will be the fifth after Nairobi, Kisumu, Mombasa, and Nakuru. The town meets the population threshold of 250,000 residents and has an Integrated Urban Area Development Plan. Its thriving businesses have also demonstrated its ability to generate sustainable income.
Delhi, India Heat Wave as Temperatures Exceed 50C
India is currently recording its highest-ever record temperatures. The temperatures have hit 52.3C, and the government weather bureau reported a severe heat wave that has crossed the landmark of 50C. Scientists believe the extreme changes have been caused by climate change. A red alert has been issued for several parts of the northern and western areas. These hot temperatures have been experienced in southern and southeast Asia, from India to the Philippines. Weather reports show temperatures across Central and Northern India have been more than 50C. Furthermore, the same heat is experienced at night, with temperatures going to around 30C. Things are expected to change once the Southwest Monsoon arrives in the country. It’s in Sri Lanka and is expected to arrive in India in a few days. The monsoon brings rain, and the temperatures fall. Summer in India runs from March to September, and it’s usually hot and humid. The country is one of the hottest areas in Asia. Most parts of the region are experiencing extreme heat. In Pakistan, the temperatures have also crossed 52 degrees. Other countries are Thailand and Vietnam. It’s unfortunate that the four nations are the top exporters of rice. With the hot temperatures, farming output will decrease, affecting global food security. The extreme temperatures have left citizens who struggle to make ends meet unable to care enough for themselves. Baskets of shaved ice I have to sit in the heat. I have no fan, and I have to sit in my hut. The sun is scorching and eating away at us, but where can I go? Hanal Khatun, a Sindh resident, says. In Pakistan, close to 40% of the population lives below the poverty line. This means that despite the extreme heat, many people can’t just stay at home. We have to work in this hot weather. We don’t have a choice. We must work and feed our children whether cold or hot, lamented another villager. Hospitals have been treating hundreds of patients with heat strokes. Keeping them cold has been an uphill task due to the frequent power blackouts caused by the growing demand. Rivers and wells in Maharashtra state are dry, and the farmland is empty. The most affected cities are Delhi, where the highest record was 52.9C on Wednesday; Churu, Rajasthan, with 50.5C recorded on Tuesday; Pholodi, Rajasthan, which also recorded 50C last week; and Sirsa, Haryana, which experienced 50.3 degrees on Tuesday.
Kenyans Angered by the House Demolitions in Mathare
Residents of the Kosovo area in Mathare are in pain as they count losses following their house demolitions. The incident, which the government claims is a bid to secure the riparian land, has left many homeless. Human Rights defenders have criticized the demolitions, terming them as insensitive and inhumane. People are walking back home in the evening to find their homes demolished. Last evening, people in this area slept in the cold. Children are not going to school. And all this is happening just a few days after floods traumatized the residents. Wanjira Wanjiru, a Human Rights Defender. Residents dug through the debris of the demolished houses, trying to salvage their belongings. The government ordered the demolition of all structures within 30 meters of the Mathare River. According to the government, the exercise was meant to avert further losses of lives from flooding. However, it has turned into a nightmare. My house was a four-story building. I was not given any notice; I speak with a lot of pain. I am sleeping outside. To build this house, I secured a loan of 3.5 million from the bank. Nelson Mwangi, a Mathare resident, lamented. Kenya Human Rights Commission, KHRC, has also criticized the government and asked it to stop the exercise and help those affected. They argue that residents should have been notified or given more time to vacate and that the government should have been ready to offer alternative housing solutions. What is happening here is a breach of human rights. Said Cornelius Oduor, The Deputy Executive Director of KHRC. The commission also highlighted that the demolitions have been discriminative. Only buildings in informal settlements have been demolished, while others constructed elsewhere within similar proximity to the river have been spared. It is good to have equality in the demolitions. Let it not be seen that the government is quick to demolish in Mathare than in other areas. Irene Soila, the program Advisor, KHRC. Ongoing demolitions in Mathare The residents are asking for support and assistance from the government and well-wishers. People with disabilities are among those yet to receive any humanitarian support. There is unfairness and a lack of transparency in how the ten thousand shillings are distributed. Cornelius Oduor added. It’s been more than three days since the demolitions started. While the exercise is meant for good, the manner of its execution has left many in the cold, and they don’t know where to start again.
Change County Names Based on Ethnic Groups, NCIC Says
What is in a name? The National Cohesion and Integration Commission Kenya, NCIC, seeks to rename ten counties named after ethnic groups. The counties are Nandi, Meru, Kisii, Tharaka-Nithi, Taita-Taveta, Embu, West-Pokot, Samburu, Elgeyo-Marakwet, and Turkana. The NCIC is committed to understanding the root causes of tribal conflicts in Kenya. One of the challenges it has identified is the naming of our counties. We recognize that there is a problem when it comes to people living in counties that have ethnic names, says Rev. Samuel Kobia, Chairman of the NCIC. The NCIC believes that renaming these counties will have a positive impact. It will help minority groups residing in these areas feel less discriminated against by the larger group. Additionally, it will enhance the sense of security for all Kenyans, regardless of where they live or work. This proposal is part of the NCIC’s comprehensive strategy to address boundary disputes, which have been a significant cause of ethnic clashes. To achieve this, NCIC is preparing to table a motion in parliament to reduce discrimination against citizens of any ethnic origin. Out of the 47 counties, 33 have experienced boundary disputes, making it a leading threat to peace and cohesion. Although devolution was established as a solution to the unequal distribution of resources and growth, it has been a cause of conflicts, especially in areas demarcated along ethnic dwellings. Major Conflicted Boundaries According to the commission, the significant disputes have been between Narok- Migori, Kitui- Tana River, Kisumu- Kericho, Taita- Taveta – Makueni, Meru-Isiolo, Nandi- Kisumu, West- Pokot- Baringo- Turkana, Kisumu- Vihiga, Nyamira- Kisii and Kwale- Kilifi. A person holding an arrow The NCIC boss also cautioned Kenyans on how they share and consume social media content, adding that it has been fueling some ethnic contempt. Politicians were also warned against misinforming the public with their utterances. We have taken what was said in Limuru three very seriously. We are investigating and have instructed our investigating team to now look at what was said by who so that we can take it up… Rev Kobia added. To emphasize the work the commission does, it reported that it had taken up the following cases from different social media platforms: 44 discrimination cases, 93 misinformation cases, 24 incitement cases, 68 disinformation cases, and six hate speech cases. In addition, out of the 67 hate speech cases they have handled, 43 are currently being investigated, two are already in court, and 13 have been concluded.
It’s a Win for JSS Teachers as Interns are Offered Permanent Jobs
From July 1, 26,000 JSS teachers will receive new, higher salaries. The positive changes will not have to wait until January 2025, as TSC had proposed; this followed intervention by the National Assembly’s House Committee on Education and Research team. In their presentation, the Teachers Service Commission had indicated to us that the interns will be converted to permanent and pensionable in January 2025 next year. Which we actually felt as a committee the financial year begins in July… Hon Julius Melly, Chairman Education and Research Committee. The JSS tutors have been on strike since the schools opened for the second term. They have been pleading to the TSC to employ them on a permanent and pensionable basis and to review their salaries upwards. The employing body, TSC, had started threatening the striking teachers by asking them to write a letter to ‘show cause’ and explain why their engagement should not be terminated. The 38,600 intern teachers were offered the opportunity to work as JSS tutors, hoping they would be employed permanently. The employer has also required them to teach subjects that are not their specialty. Since 2019, TSC has been employing interns through a controversial internship program. Those engaged in primary schools earn a stipend of Ksh 15,000, and interns in Secondary schools take home Ksh 20,000. However, the JSS intern teachers will now enjoy a robust health care scheme, receive a basic pay of Ksh 36,621, and receive a house allowance of between 9,600 and 16,500, varying depending on their work locations. They will also be given commuter and leave allowances. Narok JSS teachers protesting The education and research committee were tabling their recommendations before the Budget and Appropriations Committee that Hon Ndindi Nyoro leads. The Budget committee sought to know the expected total cost of the move. What is the cost for hiring on a permanent and pensionable basis all the 46,000 JSS and other interns and bringing back time from January 2025 to July 2024? We would want you to give us the cost… Hon. Ndindi Nyoro Chairman, Budget and Appropriations Committee. The TSC added nearly 20,000 interns to teach at the JSS facilities in September last year. Although the two House Committees seek to have all the interns employed as permanent and pensionable, the fate of this last group hangs in the balance. Since the schools reopened for the second term, the Junior Secondary School Teachers have been on strike, paralyzing learning for JSS students in public schools.