History was written as Moi University made it to this year's Kenya National Drama Festivals, since the inception of the event in 1999. During the festivals, the University emerged victorious in three categories.
Out of five items presented, three impressed the judges. The narrative, "Carolina Kacheliba" was picked as the best story on reconciliation. The solo verse "Let The Child Live" topped the Environment category.
The advert titled "It Doesn't Matter" was selected as the best advert in the festival. It was produced by the Drama/Film Club's chair, Mr. John Kyalo.
Mr. Kyalo is optimistic that Moi University will win more trophies if the student fraternity maintains the zeal for art.
The club now plans to unveil a movie and advert in Main Campus. However, the official date will be announced in the coming days.
The Annual event was held at the Mombasa Technical Training Institute (for colleges and universities). It took place from 16th-22nd of this month.
Compiled by William Decker and Stanley Kimuge.
Saturday, April 27, 2013
QUEST FOR THE NEW CONSTITUTION REMAINS A PIPE DREAM
By Mohammed Doyo
In the past few days, a group of students have emerged with calls of having a new constitution before the next Muso Elections. According to this group, a new constitution if put in place will ensure an easy recalling non-performing SGC members and again increasing the number of student representation in the Muso union.
The group led by one, Bush- 3rd year economics student want the Collins Bett-Dikembe 2011 Muso draft constitution be implemented. However, the group’s pursuit for the implementation of the constitution, 18 months later after it was drafted has raised more questions than answers. Is this a carefully orchestrated plot to delay the elections in the name of getting a new constitution? Why the efforts now when elections have come calling and not last year, yet the group was in session? Is this group conversant with the process of getting a new constitution; the civic education process, referendum and finally its implementation? Which is more urgent; the constitution or the elections?
The group blames the Doghana-Dikembe led SGC of reluctance to push for the implementation of the draft Muso constitution. Another question crops up, Is the group aware the two student leaders tried pushing for it only for the Administration to REJECT it citing legal and administrative complexities in the draft among other reasons?
While speaking to a group of students who sought clarifications on the constitution issue on thursday, Doghana, The Muso Chairman openly dismissed the Bush-led group’s efforts and said the pursuit for a the draft constitution implementation is not only a misguided one but also an ignorant one
“The draft constitution was rejected by the administration because of complexities. The said constitution bases itself on regular academic calendars where all students are in session, devolved system of operation such as appointing heads of hostels which is now practically impossible because of the Accelerated intake program. Cases of plagiarism were also noted. The draft constitution is in the dustbin” He says.
Kirong Shadrack, a member of the 12 man constitution review commission (CRC) that came up with the draft constitution shares Doghana’s sentiments. He says pushing for the implementation of the draft constitution now is a pipe dream that won’t be realized anytime soon. He adds that if a new Muso constitution is to be realized in MUSO, the process has to begin afresh and will take a minimum of 2 years to form a commission, write a constitution, review by the University’s legal office, incorporate the legal office’s recommendations, senate’s approval, conducting a civic education, a referendum and finally implementing it.
The picture is clearly written on the wall for Bush-led group to see. As much as getting a new constitution is important, it isn’t a thing where you just wake up and say you want it. A procedural process has to be followed. And the process takes TIME.
After all is said and done, Elections have to be conducted as outlined in the current Muso Constitution. The group would rather embrace sobriety, reality and start pushing for the dissolution of the 26th SGC and elections conducted. And still come up with a plan on how the students out of session, specifically the 4th years will be involved in the democratic process.
But as at now, trying to push for a new constitution is only as effective as trying to drink soup using Chinese chopsticks!
Enough Said.
The group led by one, Bush- 3rd year economics student want the Collins Bett-Dikembe 2011 Muso draft constitution be implemented. However, the group’s pursuit for the implementation of the constitution, 18 months later after it was drafted has raised more questions than answers. Is this a carefully orchestrated plot to delay the elections in the name of getting a new constitution? Why the efforts now when elections have come calling and not last year, yet the group was in session? Is this group conversant with the process of getting a new constitution; the civic education process, referendum and finally its implementation? Which is more urgent; the constitution or the elections?
The group blames the Doghana-Dikembe led SGC of reluctance to push for the implementation of the draft Muso constitution. Another question crops up, Is the group aware the two student leaders tried pushing for it only for the Administration to REJECT it citing legal and administrative complexities in the draft among other reasons?
While speaking to a group of students who sought clarifications on the constitution issue on thursday, Doghana, The Muso Chairman openly dismissed the Bush-led group’s efforts and said the pursuit for a the draft constitution implementation is not only a misguided one but also an ignorant one
“The draft constitution was rejected by the administration because of complexities. The said constitution bases itself on regular academic calendars where all students are in session, devolved system of operation such as appointing heads of hostels which is now practically impossible because of the Accelerated intake program. Cases of plagiarism were also noted. The draft constitution is in the dustbin” He says.
Kirong Shadrack, a member of the 12 man constitution review commission (CRC) that came up with the draft constitution shares Doghana’s sentiments. He says pushing for the implementation of the draft constitution now is a pipe dream that won’t be realized anytime soon. He adds that if a new Muso constitution is to be realized in MUSO, the process has to begin afresh and will take a minimum of 2 years to form a commission, write a constitution, review by the University’s legal office, incorporate the legal office’s recommendations, senate’s approval, conducting a civic education, a referendum and finally implementing it.
The picture is clearly written on the wall for Bush-led group to see. As much as getting a new constitution is important, it isn’t a thing where you just wake up and say you want it. A procedural process has to be followed. And the process takes TIME.
After all is said and done, Elections have to be conducted as outlined in the current Muso Constitution. The group would rather embrace sobriety, reality and start pushing for the dissolution of the 26th SGC and elections conducted. And still come up with a plan on how the students out of session, specifically the 4th years will be involved in the democratic process.
But as at now, trying to push for a new constitution is only as effective as trying to drink soup using Chinese chopsticks!
Enough Said.
Rampant Theft At Stage As First Year Student Loses Laptop
A first year student residing at stage is the latest victim of a new wave of theft that has hit Main Campus. While narrating his ordeal to The 3rd Eye, the 1st year student explained how he ambushed a middle aged man at midnight disconnecting his elecronic gadgets in his room but he fled immediately. The thief got away with a laptop and a smartphone.
The student was from a graduates' farewell dinner organized by the Muslim Association. This is the latest of such a case. In the past few days, The 3rd Eye has received numerous reports of laptop theft in the campus, with Stage topping the list of the most affected areas by the widespread theft.
The student was from a graduates' farewell dinner organized by the Muslim Association. This is the latest of such a case. In the past few days, The 3rd Eye has received numerous reports of laptop theft in the campus, with Stage topping the list of the most affected areas by the widespread theft.
Friday, April 26, 2013
AT THIS POINT THE CURRENT SGC IS UNCONSTITUTIONAL
By Gitungo Wamere
Constitutionalism is the bedrock of every civilized society, in such a society people live up to the letter and spirit of the laws that they’ve set up for themselves. Laws essentially are made to ensure that society is run smoothly and every person therein is treated at least in respect and dignity.
Immediately there is disconnect between the law and the people who are supposed to adhere to it, anarchy creeps in. In an anarchical situation nothing adds up, anything can be done anyhow including the most important ones. Nothing can symbolize anarchy better than Moi University.
Two months later after the tenure of Students Governing Council ended, the council comfortably still holds the offices unconstitutionally. The council was supposed to be dissolved mid- February but despite of the gross violation of the MUSO constitution there are no signs of its dissolution. This is an illegality that should be condemned in the strongest way possible.
The comfort in which this illegality has been accommodated by the office of the DEAN which deals with students affairs is overly disturbing. The reaction by this office raises a number of questions. Could this office be conniving with the administration to render student’s representation irrelevant? Could this be a conspiracy to end the Union?
It is an indisputable fact that functional Unions are a pain in the neck of any administration but they are of essence and therefore an effort to meddle with their smooth functioning should be met with resistance. Therefore, all democrats and disciples of the rule of law should be vigilant at this hour where forces of union phobic are hell bent to scatter student’s voice.
Late last year when a group of concerned students who believed that students must have representation in every academic year just as the constitution dictates, the dean of students used a remote provision – article 10(1)and(2) to deny us the right of representation. Instead of listening to our legitimate concerns the DEAN used his authority to clobber us. He stood on his ground that election should and must be held after twelve months. Why then fourteen months later his voice is vague, if any?
In the meeting the outgoing Chairman, Secretary General and the academics director were present. As expected the directors concurred with Dean on everything, even where there was an obvious problem, they were not ready to provide a solution. At that particular moment there was a power vacuum, the students were being drowned by problems. It was at this time when H was being declared as not part of Moi. It was at this time when the tradition of arm bushing students with an unpredictable academic calendar was taking root.
But the office of the Dean in Unison with the outdated SGC turned to us with a deep clear voice saying, “keep off you noisy horn-bills, can’t you see you are disturbing?”
Finally, it is therefore a matter of urgency to have the current SGC dissolved and have elections.
The writer of this Opinion Piece is a 3rd year Political Science student.
Immediately there is disconnect between the law and the people who are supposed to adhere to it, anarchy creeps in. In an anarchical situation nothing adds up, anything can be done anyhow including the most important ones. Nothing can symbolize anarchy better than Moi University.
Two months later after the tenure of Students Governing Council ended, the council comfortably still holds the offices unconstitutionally. The council was supposed to be dissolved mid- February but despite of the gross violation of the MUSO constitution there are no signs of its dissolution. This is an illegality that should be condemned in the strongest way possible.
The comfort in which this illegality has been accommodated by the office of the DEAN which deals with students affairs is overly disturbing. The reaction by this office raises a number of questions. Could this office be conniving with the administration to render student’s representation irrelevant? Could this be a conspiracy to end the Union?
It is an indisputable fact that functional Unions are a pain in the neck of any administration but they are of essence and therefore an effort to meddle with their smooth functioning should be met with resistance. Therefore, all democrats and disciples of the rule of law should be vigilant at this hour where forces of union phobic are hell bent to scatter student’s voice.
Late last year when a group of concerned students who believed that students must have representation in every academic year just as the constitution dictates, the dean of students used a remote provision – article 10(1)and(2) to deny us the right of representation. Instead of listening to our legitimate concerns the DEAN used his authority to clobber us. He stood on his ground that election should and must be held after twelve months. Why then fourteen months later his voice is vague, if any?
In the meeting the outgoing Chairman, Secretary General and the academics director were present. As expected the directors concurred with Dean on everything, even where there was an obvious problem, they were not ready to provide a solution. At that particular moment there was a power vacuum, the students were being drowned by problems. It was at this time when H was being declared as not part of Moi. It was at this time when the tradition of arm bushing students with an unpredictable academic calendar was taking root.
But the office of the Dean in Unison with the outdated SGC turned to us with a deep clear voice saying, “keep off you noisy horn-bills, can’t you see you are disturbing?”
Finally, it is therefore a matter of urgency to have the current SGC dissolved and have elections.
The writer of this Opinion Piece is a 3rd year Political Science student.
DVC: ONLINE ROOM ALLOCATION TO BE INTRODUCED
By Mohammed Doyo
The accommodation department is about to go digital beginning next semester. Speaking to the 3rd Eye, the Deputy Vice chancellor in charge of student affairs, Prof. Ogechi said the new administration office has put full plans in place to ensure the department embraces technology in allocation of hostel rooms.
“Students will be paying fees while they are at home and book rooms from there before reporting to school beginning next semester. We don’t want complications and inefficiencies experienced in the manual process of allocating rooms every time,” he said.
The DVC also acknowledged that cases of corruption in the past have clogged the accommodation department forcing students to secretly offer bribes to hotelkeepers to get rooms in hostels.
“It has come to our attention that some janitors coerce students in giving bribes to acquire rooms. This must stop and the only way to do it is by going digital.” Said Ogechi
The DVC also clarified he was the one behind the directive issued to janitors to allocate Hostel rooms at student center with an aim of reducing favoritism and unfairness in the process. He observes the process conducted between 15th -19th was successful.
“Room allocation went on well and as long as the conditions of getting accommodation were met, every student was able to get accommodation” He says.
The DVC also hinted that plans are underway to build new hostels in the university as part of the plans by the new office to solve the accommodation problem. The project is expected to kick off soon.
In the past, the administration has issued promises on several occasions to introduce online balloting only to fail, latest being September last year where the MUSO accommodation and security director had promised to coordinate with the Admin to introduce the technology only to backtrack on the promise.
The accommodation department is about to go digital beginning next semester. Speaking to the 3rd Eye, the Deputy Vice chancellor in charge of student affairs, Prof. Ogechi said the new administration office has put full plans in place to ensure the department embraces technology in allocation of hostel rooms.
“Students will be paying fees while they are at home and book rooms from there before reporting to school beginning next semester. We don’t want complications and inefficiencies experienced in the manual process of allocating rooms every time,” he said.
The DVC also acknowledged that cases of corruption in the past have clogged the accommodation department forcing students to secretly offer bribes to hotelkeepers to get rooms in hostels.
“It has come to our attention that some janitors coerce students in giving bribes to acquire rooms. This must stop and the only way to do it is by going digital.” Said Ogechi
The DVC also clarified he was the one behind the directive issued to janitors to allocate Hostel rooms at student center with an aim of reducing favoritism and unfairness in the process. He observes the process conducted between 15th -19th was successful.
“Room allocation went on well and as long as the conditions of getting accommodation were met, every student was able to get accommodation” He says.
The DVC also hinted that plans are underway to build new hostels in the university as part of the plans by the new office to solve the accommodation problem. The project is expected to kick off soon.
In the past, the administration has issued promises on several occasions to introduce online balloting only to fail, latest being September last year where the MUSO accommodation and security director had promised to coordinate with the Admin to introduce the technology only to backtrack on the promise.
MOI UNIVERSITY'S 8,079 RANK: WAS IT JUSTIFIED?
By Shiku Ngigi
You are seated at home enjoying a movie or getting warm by the fireplace. Your phone rings. Almost by reflex, you pick it up and hit a button. Ah, it’s your friend from class. He’s remembered me after three months, you think to yourself, must be something important. You sit up and take in the contents of the text. “Sasa, my dear! Nimeona kwa 3rd Eye ati tunafungua next week.” Pause.
Maybe you are not reading it right. You read it again. Yes, you read right. Your holiday is over. It can’t be. After all, the 3rd Eye is not a credible source of information. Very fast, you call someone else and they tell you the same thing. No, you will not believe anything that is not from a credible source. The next best thing is Google. Google has answers to everything, right?
Very quickly, you open your opera mini browser (or maybe run out of the house to the nearest cyber café) and enter Google. “Moi University opening dates” you type and wait for a few seconds, depending on Safaricom’s mood that day. You hold your breath. The results page appears before your eyes. The first result on the page reads, “Moi University Press Club, The 3rd Eye - Media/News/Publishing...”
Seriously, are you kidding me? You want to scream. To make matters worse, the Google result to the university’s official website comes in fourth position, alongside other personal blogs. Mind you, the result is on 2011/2012 academic year opening dates. Looks like you will have to trust the 3rd eye, huh? Well, it has happened to me for the longest time too. I feel you.
Now, do a little experiment. Just for the fun of it, Google “University of Nairobi opening dates”. Voila! The first two results are the university’s official website and all the rest are quite reputable sites like Wikipedia. Why the difference? As an information science student who is online half the day, I will offer my two cents on this. I will not go into technical details, lest you get bored.
1. The university website is in all manner of ways below par. You would expect that a site of its calibre would give information about students, for students and, to some extent, by students. But instead what does it do? It’s all about staff, staff and more staff. Enter the site and click on the links that look like they may have information on students, all you will see is either empty pages or pages that were updated years ago. A good example is the MUSO page.
2. The university’s social media platforms are as underutilized as it gets. Do you even know it has both Facebook and twitter pages? Search and see for yourself. The problem is, just like the website, the accounts are updated like once a month or so. Ask whoever administrates the pages a question by tweeting or writing them an inbox and you will never get a reply. One of the reasons why major corporations like Safaricom and Kenya Power are thriving in the online world today is because they embraced social media and the efficiency of assisting clients through interactions on the platforms.
3. Students are not involved in any way in putting up content in that website. If they were, we probably would not have a world rank of 8,079 on Webometrics. I will not even mince words. If this trend continues, the rank will keep dropping every year. Oh, and by the way, Webometrics only ranks based on web presence and impact. The rank has nothing to do with operations off line. You can now rest easy, we are not that bad. Ever tried contacting the ICT department? I have and trust me you will never get a reply. So much for having contacts put up on the site.
4. Needless to mention the homepage ifs filled with links and a slider. No content that will help you at first glance. In the online world, content is king. If you focus on aesthetics of a page and forget about useful content, your efforts are null and void. To top this up, you are treated to a mixture of dead links and promising icons of non-existent student mail (Or maybe I did not get the memo when people were signing up for email addresses).
I will stop there for now, hoping someone is listening. There are so many students who would be glad to help improve this institution but are not given the opportunity. That is why most just want to complete their studies and vamoose. We love this place for what it offers. We complain because we know it could do better. We can help. In the information age, information is everything. And by the way, Moi University is not alone on the dead links, other sites have that too. To err is human.
In the meantime, don’t bother running to Google for the latest news from the official source. You know where you will get it loud and clear. Forgive us when we err, we are learning too.
The writer is the Online Manager, The 3rd Eye.
Maybe you are not reading it right. You read it again. Yes, you read right. Your holiday is over. It can’t be. After all, the 3rd Eye is not a credible source of information. Very fast, you call someone else and they tell you the same thing. No, you will not believe anything that is not from a credible source. The next best thing is Google. Google has answers to everything, right?
Very quickly, you open your opera mini browser (or maybe run out of the house to the nearest cyber café) and enter Google. “Moi University opening dates” you type and wait for a few seconds, depending on Safaricom’s mood that day. You hold your breath. The results page appears before your eyes. The first result on the page reads, “Moi University Press Club, The 3rd Eye - Media/News/Publishing...”
Seriously, are you kidding me? You want to scream. To make matters worse, the Google result to the university’s official website comes in fourth position, alongside other personal blogs. Mind you, the result is on 2011/2012 academic year opening dates. Looks like you will have to trust the 3rd eye, huh? Well, it has happened to me for the longest time too. I feel you.
Now, do a little experiment. Just for the fun of it, Google “University of Nairobi opening dates”. Voila! The first two results are the university’s official website and all the rest are quite reputable sites like Wikipedia. Why the difference? As an information science student who is online half the day, I will offer my two cents on this. I will not go into technical details, lest you get bored.
1. The university website is in all manner of ways below par. You would expect that a site of its calibre would give information about students, for students and, to some extent, by students. But instead what does it do? It’s all about staff, staff and more staff. Enter the site and click on the links that look like they may have information on students, all you will see is either empty pages or pages that were updated years ago. A good example is the MUSO page.
2. The university’s social media platforms are as underutilized as it gets. Do you even know it has both Facebook and twitter pages? Search and see for yourself. The problem is, just like the website, the accounts are updated like once a month or so. Ask whoever administrates the pages a question by tweeting or writing them an inbox and you will never get a reply. One of the reasons why major corporations like Safaricom and Kenya Power are thriving in the online world today is because they embraced social media and the efficiency of assisting clients through interactions on the platforms.
3. Students are not involved in any way in putting up content in that website. If they were, we probably would not have a world rank of 8,079 on Webometrics. I will not even mince words. If this trend continues, the rank will keep dropping every year. Oh, and by the way, Webometrics only ranks based on web presence and impact. The rank has nothing to do with operations off line. You can now rest easy, we are not that bad. Ever tried contacting the ICT department? I have and trust me you will never get a reply. So much for having contacts put up on the site.
4. Needless to mention the homepage ifs filled with links and a slider. No content that will help you at first glance. In the online world, content is king. If you focus on aesthetics of a page and forget about useful content, your efforts are null and void. To top this up, you are treated to a mixture of dead links and promising icons of non-existent student mail (Or maybe I did not get the memo when people were signing up for email addresses).
I will stop there for now, hoping someone is listening. There are so many students who would be glad to help improve this institution but are not given the opportunity. That is why most just want to complete their studies and vamoose. We love this place for what it offers. We complain because we know it could do better. We can help. In the information age, information is everything. And by the way, Moi University is not alone on the dead links, other sites have that too. To err is human.
In the meantime, don’t bother running to Google for the latest news from the official source. You know where you will get it loud and clear. Forgive us when we err, we are learning too.
The writer is the Online Manager, The 3rd Eye.
WHEN MY FAMILY CAME VISITING
By Lau Lawi
The other day my family dropped by to check on my progress in this institution of higher learning. I never expected them to be fascinated by this institution as they were by the end of the day. My mum, dad, older and younger brothers were accompanied by my junior sister.
The first place we visited was the mighty MTL or Maggie as we call her nowadays. They were awed by the gigantic structure but what demoralized my father’s reading culture was lack of enough books. My older brother was all giggles as he read out some graffiti on the reading tables. He asked me whether a whole university student can write such nonsense on a reading table and I couldn’t give him a satisfactory answer.
We left MTL and headed to our school. I knew we had the best department but shock laid in wait for me. My parents had a healthy chat with the lecturers but the real shock was in the academics office. They asked for my transcripts and to their astonishment only five out of the fifteen courses were available. They were told that there was a rodent in that office called missing marks that nibbles at students’ transcripts.
I was very ashamed that I evacuated them with immediate effect from the academic premises towards the hostels. In the hostels my younger brother couldn’t understand why I said it was the male hostel yet he was just brushing shoulders with feminine curvaceous bodies. I lied to him that they were coming to print their assignments only for one to appear from my immediate neighbour with a towel and a bucket full of water headed to the showers.
As we walked along the academic streets, my young sister couldn’t understand why the ladies wore some ‘fishing nets’. I explained to her that they are called tights. What she couldn’t grasp is that they wore long t-shirts with them. She couldn’t understand that ‘fashion’.
As we toured around the hostels, we met students carrying mattresses. I informed them that the university could no longer accommodate the students due to ‘double intake’ hence they were signing out and they were going home ‘till further notice’.
My brother could not balance himself precariously on the toilet bowl. The toilets were ‘so clean’ that he couldn’t sit on the bowl. To add pain to his aching tendons is that the toilet was not flushable. When he tried to wash his hands, there was no water flowing from the taps.
When they were leaving, we met a few tipsy comrades along the academic highway. My family couldn’t understand how ‘learned members’ of the society could be draining their worthy brains in alcohol. The way they zigzagged across the academic highway intrigued my dad to the extent that he contemplated transferring me to our village polytechnic.
I hope that when your family members come calling, they will have a different story to tell.
The writer is the chairperson of the 3rd Eye.
The other day my family dropped by to check on my progress in this institution of higher learning. I never expected them to be fascinated by this institution as they were by the end of the day. My mum, dad, older and younger brothers were accompanied by my junior sister.
The first place we visited was the mighty MTL or Maggie as we call her nowadays. They were awed by the gigantic structure but what demoralized my father’s reading culture was lack of enough books. My older brother was all giggles as he read out some graffiti on the reading tables. He asked me whether a whole university student can write such nonsense on a reading table and I couldn’t give him a satisfactory answer.
We left MTL and headed to our school. I knew we had the best department but shock laid in wait for me. My parents had a healthy chat with the lecturers but the real shock was in the academics office. They asked for my transcripts and to their astonishment only five out of the fifteen courses were available. They were told that there was a rodent in that office called missing marks that nibbles at students’ transcripts.
I was very ashamed that I evacuated them with immediate effect from the academic premises towards the hostels. In the hostels my younger brother couldn’t understand why I said it was the male hostel yet he was just brushing shoulders with feminine curvaceous bodies. I lied to him that they were coming to print their assignments only for one to appear from my immediate neighbour with a towel and a bucket full of water headed to the showers.
As we walked along the academic streets, my young sister couldn’t understand why the ladies wore some ‘fishing nets’. I explained to her that they are called tights. What she couldn’t grasp is that they wore long t-shirts with them. She couldn’t understand that ‘fashion’.
As we toured around the hostels, we met students carrying mattresses. I informed them that the university could no longer accommodate the students due to ‘double intake’ hence they were signing out and they were going home ‘till further notice’.
My brother could not balance himself precariously on the toilet bowl. The toilets were ‘so clean’ that he couldn’t sit on the bowl. To add pain to his aching tendons is that the toilet was not flushable. When he tried to wash his hands, there was no water flowing from the taps.
When they were leaving, we met a few tipsy comrades along the academic highway. My family couldn’t understand how ‘learned members’ of the society could be draining their worthy brains in alcohol. The way they zigzagged across the academic highway intrigued my dad to the extent that he contemplated transferring me to our village polytechnic.
I hope that when your family members come calling, they will have a different story to tell.
The writer is the chairperson of the 3rd Eye.
STUDENT PASSES ON
The Moi University students’ fraternity has lost yet another comrade. Aaron Kemboi, a first year taking Applied Statistics (with Computing), passed away on Tuesday while at home in Bomet. It is reported that he did not complete last semester’s exams as he complained that he was feeling unwell but did not know exactly what he was suffering from.
The University dispensary couldn't establish what he was suffering from either, although it was later confirmed that he succumbed to some head complications. Meanwhile contributions towards his burial are ongoing at The School of Physical and Biological Sciences.
You can offer your contributions in spirit of comradeship via M-PESA # 0714692464.
His burial is set for Monday.
You can offer your contributions in spirit of comradeship via M-PESA # 0714692464.
His burial is set for Monday.
PRINTERS NABBED AS HOSTEL MANAGEMENT LAUNCHES CRACKDOWN
Hostels’ Manager Mr. Chesang today morning confiscated two printers, belonging to a hostel L resident. This happened as the senior official and his delegation toured hostel L.
According a security officer who spoke on anonymity, the operation was a crackdown targeting the illegal businesses in the halls of residences. The fate of the case is likely to be known tomorrow (Friday).
The university regulations stipulated in the green book bar students from selling goods and services in hostels.
LOST LAPTOP
A male student in the same the hostel, lost a laptop today morning. According to him, he found the door broken and gadget stolen when he returned from his lecture.
The security department disclosed that they have launched investigations into the matter. Hostel L has recorded a high number of theft cases, with the concerned parties scratching heads on how to deal with it.
BANISHED ROOMMATE
A second year Education student, might be forced to pirate tonight after her roommate refused to give her the key to the room.
Our sources reveal that the student was accused of stealing the roommate's phone.
"She is demanding that I should send some cash first," said the student. She added that she came from home on Thursday morning only to be subjected to the foul play.
The Hostel K resident has vowed to report the matter to the house keeper tomorrow morning. The security officer on patrol was liaising with her by the time this story was posted.
According a security officer who spoke on anonymity, the operation was a crackdown targeting the illegal businesses in the halls of residences. The fate of the case is likely to be known tomorrow (Friday).
The university regulations stipulated in the green book bar students from selling goods and services in hostels.
LOST LAPTOP
A male student in the same the hostel, lost a laptop today morning. According to him, he found the door broken and gadget stolen when he returned from his lecture.
The security department disclosed that they have launched investigations into the matter. Hostel L has recorded a high number of theft cases, with the concerned parties scratching heads on how to deal with it.
BANISHED ROOMMATE
A second year Education student, might be forced to pirate tonight after her roommate refused to give her the key to the room.
Our sources reveal that the student was accused of stealing the roommate's phone.
"She is demanding that I should send some cash first," said the student. She added that she came from home on Thursday morning only to be subjected to the foul play.
The Hostel K resident has vowed to report the matter to the house keeper tomorrow morning. The security officer on patrol was liaising with her by the time this story was posted.
DOUBLE INTAKE WAS MEANT TO FAIL IN MAIN CAMPUS
By Dikembe Disembe
I have read Mohammed Doyo's analysis of the double intake programme, commonly referred to as an 'accelerated program' and I am deeply disappointed that the senior writer (always honest to the core) could not point out the real reasons why students failed to join the MUSO Chairman and myself when we rejected the programme at its initiation.
First, this programme was popular with most of the 3rd Eye writers, particularly those whose SGC candidates had been floored during the elections. I remember writer Obilo Kobilo, a close friend and classmate, writing a not-so-inspiring article calling me a 'Mr Know-it-all' who was interfering in other directors' dockets.
Second, apart from the chairman and myself, other directors, especially the Academics Director, had begun boot-licking the administration. He had just been invited to attend the first senate meeting and felt the aura of self-worth which comes with new office. It was not his mistake.
Third, exams were around the corner and many students felt doing exams was more important than addressing the academic calender. In fact, the current finalists were totally opposed to the idea. I remember some of them referring to me as a 'junior student' who knew nothing about kamukunji and strikes.
Fourth, Main campus comrades are always ambivalent to civic duty as important as peaceful picketing. So in such circumstances, members of the SGC who wish to engage the administration in mass protest usually find it hard to marshal sufficient numbers. We failed to stop this programme because most students failed to see its disadvantages.
I remember around that time most students had been duped that HELB would release loans. I, together with other students, had to later petition the university to allow a few comrades to proceed to Nairobi in what my great friend Ben Mboya called 'a picnic trip by petty petitioners'. . .such were the times then.
Today, this programme is not working. It could not work. The administration implemented it so poorly that its comparison is in no other university.
Now, as the new MUSO office sets to take charge. A few lessons are worth noting here.
One, the press in Main Campus, so long as it fails to appreciate the interplay between students needs and administrative duplicity, will always mislead students. I accused the press then, I still accuse it today.
Two, the next Academics Director may just be the most important MUSO official. If comrades elect a 'yes man' who enjoys sitting in Senate without thinking, strategizing and rebelling, we may not streamline the calendar. On matters academic, whether the lecture halls are overflowing or not, the university will always admit. The incoming academics director must be a man who can dangle TENSION per square-inch and rant where necessary. Comrades Power is still alive in our time.
Having been the Secretary General I can tell you from my pedestal that MUSO's progress is not in the person of the Chairman or the Secretary General, the progress in MUSO can only come when finances and accommodation and academic dockets are streamlined.
Finally, the era when students leaders got themselves expelled or suspended is over. No fight is worth going home for. If the system cannot institutionally change, nature will change it. The good news is, nature is doing its part.
Moi University MAIN CAMPUS is changing. Are you seeing what I am seeing?
RIAAAAAH!
The Writer is the outgoing MUSO Secretary General
First, this programme was popular with most of the 3rd Eye writers, particularly those whose SGC candidates had been floored during the elections. I remember writer Obilo Kobilo, a close friend and classmate, writing a not-so-inspiring article calling me a 'Mr Know-it-all' who was interfering in other directors' dockets.
Second, apart from the chairman and myself, other directors, especially the Academics Director, had begun boot-licking the administration. He had just been invited to attend the first senate meeting and felt the aura of self-worth which comes with new office. It was not his mistake.
Third, exams were around the corner and many students felt doing exams was more important than addressing the academic calender. In fact, the current finalists were totally opposed to the idea. I remember some of them referring to me as a 'junior student' who knew nothing about kamukunji and strikes.
Fourth, Main campus comrades are always ambivalent to civic duty as important as peaceful picketing. So in such circumstances, members of the SGC who wish to engage the administration in mass protest usually find it hard to marshal sufficient numbers. We failed to stop this programme because most students failed to see its disadvantages.
I remember around that time most students had been duped that HELB would release loans. I, together with other students, had to later petition the university to allow a few comrades to proceed to Nairobi in what my great friend Ben Mboya called 'a picnic trip by petty petitioners'. . .such were the times then.
Today, this programme is not working. It could not work. The administration implemented it so poorly that its comparison is in no other university.
Now, as the new MUSO office sets to take charge. A few lessons are worth noting here.
One, the press in Main Campus, so long as it fails to appreciate the interplay between students needs and administrative duplicity, will always mislead students. I accused the press then, I still accuse it today.
Two, the next Academics Director may just be the most important MUSO official. If comrades elect a 'yes man' who enjoys sitting in Senate without thinking, strategizing and rebelling, we may not streamline the calendar. On matters academic, whether the lecture halls are overflowing or not, the university will always admit. The incoming academics director must be a man who can dangle TENSION per square-inch and rant where necessary. Comrades Power is still alive in our time.
Having been the Secretary General I can tell you from my pedestal that MUSO's progress is not in the person of the Chairman or the Secretary General, the progress in MUSO can only come when finances and accommodation and academic dockets are streamlined.
Finally, the era when students leaders got themselves expelled or suspended is over. No fight is worth going home for. If the system cannot institutionally change, nature will change it. The good news is, nature is doing its part.
Moi University MAIN CAMPUS is changing. Are you seeing what I am seeing?
RIAAAAAH!
The Writer is the outgoing MUSO Secretary General
Thursday, April 25, 2013
QUEST FOR ELECTION GEARS UP AS GROUP MEETS DVC
By Mohammed Doyo
The quest for MUSO elections has began afresh after a group of students met the Deputy VC in charge of academic affairs, Prof. Ogechi this afternoon. The group made up of over twenty students drawn from different schools wants the current SGC dissolved and elections held immediately.
In the meeting, the students expressed concerns that the current SGC has overstayed in office and should therefore relinquish office.
“The 26th SGC term expired in February. Their continued holding of office is a blatant violation of the Muso constitution. The office should be dissolved and elections be conducted as soon as possible” said Oscar, a member of the delegation. “The students want a new office since the current one has failed the students” He added.
On his part, the DVC acknowledged the need for a new SGC but expressed concerns that a section of the students out for vacation will be left out in the democratic process.
“In line with the new universities act, a student election is mandatory but it should be all inclusive. No single group should be left out” said Ogechi. “The 4th years out of session might want to participate in the elections too” he added.
The DVC requested the group to come up with a comprehensive report on how the 2nd years and 4th years out for vacation will participate in the elections after when, he will give the administration’s position on the issue.
This means the group has two options to implore; To either postpone the election altogether till the 4th years out on vacation resume session or go ahead with elections but reserve some posts for the group.
Last year September, another group had approached the dean of students wanting the 26th SGC dissolved and elections conducted only for the dean to reject the request citing legal concerns in the Muso Constitution and the University charter.
The quest for MUSO elections has began afresh after a group of students met the Deputy VC in charge of academic affairs, Prof. Ogechi this afternoon. The group made up of over twenty students drawn from different schools wants the current SGC dissolved and elections held immediately.
In the meeting, the students expressed concerns that the current SGC has overstayed in office and should therefore relinquish office.
“The 26th SGC term expired in February. Their continued holding of office is a blatant violation of the Muso constitution. The office should be dissolved and elections be conducted as soon as possible” said Oscar, a member of the delegation. “The students want a new office since the current one has failed the students” He added.
On his part, the DVC acknowledged the need for a new SGC but expressed concerns that a section of the students out for vacation will be left out in the democratic process.
“In line with the new universities act, a student election is mandatory but it should be all inclusive. No single group should be left out” said Ogechi. “The 4th years out of session might want to participate in the elections too” he added.
The DVC requested the group to come up with a comprehensive report on how the 2nd years and 4th years out for vacation will participate in the elections after when, he will give the administration’s position on the issue.
This means the group has two options to implore; To either postpone the election altogether till the 4th years out on vacation resume session or go ahead with elections but reserve some posts for the group.
Last year September, another group had approached the dean of students wanting the 26th SGC dissolved and elections conducted only for the dean to reject the request citing legal concerns in the Muso Constitution and the University charter.
DEAR MHESHIMIWA
By Chemochek Enock
Greetings E.G.H., C.B.S., Hon. Bwana Mheshimiwa. It has been quite some time since I saw you in person though I never miss every evening on the TV but for all the wrong reasons. Just to be honest the last time I saw you in public was during one of your general election campaign rallies where, seemingly, you were suffering from a condition I would call incontrollable verbal diarrhoea of empty promises. I remember waving at you frantically but unfortunately you didn’t notice me. All the same I am thankful that you gave me fifty shillings that I used to repay the ‘Okoa Jahazi’ debt I owed Safaricom. May God bless you Bwana Mheshimiwa.
Well, it is saddening that although I gave you my vote you have forgotten everything to do with me and other suffering ‘wananchi’. You promised to prioritize health care but what is happening now? The local dispensary is far from equipped. In fact all it has are dozens of cartons of Panadol and condoms. Do you think all we are capable of doing is making love? There are no syringes and the only nurse we’ve got works at three other neighbouring dispensaries. To add salt to injury the dispensary is ISO certified courtesy of you Mheshimiwa.
Again, we (wananchi) ought to be grateful to you for the love you have for our growing children. This is in reference to your contribution (through CDF) in the construction of the three ill-equipped primary schools in the location. I agree the schools are indisputably beautiful and appealing to the eye, after all who had ever seen a permanent building around? The schools have about three teachers each and a record average of about seven hundred pupils. This basically shows how hungry the children are for basic education. The other day my little friend in class one asked me when he was going to get a laptop. He said he wants to read hard so that he can become a rich Mheshimiwa like you and I couldn’t help but wonder, “Do you really want to be thief?”
Talking about the transport networks, I am very proud to have a plot of land bordering the only murram road in the whole constituency. The private helipad you own is just about a mile away from my residence. This also makes me a proud man. Thank goodness your constituency does not have an inch of railway line because, as you once said, trains are a nuisance; they are noisy and cause mild earth tremors.
Oh! There is yet another thing I forgot to be grateful for, the very many police stations and prisons in the constituency. You worked day and night to see to it that there was maximum security in your area. From this observation it seems all you see in the people who elected you to parliament are thieves, thugs, rapists, murderers just to name a few. For heaven’s sake do you think a sufferer can rob fellow sufferer…on an empty stomach? Does he even have that much energy?
I will forgive you for thinking I am thick in the head. I will forgive you for not appreciating the fact that I am a human being just like your son who has a stomach and has to eat, dress, sleep, go to school and get medical attention. I will forgive you for thinking that I am that little brat who owns nothing. I will also forgive you for not seeing how poor you are. You lack the heart of a human and intellect, which I have. Worse still it looks like common sense is not ‘common’ in you. Pity!
A politician once said, “Sisi na shetani ni kitu kimoja.” Translated, we (politicians) and the devil are one. He was kind enough to be honest with us that politicians, save the few good ones, are like silhouettes; they resemble each other in every respect and more so the devil.
Mheshimiwa, sorry for sounding rude but you should wake up and smell the coffee.
Yours sincerely,
Mwenyenchi.
Well, it is saddening that although I gave you my vote you have forgotten everything to do with me and other suffering ‘wananchi’. You promised to prioritize health care but what is happening now? The local dispensary is far from equipped. In fact all it has are dozens of cartons of Panadol and condoms. Do you think all we are capable of doing is making love? There are no syringes and the only nurse we’ve got works at three other neighbouring dispensaries. To add salt to injury the dispensary is ISO certified courtesy of you Mheshimiwa.
Again, we (wananchi) ought to be grateful to you for the love you have for our growing children. This is in reference to your contribution (through CDF) in the construction of the three ill-equipped primary schools in the location. I agree the schools are indisputably beautiful and appealing to the eye, after all who had ever seen a permanent building around? The schools have about three teachers each and a record average of about seven hundred pupils. This basically shows how hungry the children are for basic education. The other day my little friend in class one asked me when he was going to get a laptop. He said he wants to read hard so that he can become a rich Mheshimiwa like you and I couldn’t help but wonder, “Do you really want to be thief?”
Talking about the transport networks, I am very proud to have a plot of land bordering the only murram road in the whole constituency. The private helipad you own is just about a mile away from my residence. This also makes me a proud man. Thank goodness your constituency does not have an inch of railway line because, as you once said, trains are a nuisance; they are noisy and cause mild earth tremors.
Oh! There is yet another thing I forgot to be grateful for, the very many police stations and prisons in the constituency. You worked day and night to see to it that there was maximum security in your area. From this observation it seems all you see in the people who elected you to parliament are thieves, thugs, rapists, murderers just to name a few. For heaven’s sake do you think a sufferer can rob fellow sufferer…on an empty stomach? Does he even have that much energy?
I will forgive you for thinking I am thick in the head. I will forgive you for not appreciating the fact that I am a human being just like your son who has a stomach and has to eat, dress, sleep, go to school and get medical attention. I will forgive you for thinking that I am that little brat who owns nothing. I will also forgive you for not seeing how poor you are. You lack the heart of a human and intellect, which I have. Worse still it looks like common sense is not ‘common’ in you. Pity!
A politician once said, “Sisi na shetani ni kitu kimoja.” Translated, we (politicians) and the devil are one. He was kind enough to be honest with us that politicians, save the few good ones, are like silhouettes; they resemble each other in every respect and more so the devil.
Mheshimiwa, sorry for sounding rude but you should wake up and smell the coffee.
Yours sincerely,
Mwenyenchi.
TECHNOLOGY STUDENTS ASSOCIATION (TSA) CAMPAIGNS OFFICIALLY KICK OFF TODAY
By Governor Joel Evans
The Technology Students Association (TSA) commences its student campaigns today, 25th April 2013. The campaigns are scheduled to take place for one week whereby the elections will be held on 2nd May 2013. The voting station is still the Mackay building and the Student Electoral Commission (SEC) has been formed, Mr. Opudo being the chairman.
Among the posts to be contested for are; Chairperson, Secretary General, Project’s Coordinator, Treasurer, Assistant Secretary General, Assistant Project’s Coordinator and Publicity Secretary. It will be a tag of war amongst contestants eyeing for the chairperson seat. These are Brighton Kithendu, a 4th year student of electrical and telecommunication engineering, Samuel Mokaya a 4th year student of chemical and processing engineering, Fredrick Orem a 4th year of electrical and electronics engineering and Oliver M. a 3rd year student of manufacturing, industrial and textile engineering.
The TSA debate equivalent to a crossfire is scheduled to be held on 29th April 2013 although the venue is yet to be confirmed.
More details as the story develops.
Among the posts to be contested for are; Chairperson, Secretary General, Project’s Coordinator, Treasurer, Assistant Secretary General, Assistant Project’s Coordinator and Publicity Secretary. It will be a tag of war amongst contestants eyeing for the chairperson seat. These are Brighton Kithendu, a 4th year student of electrical and telecommunication engineering, Samuel Mokaya a 4th year student of chemical and processing engineering, Fredrick Orem a 4th year of electrical and electronics engineering and Oliver M. a 3rd year student of manufacturing, industrial and textile engineering.
The TSA debate equivalent to a crossfire is scheduled to be held on 29th April 2013 although the venue is yet to be confirmed.
More details as the story develops.
Wednesday, April 24, 2013
Floods In Hostel H
By Mohammed Doyo
Hostel H flooded this afternoon after ceilings of some rooms started leaking letting in water into the rooms. The water quickly spread to the whole floor following a heavy rain that lasted for over an hour. First year students, who reside on the 3rd floor were seen making desperate efforts to drive water out of the rooms.
The residents of the said floor have expressed dismay over what they term as ‘neglect’ by the concerned authorities to repair the dilapidated ceilings, despite raising the issue with the janitors when the ceilings first showed signs of leaking .
“I earlier raised the issue with the Hostel H janitor but they never took the issue seriously. They kept saying it will be repaired” said an infuriated student whose mattress was rained on.
In some rooms, water literally destroyed carpets, books and foodstuffs such as flour. Among the most affected rooms are H359 and H336 where leaking first started forcing the occupants to seek safe havens.
The affected students have expressed fears that the rains might continue tonight worsening their woes. They now want the concerned authorities to offer an immediate solution to this ‘roof leaking’ problem.
The residents of the said floor have expressed dismay over what they term as ‘neglect’ by the concerned authorities to repair the dilapidated ceilings, despite raising the issue with the janitors when the ceilings first showed signs of leaking .
“I earlier raised the issue with the Hostel H janitor but they never took the issue seriously. They kept saying it will be repaired” said an infuriated student whose mattress was rained on.
In some rooms, water literally destroyed carpets, books and foodstuffs such as flour. Among the most affected rooms are H359 and H336 where leaking first started forcing the occupants to seek safe havens.
The affected students have expressed fears that the rains might continue tonight worsening their woes. They now want the concerned authorities to offer an immediate solution to this ‘roof leaking’ problem.
 |
| A student residing in Hostel H, 3rd floor struggles to drain water from the room |
DOUBLE INTAKE: A SOLUTION THAT BECAME A PROBLEM?
By Mohammed Doyo
Yesterday, in 3rd Eye’s opinion segment, we asked your opinions about the double intake and its successes so far especially in main Campus. One thing stood out. Most of the students felt the program was a total fail. However, a few felt it was a good initiative by the government that succeeded in some universities but failed in Moi because of management/planning challenges.
That said, I wish to delve deep into this subtle issue. Double intake program was a brainchild of the then minister of higher learning, William Ruto, now a Deputy President. This program, referred to as ‘accelerated intake’ was introduced first, to shorten the duration four leavers have to spend before joining universities. Second, the program was introduced as a measure of coping with the increased number of students JAB has to admit in public universities. \
This was attributed to free primary learning and ‘free’ secondary Education that has seen a shoot up in numbers of students scoring quality grades in KCSE. Some of the universities rejected the implementation of the program citing inadequate resources, disruption of the academic calendars among other factors of concern. University of Nairobi is one of these institutions. Other public universities like Kenyatta, Moi, Egerton, MasindeMuliro, Chepkoilel (UOE) went ahead with the program, as per the government directive.
Now back to Moi, Main Campus. The program kicked off in April 2012. It was at this time, the freshly Elected members of the SGC,Doghana and Dikembe called for a Kamukunji to reject the implementation of the program in main Campus. However, their call was met with a lot of hostility and opposition. No student turned up for the Kamukunji. And that was the end of the story.
A year later, unprecedented challenges have emerged. ‘FurtherNotice’ has become an in house term. In its first stages, fourth years in session were the first victims. They stayed home for almost a year. And now, the series continues. Other groups continue to follow suit. In lecture halls, there is hardly space to sit especially when common courses are involved. The resources are overstretched to the limit. The initial semester that used to run for 16 weeks has been reduced to a meager 12 weeks. The lecturers have to rush through the courses just to keep up with the short time available.
And the program gave birth to a monster, which seems to run out of hand. The accommodation problem. While the number of first year admitted in main campus has doubled up in year 2011 and 2012, no single structure/building has been put up so far to house the additional population. And this has posed a major crisis. Not surprising, for the first time in many years, a section of the 1st years had to be sent home after just a semester, for a specified period of time to pave way for the group that reported on 15th April.
The big problem will be on august. How will the university cope up with the section of first years(BBM,Arts) who supposedly are assumed to be reporting back, the large group of second years too and all the current Fourth years out of session? And not forgetting, the university will have to admit a new large group of first years (KCSE 2012) anytime from August to November this year? Which group(s), currently in session, will have to break for a holiday?
These are some of the issues we the students should ponder about extensively as the million dollar question remains;should the Double intake program continue, halted, adjusted or even stopped altogether in main campus?
That said, I wish to delve deep into this subtle issue. Double intake program was a brainchild of the then minister of higher learning, William Ruto, now a Deputy President. This program, referred to as ‘accelerated intake’ was introduced first, to shorten the duration four leavers have to spend before joining universities. Second, the program was introduced as a measure of coping with the increased number of students JAB has to admit in public universities. \
This was attributed to free primary learning and ‘free’ secondary Education that has seen a shoot up in numbers of students scoring quality grades in KCSE. Some of the universities rejected the implementation of the program citing inadequate resources, disruption of the academic calendars among other factors of concern. University of Nairobi is one of these institutions. Other public universities like Kenyatta, Moi, Egerton, MasindeMuliro, Chepkoilel (UOE) went ahead with the program, as per the government directive.
Now back to Moi, Main Campus. The program kicked off in April 2012. It was at this time, the freshly Elected members of the SGC,Doghana and Dikembe called for a Kamukunji to reject the implementation of the program in main Campus. However, their call was met with a lot of hostility and opposition. No student turned up for the Kamukunji. And that was the end of the story.
A year later, unprecedented challenges have emerged. ‘FurtherNotice’ has become an in house term. In its first stages, fourth years in session were the first victims. They stayed home for almost a year. And now, the series continues. Other groups continue to follow suit. In lecture halls, there is hardly space to sit especially when common courses are involved. The resources are overstretched to the limit. The initial semester that used to run for 16 weeks has been reduced to a meager 12 weeks. The lecturers have to rush through the courses just to keep up with the short time available.
And the program gave birth to a monster, which seems to run out of hand. The accommodation problem. While the number of first year admitted in main campus has doubled up in year 2011 and 2012, no single structure/building has been put up so far to house the additional population. And this has posed a major crisis. Not surprising, for the first time in many years, a section of the 1st years had to be sent home after just a semester, for a specified period of time to pave way for the group that reported on 15th April.
The big problem will be on august. How will the university cope up with the section of first years(BBM,Arts) who supposedly are assumed to be reporting back, the large group of second years too and all the current Fourth years out of session? And not forgetting, the university will have to admit a new large group of first years (KCSE 2012) anytime from August to November this year? Which group(s), currently in session, will have to break for a holiday?
These are some of the issues we the students should ponder about extensively as the million dollar question remains;should the Double intake program continue, halted, adjusted or even stopped altogether in main campus?
LAW BREAKERS
By Wesonga Quintas
The other day I decided to do something rare by reading a rare book. Rare, not because it is not available but because few people if any find time to keenly read it as I did. I am talking of the green book. It is not the IEBC special register with people not captured on biometric voter registration but the Moi University green book. The book contains the rules and regulations governing students in this university of ours; a university with a difference, the university of choice.
After the thorough job, I came to a conclusion that our law enforcers are the most lenient of all administrators our nation is endowed with. If this is not the case then it could be that they have just decided to relax. Another explanation could also be that they too have not got time to read it. Surely in a university, one is too busy for such. Most of us are law breakers!
The good book begins with a welcome note from the Dean of students stating that the rules are just meant to make your stay comfortable and enjoyable as a student in Moi University. Yes, those are the exact words!
However I swear what follows, if well interpreted to form four leavers wishing to join our prestigious university, would make one change his/her mind and join a village youth polytechnic. Thank God the rules remain reference material like the vision 2030. They should be kept safely in the national collection of the Margaret Thatcher Library.
If somebody decided to follow the rules as they are, majority will be sent packing on suspension or even expulsion. Here we go:
Article 3.1.1 is very clear that all students MUST dress in acceptable attire all times and especially when attending lectures and any public function. Visit our lecture halls and you find ladies with miniskirts made from mosquito nets! Article 4.0 which has rules regarding halls of residence or hostels is the toughest and could send a fresher packing in fear. No one is allowed to visit another person’s room past 10.00 pm and before 10 am and the worst is to be found in an opposite sex hostel past 10 pm as commonly and jokingly known as the 10-to-10 rule. This is so even as statistics have it that in a night, more men than women sleep in hostel J.
Just imagine, knocking on your neighbour’s door at 9 am is supposed to send you home or serious action taken against you. That is what the document says!
No student is supposed to be cooking in hostels. To reinforce this, article 14 prohibits any student from possessing items such as knifes, sticks, and metals that would endanger other people’s lives. For instance if your room mate took up a case with the security claiming his/her life is threatened citing the above possessions, it would be a serious case were it not for our lenient law enforcers.
For those who like business, the law has this for you: hawking or any business in halls of residence is not be practised. Furthermore, any adverts people make everywhere must be approved by the Dean of Students. In fact to be stricter, article 14.6 prohibits holding meetings in lecture halls and halls of residence. At the mercy of law enforcers, students cook and sell beans, chapati and mandazi in hostels, contravening the above rules simultaneously.
The most crazy rule is that which requires students to seek permission to leave school just like in high school. The written leave of absence can only be granted by the Dean of students strictly on grounds of extreme sickness, maternity leave, compassionate leave or special leave on which evidence must be produced. On this, mark that going to mabs, falls, or Kesses is being out of school and you need such written permission. Crazy, isn’t it?
It does not just stop there. Any offences that contravene the penal code CAP 63 of the laws of Kenya will be treated as police cases in addition to separate disciplinary action by the university. Here the list is long. The most serious ones include being drunk and disorderly, attempting suicide and abortion among others. That is the rule but our law enforcers are either lenient or sleeping on the job.
One of these fine days, get time to read the book and be surprised for free. Now suppose someone somewhere was serious, would you survive? However, the law is very silent on religion, recognizing that the institution is secular. Over 98% of the total students’ population is made of law breakers, thanks to our lenient, kind and merciful law enforcers.
After the thorough job, I came to a conclusion that our law enforcers are the most lenient of all administrators our nation is endowed with. If this is not the case then it could be that they have just decided to relax. Another explanation could also be that they too have not got time to read it. Surely in a university, one is too busy for such. Most of us are law breakers!
The good book begins with a welcome note from the Dean of students stating that the rules are just meant to make your stay comfortable and enjoyable as a student in Moi University. Yes, those are the exact words!
However I swear what follows, if well interpreted to form four leavers wishing to join our prestigious university, would make one change his/her mind and join a village youth polytechnic. Thank God the rules remain reference material like the vision 2030. They should be kept safely in the national collection of the Margaret Thatcher Library.
If somebody decided to follow the rules as they are, majority will be sent packing on suspension or even expulsion. Here we go:
Article 3.1.1 is very clear that all students MUST dress in acceptable attire all times and especially when attending lectures and any public function. Visit our lecture halls and you find ladies with miniskirts made from mosquito nets! Article 4.0 which has rules regarding halls of residence or hostels is the toughest and could send a fresher packing in fear. No one is allowed to visit another person’s room past 10.00 pm and before 10 am and the worst is to be found in an opposite sex hostel past 10 pm as commonly and jokingly known as the 10-to-10 rule. This is so even as statistics have it that in a night, more men than women sleep in hostel J.
Just imagine, knocking on your neighbour’s door at 9 am is supposed to send you home or serious action taken against you. That is what the document says!
No student is supposed to be cooking in hostels. To reinforce this, article 14 prohibits any student from possessing items such as knifes, sticks, and metals that would endanger other people’s lives. For instance if your room mate took up a case with the security claiming his/her life is threatened citing the above possessions, it would be a serious case were it not for our lenient law enforcers.
For those who like business, the law has this for you: hawking or any business in halls of residence is not be practised. Furthermore, any adverts people make everywhere must be approved by the Dean of Students. In fact to be stricter, article 14.6 prohibits holding meetings in lecture halls and halls of residence. At the mercy of law enforcers, students cook and sell beans, chapati and mandazi in hostels, contravening the above rules simultaneously.
The most crazy rule is that which requires students to seek permission to leave school just like in high school. The written leave of absence can only be granted by the Dean of students strictly on grounds of extreme sickness, maternity leave, compassionate leave or special leave on which evidence must be produced. On this, mark that going to mabs, falls, or Kesses is being out of school and you need such written permission. Crazy, isn’t it?
It does not just stop there. Any offences that contravene the penal code CAP 63 of the laws of Kenya will be treated as police cases in addition to separate disciplinary action by the university. Here the list is long. The most serious ones include being drunk and disorderly, attempting suicide and abortion among others. That is the rule but our law enforcers are either lenient or sleeping on the job.
One of these fine days, get time to read the book and be surprised for free. Now suppose someone somewhere was serious, would you survive? However, the law is very silent on religion, recognizing that the institution is secular. Over 98% of the total students’ population is made of law breakers, thanks to our lenient, kind and merciful law enforcers.
A DAY IN THE LIFE OF AN ATHLETE
By Kirong Shadrack
For many, athletics is a fascinating game to watch while for some it’s a profession and a full time job. And just like any other profession, this field requires a lot of dedication, hard work and resilience. Who is an athlete and what does it take to become one?
Last week I paid a visit to Rosa Training Camp in Elgeyo-Marakwet County, one of the famous training camps in the North Rift, the second best after Iten. The camp is named after its founder, Dr. Frederico Rosa, former manager of the late marathoner, Samuel Kamau Wanjiru. It is located about 16km east of Eldoret town at an altitude of 2400 m.
Rosa camp has become an ideal training destination for both local and international athletes. While the boarders reside at the main centre, others camp at the nearby Choop and Chirchir centres. It is known to have produced world-class athletes, among them Olympic steeple chase silver medallist, Abel Mutai and 5000 m silver medallist, John Chepkwony.
Situated at the heart of Kaptagat Forest, the self-contained, ultra-modern facility accommodates up to one hundred athletes. However the latest statistics indicate an influx of athletes due to its accessibility and altitude. Athletics in Kenya is one of the fields that has been doing well. Moreover Kenyan athletes have never disappointed in taking their place at the top during any competition. Athletics has also been a major export earner. Currently 43 out of 100 best male long distance runners are from Kenya according to statistics by the International Association of Athletics Federation (IAAF).
As the old adage goes, a journey of a thousand miles begins with a step. Athletes at Rosa Camp usher in their day with a morning run of 20-25km. This is followed by a 10km jog and a final 5km run in the evening.
I joined them during one of their morning training sessions. I spoke to some of them as they took me through the serene, forested terrain of Kaptagat. These ambitious and optimistic upcoming athletes have undergone one year of rigorous training. Success in the field is not a walk in the park, they said. It can never be achieved without patience, skills and love for the game.
Diet and physical exercise is paramount to the athletes. Their food comprises of traditional and less fatty foods. Inside the building are other facilities like a gym, pool, dartboards and a massage parlour. The athletes go for a swim once in week. Speed work, meant to enhance timing, is a daily practice that athletes are accustomed to. A weekly routine in the University of Eldoret, formerly Chepkoilel has given them an opportunity to interact with other athletes from neighbouring training camps like Strawbag, Global Sports camp, Complete Sports Athletic Training Camp and Chepkorio Athletics Club.
International and local athletes such as gold medallist Kenenisa Bekele ( Ethiopia), Stephen Kiprotich (Uganda), Moses Kipsiro (Uganda), Vivian Cheruiyot and Geofrey Mutai have trained in this region. World 800m record holder, Mr David Rudisha, has been in Iten, a favourite spot for many athletes all over the world. Many researchers and doctors have proven that running reduces the risk of contracting heart diseases. It is also recommended for physical fitness.
Last week I paid a visit to Rosa Training Camp in Elgeyo-Marakwet County, one of the famous training camps in the North Rift, the second best after Iten. The camp is named after its founder, Dr. Frederico Rosa, former manager of the late marathoner, Samuel Kamau Wanjiru. It is located about 16km east of Eldoret town at an altitude of 2400 m.
Rosa camp has become an ideal training destination for both local and international athletes. While the boarders reside at the main centre, others camp at the nearby Choop and Chirchir centres. It is known to have produced world-class athletes, among them Olympic steeple chase silver medallist, Abel Mutai and 5000 m silver medallist, John Chepkwony.
Situated at the heart of Kaptagat Forest, the self-contained, ultra-modern facility accommodates up to one hundred athletes. However the latest statistics indicate an influx of athletes due to its accessibility and altitude. Athletics in Kenya is one of the fields that has been doing well. Moreover Kenyan athletes have never disappointed in taking their place at the top during any competition. Athletics has also been a major export earner. Currently 43 out of 100 best male long distance runners are from Kenya according to statistics by the International Association of Athletics Federation (IAAF).
As the old adage goes, a journey of a thousand miles begins with a step. Athletes at Rosa Camp usher in their day with a morning run of 20-25km. This is followed by a 10km jog and a final 5km run in the evening.
I joined them during one of their morning training sessions. I spoke to some of them as they took me through the serene, forested terrain of Kaptagat. These ambitious and optimistic upcoming athletes have undergone one year of rigorous training. Success in the field is not a walk in the park, they said. It can never be achieved without patience, skills and love for the game.
Diet and physical exercise is paramount to the athletes. Their food comprises of traditional and less fatty foods. Inside the building are other facilities like a gym, pool, dartboards and a massage parlour. The athletes go for a swim once in week. Speed work, meant to enhance timing, is a daily practice that athletes are accustomed to. A weekly routine in the University of Eldoret, formerly Chepkoilel has given them an opportunity to interact with other athletes from neighbouring training camps like Strawbag, Global Sports camp, Complete Sports Athletic Training Camp and Chepkorio Athletics Club.
International and local athletes such as gold medallist Kenenisa Bekele ( Ethiopia), Stephen Kiprotich (Uganda), Moses Kipsiro (Uganda), Vivian Cheruiyot and Geofrey Mutai have trained in this region. World 800m record holder, Mr David Rudisha, has been in Iten, a favourite spot for many athletes all over the world. Many researchers and doctors have proven that running reduces the risk of contracting heart diseases. It is also recommended for physical fitness.
Tuesday, April 23, 2013
CLEAR ROOMS OR FACE DISCIPLINARY ACTION
The Hostel and Accommodation Manager Mr. Chesang has today issued a directive over the clearance of rooms by the first years. This follows yesterday’s notice from the accommodation manager asking the students to vacate their rooms by today.
Speaking to the 3rd Eye over the phone, Mr. Chesang has maintained that the deadline for clearance of the rooms won’t be changed, and any student who will not abide by the directive will be surcharged a fixed amount of 32ksh per day, dating back from the day the first semester came to a close." Already Hostel Wardens have been discharged to oversee the process, and disciplinary action will be taken against any student who will not have cleared their rooms by today", added Chesang.
Speaking separately to the The 3rd Eye, Senior Deputy Dean of Students Dr. Wosyanju, reiterated the seriousness of the vacation notice adding that the first year students had to clear their rooms as instructed. “The students were clearly notified through the national newspaper to clear the rooms and should stick to it” said Wosyanju.
The 3rd Eye has now established that most first years are occupying the senior Hostels L, H and M. A move that has not gone down well with a section of the senior students who were allocated Hostels C and D, which are always reserved for the first years.
Speaking to the 3rd Eye over the phone, Mr. Chesang has maintained that the deadline for clearance of the rooms won’t be changed, and any student who will not abide by the directive will be surcharged a fixed amount of 32ksh per day, dating back from the day the first semester came to a close." Already Hostel Wardens have been discharged to oversee the process, and disciplinary action will be taken against any student who will not have cleared their rooms by today", added Chesang.
Speaking separately to the The 3rd Eye, Senior Deputy Dean of Students Dr. Wosyanju, reiterated the seriousness of the vacation notice adding that the first year students had to clear their rooms as instructed. “The students were clearly notified through the national newspaper to clear the rooms and should stick to it” said Wosyanju.
The 3rd Eye has now established that most first years are occupying the senior Hostels L, H and M. A move that has not gone down well with a section of the senior students who were allocated Hostels C and D, which are always reserved for the first years.
Monday, April 22, 2013
OMG! THIS LAPTOP IDEA IS PUERILE!
By William Dekker
When compelled by my inner spirit, I would refer to certain things as “misplaced priorities” but for fear of victimization I’d rather it reign as a silent thought. Remember the days of pen pals, long before the digital transformation to Facebook and other virtual worlds online? Those were the days you could write to this imaginary friend in some country overseas and feel like a hero whenever you got a reply thirteen days after your birthday with no reasonable gift.
I once got aggravated by a comment in a letter written by my then Nigerian pen pal. “Kenya is the origin of all crazy ideas in Africa” it read, in reference to the Nyayo Milk. Obviously that had to annoy me. Nyayo Milk was more than an innovation, it moved mountains! But now I believe he was right, especially if he foresaw this; “The Introduction of Class One Laptops, Kenya Version © 2014.”
For once, without bringing in politics, let’s reason together. I am an IT student, thus I have my facts right. Of late I feel so embarrassed when I hear people misuse the term “digital”. This is the only scenario that I would opt to offer wisdom to my president. Giving a laptop to a class one pupil doesn’t make Kenya digital by any means. There are a lot of underlying factors other than fulfilling a party manifesto.
i) Why give a laptop to a feeble-minded being, who by nature wouldn’t desire such a tool? A laptop is a gadget that some university students and lecturers still find it hard to handle. Remember, a class one pupil is just a promoted nursery school kid; so full of illiteracy that such a tool would render them stupid and reduce their pace of learning.
ii) Can we set priorities right? This pupil has no classroom, studies in a non-standard building in the name of a school, lacks a desk, textbooks, stationery, can’t afford uniform, survives on one meal per day, has no teachers (not yet employed by government), etc. Somebody then comes with an electronic gadget (which to this child would purposely serve as a toy) and says he has granted that kid a tool to be relevant in the current age. With all the sobriety you can muster; have you offered assistance in any way? Kenyans, where is wisdom?
iii) If any laptops should be given, the most viable target would be those in the tertiary institutions, the universities and probably colleges. They stand to build the economy the sooner. While campus students strain a lot with insufficient tools just to equip themselves and prepare for the real world in a matter of 4-5 years, someone is thinking of a 6 year old who has close to a decade and half to build the economy! Really? Who needs the laptop more?
iv) The entire scheme would be such a huge waste, that I can confidently say. How will these laptops be handled? Ever seen how an average class one pupil handles a 32-page exercise book? In three days it is a replica of a mandazi wrapper somewhere in Muthurwa or Soko Mjinga Market. I am already in tears just from visualizing this expensive investment go to waste. In a span of one week there will be broken screens, lost chargers, keyboards soaked in tea, just to mention but a few.
v) Crazy as it is, the moment it becomes a reality, my class six bro, college siz and I will all register as class one pupils. I’ll only be denied an opportunity by law, if any legislation on the same exists. Any blockade e.g. age would amount to discrimination, a fact that I can defend well in court. As long as Kethi Kilonzo exists, all things are possible. Congestion is a likely scenario. Those responsible would find it hard to separate ‘real class one pupils’ from ‘IDP class one pupils’ like us.
vi) You give a class one pupil a laptop and busybodies will be ready to hijack, steal, break into school stores and do anything to compromise the safety of those gadgets. People let’s prepare for 2014, a year in which laptop market would resemble that of tomatoes. Cheap ready market! Don’t be surprised to hear this while strolling, “Beba beba, laptop…fifte…bei ni kuelewana…laptop beba…zile mpya za China….mtoto wako ako class two na amepoteza? Pelekea yeye hii…fifte fifte” Hail 2014!
Someone advise my president. I hear he studied economics overseas! Yet he is about to throw our economy into disarray! Sometimes we call ourselves ‘digital’ but possess ‘analogue’ ideas! Certain things can wait, or they are just not necessary! cc: Mr. President!
I once got aggravated by a comment in a letter written by my then Nigerian pen pal. “Kenya is the origin of all crazy ideas in Africa” it read, in reference to the Nyayo Milk. Obviously that had to annoy me. Nyayo Milk was more than an innovation, it moved mountains! But now I believe he was right, especially if he foresaw this; “The Introduction of Class One Laptops, Kenya Version © 2014.”
For once, without bringing in politics, let’s reason together. I am an IT student, thus I have my facts right. Of late I feel so embarrassed when I hear people misuse the term “digital”. This is the only scenario that I would opt to offer wisdom to my president. Giving a laptop to a class one pupil doesn’t make Kenya digital by any means. There are a lot of underlying factors other than fulfilling a party manifesto.
i) Why give a laptop to a feeble-minded being, who by nature wouldn’t desire such a tool? A laptop is a gadget that some university students and lecturers still find it hard to handle. Remember, a class one pupil is just a promoted nursery school kid; so full of illiteracy that such a tool would render them stupid and reduce their pace of learning.
ii) Can we set priorities right? This pupil has no classroom, studies in a non-standard building in the name of a school, lacks a desk, textbooks, stationery, can’t afford uniform, survives on one meal per day, has no teachers (not yet employed by government), etc. Somebody then comes with an electronic gadget (which to this child would purposely serve as a toy) and says he has granted that kid a tool to be relevant in the current age. With all the sobriety you can muster; have you offered assistance in any way? Kenyans, where is wisdom?
iii) If any laptops should be given, the most viable target would be those in the tertiary institutions, the universities and probably colleges. They stand to build the economy the sooner. While campus students strain a lot with insufficient tools just to equip themselves and prepare for the real world in a matter of 4-5 years, someone is thinking of a 6 year old who has close to a decade and half to build the economy! Really? Who needs the laptop more?
iv) The entire scheme would be such a huge waste, that I can confidently say. How will these laptops be handled? Ever seen how an average class one pupil handles a 32-page exercise book? In three days it is a replica of a mandazi wrapper somewhere in Muthurwa or Soko Mjinga Market. I am already in tears just from visualizing this expensive investment go to waste. In a span of one week there will be broken screens, lost chargers, keyboards soaked in tea, just to mention but a few.
v) Crazy as it is, the moment it becomes a reality, my class six bro, college siz and I will all register as class one pupils. I’ll only be denied an opportunity by law, if any legislation on the same exists. Any blockade e.g. age would amount to discrimination, a fact that I can defend well in court. As long as Kethi Kilonzo exists, all things are possible. Congestion is a likely scenario. Those responsible would find it hard to separate ‘real class one pupils’ from ‘IDP class one pupils’ like us.
vi) You give a class one pupil a laptop and busybodies will be ready to hijack, steal, break into school stores and do anything to compromise the safety of those gadgets. People let’s prepare for 2014, a year in which laptop market would resemble that of tomatoes. Cheap ready market! Don’t be surprised to hear this while strolling, “Beba beba, laptop…fifte…bei ni kuelewana…laptop beba…zile mpya za China….mtoto wako ako class two na amepoteza? Pelekea yeye hii…fifte fifte” Hail 2014!
Someone advise my president. I hear he studied economics overseas! Yet he is about to throw our economy into disarray! Sometimes we call ourselves ‘digital’ but possess ‘analogue’ ideas! Certain things can wait, or they are just not necessary! cc: Mr. President!
JUST IN: ALL FIRST YEARS TO SIGN OUT OF ROOMS
From our newsdesk
All first years in Main campus, including those in session have been advised to sign out of the hostel rooms by tomorrow(Tue 23rd 2013). This decision was reached in a joint meeting organized by the accommodation chiefs and the hostel wardens late today. In attendance too was MUSO Accommodation and Security Director Ogega.
In a memo released earlier today, the department declared that first years are not allowed to retain rooms that were allocated to them last semester. The memo further stated that all of them are required to sign out, clear withtheir respective school’s accountant before signing in for the second semester.
Speaking to The 3rd Eye, the director warned that the student who will not have signed out by the said date will have their rooms forced open. Ogega further cautioned that the university will not be held liable to any loss of items resulting from the same.
All first years in Main campus, including those in session have been advised to sign out of the hostel rooms by tomorrow(Tue 23rd 2013). This decision was reached in a joint meeting organized by the accommodation chiefs and the hostel wardens late today. In attendance too was MUSO Accommodation and Security Director Ogega.
In a memo released earlier today, the department declared that first years are not allowed to retain rooms that were allocated to them last semester. The memo further stated that all of them are required to sign out, clear withtheir respective school’s accountant before signing in for the second semester.
Speaking to The 3rd Eye, the director warned that the student who will not have signed out by the said date will have their rooms forced open. Ogega further cautioned that the university will not be held liable to any loss of items resulting from the same.
THE ASCENDING VOICES
By Kirong Shadrack
In Athens where democracy originated people understood the concept differently, contrary to the contemporary statement that it is the rule of majority. In ancient Athens, Agora market was a famous centre where great philosophers and thinkers met to discuss and share ideas.
Shouting was an ingredient in this democratic space. This was an eminent practice especially among the lords and landowners who could be entangled in haggling over property. Whoever shouted the loudest carried the day. I do not know what parameter was used to give the final verdict but that was Athens then.
A scrutiny of democracy in the aftermath of the rebirth era reveals several definitions that have been mooted thanks to the works of great post-modern thinkers. However, I am more concerned with finding out who were the brains behind the ‘ascending voice democracy’ that has become the order of the day. By definition, this type of democracy shares common DNA with the Athenian democracy, where people shout. Unlike the Athenian democracy, the shouter’s voice never carries the day. Their voices remain a passing cloud.
Such is the type of fledgling democracy that has seemingly infiltrated our higher institutions of learning; ascending voices! A mental flight back to my earlier days as a first year, democracy could dictate that shouting had a limit, unless you had the guts to barricade your own academic highway. A look at the current situation, and I can applaud democracy in our institution that has now metamorphosed into free space. Though in descending voice, I will ride on it!
The accommodation crisis and unpredictable school calendar are some of the tussles that have proved difficult for planners and managers in our institution in the recent past. As we pride ourselves in other fields, it’s obvious that this nightmare will always continue to haunt many if the status quo is maintained. Not to mention other litany of challenges such as a missing marks and the double-intake programme that has become a scapegoat for all the current problems facing the students.
The University administration should consider suspending this programme pending its workability test or find an amicable and lasting solution to these persisting challenges. On a lighter note, I think our university befits the stature of a modern Agora market where ‘descending voices democracy’ has no place in the ascending echelons of powers. The new changes should be handled without further involving or igniting shouts from descending voices. These are great thinkers and philosophers who should spend time sharing and discussing ideas and not discussing and shouting out problems!
The writer is the vice chairperson, The 3rd Eye.
In Athens where democracy originated people understood the concept differently, contrary to the contemporary statement that it is the rule of majority. In ancient Athens, Agora market was a famous centre where great philosophers and thinkers met to discuss and share ideas.
Shouting was an ingredient in this democratic space. This was an eminent practice especially among the lords and landowners who could be entangled in haggling over property. Whoever shouted the loudest carried the day. I do not know what parameter was used to give the final verdict but that was Athens then.
A scrutiny of democracy in the aftermath of the rebirth era reveals several definitions that have been mooted thanks to the works of great post-modern thinkers. However, I am more concerned with finding out who were the brains behind the ‘ascending voice democracy’ that has become the order of the day. By definition, this type of democracy shares common DNA with the Athenian democracy, where people shout. Unlike the Athenian democracy, the shouter’s voice never carries the day. Their voices remain a passing cloud.
Such is the type of fledgling democracy that has seemingly infiltrated our higher institutions of learning; ascending voices! A mental flight back to my earlier days as a first year, democracy could dictate that shouting had a limit, unless you had the guts to barricade your own academic highway. A look at the current situation, and I can applaud democracy in our institution that has now metamorphosed into free space. Though in descending voice, I will ride on it!
The accommodation crisis and unpredictable school calendar are some of the tussles that have proved difficult for planners and managers in our institution in the recent past. As we pride ourselves in other fields, it’s obvious that this nightmare will always continue to haunt many if the status quo is maintained. Not to mention other litany of challenges such as a missing marks and the double-intake programme that has become a scapegoat for all the current problems facing the students.
The University administration should consider suspending this programme pending its workability test or find an amicable and lasting solution to these persisting challenges. On a lighter note, I think our university befits the stature of a modern Agora market where ‘descending voices democracy’ has no place in the ascending echelons of powers. The new changes should be handled without further involving or igniting shouts from descending voices. These are great thinkers and philosophers who should spend time sharing and discussing ideas and not discussing and shouting out problems!
The writer is the vice chairperson, The 3rd Eye.
THE CHANGE WE WANT
By Lau Lawi
Many are the times we have complained and cried for change in this institution. We always forward cries and problems to the administration. We have never thought of solutions beyond the change in personnel. We see some people as the quarantine from the changes we want.
The change that this institution needs is in the dynamism of thinking in handling student issues. Student issues like accommodation are complicated in a way that they must be considered with the same importance as academics. They are inseparable from each other. They contribute to most of our problems in that if solved, we will get rid of our perennial complaints.
We have witnessed a change in personnel in the top management in the offices of the DVCs. The acting DVC in charge of student affairs is Prof. Nathan O. Ogechi. To my understanding, he is a literary scholar who understands student affairs in and out, having been a student, Head of Kiswahili Department and Dean of School of Arts and Social Sciences in this institution.
Prof. Ogechi is fresh blood injected into the student affairs. He is in sync with student problems and constraints. He is a man with the ability to interact and consult with student representatives and understand our problems. As a student here, he was a resident of hostel D.
Prof. Ann Nangulu the acting DVC in charge of Academics, Research and Extension is the director of quality assurance in this institution. She is the former Dean of the School of Arts and Social Sciences; a school plagued by bouncing lectures and missing marks in the near past. Madam Prof. is in a position to understand most of our problems in the academic sector especially the academic calendar.
Communication between students and the administration should be enhanced to create a constant flow of timely information between the two stakeholders. The communication channel should be two way in the vertical orientation. Feedback should be sought in every issue. The mode of communication should also be the most convenient to the two stakeholders. I don’t think sticking a memo at the Students Centre when the subjects of the memo are at home is best. An example of this is what happened with the HELB issue.
Consultation between the students and administrators should be enhanced at all levels. Be it the accommodation and hostels sector or the academics sector. This will help eliminate redundancy and replication of problems. There should also be reports from every department after every academic year. These reports will shed light on achievements and challenges in every department.
This is just my opinion on creating the change we want in this institution. We should work together and condemn less in order to achieve the best for this institution.
The writer is the chairperson of The 3rd Eye.
Many are the times we have complained and cried for change in this institution. We always forward cries and problems to the administration. We have never thought of solutions beyond the change in personnel. We see some people as the quarantine from the changes we want.
The change that this institution needs is in the dynamism of thinking in handling student issues. Student issues like accommodation are complicated in a way that they must be considered with the same importance as academics. They are inseparable from each other. They contribute to most of our problems in that if solved, we will get rid of our perennial complaints.
We have witnessed a change in personnel in the top management in the offices of the DVCs. The acting DVC in charge of student affairs is Prof. Nathan O. Ogechi. To my understanding, he is a literary scholar who understands student affairs in and out, having been a student, Head of Kiswahili Department and Dean of School of Arts and Social Sciences in this institution.
Prof. Ogechi is fresh blood injected into the student affairs. He is in sync with student problems and constraints. He is a man with the ability to interact and consult with student representatives and understand our problems. As a student here, he was a resident of hostel D.
Prof. Ann Nangulu the acting DVC in charge of Academics, Research and Extension is the director of quality assurance in this institution. She is the former Dean of the School of Arts and Social Sciences; a school plagued by bouncing lectures and missing marks in the near past. Madam Prof. is in a position to understand most of our problems in the academic sector especially the academic calendar.
Communication between students and the administration should be enhanced to create a constant flow of timely information between the two stakeholders. The communication channel should be two way in the vertical orientation. Feedback should be sought in every issue. The mode of communication should also be the most convenient to the two stakeholders. I don’t think sticking a memo at the Students Centre when the subjects of the memo are at home is best. An example of this is what happened with the HELB issue.
Consultation between the students and administrators should be enhanced at all levels. Be it the accommodation and hostels sector or the academics sector. This will help eliminate redundancy and replication of problems. There should also be reports from every department after every academic year. These reports will shed light on achievements and challenges in every department.
This is just my opinion on creating the change we want in this institution. We should work together and condemn less in order to achieve the best for this institution.
The writer is the chairperson of The 3rd Eye.
Sunday, April 21, 2013
TO WHOM IT MAY CONCERN
By Elizabeth Asasha
Yesterday I woke up to a colleague’s short message that read "Official change of opening date; New opening date 13/05/13, venue; ANNEX, SCHOOL OF LAW...We are urged to report with immediate effect since the semester will be very short and classes will kick off instantly''. This comes barely a week after the official opening dates for various faculties were formally published in the Daily Nation.
This is yet another hefty blow on the faces of students in the faculty of Human Resource Development considering they had to quit the “income generating activities” they had indulged in just to get ready to report back! We were still nursing the wounds they inflicted on us when they smoked us out of campus with the infamous cliché of 'until further notice' contrary to the plan to have us proceed with the 1st semester of our second academic year that had been slated to commence on the 8th of November, 2012.
As if this is not disillusioning enough, we were sieved out in every decree that materialized from their incalculable meetings! First, we were among the three faculties that were side-lined by the very first verdict which took them a whole decade to decide. On the 15th of April, we were filtered out yet again, as others resumed classes, we were left with the irksome phrase; 'until further notice' which gave birth to the 6th of May. As if all this mess is not enough, they have altered the date again, what do they think of us? Or are they battling the theory of 'tyranny of numbers'?
This is getting out of hand and lest you forget, it’s been six months since we last stepped foot in a lecture hall. You know what that connotes, don't you? Why all this disarray and discord? Are they products of poor planning? Is this a failure to conduct a thorough SWOT analysis? Or should we link the jumble to deprived communication?
It is indisputable that where there is a rumour, it means there is a vacuum in the flow of information and only a dimwit will think of disputing this! An adage goes that no one can lead people like a flock of sheep to an abattoir without them questioning. It is for this reason that I beg to speak out. You have settled on relocating us to Annex. Are there arrangements to ensure we access all the necessary facilities that the courses we partake require? Have you considered that those pursuing journalism need the MU studio as much as others who specialize in media related courses? Do you have a computer lab for those doing graphics which is considerably more important in the field?
I am not conversant with the destination of this exodus; nevertheless a comrade hinted to me that it is also known as 'matopeni'. I don't rely on speculations or assumptions because they consign us to fantasy. However, in case there is some truth in this, do you expect us to dive into the 'quick sand' (mud) 5 days a week to catch up with Dr.Ong'ondo's 7am harangue?
I understand the 10th parliament’s call for a double-intake system was geared towards tumbling the number of days we spend on university grounds! On the contrary, you are doubling the days despite the fact that you were on the first row in upholding the appeal. What then is the difference between that group that was enrolled in the wake of the double intake and those who joined institutions that never gave in to the government call? Our counterparts are miles ahead! The whole scheme seems unrealistic and futile. I beg your pardon for my presumptuous diction.
If only I could ‘Bruce Lee’ you, I wouldn't give it a second thought but take you on hastily. But since it's not feasible, I’ll mitigate my grief with writings and gulp it down! To the judicious comrade who still awaits for a return to main campus, wake up and think again or continue dreaming until the cows come home, after which you will locate yourself within Odera Akang'o vicinity!
As for the Moi University Senate, you have your claws of uncertainty, inconvenience and annihilation deep in our granular layer that we can't flinch but only swing to your rhythm. That is worth kudos although I reckon you should devote every means probable, even if it entails conducting a forensic audit of bed spaces prior to an intake, just to ensure you come up with a dependable, more reliable resolution and not just issuing declarations as if you are dealing with a comatose mania!
Hello, if my conscious serves me right, we never signed a truce to graduate in the year 2030! My student identification card can attest to this!
This is yet another hefty blow on the faces of students in the faculty of Human Resource Development considering they had to quit the “income generating activities” they had indulged in just to get ready to report back! We were still nursing the wounds they inflicted on us when they smoked us out of campus with the infamous cliché of 'until further notice' contrary to the plan to have us proceed with the 1st semester of our second academic year that had been slated to commence on the 8th of November, 2012.
As if this is not disillusioning enough, we were sieved out in every decree that materialized from their incalculable meetings! First, we were among the three faculties that were side-lined by the very first verdict which took them a whole decade to decide. On the 15th of April, we were filtered out yet again, as others resumed classes, we were left with the irksome phrase; 'until further notice' which gave birth to the 6th of May. As if all this mess is not enough, they have altered the date again, what do they think of us? Or are they battling the theory of 'tyranny of numbers'?
This is getting out of hand and lest you forget, it’s been six months since we last stepped foot in a lecture hall. You know what that connotes, don't you? Why all this disarray and discord? Are they products of poor planning? Is this a failure to conduct a thorough SWOT analysis? Or should we link the jumble to deprived communication?
It is indisputable that where there is a rumour, it means there is a vacuum in the flow of information and only a dimwit will think of disputing this! An adage goes that no one can lead people like a flock of sheep to an abattoir without them questioning. It is for this reason that I beg to speak out. You have settled on relocating us to Annex. Are there arrangements to ensure we access all the necessary facilities that the courses we partake require? Have you considered that those pursuing journalism need the MU studio as much as others who specialize in media related courses? Do you have a computer lab for those doing graphics which is considerably more important in the field?
I am not conversant with the destination of this exodus; nevertheless a comrade hinted to me that it is also known as 'matopeni'. I don't rely on speculations or assumptions because they consign us to fantasy. However, in case there is some truth in this, do you expect us to dive into the 'quick sand' (mud) 5 days a week to catch up with Dr.Ong'ondo's 7am harangue?
I understand the 10th parliament’s call for a double-intake system was geared towards tumbling the number of days we spend on university grounds! On the contrary, you are doubling the days despite the fact that you were on the first row in upholding the appeal. What then is the difference between that group that was enrolled in the wake of the double intake and those who joined institutions that never gave in to the government call? Our counterparts are miles ahead! The whole scheme seems unrealistic and futile. I beg your pardon for my presumptuous diction.
If only I could ‘Bruce Lee’ you, I wouldn't give it a second thought but take you on hastily. But since it's not feasible, I’ll mitigate my grief with writings and gulp it down! To the judicious comrade who still awaits for a return to main campus, wake up and think again or continue dreaming until the cows come home, after which you will locate yourself within Odera Akang'o vicinity!
As for the Moi University Senate, you have your claws of uncertainty, inconvenience and annihilation deep in our granular layer that we can't flinch but only swing to your rhythm. That is worth kudos although I reckon you should devote every means probable, even if it entails conducting a forensic audit of bed spaces prior to an intake, just to ensure you come up with a dependable, more reliable resolution and not just issuing declarations as if you are dealing with a comatose mania!
Hello, if my conscious serves me right, we never signed a truce to graduate in the year 2030! My student identification card can attest to this!
HOLY COWS
By Chemochek Enock
Authority comes from God, so said my Sunday school teacher. And I don’t doubt that one bit. Only God knows precisely why he put those in authority there, and that’s why he picked people from all walks of life, people with different ideologies and leadership skills to lead his people. David was a mere young shepherd whom God entrusted with the leadership of his people. Solomon was the son of a king whom God entrusted with leadership too. God also gave the wicked an opportunity to rule. Look at people like Adolf Hitler and Nero, for example. These leaders were the worst of their times, they took away their subjects’ lives mercilessly.
I take a look at the leaders we have now and wonder why God would put such beasts to rule over people. They are wolves in sheep's skin, but with long tails! They think we are too silly to differentiate between a lamb’s tail and that of a wolf. God have mercy on them. Woe unto the flock that is looked after by a bunch of hungry wolves. With their shallow thinking they rule over their areas of jurisdiction with iron rods in the name of bringing change. Then I wonder, how can a monkey brag about instilling knowledge to a philosopher? That has not happened and never will.
The people I am talking about are the ones around us, the ones we interact with on a daily basis. These people have caused us much agony and made life quite unbearable. They oppress those under them because they know very well that the oppressed wouldn’t dare open their beaks out of fear and the few who open up are voiceless. The whistle blowers who dare talk are silenced in the most inhumane way! It is even quite ironical that the resources of the voiceless, the hard-earned coins of ‘sufferers’ are what keep these beasts growing fatter by the day.
A look at these people who have been on these ‘rotating chairs’ confirms that power corrupts a sane person’s morality and thinking. It narrows their capacity to think and come up with ideas such that their mindsets don’t go beyond themselves but rather revolves around the ‘me’, ‘myself’ and ‘I’. It is, maybe, this kind of thinking that has led to the fleecing of a common person like me and you.
My questions are: Why are these people that way? Why do people suddenly change when they get those big seats? Why would they be happy when someone is suffering? Why do they promise heaven but end up delivering hell? Why don’t people question their leadership? Maybe I have part of the answer to the last question. It is because they are untouchable, the holy type that has been set aside for ‘religious’ purposes. To call them holy cows is an understatement; I just lacked the right term for them.
Authority comes from God, so said my Sunday school teacher. And I don’t doubt that one bit. Only God knows precisely why he put those in authority there, and that’s why he picked people from all walks of life, people with different ideologies and leadership skills to lead his people. David was a mere young shepherd whom God entrusted with the leadership of his people. Solomon was the son of a king whom God entrusted with leadership too. God also gave the wicked an opportunity to rule. Look at people like Adolf Hitler and Nero, for example. These leaders were the worst of their times, they took away their subjects’ lives mercilessly.
I take a look at the leaders we have now and wonder why God would put such beasts to rule over people. They are wolves in sheep's skin, but with long tails! They think we are too silly to differentiate between a lamb’s tail and that of a wolf. God have mercy on them. Woe unto the flock that is looked after by a bunch of hungry wolves. With their shallow thinking they rule over their areas of jurisdiction with iron rods in the name of bringing change. Then I wonder, how can a monkey brag about instilling knowledge to a philosopher? That has not happened and never will.
The people I am talking about are the ones around us, the ones we interact with on a daily basis. These people have caused us much agony and made life quite unbearable. They oppress those under them because they know very well that the oppressed wouldn’t dare open their beaks out of fear and the few who open up are voiceless. The whistle blowers who dare talk are silenced in the most inhumane way! It is even quite ironical that the resources of the voiceless, the hard-earned coins of ‘sufferers’ are what keep these beasts growing fatter by the day.
A look at these people who have been on these ‘rotating chairs’ confirms that power corrupts a sane person’s morality and thinking. It narrows their capacity to think and come up with ideas such that their mindsets don’t go beyond themselves but rather revolves around the ‘me’, ‘myself’ and ‘I’. It is, maybe, this kind of thinking that has led to the fleecing of a common person like me and you.
My questions are: Why are these people that way? Why do people suddenly change when they get those big seats? Why would they be happy when someone is suffering? Why do they promise heaven but end up delivering hell? Why don’t people question their leadership? Maybe I have part of the answer to the last question. It is because they are untouchable, the holy type that has been set aside for ‘religious’ purposes. To call them holy cows is an understatement; I just lacked the right term for them.
VIVA MOI UNIVERSITY!
By Mohammed Doyo
A month ago, while I was on internship in one of the media companies in the country, a senior editor in the company, an ardent fan of this FaceBook page, asked me why we always complain so much about Moi University. In his opinion he felt the institution was one of the best when it came to producing quality manpower. He wondered why nothing positive has been noted about the institution by the students. He went ahead to explain that he has been reading my articles and one thing stood out- constant complains and ‘attacks’ on the varsity administration. I was dumbfounded for a moment.
I struggled to get a suitable response. I stood there baffled but after quick thinking, I was able to explain that unlike other institutions that lack a vibrant social media platform, Moi University has one. We, the Students don’t fear to speak out. We lament, curse and pour our throats out, not because we hate the education, skills and experiences we get in here but our resentment is from the little things we feel are not being done the right way.
This got me thinking; don’t we have anything to celebrate about our university? Do we have to curse continuously the institution that will greatly define our future career paths, all the time? Are other public universities any better? You see, In as much as we complain about ineffectiveness of one way or another in this institution, hoping someone sees it and rectifies it , we should not be too blind to see the small positive things about Moi .
We are the students of Moi university . One of the best universities in Africa. We go through challenges; we don’t have ‘grade A’ facilities, we might not have the best management, accommodation remains a huge problem, Receiving Exam transcripts take forever. Missing marks is a common phenomenon; ‘Digital’ is a foreign term. But after all is said and done, Moi university students are still the ones to beat in the Job market. Challenges have made us stronger. The environment has transformed us into robust Go- getters.
We creep slowly out of the cocoon of inadequacy and take self-initiatives to arm ourselves with the necessary skills in the labor fields. Interestingly enough hunters come tapping our own-hard earned talents. Like loyal soldiers, we deliver the best with consistency.
We don’t have to parade our alumni on TV to show how sophisticated we are but at the end of the day we still remain the BEST. We don’t have to brag that celebrated journalist Mohammed Ali is an alumnus of this instituion. We don’t have to keep reminding people, Eddie Njoroge the CEO of Kenya power once sat on the metallic seats in Ngeria attending engineering classes. Neither do we have to say Hassan Omar, ole Kiyiapi nor Ronnie osumba among other great men and women were once here. And before I forget, did I mention the brain behind the innovative, life changing, globally recognized MPesa money Transfer technology is a Moi university Tech alumnus? If am to list all the great men and women who schooled at Moi, I might as well write a novel. The truth however remains; Moi got brains and intelligent ones for that matter.
I now rest my case without sounding too much of a PR student. But before I leave, I reiterate, anyone who still thinks Moi university is ‘of little value’ because of the frequent never ending curses on this FB page, should start thinking all over again.
I struggled to get a suitable response. I stood there baffled but after quick thinking, I was able to explain that unlike other institutions that lack a vibrant social media platform, Moi University has one. We, the Students don’t fear to speak out. We lament, curse and pour our throats out, not because we hate the education, skills and experiences we get in here but our resentment is from the little things we feel are not being done the right way.
This got me thinking; don’t we have anything to celebrate about our university? Do we have to curse continuously the institution that will greatly define our future career paths, all the time? Are other public universities any better? You see, In as much as we complain about ineffectiveness of one way or another in this institution, hoping someone sees it and rectifies it , we should not be too blind to see the small positive things about Moi .
We are the students of Moi university . One of the best universities in Africa. We go through challenges; we don’t have ‘grade A’ facilities, we might not have the best management, accommodation remains a huge problem, Receiving Exam transcripts take forever. Missing marks is a common phenomenon; ‘Digital’ is a foreign term. But after all is said and done, Moi university students are still the ones to beat in the Job market. Challenges have made us stronger. The environment has transformed us into robust Go- getters.
We creep slowly out of the cocoon of inadequacy and take self-initiatives to arm ourselves with the necessary skills in the labor fields. Interestingly enough hunters come tapping our own-hard earned talents. Like loyal soldiers, we deliver the best with consistency.
We don’t have to parade our alumni on TV to show how sophisticated we are but at the end of the day we still remain the BEST. We don’t have to brag that celebrated journalist Mohammed Ali is an alumnus of this instituion. We don’t have to keep reminding people, Eddie Njoroge the CEO of Kenya power once sat on the metallic seats in Ngeria attending engineering classes. Neither do we have to say Hassan Omar, ole Kiyiapi nor Ronnie osumba among other great men and women were once here. And before I forget, did I mention the brain behind the innovative, life changing, globally recognized MPesa money Transfer technology is a Moi university Tech alumnus? If am to list all the great men and women who schooled at Moi, I might as well write a novel. The truth however remains; Moi got brains and intelligent ones for that matter.
I now rest my case without sounding too much of a PR student. But before I leave, I reiterate, anyone who still thinks Moi university is ‘of little value’ because of the frequent never ending curses on this FB page, should start thinking all over again.
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