FOUNDATION TO HELP EDUCATE GIRLS FROM NEEDY FAMILIES STARTED

A foundation that will cater for girls’ education from poor families in the coastal region has been incepted.

The foundation known as The Mijikenda Girl Child Education Trust was initiated as an aftermath of the international girl child celebration held in Vitengeni, Sokoke ward in Kilifi County, where the media highlighted the plight of two girls who were selling birds to raise their varsity fees.

Alice Bendera, 20, from Mereni village in Bamba ward was admitted at Rongo University but had to transfer to Pwani University after failing to meet the registration deadline. While her colleague, Veronica Rehema, 19, sat her KCSE in Kenya High School and scored a mean grade of B (63 points). She was admitted to the University of Eldoret but she is yet to join. 

Speaking in Bamba while awarding a Ksh 150,000 cheque to Alice Bendera and Veronica Rehema at their various homesteads , Maendeleo ya kina Mama Chairperson, Witness Tsuma said that girls in the coastal region have for a long time been neglected despite their potential to do well in education.

“We know starting a foundation is not easy but we are rallying support from local leaders and successful women from the coastal region to help us educate well performing girls in the county and the coastal region as a whole. The girl child has for a long time been neglected but it is now time to change that vice,” said Witness.

Local leaders have already backed the move and have donated over ksh.100, 000. 

“Watamu ward representative has given us this cheque to assist in paying the two girls school fees. Another contribution is from Kilifi North member of parliament, Gideon Mng’aro and other well wishers,” articulated Witness

According to the foundation’s patron Selina Maitha who is also an assistant county commissioner in kikambala, the foundation is aiming at helping 10 girls and have currently registered six.

“We want the girl child from the coast region to go to school and gain education that will equip them to be competitive in today’s world. How else are we going to achieve vision 2030 if our girls are not educated?”asked Selina.

The foundation will not only be gathering funds from monthly membership fees also set up a website to raise funds for needy girls.

Report by Dominick Mwambui     @dmwambui   0729663424

SCIENTISTS DEVELOP ARTIFICIAL BLOOD FOR MOSQUITOES

Dealing with mosquitoes can be one hell of a process. It can mean slapping yourself hard in the middle of the night when you try to hit it against your skin. Fumigating your house with tonnes of insecticides, leaving you breathless would be another option or simply sleeping under a treated mosquito net. All this we do just to deny it a sip of our blood. This is also because mosquitoes have been called the deadliest animal on the planet, because of the diseases they spread. As this reality stands an artificial buffet for them would be appropriate, isn’t it?

Welcome to Stephen Dobson’s finding. The professor of medicine and Vetinary entomology believes his mosquito food may lead to fewer mosquitoes. But how exactly?

Through a press release he explains that, the artificial blood he developed will allow people in remote areas around the world to sustain colonies of mosquitoes, even in those areas with limited resources and difficult logistics. Colonies that will later be used in studying the blood sucker.

“Multiple, new approaches to control mosquito populations require the ability to rear mosquitoes,” Dobson said. “The artificial blood technology will help us to better fight disease-transmitting mosquitoes in resource-limited areas.”

In one approach patented by the University of Kentucky, mosquitoes are essentially sterilized by a naturally occurring bacterium, called Wolbachia. With an ability to rear large mosquito numbers, the approach can be used as an organic pesticide, to overwhelm and sterilize mosquito populations that transmit diseases like malaria, flilaria, dengue and yellow fever. Once sterilized, the mosquito population declines and can be eliminated.

Dobson’s research on developing artificial blood for mosquitoes has made him a Grand Challenges Explorations winner, in an initiative funded by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation.

Mosquitoes spread deadly diseases like malaria, Yellow fever, West Nile, Chikungunya and many others.

CELEBRITY NEWS: SUSUMILA AFICHUA SABABU YA KUFUNIKA MANENGUO KWENYE VIDEO YA WIMBO IHALE

SUSUMILA. PHOTO||COURTESY

Ni kawaida kwa wanamuziki hapa nchini na ulimwengu mzima kwa ujumla, kuwatumia vibaya wasichana  katika video za nyimbo pasipokujali ni nani atakayezitazama.

Wengi wao hunengua viuno huku wakiwa nusu uchi. Jambo ambalo wapenzi wa mziki wa kizazi kipya hulishabikia kwa sana, lakini mambo ni tofauti ikiwa video ya Susumila alioiachilia hivi majuzi ni ya kuzingatiwa. Kwani ni video a kupigiwa mfano, na ya aina yake.

Kinyume na wasanii wengine susumila, mwanamziki kutoka ukanda wa pwani ya Kenya, aliamua kutumia vijibango hai kufunika manenguo ya dada mmoja katika video yake. Ni jambo liloshangaza wengi, lakini kulingana na Susumila, kuna sababu mwafaka kwa nini akafanya hivyo.

“nimefunika kwa sababu najua mziki wangu unashabikiwa na watu wakila umri, kwa hivo nisingetaka kuwakwaza mashabiki wangu pengine waone haya kuangalia video ile mbele ya familia zao.” Alisema Susumila

 Kando na hayo, Susumila kwa sasa anayetamba na vibao kidekide na Ihale, amekuwa akifanya mziki wa mtindo tofauti na ule wa pwani.  Ni hatua hii ya kufanya mitindo ya mziki tofauti na ule wa pwani uliopelekea wengi kusema kwamba amepoteza dira na ameanza kuiga.

Lakini kulingana na Susumila sio ati anaiga bali upana wa mtandao wa mashabiki wake ndio uliochangia pakubwa kwa yeye kufanya mitindo tofauti ya mziki.

“siezi sema naiga kwa sababu music is universal na siimbii maahabiki wapwani pekee that is why leo utaona nimefanya afrobeat mara kesho lingala mara wakati mwengine hiphop au reggae mimi hua sijekei limit katika kutayarisha mziki wangu” alisema Susumila.

Bonyeza hapa kuitizama video hiyo.

1.3 MILLION KENYANS UNABLE TO WATCH TV

More than 1.3 million Kenyan citizens are unable to watch television due to the country switching from analogue to digital broadcasting. According to the The Communications Authority of Kenya (CA) only 2.2 million Kenyan citizens have acquired set-top boxes to access digital TV.

CA Director-General, Francis Wangusi, stated that poor distribution of set-top boxes was to blame for the television blackout. He added that remote areas are the most affected, though the government is working on ways of penetrating the region – this is according to Business Daily.

According to the report, the availability and affordability of the set-top boxes was a core part of the media owners’ request for more time to migrate — a request the CA and Information ministry vehemently opposed.

Wangusi’s latest position is also contrary to the reality on the ground showing the high cost of set-top boxes as the main obstacle to many households making the transition.

The report revealed that the Consumer Federation of Kenya (Cofek) on dismissed Wangusi’s explanation of the slow uptake, saying the CA chief executive’s mishandling of the migration and failure by the government to adopt globally accepted practices had left consumers, especially of the free-to-air television, without television.

In the report, Wangusi insisted that Kenya has an estimated 3.2 million set-top boxes imported by 79 licensed vendors and dismissed claims that a shortage of the gadgets and high retail prices are to blame for the slow uptake.

According to the report, Pay-TV subscribers have to pay monthly fees of between KES 499 and KES 8,200. The prices for multi-channel decoders range between KES 1,999 and KES 2,500, while free-to-air set-top boxes cost between KES 3,300 and KES 6,500. The CA has licensed over 79 types of set-top box and the sector has created over 2,500 jobs, according to ICT ministry statistics.

In South Africa there are plans to spend about $250 million this year alone to buy set top boxes for underprivileged citizens before switching off analogue television signals. This is according to South African Minister of Communications, Faith Muthambi. Muthambi revealed that more than five million set top boxes will be given away to these citizens.

FOUR KILIFI ANGLICAN CHURCH MEMBERS TO RECEIVE SPECIAL BELL RINGING SKILLS ABROAD

Kenyan bellringers John Malala, Betty Ngetsa, Deborah Shichei and Lennox Charo ||COURTESY

Four Anglican church bell ringers from Kilifi county are set to travel abroad to receive special training on how to ring the church bells.

John Malala an amicus of Ribe Boys High School, Betty Ngetsa, Deborah Shichei and Lennox Charo will visit a church bell ringing training centre in Eckington to brush up on their skills from a team of local campanologists.

According to www.epworthbells.co.uk, the training of the four  is a landmark. This is because ringers from Derbyshire and South Yorkshire regularly benefit from the facilities offered along with others from further afield - but so far all those who have undergone training have predominantly been British.

However, all that will change at the end of June and in early July when a group of ringers from the smalltown of Kilifi in eastern Kenya arrive for training.

There are just 13 sets of bells in the whole of Africa rung in the English style - ten in South Africa, two in Zimbabwe and those at Kilifi.

INTERNSIP OPPORTUNITIES AT TECHNICAL UNIVERSITY OF MOMBASA

In order to mentor and cultivate today’s young leaders and strengthen their understanding of the workplace, Technical University of Mombasa (TUM) is seeking to recruit motivated interns who will benefit from an enviable exposure of the work environment within Technical University of Mombasa.

The university was recently elevated to a fully-fledged University in Kenya. TUM is set along the expansive shores of the beautiful and magnificent Indian Ocean and overlooking the famous Tudor Creek.

click here for the advertised positions

NEW WASP SPECIES NAMED AFTER DIGO PEOPLE

A new wasps species found in Kaya Kinondo forest has been named in honour of the Digo people, a sub group of the nine mijikenda tribes.

Drynus digo sp.,is among 13 previously unknown wasps species in Kenya and Burundi that icipe taxonomists in collaboration with colleagues from the tropical Entomology Research Institute and the University of Tusca both in Italy, recently discovered.

Wasps are significantly beneficial to humankind, specifically because of their ability to naturally control agricultural pests. This is because the majority of wasps are parasitic. They usually lay their eggs in or on the eggs or larvae of other insect species, and as the wasp larva develops, it leads to the death of the host insect. In fact, for almost every pest insect species, there is at least one wasp species that parasitizes it. Globally, parasitic wasps are increasingly being used in the biological control of crop pests. Indeed, icipe has in the past recorded significant success in using wasps to control pests of cabbages and maize in Africa.

All of the 13 new wasp species discovered recently by icipe and collaborators belong to a moderately-sized cosmopolitan family of Hymenoptera known as Dryinidae. Its members are parasitoids that feed on “true bugs”, a group that attacks a wide variety of plants. As is the case with the majority of wasps, there is insufficient knowledge on the diversity of dryinid wasps, especially in Africa.  For example, the recently described wasps, along with new Kenyan records of species already known from elsewhere in Africa, bring the number of dryinid species found in Kenya to just 76.

“Our studies suggest that many more species of Dryinidae remain to be recorded in Kenya, particularly in the northern and eastern parts of the country where there has been little exploration,” notes Dr. Copeland.

Currently, a total of 17 Dryinidae species are known only from Kenya, including those described in the recently published icipe study. The majority of these species were collected in protected national forests and parks. The sites include the sacred Mijikenda Kaya forests, which are small patches of indigenous, culturally important, yet threatened forests along the Kenyan coast. Other collections took place in Ungoye, a small stand of indigenous forest next to Lake Victoria, which is the only remaining patch of mid-altitude lake-side forest in Kenya.

 Dr. Robert Copeland, icipe scientist, explains that these findings, published in the journal Acta Entomologica Musei Nationalis Pragae on 1^st June 2015, contribute much needed knowledge to the global taxonomy network. 

He observes that while in general there are significant taxonomic gaps for most living organisms, the situation is even more critical in regard to groups composed mostly of small species, as is the case for many families of wasps.

“Alongside bees and ants, wasps belong to the third largest order of insects, Hymenoptera, known more commonly as "membrane-winged" insects. Although well over 100,000 species of Hymenoptera are recognised globally, many more are yet to be described, with wasps, and those of Africa particularly, being insufficiently studied,” explains Dr Copeland.

The researchers have named some of the newly discovered wasps in honour of the people who contributed to the research as follows:

Dryinus digo sp., a new wasp species found in the Kaya Kinondo forest, has been named in honour of the Digo people (one of the nine Mijikenda tribes), who consider this particular Kaya sacred and therefore act as its guardians.

Deinodryinus musingilai sp., which was found in Kasaala, Kitui county, Eastern Kenya, has been named after Mr. Mulu Musingila, who allowed the researchers to set up traps and collect specimens on his land leading to the discovery of the species.

Bocchus johanssoni sp., a species found in Kasigau, Taita Hills, coastal Kenya, has been named after the icipe scientist Dr. Tino Johansson, who is overseeing the Climate Change Impacts on Ecosystem Services and Food Security in Eastern Africa (CHIESA) project. Funded by the government of Finland and led by icipe, CHIESA is conducting part of its studies around the Taita Hills.

Anteon nkubayei sp., a species that was collected in Rusizi National Park, Burundi, is named after Mr. Evariste Nkubaye of the Institut des Sciences Agronomique du Burundi who provided significant assistance to icipe and collaborators during the surveys.

UNDERSTANDING GENITICALLY MODIFIED ORGANISMS

Genetically modified organisms have in the recent past caused a stir when it comes to food and crop safety. Much stereotyping has dimmed the scientific achievement and has made it to be seen like a health hazard emanating from years of research by scientist.

To help us understand genetically modified organisms (GMOs) also called genetically- engineered or transgenic food, the World Health Organization WHO in response to questions arising from a number of WHO member state Governments with regard to the nature and safety of genetically modified food prepared the following questions and answers which  are a  tool  to use in understanding  GMOs.

What are genetically modified (GM) organisms and GM foods?

Genetically modified organism can be defined as organism in which the genetic material has been altered in a way that it does not occur naturally. The technology is often called “modern biotechnology” or “gene technology” sometimes also “recombinant DNA technology “or “genetic engineering”. It allows selected individuals genes to create GM plants- which are then used to grow crops.

WH ARE GM FOOD PRODUCED?

GM food are produced and marked because there is some perceived advantage either to the producer or consumer of these foods. This is meant to translate into product with lower price, greater benefit ( in terms of durability of nutritional value) or both. Initially GM seed developers wanted their products to be accepted by producers so have concentrated on innovations that farmers (and the food industry more generally) would appreciate.

The initial objective for developing plans with based on GM organisms was to improve crop production. The GM crops currently in the market are mainly aimed at increased levels of crop protection through the introduction of resistance against plant diseases caused b insects or viruses or through increased tolerance towards herbicides.

Insect resistance is achieved b incorporating into the food plant gene for toxin production from bacterium Bacillus thuringiensis (BT). This toxin is currently used as a convenctional insecticide in agriculture and is safe for human consumption. GM crops that permanently produce this toxin have been shown to require lower quantities of insecticides in specific situation, especially where pest pressure is high.

Virus resistance is achieved through the introduction of a gene from certain viruses which cause diseases in plants. Virus resistance makes plants less susceptible to diseases caused by such viruses, resulting in higher crop yields.

Herbicide tolerance is achieved through the introduction of a gene from a bacterium conveying resistance to some herbicides. In situations where weed pressure is high, the use of such crops has resulted in a reduction in the quantity of the herbicides used.

Are GM foods assessed differently from traditional foods?

Generally consumers consider that traditional foods (that have often been eaten for thousands of years) are safe. When new foods are developed by natural methods, some of the existing characteristics of foods can be altered, either in a positive or negative way. National food authorities may be called upon to examine traditional foods, but this is not always the case. Indeed, new plants developed through traditional breeding techniques may not be evaluated rigorously using risk assessments techniques.

With GM foods most national authorities consider that specific assessments are necessary. Specific systems have been set up for the rigorous evaluation of GM organisms and GM foods relative to both human health and the environment. Similar evaluations are generally not performed for traditional foods. Hence there is a significant difference in the evaluation process prior to marketing for these two groups of food.

One of the objectives of the WHO food safety programme is to assist national authorities in the identification of foods that should be subjected to risk assessment, including GM foods and to recommend the correct assessments.

How are the potential risks to human health determined?

The safety assessment of GM foods generally investigates:

a)      Direct health effects (toxicity)

b)     Tendencies to provoke allergic reactions (allergenecity)

c)      Specific components thought to have nutritional or toxic properties

d)     The stability of the inserted gene

e)      Nutritional effects associated with genetic modification and if any

f)       Unintended effects which could result from the gene insertion.

TEN TIPS TO HELP YOU BUILD SELF-CONFIDENCE

Self-confidence is a trait that can be built. In fact, a few very simple tactics can help you quickly build your self-confidence. And as you become more confident, you will have experiences that will build your confidence even more! 

Here are ten tips for building self-confidence:

 Dress your best! 

Knowing you look good is a key to feeling good about yourself. When you know you look good, you project confidence. Take the time to choose clothes that fit well and which you feel good in. A good haircut that is easy for you to style is also key. If you enjoy make-up, jewelry, or other types of adornment, find pieces you love that make you feel like a million.

Stand up straight!

 Good posture is a quick, free way to build your confidence. Stand up straight and keep your shoulders back. Don’t be afraid to take up space. A bonus of good posture is that you breathe more deeply and get more oxygen, which may mean you have more focus!

Practice gratitude!

 When you take the time each day to practice gratitude, you see how many blessings you have in your life. This builds your confidence and appreciation for your life.

 Compliment others!

 Confident people take the time to compliment others. When you compliment others, you project that you have concern and appreciation for others.

Accept compliments! 

When someone compliments you, accept it. Too often we say “Yes, but…” instead of just saying “Thank you.”

Spend time with people who build you up.

 This helps keeping you focused on the positive.

13 TRAITS OF CONFIDENT PEOPLE

Over the years we have always been told that confidence is key. It is the driving force that gives us an upper hand in many things, for example a job interview or when we have to give a public speech just to mention a few. It feels great when you are told you are confident, right? 

Lucky you if someone gives an honest opinion about your confidence. for those that no one gives a damn about our self esteem this is for you. To make you know if you are confident or you need to pull up your socks.

To begin with, what does it mean to be confident? Studies show that confident people share many of the same traits, even across cultures and industries. 

Some common traits of confident people include;

1. They are not afraid to be wrong

2. They are willing to take a stand, even if they end up being wrong

3. They value finding out what is right more than they value being right

4. They listen more than they speak

5. They do not seek the spotlight, and they share the spotlight with others

6. They ask for help when they need it

7. They think in possibilities, not obstacles – they ask “Why not?”

8. They don’t put others down

9. They aren’t afraid to look silly or foolish

10.They acknowledge their mistakes

11.They seek feedback from only those who matter

12. They accept compliments

13. They “walk their talk”

HYPERTENSION COULD BE THE NEW EPIDEMIC IN AFRICA

Non-communicable diseases like hypertension have always been regarded as a disease of the rich – but this has changed drastically in the last two decades. Numbers of high blood pressure patients are now higher in Africa than in Europe and USA, more alarming is that the disease is most common among Africa’s poorest.

In a recent exercise, Community Health Workers checked blood pressure of slum residents in their home. Out of over 4000 screened by door to door visits, about 1000 were found with raised blood pressure and were referred to receive treatment at Cardiovascular disease clinic set up by the SCALE UP project.

Hypertension is commonly known as having high blood pressure and it is the number one risk factor for strokes and heart attacks otherwise known as cardiovascular diseases (CVD), in Africa.

“CVDs have become one of the leading causes of death in Africa and the total numbers will further increase in the next decades reflecting on the growing urbanization and related lifestyle changes of Africans.” Says Dr. Samuel Oti, a lead researcher at African Population and Health Research Center (APHRC).

Traditionally in Africa, communicable diseases such as AIDS, tuberculosis and malaria as well as maternal and nutritional illnesses, accounted for the greatest numbers of preventable deaths. However, this burden is shifting fast towards chronic non- communicable diseases, including CVDs.

According to Dr.Samuel this phenomenon is what is being termed as the “double burden of disease”. Whereas high blood pressure was almost non-existent in African societies in the first half of the twentieth century, estimates now show that in some settings in Africa, more than 40 percent of adults have hypertension.

The new epidemic of hypertension and CVD not only has an impact on the health of a nation – but has an economic impact as well. A significant proportion of the working age population can become chronically ill or die, leaving their families in poverty.

Like many other non-communicable diseases, hypertension is a silent killer that in general has no specific symptoms or physical complaints. It can only be detected by having one’s blood pressure measured on a regular basis.

“At this stage of the African epidemic of hypertension and CVD, the most important thing will be to raise awareness about the importance and urgency of knowing one’s blood pressure among the population, patients, doctors and policy makers.” Says Dr Isabella Aboderin a researcher in charge of aging at APHRC.

The medics further suggest the following strategies terming them as key in controlling the hypertension epidemic.

Prevention of CVDs through standardized guidelines for hypertension management in primary health care settings, this is much more effective in health and financial terms than treatment of complications in hospitals. Developing and sharing best practices for affordable and effective community based programs in screening and treatment of hypertension.

More so Africa needs policies developed and implemented through a multi-sectoral approach involving the Ministries of Health and other sectors including education, agriculture, transport, finance among others.

And in order to address and monitor this epidemic appropriately more research on prevalence of hypertension and risk factors needs to be done in different settings in the region.

The resource people in this article are senior researchers affiliated with the African Population and Health Research Center. Their research focuses on Non Communicable Diseases and Aging issues in Africa.

HOW TO TIGHTEN THE VAGINA AND KEEPING IT FREE FROM ODOR

BY: AUNT LIZ

Today I am talking to the ladies. Now that I have made it clear from the start let me clear the air and get down to business. Akhem!!! (throat cleared) oh! before i continue i must acknowledge the owner of this blog for the much begging he had do to convince me write this piece. I wonder why he wanted me to write on this topic, Dominick you have some explaining to do boy!! Anyway,that is beside the point let me not bore you more. I am used to talking than writing, wink!

Have you ever wondered once or twice or more, how tight your vagina was, or whether your vagina has a bad smell? If you're married or sexually active, you probably want to know how to take better care of your vagina. It will definitely be on your mind when you want to do the do or it's time for your partner to go 'down' not on our knees but to go ‘down’

First things first, For getting your vagina tight, I know Kegels are great and I practice them when I remember. By the way, am I the only one who gets aroused doing Kegel exercises?

So how is the Kegel exercises done? You ask. Well girl let’s take it easy before we get aroused here. Never mind my talk, lets get it done with.

It takes diligence to identify your pelvic floor muscles and learn how to contract and relax them. Those are the muscles that are vital in this exercises.  To identify your pelvic floor muscles, stop urination in midstream. If you succeed, you've got the right muscles.

 Once you've identified your pelvic floor muscles, empty your bladder and lie on your back. Tighten your pelvic floor muscles, hold the contraction for five seconds, and then relax for five seconds. Try it four or five times in a row. Work up to keeping the muscles contracted for 10 seconds at a time, relaxing for 10 seconds between contractions.

 For best results, focus on tightening only your pelvic floor muscles. Be careful not to flex the muscles in your abdomen, thighs or buttocks. Avoid holding your breath. Instead, breathe freely during the exercises.

Repeat 3 times a day. Aim for at least three sets of 10 repetitions a day to get our Vagina Tight.

About how to keep away the bad vagina smells, bear in mind that all vaginas have their own natural smell, maybe I should say scent. That unique scent  can be an aphrodisiac for your partner, but when your vagina starts smelling too fishy, there's something fishy.

You need to get rid of that smell from the inside out, and from the outside in. Below are the top 10 tips to help you do that.

1. Eat a good quantity of citrus fruits like Oranges and Lemons

2. I don't know what Indian Gooseberry is but it's supposed to help for OK vaginal odor

3. Add fresh yoghurt to your diet

4. Garlic is your friend, as it helps keep away bacterial infections

5. Tea Tree Oil is mentioned too, I've never used it. I know it's great for hair too.

6. Drink lots of water, of course.

7. Use water every time you use a toilet, a wipe may be better than tissue paper.  Avoid using douches. Wash your vagina with unscented soap or simple feminine wash for the external area only.

8. Keep the vaginal area clean and dry also keep your pubic hair short.

9. Choose cotton underwears or those with cotton in the vagina area. Or go commando, that is, without undies at all.

10. During your period, change your sanitary pads or tampons frequently and use panty liners during your ovulation.

I would love to hear your own ideas of getting rid of vaginal odor. Please leave a comment below by clicking on links to this post.