Society Mirror in the New Age: May 2013

Friday, 24 May 2013

National Heritage

Cracked Tom Mboya Monument

By Erick Diang'a

Tom Mboya memorial is one among the cenotaphs found within the Nairobi Central Business District. It is located along the Moi Avenue next to the National Archives. The then Head of state, Hon Mwai Kibaki unveiled the monument on 20^th October 2011.

A self-trained Oshoto Ondula at a cost of 15 Million Kenya Shillings sculpted the monument with lots of skills. The sculpture was erected about ten metres from the ground and weighs 1.5 tonnes. The plague it stands on was made of fortified synthetic leather to imitate the stony appearance.

Cast bronze was used due its durability and efficiency.

Contrary to the elegant descriptions above, the monument is currently in a perturbing condition. The decorations and symbolic flamingos placed at the base of the commemorative are no longer eye catching. The intense dilapidation of the monument reveals contrary to the amount spent by the government to commemorate the assassinated leader 44 years ago.

Sports is one factor that promote integration in our country; the trend in celebrating a win after matches does not portray understanding of individuals in regard to national heritage protection and honour.

One of the causes leading to the destruction of the monument is stampede by Gor Mahia football fans before and after remarkable football matches. In the event they emerge winnners, they gather around Tom’s statue singing and chanting catchphrases in response to their victory. It is not once or twice, it’s a tendency that the government should not entertain. The ministry of State for National Heritage and Culture should give stern warning against dishonoring departed heroes.

Kenyans are not superior nurturers of national heritage. They circumvent responsibilities bestowed upon them by intentionally razing down national assets. We should commit to memory that the city council askaris have roles in the national development rather than being guards to anticipated evils committed by idlers.

The monument financially benefits photographers who use the site as background for photography. Any Kenyan would feel great posing for a photo next to Tom’s statue only when it is in the creative shape.

Monuments also serve as tourist attraction models; which when face lifted, may earn the country foreign exchange.

Environment

Youths for Environment Management

By Erick Diang'a

Students have taken great responsibilities in ensuring environmental conservation exercises advance to the next level. In Nairobi, a group of Zetech college students demonstrated their willingness to tidy up the city streets.

Egerton is one of the universities that have lately shown interest in attending to the ecology. The students are working on a plan to rehabilitate river Njoro which flows through the college's stretch through the Youth Wildlife and Environmental Movement formed years back.

Chiromo Environmental Awareness Club formed by University of Nairobi is in a mission to make the Nairobi river water drinkable. If implemented, the water scarcity within the city will be contained.

The job market automatically expects an aspiring student to bear in mind the rewards of tackling voluntary services. Importantly, free will guarantees a learner an opportunity to socialize, create rapport with job environment and coworkers.

Schools, Churches, legitimate organizations and various lobby groups have their objectives and roles. However, environmental conservations seek their utmost responsiveness.The essential is to liaise with National Environmental Management Association to bridge the gap and improve the environment. The ministry NEMA operates under, is the focal point and coordinating entity for all climate change issues in the 47 counties in Kenya.

Climate change solely depends on human activities of which some are illegally facilitated by loggers and poor farming techniques among others. It therefore compels citizens to make efforts in ensuring that environmental friendly activities are given priority.

This can be realized though sensitizing members of the public on the importance of environmental conservation activities. Developed countries did not gain their status through working on nix projects but through hard work and determination. The latter is not purchased so Kenya can make it to the sky via integration of ideas and workforce.

Monday, 20 May 2013

Health And Sanitation

Skimpy domestic morals; main cause of disdained health hazards

By Erick Diang’a

Humans are distinctive from animals due to advanced conscience and intelligence. Bearing in mind the knowledge of healthy living, humans still err by developing misconceptions towards certain vital health issues.

Hand washing after calls is of essence though some do without it depending on where it’s done, circumstances and attitude. We have no valid rationale to dispute the fact that all washrooms have ventilations of which the door could be the generously proportioned.

The inside lavatory doorknob predisposes humans to hand contamination subsequent to attending to calls. Under normal circumstances, people wash hands in the sinks however, once done, hold door handles to exit even before drying hands. While moist body parts are susceptible to microorganisms causing infections, drying washed hands is essential.

At some point, it’s incomprehensible to distinguish human conduct from that of a beast-a tendency of standing on toilets rather than sitting on them is eminent in city council lavatories, offices, learning institutions and perhaps in our own homes.

The fact that we don’t fly exposes our shoes to germs thus we have little immunity to diseases whose microbes subsist on the ground. Surely, how does one expect a fellow to sit on a toilet he stood on with muddy shoes? Inability to flush a toilet shows how irresponsible and unmannered one is in terms of personal hygiene. The probability that the next person will use that public washroom fairly is debatable.

Purses are all in one to users; they carry stuffs ranging from makeup, chemicals to forgotten food leftovers. With little doubt, these “poison bags” are not rinsed daily in assertion that some are made of leather while others are of symbolic reference Jesus made to the Hypocrites on washing the exterior of a cup to attract and assure eyewitnesses good heavens within.

The routine cleaning of such purses is done by wiping while inside cleaning remains a story for another day. The reason to consume unwashed fruits from purses is due to the trust people bestow upon private carriers. It is in order to understand that the moment makeup and any other stuff dwell in a bag, privacy and immunity to diseases diminish irrespective of confidentiality level.

Restaurants can be hazardous if proper measures are not taken into account during hand washing. Some hotels lack sinks so they engage water jugs and basins in serving customers. Such basins can serve as many as five customers before the dirty water is discharged. In the process, water splashes and bounces back to hands putting the individuals at risk of contracting waterborne diseases like cholera.

Sharing water bottles put our health at risk most probably when one has ulcerations in the mouth or lips.

Tuberculosis is an airborne disease that can be transmitted speedily in congested areas with little air. Our pride of closing public service vehicles windows is the onset of ignorance. During travels, people should ensure that windows are open to enhance circulation of fresh air. This can reduce the likelihood of TB infections.

In as much as some traditions still hold, some practices like washing hands jointly from the same container should be circumvented. Group dining from the same plate should also be looked at considerately bearing in mind that not all do hand washing comprehensively.

Tuesday, 14 May 2013

Science And Technology

The Second Science,Technology And Innovation Exhibitions-Nairobi

By Erick Diang’a

Various universities and technical institutions took part in the science and technology exhibition week at Kenyatta International Conference Centre on 13^th May 2013 for the second time since inception. The fete was first conducted on 7^th May 2012 with the then minister, Hon Margaret Kamar chairing the inauguration at the same venue.

This year’s exercise focused on the realization of Kenya vision 2030 and beyond objectively to celebrate culture with technology.

Improvement of healthy living in African countries came by as a result of biotechnology through the use of available natural resources.

Most of the technologies showcased were locally modified to show how Kenya is fully endowed with innovations that when put into practice, will aid in meeting the vision 2030 targets.