The Cutting Edge

THIS IS A SHYLOCK. As the government tries to rein in commercial banks that have been milking their customers dry with high interest rates, Peter Wanyama says it should not turn a blind eye to its own financial organisations that engage in similar exploitation.

The Kenya Industrial Estates, for instance, increases the cost of loans with high levies and administrative charges, including valuation fees, “and takes ages to disburse loans even after deducting the fees”. He yells: “We are being fleeced.” His contact is [email protected].

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KUDO WATCHIE! Nairobi resident Agnes Wahome, who complained about a pothole bang in the middle of Uhuru Highway opposite one of the newest and best hotels in the metropolis, Villa Rosa Kempinski, is elated at the quick response by the county authorities. Says she: “Thanks Watchie for highlighting this. It has been done fast, and I hope it is just a quick fix and that full repairs on the road will be carried out as soon as possible.”

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STRANGE OFFERS. The problem of “funny choices” forced on students admitted to public universities is widespread. Peter Murigi says his son also scored an A- in last year’s KCSE exam, “with a strong showing in the sciences”.

He wished to study Computer Science, but was offered “an unspecified diploma course”. Peter then wrote to the Education Cabinet Secretary and the young man was offered a BSc course in Environmental Science that he won’t be taking up. His contact is [email protected].

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GRADE A - TOO LOW. Not impressed by some parents’ complaints about their children being denied admission to prime university courses, Martin Makundi says a Grade A- in the KCSE exam is “too low for Engineering”.

He adds: “Much as I empathise with them, the competition is so stiff that it is hard for a male student without a straight A to land a prestigious degree course such as Medicine, Computer Science and Engineering. For the girls, the bar is a little lower. And, after all, there are far too many As these days!” His contact is [email protected].

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DRIVING A NIGHTMARE. Driving along James Gichuru road at Westlands, Nairobi, in the evenings is a nightmare, moans Ken Oketch, pointing the finger at the recklessly driven matatus. The drivers, he adds, have been flouting traffic rules by overlapping and carrying excess passengers, and anyone who complains is forced to alight. But, ironically, this plays out even in front of the gate to Muthangari Police Station. For the details, Ken can be reached through [email protected].

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HOW WAS THE FUNERAL. ? To the growing list of the peculiar habits of Kenyans, Catherine Njoroge is adding the weird conduct of mourners. Says she: “How is one supposed to reply when one goes to a funeral service, and those who did not attend later ask one: ‘How was it?’ ” She has been asked that question numerous times and she wonders what answer one expects, when it is obvious that such an occasion will be “mournful and sombre”. Her contact is [email protected].
Have a solemn day, won’t you!