The Cutting Edge - 13 March 2014

DONT PAMPER HOOLIGANS. Kenyans must stop blocking public roads whenever they protest against something, Kariuki Muchemi advises, alluding to the recent matatu strike. Waxing knowledgeable, he says that according to the Traffic Act, only a police officer in uniform has the authority to stop vehicles on a public road. “It is, therefore, most disgusting to see police officers pleading with hooligans who are breaking the law instead of hauling them to the cells.” His contact is 0722511359.

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CHECK THIS, TRAFFIC BOSS. Why have matatus been allowed to pass through Kiserian Town’s market centre instead of the properly designated areas? asks Christine Ng’ang’a. This, she moans, has resulted in some business premises being blocked as suppliers and customers have to contend with the chaotic matatus passing in front of their shops. Can the county leadership arrest the situation immediately, as traders stand to lose businesss? he pleads.

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LECTURERS TO BLAME. The mess at Rongo University College is not only evident in the lack of basic facilities, but also in other areas. “On the first page of their prospectus, they request you to dully, instead of duly, fill in a certain form. But they are not alone. That citadel of academic excellence, the University of Nairobi, also cannot correctly spell the word ‘recommend’ on the application form for self-sponsored students. Is it about the calibre of the lecturers they hire?” His contact is [email protected].

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ARE STUDENTS BRIGHTER? When he sat his O-Level exam in 1971 at Alliance High School, Kariuki Muchemi recalls, only two out of the 105 candidates (less than two per cent) got six points (six distinctions in the 7-6-3 system), which would be the equivalent of straight As today. He is, therefore, stunned to note that 40 years later, the same school has over 50 per cent of its candidates scoring straight As. “Has the examination become easier or are students much brighter today?” His contact is [email protected].

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EQUALITY NECESSARY. Only one district school appeared among the Top 100 performers in last year’s KCSE exam results, says Peter Kamuri, adding that ensuring equity in access to quality education is a big challenge. “The university entry points for students from district schools should be lowered, considering the circumstances in which the students learn. Some students have never set foot in a laboratory, and textbooks are inadequate, besides having limited hours for study, especially in day schools.

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LACK OF VISION. Taking stock of the performance of the Jubilee coalition during its first year at the helm, Patrick Kilan says a notable development has been the weakening of key institutions set up by the previous administration. “The National Economic and Social Council, a darling of the Kibaki administration, is no more. Vision 2030 is now just another of those concepts that are occasionally mentioned in speeches during celebrations marking national days.” His contact is [email protected].
 
Have a visionary day, won’t you!

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