AN UNSUNG HEROINE 09-1209

An unsung heroine

Ms.Beverly Gatimu Lecturer Daystar University

Have you ever met a teacher who makes you feel a part of something grand?
I came across one that made me feel a part of something grand. She has the ability to open eyes to new realities. This lecturer has a way of making students feel that things would not be complete without them. I had the opportunity to have her as a guest in my public speaking class during my first year and lecturer in my third year. She recognizes every students drive and allows them to experience the pressure of what the outside University life feels like.
One aspect of being an every day heroine is having the ability to understand your own limitations and embracing them with solitude. Beverly knows that she cannot help every single student who she teaches. She knows that without connection with her class it’s useless. Her ideas and knowledge are of no benefit if the students are not willing to learn. She believes she cannot achieve greatness on her own, thus making her humble and thankful.
It was on a Monday morning same usual thing. I had a presentation in a public speaking class. We had a guest coming to judge us and everybody was over prepared for that class. For the first time in my University life someone appreciated my efforts and complimented me. She was the first lecturer to recognize and appreciate my efforts. Beverly Gatimu, a unique lecturer, has in some way impacted every student’s life that has been part of her class. I was very nervous that morning before my presentation. When I got an opportunity to know her later and interview her, first question was if she ever gets nervous and what makes her so sure about every topic she handles. Being a guest means meeting new people and new questions.
She actually admitted she does get nervous but being prepared is always the best option. She also told me reading widely is very healthy. You can never be so sure you are doing the right thing unless you are over prepared and ready to handle any topic. I could not believe I heard her admit this. She is charismatic, portrays a high sense of confidence by the way she answers questions. After every presentation in class she has additional general information that applies in our country. She knows every on-going and past issue. This enables her to advance a personal vision and inspire students.
She is very open-minded and sees things for what they are. I think it is because for her every thing has to be applicable to our normal daily life. It’s amazing how she believes everyone deserves the opportunity to compete. The debates in class tell it all. “She is very open-minded and has knowledge of every subject or topic you ask her,” said Antony. She puts things together in a creative way and uses them to help students learn other elements in life. Her experience in the media is a blessing to the communication students. She does not think twice when you tell her to connect you. Although you work your way through she makes it accessible for any student who shows interest and has ability.

Antony Respondent (Daystar University Student)

She establishes a common interest then uses that to teach the students the discipline, teamwork, self-respect, the importance of high personal expectation, and doing your very best at everything you do. No matter how much you complain about assignments she will not be shaken at all. I was asking Claire a fourth year student who is graduating what she thinks of Ms. Beverly I could not agree more. “She is practical and real. I never thought a boring course I tried avoiding for years could be this interesting. I thank God I post-poned doing it,” she said. This to her is an advantage she believes most students do not have over her thanks to Ms.Beverly.

Claire Respondent (Daystar University student)

Before she became a lecturer she worked in a media house, she was a news editor working for both the radio and TV desks at the Kenya Broadcasting Corporation. She also did some radio presenting along the legendary John Obongo Junior as well as pursue her Masters Degree at Daystar University; she has also worked as a consultant and a part time lecturer in two Universities. She later resigned from the media house to be a fulltime lecturer at Daystar University in 2010. This has allowed her to make a meaningful contribution to the students. Before she used to give talks and that is how I met her the first time. During the talks and part time lectures she realized she could do better if she concentrated on lectures only.
Through all her work with students in and out of the classroom, every student leaves with greater sense of self worth and high respect for what is right and good. Her philosophy is simple. She believes in getting the best out of her students and respect. It is not easy to find a person who thrives on spending extra time outside his or her normal work day. The way she goes extra miles to help students get internships. In addition, this type of invaluable contribution is often unseen and unheralded. Why would a young lady someone with a life outside the classroom walls spend extra time helping and advising students even though she doesn’t get paid? “Basically I spend extra time with students because it’s what I enjoy doing. Being a media personality is great but I value my privacy. I enjoy spending time with students and mentoring the young TUCKS who will blow up the industry once they are unleashed.
She is a mentor, a lecturer, an unsung heroine; Ms. Beverly Gatimu is a lady who changes the lives of students on a day to day basis without ever expecting praise or recognition. She is a lady i admire and emulate.
“Never be sorry for being great”, she told me. And that is why I feel a part of something grand today.

When The Teacher,Becomes The Student! By Alex Mutuku 09-1153

The day is Monday, March 18, 2011 and the time is 11:50am. I am at the impressive Senior Staff lounge next to the Senate room in Daystar University Athi river campus.
As expected, lecturers are streaming in and out in their seemingly meaningful errands. The man of the hour, a Daystar university alumnus class of 2004, one Nahashon Maina and to whom courtesy I am here, is about to join me. I am convinced beyond any iota of doubt that this is going to be an imperative lunch hour appointment with one of the finest sons of Daystar University in the field of communication.
Fifteen minutes have come and gone and my clock of patience is ticking fast, but I am determined to wait for another minute.
I gaze at the room’s ceiling and I begin to refresh my memory on my interviewee. I go back to when I first met him in Machakos Primary School class 4A sitted behind the classroom supervising a student on teaching practice. I too remember him vividly as one of the rare men I found of genuine commitment and bearing a staunch faith in our Lord Jesus Christ back in my home church, Redeemed Gospel Church Machakos.
No sooner had I actively engaged in another gear of the man whom I had seen many times come to my former primary school as the treasurer of the school committee and a supervisor for students on teaching practise, than I spotted him from the entrance of the building approaching me in long strides beaming with joy. ’’Here comes the man…’’ I silently announce to myself, as I focus my eyes in his approaching direction. In a well ironed Charles Burton khaki suit, a white shirt with brown stripes, a brown tie fitting nicely on his neck and dark brown shoes, he shakes my hand firmly wearing his ever easy smiles.
He rests his laptop bag on the formica covered wooden table and I reach for my legal pad with set questions for my client. He loudly realizes that the teacher has now become the student….to that I nod my head in concurrence. Knowing that I will be interviewing a double faceted master in the field of education specifically English and Communication, I sharpen my intelligence and interview mastery skills.
We are well set in train and to my first question; he introduces himself as a first born in a family of six boys born in Ichichi village, Murang’a district, Central Kenya along the slopes of the Aberdare ranges. He gives me the humble exegesis of his family. Been brought up by poor parents, growing, tending and harvesting tealeaves for a living, he did not know he would at any one time make it in life and match his counterparts whom he thought were lucky to have been born in the urban setting.
He pushes the cuffs of his shirt up {having removed the coat},leans on the table with his arms crossed across his chest and narrates to me how life was like from primary school. He has rubbed shoulders with hunger, nakedness and general lack. What he is today is a product of his undying faith in God.
From Ichichi primary school and an old boy of both Kiruri and Kanunga secondary schools, he tells me that going to bed on empty stomach and been chased away from school due to school fees arrears was not a surprise to him when growing up. In fact, he is quick to inform me that his father had to sell a piece of land for him to sail through secondary school.
Growing up, my client had a burning zeal of becoming a land economist but due to his overall grades which did not allow him to pursue this lofty dream, he was enrolled in Kenyatta University in 1982 to pursue Bachelor of Arts in English.
He was posted to Machakos Teachers College on July1, 1986.Though he did not hustle for a job as fresh graduates do nowadays, his was an experience worth remembering. He was to handle college students yet his area of training was in high school teaching.
“Why the change from education to communication?’’I fire the question with keen interest.
“Change is better than rest,’’ he responds. After thirteen years of been a tutor, he felt he needed skills in communication to blend to his first degree with hopes to propel him to greater heights. To this effect, he enrolled for a mature entry qualification Master of arts in Communication, at Daystar University, Nairobi campus.
Though it was a credible move it came with its own challenges. Malice from colleagues and the epitome of it he remembers he was forced by his boss to sign an academic leave of three years with no remuneration as he pursued his studies. With a calming voice, he is careful to thank his wife and three children who supported him in this turbulent time. The wife had to take roles, a father and a mother because of his busy schedule.
In June 2004, he graduated with a Masters in Communication and to his utter amazement he was employed as a part time lecturer by Daystar University teaching cultural studies and interpersonal communication something he is doing up to date.
To help him remain in this competitive job market, my busy client who is also my lecturer is winding up his doctorate studies in Communication from Moi University.
Mr.Nahashon Maina is also a family man. A father to two sons, David and Burton {both students in Daystar} one daughter, Maria and a happy husband to one Catherine Ndung’u the secretary to the Vice chancellor, Daystar University.

My legal pad is almost filled up, but I must touch this man’s staunch faith in Christianity. He tells me that he got saved way back in 1980 and has been actively involved in ministry especially in his local church in Machakos where together with his wife they serve in the hospitality ministry and sing in the ‘Kwaya ya Wazee’ to nurse their faith in this end times.
Well, I leave with my shoulders up and my legal pad full of bits of this stimulating chronicle calculating how I will piece them together and make a story.

PLOUGHING THROUGH HER DREAMS
I want to be a pilot, an engineer, a doctor, a lawyer… these are all familiar phrases that we’ve one time or another uttered in our early days, when asked what we wanted to be when we grew up. Thing is, much as we may have big dreams, some if not most of us have found ourselves in the opposite course. For one such lady, this is an exception. Her name is Dr. Clara Agutu. She is the new doctor at the Daystar University campus clinic (Nairobi West Clinix).
I ventured into the campus clinic one sunny and bright Tuesday morning for a scheduled interview with the doctor. Unlike hospitals where the smell of medicine and antiseptic hangs heavily in the air, fresh air permeated throughout the interior. That, however, didn’t make a difference to me; hospitals, clinics… all of them, make me nervous. I knocked lightly on the brown wooden door, with the inscription “Consultation Room” before getting in and closing the door behind me.
Doctor Clara Agutu was born in Nairobi province on 31st of December 1985. She is the first born in her family with two siblings: the second born, who is 23 years and has just completed her degree in Biochemistry and the last born who is pursuing her Bachelor of Commerce in Business and Information Technology (BBIT) at Strathmore University. Dr. Agutu always knew that she wanted to be a doctor, but the difference between her and some of us; well… that’s a story for another day. The combination of playing with dolls in her childhood, reading Dr. Ben Carson’s books (Think Big and Gifted Hands) while in school and a heart of service is what motivated her to pursue medicine. “…I just wanted to help people,” she said.
She went to primary school at Kianda School and proceeded to go to high school at Precious Blood- Kilungu after doing well in her Kenya Certificate of Primary Education (KCPE) examinations. On completing her four years in high school and sitting for her Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education (KCSE) examinations, she performed exceptionally well and was able to chase after her dream at the University of Nairobi.
Dr. Agutu studied Medicine at Chiromo campus, and later moved to the Kenyatta National Hospital. “Med school is hard,” she said. She had to double her efforts after she realised that it wasn’t the same as high school “no amount of biology, chemistry and physics could prepare you for med school as such,” she clarified, “It is a new thing all together.” There was a lot of studying to be done which most of the time extended till late in the night and she constantly had to be on her toes.

Dr. Agutu also found that the competition was very high because she had to compete with other students who also emerged tops in their districts or in their schools. The challenge came in her first year when she was studying Anatomy. She and her classmates had to go to the lab for practicals, real practicals where they would dissect the dead body of a human being to learn about and master blood vessels, muscles and body organs.
She recalls some of the studying she did with her study groups that involved going back to the morgue at night for more revision. The morgue during her time at Chiromo campus was located in a dark basement. Such constituted the scariest part of the practicals where even the slightest creak from a window would evoke a terrified shriek from her and her study group members. Dr. Agutu had to struggle through nightmares and unpleasant flashbacks until she finally got used to it “some people even used to eat in the lab,” she said.
In the course of her studies Dr. Agutu enjoyed studying Paediatrics and Internal medicine although she at times found paediatrics to be a bit depressing because of such diseases as Tuberculosis (TB) or even HIV/AIDS.
Her toughest years, however, were: first year, of course, because she had to learn concepts that were very new to her, third year, which comprised mostly of clinical medicine that involved integrating the new concepts learnt over the two years and applying it to patient care and fifth year because it involved summing up together everything she had learnt from her first year to her fifth. This she managed guided by her passion for the field.
Dr. Agutu managed to successfully complete her studies in 2010 at which point she was posted by the government at Kenyatta National Hospital for a one year internship period. It was here that she gained the bulk of her inpatient and outpatient experience from treating all kinds of patients with all sorts of conditions. Her dark and sorrowful moments in her profession were the times she would witness little children losing their lives some due to incurable conditions such as kidney and heart failure while others due to curable diseases such as diarrhoea.
At present, she is completing the first month of her position at the clinic where she treats an average of about forty to fifty patients- staff and students- in a day at Daystar University Athi River with the evenings being the busiest of times.
The medical industry is rapidly changing with new technological advancements and discoveries. This is an aspect that Dr. Agutu finds to be somewhat of a challenge as she has to keep up with the current ‘trends’ in the medical field in order to remain relevant. The books are also changing and the fact that hundreds of doctors are graduating by the year means that the market is getting more and more saturated “In medicine you constantly need to be reading and you need to upgrade your degree,” says Dr. Agutu.
“Medicine is a calling,” says Dr. Agutu, and with that she has had to sacrifice on her social life. This is because she spends most of her time in hospital and may not have as much time as she may want to spend with her friends and family. Her family has nevertheless been supportive of her throughout giving her both emotional and financial support “I would not be here if my family was not supportive,” she stresses.
Dr. Agutu finds fulfilment in her occupation especially when she sees former patients in good health. In Kenyatta National Hospital she would often encountered former patients at the corridors who thanked her for treating them. Flora Khamala and Nyokabi Kinyua are some of the students who have been treated at the clinic by her. “She was so warm and welcoming to me, and I even felt at ease telling her about my problem,” says Nyokabi. “I like the way she handles patients, she is understanding and very competent,” adds Flora
Generally, Dr. Agutu who likes watching movies, reading novels and going out with her friends during her free time, envisions herself having completed her master’s degree five years into the future, working in the field of her choice and having established a proper career path. She also expects to raise her own family of at most four children. (1,186 words)

Ann Njunge-(09-0387)

THE UNTOLD STORY OF A DETERMINED 'SOLDIER'

My week was longer than usual. I began by loosing the room keys belonging to a friend, my assignments were catching up with me, the final examinations were around the corner yet I was not prepared and my school identity card decided to get lost at that point. There were all kinds of pressure from everywhere. After days of harassment at the school gate I finally decide to visit the student development office and ask for a replacement. The man behind the desk was busy doing his work as I presented my predicaments. His seriousness and the way he asked questions almost made me want to give up on the whole thing.

'Muda' at the office doing his thing

Behind the tall frame and alto voice at the Daystar University sports lays a tenacious hardworking man who has been at the helm of the sports office for the last fifteen years. The department he works for is the student affairs. He is a man of intimidating physique yet so humble. Welcome to the world of John ‘Mudavadi’Yidah, Daystar assistant sports and recreational officer.
‘Muda’ as many refer to him is a man with a serious face, many who encounter him for the first time always have something new to say about him. I personally thought he did not have a welcoming face but others who interact wit him on a personal level would differ with me.Mr.Yidah is quick to point out that Muda is not his nickname but his great grandfathers name. I was quick to notice that he speaks fluent Luo although his tribe is Luhya.He explains that his grandmother is Luo but since his mother was brought up in Migori he had to learn Luhya.His birth place was Nandi hills where his father was working in a tea company. At one point in his life he lived in Tiriki where he was able to polish his Luo.
‘Muda’ did his high school in Samoei secondary school from form one to form two. The Luhya-Kalenjin clash of 1978 prompted their family to move to Western where he joined Senende boys in Khamisi constituency and completed his form four. He later joined St.Patrick and did his form five and six. After high school ‘Muda’ joined the National Youth Service. A relative convinced him to join the Kenya Army; he was recruited under the Military Intelligent Corpse. He served in the army throughout the coup and he later left voluntarily to find greener pastures. His service in the military could be part of the reason why this man is no nonsense. During the whole interview I could not make him smile at the slightest joke.

At the office where he spends most of the day

His work at Daystar began immediately after he was done with the army. In the year 1995, he applied for a position in the campus and landed himself in the sports department. He admits his most memorable moment is when he joined the school because there was a high level of transparency in the school. The members of staff had to mark time for some time because the school was going through a financial strain. This issue raised the ire of many but nothing was done.Proffesor Nguru was inaugurated as the new vice chancellor and he tried to spread the cake. He motivated the staff to work hard and provided a good job environment for everyone
Mr.Yidah has seen three vice chancellors in Daystar and has been together with the students for a long time. The sports department in Daystar has not been very successful due to the issue of leadership.’Muda’acknowledges the fact that Daystar is a Christian school and in fact he is a staunch Christian himself. Daystar wants to disintegrate itself from other campuses and ignore what is happening in the outside world. He says the only way the issue will be solved is the leadership style will change. Incase there is a tournament the money should be released immediately, those given the money should also be accountable for hoe they have used it.
The best time in his office is with the class of 2004.The sports team excelled in all the sports including, soccer, rugby, hockey, tennis and basketball. The government in Daystar gave the sports department both moral and financial support. The vice chancellor and other leaders in office would go to the field and watch the players practice, the coaches were available to guide the players and the whole team was united. “Unity determines the strength of any group” Mr. John kept on repeating. The year 2004 had the most intake of new students because it painted a good image for the campus.
Mr.Yidah also recalls the visit of Martin Luther to Daystar in 2008.He wanted to market Daystar therefore proposed a tournament in order for the school to be known. At that time the teams were flying high and he was assured his move was going to be successful.Proffessor Nguru, Reverend Kinoti and many others gave money from kitty. The whole initiative was a success to the school and to those who participated.
Amidst his busy lifestyle Muda still finds time for his family .Mr. Yidah is married to one wife and has two children. His first born has just completed his undergraduate studies at Moi University Eldoret. The last born is on his last year in high school. All in all Mr. Yidah’s affection for his family is unquestionable. This is evident by the family photo he cherishes dearly at the desk of his office.
‘Muda’is somebody one is bound to meet in their time in Daystar, especially if one is engaged in co-curricular activities. His peers respect him and look up to him as a veteran whose experience is bar none. On my own individual encounter, ‘Muda’ I can say is a man who is patient and accommodative yet quite firm in his value systems that may strike him as a military man. We parted ways with him offering a gem of wisdom in the words “Life is not a struggle; the grass is always greener on the other side. Do what you have to do perfectly.’’ Thus in a nutshell I tend to believe you have to dig for the well before you become thirsty. (1032)

Blgging at Daystar by Joy Carole (08-0464)

Its 12:30 pm. As usual the sun is scorching hot with a warm breeze swaying trees.  With such weather, the Pac court was the most appropriate place to carry out the three interviews that would help me write my article. It was so quiet and lonely like a graveyard. No one would believe it is the same place that always looks like a market place over the weekdays.  The only noises that made the place seem alive were the buzzing bees, the playful hyraxes and the low-toned rugged voice that came from the G4s guards’ radio. I chose the most dust-free bench and sat on it waiting for my interviewees.

The clock says 1:00pm. None of my interviewees had shown up. I nervously shook my legs and craned my neck towards every direction to see whether they were finally showing up. Tat-tat-tat-tat-tat-tat-tat-tat. I heard the resonance of high-heels. Finally, that could only be Shirley, one of my interviewees. She loves wearing high-heels. If it was possible to sleep in high-heels, take a show er in them and go to the gymnasium in them, Shirley would comfortably do that without complaining.

“Sorry I am late. I had to pass by the salon to fix this new weave…” She slowly turned in a circle as she ran her fingers through her new, long and curly weave. “Hmmmmm, you look amazing, could we please start the interview?” I quickly interjected before she started talking about the latest pairs of shoes she had bought or the new Gucci bag she got from an expensive store in town. “I am sorry,” Shirley embarrassedly responded while she sat. “When did you start blogging? And what made you start blogging?”  “I started blogging in 2006 when I completed high school but I got more involved when I joined Daystar since there is unrestricted internet almost all the time. I love sharing the most interesting parts of my life with others. This made me start a personal online diary.

It is quite interactive since I get to know what happens in the lives of my friends and they get to know what goes on in my life. I always upload photos of the places I visit and the people I hang out with every day.”

“Does blogging have any disadvantage?”

“Sometime back, I had a bad experience with a stalker on my blog, which was a disadvantage on my side. This guy could not get off my back. Any time I uploaded a photo or a new post he would comment annoying, abusive, infuriating comments that made me stop blogging for some time. Till to date I have never known the person who gave out my blog details to this man, I guess it was one of my friends.” I could see the anger and disgust that flared in Shirley’s eyes as she narrated this experience. “When I stopped blogging for that period, I switched to Facebook which seemed more private since I could control who viewed my profile.”

“Did you switch back into blogging?”

 “Yes, I did but not that often since I got scared of being stalked.”

“Sema Joy (Hi Joy), a clear, brassy, husky voice interrupted the conversation. I slowly turned my head towards the direction where the voice came. A smile light up my face when I saw the other two interviewees, Mercy and Robb. “Poa (am okay), thanks for showing up, am almost done with Shirley please sit,” I excitedly said.

“I got scared of being stalked so I blog less and Facebook more,” Shirley concluded.

“Robb, when did you start blogging? What made you start blogging?

“I started blogging 8 years ago when I was in Uganda. Many Kenyans are moving to Uganda and the lives they are leading there gave me the urge to write something about it therefore I decided to blog. The information that I blogged mostly involved the negative side of Kenyans being there. I focused on the nightlife whereby most Kenyan girls worked as prostitutes in order to be more financially stable. When I came to Daystar, I started an art blog whereby my friends and other people could showcase what they had in the form of music and art work through uploading photos and mp3’s.” 

“Does blogging have any disadvantage?” “Yes, it is outrightly B.O.R.I.N.G. I got bored with time since it became a routine and let’s face it who loves routine?” “No one” I almost shouted my thoughts.” “I got used to the whole routine of uploading a new post, a photo or video and then other readers leave their comments. I stopped blogging and frankly I do not want to go back to that routine any time soon.”

It is 2:00pm. Shirley is fidgeting on the bench. She must be thinking of beating one of her friends in getting the latest Louis Vuitton bag or designer sunglasses, what a showoff, I thought.

“Mercy I know you do not blog, why?”

“Before I came here I had to go through a dictionary in order to know what blogging is, at least I have a slight idea. I am an introvert and I love having my own privacy. Blogging is way too public for me; I can neither start my own blog nor comment on other people’s blogs. I mind what other people say and think about me, this has made me not blog. I prefer sending messages and e-mails since they are private.”

I could see and feel the boredom that radiated from Robb to Shirley. Robb was looking drowsy and he yawned after every five minutes.

Shirley was giving me the ‘can you get done and over with’ look, a similar feeling that she shared with the weather that had changed from bright, hot and sunny to cloudy, windy, cold and almost drizzling. Neither of them was encouraging.

“Blogging should not be used to give out personal information, it should not be a personal online diary,” Mercy conclusively said. Shirley gave her a heart-piercing look since she uses blogging as a personal online diary. She slowly mumbled something and before she could say it loud I stared talking, “Shirley, Robb and Mercy thanks for showing up…and…” before I was done Shirley and Robb were already up on their feet ready to go. I slowly stood, did not complete my sentence and walked away with my interviewees who were already ahead of me. (1,069)

08-0746 Sarah Ogola

MR MUTINDA MUSYIMI: CRADLE FOR ADMIRABLE PASSION IN LECTURING AND MINISTRY REVEALED

Courses taught by Mr. Musyimi are amongst those which read “full’ three days after the first day of Daystar University’s OARS registration of the coming semesters’ courses. One may argue that this is because of the demand of the courses. However, I attribute this to the demand of the lecturer. Those who have experienced his lectures would agree that Mr. Musyimi’s charisma, objectivity and relished fatherly approach to teaching attract students to his classes.
“He lectures my ethics in communication class and I describe his lectures as a breath of fresh air. Not only am I assured that I will learn from the content he gives us but I am also assured that I will have fun and not be tense or worried as I contribute to discussions in class,” Beryl Oywer said.
I first met Mr. Musyimi in 2010 when I took Strategies in Communication during the May semester. Mr. Musyimi’s class was one I looked forward to attending. The passion he exhibited through the deeply explained examples of true real life experiences led to my admiration of his work. The devotions he gave with the evident desire to reach the needs of us students led to me being curious of the source of his drive.
I requested a slot in Mr. Musyimi’s busy schedule last week and was granted an interview on a Tuesday afternoon in Valley road Campus. As always, sharply dressed, Mr. Musyimi was in a white coat, black trousers and white shirt. “You are here already?” He asked smiling when I bumped into him outside the Valley Road Campus canteen. His humility doesn’t go unnoticed as he gives me full attention right after he runs a small errand at the finance office and leads me to the relaxed faculty lounge where he would share with me his life journey.
Born in a family of four Mr. Musyimi was raised through hardship in the rural area. With both parents not working and his elder brother not educated he was the hope of the family. He chuckles in between his narration as he explains to me of his desperate education experience.
“It was a struggle. I had to walk ten kilometers to school, bare feet. Classes started at 7 O ‘clock in the morning but we always had to wake up to do our chores before school. I don’t remember ever doing homework. In fact, I did not know people are supposed to read at home until one day when I heard my fellow student panic before an exam because he did not read the previous night. It was impossible to read. I ran back home after school to farm until night time when we lit many small twigs tied together as a source of light, not to read but to continue farming.”

A picture of Mr. Mutinda Musyimi

Mr. Musyimi who had no mentor until later in life in his life confidently confesses that he passed his primary school exams by the grace of God. I read no expected sign of sadness or remorse in his eyes or voice as he tells the story. This to me screamed how his rough experience is more of a positive influence in his life than an excuse for failure or source of pity.
In 1982 Mr. Musyimi joined a private Christian missionary school where he studied till 1985.
“I found my way to AIC Kyome Boys and I personally sought for admission in the school. The principal, after an interview admitted me to the school. Payment for fees in Form one and two was hard but I applied for a work scholarship at the school and I earned my fees. Pocket money was a foreign term to me. I could only afford a pen, the smallest tube of toothpaste and a piece of soap to go to school with. ”

After high school Mr. Musyimi worked as an untrained teacher and then studied for a B.A in Theology in Scott University, Machakos. He describes this opportunity as a result of Gods’ faithfulness as his high school principal gave him a cheque that paid for his ‘A’ Level. “This was rare to get,” he said.
Married to one wife and blessed with three sons, Mr. Musyimi now holds a master in Corporate Communication which he studied for in Daystar University, an institution he started working for as a part time lecturer in 2004.

“I am who I am today because of the kind of experiences that I went through, because of people who saw my need and chose to help me. I want to do the same and help as many individuals to get educated.” Mr. Musyimi believes that through school, lives are transformed and scholars get to experience other things in life that they would not have been exposed to. He has helped several individuals to get a basis of education that would help them be at a level of helping themselves.
Mr. Musyimi’s strong influence is clearly not only felt in Daystar University. He is a senior Pastor at AIC Jericho Nairobi. He counsels individuals who are faced with different challenges in life. “I believe I was called by God in 1985 while I was in form four at Kyome Boys to be a minister and share Gods word with people,” he said. This reminded me of the time that I was in his class in May 2010 and he allowed us to contact him if he had any troubling issues and needed someone to talk to, assuring us of confidentiality. He however humbly confessed that counseling is not the easiest of duties.
“It is only through the grace of God that I am able to handle my counselee’s troubles and at the same time address my own,” he said with a sigh. He recalls times in his youth when he craved to talk to someone but the isolation in his community would not allow him to. He recognizes how today’s society is quite similar and says that his desire and calling is to help those he can.
My curiosity is satisfied at this point of the interview. I get to understand why Mr. Musyimi is so passionate about his work. I understand why he is a blessed individual having gotten through the hardships of life. An admirable man he is as he is now studying Development Studies at the University of Fort Hare. Seeing lives transformed is his greatest satisfaction. He dreams to own a charitable organization to help needy children so that he can transform their lives. (1097)

PROFILE: EDGAR BRIAN OTANGA

Looking at my watch it’s exactly three o’clock in the evening, the time I had booked an interview with Edgar Brian Otanga a librarian at Daystar University. The interview is at the textbook loan office, I hurriedly entered and placed the recorder on the table we didn’t need to have a brief since I had seen him earlier to let him know what I needed from him.


At the beginning of every semester I had visited the textbook loan to borrow most of the books that shall be used in the courses. Today I was there for a different reason and I noticed certain things that I hadn’t over the years I had been there, the books were tidily placed on the shelves; sitting on the chair with a warm smile was a man of light complexion, much defined facial structures and a good dental formula. On his neck was a silver necklace that showed through his well ironed white and pink shirt and a navy blue diamond sweater. From his dressing it is evident that he is young and trendy.

As we begin the interview I discover that Edgar Brian Otanga is a Kenyan from the western region, his mother is a petit woman and his father is the tall one he clearly takes after the father, he is the first born in the family of three and the only boy. As he recalls his early childhood memories he remembers what a normal day was like: wake up and go to play unlike the children today who are lucky enough to watch cartoons early in the morning, he couldn’t do that since the stations opened at 6 A.M and started with prayers. As he got a little older he become more responsible and he did house chores, prepared breakfast for the younger siblings and play football with his peers.

Swinging on his chair with his hands together, Edgar Brian Edgar talks of his educational background, he attended Wanja wa Kim primary school, later went to Save our Souls secondary school. He remembered his first term in secondary school he relaxed on his education and become third last position in the class, “that was a wakeup call for me” he said with a sigh.

We are interrupted by a student returning a book, I notice Edgar Brian Otanga paused the recorder. When the student left he said with an assuring tone “I paused”. We returned to our interview. “What is your favourite childhood memory” I proceeded, there is a glow on his face and with a happy smile he said “my 5th birthday! My granddad slaughtered a sheep for me!” but the saddest day of his life was when the man who gave him the best memory passed away after a long struggle with diabetes.

“I notice that I like things done in a certain way and if they are not done in that way I re do the whole thing” he explained. Edgar Brian Otanga is a perfectionist and a very patient man. He doesn’t have any pets and he dislikes them all together.

He is very passionate about football and this shows from his face when he speaks, at a tender age he would go to the stadium with his father and his uncles to watch matches “when football was football” he says with pride. He recalls “in 1994 during the world cup I was in class four then, due to the time zone difference the match was airing at 3 A.M I stayed up late and arrived school late. The teacher knew why I was late and I didn’t lie about it I was excused because of my honesty”

After clearing high school he was called to Moi University but he declined the offer because he was not interested in the course he was being offered. He later decided to join Kenya School of Professional Studies (KSPS) IN 2002 where he studied IT. In 2003 he came across an advertisement of Daystar University and sent a job application. He was accepted though it was only to help out because he was young and the job required someone older. “God had other plans, Dr. Maso’s wife recommended me for the job and I was accepted and put in training” he said

Edgar Brian Otanga would love to be a footballer if he had the chance to be anything in the world. It has always been his dream but due to a knee injury he sustained that was put aside, if he had an opportunity to meet any person in the world it would without hesitation be Ronaldinho, he would ask him so many questions.

What is Edgar Brian Otanga most proud of? “The fact that I didn’t turn down the opportunity to go to school” he said. I discovered that he is a very friendly and jolly man, he believes in God and Jesus Christ he fellowships at the Kenya Assemblies of God (KAG) in Bahati. And in future he would like to give back to the society and in the process establish an academy to help the less fortunate in society.

“You are lucky to have the opportunity to learn, I come across many people who have problems and cannot continue to study, especially during exam time” he said. It breaks his heart because he realises that education is very important.

Veronica Walubengo a student and also a very good friend to Edgar Brian Otanga said “Edgar is a good friend, he is very understanding, honest and confidential I can tell him anything and get good advice from him”.

“He is a nice guy, friendly, social and just warm” says Linda Sayo a student.

From my observation I see that Edgar Brian Otanga has a good rapport with his co-workers and the students at large. We end the interview since Edgar Brian Otanga was hungry and leaving for lunch.

Blogging- the new in thing- 09-0365

Blogging- the new in thing
It so happens that there is an association for bloggers here in our country. Hmmm, over a cup of coffee or over their froth drinks on the 25th March, bloggers saw it fit to have an association to protect them or maybe to create a family of bloggers. BAKE, Bloggers Association of Kenya, is the umbrella under which Kenyan bloggers will have an opportunity to take this not so new concept further. Here at Daystar University some students have taken up blogging as a form of personal diary, which is somewhat ridiculous because a diary is personal but when on the blog it is open to everyone, to see, read and comment.
Loi Awat is a third year communication student who sadly cannot have a blog of her own, because of time, but loves reading other people’s blogs. I found out that her reason for reading other people’s blogs is so that she can get to know what other people are up to, sounds like being nosy but hey…if it is private then it should not be on the internet in the first place. I urged her to share some of her favourite blogs. Today’s Colours in Black and White by Ras Mengesha- who by the way was a Daystarian- tops her list. Sienna African Design and Dan Mugo are the other blogs that she reads. Loi Awat urges people to read blogs to get to know what people are up to and what they think. This, I second and also add that it is an easy and cheap form of recreation, or what do you think?

(Above: Loi Awat)
Aggrey Ojiambo, as I got to find out from an interview I had with him, is a relatively new blogger. He took up blogging as a form of documenting the things he loves to do and that is video productions and editing. What a brilliant way of creating an on-line portfolio, way to go Aggrey. He further told me that this is the best avenue as a student to get in touch with people who are in the same industry as you and share ideas as well as market yourself. This concept got me thinking of how I could start my own blog and do my thing you know, but on a second thought I remembered the blog I had started but never followed through with it, probably I was too busy or I just was not into it, guess I will never know.
Aggrey Ojiambo’s blog, Video Production, is one month old. I found out that he logs in at least four times a week to update or just check if he has any following. So far he has one follower; I might be the second person if I keep my promise of joining, which I will.

(Left: Aggrey Ojiambo)


Aggrey Ojiambo does not shy away from the fact that he reads other people’s blogs, how then would he have known about blogs? He agrees his blog would have been up and running a very long time ago but his procrastination kept him from doing this until recently. He hopes to market himself through his blog and attract as much traffic, not the same as the one on Mombasa Road but the number of people visiting or reading his blog, as possible. I also learnt that he hopes to get job opportunities when people read his blog and see what he is up to.
Dennis Musyimi prides himself of being a wonderful blogger. He went for a catchy name for his blog, Delarmark. When I heard the name of this blog I thought it was more of a fashion or trend setting blog. I laughed at myself when I found out it was about critiquing videos. Dennis Musyimi is passionate about videos and hence the reason why he came up with the blog. A year ago, I had little to do unlike now when things are thick and I have a lot of piled work. This is the same for one Dennis Musyimi who would blog at least thrice a day, wow. He had the passion for it, until the work load caught up with him and now he blogs thrice a week.
It is hard to keep up a blog but from Dennis Musyimi tells me in the interview there is need to keep an up to date blog especially if you have a following like his. Two hundred followers and still counting, kudos. He encourages Daystar students to take up blogging for it is a good way to stay up to date.

(Above: A beautiful sunset at Daystar University)
Now a recap of what this entire blogging thing is all about. In my view, it is a fun and interesting way of sharing information with the world, be it personal or business or educational. Personal blogs are what I have been looking at and to say the truth I found it to be more interesting and having a relaxed feel compared to the other two types of blogs. A personal blog gives one the best opportunity to vent but be careful you might ‘say’ things you might end up regretting later. The information presented in blogs however represents the opinion of the blogger which at times might not be factual, and this is why I think people following blogs should be very careful when it comes to taking up advice given by people on blogs or believing the things posted on blogs. If interested in starting your own blog now, here are some easy steps to follow:
• Go to one of the available free blogging sites (most popular www.blogger.com)
• Provide the necessary information required
• Create a title for your blog (I suggest it should be catchy and witty)
• Accept the terms and select a template
• Publish… (Hope you get followers)
As you think of starting your blog now I am more than motivated to update my not so long forgotten blog and hope to see you somewhere in this global village doing what you do best.

PLOUGHING THROUGH HER DREAMS

I want to be a pilot, an engineer, a doctor, a lawyer… these are all familiar phrases that we’ve one time or another uttered in our early days, when asked what we wanted to be when we grew up. Thing is, much as we may have big dreams, some if not most of us have found ourselves in the opposite course. For one such lady, this is an exception. Her name is Dr. Clara Agutu. She is the new doctor at the Daystar University campus clinic (Nairobi West Clinix).

I ventured into the campus clinic one sunny and bright Tuesday morning for a scheduled interview with the doctor. Unlike hospitals where the smell of medicine and antiseptic hangs heavily in the air, fresh air permeated throughout the interior. That, however, didn’t make a difference to me; hospitals, clinics… all of them, make me nervous. I knocked lightly on the brown wooden door, with the inscription “Consultation Room” before getting in and closing the door behind me.

Doctor Clara Agutu was born in Nairobi province on 31^st of December 1985. She is the first born in her family with two siblings: the second born, who is 23 years and has just completed her degree in Biochemistry and the last born who is pursuing her Bachelor of Commerce in Business and Information Technology (BBIT) at Strathmore University. Dr. Agutu always knew that she wanted to be a doctor, but the difference between her and some of us; well… that’s a story for another day. The combination of playing with dolls in her childhood, reading Dr. Ben Carson’s books (Think Big and Gifted Hands) while in school and a heart of service is what motivated her to pursue medicine. “…I just wanted to help people,” she said.

She went to primary school at Kianda School and proceeded to go to high school at Precious Blood- Kilungu after doing well in her Kenya Certificate of Primary Education (KCPE) examinations.  On completing her four years in high school and sitting for her Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education (KCSE) examinations, she performed exceptionally well and was able to chase after her dream at the University of Nairobi.

Dr. Agutu studied Medicine at Chiromo campus, and later moved to the Kenyatta National Hospital. “Med school is hard,” she said. She had to double her efforts after she realised that it wasn’t the same as high school “no amount of biology, chemistry and physics could prepare you for med school as such,” she clarified, “It is a new thing all together.” There was a lot of studying to be done which most of the time extended till late in the night and she constantly had to be on her toes.

 

                                          Dr. Agutu at her office
Dr. Agutu also found that the competition was very high because she had to compete with other students who also emerged tops in their districts or in their schools. The challenge came in her first year when she was studying Anatomy. She and her classmates had to go to the lab for practicals, real practicals where they would dissect the dead body of a human being to learn about and master blood vessels, muscles and body organs.

She recalls some of the studying she did with her study groups that involved going back to the morgue at night for more revision. The morgue during her time at Chiromo campus was located in a dark basement. Such constituted the scariest part of the practicals where even the slightest creak from a window would evoke a terrified shriek from her and her study group members. Dr. Agutu had to struggle through nightmares and unpleasant flashbacks until she finally got used to it “some people even used to eat in the lab,” she said.

In the course of her studies Dr. Agutu enjoyed studying Paediatrics and Internal medicine although she at times found paediatrics to be a bit depressing because of such diseases as Tuberculosis (TB) or even HIV/AIDS.

Her toughest years, however, were: first year, of course, because she had to learn concepts that were very new to her, third year, which comprised mostly of clinical medicine that involved integrating the new concepts learnt over the two years and applying it to patient care and fifth year because it involved summing up together everything she had learnt from her first year to her fifth. This she managed guided by her passion for the field.

Dr. Agutu managed to successfully complete her studies in 2010 at which point she was posted by the government at Kenyatta National Hospital for a one year internship period. It was here that she gained the bulk of her inpatient and outpatient experience from treating all kinds of patients with all sorts of conditions. Her dark and sorrowful moments in her profession were the times she would witness little children losing their lives some due to incurable conditions such as kidney and heart failure while others due to curable diseases such as diarrhoea.

At present, she is completing the first month of her position at the clinic where she treats an average of about forty to fifty patients- staff and students- in a day at Daystar University Athi River with the evenings being the busiest of times.

The medical industry is rapidly changing with new technological advancements and discoveries. This is an aspect that Dr. Agutu finds to be somewhat of a challenge as she has to keep up with the current ‘trends’  in the medical field in order to remain relevant. The books are also changing and the fact that hundreds of doctors are graduating by the year means that the market is getting more and more saturated “In medicine you constantly need to be reading and you need to upgrade your degree,” says Dr. Agutu.

“Medicine is a calling,” says Dr. Agutu, and with that she has had to sacrifice on her social life. This is because she spends most of her time in hospital and may not have as much time as she may want to spend with her friends and family.  Her family has nevertheless been supportive of her throughout giving her both emotional and financial support “I would not be here if my family was not supportive,” she stresses.

Dr. Agutu finds fulfilment in her occupation especially when she sees former patients in good health. In Kenyatta National Hospital she would often encountered former patients at the corridors who thanked her for treating them. Flora Khamala and Nyokabi Kinyua are some of the students who have been treated at the clinic by her. “She was so warm and welcoming to me, and I even felt at ease telling her about my problem,” says Nyokabi. “I like the way she handles patients, she is understanding and very competent,” adds Flora

Generally, Dr. Agutu who likes watching movies, reading novels and going out with her friends during her free time, envisions herself having completed her master’s degree five years into the future, working in the field of her choice and having established a proper career path. She also expects to raise her own family of at most four children. (1,186 words)

Mission Accomplished! (09-1952)

MISSION ACCOMPLISHED!

As I step into the office I am welcomed by Dr. Kingsbury who cheerfully greets me with a firm handshake and a warm smile. My eyes are captured by the expanse of his office. Just by the atmosphere, one can tell that this is no place for idleness but serious work. There are various shelves full of books, documents and papers surrounding the table, a computer and a big printer, one of the other three coloured printers in the university, smiles at the wall. It is imperative for students to engage and know who their staff is since they ensure smooth running of the institution. We take a stride to unmask Dr. Charles Kingsbury.

“Please have a seat” he says, as I sit down to begin our somewhat long and interesting interview. Dr. Kingsbury was born in Washington DC, something he says is very rare for a Caucasian man since Washington has a very high population of African Americans. I am amazed to learn just how educated this man is. Dr. Kingsbury has gone through most levels of education, a diploma in Bible from Fulfaith Bible College, a Bachelor of Arts degree in History from William Jewell College, a Masters in Intercultural Studies from Wheaton College and eventually a PhD in Adult Education from Florida State University

                                     Dr. kingsbury during the interview  (photo by jeff wanjohi)

“Didn’t you find the long journey of studying agonising?” I pose and a thought crosses my mind that I am barely through with my undergraduates and Dr. Kingsbury, with all the studies he’s done notwithstanding, is just beginning. “No not really, education is the joy of life. You never stop learning”, he says. However he did not study continuously. “When did you come to Kenya?” I’m quick to ask. “Long before you were born”, he responds jokingly. Dr.Kingsbury came to Kenya in 1980 to do traditional missionary work. He lived in Nyeri for a long time. He taught pastors, started a Bible school and performed various ministry works. When training church leaders he noticed that despite teaching them he saw no change in them. This is what inspired him to pursue a Masters degree. After the Masters degree he saw some change in his students at that particular time. Taking time off to study for a master’s degree had paid off.

In the early 90’s Dr.Kingsbury was invited by the then Vice Chancellor of Daystar University Professor Talitwala to establish a program for ministering to faculty members. For the past 14 years, Dr. Kingsbury has been instrumental in mentoring and training Faculty. The training of faculty is a daunting task as they face a lot of challenges. He gets into the nitties of how teaching staff is burdened by work and pressed by life issues such as finances. Most of Our staff teach a maximum of up to 18 credits instead of 12 credits, this puts them under intense pressure. “Students need you to help them learn, help students be creators of knowledge and not consumers”, says he. Dr.Kingsbury explains to me how lecturers simply give out information and are not able to properly engage their students. “The students have the internet and a big beautiful library to give them information so if you are a lecturer and that is what you are doing, then you don’t have a job.”

Dr.Kingsbury strives to mentor and teach lecturers how to properly facilitate creation of information by students. This mentorship is optional. 

                                           Interview in progress (photo by jeff wanjohi)

“Have you seen any change in the work you have done?” I pose. “I don’t know. It’s like asking a chef to tell you how his food tastes like. He may like the way it tastes but another person may not necessarily like it. The people to ask are the students”, he is assertive on that. When he speaks he says this very passionately driving my mind to think of what he has just said. Being in Daystar for such a long time, I am curious to ask him of what changes he has seen. He explains how our student population has increased, if the three campuses is anything to go by. Despite all the positive change, he explains how Daystar communal fibre has been destroyed with the increase in populace. He gives me an example. When one is in the village you personally know everyone and have some form of interaction. Nowadays Daystar has become like Nakumatt (supermarket) where people just come, get what they want and leave. There is no personal relation between students, faculty and staff.

Dr.Kingsbury set up Ukarimu ministries a mentoring, discipleship and counselling ministries. Praxis fellowship is a group under Ukarimu ministries in which students come together and talk about life issues. I caught up with one Cyrus Macharia who learnt about Praxis fellowship through a friend, he became a member and is the current chairperson for the group. “Dr.Kingsbury is very hardworking, he aims to see excellence in students in all spheres of life not just in academics”, says Cyrus. During my interview with Cyrus I get an insight on how Dr Kingsbury shares his experience in life and engages in mentoring young men in being responsible and respectable persons in society. It is through this engagement that I realise that Dr. Kingsbury is involved in more work than we can fathom.

                                          Dr. kingsbury stressing a point. (photo by jeff wanjohi )

Danyell Odhiambo another member of Praxis says he came to know about Dr.Kingsbury through his friends who were members of Praxis fellowship. “Dr.Kingsbury is a source of motivation. He gives advice on spiritual life, education and social issues”. I ask him what he thinks of Dr.Kingsbury at which he gleefully smiles and says, “He is full of humour, pushes you to work hard, gives one hope and is a good source of encouragement”. 

Dr. Kingsbury, the man. This man has seen it all, endured it and has a story to tell. A story that would keep you glued in the comfy seats of his office sipping a cup of brewed hot coffee. It is through such people that one realises that the world comprises of people who work behind the scenes to make things happen. In his apparently busy schedule which we managed to interrupt for this interview, he is quick to ask whether we’ve got any other questions. At this juncture, I take a quick gulp of the remaining coffee and thank him for availing time for the interview. He gives a genuine smile, reinforced with a firm handshake and goes back to his desk to resume working. I take a sigh of relief and tell myself “mission accomplished!”

Word Count: 1,088 words.