The campus re-union

 

 By Chepchumba Mercy.

How would campus life  be at school without having a boyfriend or girlfriend lover to spend your weekend and free time with!I do recognise that relationships are more than that in the adult world. Well here in campus,we walk two by two flooding academic highways. Kissing ,caressing and public Display of affection is the order of the day around here .

In Moi university. Long holidays take six to eight months .One wonders how this relationships survive and thrive in absence of the physical touch and ravenous sex. When partners go out yo be interns or they complete school. These are transitions that put a strain on a relationship that thrives on nothing aside physical touch.

For instance the current second years in Moi University just came to school recently after staying home for about a year. Last year March during the Covid pandemic they were sent home ,they came back in November for one month just to do their examination and went back home again. They've come back to school on June ,Do you think their last year January's relationship still stands?

Absolutely no , over their long holiday probably they met new people to engage with forgetting their campus lovers. While at home , the chances of them chatting and phone calling their campus lovers is very low. Maybe they talked the first two weeks at home then their conversation end there since it's very hard to hold a long and impressive conversation between two lovers who are far from each other.

Coming back to school for the second years ment starting all over and getting into other relationships. They move on as if nothing happened forgetting the sacrifices they made in the previous relationship. Girls atmost are the ones who sacrifice their time to go to their lovers houses ,wash their clothes and even cook for them .At times they even go to the extend of lying to their parents for more money just to please their boyfriends but all goes in vain.What pains the most is missing classes just for a guy who will break up with you afterall .

 Campus relationships are fun  if you meet a person who sees your sacrifices and efforts in a relationship.

Pain demands to be felt.

All my life,I thought I needed a male  love interest,relationship or a partner to be happy. I did whatever I could to avoid being single.  That meant taking  a lot of of bad turns,made a lot of wrong choices and tried to love a lot of wrong people. All the time,I ended up with hurt feelings and broken heart. Call me crazy ,using the wrong dating patterns and expecting a different result 

I think I was somehow naïve and had a myopic mentality,I also can't tell why I trusted all men who came along saying that they loved me! My first days at campus seemed too nice .I had assured my heart that there should be no more pain since I knew I had got a soulmate,I even felt that I had found something much more precious. But damn! I did not get the memo on campus playboys .If I did ,I was blinded by seeking perfection from a man who wanted to taint mine .It is true,people destroy that which they do not understand.

He was handsome and I had a crush on him.It came without question that when he asked me out my teenage brain was welling with dopamine and my heart full of pride ,ready to call him mine .I gave in to all his demands .He was really fine and handsome,as per the appearance. His long sharp nose,fierce eyebrows were the Stark features of his face,his hair was thick and as black as raven's wig...my love,but never my lover

Having him beside me made me feel that the Almighty had already answered my prayers. I gave all of me to him, "the power of love" and all the trust was for him,,only to find that it was a monthly contract. Well,at least my periods are consistent.

He then started behaving wierd and that's when my eyes opened and I started realising that my time was over..he had not gone any lose since he had done what he intended to do.I never thought of my wildest dreams that stuff like betrayal and heartbreak were to happen to me again.

All the decisions to try to turn frogs into fairy tales had left my heart in pieces and my soul empty.The pain was even unbearable to me.

"But maybe I made it too easy", "maybe he took me for granted," all these rampant thoughts were killing me bit by bit.I was too much devoted to him such that I never cared about the world around me as he was my whole world...But I know I'm a witty and pretty girl and there are many guys who always run after me,but I'll never budge an inch.I don't think if I'll ever entertain anyone leave alone these campus guys with their hair twisted to dreads and their colourful sweatpants.

I have been submerging myself into relationships and never have I faced those truths .Trying to chase for love and looking for someone to love me the way I want has not yet worked for me.

I'll have to take back my magic and rediscover the person I had lost along the way .I just think that pain demands to be felt.

My Museo.

       

Find your Eureka moment.

Money is everything,or so the modern saying goes . We live in a country where those with money seek out to employ their equals in the wealth basket.Others have mastered money. If one plays naive, then they soon find themselves in an unending cycle of desperation.The old-fashioned belief that people go to school to get good jobs and earn descent salary must be shaken off. It didn't work even to many of our grandparents and parents. Sometimes, we ask too much of education and end up not learning.

The purpose of education is not to get you a good job. It's to enlighten you and in the process, you may get a job if you wish so. Let education pass through you and not you, pass through education. Be a leader among the leaders and an elite among the elites.

It always haunts me whenever l bump on literate stories lively and on social media complaining and laying blame to the government for not giving them jobs even after scoring high in universities. But just to ask, why only university graduates are the ones who always blame the government for being jobless?

At times, some were forced by their parents to pursue the course(s) they didn't love and others, Kenya Universities and Colleges Central  Placement Service (KUCCPS) gave them the courses they didn't desire and the strive to do inter course transfer after admission failed. So as the case, they just accepted half-heartedly to pursue the course.

Otherwise, that aside; what about those who pursuit their dream course and now complaining of unemployment? More so, what about those who didn't reach college, university or even high school? Whom are they supposed to blame? Youths; it's a time we stop blaming our government for leading us a stray and create job opportunities for ourselves.

I've met 1st class honours indulging in businesses and  farming . I've seen many who even did not go to college or university employing degree holders. Personally, l was once employed by a class 7 drop out to run his business with a meager salary less than 7,000ksh. But was l supposed to complain? Normalize the habit of making yourself a brand other than complaining.

After college or campus, always keep in mind that, there's another life waiting for you out and it will not be dealing about lectures or tuitorials. It will be about you. Your parent or guardian won't be paying your rent or providing food for you. It will be just you. If you complain of being jobless after school, think about those school drop outs because of lacking fees.

Never miss out on opportunities because you were too scared to take action .When companies in your area of interest are hiring or looking for interns, it is important to send your application always. Paid or voluntary, it is a good platform to learn and practice beyond the classroom walls.

It's so painful to see a graduate with nice academic papers without skills. Currently, most companies with skilled HR's look for skills. Do you have skills to disapprove the recruitment panel that you are worthy for the job? Or just your academic qualifications? Even though the academic papers at most helps, have skills.

To those who are still schooling, of cardinal importance is getting rid of all the myths and find the truth about what it is you are pursuing in school. Whether or not you want to be employed should be a choice and not sheer circumstances out of desperation. This  creates an unending circle of self loath and poor mental health state.Graduate or not,find your Eureka moment .

Editorial.

 

Good morning readers and legacy members. Those who keep reading what we write support us in our journey to be journalists, writers and content creators. Those who recognise that journalism is changing embrace the changes. This is for those who push us to embrace these new dynamics in the industry and find our niches.

Today marks the beginning of our editions. We are excited to hear your views, critics and general feedback. We welcome anyone looking for a family of like-minded people to join our club and be part of something that pushes them out of their comfort zone every Tuesday, Thursday and Sunday. These are the days we hold our editorials for wall publications, and on Wednesday, we take stock via meetings.

We are not without flaws; we take the Legacy media as a chance to learn and seek perfection. We welcome all new members, and we will grow and support each other.

Our finalists leave us in a short while. I thought that I would have gotten used to saying goodbye by the third year. But it never gets any easier. Much gratitude to our outgoing chairperson, Brenda Omondi (mimiBree). You are a true leader in your capacity and an inspiration to everyone on the campus. Between us, girls, fly as high as you'd wing can take you. I will not mention you by name, but your roles will always be significant.

To the team that we remain together, I hope we journey together and, in the end, make a legacy. This stopped being an editorial long ago and became a speech.

Mseto wa Habari

Kwaheri Rais Pombe Magufuli

Rais wa Jumuiya ya Tanzania Daktari John Pombe Magufuli ameaga dunia. Akitoa tangazo la kufariki kwa kiongozi huo kupitia stesheni ya TBC, Naibu Rais Samia Suluhu ameelezea kuwa Rais huyo wa awamu ya tano ameaga kutokana na ugonjwa wa moyo, katika hospitali ya Jakaya Kikwete iliyopo nchini humo. Viongozi mbalimbali wakiongozwa na mwenyekiti wa muungano wa muungano ya Jumuiya ya Afrika Mashariki Rais Uhuru Kenyatta, wameendelea kutia rambirambi zao kwa familia, ndugu, jamaa, marafiki na Watanzania kwa ujumla kwa kumpoteza kiongozi huyo. Magufuli, ameaga akiwa na umri was miaka 61. Amemwacha mjane Janeth Magufuli pamoja na watoto.

Kwaheri Rais Pombe Magufuli

Rais wa Jumuiya ya Tanzania Daktari John Pombe Magufuli ameaga dunia. Akitoa tangazo la kufariki kwa kiongozi huo kupitia stesheni ya TBC, Naibu Rais Samia Suluhu ameelezea kuwa Rais huyo wa awamu ya tano ameaga kutokana na ugonjwa wa moyo, katika hospitali ya Jakaya Kikwete iliyopo nchini humo. Viongozi mbalimbali wakiongozwa na mwenyekiti wa muungano

Uchaguzi mdogo wafanyika Machakos

Wananchi kutoka kaunti ya Machakos, wameelekea debeni kumchagua seneta wao mpya, baada ya kifo cha aliyekuwa seneta was kaunti hiyo Boniface Kabaka mapema mwakani. Ushindani mkali unatarajiwa Kati ya Agnes Kavindu ambaye anagombea kupitia kiti Cha Wiper, na Kengele anayewania kupitia chama cha UDA. 

Magoha atahadharisha watahiniwa wa mitihani ya KCPE na KCSE.

Waziri wa elimu George Magoha, ameelezea taifa kuwa wizara hiyo iko tayari kuwatahini wanafunzi wa mwaka wa 2020 katika darasa la nane na kidato cha nne. Magoha, aliwahikikishia wanafunzi hao kuwa serikali inawatakia kila la kheri, na kuwa mitihani ilitayarishwa kwa kuzingatia hali kuwa wanafunzi kote nchini wamekua nyumbani kwa miezi tisa. Magoha amewaonya watahiniwa dhidi ya kutumia barakoa kuendeleza wizi was mtihani, kwani watapatikana na hatua kali kuchukuliwa dhidi yao. Amewataka wasimamizi was mitihani kuchunguza barakoa za wanafunzi,kabla ya kuanza kwa mitihani yote.

Mwili wa Jeniffer Wambua wapatikana msitu Ngong. 

Mwili wa Jeniffer Wambua, aliyekua Naibu msimamizi katika idara ya ardhi umepatikana katika msitu was Ngong mapema wiki hii, baada ya kupotea kwa Jennifer wiki iliyopita. Upasuaji was mwili uliofanywa na mpasuaji wa serikali  Johannsen Oduor, ulidhihirisha kuwa Jennifer aliaga baada ya kunyongwa. Mwili wake Jennifer ulitambuliwa na familia yake katika makafani ya City. Wachunguzi kutoka kitengo Cha DCI wanatarajiwa kuanzisha uchunguzi baina ya wafanyakazi wenza,kudhibitisha kiini hasa cha kuuawa kwake.

Raila arejea nyumbani kutoka hospitalini

Kiongozi wa chama cha ODM Raila Odinga, aliruhusiwa wiki hii kurejea nyumbani, baada ya kupata nafuu. Raila, ambaye alipatikana kuwa na virusi vya COVID-19, alikuwa amelazwa katika hospitali ya Nairobi,ambapo alikuwa akipokea matibabu. Katika video iliyosambaa mitandaoni, kiongozi huyo alionekana kuwa afadhali kiafya, huku akielezea nia ya kuendelea kujitenga hadi wakati ambapo atapona kikamilifu.

How can I?

 

How can I 

Tell you all

I want you to know?

And will you believe me 

When I say 

My heart hurts 

For you

My heart yearns 

To reach you

My heart longs 

To open up

For you

Or will you 

Like me

Find the words 

Meaningless

?

Jaay McOngute

Caring is my default

 

The view through the window is amazing,so full of emotions.

It's not the sunset nor the landscape that has caught your eye.

It's her, she is alone, she's always alone.

Your emotions are bottling up, you are dieing to help.

You are attracted to the broken,

broken you say, aren't we all? 

So you finally get the guts to lend a hand,a spare of yourself trying to help.

Two broken people trying to fix each other 

So you offer what you cannot afford to loose

She gets better, with a thankful heart she leaves calling it friendship

You feel used, anger rises in your throat,

but what you do, your gesture of help has turned to a lump of regret,

It haunts you, so you drink your sorrows, swallow your pride

And say it's life,but is it?

Sucks to be caring by default, doesn't it?

Mbona kaniua

Na Mwende

Maneno yameondoka kinywani mwangu,

Machozi yakakwisha machoni,

Mliposimama kumpigania mtoto wa kike,

Mkanisahau mimi mtoto wa kiume,

Eti linalonikwaza ni,,, sina nafasi tena kwenye jamii.

Kazini mkapa toto la kike kipaumbele,

Wanaoongoza ni wanawake,

 wafanyakazi wengi ni wanawake pia, 

Kosa gani nilililofanya mimi?

Je, mliamua kuniua? 

Sauti sina tena, nguvu 'menipokonya, 

Manufaa ml'otaka mmepata, 

Kama kuniua ni manufaa, 

Nina imani 'meridhika zaidi, 

Taabu iliyopo ni, 

M' tapata mwengine wapi? 

Maumivu  yangu mimi toto la kiume, 

'Meona niyawasilishe kwa maandishi, 

Iwapo masikio yana nta, labda macho yataona, 

Ni haki ninayolilia, nikumbukwe 

Kama si kupewa hadhi, basi nisawazishwe na toto jike

Nifufuke angalau, lakini si kuniua vikali! 

   

                 Mwende 

Bewitched to love you

      Birds of the air, have nests

     Men of women, have houses

     But l the son of a woman,

              Have dreams

    When wandering like a lost

        Sheep,

    My eyes bumped on you,

    But lacked the gists of even

    Saying hi or  smile to you

    Because of fear, that l didn't

    Know its genesis

   Mom's daughter,

   Not last year and not today,

   That l've been just emojising 

    And reacting on your posts 

   Here on Facebook 

           But today,

   I vow, l'm not an ambulance,

  To always say "wow! Wow!"

  On your cute photos

     Girlie,

  Many times you've blue-ticked 

  Me,

  Grey ticked me,

  Though l don't know why

        But,

  Today today today,

  Please, don't break my heart,

 Don't kill my visions and dreams

 Don't burry me please,

 In the tunnel of depression

   Kissing my pillows daily,

  Hugging my pillows daily

  Leaving my house like a bird

  Daily

  Always haunt me when l think of

  My unreplied texts in your inbox,

  Until l feel like shedding tears

        Girlie,

    When will my loneliness end?

    When will my hunt tactics bore

    Fruits?

    Girlie,

  What if you're my rib? 

  Please please please please,

  I'm seriously in love with you,

  And  tired of faking 

    Now that l've met you face to 

face,

   After a long time of ignoring me,

   Just be mine and make me 

   Yours

  For your astute won my heart a

  Year ago,

                   By

        Hosea Namachanja

 

Kitumbua kimeingia mchanga

 MSUMARI MOTO: MBONA NDOA NYINGI KARNE HII HAZIDUMU?

"Ni dunia hubadilika au watu ndio hubadilika? " Aliniuliza mzee mmoja mwaka uliopita na kuongeza kuwa nisimjibu jibu nililokuwa nalo ila nijiwekee mwenyewe. Hata hivyo, alinisimulia machache yanayohusu uchumba enzi zake za ujana ambayo baadhi yayo, mwenyewe nimeyashuhudia katika maisha yangu.

Kale, palikuwapo kitanda cha mikanda ambacho kilipewa jina "kitanda cha spring'i". Jina hilo lilitokana na tabia zake wakati mtu amekilalia. Kuchao, kilikuwa cha kumchezesha mtu huku na kule namna spring'i za vyombo vya usafiri zilivyo.

Kwa hivyo, katika ndoa, wanandoa walikipenda sana kitanda hicho kwa sababu, hamna mume au mke angelala na mchumba wake bila kutatua mzozo wa uchumba uliozuka. Hata kama mmoja angekuwa na hasira nyingi, usiku kitanda kile kingetingika na kumsukuma hadi alipo mpenziwe wakati wa kujinyosha.

Ikilinganishwa na leo, mabahari ya vitanda vyumbani hayasaidii chochote. Mtu atapinda mgongo kule na mwingine kule na walale bila kuutatua mzozo wa ndoani. Fauka ya hili, ndoa nyingi katika karne hii yetu zasambaratika kwa sababu zifuatazo:

Kutoaminiana. Wengi wa wanandoa wameyafanya mapenzi kama kazi ya kibarua ambapo, baada ya kazi, mtu analipwa na kuenda zake. Hayaheshimiwi katu. Wengi wanaoana bila mpango au msimamo wa maisha au kuwa tayari kuwa katika ndoa ndiposa kila uchao, wengi huchepuka watakavyo kani ya kuwapata watoto nje ya ndoa.

Shinikizo la wanarika. Suala hili ni hatari sana kuliko kiharusi. Wengi wa vijana wa leo huingia kwenye ndoa kwa sababu "fulani" kaoa au kaolewa na "yeye" bado kuulizwa ulizwa na wenzake idadi ya watoto alio nao, mahali huishi na mkewe au mumewe na maendeleo ya familia "nyumbani." Hili huwafanya kukimbilia ndoa bila maono.

Unafiki wakati wa kuchumbiana. Inafaa wakati wa kuchumbiana, wachumba tarajiwa kuyaweka mambo yao wazi ili kila mmoja ajue hali ya maisha ya mwingine. Wengi wao wakati wa kuchumbia huwa wajanja kwa kujiinua huku wakiwa hawana kitu ila uongo mtupu. Jambo hili hushusha hadhi ya imani ya uaminivu katika ndoa na pia hata kuvunjika hasa ikibainika mmoja ni mraibu wa mihadarati huku mwingine ni wa injili ya mbinguni.

Kutowajibika katika ndoa. Inasikitisha sana katika jamii ya leo kupata watoto wadogo wakichuuza sokoni kisa na maana wazazi wao waliwatwika hilo jukumu. Jambo hili ni ishara tosha kwamba, baba mzazi wa mtoto huyo hawajibiki katika malezi ya familia (iwapo yu hai) au kinyume kwa mama mzazi. Umaskini katika ndoa hutokana na kutowajibika jambo ambalo wanaume wengi siku hizi huachwa kwa mataa kisa "hawajui kuhangaikia familia."

Tamaa ya mali. Ole wao wanandoa wa usasaleo kwa kukimbilia mali! Awe amesoma au hajasoma, msichana wa sasa hashikiki katika uteuzi wa mchumba sawa na baadhi ya waume wanaoangalia maumbile badala ya vitu vingine pia. Mabinti wengi waolewa kama "mpango wa kando" kwa kuvutiwa na pesa, kazi au sifa alizonazo mwanaume. Hawajali awatongozaye ameoa au hajaoa. Lao ni pesa tu sawa na baadhi ya waume.

Fauka ya sababu hizi miongoni mwa zingine nyingi, ipo haja ya wale ambao hawajaingia au kujisajili katika shule ya ndoa kujifunza kwa wale waliowatangulia katika maisha ya ndoa ambayo huyapitia au waliyapitia ili ndoa zao zidumu kama za wazee wa kale.

      

            Chozi la Kunguni

Maulana wakumbuke

     MAULANA WAKUMBUKE

Na Hosea Namachanja

Rabi uliyetukuka, mbinguni na duniani,

Kote unaheshimika, maajabu pia nyuni

Mapema wakiamka, hukuimbia mitini,

Uhimidiwe hakika, ewe Mungu wa Yusufu

Huwa hawalali njaa, kule kwao kiotani,

Kucha wakikulilia, huwajibu Mkawini

Na mema kufurahia, wanapokula Manani

Uhimidiwe hakika, kwa sababu unatenda

Nalia baba nalia, wasonavyo wakumbuke

Nalia baba nalia, wasafiri, wakumbuke

Nalia baba nalia, waliao wakumbuke

Wakumbuke Maulana, nalia kweli nalia

Nalia kweli nalia, wajane kawakumbuke 

Nalia kweli nalia, wagonjwa kawakumbuke

Nalia kweli nalia, wagonjwa kawakumbuke

Kawakumbuke wagonjwa, nalia baba nalia

Nalia baba nalia, mayatima wakumbuke

Nalia baba nalia, wanafunzi wakumbuke

Nalia baba nalia, na watoto wakumbuke

Nalia baba nalia, kubali maombi yangu

Kuna watu wanalia, nyumba wamefungiwa,

Kuna watu wanalia, wamefutwa kazini

Kuna watu wanalia, wanavurugwa ndoani

Kuna watu wanalia, hawajalipwa mshahara

Kuna watu wanalia, kweli chakula hawana

Kuna watu wanalia, hali zao zinachekwa

Kuna watu wanalia, wanalia tena sana

Ndipo Mola nakuomba, uwasaidie jamani

               

                   Chozi la Kunguni

                    

Kiss me slow

 

KISS ME SLOW. 

By Brenda Bungei

To that boy who owns pink lips

I thought I ought to write again

You hold the chasteness of the sunrise

The glamour of the sunset

The midday song thunders in my heart

I long for you ooh owner of pink lips

So that you may hold my hand

Kiss me slow

For us to live the moment

You're a perfect embodiment of love

A true definition of happiness

You make me dazzle at you

And for a moment

I go blind carising that face

Kissing you slow

The quality of your smile impresses

It's warmth draws me naturally to you

My affection for you blinds me

It makes me reach for places I can't go

But when I remember you wore patched shorts

And I wore a tattered dress uniform

Bare feet happily promoted to grade 2

Carrying cans of water to school

And I adore those innocent moments

Days I looked at you and all I could see

was was a pretty childish face

How perversed is the human mind

With deliberation I work to earn you

Owner of pink lips

So incase we meet again

Please kiss me slow

Such that if you'll ever leave

I would remember the boy

Who wore patched shorts

Had pink lips and kissed slow

©Blackraven.

Real is rare

By Museo

 Do i push too hard? Or its just you who is uninterested ? I'm not the type to really put myself all out for somebody, but I found myself trapped by you. I really don't know what you've heard or been told about me, I'm definitely not perfect though I can be worth it. If you cuff me, don't leave me stranded. I hope you really know how it feels..I'm trying but it's not up to me when it comes to deciding, I'm dying whenever you act like I'm invisible, just tell me you're faking it.

I don't blame you though, maybe you fear that I'll leave you high and dry  someday, but I'm here to stay, if you don't like me, please tell me ,because I'm feeling dismissed . Don't wait till it's too late. Don't wait until I'm too invested to tell me you've got feelings for another ,just like I do for you. That you can love me as a friend, but as a woman its a long call.

I broke a lot of rules and grounds for you .I down graded my principles just to be with you. It's like I have been born and bred to please men .To satisfy your kind,to beguile the lines of you. But for what? To be cheated on with four other girls I'm insecure about?  Now I have to wonder if it was a body,face or hair  maybe everything.

I still hear the stillness in his voice as he declared he never loved me. As he walked away from me and k watched his back, it finally hit me that I did not know him , I just was familiar with his back. I knew a waterfall when I saw one. The kinds that do not retreat.

For now,I'm a smart girl with a broken heart and refined attitude. Gorgeous eyes and a dazzling body. Some days I cry but on most days,I remember to pick up my crown and shine all the way up

.I 'm still learning to love myself. Most important of all,I have learnt one thing: real is rare,fake,is everywhere.

Masked in Hunger, she weeps

    MASKED IN HUNGER, SHE WEEPS.

By Brenda Bungei

The economy has been tough

The journey knowingly has been rough

Terrible that she cannot afford a bun

So behind the mask of smiles she hides

As her stomach rumbles for at least a spoonful

She masks in fear of judgements and humiliation

She cannot call home, it's worse over there

With the ground dry and cracked as tho cursed

Her brothers eat like squatters from neighbors to relatives 

Sadly she understands, she can't call home

New to campus she doesn't  know  where she'll trade her labour

Only for food. Even a meal a day

Hiding under her blankets trying to subsidie the hunger with sleep

She glups water each time her stomach rumbles

She cries she weeps but deep down

She hopes someday she'll thrive

Hungry and depressed, she bottles up her problems 

Too often she masks the truth in advance

Sealing off herself from mercy  

From the stench of their judgment that overwhelms her

She hides behind memes, for fales comfort

Repeling the truth too devastating to accept. 

Teafully she's been writing ;

She's been writing because only the pen can hold what she feels

Silently cries, So silently she weeps 

Every Aroma has become poison to her nostrils 

Because weakly her stomach begs for attention

Weakly, she holds herself strong so that they may not know she's starving

She trusts no one with her situation, her faith in people is tattered 

Listening to her favorite sauti sol's tune until she's lured to sleep

Shallowly asleep, she hopes to make it through the night 

And hope tomorrow will be better.  ..

Sina chakula wenzangu

  SINA CHAKULA WENZANGU

Na Hosea Namachanja

Kukonda kwangu kukonda, wenzangu ni kuumia,

Maisha yananiponda, hadi siwezi kwongea,

Kila siku ninashinda, mtimani nikilia,

Hino njaa hino njaa, wenzangu yanimaliza,

Asubuhi na jioni, kula kwangu kwa taabu,

Ila wazi kuwambeni, ninaona ni aibu,

Wapo nikiwambieni, watanicheka ajabu,

Hino njaa hino njaa, wenzangu yani,

Midomo mkiniona, wenzangu imekauka,

Huku pia nikinena, kinywani mwangu mwanuka,

Kisa hakika mchana, hakuna kitu mefyeka,

Hino njaa hino njaa, wenzangu yanimaliza,

Nimejawa na madeni, Fuliza na Mshwari,

Nao wazazi nyumbani, menyamaza siyo siri,

Simu kunipigieni, hawapigi siyo siri,

Hino njaa hino njaa, wenzangu yanimaliza,

Ukweli rivasi koli, kwa muda nimejaribu,

Lakini ninasaili, mwanao hawanijibu,

Kwani mimi ni katili, au kipi cha ghadhabu? 

Hino njaa hino njaa, wenzangu yanimaliza,

Mimulodi nimekuwa, kwa sasa mtandaoni,

Mimu ninazipakuwa, kuficha yalo moyoni,

Na tena kutambuliwa, nina shida maishani,

Hino njaa hino njaa, wenzangu yanimaliza,

Wenzangu nimwombe nani, pesa anisaidie?

Wenzangu nimwombe nani, chakula aniitie?

Wenzangu nimwombe nani, chajio nikimbilie?

Hino njaa hino njaa, wenzangu yanimaliza,

Msione nikicheka, mkadhani niko poa,

Kwa ndani ninachomeka, na masaibu hasaa,

Japo kweli kutamka, nashindwa kuwelezea,

Hino njaa hino njaa, wenzangu yanimaliza,

Sijui nilikosani, mimi kweli maishani,

Ndiposa kule nyumbani, sisaidiwi jameni,

Laiti ngalijuweni, nijue la kufanyeni,

Hino njaa hino njaa, wenzangu yanimaliza,

Wiki jana nimewaza, kifo kikanichukue,

Niishie kwenye giza, masomo nijiachie,

Kuliko kujiumiza, mautini nitulie,

Hino njaa hino njaa, wenzangu yanimaliza,

Anisamehe Manani, kwa yale nimewazia,

Machozi anifuteni, kuishe kwangu kulia,

Na mwokozi nipateni, aje na kuniokoa,

Hino njaa hino njaa, wenzangu yanimaliza,

Tamati nikifikia, kwa sasa sina namna,

Waifai najendea, kukaa kule nanena,

Angaa kufikiria, mengi niache wasena,

Hino njaa hino njaa, wenzangu yanimaliza,

                

First years: First Exam

By Susan 

Exams bring out different parts of a student. Some realize that they are actually geeks and can get straight A's if they worked hard enough. With some comes the realization that they have wasted 3 months of the semester and have nothing to show for it now. It is the toughest time in the student's academic calendar. As much as exams are considered as the best methodology to test if the students have understood the concept taught  during lectures A friend once joked that they should make us swear that we understood the course and let us be.

"Do not fear exams, just do your best" this is the statement our high school principal used to echo to us every chance she got..

We are having our first exams in campus. Each paper takes at least two and a half hours. There are a mixed reaction amongst the students . There are those who were anxious and nervous, their are those who are calm and have hope that they can hande the exams since they have been doing it from nursery school their was going to be nothing new.  The monster we had been trying to run away from had turned into a beast. Exam was here to stay with us.

There era those who have preferred to skip their meals in order to pay more attention to the exams , the number of first years going to the library has also increased. There are those who had prepared themselves early but and are those of course the last minute thing hence each person is trying their very own best. Their is also another thing which everyone of it s is trying to escape , the " supp".It is everybody's nightmare . In order to do the re- take exam a fine is paid which yo have to dig into your pocket money because it is something no one would love to tell their parent about not unless you formulated a lie to tell them which is not ethical.

In conclusion exams play a very vital role in both the student's and lecturers or teachers . Exams should be embraced because it is something we cannot escape from , it is part us hence it should not be viewed in a very displeasing manner. Early preparation  and making reading as a habit not only for the exams but also to get knowledge is one of the major ways of eliminating negative attitude towards exams. Acquiring exam skills is also a way one preparing themselves  for the exams. Those skills include; being able to manage time, being able to manage anxiety and panic, good having good writing skills, note- taking skill, reading skills .Working hard in a smart way is the way to go.

Being a brother's/sister's keeper

The country is wallowing in a mire of economic hardship. The cost of living has escalated so tremendously that three meals in a day are a miracle not only in poor homesteads but also in the lower middle-class economy families. 

Here in campus, things are worse than ever. Tea with milk is an unthinkable option, even a luxury. That is only for those lucky enough it with sugar. Most can't even afford a single KDF. Yet that is the miraculous breakfast that is pushing comrades, saving them from fainting through the busy day in lecture halls to the evening. Even a good supper is a miracle to many.

So many comrades are suffering starvation silently here in campus. Ironically other comrades are throwing away food leftovers while others are fainting due to hunger.

Well, if you don't have anything to eat, dear comrade, don't suffer in self loathing alone.

 Be courageous enough to approach your friends and share your problem. Wisemen said, a problem half shared is a problem half solved!

 If you suffer hunger while your friends have enough food even throws away some, you will be doing the greatest injustice to yourself. It's only a fool who dies in solitude. You are not one. You can't be one, can you?

If you have any friend you are suspecting he's suffering hunger silently, help them if you can. Then keep it to yourself. Do to your neighbour as you would like him/her to do to you. Let your left hand not know what your right did or who it spread to. 

If you are not in a position to personally help, talk to your friends too. Then ensure you approve of who you are sharing the situation to. Ensure the third party are not of the Pharisee sect. When we come together, great things happen. 

Jesus commanded, "love your neighbour as you love yourself." If you can help a neighbour, a comrade, do it sincerely and secretly. English men say, "what goes around, comes around." 

 Tomorrow it might be you, God forbid! We all know tables turn against everybody's wishes. Yet that is nature. 

Refrain from all temptation of taking the word around that so and so is starving. The owner of a loose tongue is a disgust to the society and an insult to his/her mother. A Kiswahili gospel song sings, "tenda wema nenda zako!" Do good, shut up and get busy doing what you do.

Apart from assisting each other, let's also share our problems.

 So many people, even comrades are suffering depression and other mental illnesses.

Depression is real! If you have a scorching problem share with a friend who's closest to you. A nature law states that every action has an equal and opposite reaction. By sharing to them they shall give an ear and even a shoulder to lean on. Most will share to you what and how they have pulled out of a similar or related problem. 

You might be surprised that your friend is combating even a more frivolous mental quagmire. 

If you can't trust your friend, maybe you prefer to share the burden with anonymous stranger(s).

There's the Guidance and Counselling office at student center where you can be listened to, counseled, advised and assisted with utmost professional confidentiality . 

You may even visit the Moi University Hospital and there are trained  professionals who can help you too. 

Finally, let's put into practice all money saving skills we've learnt. Avoid overspending on impulse buying. Make a realistic budget for the cash you have and follow it strictly. It's wiser to buy and store food in your room than to serve the scorching thirst of some drug or alcohol.

I am because you are. No man is an island! Be your brothers/sisters keeper. Love yourself and love your neighbours. Spread the love.

CHANGING MINDSET TOWARDS CAMPUS.

By SUSAN.

  From the moment you start learning, only one thing is drilled into you. Education is the key to success. Students  who have charming report cards are seen to be having a bright future and those who do not take a keen interest in academics go through continuous shaming in a bid to make them do better. The truth is,it does not always happen and they end up having a bruised self esteem. Parents consider going to the  university the pinnacle of academic achievements. After passing your O levels that  is where you continue with studies at an advance level.

However, that ship already sailed.The time of honoring university as the highest learning institution to acquire skills and be professional in a certain discipline has passed.Previously, the idea of going to university was idolized by parents .It spelled out a job opportunity soon afterwards and a bright future .However, with the increase of students and youths being churned out of campuses ,that dream soon fades away and reality of joblessness and unemployment kicks in .Next time before you celebrate university admission, ask yourself if that is what you really want .

Due to culture shock and peer pressure, most  students who leave university to go back home appear unruly .The change in dressing code,speech pattern and drug abuse is like a new norm. This makes parents feel like they changed  and they lost their children along the way.It is this blanket notion of moral erosion that is making parents change their mind about university after all.

Let us forget about the gloom for a moment .If utilized properly ,the university is a great place to be .The people you meet that are different  from you make you grow.The connections you make after class become the most important and together with a sretlin degree you will have people to recommend you for opportunities and that is all you need;someone to believe in you.Of cardinal importance is building on your interpersonal skills and technical skills .Work on your talents, gain new ones and you will beat competition.

HALFWAY SEMESTER STRUGGLES

 

 

There is a joke about students who study medicine. They tell the world that medical school is so tough,they want to cry,but they don't have time .Truth be told,it is that point of the semester that is an uphill task. Academics are beginning to take shape and more flesh added to the studying skeleton .It is  this time that random assessment test (CATS) are being done.  The ongoing pandemic could not be any worse for students. The  cold weather due to onset of rainy season and lack of HELB has left comrades with only scraps to go by. It is a hard choice between taking care of food expenses or buying airtime for online classes as well as exam materials, that is printing of takeaway exams.

Not everyone is a  party freak, but those that are,definitely feel a pinch in the soul. For most people ,it is in the budget .How much they will drink and eat at bars is on the same pie chart as rent. But at this point, students are on a hibernation. They have to cut down costs and do the famous strungi and Kdf. Someone made a joke about how much campus students do not take milk with a health excuse of lactose intolerance. The hard truth is,we can not afford that Luxury. Everyday, we walk from stage with a measure of kales,tomatoes and onions. It is funny how the good chain descends from eating chicken ,to chicken products to what chicken feed on .

  

 

I've heard of friends skipping meals. Waking up deliberately when its past breakfast to enjoy what is commonly referred to as BRUNCH,breakfast and lunch. Some spend most of their time in library after classes to escape from hunger so that they save for tomorrow. 

Online classes are much expensive as a lot of airtime is needed for bundles, smartphone with good monitor, good network coverage and calm environment. Poor network connection is a problem to everyone including the lecturers 

Their phones are full  of money lending applications like Tuliza, Tala,Branch to mention few. They have requested those relatives and friends who are working to send them money but before they do that they should ask them if they have FULIZA so  they can provide an alternative phone number. 

CLEMENCY

What happens to us

US who hold inconsistent conversations. 

Those of us who release pain through slashing our wrists.

 Who's gonna save us 

from the shadows that we are forever linked to.

We hide behind fake smiles and dark poetry

We hide behind pubs and clubs

We that hide behind drugs and girls

Trying to drown the guilt that's at the bottom of the bottle

Knowing well it can't be drowned

At times we remember you when we're off the hook

When we can't walk any further

Not because we're bored

At times we're looking for understanding

Some of the battles we fight

We fight them behind closed doors

And dented masks

Under the masked darkness of the night

You'll never know what we go through 

Because we are shitty inconsistent people 

But at least we are contented with that.

©BlackRaven