Hon. Mary Otucho Emaase, the Member of Parliament for Teso South, has extended her heartfelt congratulations to the KCSE Class of 2024, applauding their remarkable achievements and resilience in navigating their academic journey.
In her message, Hon. Emaase celebrated the dedication and hard work of all students who received their KCSE results, noting that this milestone marks the beginning of a promising new chapter in their lives.
The MP also acknowledged the efforts of the Optiven Foundation in supporting bright minds across the country. “A special shout-out to the brilliant minds supported by the Optiven Foundation. Your success is our pride, and we are honored to have been part of your journey,” she said, commending the organization for its role in nurturing future leaders.
On a personal note, Hon. Emaase expressed immense joy and gratitude as her own son emerged among the top achievers. “His stellar performance is a testament to God’s grace and the unwavering support of family and mentors,” she remarked, emphasizing the importance of a strong support system in achieving academic excellence.
To all students, Hon. Emaase offered words of encouragement, urging them to view their results as a solid foundation for future success. “Embrace the knowledge, wisdom, and understanding you’ve gained, and let them guide you as you ascend the ladder of life,” she advised.
She concluded her message with a blessing for the Class of 2024, wishing them success, favor, and divine protection as they embark on the next phase of their journey. “May you become the visionary leaders who will propel Africa to new heights,” she said.
Benter Opande is the Chief Executive Officer of Kenya Women Teachers Association (KEWOTA). She delves into the crucial topic of the importance of career choice and guidance thereto: “The task of choosing a career is a very vital and challenging moment. Every parent or guardian, when his or her child transits at the secondary school level of education, begins to worry about the career that the child is going to follow. Now that the 2024 Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education Exam Results are out, the question that many candidates are asking themselves is, what next? The work that was done by The Kenya National Examination Council (KNEC) in collaboration with The Ministry of Education Science and Technology (MOEST) and The Teachers Service Commission (TSC), towards the preparation of 2024 candidates and the processing of all exams is indeed a milestone that is worth appreciating. If a candidate still doesn’t have any idea what she or he wants to do, the task of choosing a career may seem insurmountable. Fortunately, it is not if enough thought is put into it, an undecided candidate will increase his or her chances of making a good career decision. It’s challenging to tell what a child will become while they are still in school. There are those children who are exceptionally gifted and if presented with the right environment, parents don’t have to worry much since they will finally carve their own niche – in life. For the so-called ordinary children, they have two main career pathways; the secure path such as salaried occupation and the insecure pathway such as self-employment which has high risks. For children with adventurous impulses, these depend on the individual’s efforts so as to achieve their full potential. However, for those who want to go into independent professions, they must prepare to remain in them to the end. How do you determine career goals and career planning? The career choice that you make has a large influence in your life, so doing a self-assessment about yourself is very necessary. You need to have correct answers to some important questions such as what do you want? What are you good at? What is a career choice? What are your personality (character) and values (principals)? and what skills and abilities (competencies) do you possess? Career choice is the process of choosing a career path which can involve choices regarding education and training for a given career. There are a number of ways to define a career and the term is used in a variety of ways. A career is a job or profession that gives one an opportunity to progress in some ways that are important to a person. A career is very important to you; constitutes your purpose in life; is a process of personal discovery, self-expression and self-assertion and defines your lifestyle. A career involves transforming your dreams and wishes into achievements, believing in yourself, your unique talents and characteristics, turning your aspirations into achievements and believing that you can become anything that you aspire to be. The days when careers were solely determined by parents, by birth, caste or hereditary have long gone. A career helps you to earn a living, fulfil a demand for skilled labor, enhance your skills, propagate your knowledge and skills, create wealth, keep fit and healthy, make a personal contribution to the society and to fulfill your purpose – self-actualization in life. In the world allover, there are six broad categories of careers in which different people fit in. The six broad categories of careers in which different people fit in are, realistic, investigative, artistic, social, enterprising and conventional careers. Realistic careers Realistic careers are skills and technical oriented. They involve tangible; authentic or mechanical abilities; practical skills; working with tools, machines, plants and animals. They attract people who are highly practical and physically strong, who enjoy dealing with things rather than people. They enjoy working outdoors. Such individuals are good in technical subjects like agriculture, metalwork, woodwork, home science, technical drawing, drawing, and design. They excel in careers such as engineering, wildlife management, wood science and technology, military and technician. Investigative Careers Investigative careers are scientific and laboratory-oriented. They involve high curiosity, intellectual input and empirical approach to issues. Involves high value on observation; studying; learning; analyzing facts; solving puzzles; dealing with charts, numbers, formulae, graphs, data processing, evaluating, interpreting and solving complex problems through scientific thinking. Such individuals do so well in leadership positions, social gatherings and activities, are good in mathematics, sciences and business studies. They excel in careers such as medicine, architecture, microbiology, criminal investigations, accounting, statistical analysis, money, financial, veterinary, zoology, computer science, ICT, design engineer, social scientist, research, laboratory work, physicist, technical writer and meteorologist. Artistic Careers Artistic careers are arts oriented, creative, expressive skills and aesthetically conscious. They value working free of rules and regulations, like use of their free imaginations, are highly original, emotional, non-conforming, unconventional, independent, idealist and introspective, like taking risks, like producing distinct products. Such individuals are good in languages, literature, drawing and designs, music and acting. They excel as artists, authors, cartoonists, composers, singers, drama and theatre actors, home decorating, fabric designing and photography.
Social Careers Social careerists value working with people; have an inner urge for helping others; like informing, helping, training, enlightening, arbitrating, developing or caring for people, organizing other people, skilled at talking with the people that they serve, are sociable, friendly, understanding, empathetic, generous, helpful, cooperative, responsible, hardworking, often sober, welfare – minded and articulate. Such individuals are good in languages, literature, humanities, can be good in sciences if they put more interest and effort in them. They excel in careers such as administration, education, law, theology, journalism, mass – communication, human and public relations, political science and related fields, guidance and counselling, and psychologists. Enterprising Careers Enterprising careers involve influencing and persuading or performing for others, goal and profit orientation. They are enterprising, ambitious, talkative, argumentative, domineering, energetic, self-confident, optimistic, sociable, competitive, impulsive, persuasive, enjoy chatting debates, groups meetings and committees, often run for elected offices, head important functions and motivate others. Such individuals are good in mathematics, business studies, science and they excel in careers like business management, sales and marketing, hotel management, poli tics, industrial consultancy and related fields. Conventional Careers Conventional careers involve highly orderly, routine and practical jobs, often there are some inflexible activities. Excellent individuals have a ‘common denominator ‘: obedient, practical, calm, orderly, carry out instructions, and work with final details. Such individuals are good in business studies, computer, office practice, home science and sciences. They excel in the business world such as bankers, bookkeepers, accountants, financial analysts, computer operators, statisticians, auditing, inventory controls, store keeping, secretarial, and office management. The right preparation for a career should start right in secondary school. A candidate should choose the right subjects required for higher education training in a particular career much earlier before they get to their final year. In addition to KCSE, a candidate should know the jobs on the decline such as clerical, secretarial are fading away due to computerization. There are ‘specialized professions’ like doctors, accountants, ICT and engineering while there are those professions ‘in demand’ like business management and consultancy. There are many young people who do not have opportunities for development of their talents and gifts; and fail to receive proper education and never get a chance to show their true worth – unfortunately never reach self-actualization. In conclusion, to make a good career choice starts a personal assessment of yourself, your personal values, interests, abilities and preferences, ‘ample time should be taken to do so’. For some people, ‘taking a career or aptitude test’ assists in identifying the right career. Sometimes, highly talented or gifted young people have been dragged by necessity and circumstances into careers which they never liked or expected to do. Such should only happen in backward societies. Career choice is an individual choice. It is him or her alone who will live with the desired career and not another person, but others can be of help to the learner when need arises. Some of the people who can be of help to a candidate include parents – who help a learner make up their mind or introduce her or him to a career, teachers (loco parentis) – who guide and give learners information and people in the field you desire to join. Preferably, it is very important for a candidate to be equipped with universal skills and qualities. These are like computer literacy, interpersonal skills, foreign language and driving skills among others. A career is an individual’s metaphorical “journey” through learning, work and other aspects of life. “Those persons who do not think in advance of their future and do not plan their course of action, are liable to fail in life. In the modern age, all men and women are free to choose any career according to their taste, liking and aptitude and should decide as early as possible. A candidate must be careful and prepared about sticking to the career that he or she has chosen for herself/ himself because “a rolling stone gathers no moss’.
Last evening, Hon. Rebecca Miano, the Cabinet Secretary for Tourism and Wildlife, joined friends, family, and dignitaries to honor the outgoing CEO of the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC), Rt. Major Twalib, as he retired after an industrious 41 years of public service. The event, rich in reflection and camaraderie, offered a poignant moment to celebrate the remarkable legacy of a leader who has epitomized integrity and honor.
In her tribute, CS Miano expressed profound admiration for Major Twalib, drawing from the words of Irish poet and playwright Oscar Wilde, who once said, “Some cause happiness wherever they go; others whenever they go.” She remarked that Major Twalib undoubtedly belongs to the former category, spreading positivity and leaving a transformative impact at every station he has served.
Having worked alongside Major Twalib in a previous docket, CS Miano spoke of his exceptional leadership and commitment to excellence. “Under Mr. Twalib’s stewardship, the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission has achieved unprecedented growth, cultivating a culture of honor and integrity, traits rarely associated with many public institutions,” she noted.
Reflecting on his four decades of service, CS Miano highlighted the indelible mark Major Twalib has left on Kenya’s governance landscape. “His footsteps will undoubtedly guide those who carry forward the torch of integrity, accountability, and justice,” she said. “The best way to honor him is to ensure that the values he championed remain our guiding light as we serve the people of our motherland.”
The event also provided CS Miano with an opportunity to reconnect with former colleagues, mentors, and friends, reinforcing the importance of shared experiences and relationships in public service.
As she concluded her tribute, CS Miano lauded Major Twalib’s exemplary service and unwavering dedication to Kenya. “We celebrate you, Major! Your legacy will continue to inspire us and illuminate the path for future generations,” she affirmed.
In celebrating Major Twalib’s retirement, Hon. CS Rebecca Miano reminded all present of the enduring importance of ethical leadership and the profound impact one dedicated individual can have on a nation.
The CEO of Women Enterprise Fund (WEF), Rachael Musyoki, alongside Board Member Yvonne Tonkei, visited the Salem Sisters Self-Help Group in Kamukunji Constituency yesterday. The group, which specializes in producing uniforms and assorted textiles, recently received their first loan of Kshs. 100,000 under the relaunched WEF Tuinuke Loan program.
Accompanying the CEO were key members of the WEF team, including Ms. Everlyne Lusweti, Manager of Marketing, Research, and Communication; Ms. Anne Muturi, Nairobi Region Credit Coordinator; and Mr. Karani, Credit Assistant for Kamukunji.
Earlier in the day, the WEF team paid a courtesy call to the Deputy County Commissioner’s office, where they were warmly received by Assistant County Commissioner Mr. Steve Mwonge. This visit highlighted WEF’s commitment to collaborating with local administration to enhance service delivery and extend its reach to women across the constituency.
The Women Enterprise Fund resumed its lending services to registered women groups in December 2024, offering loans ranging from Kshs. 100,000 to Kshs. 750,000. These interest-free loans come with only a 6% administrative fee, making them accessible and affordable for women’s groups looking to grow their businesses.
In her remarks, CEO Rachael Musyoki emphasized the Fund’s dedication to empowering women and fostering economic growth through financial inclusion. “We encourage all registered women groups to visit our offices in every constituency, located within ACC/DCC grounds, to learn more about these transformative loans and how they can benefit their ventures,” she said.
The visit to Salem Sisters Self-Help Group exemplifies WEF’s ongoing efforts to uplift women entrepreneurs, enabling them to expand their businesses and contribute meaningfully to Kenya’s economy.
Together with partners such as the Uwezo Fund, National Government Affirmative Action Fund (NGAAF), and other stakeholders, the Women Enterprise Fund continues to drive impactful change, ensuring women across the country have access to the resources they need to thrive.
For more information on how to access WEF loans, women groups are encouraged to engage with their local WEF representatives and take advantage of this life-changing initiative.
The Chairperson of the Kenya National Association of Private Colleges (KENAPCO), Dr. Ekrah Ndung’u, has urged individuals to remain consistent and focused on achieving their goals, warning against the common tendency to abandon resolutions soon after the New Year begins.
Speaking during an event, Dr. Ndung’u highlighted that while setting goals and creating momentum is essential, many people lose focus by the second Friday of January—a day commonly referred to as “Quitter’s Day.” This day marks the time when New Year resolutions start to fade for most.
“I’m a firm believer in setting goals, creating momentum, and taking consistent action. But here’s the truth: no matter how motivated we are on January 1st, most people start to lose steam by the second Friday of the year,” she said.
Dr. Ndung’u emphasized the importance of consistency in maintaining long-term success, comparing it to a football match where celebrations must wait until the final whistle.
“Success expires,” she cautioned. “As soon as you hit one goal, park it and keep trying to hit the next one. Ask football coaches—they know this! Until the final whistle is blown, there’s no room for complacency.”
Referring to a prestigious award she had recently received, Dr. Ndung’u termed it her “expired success,” stating it was now part of her history and legacy for her grandchildren.
“This award here is my expired success—it’s now history for my grandchildren. What matters is what I do next, not what I achieved yesterday,” she remarked.
Dr. Ndung’u’s message is a powerful reminder that success is not a one-time achievement but a continuous journey that requires determination and perseverance.
The Matatu Owners Association (MOA) has raised alarm over widespread corruption, extortion, and harassment of Public Service Vehicle (PSV) operators by traffic police, judicial officers, and their accomplices. Speaking on behalf of the association, MOA President Mr. Albert Karakacha decried the escalating impunity within the transport sector, calling for urgent anti-corruption interventions to address the issue.
On January 3, 2025, Hudson Njoroge of City Shuttle and Daniel Ouma of Oma Services Limited were arrested by traffic officers from Makongeni Police Station along Jogoo Road. The charges against them—alleged obstruction and picking passengers on the roadside—resulted in court appearances on January 6, where they were denied cash bail and subjected to bond terms of Ksh 50,000. The bond required property documents such as a car logbook or title deed, leaving many operators unable to secure their release.
Mr. Karakacha condemned these terms as excessive, emphasizing that the Traffic (Minor Offenses) Rules cap the penalties for obstruction and illegal passenger pickup at Ksh 10,000 and Ksh 3,000, respectively. “The prolonged detention of drivers who cannot meet these exorbitant demands is a blatant abuse of power and victimization,” he said.
Further allegations have surfaced implicating a corrupt syndicate involving a magistrate at court number 8, court clerk Mr. Amin, and traffic officer Madam Naomi from Makongeni Police Station. This group is accused of colluding to extort bribes from drivers, promising lenient treatment or expedited release in exchange.
On January 7, Hudson Njoroge reportedly paid a bribe of Ksh 25,000 and a cash bail of Ksh 5,000 to secure his release. However, Daniel Ouma remains in custody after Oma Services Limited’s request for cash bail was denied. Matatu operators allege that those who refuse to pay bribes face punitive bond terms and extended remand periods, crippling their livelihoods.
“This level of corruption is unacceptable,” Mr. Karakacha declared. “It undermines the rule of law and exploits hardworking Kenyans who rely on this sector for their daily bread. We demand immediate investigations into these allegations and decisive action against traffic officer Naomi, court clerk Amin, and the implicated magistrate.”
The MOA has pledged to escalate the matter to the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) and the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) to ensure accountability. Operators along Jogoo Road have also vowed to support anti-corruption efforts to restore fairness and integrity within the transport sector.
“We call on the government and all relevant bodies to prioritize the fight against corruption in the transport sector. This harassment and exploitation must stop,” Mr. Karakacha concluded.
Comfort Homes Managing Director Dr Hezekiah Kariuki powerful morning prayer:
“Good morning family, let’s pray.
Dear Heavenly Father,
We come before you on this beautiful Thursday morning, filled with gratitude for the gift of life and the opportunity to witness the beauty of a new day. Thank you for your love and grace that sustains us each day.
Lord, we humbly ask for your guidance and wisdom as we navigate through this day. May every decision we make be aligned with your will, and may every door we knock be opened according to your divine plan. Grant us the strength and courage to face any challenges that may come our way, knowing that you are with us.
We lift up those who are hungry, unemployed, and sick, dear Lord. May you provide for their needs and bring them comfort and healing. We pray that you fulfill the desires of their hearts, knowing that you are a God who hears and answers prayers.
Father, we ask that you continue to fulfill your promises to your people. Help us to remain steadfast in our faith, just as Abraham waited patiently for many years for the fulfillment of your promise to bless him with a son, Isaac. May we never lose hope, knowing that your timing is perfect and your plans are greater than our own.
We also pray for our beloved country, Kenya. May you grant us a favorable environment for our daily duties, as we strive to provide for our families and contribute to the well-being of our nation. Guide our leaders and grant them wisdom to make decisions that will benefit all citizens.
The planning committee for the highly anticipated Nyanza International Investment Conference (NIIC) met this afternoon to provide a status update on preparations for the event, which is slated to take place from 6th to 8th February 2025 at the Ciala Resort in Kisumu.
The meeting was led by the Chairman of the event planning committee, Mr. Jalph Olende, alongside Vice Chairman Michael Monari and a team of distinguished committee members, including George Ooko, Tom Mshindi, Amb. Grace Okara, Lilian Mahiri, CPA Rose Osoro, Prof. Tom Olali, Dr. Anyango Ochieng, Ken Onditi, Kennedy Mohochi, Dr. Amos Omolo, and Jane Oriya, among others.
The committee briefed on key milestones achieved in the preparation process and highlighted the agenda for the conference, which is expected to showcase investment opportunities in Nyanza and foster regional economic growth under the theme Nyanza Rising.
The NIIC 2025 is set to bring together local and international investors, policymakers, and thought leaders to explore opportunities in various sectors, including agriculture, manufacturing, tourism, infrastructure, and technology.
The conference is expected to position Nyanza as a hub for transformative investments while promoting inclusive and sustainable development in the region.
I’m a firm believer in setting goals, creating momentum, and taking consistent action. But here’s the truth: no matter how motivated we are on January 1st, most people start to lose steam by the second Friday of the year.
That day, known as Quitter’s Day, is when most New Year resolutions start to fade.
Stay consistent so that you’ll not be celebrating expired success……success expires….as soon as you hit one GOAL park it and keep trying to hit the next one….ask football coaches..they know this! Until firimbi is blown no celebrations.
This Award here is my expired success… it’s now HISTORY for my grandchildren.
Principal Secretary of ASALs and Regional Development Kello Harsama , together with Cabinet Secretary for East Africa, Arid and Semi-Arid Lands (ASAL), and Regional Development, Hon. Beatrice Askul, led a delegation of leaders to inspect schools that had been shut down due to insecurity in the region. They were hosted by West Pokot Governor Simon Kachapin.
The schools visited included Chesegon Primary, Cheptulel Primary, Cheptulel Boys High School, Chesegon Technical Training Institute, and Sobulmoi Primary School.
The high-profile visit brought together key stakeholders, including the Managing Director of Kerio Valley Development Authority (KVDA) Sammy Naporos and Members of Parliament Hon. Samuel Moroto (Kapenguria), Hon. Peter Lochakapong’ (Sigor), and Hon. Rael Aleutum (Women Representative). Local Members of County Assembly, Jacob Toung’ole (Lomut) and Wilson Chekeruk (Masol Ward), were also part of the delegation.
During the tour, leaders reaffirmed their commitment to adopting a multi-sectoral approach to address the insecurity that has plagued the region. The strategy focuses on improving situational awareness, enhancing rapid response mechanisms, and fostering community-driven solutions to restore peace and stability.
Governor Kachapin emphasized the critical role of education in driving development and vowed to ensure every child in West Pokot has access to a safe learning environment. “We all know that education is a cornerstone of development, and as such, we cannot let insecurity deprive our children of the chance to learn and succeed,” he said.
He further assured residents of continued collaboration with stakeholders to implement sustainable peace initiatives. The leaders reiterated their determination to prioritize the welfare and future of the region’s children, recognizing that security and education go hand in hand.
This initiative marks a significant step in the collective efforts to restore normalcy in the region and ensure no child is left behind in the pursuit of knowledge and progress.
