Advertisers have a great affinity for specific audiences and they don't put their money where the mouth is not. A big number require utmost honesty from you which is hard to find in Kenya despite us being "religious and Godly" according to KNBS surveys.

To avoid being rejected, apply these steps. One, tell the truth. Some advertisers use filters that help them discern your lies. Their lie detectors. They can read lies in your teeth. Lips.

At the screening stage, they will ask about basic demographics such as your age, gender and location. Tick well.

Don't say you saw the dodo which is extinct already. Don't even say you remember everything you've seen on earth since you were born. 

Be well read. Not academy here. But current affairs. Such as the number of countries in Africa. That Africa is a continent not a country as the Americans an Europeans tell us yet they exploit it. Slavery never died. Even today. Tomorrow's topic, that.

Master your field if clients want professionals. There are inside skills that you will claim to know only to be shamed and slammed during the surveys. Left broke and embarrassed.

But you will savour the international competence of your degrees and certifications. Because the traps for ethics and other blurred lines are easy to decipher and qualify for more gigs.

Be digital. Have your social media pages aligned.  Your passwords, usernames. Ensure that your emails are accessible for cyber security purposes since that's where you will get contacted.

Stay consistent. Every dollar counts. Don't give up after a few days and then wonder why those who stayed in the grind are monitoring the forex and are lecturing government priorities on Budget.

Don't give up your digital gig.

Education stakeholders and career experts raised the alarm during a Senior School Career Day held at the University of Embu, warning that a rush for a few popular courses is locking out many qualified students from university admission through the Kenya Universities and Colleges Central Placement Service (KUCCPS).

Speaking at the event, the Deputy Vice Chancellor in charge of Academics, Research and Extension, Prof. Paul Nthakanio, cautioned students against limiting themselves to competitive programs during application.

“Many students go for the same few courses, which makes the competition intense and leaves others out. We advise them to think strategically. Even if they don’t qualify for their dream course, they should still find a fulfilling path aligned with their strengths,” Prof. Nthakanio said.

He emphasized that students stand a better chance of placement by selecting a blend of moderately competitive courses and aligning them with their academic performance.

Prof. Nthakanio further appealed to parents to allow their children to explore career options driven by passion and talent rather than pressure or societal expectations.

“There is value in every career path. Let’s help students discover where they can thrive, instead of forcing them into pre-set molds,” he said.

He also hailed the Competency Based Curriculum (CBC) as a progressive and inclusive approach, saying it nurtures learners’ individuality and expands career possibilities beyond traditional paths.

Dr. David Mugo, Chairperson of the Career Day Organizing Committee, supported the message and urged both parents and teachers to keep up with the evolving job market, including shifts brought about by technology.

He encouraged students with average or low grades not to lose hope, pointing out that technical and vocational training can open doors to rewarding careers.

“For those with a D and above, the University of Embu’s TVET wing has programs tailored to practical skills and job readiness. No student should feel left behind,” Mugo said.

Themed “Find Your Spark: Smart Career Choices for a Dynamic World,” the event brought together students from 22 secondary schools across Embu and neighboring counties. Its main goal was to empower learners to make informed, future-focused academic decisions.

Prof. Nthakanio officially opened the event on behalf of University of Embu Vice Chancellor Prof. Daniel Mugendi Njiru.

The county boss was speaking at his office when he flagged off 21 motorbikes to agricultural extension officers. "The addition of the 21 motorcycles will improve coverage and farmers' outreach. This will make a total of 99 motorcycles", said the second term Wiper governor.

Dr Malombe outlined his administration's commitment to economic resilience of Kitui farmers. Of note is that the county is drought-prone and vulnerable to climate shocks.

Dr Malombe added that the rollout of the motorbikes initiative marks collaboration efforts between President William Ruto-led national government and the county under the National Agricultural Value Chain Development Project. NAVCDP aims to equip smallholder farmers by giving them support for better yields.

Parents at the school in Mwingi North sub county decided to paralyse learning by pulling their children out of the school demanding the removal of the headteacher Mr Johanna Toto for allegedly running the facility as a one man show.

They were also protesting against the Kyuso district education office for failing to act on their grievances when they visited the office two weeks ago and demanded the transfer of the headteacher.

At dawn on Monday, a group of about 15 parents kept vigil at the school gate and later used thorny  tree branches and twigs to barricade the entrance. They effectively restrained access by teachers and learners.

“We turned away any pupils and teachers who showed up at the school gate on Monday morning. We will keep vigil and ensure no learning takes place until the headteacher is removed,” said the chairman of the parents and teachers association, Mukanda Mutisya.

He said parents at the school were fed up with the head teacher who had run down the school  since he took over three years ago. He said he ran the school as a one man show excluding parents and the board of management.

Mutisya further said the school head did not account for use of funds sent to the school for capitation or collected from parents despite his alleged obsession with sending pupils home for some dubious  fees.

“We are unhappy with the headteacher. He has caused many parents to withdraw their children from our  school. When he took over three years ago, the school had an enrolment of over 90 pupils. As of now, we have less than 30 pupils,” lamented Mutisya.

He said since the parents could no longer bear the offending ways of the head teacher they  wanted the education authorities to remove him before he caused the school's permanent collapse.

“We are furious that despite filing our complaint with the Kyuso district education office, no action  has been taken on our demands as the headteacher was still running our school,” said Mutisya.

The Kyuso sub county education officer ,Stephen Mulandi, told the media that the grievances of Kwa Mutisya  school  parents had been brought to his attention and he was dealing with the case.

He did not however disclose what action his office was likely to take and how soon.

Despite being a largely rural area where traditional lifestyles reign supreme, snake bites present a significant public health challenge, often resulting in devastating consequences for individuals and their families. I met with 32-year-old Ngoya Mutiso, a farmer from Kaiti sub-county, whose life took a tragic turn one fateful afternoon in January. "I was tending to my farm, just after the rains," he recounted, his voice quivering slightly as he recalled the incident. "I had just moved a stack of leaves when I felt a sharp pain on my ankle. In that split second, I knew something was terribly wrong."

Ngoya was bitten by a black mamba, one of the most venomous snakes in Africa. He initially thought it was a minor injury, a simple scrape perhaps, but as the pain intensified, he realized the severity of the situation. "I couldn't walk. My foot swelled up like a balloon, and I began to feel dizzy," he remembered, his eyes glazing over with the memory.

A neighbor found him and rushed him to the nearest healthcare facility, which was a small dispensary several kilometers away. Here, the lack of essential antivenom meant Ngoya faced a race against time, one that he was painfully aware could end in pain.

Ngoya's case is not an isolated incident. According to data from local health officials, Makueni County sees thousands of snake bites annually. The Kenya Snakebite Prevention and Control Consortium estimates that up to 5,500 cases are reported each year in the nation, with a significant portion occurring in regions like Ukambani, where agriculture often forces individuals into close contact with snake habitats.

Dr. Aisha Mwenda, a medical officer at Makueni Level Four Hospital, explained the growing concerns. "We see at least three cases of snake bites every week. The most affected are young men and women, who work in the fields." The problem is exacerbated by misconceptions about snake behavior and a general lack of awareness regarding preventative measures.

The repercussions of a snake bite extend beyond the individual. Ngoya, now recovering but still grappling with the psychological aftermath, explained how the incident affected his family. "My wife, Wanjiru, was terrified. I can't forget the look on her face when I was brought home," he said, sorrowfully. The loss of work during his recovery period meant financial strain on his family, coupled with the emotional toll of uncertainty. 

Community members often rally around victims, but the lack of resources can lead to financial burdens. "In a place where every penny counts, medical bills can cripple a family," Dr. Mwenda noted, highlighting the need for improved healthcare support and access to antivenom.

Efforts to combat the issue are underway. Local NGOs and health organizations are working to provide education on snakebite prevention, first aid, and the importance of timely medical interventions. Workshops and community outreach programs are being initiated to teach safe farming practices and how to identify potentially dangerous snakes.

Moreover, there have been calls for the Kenyan government to bolster anti-venom supplies and ensure that healthcare facilities are better equipped to handle snakebite emergencies. "Antivenom is critical, and we need to ensure it's available within a reachable distance for everyone," emphasized Dr. Mwenda.

As I concluded my interview with Ngoya, he emphasized the importance of awareness and preparation. "I've learned to be more cautious. I tell my neighbors to wear boots even when it’s hot. We need to protect ourselves." His resilience stands as a testament to the human spirit's capacity to endure adversity.

In Makueni County, the fight against the silent menace of snake bites continues, as communities come together to educate, support, and heal. It is a stark reminder that in the beautiful wildness of the Ukambani region, vigilance and knowledge are just as vital as the lifeblood of the land itself.

He dismissed the so-called “cousins” narrative popularized by Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua and his allies as outdated and dangerous. The narrative, which seeks to pit different  communities as political relatives with special claims to power, has drawn sharp criticism for sidelining other communities and fanning ethnic tensions. “We are not cousins competing for an inheritance. We are one nation working towards a shared prosperity. This political balcanization should stop,” Ruku said.

Speaking during the ACK Diocese of Embu’s Education Sunday at St. Anne’s Kiriari Girls’ Secondary School, Ruku slammed the opposition for what he termed as “reckless tribal talk,” accusing them of using identity politics to lure locals in tribal lines.

Ruku went on to highlight the Kenya Kwanza government’s focus on economic transformation, citing concrete examples of gains made under President William Ruto’s leadership. He noted that farmers are now receiving higher payouts than ever before stating that coffee farmers are earning up to KSh 100 per kilogram, tea returns have surpassed KSh 210 billion, and milk prices have risen from KSh 37 to KSh 50 per litre.

“These are not promises. They are results,” Ruku said. He attributed the success to government reforms like the digitization of payments, the elimination of middlemen, and the introduction of minimum price guarantees through the Coffee Cherry Advance Revolving Fund (CCARF), which has already disbursed over KSh 6.7 billion to nearly 500,000 farmers.

Turning to the education sector, the Cabinet Secretary praised the Church’s longstanding contribution, especially in supporting children from disadvantaged families. “The role of the Church in shaping values and expanding access to education cannot be overstated,” Ruku noted. He reaffirmed the government's commitment to ensuring every child regardless of background accesses quality education.

Supporting his message were several Kenya Kwanza-aligned lawmakers, including Mary Wa Maua (Maragua MP), Jane Karigi (Laikipia Woman Rep), and James Githua (Kabete MP). They reassured parents and school heads that Parliament had set aside adequate funds for capitation and national exams, saying there is no cause for alarm over school finances.

Ruku was also accompanied by TVET Principal Secretary Dr Esther Mworia and TSC Chairperson Dr Jamleck Muturi.

During the emotional  farewell at which tears flowed freely among  family members and mourners, Nzengu said he had lost a loyal worker and an achiever  adding that he was a performer par excellence.

Mwiyei  who was a Clergyman with the AEPC Church, succumbed to bravely borne prostate cancer. He visited many hospitals both within and without Kenya. He is survived by widow Winrose Kavengi  and four sons.

Nzengu told the mourners who had thronged Mbauni village in Itivanzou village of Kyuso district, Mwingi North sub county that Mwiyei was many times better than a previous holder of the CDF office chairmanship.

“Before he took over office, I had another person who abused my generosity. I endured two and half years of a very difficult period dealing with a man I helped get the chairman but he abused my generosity,” lamented Nzengu.

The MP said although he had a hand in the man’s appointment, he did not recognise him and even bragged that he had been hired by the CDF national board. He only found peace after Mwiyei took over, he said.

“One wonders how the NG-CDF board nestled in Nairobi would have learned about a man living deep in the rural village were it not for my identifying him,” said the legislator.

He however observed that the about four to five years that the late Mwiyei had served as the Mwingi North NG-CDF  had been the best as his sense of duty made things move seamlessly.

Speaking during the ceremony that was presided over by the moderator of the AEPC Church in Kenya  Dr. Joseph Mitei the MCA for Tharaka ward in Mwingi North, Muthengi Ndangara, said as the chairman  of the NG-CDF, Mwiyei  left an indelible mark among the population.

“Mwiyei was a clear testimony that one does not have to hold a very high office to make a positive impact or facilitate great achievements in society,” said Ndangara.

“When he worked as an education officer in Tseikuru I was a young secondary school lad but I used to admire his devotion to duty and service. He blended his seriousness and commitment with a sense of humor though,” he added.

The MCA for Tseikuru, Kimanzi Muange, told the family of the late Mwiyei that due to his good deeds when he was alive, his memory  would linger  for long.

“I want to tell his family  that he was a great man whose song may have ended but the melody would linger forever,” he said metaphorically.

Cabinet Secretary for Public Service, Human Capital Development, and Special Programmes, Geoffrey Ruku, visited the affected community early Thursday, where he conveyed the government's commitment to stand with the victims during this difficult time.

“We are not just here to offer sympathy but to be part of your journey to recovery.No Kenyan should suffer alone in times of crisis” CS Ruku said.

The fire, which erupted on Wednesday afternoon, tore through the informal settlement, flattening homes and leaving families destitute. Many also lost important identification and personal documents in the inferno.

CS Ruku announced that the ministry would expedite the reissuance of critical documents such as birth certificates and national ID cards to help victims regain access to essential services.

The government, through the State Department for Special Programmes, has begun distributing food supplies, beddings, and materials for temporary housing to support displaced residents.

Furthermore, the government is collaborating with humanitarian agencies to evaluate the scale of destruction and ensure every affected household receives proper support.

Authorities are still probing the origin of the fire. Meanwhile, residents have appealed for better infrastructure and stronger emergency response systems to avert similar disasters in future.

Following a petition filed by the Kiama kia Muyembu Trust, the Committee on Youth, Gender, Sport, Culture, Children and Social Services, led by Chairperson Nominated MCA Mary Kavinda tabled a report directing the County Government to evaluate cultural groups’ suitability for involvement in county cultural programmes.

The Culture Department, in consultation with the office of the County Attorney and other relevant stakeholders, develop and submit to the County Assembly a collaboration framework with registered cultural organizations within 120 days. The framework should provide mechanisms for program support, cultural education, and environmental conservation activities among others.

In its report, the Committee also gave a 90-day ultimatum for the County Executive Committee Member (CECM) for Youth, Gender, Sports, Culture and Social Services in consultation with the CECM for Finance and Economic Planning to undertakes an assessment on the suitability and viability of establishment of a County Fund to cater for the promotion of culture and other related purposes.

The Ward Representatives unanimously resolved that pending the recommendation on establishment of a formal fund, the County Government should ensure that there are budgetary allocations in future county budgets to promote cultural values related to family cohesion, responsible parenting and intergenerational knowledge transfer.

The County Culture Docket was also urged to identify and collaborate with community-based cultural organizations, to design and implement programs for men, women, and youth, aimed at promoting customary and cultural awareness, family responsibilities, and the enhancement of peace and unity within the community in line with the Embu County Cultural and Heritage Act, 2016.

The legislators have as well advised the County Executive to within twelve months undertake a comprehensive survey and document sacred places historically used by Embu forefathers for prayers, sacrifices and other cultural activities with the aim of identifying and preserving these sites as community monuments and ensure that the recognized sites, are declared as community monuments, in order to legally protect and promote the associated cultural heritage.

The MCAs advised the County Government to consider integrating the promotion and protection of sacred places with environmental conservation efforts by ensuring the preservation of forests, water towers, and water catchment areas linked to these sites, at the same time fast-tracking the establishment of a framework for identifying and honouring past and current Embu heroes and heroines through the erection of monuments, cenotaphs, and the renaming of significant roads and centres.

In addition, the Assembly is calling for prioritization of the completion of the stalled Culture Resource Centre at the County Culture Offices as well as the rehabilitation of the dilapidated cultural homesteads within the precincts and further consider plans to establish a museum, archive, and library for preservation of cultural heritage while operationalizing the community cultural centre at the headquarters once completed, and in the planning for the establishment of similar centres in other locations. This should include exploring options for allocating land and other resources cultural organizations, to assist in the establishment and management of additional community-run cultural centres, archives, museums, and libraries.

The county commissioner allayed fears of discrimination saying that men and women will get equal chances of recruitment in the exercise. He also added that persons living with disabilities will get 30% of slots available.

"Persons with disabilities are encouraged to apply. They will receive priority consideration", he explained.

Households  will be required to send only one person for the recruitment to avoid having many relatives recruited while other families miss out.

1014 workers will be employed in Kitui County and they will be supervised by 35 supervisors. For each day worked, the recruits will be paid KSh500 while their supervisors will earn KSh580 for each worked day. All will be paid using MPESA. 

The work to be done include planting trees, removing debris, garbage collection and managing government's legacy projects.

Commissioner Kipchumba Rutto called upon community leaders to ensure the youth get to know about the recruitment exercise in their barazas, door to door meetings, among other social forums. These leaders include chiefs, nyumba kumi elders, the media and the clergy.

The successful recruits will get first aid if injured during the work but they have been urged to work responsibly. This includes coming to work with personal protective equipment and working tools like pangas, machetes, jembes and wheelbarrows where applicable.

Speaking with fiery resolve during Madaraka Day celebrations at Makima Primary School, Mbarire made it clear she won’t sit back and watch as backroom political deals are made behind her back.

She revealed that secret night meetings are being held to strategize on Embu’s political direction, deliberately excluding the county’s elected leadership and without naming names, Mbarire warned that such schemes will not go unchallenged.

“If there is someone who has been fought for supporting the government it is me. But I have started seeing people trying to square some things for me and they are people who  in government I am defending daily.Those officers from Nairobi are holding night meetings in Embu to plan for Embu politics without involving me and other elected leaders pretending that they understand the politics of Embu better than us .I understand the political terrain of this county,'' Mbarire stated visibly angered.

The governor stated that she has been in politics for some time daring them to stop the trend or name the leaders in public. ''Dont bring fights from Nairobi to me or I put your names in public. Tell me where you were when I have been fighting for President William Ruto. Together with MCAs and my deputy, we traversed the whole county telling people to join this government so that we can benefit. Now you are ferrying fights from Nairobi bringing it in Embu. I will not accept.You know yourselves.Dare you come back to Embu again we shall meet face to face. I am a leader by my own right,'' she stated.

Mbarire further stated that she is a leader elected by the people of Embu and that she must be respected by other leaders the way she does.She noted that if there was any emerging problem in government, they ought to call her and inform but not disrespect her.

Her remarks are the clearest signal yet that political temperatures in Kenya Kwanza government are rising ahead of the 2027 elections, with battle lines already being drawn in the heart of Mt. Kenya politics.

On Friday last week, the Deputy President Prof. Kithure Kindiki made a quiet but politically loaded visit to Embu to address the rising insecurity cases. Unlike previous high-profile visits where local leaders, led by Governor Cecily Mbarire, take charge of mobilization and logistics, Kindiki’s stopover seemed different from previous arrangements. Governor Mbarire was not present when the deputy president visited with some sources close to her saying she was not aware that Kindiki was visiting the county. Shockingly, several members of the Embu county executive confessed in anonymity to the press that they were completely in the dark over the DP's visit.

Kindiki opted to instead work directly with the local business community to mobilize residents for the high-level visit. 

Curiously, the only elected leader from Embu county who accompanied Kindiki during the visit was Embu Senator Alexander Mundigi yet even he was not accorded the courtesy to address the crowd, a rare snub for a sitting senator.

Adding to the intrigue, several of Governor Cecily Mbarire’s close allies took to social media on the eve of Kindiki visit not to welcome the Deputy President, but to dismiss reports of his impending visit as mere speculation.

Mbarire was a no-show at a breakfast meeting held recently at Safari Park hotel in Nairobi raising eyebrows and fueling speculation within political circles in the Kenya Kwanza government.

In the past Kenya Kwanza visits, Governor Mbarire has played a central role, often personally whipping up support from grassroots leaders in mobilization. Four months ago, the Deputy President, in a meeting he held at his Karen residence disclosed that he had met with governor Mbarire and asked her why the president was being heckled in her home county yet she is the national chair and a UDA governor.

''I asked the governor how is it possible you are the national chairperson of UDA, you are a UDA governor and chairperson of the ruling party. You are aparty leader who as the president comes to your home town and he is heckled, what reason do we have to have you on board as the... Vijana wanapigia rais kelele hapo ati rais amesema kitu hapo hawapendi,'' Kindiki said then.

President William Ruto faced public disapproval in Embu County on several occasions in presence of Governor Mbarire, pointing to a shift in the region's political mood. One major incident happened on November 16, 2024, during the consecration of Bishop Peter Kimani as the Embu Catholic Bishop. As President Ruto spoke about government programs like the Affordable Housing initiative and the new Social Health Authority (SHA), parts of the crowd started jeering and murmuring, making it hard for him to continue addressing the meeting. The boos forced him to respond directly to the concerns raised by the residents.

Earlier, on April 4, 2024, during a tour of Embu, Ruto faced another cold reception in Embu town. Youths interrupted his address with chants of “Uongo! Uongo!” (“Lies! Lies!”), expressing dissatisfaction with unfulfilled promises. He pushed on with his speech, but the heckling highlighted growing frustrations in the area.

On January 3, 2025, during the burial of Eric Mutugi, son of former Embu Senator Lenny Kivuti, the then Public Service Cabinet Secretary Justin Muturi was booed when he tried to read Ruto’s condolence message. The mourners rejected it, forcing Muturi to hand it to the family without reading it aloud.

Is this a sign that Governor Mbarire's grip on Embu’s political scene is weakening? Or could it be that Kenya Kwanza’s senior figures are beginning to sidestep the UDA national chairperson altogether?

  

Father-in-change of St Augustine’s Nguutani Parish, Migwani in Mwingi West, George Marete, said mobile service provider Safaricom was one of the major essential co-operators whose contribution has impacted on communities’ living standards to write a new chapter in their daily lives.

Marete singled out Safaricom’s PLC Chief Risk Management and Security Officer, Nicholas Mulila, whose contribution in the church development projects is unmatched and remains the cornerstone of the diocese’s foundation and strength.

Speaking at the church on Sunday during a fundraiser for construction of priests’ residence where Mulila was the chief guest assisted by area MP Charles Nguna, Fr Marete said Mulila has touched many lives by contributing handsomely and sourcing finances towards building churches, supporting health, education and well affairs of the youth, elderly men and women in the expansive county.

“Without any doubt of contraction, I want to say it now and here, that Mulila stands out as a visionary leader, a man of deeds not rhetoric. He has ability and a foresight for the prosperity of this county. As we lay hands on him, let God to shine in his future endovours,” the priest said.

 The priest encouraged the church to keep praying for the souls that were mindful of the needs and aspirations of the less fortunate and disadvantaged lot in the society.

Mulila, who has shown interest in vying for the gubernatorial seat in 2027, said working for humanity is working for God. Quoting from the Book of Colossians 3: 23-24, the chief officer said he has devoted his energy to work diligently and with truthfulness to serve people in honour of God.

The Vincent Munyoki Foundation Chief Executive Officer, Vincent Munyoki, stressed the importance of the sharing. “Please let us learn how to share what we have with others,” Munyoki said.

Speaker after speaker drawn from various parishes across the county described Mulila as a man of people who, given the opportunity to serve as governor, can make a good leader for the benefit of residents.

During the fundraiser, Wiper leader Kalonzo Musyoka sent his greetings with a donation of Sh100,000, Mulila gave Sh300,000 from him and friends  and 3,000 pieces of foundation stones. Mwingi West MP Nguna donated Sh80,000 and the Technical University of Kenya lecturer Jacob Ndungi gave Sh50,000.