How can Ruto term the reunion helpful yet he kept complaining about former President Uhuru Kenyetta’s handshake with Raila? Ruto complaint that he was thrown out of government and Raila deputized the former president and they looted the Treasury before he came in to find already trembling economy with high cost of living.

Millions of Kenyans are already alarmed by the act of the opposition leader joining hands with the Kenya Kwanza coalition.This is yet to be known. 

However the political division among the opposition leaders already speaks a lot about their power and ability to correct the government when it is heading to the wrong direction. “Some leaders are driven by selfish interest and the greed of power and not concerned about the needs of the citizens”, said one Raila critic.

The political giant is yet to retire despite his old age and long term political career which at most times has proven to be in vain especially on his aspirations to be the president. 

The Kenyan political landscape has for long been characterized by fierce rivalries and shifting alliances, but few developments have been as seismic as the recent political reunion between the two leaders. This unexpected rapprochement has sent ripples through the nation, sparking both optimism and skepticism.

For years, Ruto and Raila were perceived as polar opposites. Their political careers were marked by bitter contests and deep-seated animosity. Their clashes were not merely political; they were often deeply personal, reflecting the regional divisions that have historically plagued Kenyan politics.

Therefore, the recent re union has shocked many. Does Raila really mean well for Kenyans? This remains a puzzle no one has been able to crack.

The Need for a New Funding Model

The current system of funding higher education primarily relies on government subsidies, student loans, and private scholarships. However, this model has significant drawbacks:

(a)Rising Student Debt: Many graduates leave university with substantial debt, limiting their financial freedom and career choices.

(b)Limited Access to Higher Education: High tuition costs can deter students from low-income backgrounds.

(c)Government Budget Constraints: Public funding for higher education is often insufficient, leading to tuition hikes.

To address these challenges, innovative funding models are being introduced to create a more accessible and sustainable system.

Emerging Funding Models

1. Income-Share Agreements (ISAs)

Income-Share Agreements (ISAs) allow students to finance their education in exchange for a fixed percentage of their future earnings for a set period. Unlike traditional loans, ISAs do not accrue interest, and payments adjust based on income. This model aligns the interests of universities and students, as institutions have a stake in graduates' success.

2. Pay-It-Forward Models

Under this approach, students receive tuition-free education in exchange for committing to contribute a small percentage of their income back to the university after graduation. Unlike ISAs, these contributions go into a pooled fund that supports future students, creating a self-sustaining system.

3. Employer-Sponsored Education

More companies are investing in workforce education through tuition reimbursement and direct funding partnerships with universities. This model allows students to gain relevant skills while reducing financial burdens, benefiting both employers and employees.

4. Crowdfunding and Community Sponsorships

Online platforms allow students to raise funds for their education through personal networks, philanthropists, or community organizations. Universities can also establish scholarship funds through alumni donations or corporate sponsorships.

5. Hybrid Models with Government and Private Sector Collaboration

A combination of government grants, private investment, and student contributions can create a balanced funding structure. For example, public-private partnerships (PPPs) can help universities maintain affordability while ensuring quality education.

Benefits of a New Funding Approach

-Reduced Student Debt: Alternative funding models minimize financial burdens after graduation.

-Increased Accessibility: More students can pursue higher education regardless of their financial background.

-Stronger University-Industry Ties: Employer-sponsored education ensures graduates acquire in-demand skills.

-Long-Term Sustainability: Pay-it-forward and hybrid models create self-sustaining funding cycles.

As the cost of higher education continues to rise, rethinking university funding is essential. New models like ISAs, employer sponsorships, and pay-it-forward systems offer promising solutions that benefit students, universities, and the broader economy. By embracing innovative funding approaches, we can make higher education more accessible, equitable, and financially sustainable for future generations.

Belly fat or visceral fat, is the fat that accumulates around the  abdomen. It is different from subcutaneous fat which is the stored under the skin. 

The societal pressure for women to have flat stomach and toned abs often leads to feeling of insecurity and self doubt. Many women experience frustration as they witness the stubborn nature of belly fat which seem to resist all the attempts to shed it. This struggle not only impacts on the physical appearance but also takes a toll on their mental emotion well being.

Fat is also more dangerous as it increases the risk of heart diseases, diabetis and other health conditions.

Reasons why women struggle with belly fat include hormonal fluctuations during puberty, menstruation, pregnancy and menopause. Women's bodies undergo significant hormonal changes that can lead to an increase in belly fat.

Other reasons are stress and poor sleep quality. They can also contribute to the accumulation of belly fat.

To combat belly fat, women should go on maintaining a health lifestyle.This includes a balanced diet rich in fruit, vegetables, lean protein and whole grains and engaging in regular physical activity.Strength training exercises such as squates and lunges can help build muscle mass and boost metabolism which can aid in fat loss.

Techniques such as yoga, meditation and deep breathing exercises can help reduce  stress and low cortisole levels.Adequate sleep is also essential for overall health and can help regulate hormones and metabolism.

The struggle with belly fat is not just a physical battle but also a reflection of societal pressure and unrealistic expectations placed on women. It is crucial to organise and address the emotional and mental aspects of this journey, supporting women and their quest for healthier self-image and positive relationship with their body.

As we strive for inclusivity and  body positivity, let us champion women in their struggle and celebrate their resillience in the face of societal norms.

For many students in Kenya, the transition from high school to university comes with newfound freedom but also more responsibilities. The struggle to balance coursework, part-time jobs, and personal life can be overwhelming to a common comrade who is struggling with financial struggles.

Jane, a second-year student at Chuka University, recalls her battle with anxiety. “At one point, I couldn’t sleep or concentrate on my studies. The pressure was too much,” she says. Like many students, Jane found it difficult to seek help due to the stigma surrounding mental health.

According to a recent study by the Kenya Medical Research Institute (KEMRI), 60% of university students experience significant stress, with 30% showing symptoms of depression. Despite these alarming statistics, mental health services remain inadequate in many institutions. This has led to many university comrades engaging themselves with drug and alcohol abuse. Most of them do this aiming to relieve themselves and reduce stress. They rarely concentrate with their studies and thus leading to dropping out of the institutions.

Universities and policymakers must prioritize mental health by introducing counseling programs, awareness campaigns, and peer support groups. Parents and educators must also play a role in encouraging open discussions about mental well-being of their sons and daughters who are at higher education institutions. This will bring hope and a brighter future to their children.

As society acknowledges the importance of mental health, it is crucial to break the stigma and provide support systems to ensure that students thrive academically and emotionally.

From championship finals to fierce rivalries, referees face intense pressure, heated confrontations, and immense scrutiny. The role demands more than just knowledge of the rules; it requires courage, mental strength, and the ability to make split-second decisions that can change the course of history.

Accuracy and Rule interpretation.

One of the important challenges for referees in high pressure games is making split-second decisions that can dictate the outcome of the game. Every call is important and referees must interpret and apply rules on the spot, often under close scrutiny from players, coaches and fans. High stakes situations increase pressure as even minor decisions, like foul or penalty call, can swing momentum of the game.

To make accurate calls, referees must have thorough comprehension of the game’s rules and ability to interpret difficult situations. They rely on training and experience to ensure decisions are fair and consistent, especially in scenarios with potential for controversy. 

In some leagues video replay and VAR (Video Assistant Referee) help reduce errors but initial call still rests on the referee’s judgement.

Managing Mistakes

In high pressure games, mistakes are amplified and referees must manage the mental toll of potential errors. Even seasoned referees may miss a call and in high profile games, this can lead to immediate criticism from players and fans. 

Referees must maintain confidence, avoid dwelling on errors, and stay focused on the remainder of the game, as dwelling on mistakes can hinder performance.

Managing Intensity and Emotions 

High stakes games often bring heightened emotions from players and coaches, especially when the outcome has significant implications. Referees must manage these intense emotions, calming heated situations before they escalate. From separating players during a conflict to issuing warning or penalties, referees play a critical role in maintaining composure in the field. Referees must balance enforcing rules with diffusing tension to keep the game under control.

Building rapport with the players can also be helpful, as mutual respect can ease intense moments, even in high pressure settings. 

Dealing with Criticism and Confrontation

In competitive games, players and coaches frequently react to calls with frustration, sometimes confronting referees. Handling this confrontation require resilience, professionalism and impartiality. Referees must stay composed, avoid engaging emotionally and keep their authority intact.

Verbal altercations and challenges are common in high pressure games, but a referee’s ability to maintain calm and command respect is essential for game flow and player compliance. 

Managing Crowd Influence

The energy from a large, passionate crowd can influence game dynamics, adding an extra layer of pressure for referees. In high-stakes games with intense fans, referees may face boos, cheers and even hostile reactions to their calls. This external pressure can make it challenging to remain unbiased and unaffected by the crowd’s influence.

Experienced referees develop a mental “tunnel vision” to stay focused on the game rather than crowd reactions. By concentrating on players and game flow, referees can minimize the psychological impact of an animated crowd and avoid letting external factors affect their calls.

 

Media and Public Scrutiny

High-pressure games are often under spotlight of media and public scrutiny. A referee’s decisions may be replayed, analyzed and criticized on television, social media and news platforms. This level of scrutiny is especially challenging when controversial calls are made, as referees must be prepared for immediate public reactions. This pressure of knowing that every call may be reviewed in slow motion adds stress, requiring mental toughness and self-assurance. 

In conclusion, referees in high pressure game face numerous challenges, from split-second decision making and managing player emotions to handling crowd dynamics and media scrutiny. These officials rely on extensive training, professionalism and resilience to maintain control and accuracy and fairness under intense conditions. Successfully navigating these challenges not only ensures the integrity of the game but also demonstrates the skill and dedication required to officiate at the highest levels of competition.