The Donald Trump of UK's reality show Young Apprentice has unveiled the shows 12 contestant among them is a Kenyan.
Lord Alan Sugar has unveiled the 12 contestants who will battle it out on this year's series. The winner will walk away with a cool £25,000 business development fund to kick-start their careers.
The Kenyan on the show is David Odhiambo who describes himself as "highly obsessed with wealth, power and omnipotence."
According to Daily Mail, David still does a paper round at the age of 17, despite already having chaired a number of committees and confessing to being a "megalomaniac".
He said: 'I have a disease called megalomania; this is a condition that means I am highly obsessed with wealth, power and omnipotence."
If you are a Ghetto radio fan especially their morning show, then this is a big blow as
Presenter cum comedian Rapcha the sayantist has resigned.
Rapcha thanked his fans and everyone who supported him during the short period that he worked at Ghetto Radio. He acknowledged that he will indeed miss the laughing, and also waking up guys in the morning while on air.
No word is out yet why he left but hopes it was for the best interest of him and not the management fault.
Hey bro, we at Ghafla wishes you success in your endeavors.
Well it emerges that the sayantist aka Rapchsa is back on radio everday from 7-9pm on Hot 96 with co-host Mike Mondo. the show is titled THE DROPZONE and is a dancehall and Reggae request show.
Rapcha brings in the wits, jokes and laughter back to radio for those who had missed him.
Usuk County MP Proscovia Oromait Alengot at Parliament recently. She says she is not bothered by her critics. PHOTO by Geoffrey Sseruyange.
By JOHN K. ABIMANYI jabimanyi@ug.nationmedia.com
Posted Monday, October 8 2012 at 01:00
For a fresh Member of Parliament barely out of her teens, Proscovia Oromait Alengot is learning the ways of her trade pretty fast.
Hardly a month after she was elected the Usuk County MP in Katakwi District, Eastern Uganda, Alengot is already a deft hand in the political art of elusiveness. Maybe it is in the DNA of “the people of people”.
This is probably the reason, to this date, a sense of mystery still surrounds the youngest MP in Africa.
Alengot has evaded interviews with journalists through persistent postponing, cancellation, rescheduling of appointments, or simply declaring herself unavailable.
In one incident, she picked up the phone and, in the midst of playful banter in the background, she said she was attending a prayer service.
In just the space of three months, she has had to cope with the transformation of a simple girl waiting to join university to being the subject of flashing cameras and a star in political rallies, a wacky world where shrewdness is essential for survival. And not forgetting that she had to mourn the loss of her father in between.
Today, as ordinary 19-year-old girls the world over invest their energies into starting university education and launching an initial bid at a career, Proscovia Oromait Alengot, now Hon Alengot, spends her time between university theatres and Parliament.
Alengot rose out of the wilderness of obscurity after her father, Michael Oromait, died of hypertension on the morning of Saturday July 21, this year. She succeeded him as MP for Usuk County.
Some people say that Alengot was fronted and talked into the idea by the ambitious district woman member of Parliament and minister for Education, Maj Jessica Alupo. But Alengot says she did it under her own steam.
Newspapers have quoted family members as saying that Alengot took an interest in the requirements for one to become an MP after her father’s death.
To many onlookers, the 19-year-old’s candidature was a big joke. Few even gave her a chance. After all, she would go nowhere, they thought.
But Alengot had powerful backers, one of them being President Yoweri Museveni, who campaigned for her. She enjoyed photo ops with the big man, appearing dressed in oversized traditional busuti (dresses) alongside the president during the campaigns.
In the end, she won 54.2 per cent of the vote.
It is after the election results were announced that, for many, the reality sank in; Uganda now had a teenage member of Parliament. Critics were quick to spread their opinions of disagreement in all manner of forums, especially online.
“I pity my country Uganda and what has become of it. This little gal knows neither politics nor the problems affecting her people. She should be at school chasing a career,” commented one Tabbyusa.
Others, however, offered their support. “What are you talking about? That is what we want Uganda to be. If she can pay taxes and serve in the military, why not serve her country?” one Jackson quipped.
Political scientists and psychologists agreed that her age cannot be a hindrance.
Robert Tabaro, who teaches political science and public administration at Kyambogo University, says anybody aged 19 is old enough to legislate at a national level if they have an interest in politics.
In 2012 social media has gone beyond being Facebook friends and sharing funny videos to a platform with the ability to change the world. In Kenya, the Twitter community , known as #KOT (KenyansOnTwitter) is particularly active, using this social media platform for online activism (#PeremendeMovement), praising corporate brands or calling them out (#TwitterBigStick and #TwitterThumbsUp) and even rallying others to help in cases of famine (#Kenyans4Kenya and #FeedKe) or #KOTAgainstMPBonus protest campaign led by blogger @RobertAlai, that called for Kenyans to meet at Bata Hilton and march to parliament.
A platform such as this can be used for the good of the society – or conversely. Social media is playing an increasing role in public awareness of issues and information that was known to only a few well connected people in the past. writes Social Media professional, Muthuri Kinyamu.
Zero Costs of Bringing People Together
For the first time in history, the transaction costs of bringing people together to discuss, facilitate and implement new policy, agenda or cause are approaching zero.
Previously, it would have been too costly and time-consuming to involve most citizens in a debate and decision on a public policy issue. This tremendous growth of social media in business and communication in Kenya is an opportunity for brands as well as a serious threat to the nation.
Online Armies: General Elections and Social Media
As we approach the March 2013 General Elections, social media will play a big role in the campaigns, elections and the transition. Politicians see votes online and not potential customers and prospects as businesses do.
This means that possibly politicians or people with selfish interests to incite Kenyans and spread propaganda might misuse it. Politicians have realized that it’s no longer about just having numbers in their rallies on the ground but they too need an army online to push forward their agenda to the Kenyans online. How will they achieve this?
Get bloggers and other influential people on social media and have them on their payroll. Their work could be to ‘eradicate’ other politicians or ‘promote’ them which shall be done through content creation that meets the objectives of the mheshimiwa (MP).
Kenyans on the other side can be gullible at times, without much comparison we’ll read posts online full of half truths and rumours and happily share that with our friends who pass it on to their communities big or small on social media.
Think about a scenario in March 2013 where everyone becomes a reporter, tabloid and a snitch! We witnessed Twitter handles that called for killing of Christians in the recent riots in Mombasa; the riots were fanned by images of the body of Aboud Rogo and other victims of the violence being shared online. In March everyone with a camera phone can capture moments happening anywhere in the country and share them with everyone online.
Everyone on social media can always post content in text as it happens anywhere in the country and reach out, communicate and inform people on what’s happening where, when and how! We need to worry about this because in 2007 smses played a big role in fuelling the violence, in 2013 the danger is more potent with social media.
Think of a scenario where members of community X belonging to party Y attack those of the other alliance, this will be shared online as it happens meaning members of the other group can move in to defend their people almost in real time! This is what could bring the country back to 07/08 PEV. God forbid, this should never happen again to Kenya, I am not a pessimist but we need to be prepared as a country.
Social Pro Clubs
So the above scenario inspired the SPC organizing committee to conceptualize and spearhead a sensitization campaign dubbed “AM A SOCIALPRO” that educates people on the ethical and professional ways of engaging online as well as promote responsible use of social media for societal good.
Rather than the government threatening a few content creators with shutting down their blogs and arresting them, it should handle the people that fund them, educate and sensitize Kenyans on social media etiquette and the professional approach to social media.
Social Pro educates people on the dangers of passing on content that is inflammatory, talking about the legal risks involved should one be involved in a conduct that is likely to cause, incite or spark violence and unrest…as well as teaching people how to engage on social media like a SOCIALPRO!
The core objective of these clubs is to teach, educate, create awareness and impart knowledge & skills of various disciplines of social media and platforms to the university students to unlock the massive potential on social media. The faculty will also benefit from these clubs as they’ll learn how to create and share digital content in various formats with the students across various platforms as well as help them embrace new media and integrate it to teaching.
I feel that there is a need to reach out to the innovative young people especially outside Nairobi, and get them to participate in events such as (online discussions{chats}, Tweetups, networking sessions, hackathons, workshops and boot camps) and connect them both virtually and offline to key resources (people and various entities ) that’s what SocialPro clubs will do by harnessing the potential of social media.
breast angels aims to curb kenya’s top women killer
Breast cancer is now the number one killer of women of 35 to 55 in Kenya, according to the Nairobi Cancer Registry’s most recent statistics, striking now one in nine women in the country, and killing many of them, due to late diagnosis. Half a century ago, breast cancer was rare, medical experts say. But between 2000 and 2006, the Nairobi Cancer Registry recorded 10,484 cases of cancer in both men and women, with breast cancer accounting for 20.9 per cent of women’s cancer cases, closely followed by cervical cancer at 19.8 per cent. Other recent studies have shown one in nine Kenyan women as being diagnosed with breast cancer, and one per cent of Kenyan men. Studies have also shown that those affected in Kenya are relatively younger than in developed countries. According to the Nairobi Cancer Report, since the year 2000, breast cancer has been the most diagnosed cancer among women in Nairobi, of which 51 per cent of cases were in women below the age of 50. And although incidences remain relatively low in comparison to developed countries, breast cancer mortality in Kenya is higher. Supporting these findings, The Kenya Breast Health Program, which is working to promote breast cancer awareness this month, estimates that 80 to 90 per cent of breast cancer patients go for consultations when they are in stage 3 and stage 4 of the disease.
Indeed, some 95 per cent of women in Kenya have never had a clinical breast examination and screening mammography is not widespread in the country.
Yet when women arrive in the terminal stages of the disease, little can be done. This marks a sharp contrast to the outlook on early detection and intervention, which can typically achieve a cure rate of 95 per cent. Breast cancer screening and management could reduce breast cancer mortality in the country by 20 to 50 per cent, says the organisation.
But when detected far later, sufferers often cannot even afford to pay the bills for treatment. After surgery which removes the cancerous growths, patients go through hormonal radiotherapy or chemotherapy treatment in which cancer cells are destroyed. Currently, the cheapest drug used in chemotherapy costs nearly Sh10, 000, which is out of reach for the many Kenyans still living on little more than one dollar a day. Yet, older women are at real risk, and especially if a woman has a mother, sister or daughter who has been diagnosed with breast cancer. About 20 to 30 per cent of women diagnosed with breast cancer, have a family history of cancer, says Breastcancer.org.
That said, some 90 per cent of breast cancers are not hereditary but are due to genetic abnormalities that happen as a result of aging.
For the 5 to 10 per cent of the population vulnerable through gene mutations inherited from parents, mutations of the BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes are common. With such mutations, women have an 80 per cent risk of developing breast cancer during their lifetime. However, the blame for the far greater number of non-hereditary cases has been laid at various doors. Many nutritionists blame them on poor diet and lifestyle. They say the traditional balanced diet included wholegrain foods and vegetables that boosted the immunity and which have been set aside as people have switched to eating refined or fast foods, of low nutritional value. Lack of exercise, stress, smoking and other negative lifestyle habits have also been found to contribute to cancer.Other studies have linked the surge in breast cancers to specific chemicals in anti-perspirant and deodorants. However, the cause for the increase is still largely unknown.
However, with early treatment so often effective, Kenya Breast Health has now formed a group, Breast Angels, to raise awareness on how to be alert to early symptoms of the cancer. They teach women how to perform self breast examinations in which a person feels their breasts in search of lumps, and offer a three-step self breast examination, now available in vernacular languages, including Luo, Kikuyu and Swahili. Apart from self-examination, the cancer can be detected clinically, through x-ray mammography and breast Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI). The importance of these examinations, according to the organisation, is their power in detecting breast cancer early, at which point it is curable.
In Kenya, the most common breast examination is the mammography, where an x-ray is done of the breast tissue. This form of examination can also pick up other breast problems that may not necessarily be cancer related, and reveals lumps before they can be felt through self examination.
Having a mammogram requires removal of upper clothing and is best done with no powders, ointments, creams, oils or deodorants on breasts and underarms.
There are 12 mammography centres in Kenya, requiring a doctor’s letter for appointments. However, many of the centers also accept self-referred patients if they are over age the age of 35, meaning women can book an appointment without a referral from a doctor.
The hospitals and centers that do mammography include: The Aga Khan University Hospital, Kenyatta National Hospital, Karen Hospital, The Nairobi Hospital, M. P. Shah Hospital, located in Nairobi apart from The Mater Hospital.
Others are the Coast Provincial General Hospital, Aga Khan Hospital (Mombasa), Mombasa Hospital while New Nyanza Provincial General Hospital is located in Kisumu. In Nakuru the available centers include Ranalo Medical Imaging Centre, Gateway House & War Memorial Hospital, and Radiology Centre while in Meru there’s the Meru Medical Centre.
The Kenya Breast Health Programme is also offering screening services during October, which is international breast cancer month. The organization will also be conducting mammograms from January to October next year, in various hospitals including the Matter Hospital, on given dates free of charge. To raise funds for this screening, they are selling sculptures called "Zarina" , costing from Sh1, 000 (10cm in size) for individuals and Sh75,000 (50cm) for corporate buyers. They can be contacted on 020 601028/604397 or email info@kenyabreast.org for more information.
Written by Stella Kabura for African Laughter…http://www.webaraza.com/webaraza2/about-us/141-breast-angels-aims-to-curb-kenyas-top-women-killer-
o some, she may be an upcoming artist but to lovers of music, Vic-Da Divah is a household name and an enigma. She traces a lineage of a musical family and well today we take time to trace this diva’s journey and quest to glory. Her recent tune- “Screw u & her “has been getting positive response over the internet with already an over 16,000 hit views on YouTube.
1.Tell us a bit about yourself… I have been singing since I was four year old. My uncle and grandmother were gospel singers, often times we would visit our family in Virginia, and they would create a scene at the local beach. Everyone would crowd around them to listen and worship. My uncle kind of took me under his wing and encouraged my talent. My mom was a battle rapper in her teenage years and my father had a short rap career in Japan. So I am musicians' child.... lol. I began writing in J. H. School. I started to explore my rap talent early in High School but my main focus was singing. I had developed a natural skill of writing, rarely using paper and pen; it was like my heart spoke to the mic..... Lol. I am the oldest of two sisters and a baby brother. They all are into music themselves... One of my younger sister's and I graduated from Brooklyn H.S of the arts with me being a vocal major. My baby brother, now 8, has now begun his YouTube career and we recently did a radio interview together it was one of the greatest feelings, I know that I have to make a good example for him. My youngest sister, who just turned sixteen, is trying to find her nitch in the industry. I call her my little super woman, she is so strong. I value family; it’s a major part of me. "Family First" has been the motto of my 10 year established family entertainment company, SowR3ap 3ntertainment (you reap what you sow!) which is based in the Virgin Islands where my father is from. I've sacrificed a lot of indulges that my generation finds comforting and gratifying. My life is music, everything I do have something to do with it. It’s the only time life makes sense to me. It’s my purpose, my destiny, my future!
2.You are from the Caribbean. Tell us about your shift to the States and what impact it had on you…. Being born in Brooklyn New York and my father growing up in St Croix Virgin Islands, so I have lived most of my life in the States. I believe my frequent travels to and from NYC and the Virgin islands have allowed me to see the beauties of life more clearly. If I could collaborate the two places, I would certainly have my perfect world.
3.You recently released a new video. How is the response? My song titled "Screw U & Her” has been a big WOW!!! The responses that I have been receiving is more than I expected, being a singer and song writer for so many years, with receiving so many views so fast and still growing every day. It makes me feel so good, being I haven't done an R&B song since 2008.
4.What is your genre of music since you started with reggae on your debut tune but you have been leaning more on R’n’B?My main genre of music is pop, but with my R&B foundation and reggae experience, you may get a bit of all three in one. I originally started writing and singing R&B. I just began merging into other genres of music in the last four years. I longed for more than my "normal", it seemed to not be enough. With my father being from the Virgin Islands and me having a few musician friends from Jamaica, so it’s always been in me to do some reggae music as well. I believe that my frequent stays in the Virgin Islands encouraged it more and pushed me to the limit. Being a writer, with over 150 songs written and recorded I pretty much have singles of most genres.
5.Apart from music what else are you involved in?I am the founder of Pink Pumpz Productions, we produce and host events. Recently we are working on brunches to encourage young female awareness. I have a passion pain on the lack of concern from my generation and those after me towards STD's. I believe we need to pull up and not be so nonchalant of the behaviors of our youth. PinkPumpzTv is something I've come up with along with sister Miss Crys.
6.Who are some of the artist you have worked with? : Once signed Atlantic Records Artist Maleek Legget, and a mentored artist of Wyclef Jean. #1 Break out artist from St Croix Virgin Islands Cruz Rock.There are a few more current project that I cannot speak on but am proud to be a part of and will release soon.
7.What is your ideal night out?My ideal night out is trying a new culture food, establishment followed by a long walk and being at a bar with a live band. Some nights i want to be at bar that plays rock and pop all night so I can dance and never stop until I literally can’t stand. On a relaxed night I could just do movies and and going to plays, concerts etc..........
8.What projects are you currently working on? I'm currently working on new writing projects at the moment. I prefer not to expose these until it’s complete but you will be the first to know once it's completed and I can certainly assure you of that.
9.How has Africa responded to your music so far?I must start by saying I love you guys. My mother always says, "When you go, you better take me with you" I remember my facebook page on my birthday this year. Due to the time difference my first birthday post came from Kenya ......lol. I had many hard days in my career and I remember on mornings being stressed, and as walked in the gym, I checked my facebook page and saw... "Africa supports you!" from a fan in Nairobi it was one of the best feelings. I would love to definitely have more connection with the music lovers of Africa.
10.What is next for Vic-Da Divah and where are you seeing yourself in the next 5 years?Project VII is my next move. It consist of a series of projects, including but not limited to an album, a few music videos and a fully blown website that will allow my viewers to upload their pics and comments and purchase music, as well as the new tee shirt line. The first shirt from the line is a feature from the song I mentioned "Screw u & her" which in a matter of 9 days went over the the 15 thousand views mark. During my last run in the Virgin islands, I wrote a book about my life, of struggles, disappointments and so much more and of it being my own way, because I'm the one who lived it, also me accepting and confronting my past and making space for my future. Just maybe, it will be one of the series of the new projects. In five years I see myself having a family business and maybe a family of my own, who knows. I want to be happy, feel complete and even prouder of all the things I have accomplished in five years. I'm an adrenaline junkie, a renegade, if you must, going where the wind takes me. I know I want stability, security and great success. I don’t want to figure out how I will get there, I have my plans, but most importantly I will always have my faith... I trust God in making the appointment, he has the last say so on it all, All I have to do is just show up.
11.Are you dating?That’s hilarious, which is a touchy topic, but I am not dating at this time. I don’t think I will get any gratification from that at this moment...music is my man.
12.Where do you draw your inspiration from?I intend to have effective execution from this day on and only release material that represents exactly who I am. I have to be honest with me all the time. I wasn’t always this secure and confident, but my mother encouraged me to embrace my truth, in which I will make a few mistakes. It set me from being timid and insecure. I LIVE LIFE LOUD with no regrets just appreciation for the experience, as it will probably become someone’s song if not my own...... lol.
13.Finally…My parents and siblings are very supportive. My family wants the best for me, although we sometimes clash over my Renegade nature, they know if I fall too hard I'll come running straight to them.
FUN FACTS:
1.Your favorite color…My favorite color is Black... It’s so powerful...
2.Your favorite food… I love spicy foods and seafood. I am adventurous with food, so anything new I'm willing to try. I do try and stay clear of red meat as much as possible though.
3.Any phobias you have…Phobias, well I use to be afraid of the dark and then I found myself eventually feeling one with it... I don’t really care for bugs much. And I don’t like body hair AT ALL.......eeewwww........ Lol.
4.Your favorite artistes…My favorite artist hands down is Brandy and then Tyrese. There is a vortex in Brandy’s' vocals, she never fails to deliver emotion and has been my idol all my life.
5.A dream country destination…My dream country destination is Japan. My father always talks about his "war stories" as an artist in Japan during his Navy run. It would make me proud and fulfilled to be able to share stories with him of the culture and their local location highlights.
6.What artist would you love to work with…I would love to work with Brandy of course. I feel that I can learn much from her. I would love to just sit there and write a whole album for her. As far as other artist, I would love to work with Tyrese, also. My dream production season would be Timberland, Rodney Jerkins, Missy, Bryan Cox and Ryan Lesly. I mean I would love to work with anyone who has clearly sacrificed and lived for their love of music. i would love to also work with Lady Gaga and Neyo.
7.Any celebrity crushes…Oh well I have a thing for Lance Gross from Tyler Perry’s' production. I grew up having the biggest crush on Tyrese but have come to the acceptance that the connection may never happen, but God has the last say so. I love the dark chocolate types but then I have weakness for the Warewolf, Wolverine or the Tarzan type. Wink wink, Hugh Jackman. If you have great teeth, smile, sense of humor and a protective nature, you'll probably be my companion.
8.Any other talents you have apart from doing music…I love dancing and choreographing. I love to cook, design homes, creating original dishes as well as re-decorating is therapeutic. It's like music is a way of expression and release.
9.What fashion trend are you currently crazy about?I love the Grudge look, zippers and fringed scarfs. I'm not much of a glamour girl I mean I love my hair and makeup, but I prefer combat boots and leather jackets over dresses and shoes any day... except when I’m performing, I always go for the shoes, I just might fall in.. I must say I do have a nice shoe collection.
- NB>>>I just performed in
NewYorks fashion Week, for designer Thomas lavone (designer of reality
