Life Hacks

    By Godfrey Wamalwa
There was a vibrant display of pomp and color as the Alumni Association of Koyonzo Secondary School (AAKSS) held its Annual General Meeting (AGM) at Darrell Paradise Resort in Bungoma. The event saw a significant turnout of former students, all gathered to reconnect, celebrate, and lay the groundwork for strengthening the association.
The meeting provided an ideal opportunity for alumni to bond, reflect on their shared experiences, and discuss future initiatives aimed at improving the institution. For many, it was the first time in years to meet face-to-face, reinforcing the sense of community and commitment to their alma mater.
Koyonzo Secondary School, established in the mid-1990s in Matungu, began as a mixed-gender institution. However, in 2013, the school underwent a transformation when girls were relocated to a separate facility, and the school became an all-boys institution in 2014.
Mrs. Francisca Wamukoya, Chair Emeritus and a distinguished Mathematics and Business teacher at Nangina Girls, took the alumni through the history of the association. She shared how the idea for the alumni group first emerged from a small welfare group of passionate individuals. Early members included Silas Sammy Makokha, Churchill Wanyera, Mark Rupia, Jeff Okara, and herself.
“Initially, we were a small group with a shared goal: to give back to our school. We would visit, plant trees, and encourage teachers during school functions. It was not until our former principal, Mr. Stima Sammy, introduced us to a bright but needy student that we realized the potential impact we could make by organizing formally,” said Wamukoya.
It was then that the decision to register the association was born. With the help of legal experts and former students, they secured official registration, giving the association the structure it needed to grow. “There is no one more invested in the success of a school than its former students,” Wamukoya emphasized. “Now, our focus is on ensuring Koyonzo Secondary School regains its former glory and produces quality results once again.”
Association Chairperson, Mr. Joseph Martin Mulama, also addressed the gathering, expressing his gratitude to those who had attended and for the unwavering support from members. “We still have a long way to go, but with the support of each and every one of you, we can achieve great things. The key is unity – working together as one strong family,” said Mulama.
Legal experts Wakili Robert Ojou and Wakili Geoffrey Okara were also recognized for their instrumental role in the association’s success. Both have been at the forefront of ensuring the association remains strong and operational.
Looking ahead, the Alumni Association has set its sights on rolling out several initiatives that will add value to the school and its students beyond the usual welfare contributions. One of the significant resolutions made during the AGM was to secure a representative slot for the alumni on the school’s board. This will ensure that the voices of the alumni are considered in the administration and decision-making processes at the school.
As the meeting concluded, members left with a renewed sense of purpose, eager to contribute to the future of Koyonzo Secondary School and strengthen the bond among its alumni. The association’s continued efforts aim to ensure that the school not only remains a center of academic excellence but also thrives with the active involvement of its former students.  Read More 

   By Wasike Elvis In a strongly-worded statement, Eldoret-based human rights activist Kipkorir Ngetich has condemned a recent report by the Organized Crime and Corruption Reporting Project (OCCRP) that ranks Kenyan President as one of the most corrupt leaders globally, equating him to ousted Syrian leader Bashar al-Assad. Ngetich referred to the report as “fraudulent, irresponsible, and politically motivated,” accusing both local and foreign elements of attempting to destabilize Kenya for their own gain.“This report is not only misleading but part of a dangerous political game played by certain individuals who wish to see the downfall of Kenya’s leadership,” Ngetich said. “The attempt to tarnish the reputation of our president is not just an attack on his leadership, but an attack on our entire nation, and it must be condemned in the strongest terms possible.”Ngetich expressed concern over the potential damage the report could inflict on Kenya’s global image, political stability, and economic growth. He argued that the report, if left unchallenged, could further harm Kenya’s diplomatic relations, its foreign missions, and the livelihoods of Kenyan citizens both at home and in the diaspora. “This is a deliberate attempt to collapse the nation and install a regime that will serve the interests of a few,” he added.Highlighting Kenya’s progress in governance and anti-corruption efforts, Ngetich pointed out that the country has made significant strides in strengthening institutions like the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC), the Directorate of Public Prosecutions (ODPP), and the judiciary. These institutions, according to Ngetich, have led successful investigations and prosecutions of corrupt individuals in Kenya, demonstrating the country’s commitment to addressing corruption and promoting good governance.“We have seen the successful prosecution of high-profile individuals involved in corruption, and our government has taken decisive action against global issues like money laundering and terrorism. To compare our leadership to regimes known for dictatorship and corruption is not just inaccurate—it is an insult to the people of Kenya,” he stated.Ngetich also criticized the OCCRP for being an unaccountable and foreign-funded organization that lacks any genuine connection to Kenya or its people. He emphasized the need for Kenya to rely on homegrown solutions and local expertise when assessing its leadership, governance, and overall progress. “This report was not conducted by credible Kenyan institutions; it was sponsored by foreign entities with their own agenda,” he said.Furthermore, Ngetich warned that Kenyans must remain vigilant against these external forces that seek to undermine the country’s sovereignty. “The people of Kenya must not be swayed by false reports that serve only to create division and distrust. We must focus on unity, hard work, and national patriotism to move our country forward,” he urged.The activist concluded his statement by calling on the Kenyan government to take immediate action to counter the harmful effects of the report and to safeguard the nation’s interests both locally and internationally. “This is a coordinated effort to destabilize Kenya, and we must reject it. We will not allow our country to be used as a political pawn in the hands of foreign powers and disgruntled local elites,” Ngetich stated.As calls for a strong response to the OCCRP’s report grow, the Kenyan government has yet to issue an official statement, although Ngetich’s remarks are likely to contribute to a broader public debate about the validity of the report and the broader issues of governance and corruption in the country.  Read More 

   By Godfrey Wamalwa 
Residents and leaders from Nambale and Teso North constituencies are urging both the county and national governments to prioritize the construction of a bridge linking the two areas before the onset of the heavy rains expected in March 2025.
Malaba South Ward Member of the County Assembly (MCA), Bonface Ekada Mamai, emphasized the critical need for the bridge after the collapse of the flyover bridge in 2013. Speaking to the press at his residence in Kocholia, Mamai noted that despite the challenges posed by the collapsed bridge, no significant solution had been put in place. He also highlighted that the small allocation of funds available from the Ward’s budget was insufficient to finance such a large-scale project, which requires at least Ksh15 million.
“As two MCAs from the neighboring constituencies, we can’t afford to finance this project with the limited resources from our Ward funds,” Mamai said. “We are calling on both the county and national governments to join hands and ensure the bridge is constructed.”
The MCA further explained that the bridge is a flagship project for the area and that the current situation has severely affected the local community, particularly students and businesspeople. Students traveling to schools such as St. Joseph’s Kocholia High School and others from Kapina in Bukhayo North/Walatsi Ward have been forced to endure difficulties in crossing the bridge. The collapsed flyover, combined with gulley erosion, has exacerbated the problem.
“The flyover collapse has made it extremely difficult for students and businesspeople, especially those traveling the Kapina-Kocholia route,” Mamai added.
Residents echoed the MCA’s concerns, with some describing the hazardous conditions they face while trying to cross the bridge. Stella Nyongesa, a local resident, mentioned that the collapse has forced many to take longer and more dangerous alternative routes.
“We suffer every time we need to travel to Kocholia. The longer routes are not only tiring but also unsafe,” Nyongesa said.
Hellen Ikaal, another resident, raised the issue of security, noting that crossing the dilapidated bridge has exposed locals to risks, including incidents of rape and general insecurity.
Mr. James Wangila from Atoot village recounted that during a visit in 2013, then-Governor Sospeter Ojaamong had stated that Ksh5 million was required to rebuild the bridge. “It’s been over a decade, and the situation has only worsened,” Wangila said. “We need urgent intervention from the government.”
Local leaders, including Busia Governor Dr. Paul Otuoma and MPs Geoffrey Mulanya (Nambale) and Oku Kaunya (Teso North), have also been urged to coordinate efforts to ensure the bridge’s construction is completed without further delays.
With the onset of the rainy season approaching, the community is calling for an immediate response from both the county and national governments to restore this vital link and improve the safety and mobility of the residents in the area.  Read More 

   By Godfrey Wamalwa The second edition of the highly anticipated Waziri Basketball Cup took place on Monday at the MMUST grounds in Webuye, attracting basketball enthusiasts from across the region. The final game saw two fierce teams—Chetambe Bulls and Webton—battling it out for the championship title. After an intense contest, Webton emerged victorious, clinching the trophy and further cementing their reputation in the region’s basketball scene.The event was graced by several dignitaries, including Big Ted, the former Kenyan ambassador to Los Angeles, who was a special guest at the final. His presence added a significant touch to the occasion. During his speech, Big Ted expressed his admiration for the talent displayed by the players and made a promise that thrilled the audience. He vowed to push for the construction of a dedicated basketball court in Webuye, aiming to provide local players with a space to nurture their skills and take the sport to greater heights.“Webuye has immense potential in basketball. It is time we invest in infrastructure that will help these young athletes realize their dreams. I will personally advocate for the establishment of a basketball court here,” Big Ted announced. He also emphasized the importance of unity among players and called for more cooperation and camaraderie to elevate the game further.In addition, the former ambassador promised to donate a set of uniforms to both teams, ensuring that they would have the necessary gear for future competitions. His gesture was met with appreciation from both teams and spectators alike, highlighting his commitment to supporting basketball development in the region.Chetambe Bulls’ basketball team manager, Brian Ojamaa, also took the opportunity to express his gratitude towards the tournament organizers. He commended their efforts in making the event a success and creating an opportunity for local talent to showcase their abilities. However, he highlighted a critical need for better facilities to sustain and grow the sport in Webuye and surrounding areas.“We are grateful for this tournament, but we need more. Local leaders, particularly Bungoma Governor Ken Lusaka, should prioritize the construction of a basketball court to help nurture young talent and provide opportunities for the youth,” Ojamaa stated.The event not only showcased thrilling basketball but also sparked important conversations on sports infrastructure and community support for local talent. The call for unity and development was clear, with all stakeholders eager to see basketball thrive in the region.  Read More