The Twits

Mr. and Mrs. Twit are the most disgusting people I’ve ever heard of or read about. As shown by the prolific writer Roald Dahl, they often play dirty tricks on each other. Yes, very dirty tricks such as putting a frog in bed and rejoicing when the other shrieks with terror after finding an unwelcome guest between blankets. But it is how they treat animals that is extremely disheartening. Mr. Twit, for instance, applies the most sticky adhesive on a tree outside their windowless house to trap birds for his favorite meal - bird pie. Mrs. Twit, on the other hand, keeps her monkeys standing upside down for days on end waiting for a never-arriving circus day where she intends to make lots of money. But like other bad characters, their day comes, soon after… Get a copy for your child, read and enjoy… There is a movie too, watch a part of it here

Matilda

When you read Matilda by Roald Dahl, that’s if you haven’t already, you will most certainly notice the following:

1.       The con tricks of Matilda’s dad - Mr Wormwood,

2.       The gambling habits of her mother - Mrs Wormwood,

3.       The sweetness of her teacher - Miss Honey, just like her name,

4.       The brutality of her Head of School - Mrs Trunchbull, and

5.       Matilda’s supernatural brainpower...

Enjoy the read and remember there is Matilda the movie too if you prefer audio-visual learning. You can watch the trailer here 

Fantastic Mr. Fox

Making Fantastic Mr. Fox - the enormous work behind the film

Appreciating the great work behind the movie "Fantastic Mr. Fox" and also recommending the book "Fantastic Mr. Fox" by Roald Dahl on which that 2009 movie is based.

Though meant for kids, it's a good read. You'll love it, especially when Mr. and Mrs. Fox discuss what is to be stolen for supper.

 I quote "Every evening as soon as it got dark, Mr. Fox would say to Mrs. Fox, 'Well my darling, what shall it be this time (for supper)? A plump chicken from Mr. Boggis' (farm)? A duck or a goose from Mr. Bunce's (farm)? Or a nice turkey from Mr. Bean's (farm)?' And when Mrs. Fox had told him what she wanted, Mr. Fox would creep down into the valley in the darkness of the night..."

The book is only 80 pages (12pt) and filled with entertainment. Try it or find one for your child (6 -11).

Enjoy...

Lives endangered by lack of bumps on Lower Kabete road

The Star Newspaper (Kenya): Monday, August 13, 2018

The Kiambu government should urgently liaise with relevant agencies and erect speed bumps along its portion of Lower Kabete Road. 

The road serves both Nairobi and Kiambu counties. But I have noted with concern that the portion of the road in Kiambu County has not one single speed bump unlike along the Nairobi side. Not even where primary schools are located. 

Along the Nairobi portion of the road, bumps have been erected near key institutions where there is heavy pedestrian traffic among them Farasi Lane Primary School, Lower Kabete Primary School, The Kenya School of Government and The University of Nairobi – School of Business. However, there are none near the Kabete  Approved School, Kabete crossroads junction, Ndongoro Primary School, the ever-busy Ngurukuri crossroads and Kamutiini Center. 

Notably, these are largely located along a slope and most vehicles rush downhill without a care.
Accidents happen often and it is not uncommon to find a break-down truck towing away a badly damaged vehicle, which leaves one wondering about its (former) passengers. I have witnessed a number of accidents including on March 4 at Ngurukuri Crossroads. Another was on August 1 at the same Ngurukuri stage where a van driver hit three pupils and sped off. There is no word yet on the arrest of the driver. The pupils are still hospitalised in Kikuyu town. 

A colleague and her brother were knocked down by a speeding driver during an early morning jog on July 22. They are recuperating at home. 

These and many others could be averted if speed bumps were erected at key spots along the road. The same holds true for Ngecha and Getathuru roads in the same area.       

 By Njoroge Kiratu, Lower Kabete

Ngurukuri accident on March 4, 2018

Kyuna roundabout has turned into a dangerous pool

The Standard Newspaper (Kenya): Monday, November 13, 2017

I am disappointed with KURA, The Nairobi County Government and any other authority that can turn around the sorry state of affairs at Kabete Road/Kyuna Road Junction Roundabout – Spring Valley.

As it is, one side of the roundabout is a pool that poses a grave risk to motorists and other road users. Nowadays, even buses avoid that side. Almost every vehicle uses the wrong side. 

In fact, I’ve witnessed a number of near misses. On Saturday, a number of cars stalled after attempting to cross the pool. Even more appalling is the traffic snarl up that stretches from that roundabout all the way to Kenya School of Government, sometimes up to The University of Nairobi - School of Business Campus on lower Kabete Road. When you take into account the construction of Waiyaki Way – Red Hill Link Road which crosses Lower Kabete Road about 200 meters from that roundabout, the snarl-ups have been massive.

I agree we may not have control over the completion of the link road however the pool can easily be drained and potholes filled. 

Njoroge Kiratu,

Nairobi.

 Below is a photo of the roundabout on a drier day and a google maps link   

Kyuna Roundabout Google Maps.

Response by Kura on the state of the roundabout

Many thanks, KURA for solving the problem. 

Academic Ranking Leaves out other Valuable Parameters

1.      Daily Nation Newspaper (Kenya): Friday, December 12, 2014

Academic Ranking Leaves out other Valuable Parameters

In Summary

• International schools abolished ranking ages ago.

The Cabinet Secretary for Education made a step in the right direction by abolishing the ranking. But a heated debate has emerged.

The proponents of the debate — mostly government officials — argue that ranking has led to examination malpractices, forcing learners to repeat classes and the registration of satellite schools where weaker students are registered as candidates.

The opponents — mainly teachers’ unions — argue that ranking encourages healthy competition, eliminates vices such as laziness, boosts the quality of education and is important in the appraisal of staff. Nothing could be further from the truth.

International schools abolished ranking ages ago. They believe that every child is unique and it is, therefore, unfair to rank him or her against other students of different abilities. This philosophy in my view justifies the banning of that patronising ranking.

Ranking rarely recognises a student’s participation in co-curricular activities whose importance cannot be overemphasized. Sports, art, business amass fortunes for individuals and their nations.

Ranking fails to recognise team players and leaves out many other valuable traits in individuals.

There are many educated fools out here, lacking common sense and good manners.

NJOROGE KIRATU, Nairobi.

Ranking of Schools Tradition is Demeaning

1.      The Star Newspaper (Kenya): Monday, December 15, 2014

 Ranking of Schools Tradition is Demeaning

There is no denying that ranking of schools and candidates is as discriminatory as it is demoralizing. No doubt, the Cabinet Secretary for Education made a step in the right direction by abolishing that demeaning age-old practice. But as it has turned out, a heated debate has emerged.

The proponents of the ban - mostly government officials - on one hand, argue that ranking has led to examination malpractices, forcing students to repeat classes and the registration of satellite schools where weaker students are enrolled as candidates.

The opponents - mainly teachers’ unions – on the other hand, argue that ranking encourages healthy competition, eliminates vices such as laziness, boosts the quality of education and is important in the appraisal of staff. Nothing could be further from the truth.

Interesting, though, is the outlook by some international schools that abolished ranking ages ago. They believe that every child is undeniably unique and it is, therefore, unfair to rank him or her against other students of diverse abilities. This philosophy in my view justifies the banning of that patronizing practice.

Many will agree that ranking rarely recognizes a student’s participation in co-curricular activities whose importance cannot be overemphasized in this contemporary era. We all know many sports personalities, local or global, who have amassed enormous fortunes despite being ranked at the bottom of academic tables.

Similarly, many entrepreneurs dropped out of school due to stigma and frustration arising from humiliating ranking in schools. Today, they top almost every corporate rank.

Worse, ranking rarely gives consideration to acquired life skills that are a requirement underscored by many an employer. I don’t remember a job advert without the phrase ‘must be a team player’ because employers are aware of the existence of many ‘educated fools’.

It is for these reasons that employers would hire some people for some jobs because they went to certain schools and/or universities and participated in certain events or activities that are crucial for success at the workplace. They know that those schools produce confident, happier and self-driven graduates.

In fact, Kaimenyi should move with haste and abolish the Mean Grade since it has denied the country and the world some of the best professionals because they missed the requisite grade by half a point or so despite having a favorable cluster of points in the key areas; yet opportunities to repeat national examinations are few and far between.

For sure, the prohibition of ranking of candidates and schools is an idea whose time has come.

Njoroge Kiratu teaches at Oshwal Academy Nairobi Junior High.