The year that was 2011 in KMTC Nyeri...Agenda 2012

Well, I don't have to tell you all exactly what transpired the whole year because I believe you all witnessed it like I did. Basically, the year started with a few shakeups.

There was the opening of the new Cyber unit, which personally I think was a great thing, except that the limitations being embedded on the users are quite unbelievable. Personally, I can't handle a computer without downloading a few things onto my flash-disk, especially notes now that I have 'grown up'. But the issued of refusing the usage of flash disks, at because a whole COLLEGE can't afford a long-term licence for an antivirus...is a let down in itself. Anyway, I have a whole article about that coming on soon.

The other thing that I witnessed are the low number of freshmen that were admitted. I expected more, but I think that the College facilities would not contain such a large number of admissions as there was previously. To you first years, I know it's late, but

                      "Welcome to the one and only Mighty Kenya Medical Training College-Nyeri. This will be your home for the next couples of months, years or even more years if you don't get your compass directing you properly. Yes, have fun, intermingle, socialize and do all that, but remember this is a MEDICAL CAMP and one mark in the exams means more that just 49%. If you still think you are in the wrong place, wait till you know were BL, Bells, New Links, White Rhino and of course Batian are. For classy ladies, I suggest Meat World or Kenchic for chicken delicacies. We also have a few prestigious places in Nyeri you might want to visit before you leave; Green HIlls and Outspan, being some of them. Nyeri is a place of its own, and you can take a walk round and round without without getting bored. But pleeeaase, you don't know the 'panya-routes', then I suggest you come to college early (as good students) and avoid such places as Ungems and Majei. Believe you me, you don't wanna know how I lost my phone."

 I hear we have a new building coming up very soon, in readiness for the nest intake. That's good. Hope it eases the congestion we have. I don't know exactly what they will be building, but I pray that they get a better library for those who will come after us.

One sad thing that 'again' happened this year is that we lost one of us. What makes it more bizarre is that the student was from the same department as the one we lost in 2010. Not going into sooooo much details, as it is in the tradition of this college, we sent delegates who gave him a good send off. REST IN PIECE Bro.

NOW TO THE REAL THING!

Every since this blog was grounded, a few thing have begun going back to the way they were. I now here the principal doesn't listen to people we chose as our leaders, and treats them as trash. She can only negotiate with people she chooses to, and will not for people she doesn't regard as leaders. Weell, that her own mindset, and we might never change it. But, there are a few things that she must be told about this College and we will tell them to her once more. This we will do in sequences of our up coming articles. Probably the one that you don wanna miss is the one featuring the deteriorated lavatory situation in Block B.

We have a newer and different agenda of the content that we will be posting here, but diversion from the issues in this college, is what we will emphasize most. I think I have been writing too much, you guys.....HAPPY NEW YEAR 2012. See you then!

Fire Scare in KMTC Nyeri!

Tuesday 31 May 2011. The time is 8:30am. The fire broke out in the Female's hostel a.k.a Block A. Cause of the fire was said to be a heater which one of the girls left on (which I really doubt as this is not possible because normally the main switch of the residential places is usually turned off at 8:00am, which was the case during this incident), others said cigarette. mmmm might be! whatever the cause.....

The good news is that, no one was injured physically, but psychologically, I saw some two ladies crying. We didn't get access into the interior, but the huge smoke from that room could suggest that some few thing must have been fully consumed by the fire. The blaze was however contained by the college's machinery before it caused more damage. Nyeri Fire Services arrived minutes later, something that impressed me, comparing to the slow responses we get from the Nairobi one. The OCP and the rest of government crew checking in there after with the College principal.
...

Meeting Today!

The time is 1400h GMT+3 East African Time today, and we'll be having a meeting with the principal and administration according to the circular on the noticeboards. All Students, Lecturers and HODs of KMTC Nyeri are expected to attend this meeting.

The agenda of the meeting is unknown, but I guess it nothing that serious. Hope one of the agendas is to officially usher us into the new Cyber Room (guess work), but each and every happening will be fully tweeted and you can follow each and every speech and update on twitter as it happens, follow now @KMTCnyeri! http://twitter.com/KMTCnyeri

I will also post a fully review of what the meeting was all about, minutes after it's over. Stay tuned!

Please "compensate" our players

I wanted to write this long time ago, but time everything caught up with me, so here we are. I'm writing this early enough before the games resume next week. I believe in every little someone does to an institution should receive some kind of appreciation. That includes what our tireless sportsmen and women do on the pitch for this great institution. Some go in full force, and in the long run get injured, just to make sure that we have the trophies for this college. But what do they receive after doing everything that there is in participating and winning trophies? From what I saw last year, it was just a few claps and that's it. 'They' will say "you did well, and we would like to encourage others especially the first years to join various games." then the players will be given the trophies to take photos with, after which the trophies will be returned to the games office....and you will remain with those pictures. chapter closed.

My issue here is not to get lots of money into the participants pockets, but just a little bit of appreciation of what they undergo when they are on the pitch. From my little knowledge of psychology, this can act as a prime motivator into winning many more trophies for Kenya Medical Training College, Nyeri campus.

Food Quantity

IF YOU THOUGHT THAT WE WERE DONE, THEN THINK AGAIN...
Food is an issue in any learning institution, and it's not different here at Nyeri KMTC. A balance diet? I'm not so sure about that, but lunch is quite "balanced". For now I don't want to dwell so much on the quality and stuff, I want to talk about the Quantity aspect of it all.

First I don't know where all that food that remains after serving us little food goes. I heard rumours that we are served little food, so that the workers can also have something to eat. Seriously speaking, I don't want to sound unconcerned here, but if the college has workers to feed, must we-the students-suffer for their upkeep in this institution?

My real concern however goes out to us girls, the servers think that since you are feminine your share has to be reduced. What? I'm not on diet, neither am I having plans of being a model. I'm an African Queen, and that tells it all.

The other day I was served with a slice of Ugali. Because I was hungry, I tried to negotiate for more. The woman who was serving (I wish I knew her name), took about thirty seconds to make up her mind. And when she did...you won't believe what she added. It was soooo little, I would quickly compare it to that which a mother squeezes before giving it to an infant. The one that an ant can easily carry uphill.

Anyway, to cut the long story short, food serving (by that I mean the quantity) should improve. If someone demands for more, then it should be added. I have seen huge amounts of leftovers of lunch being served at supper time (especially rice), and the remains of supper's Ugali just sitting in those sufurias idley early in the morning. Why then should they "NYENJA" us, and then remain with lots of it to take to I don't know where? Is it recycled? Is that why yesternight's supper kinda had some rotteness in it?

Issues in the Cyber Room!

So now I have issues with the computer room. The other day-Monday-I was there early enough after a quick lunch to do my research. As you all know, this room is openned at around 9am, a time when most of us will be in the second hour of a day's first lectures. {what was I saying?}. Yes, so I made sure I had my lunch early enough, so that I would have some few minutes to do afew things online. No sooner Had I seated, than someone came in and said
"Tokeni! Nataka kuenda lunch"
So we were forced out of the room, at a time I'll consider the only free time to access that area. This is because the rest of the day is supposed to be class time.
Now my question is, if someone wants to go for lunch, how is that supposed to be our concern. Si you go for lunch and leave the students doing their works in there. When we were leaving the room, I read disappointment on the faces of those whom we were with in there.

If that place is supposed to be of any relevance, then someone's lunch hour, is none of our business.

ati TOKENI NATAKA KUENDA LUNCH! Wee si uende! NKT!%

About our Breakfast

It's like having a row with your mother. You love her and think the world of her, and never dreamt even once that one day it would come to this. But that's exactly what has happened or will happen in what I will write below....(beating, the hand that feeds you). No matter how much you love her, a day or two you will have to disagree with her.

I'll analyze each meal the way I feel it: but for today i will say a word or two about the breakfast...I never did Homescince in my schooling but I want ot believe there is a set ratio of how water and milk should be mixed to produce good tea. But that will not be the case when it comes to making that tea in Nyeri KMTC. I wouyld rather take cocoa+water than what we are served here..More water and less milk! This issue came alive when the school hosted some others colleges for sports and I heard them complaining of what they were served with. I asked those who went to Embu and the story was the same "Ile chai iko na maziwa jo! sii ka hii yetu" About the three pieces of bread, no complain as the story is the same everywhere.

Anyway, the point here is, the ratio or water and milk in our tea should be improved (if that's the matter). why is it that others who pay the same as what we are currently paying get better services than us? Hate me as much as you like, but this things you must be told. (Vigeugeu)

A Super Supper Suprise!

About yesteryear's supper, I just don't know what happened, but one thing is clear; someone didn't get his/her math well. Or was it the usual Tuesday Supper Spell that usually rocks this institution each and every Tuesday, that was cast by I don't know who.

Food was served as usual, but it got finished halfway! Almost 50% of the students didn't take their 'normal supper' and had to put up with what was quickly prepared.

Some of us even had to take pieces of bread meant to be taken for breakfast and tea as supper, a culture that has been here as long as I remember. I'm not writing this from a third-hand point of view, because I was among those who went through the drama.

That Ugali+Soup+a few seeds of beans, you see in the photo above, was shared amongst four hungry men. You can only imagine. It was cold, as evidenced by the condensed-yellow fat.

Anyway, what made it even more unbearable was the fact that, today's Lunch will not be served. Not because I want my lunch, but because that should also have been considered when making that supper. I heard guys swearing that "HIYO LUNCH LAZIMA" Though I know many will sort themselves out by other means, there's this one individual that I'm concerned about-THE BROKE-BROTHER-who was among us. What will happen to him?

{N/B}

the taste of that food reminded me that I have work to do about the quality of food we eat here at KMTC Nyeri

Unknown Fate of those who didn't sign!

Today, in my normal paparazzi duties, I overheard a heated conversation from some of us. It's all about tomorrow's lunch which is supposed to be donated to Tumaini Children's Home. The point of issue was what will happen to those who never put pen to paper to agree to donate that lunch? They also claimed that, apparently it was said that no food will be served during that lunch. Genuinely speaking I feel them, and the college should give them their rightful share. This was supposed to be a GIVING-FROM-THE-HEART affair, not a LAZIMA-UTOE.

The 'April Eggs'

WOW! An April fool's Day indeed. Woke up today morning, ready for my usually delicious breakfast but only to be met with the opposite. Today is Friday 1st of April 2011. It's April fool's day, and hope this date has nothing to do with what we encountered during our breakfast. I don't where to begin or whom to blame, but every was seemingly going on just fine until, you broke that egg open. Normally, a boiled is supposed to have a grey or so york, but this one had a BLACK one with a characteristic smell which most definately sent a warning to those eager to eat it. Apparently some fast-eaters ate it, only to realised what they had ingested when it was too late. Enough said, the eggs went to waste. My question is, WHAT WILL THE ADMINISTRATION (kmtc nyeri) DO ABOUT THAT?

An Act of Giving Back to the Community

It's dated 6th April 2011, and according to my calender, it will be a Wednesday. This date will go down in history as the day of 'GIVING BACK TO THE COMMUNITY'. This is the day when most KMTC Nyeri students will not be taking their normal lunch, not because it will not be available, but because we have decided to share it out to Orphans in Tumaini Children's Home. The college released consent papers to which any student willing to forego that lunch would give permission to the college to share it with the needy by putting a name and signature on.

At first I was hesitant (don't judge me already, I was being human) to sign because the thought of me missing a lunch did register well in my mind, but later I decided to sign when the image of what others go through daily-when we are here complaining of half-cooked food, little food and such like things-struck me. I at that moment wanted to sign two or three times but realised that it was that single meal that I was to forego, and only a single signature was needed.

This is a great move from the college management. In the spirit of doing little to help, I would like to urge all those (like me) who still haven't made up their minds (though I have) to give their one meal away for those who seriously need it, to please do so, and atleast have a little feeling of what our brothers and sisters go through daily out there (though I know for sure Panaroma will gain big time from this). You and I know very well that that single meal alone will not be enough, they also need some financial aid, clothing and everything that there is in making ones life comfortable.

If you feeling philanthropic enough, you can still extend your contributions by contacting the relevant authorities. But if that's the little we can do, gladly take it positive and may God bless all those who have decided to give away that lunch for Tumaini Childrens' Home.
To Kenya Medical Training College (Nyeri)administration....nice one!

A Congrats Note to College Management

I said earlier and am saying now, this blog wasn't created to just highlight the wrong doings of our college (nyeri kmtc) management. That will really be unethical of me. I will give credit where it's due.

Allow me therefore pass my warm congratulations and thumbs up to the college for what I presume to be then next Cyber Center or IT department that they are setting up. Am not sure when it will be fully completed, but the speed is recommendable. so far so good. If you still have no clue on what am actually saying, am talking about what's happening in "CLASSROOM 1" By peeping through the windows and the door, I saw computer tables arranged in manner likely to suggest that we surely will be having a spacious and more reliable Computer room. I don't want to sound opportunistic, but I was hoping maybe if the college (kmtc nyeri) would add into what they are building, a photocopying and printing machine for students to be photocopying or printing their notes from online sources, (at a cheaper price, compared to what we currently pay outside campus). What we undergo when doing all the photocopying thing is not that nice, and the management of Kenya Medical Training College-Nyeri can help us by setting up one such a center within the new Computer Room (if possible).
All said, congratulations once more, hats off to you!
The photos below display students in the current computer room and the works ongoing in the COMING one. (I'm so excited, this is a great achievement from the administration)

SRC Election: The Good, The Bad and The Ugly

THE GOOD

I would like to start this post by acknowledging the perfect work done by the chosen panel which ensured that we had a successful election exercise. (hope I get these names right) From Mr. Karanja, KMTC Nyeri's college Administrator- Ms. Anne, Mr. Njenga, Mr. Karani and Mr. Linus and the rest. You guys did a wonderful job! 'Tonje', I salute you too. All I can say is thank you and may God bless you and the works of your hands. You worked tireless to ensure that everything went as earlier planned. (it could be seen from your eyes and faces). Once again, KUDOS!

THE RESULTS

This is how the students voted in the next Kenya Medical Training College-Nyeri Students' Representative Council for the year 2011/2012.

Chairperson

1. Gideon Kiragu-239

2. Josphat Aminga-126

3. David Ochieng'-123

Academic Affairs

1. Gerald Mwai-267

2. Dickson Malit-172

Games Captain

1. Macharia Wanjohi-298

2. Eric Ochieng'-105

3. Stephen Ochieng'-20

Assistant Games

1. Phillis Irungu-252

2. Allan Kwendu-173

Dining Hall and Catering

1. Felix Mwendi-235

2. Dennis Mwangi-126

3. Scholastica Lumumba-102

Block A representative

1. Mercy Nyerere-222

2. Carol Macharia-185

Entertainment

1. Dennis Munene-267

2. Lemuta Saila Samaria-174

Security

1. Eric Ngare-231

2. James Sitati-209

The rest of the crew went in UNOPPOSED

THE BAD and THE UGLY

If you think rigging was done away with in 2007, then you had it all wrong. Genuinely speaking, there was rigging. Let's take for instance, if we have 10 people as voters, and after the results you have 15 cast votes, what do you call that? I don't want to go into too much details about that, so I will stop it right there. One guy was caught with more than one paper bearing the names of the same person. (slide through the pictures on the left sidebar and you will see)

Another issue which I noted was TRIBALISM. I realised that, as much as we are trying to fight tribalism, this guy is immortal. Don't get me wrong here, nobody hates his/her tribe, I love mine too but when it comes to choosing people to represent us in crucial issues we have to get out of those small tribalist cocoons and FOCUS! If you know you voted based on tribal lines, just know that you are that one fellow pulling us all back, and you are a big disappointment.

THE CONCLUSION

Politics is a dirty game, and only the distiest wins, (am not saying that the current body won by going dirty)...congrats to all of you who won. The party is now over, let the work begin *if any*.

These are not College IDs!!

Has anyone seen what we use as College IDs? Hehehe, the first time I saw that thing I really did have a long laugh. Seriously, that booklet is what the college can afford to identify itself with to the entire world? Very disappointing! I'm very sure if I was walkin in the dark and someone asked me to show him my college ID, I would be hesitant to pull it out. Further more, which type of wallet can you carry it in. It's old fashioned and outdated. The last time I saw it was when I was in high school, and it was being used by Scouts and Girlguides. Even the ID we had in our poor high school is hundred and one times much better than what a higher learning institution like KMTC Nyeri offers. Ati ISO? NKT! I did my research and believe you me, these things are only being offered here at Kenya Medical Training Institute Nyeri. Non of the other constituent colleges of KMTC use them, if am wrong then prove it.

We need better IDs. FULLSTOP! A laminated one would do. IDs that we can proudly pull out and say, "YES! I am a student at KMTC Nyeri". Upto now, I still do have my beautiful high school ID, and everytime I look at it, it reminds of how great that institution was. For this one, I don't know how long I can keep it. IT'S ONE HELL OF A BURDEN! aaaaiiiiih yawa! kwani ni kipande system tena?

Inside the Dining Hall

The idea was to make a Dining Hall suitable for 192 students, not bad considering the number of students the college had back then. What about now? Currently I don't really know how many we are, but on approximation and after a quick survey of going round asking for people's opinions, we are about 700.

The last time we had a meeting with the college administration and the board members, one of us raised this issue. He tried using 'some words' in order to try and paint the picture of what we go through in that so called Dining Hall, to those 'who don't dine from it'. The college administration said that 'something' was going to be done about it. Sadly, THAT WAS IT! Five or so months on what do we have? The same eating conditions, or even worse now that we are forced to take even a cup of tea from that place. I wouldn't suggest that we need new a Dining Hall (of course we do, what am I writing), neither will I opt for expansion of the current Hall because I know that it's technically impossible considering its location.

Let's start with the basics, for Christ's sake that hall needs some VENTILATION. The conditions are unbearable especially during lunch time, I just can't understand why a simple procedure of renovating the place can take like forever to even start. The only ventilation we have are the two door that let people in and out. The rest of the place is fully sealed with stones and glass. Are we in prison or what?

I want to challenge the principal (a mother understands what her children want) to come in and dine with us one fine afternoon, so that she can get a feeling of what really happens there....people sweating, the hall is stuff and hot, (NO AIR song by Jordin Sparks and Chris Brown can help describe it all)...I don't know what words I can use to describe it, maybe in two words I can say PATHETIC and to some point UNBEARABLE or can I replace that with SICKENING.

Anyway, to cut the long story short, seriously the hall needs some serious makeover. Someone poured tea on me the other day, not because she wanted to but because she had little space of movement. There's still much I want to write about the D-hall, the food e.t.c, but I'm still sampling relevant photos to accompany those writings....so I will keep that for the 'rainy day'.

(sorry I didn't have nice pictures about this one, this is because it's hard to take out my phone and start snapping it when people are eating, my mother told me that's bad manners)

This hall really looks good when empty.

The Hustle and bustle

Sportmen and Women forced to push bus!

The College Bus here is just a decoration...and when it for once decides to move, what follows is just an embarassment. the photos below were sent by one of the 'loyal sportmen and women' who went out to Meru for Sports...On their way back, they had to PUSH THE BUS uphill! I mean seriously, a whoel bus with the colors of a great college like this one being pushed by student because it "Kataad" to go a further step???

Check the photos below...

kKMTC Nyeri College Bus Misbehaves photo5

KMTC Nyeri College Bus Misbehaves photo4

KMTC Nyeri College Bus Misbehaves photo3

KMTC Nyeri College Bus Misbehaves photo2

KMTC Nyeri College BUs Misbehaves photo1

About Kenya Medical Training College-Nyeri

Ø  Location

Just as a recap if you missed my previous introduction into Nyeri town. KMTC Nyeri is located in Nyeri County, which is located 150km form Kenya’s capital, Nairobi. It will take you about 2hours to step foot in Nyeri from Nairobi. KMTC Nyeri is embraced within Nyeri Provincial Hospital, which is located approximately 500meters from what many will call Nyeri Town. This is where most of the practical works are done.

Ø  Brief History (according to KMTC official website)

The college was started in 1948 as a School of Nursing where it was training Kenya Enrolled Nurses. Later the institution started Enrolled Community Health Nursing programme and later on the first class of KRCHN (Diploma) was started in March 1995. In 1977, the Department of Environmental Health Sciences was started where it was training Certificate course in Public Health Technicians but was later upgraded to Diploma level.
Certificate course in Medical Laboratory Sciences was started in 1981 until later when it started training Diploma programme.
In September 2005, the Department of Clinical Medicine was started and qualitated its first class in 2008. In September 2010, the college saw two new departments pumped into its system, being Department of Pharmacy and The Department of Imaging Science.

Ø  Courses

Currently KMTC-Nyeri offers six Medical related diploma courses;

ü  Pharmacy

ü  Medical Imaging Science

ü  Clinical Medicine

ü  Public Health Technologists

ü  Environmental Health Science

ü  Nursing

ü  Enrolled Nurse/Midwives upgrading course into KRCH Basic

ü  Distance Learning Programme for enrolled Community Health nurses into KRCHN Basic

Ø  Administration

As it is with all KMTC colleges, Nyeri MTC is headed by a principal (MRS.GRACE MBUTHIA), Deputy Principal (insert name) Departmental Heads, Section Heads, Lectures and Supportive Staff. Well the rank according to the website http://www.kmtc.ac.ke, but we have a student council, which is ‘inactive’ because I haven’t seen any of the representatives come around.

Ø  Sport

We have a variety of games within the college; although most of the practices are done outside the college in a nearby Secondary School (St. Mary’s), this is so because there isn’t enough land in the hospital to ‘waste’ in construction of fields and whatever, this is a medical school, period! Some of the games include; Badminton, Basketball, Football, Netball, Handball, Table Tennis, Volleyball, a variety of indoor games including Chess (if lucky, you might find me here), Scrabble among others.

Ø  Entertainment/Computing

If you are a party monster, then prepare yourself for the worst when it comes to this sector. All Nyeri MTC has as entertainment is a TV with an aerial (no DSTV), which is in the so-called-Dining Hall. This therefore means that what you can watch is entirely dependant upon the local TV station which is limited to NTV, Citizen, K24 and KTN. I once saw E-Africa, but I don’t know where it disappeared to. Usually the TV will be on when students are out of class (Lunch time, or after classes). Nyeri MTC’s I.T department needs serious improvement. What the college offers are eight computers, internet-enabled, fast enough but not enough in number for the large community of wannabe Medics. I.T opens about 9:00am and usually closes at 4:30 pm. (this means one thing, you can only have access to this section either when you have no class, or risk skipping one to do your research. This is because; classes run from 8:00am to 4:00pm or 6:00pm depending on which department you are in, with breaks at 10:00am ad 12:30pm.

Ø  Religious Matters

I don’t know if we have other religion in this college, but the main two are Christians and Muslims. Christian are further subdivided into; Seventh Day Adventist, Catholic Association and Christian Union. Each movement runs its own program;

·         SDA

SDAs worship on Saturday, and will either be in the college for an internal service, or will be out to the Mother church, Nyeri SDA (usual every first Sabbath of every month) or will be out to other Sabbath Schools for a rally or so. They also do meet every Wednesday and Friday evenings for encouragement and prayers.

·         Catholic

Catholics worship on Sunday, and normally will be out every Sunday to the mother church for Mass. They hold internal Masses every Wednesday evenings at the College’s hall. Friday evenings have less activities for the CA(as it is called), as on the choir meet for practice, although more activities do accompany it.

·         CU

CU also worships on Sunday, and will always hold their services internally at the College’s hall. They also do meet on Mondays after-classes for….is it intercessory? Something like that. CU forms the largest religious movement in this campus, as it envelopes many denominations into the CU community.

·         Muslims

I have interacted with most of them to know how they do their things, but they usually meet at the mosque every Friday.

I don’t know if I covered everything about the religious aspect of MTC Nyeri... normally debates do come up about the ones religion and religious believes, with the most common being the Day of Worship, How to Pray e.t.c. this are commons debates which leaves us one big happy family.

Ø  Buildings

MTC Nyeri has a few buildings here and there, the main buildings are Block A and Block B, which are hosts to some classes, offices and the library. We also have a new building, (I don’t now what they will call it) which host the Pharmacy labs and others classes plus the new departmental offices which are slowly being occupied by the relevant departments. Block A, majors mainly on Female hostels (192 hostels), the Dining Hall, the IT department, the principal’s office (which should be re-locating into the new building)….Block B, majors on Male hostels (192 hostels), the Library, some classes and offices.

The Dining Hall is one hell of a mess, which I will talk about later on.

Ø  Hostelling

A single room is home to four individuals, resting on two double-decker beds. There is electricity (sockets and florescent tubes for male and Bulbs for female). Though it is stated clearly in the school rules that no electrical gadgets are allowed, most rooms have entertainment systems ranging from simple TVs, Woofers, Radios, DVD Players and Computers. (At this age, that rule should be done away with).

Ø  Freedom and Rules

As it is in any learning institution, MTC-Nyeri has rules and regulations which students are supposed to follow. One hard rule one that give the administration a ‘hell-on-earth’ is that of uniform.  The rule demands that, all students should be in uniform when attending classes or when doing ‘rounds’ in the hospital. Of course the rule is adhered to with no much hustle, but what happens when the weather changes? You have to adjust yourself but the problem is, the school uniform is rigid to weather changes, hence will lead to; me wearing a Combat jumper on my school uniform, while my female desky decides to wear her jeans and civilian top under the school uniform. Scuffs and gloves are common, not bad trying to keep warm in a rather cold Nyeri climate; the school should understand that…

I would not like to go another rule that forbids Female students from entering male hostels and vice versa…that will be a story for another day.

I don’t know about you, but you will never find me walking in the streets with my uniform. After classes, I transform into my rather comfortable casual wear, am not into this official clothing style, Jeans, T-shirt and my white ‘South Pole’ do it for me after classes.

Ø  Parting Shot

Come, have fun, socialize, learn everything that there is to learn, but make sure you pass your EXAMS.

Welcome to Nyeri County

Allow me begin my introduction into this institution-KMTC NYERI- by welcoming you to the Nyeri County. Nyeri is located in the former Central province, and was or is the Headquarter of this province until the ‘county-thing’ took over from the ‘province-thing’.  Apparently, it has less to show for being the HQ of a province where the current president comes from... I will blame it on the poor architectural design that kicked-off the building of Nyeri as a town, below is my fur fur description of how I see this town, or should I call it former HQ or New NYERI COUNTY?

ROADS AND STREETS

Let’s begin with the distance of Nyeri from Kenya’s capital, Nairobi. It’s approximately 150km from it, and at a speed of 80km/h it will take you not more than two hours to be in Nyeri County. Unlike many small towns I have been to, which are not HQs as Nyeri was, (before COUNTYfication) this town has no streets, no parking, no walking paths… all you’ll find are small ‘corridors’ which are shared equally by both the drivers and the pedestrian, not mention the fast rising number of motorists who have ventured into this business because of the high percentage of unemployment in Nyeri. The roads and building are very dirty and dusty, I don’t know how to paint this picture in your minds, but put it as simple as dirty, old and dusty (not murram though, tarmac). I would recommend serious improvement in the infrastructure sector in Nyeri, with many of the street lights non-functional, no street markings, no sidewalks, and no parking.

ü  BUILDINGS

I have been here for not more than four months; you will therefore forgive me if I shoot a blank about this one. I don’t refute the fact that a significant number of new building are coming up, as per the current situation, all your will spot as you walk along the narrow paths are the not-very-high buildings, with the tallest being either six storey (not bad, considering we have many prominent politician in Central province). More works is needed in terms of decorating these buildings with the last painting of many of these buildings done years ago, leaving them more ugly and unpleasing than they should be, considering the age.

ü  TECHNOLOGY

If you are a techsavvy,-like me- (Google will do you good when defining this)-then you know when talking about technology, we kickoff with computing and internet connectivity. Since am addicted to websites and ‘googling’-as they call it-, my second day (September 15^th 2010), 14^th was registration day, in Nyeri begun with the hunt for a suitable Cyber Café that will be my regular joint of surfing since I couldn’t carry my Standalone PC all the way here… Well, I must admit that it was long day for me. I managed to find the first Cyber Café just outside the College and Hospital environ. Popped in, and I wasn’t really impressed with what I first saw. The Café had six so-called-computers, with two of which had been rendered ‘Hazifanyi’. As usual, I first right-clicked ‘My Computer’ clicked ‘Properties’ to view what the computer had to offer for me. The whole process took about four minutes of imminent waiting. 128MB of RAM with a processing speed of 560MB….WOW! Quite slow for those who know what I mean…the whole experience was undesirable, spending one hour on the computer with nothing to show for all that. I don’t want to talk soooo much about Nyeri’s technology, but the next Café I found, after a long search was worth more than the first, but far from what I expect in an HQ. I knew it-technology- was bad, but not that bad. Downloading speeds are nothing to smile about, and would disconnect midpoint.

ü  SOCIAL LIFE

Maybe you’ve heard about it on radio, TV or read it in one of the local dailies; forget the ‘Tequila effect’, this can be said to be the ‘Chang’aa effect’ in Central province. Been here for less than four months-sorry, I repeat this-but I have seen much more than what you’ve possibly seen or heard in the NEWS. It might make less or no sense to you because you experienced it once on the NEWS, but the effects are more than what you can imagine….it’s all Alcohol and Bhang, period!

ü  BUSINESSES

I know little or less when it comes to evaluating the business aspect of a town. Nyeri town herself has some supermarkets, actually two if am not wrong being Samrat and Mathai. We have no major hyper-supermarkets the like of Tuskys, Uchumi and Nakumatt in Nyeri town, though Uchumi can be found in Karatina, a town of its own away from Nyeri town. On either sides of the narrow streets, you find several normal small businesses the likes of; Berber shops, Salons, Dukas, Wholesales Kiosks, Butcheries, Bars <several and unshakable by the New Mututho Laws> and Groceries. Small scale businesses are the major players here.

ü  RELIGION

Nyeri has a rich selection of religious places, considering we are in Kikuyu land and money-making is the story of the day. I won’t mention the several unknown churches and shrines that are mushrooming each day in this place; By mushrooming I mean coming up one day and the next you hear nothing about them, as it is with a mushroom. But the real churches (Don’t ask me that question) we have in Nyeri are; The Seventh Day Adventist Church (SDA), Presbyterian, Anglican, Pentecostal and the Catholic Church of which many are  located not very far from the town or college in that matter. We also have a Mosque, just outside the Hospital, where KMTC Nyeri is located. I have seen Hindus around, but I haven’t spotted a Temple yet, what else?

ü  TRANSPORT MEANS

Let me begin with a simple question, do you remember that old Nissan {KYZ 890X) your uncle once had which used to ferry people from your interior part of the village to the nearest stage? That old Volkswagen that broke-down after every 500m? He sold it right? To where?...Nyeri of course. This is the mother of all old vehicles on Planet earth. No hate, but we have a few new cars. Most of the vehicle that ferry people from Kangemi to town, from Majengo to town are quite something, that if packed on the road side you’ll probably confuse it with an abandoned. The Michuki rules probably did not reach this place, as these vehicles have no safety belts, no yellow line, and no uniform for the turn-boys and the drivers…well of course what do you expect? I mention motorists earlier, didn’t I? They constitute what transport is in Nyeri town.

ü  HOUSING

This will be another hard one to discuss, but I will just give you a small preview of what you will expect if you will be moving to Nyeri. A single room can go for 1500Ksh/M, with electricity which you will be paying for per month on a different billing sheet. Water isn’t a problem in Nyeri as it is in many towns in Kenya, considering the proximity of Mt. Kenya which serves as a source to many streams and water companies in this town. It will be safe to say that Nyeri water is safe for drinking. Furniture is readily available with several entrepreneurs venturing into this business. The cost of living is low here, which is attributed to the local economic which is based on Agriculture and fertile lands.

ü  EDUCATION

Besides all the bad things I have said about Nyeri in the above posts, I want to recommend the Education set-up in Nyeri. In my usual evening walks around the town, I see several types of primary and secondary school ‘uniforms’ walking along the streets, of course from school to home. We also have universities in Nyeri (Kimathi University College of Technology and Karatina University College), Kenyatta University and University of Nairobi also have constituent colleges here. Polytechnic colleges, a government nursing school, several private and public primary and secondary schools constitute the Educational aspect. The medical schools are primarily led by Kenya Medical Training College-Nyeri, a constituent college of the wider KMTC family, Consolata Hospital and School of Nursing and a private and prestigious Outspan Medical College. I don’t know if all this that Nyeri has really helps her, considering the high level of unemployment and the poor social status of this town. That isn’t for me to comment about, I am just an invader.

ü  ENTERTAINMENT AND LUXURY

I want to conclude my Nyeri review by brushing on the various hotspots of entertainment you can find in Nyeri. Apparently, in this old Kenyan town we have some modern hotels which can be rated Four Star in the hotel ranks. The hotels here don’t come anywhere near Sarova Stanley, Hilton, Serena, Safari Park or Intercontinental which are rated five star, but they can host some import guests with no shame at all. Just to mention a few in no particular order; Green Hills, The Outspan (not the college, now the hotel but under the same management), Aberdares Country Club, The Ark, Sangare Ranch Tented Camp, Mount Kenya National Park, e.t.c. if you are a ‘Law Abiding Citizen’ like me, then a famous joint of keg can lead you into F2 Club, or Kongomaitu for Nyam-Chom, Soup and Muturaa. Major Friday happenings common for many college students make Banana Leaf the joint.

Nyeri also hosts the graves of the Scout’s movement founder-Robert Baden Powell- and his wife, with his Paxtu cottage a famous tourist attraction, which current stand on The Outspan Hotel grounds.

QUESTIONS?.......no questions, thank you.