The cutting edge

By THE WATCHMAN Posted Monday, January 17 2011 at 18:55

CONCERNED ABOUT KISWAHILI. The Kenya Institute of Education is seriously concerned about the poor performance in Kiswahili in last year’s KCPE exam, which has been a subject of heated debate in the past two weeks, says chief communication officer Samuel Otieno. The current Kiswahili syllabus, which has been in existence since 2003, has been monitored and fully evaluated across the country, and found not to have any problems. “However, it’s prudent to look at the issues being raised to help uplift Kiswahili.”

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WHY THE MISTREATMENT? Last September, Andrew W. Kairu booked five tickets for his family to fly from Nairobi to Malindi by Fly540 on December 26, and return on January 1, wiring £512.00 (Sh62,000). But Best Travel inadvertently bought tickets to Mombasa. He noticed the error in November, but they would not correct it. Since then, he has written to the airline’s CEO seeking a refund, in vain. “Fly540 treated us very badly, but instead of giving me a refund, they should just make a donation to Barnados Children’s Home in Nairobi,” says Andrew. His contact is andrew.kairu@ghanabank.co.uk.

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SMART CARD EXTENSION. Nakumatt Holdings has extended its Smart Card holders’ point redemption for the payment of school fees until January 31 following popular demand, says Managing Director Atul Shah. Responding to a request by Peter Nyoro and other loyal customers to extend the deadline, which had been set for January 15, Shah adds: “This is to inform all of them that we are, indeed, happy to facilitate the payment of Form One fees via the Smart points redemption scheme.’’

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LONG WAIT OVER. The Rev Yusuf Gowi Okumu’s long wait for electricity connection to his home in Nyando will soon be over. Regretting the delay, KPLC corporate communications officer Kevin Sang says an overseas supplier of power conductors couldn’t deliver the items in time. As a result, several applications could not be processed. “These conductors have now arrived and the applicants should be connected by January 21. We sincerely apologise to the Rev Okumu for any inconvenience caused by the delay.”

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LANDLINES FOREVER. Telkom Kenya does not plan to phase out landlines despite the numerous disruptions due to vandalism and damage to cables during road construction, assures Angela Ng’ang’a-Mumo, in response to D. Proske’s query. The company, she adds, is working closely with the authorities to minimise the problems. “I wish to confirm that Proske’s lines, Nos. 4343400 and 4442325, have been restored. We urge our customers to report faulty lines to customer care, Tel. 2221000 or 100 from an Orange number so that we can quickly track the faults.”

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REMOVE EYESORE. For over five years now, a vital road construction machine belonging to the County Council of Narok has been left to rust by the roadside from the Sekenani gate to Keekorok in the Maasai Mara, reports Michael Matu. Besides the eyesore of the abandoned grader, he adds, the road itself is in an appalling state. According to Michael, this blatant display of official wastefulness only sends a negative message to tourists. “It should be removed and either repaired or sold as scrap metal,” he advises.

Have a useful day, won’t you!

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