EMBRACING ACT OF GIVING WITHOUT CAMERAS

By Kipkorir Bett 

Today's blog is all about the act of giving. Normally the act of giving is meant for the receiver to benefit from it, but in our modern society where internet and "Social media run for Fame" has made the act of giving to benefit the giver. According to Rick Warren “True humility is not thinking less of yourself; it is thinking of yourself less.”

photo from twitter

In our society today we tend to flow with a cliche act that "Only the rich are in a capacity to help" To some extend It's true because they have money to do so but who are we to judge? the little we have can help and also It's not a shame to be helped too. Our different Religious believes echo the Act of giving to be Essential. Taking an example of a verse from the Holy Bible:

"Truly I tell you, they have received their reward in full. But when you give to the needy, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing, so that your giving may be in secret. Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you.” Matthew 6:1-4

STORY

'Once upon a time they lived a man who was so rich, married and had a son. The man was among the richest people in the society. His son was 8 year when his wife died of cancer. The man was left to take care of the son on his own. Everyday the man used to pick his son from school in the evening. One day the man was held up in a business meeting and could not make to pick his son on time. The boy decided to walk home. On the way he met a beggar sitting beside the road and he noticed he didn't have shoes. 

Photo from Joy

The boy sat on the opposite side of the road while observing how many people passed without helping the beggar. His father came by later and noticed his son observing the Beggar. The father called out to the boy and they left home. The boy began to save the little he was always given by the father and asked the father one weekend to take him to a shop to buy the shoes for the beggar. The father was touched by the action taken by his son and they did as the son asked. Later the beggar was employed in the man's house to be the Gardener.' Lesson Learnt is a food for thought.....  

photo from twitter 

I admit that today Technology is everywhere. Gone are the days when one would travel for long distance to deliver a message.

Now all we need is a Smartphone and Internet connection and you can communicate to anyone worldwide. That's a good progress. But we tend to misuse it and make Humility act be a side show in the social media. 

Politicians are all over making moves to help the needy ones, others genuinely while other for their own future political benefits. Humility comes from the heart. At this period of pandemic we have so much happening. Let's just do the act with our Hearts and we will even forget we had Cameras with us. No one needs to see what you did but God does and He will reward you abundantly. 

Thank you for reading. Make sure you comment and share to others too. 

EXPERIENCE OUTSIDE KENYA

By Kipkorir Bett

When one travels outside the country (Kenyan) and gets to interact with people there, on the mention of I AM FROM KENYA. 
What is the first impression that will click in their mind, One will think of the Tourism aspect and the wild animals that is in Kenya,others will believe that you are an athlete and that you can run like the Eliud Kipchoge, others will think that you are a Maasai and So many thinks about Kenya that the outside country will Think about. The Question now is What Makes Kenya Kenya? 

Today's Blog am going to highlight some few stories on the experiences shared by my Kenyan close friends and family members who happen to stay outside the country either for studies or for work. They will be able to answer the question;
1. The name of the country, State and City?
2. What is their experience? (Be it Sad one and Funny one too)
3. What they miss about Kenya?
4. What do people think on the mention of Kenya?

To help me in the discussion is: 
Joy - China 
Nelly - Canada 
Gideon - Finland 
Jean - Australia 
Edu - U.S.A

Joy From China 

Photo of Joy with her Friend

" 你好 This is Hi in Chinese. My name is Joy Cherono. Bett is my Sweet Cousin, I am currently in China , Kunming city It's in South of China.This city is a bit traditional so I like it . I miss a lot about Kenya my family , food i really do miss Kenyan food and the general feeling of just being at home
I guess the  most fun experience is hanging out with my friends considering I have friends from different countries and a few Chinese friends , going out for barbecues or having 'Chinese hot pot' 火锅  some kind of Chinese dish prepared with a  simmering pot of soup stock at the dinning table.

Photo of Joy in China

My sad experience here came actually in my second year in china had transferred universities from a Wuhan university where i studied Chinese language to the current university where am taking my course , I felt so homesick and depressed it was so bad used to cry everyday for about a month but luckily I got better 

Most exciting experience would say is visiting Shanghai tower and getting to try the world's fastest subway

Most of the time when I tell people am from Kenya their first thought would be SGR ,then talk about animals and how they'd like to visit and some know about Kenya and marathon. Thank you Cousin for this. Stay safe I love You." Bye in Chinese we say 再见

Nelly From Canada

 Nelly in Canada.(Winter)

" My name is Nelly a Kenyan who lives in Canada the States of Manitoba, Winnipeg City. I am in Canada for an academic purpose. Bett is my high school Desk mate I used to call Him 'Dingo' and I still do to date. What I really miss in Kenya is 'Maziwa ya Sotet' and my family and friends too. Being in Canada has been the most exciting experience meeting people from different places, But the challenge is the cold winterin this place. The most exciting experience was playing in the snow 'Deski ilikuwa so fun'. Lastly the Canadians that have interacted with and asked them about Kenya love the climate in Kenya, the coastal beach and the wild animals in wildlife parks. Thank you for this talk continue doing what you do, Stay safe and Good bless Kenya."

Gideon From Finland 

Giddy with Bangladesh friends

" Moi my name is Giddy. Moi is a greeting in Finnish to say 'Hi'. Bett is my primary friend. I am a Kenyan who lives in Finland Helsinki states, Espo city. I really miss my friends and family in Kenya. I also miss speaking my Language freely 'Huku i just have to speak in Finnish'. The greatest challenge I face in Finland is the Cold during Winter but i can tell Kenya's climate is so favorable. Most of the my Bangladesh friends tell me they would wish to come to Kenya and invest there because of the favorable climate and friendly nature of Kenyans. The only Fear about Kenya is the Politics. They say the Kenyan Politics is bad. 
Talking of the funny experience, there is a day I happened to go do some shopping and I 
was still new, so after I was done with my shopping I pretended to know how to speak Finnish at the Counter. They asked for the Card to pay my bill and I gave them my passport. It was so embarrassing and funny too. Even after I left they were still laughing. Thank you Bett for such a talk. God bless Kenya, stay indoors and sanitize, we are also doing the same. 'Moimoi' to mean Bye Bye." 

Jean from Australia 

" My name is Jean I live in Australia New South Wales States, the City of Sydney but am a Kenyan. Bett is my High school classmate. What I miss in Kenya is my family and friends. The greatest experience here is meeting different people and making new friends. 
I can't afford not to mention the food 'Sea food and Sushi' one of my favorite meal in this place. Kenyan is know for being corrupt but then they do consider the positive side about Kenya on the Wildlife that interests them so much. Thank you for this chance Bett. You know am a man of few words. Bye!" 

Collins from Hungary

"My name is collins. I'm in Budapest,Hungary. I came here to study.I miss my family,friend and definitely food.However,i do like Gyros pita a common dish here. Makimg new friends has been fun,interacting with people from different countries.In late September,i went to a tax office to get some documents and after handing them my passport,the guy started asking me about the Maasai Mara,the Maasai people and if i was one of them.When you mention Kenya,most people i've interacted with  think of the Kenyan tea,the Maasai Mara and the Maasai people.

Edwin from U.S.A

My name is Edwin.i'm in the USA ,the state of Minnesota,Anoka county.The USA is a good country.I miss the nice warm weather in Kenya,i miss being with friends and family because in Kenya i get more than enough time to be with my family.I miss Kenyan food generally.Funny experience in the United states is the American accent.Black Americans talk exactly the way we hear them in movies.I find it funny when they talk and their sentences are full of swear words with that accent it's funny.Sad experience,is when i have to work everyday to take care of my bills.

There's so much to enjoy here but no time,life is too busy.Exciting experience is when i interact with people from diverse cultures and also  USA is beautiful in nature and everything is possible here.There is much light in life and success is assured.I also get to experience seasons like summer,winter,autumn and spring/fall and i think that's exciting,When Kenya is mentioned Americans talk and think about visiting Kenya.Kenya is also recognized by athletes.Kenyans abroad as viewed as really hardworking and focused.Thank you.

Comment and let me see what you think about this.

Thank you and God bless you.

  

TOPIC 6 : THE ORIGIN OF MEME.

By Kipkorir Bett

Where did the Meme come from? 

Liz Bahati Status

That's the question most have never ask themselves simply because they just found it existing and are living with it. Now its one of the most interesting part in the entertainment category.

Shalmith Status

It entertains, It educates and also it mocks. 

According to History:        

"Memes have been around since long before the internet existed. In fact, they have been around since before Dawkins coined the term, showing up as early as 79 AD in a Pompeii ruin and as late as the 1970's, in graffiti.

The first published case of the word meme (pronounced “Meem,” not me-me), dates back to Richard Dawkins’ 1976 book, The Selfish Gene. Dawkins referred to it as a “Mimeme”—a word derived from Greek that means “that which is imitated.” The word was then abbreviated to just “meme” due to its similarity to the word “gene.”

https://www.howtogeek.com/356232/what-is-a-meme/

Royalty Whats app status

Meme has taken over Kenya and is now a form of income to the Meme Creators. They have contributed towards making smiles on peoples faces. These Memes have a different taste of preference. They include : 

• Ethnic difference
• Gender 
• Political 
• Innovative 
• Technological
• Current Affairs 

Joy Nzangi Whats app status

In most cases the Meme flow with the current affairs with creativity used in it to make it Funny and interesting. Through the use of Social Media platforms like Twitter, Facebook, Instagram and mostly used Whats app status have been used also to boost its existence. 

Kamara Whats appStatus 

Other than that Meme also have also been misused in that everything becomes a laughing matter and nothing is taken serious For Example the Corona Virus Pandemic have been made fun of on the social media yet its something so serious. Other times it may become personal especially when the Meme used someones pic to bring a joke out of it then it becomes offensive. But the we live in a democratic country where there is freedom of expression. 

world-leprosy-day_456px

I look at meme and see an creative mindset of Young people trying to make something out of themselves. But then too much of something is poisonous. Let technology benefits us rather than destroying us. 

LAUGHTER IS THE BEST MEDICINE AND IT BRINGS PEOPLE TOGETHER. 

Don't forget to leave your comment down there! 

TOPIC 4: KENYA COLONISED BY THE CHINESE

By Kipkorir Bett 

standardmedia.co.ke

It’s now a Threat but the Government once allowed a Plane in the Country? 

What is really happening that we don’t know as the Country? The talk of every Mouth in the villages, towns and cities Corona Corona Corona. 

Where did you come from?

All these Questions are unanswered. The conspiracy theories about the origins of the corona virus is not proved yet. There are many spreading rumors telling about the Virus. One of the rumors has it that the virus was engineered in the lab by humans as a bioweapon, the virus was being studied in the lab somewhere in China and then “escaped” or “leaked” because of poor safety measures. This make it very clear that indeed it came from China and the people first affected were the Chinese people. There are cases reported in Mombasa where one was found to have the Virus and it now became a threat to our country since it’s a deadly disease.

thenationalpilot.ng

According to World Health Organization, Corona viruses are zoonotic, meaning they are transmitted between animals and people.

Common signs of infection include respiratory symptoms:
Fever, Cough, Shortness of breath, Breathing difficulties.

In more severe cases: infection can cause Pneumonia, Severe acute respiratory syndrome, Kidney failure and even DEATH.

The WHO have also gone a step to tell that the Standard recommendations to prevent infection spread include:

v  Regular hand washing.

v  Covering mouth and nose when coughing and sneezing.

v  Thoroughly cooking meat and eggs.

v  Avoid close contact with anyone showing symptoms of respiratory illness such as coughing and sneezing.

https://www.who.int/health-topics/coronavirus

theelephant.info

All the Countries have now put measures to put the Virus away from their people by the help of the WHO (World Health Organization) by either cancelling Major global airlines flights to and from China and they can have screening of the foreigners as they come to the country.

As much as all these is happening in other countries but still the Government of Kenya allowed the plane that was allowed to land in the Country. This makes it look like Kenya is being colonized by China bearing in mind that Kenya have a Huge debt to pay to China, the SGR Deal and the Big Investments done in the Country by the China Government. 

The Question still Bounce back Are we being Colonized by the Chinese Government?

TOPIC 3 : CAMPUS STRUGGLES OF A BOY CHILD.

By Bett Kipkorir 

Simple reassurance words were whispered to an anxious ear by the Mother just before the Journey began. How excited it was to study in the only university in an Island, but I don’t say. The Journey began from the roots of the Great Rift Valley and took more than twelve hours to arrive in Mombasa. The Journey took long than I Expected. Fantasy of visiting all places I read in books and spending most of my time at the beach could not get out of my mind. I slept a little and I was awoken by an announcement that we are in Mombasa.

Photo by Ivan 

Confused, tired and Excited, as we were referred to as ‘Watu wa bara’, and being the first time to board a ‘TukTuk’ made it the best experience ever.

From a cool climate to a hot climate was another challenge which was temporary solved by ‘a walking bottle of refrigerated water’ or even an Ice cream before the body could adapt to the climate in the area.

I still recall the cliche word used by almost all speakers at the orientation ceremony “Welcome to the University where you either change your life or the life in here will change you”

That same day I sat next to a girl I thought had  been dropped from the Heavens. She referred to herself as Boldly as Valentine. I began to count myself the Luckiest, with some chats accompanied by laughter, her phone then rang and she answered with a low tone “Hello Beb” and I walked out believing that indeed ‘Don’t count your chicks before they hatch’ ‘Oh! Boy child.' Meeting new friends was another great experience, others with good intentions and the vice versa is true.

That Condition brought an idea of engaging in something that would at least generate income as a Comrade. There is where landed into acting in Swahili Pot and later did Travelling Theatre and I began to earn from it. I also did events photography,Deejaying and Mceeing  on weddings,Birthday parties and events. As a result of that I was able to move from the Hostel and rented a house around the school.

From the struggles to keep up myself, I began to dress well, friends around me multiplied and later I met the Beautiful..........

To be Continued.

TOPIC 2 : TOXIC RELATIONSHIPS

By Kipkorir B Bett

What is Relationship?

According to Google Relationship is the way in which two or more people or things are connected, or the state of being connected.  To my understanding the Key word is CONNECTION, so before the Connection occurred there was no Connection. Before two became connected there is a bond created and later a decision is drawn to engage in a relationship. As we draw down to understand that there is a bond being created in a Relationship, lets also consider the term TOXIC which simply Mean Poisonous.

We are now convinced that indeed Toxic Relationship starts from somewhere then it then becomes dangerous. An expert Lillian Glass, who claims to have coined the term “toxic relationship” in a 1995 book, says that a toxic relationship is one in which the partners compete, disrespect, or seek to undermine each other. This tells that this period the partners behaves in a unhealthy manner and they treat each other in a disrespectful ways.

Campus is a period one acquires skills before He or She is employed and later becomes a Responsible Adult who is now meant to be Dependent. And at that time after Campus the person may marry or even get married. This simply mean that there must be a relationship created before one decides to be with the person as a wife or husband through a legal way, Marriage.

Why do Young people engage in a relationship?

• o   Peer pressure.
• o   Anxiety on relationship experience.
• o   Loneliness and company seeking.
• o   Age pressure towards marriage.
• o   Financial support.

There are so many reasons that may cause on to decide to date of engage in a relationship only to mention a few. But the big Question is, How do we treat along the relationship so as to make it useful? 

There are incident cases where the Man ends up killing the lady or even the Vice Versa is true. For Example, The Late Ivy Wangeci a 6^th Year at Moi University was brutally killed by her boyfriend in Eldoret on a day light. Apart from the late Ivy story we have seen several incidents where two separate and one end up killing himself or herself. There are also cases where there are fights among them that cause lifetime injuries.

Some of the causes that may lead to a toxic relationship are:

• ü  Unfaithfulness among the Courtship partners.
• ü  Financial Issues.
• ü  Lack of trust.

We can stop this from happening by talking about it and letting the young people know that it is not a matter of life and death. There is always life after the break up. And one is also supposed to come up and talk and not feel ashamed to. 

A therapist once said “A Good relationship should empower you to take on things outside of your relationship. All relationships have their moments of drama, but if your relationship is taking more energy than it’s giving to you, it may be time to reevaluate”

LETS TALK ABOUT IT TO HELP OUR BROTHERS AND SISTERS.

REFERED PHOTOS AND RESEARCH TO:

https://www.google.com/search?

q=relationship+meaning&oq=relationship+&aqs=chrome.5.69i59j69i57j0l5j69i60.7805j0j7&sourceid=chrome&ie=UTF-8

https://www.talkspace.com/blog/am-i-in-toxic-relationship/

https://www.google.com/search?biw=1366&bih=608&tbm=isch&sxsrf=ALeKk00dPqPe1PpiTtDVE6ETrsHcQEcCDg%3A1582443590310&sa=1&ei=RixSXp3EEoybjLsP38a3iAU&q=relationship+BREAK+UP+AS+A+RESULT+OF+MONEY&oq=relationship+BREAK+UP+AS+A+RESULT+OF+MONEY&gs_l=img.3...96144.119911..121071...6.0..0.1590.15958.2-1j26j1j0j3j2j1......0....1..gws-wiz-img.......35i39j0j0i5i30j0i8i30j0i10i24j0i24.eiUONa20V5A&ved=0ahUKEwid_87glefnAhWMDWMBHV_jDVEQ4dUDCAc&uact=5#imgdii=Lj1bZbNlWT-eAM:&imgrc=EIJKN9JudOX9PM:

https://www.google.com/search?biw=1366&bih=608&tbm=isch&sxsrf=ALeKk00dPqPe1PpiTtDVE6ETrsHcQEcCDg%3A1582443590310&sa=1&ei=RixSXp3EEoybjLsP38a3iAU&q=relationship+BREAK+UP+AS+A+RESULT+OF+MONEY&oq=relationship+BREAK+UP+AS+A+RESULT+OF+MONEY&gs_l=img.3...96144.119911..121071...6.0..0.1590.15958.2-1j26j1j0j3j2j1......0....1..gws-wiz-img.......35i39j0j0i5i30j0i8i30j0i10i24j0i24.eiUONa20V5A&ved=0ahUKEwid_87glefnAhWMDWMBHV_jDVEQ4dUDCAc&uact=5#imgrc=S6ObwdRTWgRfNM:

https://www.google.com/search?q=relationship&sxsrf=ALeKk01wv4nDXT92F6ncvH2Buq6ohTPYpw:1582443585369&source=lnms&tbm=isch&sa=X&ved=2ahUKEwjPwKHelefnAhWxQkEAHf3WD1UQ_AUoAXoECA8QAw&biw=1366&bih=657#imgrc=XI7lUOck30SAvM:

TOPIC 1 : SET BOOKS PERFORMANCE IN HIGH SCHOOLS

"Sanaa ni Kioo cha Jamii." In Simple Language the Wise Meant that Art is the Essence of the Society. Having this in mind, the Producers and Directors challenged themselves in the 90's to be performing set books in Schools. From then there was the emerging of groups which they were referred to as Traveling Theatre. In the 90's the travelling performance was done FOR FREE but things came to change and students began to pay for the performance.

Actors were being looked for through Auditions done and when one passed the Auditions Test then He or She is ready for the Rehearsals as scheduled by the group. The Actors are given different roles, characters and given stage directions.

The actors also are expected to apply the Directors instructions and stage techniques that helps their delivery, such as:

• Body movement and Mannerisms 
• Use and Awareness of space.
• Vocal Dynamics.
• Improvisational Technique.  

https://takelessons.com/blog/drama-techniques

Producers travel to Schools to ask for teachers to allow them come at the date they will agree on and do the performance. The teachers are then left to collect money from students to facilitate the Performance and payment of the Actors. 

There are currently more than 200 Groups in Kenya. Just to mention a few: 

• Artflame Entertainment Inc 
• Jicho 4 Production 
• Fanaka Arts 
• Pambazuka 
• Neptrix Production
• Mabingwa Production
• Milestones Production
• ArtMasters Production
• Emarc Production 
• Trinity Ensemble
• Jukwa Arts Production
• Arttitude Production
• Nation Theatre Production 
• Changamka Production 

As the Books change with time It has also been able to be adapted and the wheel of Art driven Professionally. The Current Books being :
Kiswahili - Kigogo, Chozi La Heri, Tumbo Lisiloshiba na Hadithi nyingine. 
English - The Pearl, Blossoms of the Savannah, Doll's House, Inheritance, Memories we Lost.

The group work tirelessly in order to ensure that indeed the Students get the correct Interpretation of the Book. Some Producers have even gone a step to invite the Author of the Book to attend and watch what is happening on stage and engage Students in the discussion of the book. Just to Mention Brian Mwanzo ,Director Artflame Entertainment Inc. 

https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=2233807333567832&set=a.1760980960850474&type=3&theater


The Government of Kenya through the Ministry of Education Science and Technology have also played part in Vetting the groups to ensure that the groups are legit to perform before students. I wish to give thumps up to the groups that have also registered to the New Curriculum as asked by the Ministry.


I personally encourage more of this so as to make the young people explore their abilities and talents they have. This will enable them have something to put in their pockets and better their standards of Living and reduce the level of Unemployment.
By this we are Embracing the new Curriculum which encourages once talent and ability of an area of specialization.

ART PAYS! 


Pictures Courtesy of Artflame Entertainment Inc and Fanaka Theatre.