Bonface Otieno

Why is the king crying crimson blood? Highness cries of his iniquities inflicted— By himself on the people who loved him By himself on the people who trusted him By himself on the people who worshiped him By himself on the people who toiled for him By himself on the people whose blood shed for him  By himself on the people who crowned his head! So, why...

I walked home on one leg A result of illicit elopement That which drove my mind wild As a wicked wizard roaming people's yards Like a lizard on heat creepeth, Like a dying fly on cow milk. I ran, as a little she-goat looking for rams As mad dogs to wild cats. In the promise of love, In the promise of a future Better! In the promise of children In the...

Literature serves as a powerful tool, a medium for conveying cultural narratives, fostering understanding, and challenging harmful practices. By exploring commonalities and shared experiences, literature promotes dialogue, empathy, and appreciation for diverse cultures, fostering social cohesion. By harnessing the transformative potential of literature, African societies can embrace cultural diversity, foster positive change, and build more inclusive and progressive communities.  Culture plays a...

People of all professions and calibers seek guidance and counseling as a therapeutic intervention for their various needs and pains. Guidance and counseling personnel are crucial in supporting students’ academic success.  Through regular communication and parental involvement, counselors can ensure a coordinated approach to discipline, promoting consistency and reinforcing positive behavior at home and school. Statistically, there are rising cases of depression,...

He currently serves as the Siaya County KESSHA Chairperson, a position he took in 2020 to date.  Pursuing additional qualifications and attending workshops, seminars, and training programs related to educational leadership, administration, and management is recommended. The school’s target mean score this year stands at 7.5 plus. On June 8, 2023, during a brief staff briefing, the school’s principal, Mr. George...

There is a need to reinvent the spirit of Timbuktu’s educational orientation to revive the legacy of its scholars and promote education and research in the region.  Timbuktu is an ancient city located in Mali, West Africa. Anyone can join this platform. Timbuktu is an ancient city located in Mali, West Africa, founded in the 5th century and was once a thriving...

St. Mary's Ukwala Journalism Club won during news production competitions. There's need to equip journalism-interested young students on journalistic practices and give them space for growth. Ethics and accountability are key. St. Mary’s Ukwala High School is an Extra County level Boarding Boys Secondary School located in Ugenya Sub-County, Siaya County, Kenya. It has an enrollment of about 500 students...

The numbers are rising steadily. Depression, drug abuse and financial constraints cited. Everyone has a stake in battling suicide in Kenya. “Toxic relationships alongside cohabiting among university and college students have led to deeper commitments, shock, demands, and pressure most students cannot handle alongside their academic circles. This has caught most students off guard whence their final option of compensating their brokenness and...

Title: Fathers of Nations  Author: Paul B. Vitta Publisher: Oxford University Press Year of publication: 2013 Revised edition: 2021 Reviewer: Bonface Otieno Fathers of Nations is the current compulsory novel studied by current form three and will be first tested next year, 2024, in Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education (KCSE).  I recommend to every teacher, student and literature enthusiast that before you dig into reading book guides, consider reading the text itself in...

In Kenya, most class eight and form four graduates who do not qualify for direct entry into universities battle with the societal stereotype that brands them as failures in life.  Some learners end up suffering from depression, while others commit suicide because they lack someone to guide them or give them assurance.  Most of them who score lower marks, even though...