The Watchman
9 November 2009
column
Nairobi — Paul Muite is amused that Teachers Service Commission Appeals Tribunal chairman Samuel Kivuitu has the cheek to defend teachers who sexually abuse underage schoolgirls, arguing that the TSC has no powers of investigation or prosecution. Muite says it's the same mantra he used to sing as chair of the disbanded ECK. "The TSC can investigate amorous teachers and file complaints and evidence with the AG and police chief. It can also sensitise parents and the public on the vice."
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The PSC does not discriminate against graduates from Indian universities, says secretary Bernadette M. Nzioki, in response to Robert Sauti's complaint. She adds: "Mr Sauti applied for Procurement Officer II. Pre-selection was done on September 28, and 482 candidates were shortlisted for 132 posts. For equity, the PSC allocates quotas per district for new entrants. He is from Thika District, which had 73 applicants. The criteria was a relevant degree with Second Class Honours, Upper Division. Fourteen were shortlisted, purely on merit and Mr Sauti was not among them."
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The exams council should surely know just how valuable its certificates are to the candidates, marking their transition from one stage to another or opening the door to higher education or employment. So, why is the KNEC withholding the certificates of candidates who sat the technical exams in 2007? asks Mike Otieno. He says: "Every time I inquire, I'm advised to 'check again next month'. No wonder some people are opting for the fake certificates in River Road!"
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Since he quit the police in 2005, Stanley M. Senelwa has tried in vain to get his dues from the Women and Children Pension Scheme at Police headquarters, Nairobi. He was stunned to learn that his file, which had been missing, was now available, with the records indicating that he had died and his money had been paid to his family. Stanley is calling for high-level intervention for his money to be paid.
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With the National Census over and having worked hard as a supervisor in Murang'a North, Edwin Waweru had expected that the DC would be equally enthusiastic about ensuring that he and colleagues received pay. The DC is not saying anything about it. As a result, Edwin adds, the supervisors only got half of their travelling allowance, some Sh3,000, and remain in the dark over when the rest of the money will be paid.
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KCB certainly had good intentions, considering its many customers and potential clients in the Maseno University area, when it installed an ATM, notes Stephen Lubia. However, he is disappointed that the "thing hardly ever works". He adds: "Most of the time, after one or two people withdraw some money, it breaks down for the next one or two hours. But KCB will perhaps be interested to know that their competitor's machine a few metres away works perfectly."
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Motorists beware! warns Sheetal Devani, recounting the case of Michael Omondi, who nearly fell victim to the craftiness of Mombasa parking boys. "One 'fell' under his car, as he stopped to give way to pedestrians. Naturally, a crowd surrounded the car and traffic police were called. The boy was taken to Coast General Hospital. Luckily for Michael, when the boy went to the police station the following day to record a statement, the officer on duty recognised him, as he had pulled a similar stunt before, and chased him away."
Have an alert day, won't you!
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