Positives and negatives of the standard gauge railway

Being the largest transport infrasructure project in the country since independence, the Standard Gauge Railway has brought many benefits to the Kenyan economy.

      

Madaraka express

By providing a fast, efficient and reliable mode of transportation, the SGR cargo trains help decongest the port of Mombasa by ensuring goods that arrive at the port are moved to the destination without delays.

The SGR enables passangers to enjoy a faster and cheaper journey compared to the eight hour bus trips between Nairobi and Mombasa

It has also brought about job creations. Starting with individuals employed in the construction sector, to the staff from diverse professional backgrounds working at the 33 stations and in the passenger and cargo rolling stock, the project has generated numerous job opportunities.

            

  SGR during construction

Due to the construction, there is increased industralization of the high demand of materials like cement, steel, stone, glass required for construction of the line and stations.

Tourism, being the main contributor to the Kenyan revenue, has been improved .The route via Nairobi- Mombasa has catchy scenes especially Tsavo National Park has boosted the number of international tourists visiting.

The SGR has reduced the number of heavy trucks on the road, reducing the number of accidents. It has also reduced the wear and tear of roads hence reducing road maitenance cost.

Despite the many benefits, the Standard Gauge Railway has it's negative impacts.

The positive aspects of the SGR have brought market disruption and caused loss of income for trucks and bus owners and job loss for turn boys and truck leaders.

The small businesses between towns that are heavily reliant on trucks and buses are in danger, of economic downfall as establishments like hotels and lodgings collapse due to lack of customers.

The SGR caused involuntary resettlement. During construction, some residents were forced to relocate. Well resettlement because of infrastructure development is a common phenomenon in Kenya. Although there is compensation, relocation to a new location is hard even with adequate compensation.

FEARS BEHIND THE DEADLY VIRUS

In February 2020, as fears of a world wide COVID-19 pandemic caused by a new corona virus from China spread across the globe, many Western news outlets began running stories suggestion the popular Mexican brand of beer called Corona due to their mistakenly connecting it with the corona virus. Now this is funny. A clear trope that suggests people are dumb that they think the beer and the virus are connected.

     

Some believe that China created this virus so as to use it against the Iranians during the World War III. All this backfired when the virus became stronger than the cure. Well this is just a myth . Others believe that the virus was spread by animals like cats and dogs. We are not sure.

     

Reportedly, Corona has caused 200 deaths in Italy and approximately 49 people died in 24hours. Over 684 cases in Germany and 206 cases in United Kingdom. 197 deaths exceed in China causing over 100,000 deaths globally. China exports fall by 17% hence a big loss to the Chinese government. This is causing fear as we breathe and meet people daily knowing it can get to us anytime.

There was a corona virus scare in Narok Eastsub-county because of Chinese nationals who were involved in a construction project. Residents feared because the nationals were seen with masks and hence suspected that they had the virus. They were quarantined at one of the Standard Gauge Railway construction sites.

The Government may seem to be promising in ensuring the safety of the citizens, buh how sure are we that the virus is not in our midst? It may be the biggest fear in most countries especially when you realize that life must go on and you don't really know when or how it comes. ' Don't touch your eyes, mouth and nose' is all they say. Will this practice really help prevent us from getting the virus?

This issue has really left many question marks as we just move hoping and praying all will be well and that we will stay healthy.

THE UNTOLD SECRETS OF CAMPUS LIFE

Have you ever thought how your dream city is like? Most of us have a fantasy about a city abroad that we have heard of or even seen in pictures. We only think about the luxury and the good things we hear about the city. But have you ever thought about how bad things could get when you actually go there?
While in highschool, we were told about how campus life is fun and all because you get to travel, make new friends, have all the freedom you want and nature your talents and skills. SCAM!!


Campus life is not as easy as it may seem. A lot of things happen in campus that people do not know about. Nowadays tragic deaths at universities are not taken seriously.
I talked to Alice, a 4th year student who seemed to be bitter about the happenings.


"Whatever happens in those hostels cannot be described. It is a whole practise of homosexuality and prostitution. Girls are desperate to get money that they'd rather date any man who can spoil them, some even qualify to be their parents. All this is caused by peer pressure and probably hanging out with the wrong people." Says Alice

Cases of unprotected sex as a result of intoxication are rampant, with many girls in most cases being too drunk to give consent for sex. We all know unprotected sex can lead to pregnancies, and even sexually transmitted diseases. It's  obvious that no one wants their peers or folks to know that they are pregnant hence leading to abortion or suicide.

"These girls are just naïve and probably lonely. Imagine leaving home, your parents knowing that you're going to school to learn but instead you are somebody's wife. Watu wanadanganyana uku nje and clearly that boy will not even marry you." Alice adds.
Campus relationships are the most toxic ones because there is alot of manipulation and these girls are only treated a 'sex toys'.

These innocent girls do not deserve this surprise. They should be prepared so as to know what exactly is in store for them when they go to campus. Just tell them 'Ni kubaya'.

Honestly, many things happen in campus starting off with drugs, being the main issue. Nevertheless, campus life is exactly how you take it and how you want to live it. Be your own person. Have all the fun you want but make sure it does not over power your purpose at the university. As they say, You only live once, but don't mess up your life at a young age.