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Showing posts from March, 2025

Top Study Tips for Students in Garissa to Excel in Exams

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Garissa students face unique challenges when preparing for exams, including limited study resources, frequent power outages, and distractions at home. However, with the right strategies, students can improve their academic performance. Here are some effective study tips tailored for learners in Garissa. 1. Create a Study Plan That Works for You A well-structured study plan is essential for effective learning. Many students struggle with time management, which can lead to last-minute cramming and increased stress. To avoid this, develop a personalized study timetable that prioritizes subjects based on difficulty and importance. Here are some key steps to creating an efficient study plan: Identify the best time for studying (early morning or late at night when it’s quieter). Allocate more time to difficult subjects and break down topics into manageable sections. Use a study timetable and stick to it. Set specific study goals for each session to stay on track. Keep your schedule flexible ...

Eid Celebrations in Garissa: A Festival of Faith, Family, and Community

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  Eid-ul-Fitr is one of the most significant Islamic celebrations worldwide, marking the end of Ramadan, a month of fasting, prayer, and devotion. In Garissa, a predominantly Muslim region, the occasion is observed with great enthusiasm, bringing the community together in faith, joy, and generosity. As families and friends reunite to celebrate this special day, the atmosphere in Garissa transforms into one of unity, reflection, and festivity. This article explores how Eid is celebrated in Garissa, from the spiritual aspects of the festival to the cultural and social traditions that make it unique. The Significance of Eid-ul-Fitr Eid-ul-Fitr, often referred to as the "Festival of Breaking the Fast," is a time for gratitude and renewal. It marks the conclusion of Ramadan, a sacred month in which Muslims fast from dawn to dusk, engage in prayers, and practice self-discipline. The festival is not only a celebration of the successful completion of Ramadan but also an opportunity t...

Garissa: A Thriving Nexus of Culture, Commerce, and Progress

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Garissa, the pulsating heart of northeastern Kenya, is a town that exudes an undeniable vibrancy, seamlessly interweaving deep-rooted traditions with the inexorable march of modernity. A confluence of cultural heritage, economic dynamism, and urban expansion, it thrives as a beacon of resilience and progress. At its core lies an intricate network of bustling markets, teeming with merchants whose animated exchanges fill the air with an almost musical cadence. The Garissa Main Market, a cornerstone of the town’s commercial ecosystem, is a kaleidoscope of colors and sounds—stalls adorned with intricately woven textiles, vendors hawking exotic spices and fresh produce, and the tantalizing aroma of Somali delicacies wafting through the air. The town’s identity, however, is perhaps most profoundly reflected in its thriving livestock trade, where pastoralists, some journeying from remote hinterlands, converge to barter camels, cattle, and goats in negotiations steeped in age-old traditions. T...

Garissa Main Market Witnesses Surge in Cattle Trade Amid Rising Demand and Local Challenges

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Garissa, Kenya – The Garissa main market, long known as a bustling hub for livestock trading, is once again at the center of attention as traders and pastoralists converge to sell cattle. With demand on the rise both locally and for export, the market has experienced a surge in activity. However, rising prices, infrastructural challenges, and broader socio-economic issues continue to impact the flow of trade. A Hub of Livestock Trade Garissa’s main market has traditionally served as the primary trading center for cattle and other livestock in the region. Pastoralists from across Garissa County and neighboring areas bring their animals to the market, where brokers and traders negotiate prices. The market not only facilitates local commerce but also plays a critical role in supplying cattle to major urban centers such as Nairobi and Mombasa, as well as serving cross-border trade into Somalia and other neighboring regions. Recent reports indicate that the number of cattle on display...

Garissa University Students Raise Concerns Over KSh 9,000 Community Service Learning (CSL) Fee

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  Students at Garissa University have raised concerns over a mandatory KSh 9,000 fee required for Community Service Learning (CSL) assessment, questioning the necessity of the charge and its impact on their academic progress. The fee, which is meant to facilitate lecturers who assess students’ fieldwork, has become a topic of discussion among learners, with many seeking clarification on its purpose and necessity. This development has sparked discussions among students, faculty, and university officials on whether the cost should be reviewed, reduced, or integrated into overall tuition fees. While CSL is an important academic requirement, students feel that the extra financial burden could affect their ability to complete their studies on time. Understanding Community Service Learning (CSL) Community Service Learning (CSL) is an integral part of many university programs, designed to provide students with hands-on experience in real-world settings. Unlike traditional classroom-based ...

Education in Garissa: Teacher Shortage Crisis and Efforts Toward Resolution

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Introduction Garissa County has long faced a critical shortage of teachers, particularly in rural areas. This issue has significantly impacted the quality of education, leading to overcrowded classrooms, reduced student engagement, and poor academic performance. Many schools in the county struggle with a limited number of teachers, forcing educators to handle multiple subjects or combine classes. However, recent developments show promising efforts toward addressing these challenges, including increased enrollment in teacher training programs and targeted recruitment initiatives. Extent of the Teacher Shortage Problem The teacher shortage in Garissa is a longstanding crisis that has affected primary and secondary schools for years. The problem is more severe in remote areas, where attracting and retaining qualified teachers has been difficult. Some schools operate with only a handful of teachers, making it nearly impossible to cover all subjects effectively. In extreme cases, a single t...

What's Garissa Famous For ?

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Garissa has long been a focal point in eastern Kenya, blending a rich cultural heritage with modern challenges and opportunities. The town, known for its historic significance and unique natural attractions, continues to draw attention both for its deep-rooted traditions and for recent security concerns that have put the region under a global lens. A Legacy of Culture and History At the heart of Garissa lies a vibrant tapestry of history and culture. As the capital of Garissa County, the town has evolved from a traditional market center into a bustling hub where local customs and modern influences intersect. The Garissa Museum stands as a testament to this heritage, preserving artifacts and narratives that chronicle the life and traditions of the local communities. Visitors to the museum and the surrounding areas are often captivated by stories of ancestral practices, traditional art, and the indigenous music that has been passed down through generations. Natural Attractions and Commun...

The Hidden Demands of Community Service Learning (CSL): What Every Student Must Know

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Community Service Learning (CSL) is an essential academic program designed to bridge the gap between theoretical learning and practical engagement with real-world issues. While many students embark on CSL expecting a simple volunteering experience, the reality is far more structured and academically rigorous. Here’s everything you need to know about CSL to ensure you meet the requirements and maximize the benefits of the program. 1. The 14-Week Logbook Requirement One of the most critical aspects of CSL is the logbook, which must be filled out consistently for 14 weeks from Monday to Friday. The logbook serves as a daily record of activities, reflections, and learning experiences throughout the program. It is essential to update it accurately and on time, as it plays a significant role in the final evaluation. Each entry should include: The specific activities performed each day Observations and challenges encountered Reflections on how these activities contribute to community developm...

Garissa University Unveils New Student Portal, Sparking Confusion Among Users

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  Garissa University has introduced a new student portal aimed at enhancing academic management and streamlining access to essential university services. However, the transition has been met with widespread confusion, as students grapple with the unfamiliar system and encounter challenges in completing their registration. The university administration has provided initial login credentials to facilitate access, instructing students to enter their registration number, with a default password set as 12345 . Upon successful entry into the system, users are required to furnish critical personal information, including their date of birth, place of origin, KCPE and KCSE index numbers, as well as their academic results. This step is imperative to ensure the accuracy of student records and facilitate seamless academic operations. One of the key features of the portal is the unit registration module, which allows students to enroll in their respective courses. However, many students hav...

Garissa University Updates: CSL Assessment and New Student Portal Rollout Cause Mixed Reactions

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  Garissa University has recently embarked on two significant activities that have caught the attention of students and faculty alike. The first involves the ongoing assessment of Community Service Learning (CSL) projects by lecturers, a process crucial in evaluating students’ engagement with societal challenges. The second is the launch of a new student portal, which, while aimed at improving access to academic services, has also sparked confusion and misunderstanding among students. 2. CSL Assessment: Evaluating Community Engagement The assessment of Community Service Learning (CSL) projects is a key component of Garissa University’s commitment to holistic education. CSL requires students to apply their academic knowledge in real-life community settings, addressing issues such as environmental conservation, literacy programs, and public health awareness. Lecturers have now started reviewing these projects, assessing how well students have met learning objectives and contributed t...

Six Police Reservists Killed in Suspected al-Shabaab Attack in Garissa

 On March 23, 2025, suspected al-Shabaab militants attacked a National Police Reservist camp in Biyamadhow, Fafi Sub-County, Garissa County, Kenya, around 5:30 AM. The assault resulted in the deaths of six police reservists and left four others seriously injured. The attackers overran the camp using assorted weapons, ransacked it, and seized firearms and other items. Some militants were also reportedly killed during the confrontation. In response, security operations have been intensified in the region to track down the assailants. This incident underscores the ongoing security challenges in areas near the Kenya-Somalia border, which have experienced repeated breaches by militant groups.