The petition filed against the teacher's strike by two parents: Valleice Nimtula Wafula and Susan Wangari Muhoro in a case of the two parents versus Knut (Kenya National Union of Teachers) and Kuppet (Kenya Union of Post- Primary schools) was directed for a redraft of the petition thereafter to be served to both unions for the next hearing.
The petition filed against the teacher's strike by two parents: Valleice Nimtula Wafula and Susan Wangari Muhoro in a case of the two parents versus Knut (Kenya National Union of Teachers) and Kuppet (Kenya Union of Post- Primary schools) was directed for a redraft of the petition thereafter to be served to both unions for the next hearing.
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| USAID international youth day |
Kenya is documented to have a majority of its people under the youth bracket who are quick to swing to everything induced by the media. The youth have been oriented to have a mindset of instant pay through M-Pesa, instant communication through short message texting (sms) and social media texting not to mention the prevalence of ‘win a million and get rich instantly’ monthly draws.
An insight from a renowned BBC journalist from Kenya - Joseph Warungu about Kenya’s FM stations echoed a culture that is quickly getting out of hand.
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Elizabeth Njeri (right) and her grandmother (left) at the Mathare Early Childhood Development Center on May 18,2012. Elizabeth who was orphaned at childbirth is among the few lucky orphans who benefited from the former Mathare Day Care Center now Mathare Early Childhood Development Center |
It is an open secret that HIV and AIDS is one of the lead causes of the increase in the number of Orphaned and Vulnerable Children. In Kenya much has been done to fund existing child care centers and homes offering OVC services, but a gaping disconnect is still felt in low resource segments like slums dealing with the OVC problem. Most of the OVCs living in the slums find safe haven in these facilities which are met with a host of challenges -- from lack of space and facility to untrained personnel responsible for day to day operations.
Elizabeth Njeri, who was orphaned at child birth and is now a healthy ten year old girl, is a beneficiary of such centers. She was found by neighbors in a vulnerable and sickly state back in their Naivasha home where her mother used to live and work in the Naivasha flower plantations. Given her sickly condition Elizabeth had to be admitted at the Kenyatta National Referral Hospital where doctors advised that the hospital should take custody as she had lost her primary care giver and required urgent treatment.
The Beetle is famous for its longevity, the longest-running and most manufactured car with a single design platform. For those who have owned or kept a keen eye on the Volkswagen over the years, it is one car design that can be quickly picked out from a collection of cars in the city streets or on a highway. Known for its brilliant workmanship the Volkswagen Beetle has not failed to upscale its much needed effort to remain competitive among its peers. The much anticipated third generation design of the Beetle 2012 is already in the bid for launch and I must say it is a much more sophisticated coupe than its predecessor, the New Beetle, that debuted in the US markets in 1998.The Three variants
The third generation Beetle comes with a wider (3.3 inches wider and 6 inches longer), lower clearance, with a flatter roof and more horse power than its predecessors. Variants - what the Volkswagen calls trim levels of the 2012 Volkswagen beetle are also much in the offing with the Base Beetle, Beetle 2.5 and the Beetle Turbo available for the customers’ preferences.1.0 Base Beetle
The Base Beetle will sell for a starting price of $18,995 for its five-speed manual transmission. Being launched this year (2012) the base Beetle will come with 17-inch and 18-inch alloy wheels, power windows with one-touch up and down, cloth seats, cruise control, 50/50 folding rear seats, a computer monitor and an eight-speaker surround stereo system. A Beetle L version will also be on sales later in the summer season in Europe, with additional features such as: heated front seats, a second glove box, Bluetooth and a media interface for digital accessories for mobile devices like iPods and smart phones.1.1 Beetle turbo
For power junkies, the Turbo version is the ideal choice and a good investment for a fun driving experience. For an extra $3,600 compared to the 2.5L, the turbo charged 2.0 liter four cylinder offers better acceleration, faster wheel response in steering and an overall wholesome sporty feel.In theory, the 200-horse power turbo looks like an upgrade from the Beetle 2.5 L but its performance has to be coupled with a dual-clutch six speed automatic transmission to experience the distinct difference. This engine is however recommended for those who can compromise on loud sound engines because the Beetle Turbo can be very loud for a non-turbo enthusiast.
1.2 Beetle 2012 2.5 L
With style and sophistication comes compromise of higher prices. But with the Beetle 2012 2.5 L, style can be provided with much affordability. The 2.5 liter five – cylinder engine will launch in a starting price of $20,895 for its six speed automatic transmission version. Added features to the 2.5 L such as with Sunroof will go for $22.295 with the manual and $23,395 for the automatic. Like other variants of the Volkswagen, the 2012 Beetle also has the disadvantage of engine buzzing even with the modest of accelerations.Old and Modern design cues
Volkswagen has managed to combine old and modern design cues in styling the 2012 Beetle. The front exterior represents an evolution of prior generations while the rear borrows slightly on the original Beetle with its flattened roofline and C-pillars that form an arc extending to the rear bumper.The Volkswagen Beetle 2012 is marginally larger than its predecessor measuring 3.3 inches wider and 6 inches longer than the Beetle. This enhances more space, stability and a more ‘manly look’ (giving credit to a flatter roof, a straighter chopped windshield and less rounded body edges).My take on the 2012 Beetle, it is closer to becoming a unisex car model and will certainly lure more men into purchase, pushing the Volkswagen company higher in its bid to gain market share.
The Smart UPS 1500 is an uninterpretable power supply device built by the American company APC and hails in status among award – winning Smart-UPS models. Like any other UPS, it is used to protect data from networks or servers, by providing a regulated amount of power for a certain period of time during power outages. The smart UPS 1500 has earned it stripes by merit in its ability to be efficient even in fluctuating power load levels. It is ideal especially for the latest types of virtualized server systems which have the tendency of fluctuating power consumption load levels.
The smart UPS 1500 variants
The smart UPS 1500 comes in various designs: the rack design, the tower design and the convertible design which can convert to both tower and rack. These variant models also merit its ‘popular’ nature by having its design compatible to every application that requires UPS enabled services. For instance by customer review and usage, the rack design is suitable for virtue (density optimized servers) that are utilized in environments that require large power distributions.Product upgrade enhancements
By product enhancement the APC Company has managed to give its loyal customers an upgrade from previous versions of the smart UPS (such as the smart 1000 and 700 UPS).The smart 1500 UPS comes with longer battery performance which allows almost half an hour back-up time threshold when it is half loaded and seven minutes back-up time when fully loaded.In terms of improved monitoring and alert capabilities, the smart 1500 UPS has inbuilt software known as the Power Chute software where a user can connect through its serial or USB port to a local or remote internet access. The software has up to forty events that execute useful capabilities such as setting the internal buzz system to warn of a potential error or pop-up a dialog window for an email alert. Its most useful feature is the shutdown sequence. If a user for instance experiences a power dropout when using their PC, the smart 1500 shutdown sequence activates and after the battery attains its critical power level it gives priority to the Operating System safe log off before a complete system shutdown.
Upgrade enhancements done to the smart UPC 1500 also feature a fan system which is not found in older models like the 1000 smart UPS. The fan helps to emit heat when the system gets hot while its inbuilt thermostat helps to turn on the fan when required, thus offering a quiet atmosphere under normal temperature conditions.
The limitations
Apart from its heavier weight compared to previous models (largely due to its larger batteries) and its unpleasant noise from the fan, the smart 1500 UPS weaknesses merely overshadows its strengths. It is efficiently capable of providing service to units as small as retail outlets and homes to massive companies dealing with data and voice networks.For large networks,the Smart-UPS XL version is most suitable with an extension capability of increasing run time.By its configuration, this model can be fitted with external battery packs, which translates to more power input. The start up businesses and mid-size enterprises can benefit from the basic smart UPS that is economical and can protect small equipment and network gadgets.A PC user may onetime need to recover data when the computer has ‘crashed’ or when it is required to trouble shoot a piece of hardware or software. This is where a boot disk comes in handy. It is that digital data storage medium designed for use by a computer to load and run an operating system or any other utility program.
The PC however must have a pre-installed program which will load and execute a program from the boot disk that is compatible with the PC’s BIOS (set of instructions that tell the computer where to look for a hardware or software such as a mouse or an operating system)
The most prevalent boot disk used by the PC community is the bootable CD-Rom from which your PC can boot from. It is important for any PC user to distinguish the difference between a bootable CD- Rom and a CD –Rom which can be inserted in a CD-Rom drive for an operating system to execute when the “auto play” dialog window pops-up. The bootable CD –Rom on the other hand will load in a CD-Rom drive and a boot image is presented which then gives instructions.
With modern PC’s configurations have been made in the attempt to boot from various devices in a certain order. If the PC in question is not booting from the device desired by the user, tinkering of the order can be done by entering the BIOS setup function. This process involves pressing a special key when the PC is first powered on (such as F1, F2, F3 or F12) depending on the model of the PC and then a change of the order can be done. Most BIOS versions these days can prematurely stop the booting process by pressing a special key F11 which results in the view of a list of bootable devices from which a selection can be made. If your PC is a modern macintosh computer the booting process will take place from an appropriate disk if the user presses the C key when the computer is powered on.
The Ultimate Boot CD for both Windows users and other operating system users has been designed to cater for that PC user who may have a hard time finding various tools to run a diagnostic on his or her PC. It is a consolidation of diagnostic tools ranging from CD- ROMs that can run floppy-based diagnostic tools, to the latest booting method using a USB memory stick.
The Ultimate Boot CD provides all the tools required for various diagnostics in a single CD version. So the next time you need to boot from a bootable disk to run a clean virus scan or repair a corrupted Windows operating system, set your BIOS boot order to allow CD –Rom booting and all consolidated tools in the Ultimate Boot CD will be just a click away.
The concept of FTP transfer involves a client-server model, where a user through an FTP client must have a connection to an FTP server, where files will be sent and retrieved from the server side. For the process to be tenable for commercial usage during its inception, files had to be sent and retrieved with no data loss deeming them corrupted. A reliable Transmission Control Protocol was initiated to offer a logical connection on formatting rules when FTP commands are passed.
An establishing connection and authentication has to be made to execute the two basic commands needed for sending and receiving files. Hence with an interface between an FTP user and the Transport File Protocol, interaction can be enhanced. Recent improvements of the interface, allows transfer of files a mouse click away, an action previously done through memorizing commands.
The RFC standards for FTP
The year 1971 saw the development of the first mechanism to support file transfers. The RFC 114 was created to deal with the implementation of hosts on the server model. Slight improvements were then enhanced on the file transfer protocol allowing a client-level orientation, meaning host computers could transfer files to each other. A review was then made to introduce a ‘uniform style of data’ in the RFC 294 of 1982.But a significant touch of improvement that gave the FTP mechanism a way to transfer files efficiently and reliably among hosts was defined by the RFC 354 FTP standard. This improvement enhanced convenient capabilities of remote file storage. Subsequent reviews were undertaken and published in the RFC 414,RFC 430,RFC 454 FTP standards ,where an emphasis on errors, protocol additions and the working process of the server and user FTPs was highlighted.Over the years FTP developers revised on comments made on prior publications, the subject between the old and new designs being a significant highlight to their discussions. But what made a mark in the FTP standard transitions was the stipulation of the RFC 765 standard which specified the use of FTP with the TCP protocol, a standard still in use to date.
FTP servers’ risk potential
FTP was initially designed for a selected group of trustees either from government or a learning institution such as a University. It was not invented for modern day internet since the data being transferred cannot be encrypted, leaving it vulnerable to cyber crime. Hackers can easily use packet sniffers to access user names and passwords in most insecure network configurations.FTP servers are also not secure and are often an access point to cyber crime activity.Installation of FTP servers is a complex operation which requires special skill sets to install, manage error eventualities and most important configure the servers to the organization’s set-up. This sometimes has a negative drive to FTP developers who are reluctant to set-up FTP servers to non-technical enterprises that are incapable of performing complex trouble shooting and maintenance required.
An FTP delivery does not offer a guarantee of file delivery hence there is no mechanism to notify a successful delivery. Users have to communicate with the file recipient to confirm delivery or dictate a re-sending of the file. If a situation that warrants a retrieval of lost password or usernames, this complex application does not offer user management and a user has to result to data recovery process.
Waterborne heating is one of the best heating systems that can benefit on a small or large scale basis. In parts of the world that experience long spells of winter (such as Europe and Russia) this system has been tested and used to offer heat from units as small as houses to a whole city parameter. As long as a heating system has hot water pumped internally, it can fall into the category of a waterborne heating system.
Under floor heating
There are a wide range of configurations built upon the science of waterborne heating systems one of them being under floor heating. Prevalent to most residential houses in long winter spell countries is the use of radiators placed beneath windows that use convection currents to circulate heat in different rooms. The science around it involves the collision of hot air and cold air which in effect sends the currents upwards which travel the width or length of the room. The cold air emanating from the glass window and the hot air from the radiator starts this process.Narrowing it down to under floor heating, the concept of waterborne heating is an ideal method of heat distribution compared to the use of conventional radiators. The best reason being that in the right circumstances surrounding the installment of an under floor heating system, there is effective consumption of energy.
How it works
From a technical approach according to Base Articles, heat released through radiation in comparison with the heat released through air movement, is increased with under floor heating. Unlike air movement, heat radiation transports heat immediately to the surrounding and distributes the heat more evenly in the room. Most conventional radiators use air movements to release heat. The hot air rises to the ceiling where it is not really required while the cold air flows just above the floor within foot and head range. A content feeling of warmth is felt when cold air is within and above head room range and warmer air at the feet.Under floor heating as a configuration of waterborne heating is a concept that revolves around pipes, hot water and a floor. Pipes with hot water circulating through them are fitted under a given floor in order to heat it. It is the heat emitted from these pipes that keeps the floor warm. A warm feeling underneath is effected by heat generation at a low temperature which spreads evenly across a large area in the room. Pipes are installed in concrete or aluminum plates which allow that even spread of heat across a given proximity.
If a house or an office has challenges involving air circulation and ventilation, under floor heating greatly reduces air movements and dust circulation warranting no need for the dust-collecting radiators on walls. Not only does water borne under floor heating give efficient heat distribution through the winter,(it operates at low temperatures which work well together with energy efficient heat sources such as solar panels) but also saves on energy costs.
Water bone heating is not a one hit wonder as it can trace its roots back in ancient Europe, where families used to use coal and firewood to heated water currents were for warmth through the winter. But as times have changed and technology improved, the only element that will seem to hold this form of heating into the future is for the government and its people to find resourceful energy alternatives. I can think of one, Mother Nature’s thermal energy.
The annual New York City motor exhibition of 2012 hosted ten of the best cars in their respective segments. With its usual top quality standards in entrance requirements, the big apple did not fall short of its record performance. For the critics it was slightly modest but overall it was a breath taking stage of pure brilliance.
The 2014 Chevrolet Impala
Among the ten contenders was the 2014 Chevrolet Impala. The parent company (Chevrolet) decided to complete its transformation of its North American passenger car segment by introducing expressive style, more refined interior, easy to use technology that will revolutionize the Chevrolet’s car model driving experience.According to Autoblog , the all new brand is set to totally transform the Chevrolet passenger line-up with a new gathering space of style and refinement both from its exterior and interior as well as new industry-exclusive safety features.
The 2013 Lincoln MKZ
The 2013 Lincoln MKZ also made its entry to the big apple’s annual motor show as a second generation to its Lincoln’s entry level front drive sedan category. Ford has made advances to create credibility in its luxury-car investment and the MKZ was voted to lead the advance.
Ford Mondeo
The new MKZ debuted in tandem with the Ford’s Mondeo model and the Ford Fusion to represent the company’s CD4 global architecture. Fitted with Ford’s new turbocharged Eco Boost four-cylinders the new engine replaced the previous 3.5 litre V-6 engine. The turbo charged engine would be assisted by a six speed dual clutch automatic transmission .An all wheel drive component was in the offing, as well as a gasoline-electric hybrid system, the latter burning component still yet to be determined.Mercedes Benz C-class
2013 Nissan Altima
In an attempt to help reduce fatigue experienced in long journeys the Nissan Company introduced to the market the 2013 Nissan Altima. This car exudes comfort and according to a posture research done by the National Aeronautics and Space Administration(NASA),the least fatiguing seats are those that are closest to a “neutral posture” (relaxed position that the human body takes in a weightless environment).The Altima’s new articulated seat shape was rated by NASA to have qualified.Reducing driver fatigue will be the Nissan Altima’s competitive edge in the industry with a provision of leather-appointed seats for particular models.
The 2013 SRT (Street Racing Technology) brand was also in exhibition, redesigned to match power and performance, superior craftsmanship, new technologies and comfort provisions.This highly anticipated return to the high performance sports market was graced by the launch of the new 2013 SRT viper and SRT Viper GTS, both high in performance with an additional creature comforts facility the sports market has not yet experienced.
Other revelations in the New York international Auto show included the Mercedez Benz S 165 AMG, the sensational new 2013 Toyota Avalon which made World Debut with an offing of innovative technologies such as advanced capacitive touch switches with positioning and sensitivity that makes them ideal for vehicle system controls, the Fisker Atlantic concept car that is a green energy car project which will run on Fisker’s advanced Ever power train technology and finally the Infiniti LE concept car which unlike its predecessors will come with a sweeping aerodynamic body, an elegantly intelligent interior, inspired driving performance and advanced next-generation technology. The infinity LE concept car will be among the electric cars in the auto show that will uphold projects undertaking green energy for a sustainable future.
From Italian car makers to the Americans overseas, this motor show does not fall short of its potential to attract those that matter in the auto industry. Since its inception the Geneva Motor Show has been the exhibition ground for almost all models in the world that come to meet their present and future customers. Pride to the organizers it is the only automotive event in Europe of its magnitude, able to attract the elite segments in the auto industry. The brilliant concept of them all about the Geneva show is its ability to play neutral. This rare advantage came about from the fact that it lacks an automotive industry of its own hence making it attractive to unbiased ‘judgments’.This year’s show (2012) hosted its usual collection of the motor industry as a whole with a blend of production cars, concepts, designs and much more.
The Bentley EXP 9 F
The Lamborghini Aventandor j
The Lamborghini Aventador j also made it to a spot in the Geneva Auto show designed as a speedster car brand of Lamborghini. The (J) alphabet signifies it’s mark of a race car by Lamborghini. The Aventador J breaks even from other Lamborghini cars by its unique ‘alien – like’ features according to Edmunds.com , vicious acceleration, sublime steering, an unmatched presence and more spacious cabin than its predecessor. It certainly made it to the event much to its unique features but also for the mere fact that it was the first and the last to be built.V12 Zagato
The Ashton Martin family didn’t fall back from the pack with their magnificent V12 Zagato with a starting price tag of $ 525000. This launch came at a time when the company is driving inspiration from the V 12 vantage point which they hope will make a revolution to their vision for the next fifty years.Audi 3
In the hatchback category the Audi family represented the segment with unveiling of the Audi A3 (A more efficient version of the company’s small three-door car.) Audi was innovative in its development of efficiency technologies (such as direct injection, thermal management and fuel shutoff to discourage fuel thirst) for its three engine variants. Efficiency is also enhanced by the reduction of 176 pounds (about 80 Kilograms) of chassis weight that makes it lighter.Toyota launched its ambitious plan to size down its hybrid technology to the middle market segment. It saved a spot in the Geneva Auto show by introducing a full-hybrid, ultra-light weight car that has used conventional material for its production. This translates to a reduction in its cost at market price and an economically viable concept since it also achieves low emissions.Agera model- 2013 Koenigsegg
The updated Agera model- 2013 Koenigsegg debuted at the Geneva Motor Show with some exquisite features. The Agera R will feature the world’s first hollow, a one piece carbon fiber wheel that saves the wheel 44 pounds (19 kilograms) of unshaped mass and a metal part reserved only for the tire valve. These innovative technologies including the nano-surfaced cylinder sleeves were cause for Agera’s spot in Switzerland.Bugatti Veryon
The reason for Bugatti Veryon’s inclusion in the Geneva Motor show was Bugatti’s CEO Wolfgang Durheimer’s team’s ability to redefine the boundaries of the greatest Bugatti roadster. The Grand sport vitesse received a performance boost by inclusion of greater force-induction from its enlarged quad turbos and an extra punch from its stiffened chassis.Ferrari F12
A show stopper known for glamor at its best, the Ferrari F12 made a worthy presence in Switzerland as a suitable successor to its predecessor the 599. Despite its conservative style approach tracing its bloodline back to the 275 and 365 brands, whose brands were held with utmost respect,the Ferrari F12 commands respect in being fuel economical (in its category) while running on a V12 engine.Part of its name (Megapixel) speaks volumes of its size - a very small car that was designed for the future and an improvement from the failed Tata Nano project. It represents a concept the Indian conglomerate Tata is pushing to achieve – a car designed for the future. If it does go to production the emerging markets should be a target given it suitability as a city car and the markets’ ever sprouting cities.
Communication frequencies have over the years been improved into higher frequencies that can reach greater distance with less power. The most common frequencies used in today's world are radio, microwave and infrared frequencies. Other frequencies available are Gamma ray frequencies, Ultraviolet frequencies and X-ray frequencies, not cut out for communication devices.
Infrared technology used to provide light through laser beams for optical fiber communication systems cannot be nearly emphasized. Transmission varies with the wavelength distance, 1,330 nautical miles giving the least dispersion and 1,550 nautical miles giving the best transmission.
In addition to the merits in standardization is the factor of economy. In its inception Wireless LAN technology that is in the bracket of Radio technology/wireless communications did not follow industry standards and was unlicensed. The first generation wireless LAN rolled out with no standards and needed specialized components for its systems which led to high operation costs for the company and a limitation to its performance and adoption in the market. This outcome initiated standards for the second generation wireless LAN whose aftermath did not disappoint. The IEEE 802.11 family of standards was created and became a reference point to the latest improvement of the IEEE 802.11a which is the standard for the 5GHZ wireless LAN band.
Radio frequency
Radio frequency or Radio communication is a technology that hails back to the 18th century just a few decades after the invention of the telephone. Radio communication brought about by analog or digital signals transmitted in short wavelengths from a transmitter to a receiver or antennae. Radio technology was designed to integrate communication to radio communications such as television, radio receiver and other wireless networking. Today the transition of analog to digital has largely been embraced by emerging and developing countries, where transmission involves binary bits data received from a data signal or a digitization of an analog signal.Infrared frequency
In estimation more than two billion people in the world have access to infrared transmissions either through their television sets or computer devices. How a big percentage of the world’s population is in access to infrared frequency transmission by the use of remote controls. Remote controls use infrared LED’s (light emitting diodes) to emit infrared radiation that is captured and transformed into a narrow beam through a plastic lens. By modulation the beam allows for encoding of data signals which the receiver (such as a television set) picks and converts the infrared radiation to an electric current. Where infrared transmission may lack in wide-range coverage, it compensates with zero interference with other devices as it does not penetrate walls, and is very useful for indoor use.Infrared technology used to provide light through laser beams for optical fiber communication systems cannot be nearly emphasized. Transmission varies with the wavelength distance, 1,330 nautical miles giving the least dispersion and 1,550 nautical miles giving the best transmission.
Microwave Radio frequency
Transmissions in broadcast and telecommunication had all along used the Radio frequency infrastructure with longer wavelengths and lower frequencies. This translated to limited bandwidth in the radio frequency bandwidth. A shorter wavelength with a higher bandwidth was introduced – Microwave radio. Microwaves are used in OB vans (specially equipped utility van for transmission in remote locations).Standards in the grand scheme of things
In practice,it is imperative that standards are part of the grand scheme of things.Standards are a stringent guide to help communication systems operate in an insured and regulated environment.Systems can interact with each other following similar standards without vested interests inculcated in the standards stipulated. However,standardized committees both in the US (IEEE) and Europe (ETSI) decided not to allow static standardization for all components in systems’ design. This allows room for innovation and production of dynamic communication systems.In addition to the merits in standardization is the factor of economy. In its inception Wireless LAN technology that is in the bracket of Radio technology/wireless communications did not follow industry standards and was unlicensed. The first generation wireless LAN rolled out with no standards and needed specialized components for its systems which led to high operation costs for the company and a limitation to its performance and adoption in the market. This outcome initiated standards for the second generation wireless LAN whose aftermath did not disappoint. The IEEE 802.11 family of standards was created and became a reference point to the latest improvement of the IEEE 802.11a which is the standard for the 5GHZ wireless LAN band.
Small Beginnings
It was when necessity proved priority that invention came about for two accountant students in Day star University. Peter Ndungu a third year Accounts major at Athi-river and Rogers Nzivo of the same major (Accounts) decided it was unreasonable to watch untapped market in Daystar waste away when in fact it could work to their advantage.The pair settled for a business enterprise initiative after weighing various options most of which were duly profitable."How about we take orders from customers and supply right at their door steps?" Peter Ndungu consulted with his partner in business. I guess he may have borrowed a school of thought from Uchumi supermarkets CEO Jonathan Ciano when he said in the weekly NTV(Nation Television) Daytime show PM LIVE that in business its all about the customer , knowing your customer and his needs will always reward you handsomely."Take the service to their doorstep if you have to."advised Mr.Jonathan.
Chapa Investments was duly born after much oral and written market research. It was a case of taking advantage of the untapped market that the competitors had overlooked.Chapa Investments is in the business of cooking and supplying such as mandazis,samosa and chapatis right at their customers' door steps free of charge and at a subsidised rate cost for the snack ordered.
Compared with the local hotels in Daystar University that offer the same food commodity at higher prices,(Chapatis at 30 Kshs) i guess any average consumer would opt for the 'better option'. In fact Chapa Investments style of delivering service plus the student pocket friendly rates is a win win situation if you ask me.
The challenges
If you have ever established an enterprise before you know that any enterprise doesn't come without its pitfalls. The pair had to invest heavily in managing the most rare of resources 'Time'.I guess i could stand to be corrected as 'rare' could be relative.Being students the two have to juggle between school work and business which in most cases one of the activities has to come short. Waking up at 2.30 a.m everyday to prepare not less than a hundred and fifty chapati for supply is way beyond any students scope of sacrifices.This challenge led yet to another pit fall, what the business community likes to call 'overflow of demand' where the demand is higher than the supply.In this case Chapa Investments faces this challenge of too much demand than they can supply despite their considerable sacrifices.
Achievements
Since its small beginnings Chapa Investments has grown within its limits as a small enterprise by adding a bicycle to its assets.
The mountain bike investment which cost the enterprise Kes. 4000 made good its value as it now provides the enterprise with better and more efficient delivery services. Now as your trusted supplier Chapa Investments assures of timely deliveries at the comfort of your house or hostel.
Future plans
The advantage of running a small enterprise is being in position to plan for expansion at the entrepreneurs choice of time. It can be a much recent or future plan. For Peter and Rogers the niche market is rich with opportunities to expand. Chapa Investments plans to go into the computer services business and aquire a permanent premise to operate in.In the near future the pair plan to employ more people as suppliers in the various hostels identified while they concentrate fully on production. For Chapa Investment its partnership is its cornerstone by combining both the human and financial resources the investment has potential to expand. "I hope to continue with the support from my partner in our future initiative and as for Daystar students Chapa Investments can be a reference point of how practical business is, so take charge and pursue opportunities." says Peter Ndungu.