Getting 0% On Plagiarism Check Is Refreshing

Sometimes when you are researching for an MA essay, you’ll encounter hundreds of journals and books. The need to remain original is a bit tricky especially when you know your University runs a sophisticated plagiarism detectors.

Worried about this, and knowing the difficulty of getting free and secure online plagiarism checking tools. I Googled for solution and was lucky to have found one with options of a premier account for those not patient enough to wait for the half hour delay on the free account.

My first try did not disappoint me and had a return of 0%, for those who are still schooling, you’ll know the importance of such result.

The site is designed to be user-friendly and trust me you will not get better offer than that keeping in mind that countless fake sites do exist. Your files are safe on the site and will not be sold to websites that collect original work of unsuspecting students. You have an option of deleting your submission or if you forget, the PlagTacker team will delete after a prescibed period.

Go and half a try!

Firm Embraces Modern Security

By Mohamed Abdulrahman

The Integrated Security System (ISS) for the Port of Mombasa which was jointly funded by the Government of Kenya and the World Bank to a tune of 21.4 million U.S Dollars is now entering its final phase.

Fifty eight per cent of the capital works have now been done and this will be followed by the installation of software and other components.

In the wake of the 9/11 attacks in the United States, The International Ship and Port Facility Security Code (ISPS Code) set measures to enhance the security of ships and port facilities in response to the perceived threats.

Kenya Ports Authority (KPA) management initiated the project in 2010 to conform to the International Maritime Organization (IMO). The international competitive tender was won and awarded to Magal SecuritySystems from Israel – a leading international provider of security products. The management is seen to be keen to implement the project as soon as possible.

The project carried out by Magal Security Systems includes,

 

• Perimeter Intrusion Detection Systems (PIDS) 

• Ø 10 kilometers of smart fence with Magal′s innovative locating sensor – Barricade II and Various types of gates with access control.

• Closed Circuit TV (CCTV)

• Ø Full CCTV solution with long range day and night surveillance cameras,
• Ø Static Pan Tilt Zoom (PTZ) cameras supported by Magal′s latest Intelligent Video Analytics (IVA)
• Ø Intelligent Video Analytics product – Maestro DB; intercom and radio communication and other security elements.
• Physical Security Information Management (PSIM)
  • Ø A Site Management Open System that enhances command, control and decision making during both routine operations and crisis situations.

The above will be networked and integrated by Fortis – Magal′s state of the art Physical Security Information Management (PSIM) system.The turnkey project will be crucial in securing the port from emerging threats of terrorism, but more importantly, securing the trade and growth of Kenya and its neighboring countries.In addition, KPA will reap the prestige of becoming fully ISPS (International Ship and Port facility Security) compliant, addressing the security challenges within this sensitive region.Over the past 40 years, Magal has delivered tailor-made solutions to hundreds of satisfied customers in over 80 countries.

We are all security agents!

By Mohamed Abdulrahman

Compared to ten years ago, general insecurity in some parts of the East African region can no longer be taken lightly.   Security threats have become dominant in private and official talks, the Kenya Ports Authority being no exception.

In every business set up, security of staff and property take top priority. No productivity or any development can be sustained in insecure environments.  Hence, in the recent past, the management has severally issued security alerts to staff and their families detailing how to behave during the heightened security alert period – especially now when police have warned of looming attacks during this holy month of Ramadan.

 

Threats of terror are real. Going by recent incidents in the country where attacks have targeted social gatherings, one cannot afford to take a softer line in watching over one’s shoulders. Be it at work, home, shopping malls or social centres, maximum caution must be exercised at all times; and this is when the issued security alert guidelines become handy. This, however, does not mean that we should be paranoid of engaging with our daily needs. Rather, we should be smarter in assessing and sniffing danger.

The malicious and random attacks and the targeting of symbolic buildings and facilities for selfish ideological gains and instilling fear in the populace is the prime objectives of terrorists.

Fortunately, our security team, working closely with other arms of the government is fully aware of these insidious schemes and has put in place stringent measures to avert any such attacks. Conducting a complete physical check on every person and cars entering the port are mandatory especially when the alert level is high. Though infeasible as it may seem, our security team is trained in profiling threats.

But the team, on its own cannot do everything. It requires the involvement and cooperation of all and sundry to establish a secure environment at work and home.

All staff are therefore asked to be observant and report suspicious characters and activities to the authorities concerned. This can include reporting people who show unusual level of interest in operations, personnel, equipment or facilities.

New faces/personalities not looking familiar with the environment or have no identifications or proper reasons for being in the Port should be interrogated further. As it has now emerged, one cannot tell a terrorist by race, religion, tribe or name. It could be the man or woman next door. We are all security agents.

(This Editorial was first published for KPA Staff Newsletter by the same author)

Mombasa’s Uhuru Gardens

 

By Mohamed Abdulrahman

Along the busy Moi Avenue lays a park hidden in the middle of Mombasa town.  An inviting cool, pleasant crisp smell of the air fills your lungs at the entrance of the gardens.

The well manicured grass is cut out neatly.  A slight breeze whispers along the trees as it teases leaves into releasing their tentative hold. One cannot fail to notice the Uhuru gardens that lay in harmony with the famous immortal double pair of elephant tusksthat

Revellers having fun at the garden

overlook the park.

David Mkare, 20, sits alone quietly eating from his lunch box; he seems engraved in his own thoughts, for he is a college student waiting for his first job interview, there is no better place for him in Mombasa that can calm his nerves than the historical Uhuru gardens.

Like many in the Mombasa Island, David is a frequent user of the park “I come here every day especially during my lunch breaks. It’s a very good place to catch up with friends” says David who also comes to the park when reading for his exams.

Two monuments located at the site serve to honour the country’s struggle for independence as well as a fig tree that grows in the site where the Union Jack was brought down and Kenya’s national flag hoisted for the first time. In the middle of the park lies a beautiful though non- functional fountain made in the shape of the African continent. The fountain gives the park a glossy finish of beauty.

Everyone is busy engaged in their business. Lovers walking hand in hand on the cabro-made pathway are oblivious to the sounds surrounding them and the leaves crunching under their feet as they walk a well-trodden path. A young man seated on the built in stone benches is deeply engrossed on his phone barely noticing the person sitting next to him.

The area is a perfect place one can sit down, spend a few hours of solace either reading a book or just simply lay down and sleep. Occasional photographers like Jennifer Wavinya, 25, would try to convince you to have a Kodak moment while snack vendors are stationed around should you need something to bite.

Security is at its tops in the park. Two security men walk by slowly but alert. Tony Mtsango, a guard working at the park for the past five years reveals to us how a normal day goes by at the park. “The park is a very safe place to sit and relax. Security is provided 24 hours in shifts to ensure that no one steps on the lawn during the day and sleep in the park at night.” Says Tony.

“People come by mostly during the afternoon hours to take a break from the hustle and bustle.” adds Tony.

According to the guard revelers visit the place more often during the weekends and are allowed to hold events after seeking express permission from KPA. Tourists who visit the tusks also find shelter from the harsh sun under the large Fig trees.

The Uhuru gardens mostly used for social gatherings and recreation was first established in 1963 after Kenya’s independence to commemorate the event.

Kenya Ports Authority (KPA) as part of its Corporate Social Responsibility took the duty of rehabilitating the park during the IAAF World Cross Country Championship held in Mombasa city for the first time at a cost of 7.1 million shillings in 2007 and a further 2.88 million in yearly maintenance.

In the subsequent years, due to poor or lack of proper maintenance, the park lost its glory and was at the centre of controversies for many years.

KPA’s intervention was God sent according to Mariam Mnyawa, 20, a cleaner at the park adding that the people of Mombasa must thank KPA for the work they are doing for the community.

Apart from the maintaining the park for the comfort of the residents, KPA also builds schools and health centres on the maritime counties.

The park was owned by the Municipal Council of Mombasa and has since been transferred to the National Museums of Kenya owing to the history it holds.

Walking out of the gardens, ones attention is drawn to a sign board located strategically at the garden reading – ‘Rehabilitation was done and is maintained by the Kenya Ports Authority for comfort of the residents and beauty of the city of Mombasa’.

As the setting sun throws its piercing rays through the leafy vegetation, Jennifer, the photographer takes one last picture of a couple. For her, she attains yet another successful day in her job. As she winds up placing her camera in the bag, Jennifer heads home with a smile.

 

 

 

 

Alcohol Dependency – When The Dear Bottle Takes Effect and Brings You Down.

By Mohamed Abdulrahman.

John Juma (not his real name) is an alcoholic anonymous member at Bandari Clinic. He walks in to a calm room that is reserved for counseling sessions. Today is not a normal counseling day for Juma as he expects to pour out his heart to the avid readers of the Bandari Newsletter.

Sister Salome Wasike a senior counselor at the clinic trails Juma as he puts up a straight face. He walks to the centre of the room where a large conference table dwarfs the interior of the supposedly spacious room. He pulls a chair and sits right across me.

Although his face is not too animated, a look of passion juts out of Juma’s dark piercing eyes as he stares at me, he looks timid at first rubbing his hand over his crinkled black hair while labouring to say hello.

I oblige to the greetings as Sister Wasike beckons me to start the interview whilst securing the freshly painted door of the less known about a counseling room. The bang of the door sets the tempo of the dialogue.
Juma is suddenly filled with anguish as he starts narrating his past ordeal to me.
“I am a 38 year old man married with 2 children, 12 year old son and a 6 year old daughter. Coming from a Christian family, I grew up as a cultured young man adored by villagers in the sloppy terrains of Kakamega County.

Juma is a recovering alcohol dependent, he had abused alcohol for fifteen years before Bandari clinic counselors came to his rescue.
He attended Kakamega Primary School and later on did his ‘O’ levels in 1996, after which he was able to secure a job at Kenya Ports Authority as a Clerk at the Conventional Cargo.

Just like any other person out there seeking employment, he had big dreams of a prosperous future. He saw himself saving money, assisting his parents, building a mansion, owning the latest car and buying plots that he would later on develop.
All this came to stand still when he made friends with some of his colleagues at the work place.

“One day as I was assisting my wife to run errands for the family, my friends asked me to join them for a drink as we watched soccer.” He narrated.

Juma is a big fan of Arsenal and since he could not afford the exorbitant monthly subscription of pay television; he made it a daily routine to walk to the bar on weekends where the bait of alcoholism lied in wait.

Time went by as he became faithful to his drink and addicted to peer pressure. He remembers the many occasions his friends would tease him – wewe umekaliwa na mke wako, loosely translated as – your wife dominates family decisions.

It was so humiliating and to prove that he was an independent man, Juma went farther to neglect his duties as a family man.
“It has been years since I found myself in this state. I have missed my matrimonial duties and failed to cater for their daily needs”. He reveals.

Juma’s salary was for quenching his thirst and when it got finished, he would borrow from friends. Drinking was now part of him as he had become a heavy drinker.

This means he had to drink in the morning before going to work and in the evenings after work. This well explains the enormous warning letters he got for his chronic absenteeism and incompetence at work.

According to his wife, it has been a brave battle having a drunkard for a husband and a father figure for their two children. She went out of her way to bring up the children on her own, her low income notwithstanding.

She was scared that her son will not have someone to look up to and the daughter would grow loathing marriage especially from the physical and emotional turmoil they went through.

Having great faith in her husband, she stood by him hoping that things would be better. For several months, Juma’s neighbours shared their food with his children and wife. There was not enough to cater for their daily needs as things had moved from bad to worse.

In his escapades of merry making, Juma would wake up from a blackout the following day only to hear some humiliating stories about what he did the previous night.

“I definitely had a reputation, and it was not a good one” he continues visibly showing the tormented man he was, reaching the apex of his predicament.

He had an urge to stop but was paralyzed by fear of so many forms. He experienced hallucinations which made him almost insane. He would wake up in the middle of the night wielding a machete and lashing it in different directions thinking he was fighting with monsters.

One day he decided to quit for 48 hours before he got back at it. Asked why he reverted back, he said he used to fight demons at night whenever he slept.

At one point he would scream his lungs out for help when he heard voices in his head. The sheer horrors faced by Juma are what doctors call withdrawal effects.

A glimpse at Sister Wesike gave satisfaction that all was now well with Juma and as a Clinic, they were willing to go even farther to assist others like Juma. At this juncture, Sister Wasike briefly gives an overview of the problems associated with alcohol.

“From the first sip, alcohol is absorbed into the bloodstream and reaches the brain. Although you won’t be aware of it, there is an impairment of brain function which deteriorates farther the more you drink.” says Sister Wasike.

“The first glass on the first day makes you ‘high’, on the second day you’ll need two glasses to reach that ‘highness’ and on and on” she says.

According to her, alcohol tolerance is increased by regular drinking. This reduced sensitivity requires that higher quantities of alcohol be consumed in order to achieve the same initial effects, before tolerance was established.

It is at this moment that Bandari doctors intervened and Juma was sent to rehabilitation where he responded well to treatment after three weeks.

A sigh of relief suddenly engulfed Juma who raised his right hand capturing my attention. He showed me a colorful wrist ribbon given to him by the Head of Medical Services, Dr. Gome Lenga. It is the ultimate price for alcoholic anonymous members. Juma has been clean from alcohol for six months at the time of the interview.

For the first time, Juma looked at the price of alcohol played in his life saying never again. But that notwithstanding, a warped period in his life, Juma had reconciled with his wife and children and is a regular attendant of church having become a born again man- from alcohol and from the drink.

Mombasa aerial shots

Mombasa Raha, they called it that way, meaning roughly something close to paradise, the city is the ideal place for a dream holiday. wether its Winter, Summer, Autumn, or spring (not in order?) the sun will always be there, the beach is always 20 minutes drive or less away wherever you are, the people are so nice, so is the swahili language. At the first time I came to this wonderful city, i thought all the people were lazy, judging from the number of people sitting idle in the middle of the city, well my opinion changed after a while. So  if a picture tells a thousand, I’ll be forced to cut my  crap.

Enjoy and let me get your comments.

 

 

 

By Tk.

First Post

Picturesque Lamu Island.

Hallo everyone, this being my first post, i will bring you various events and sceneries in captivating snapshots, the current one is a location in the Island of Lamu, sipping a glass of  fresh squeezed orange, I watched dhows and speed boats waltzing past my line of vision. Henrika, the curvaceous native, smiled at me all the times, perhaps she wanted more of the two hundred dollar a day I payed her for my six days sojourn at the world heritage town.

here, there are lots of undiscovered world, imagine not seeing a vehicle for days. Yeah, even from airstrip/port, you’ll take a donkey pulled cart from the the shed that pretends to be a lounge and then onto a speed boat to your hotel doorstep reminds you of an Italian romantic city.

Well. this my first post and can’t wait publishing. am certainly going to make lots of improvements. my plan is expand my bloggng times. hopefully i get rid of this job.

Feel free to Comment, and help me improve.

 

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