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Transit trucks and shipping containers which are commonly used in transporting goods for long distances are mostly made of corrugated steel sheets that are in wavy patterns.

Contrasted to lorries - whose walls are straight steel sheets - trucks often have corrugated steeled walls that resemble iron sheets used in roofing houses.

Unknown to many, the design that dates back to 1920s serves a special purpose in the trucks given their role in the transportation of mostly heavy goods from one place to another.

In most cases, truck manufacturers prefer using patterned steel when making side walls of transit trucks because of its durability.

Trucks along the Northern Corridor highway from Mombasa to Malaba.

File

Given the number of risks involved in long-distance driving such as accidents, corrugated steel is dent-resistant and is preferred as it ensures that goods stored inside the trucks are safely protected in such events.

That could explain why there is minimal damage to goods transported by long-distance trucks.

"The wave pattern allows it even more resistance to all kinds of impact and weight loads. Corrugated steel sheets have the highest strength-to-weight ratio than almost any other construction material,"  Porta-Stor, a global container dealer explained.

On the other hand, transit trucks cover thousands of kilometres daily when in transit and they encounter different kinds of weather. Corrugated steel is preferred in such a case because of its resistance to weather-related destructions such as rust.

This is, mainly, the reason why they are preferred for shipping goods across the seas.

"There is no organic material found in this metal, making it more resistant to mold and rust, thus adding to its durability.

"This design of steel sheets is resistant to hail and other weather damage that frequently destroys other metals. Due to the wave within the panels, it’s resistant to buckling under the weight, warping with weather and use," the container dealer company explained.

Another reason the material and pattern are preferred is the fact that they require little maintenance. For example, in the case that dents have resulted from accidents, the dents can often be straightened back to normal shape.

Given their durability and other factors, construction experts and builders, therefore, prefer to use them in the construction of container houses. 

In other cases, because of its strength, one can also build a storey building by piling one container on top of the other. This trend had become popular for those constructing shops.

Modified shipping containers converted into a house.

CSCS Builders

Hackers and online scammers have found new ways of targeting their victims without directly approaching them.

Communication Authority of Kenya (CA) Acting Director for Cybersecurity, Vincent Ngundi, noted that scammers had resulted in tactics such as social engineering targeting children instead.

Speaking during an interview on Spice FM on Tuesday, February 7, the CA boss revealed that social engineering was one of the major threats in cyber security globally.

In the new move, he stated that scammers often groomed children over a period of time after gaining their trust before coercing them to give details of their parent's credit cards.

A silhouette of a hacker using a computer on March 13, 2018.

Photo

CSO AMERICA

"One of the most prevalent threats is usually social engineering where you try and get personal information from children. 

"It could be where they live, the identity of the parents or could be directions to pick credit cards and send the details," he stated.

Additionally, it was noted that the individuals applying these tactics would take time to gain the confidence of the children through personalised and positive messaging.

On her part, Mercy Mutemi - an advocate of the High Court added that the same grooming was being done by other individuals luring children into relationships.

"It starts with direct messaging (DMs) with messages like 'you look nice in this picture'. They have a long game plan where they gain trust over time.

"If you chat with a person for three years, it is very difficult to believe that they would want to harm you especially if they tell you to work hard in school or tell you to respect your parents," she explained.

Therefore, parents were encouraged to monitor their children's use of the internet and who they were talking to on social media platforms.

The guardians were also urged to train themselves on new technologies on the internet to be at par with the development in the sector.

"We want our children to be on Tik Tok but we do not understand how algorithms work and what kind of filters they should put on their phones. Parents have to really educate themselves so that they can help their children.

"The monitoring also never works because when they realise you are monitoring them, they become smarter," Mutemi advised.

A 2021 report by INTERPOL, United Nations International Children's Emergency Fund (UNICEF) and the global ECPAT network revealed that 67 per cent of children ranged between 12 - 17 years were active internet users.

The report noted that sexual exploitation was the biggest threat children were facing on the internet.

"7 per cent had been offered money or gifts in return for sexual images or videos of themselves and 3 per cent had been threatened or blackmailed online to engage in sexual activities in the past year.

"Threats and requests like these are made to both boys and girls, often via social media," read the report in part.

An image of social media icons on display on a mobile phone.

Anadolu Agency

OTC is indeed one of the famous streets in Nairobi as the matatu bus stop has often been used as a reference point for city residents who retrace their steps while going about their businesses in the city.

However, little is known of the full meaning of the abbreviation OTC, the story behind its name and how the infamous street got its name.

More often than not, people believed that it was the short form of the phrase Onyango Twende Choo - a phrase that when loosely translated depicts a person asking a friend to accompany them to the toilet (Onyango, let's go to the toilet).

Unknown to many, OTC is actually an abbreviation of a bus brand named Oversees Trading Company (OTC) - a London-based company that imported 13 buses to Kenya in 1934.

A building under construction in OTC, along Ronald Ngala street in Nairobi.

Kameme FM

After venturing into the Matatu sector in Kenya, the company enlisted 12 buses to ply various routes within the country. In some instances, they also ferried Kenyans to long-distance areas such as Kampala.

While the trains were preferred for long-distance journeys at the time, the buses found favour among Kenyans who were interested in experiencing a ride in a bus.

With time, OTC buses became a household name in the East African Community (EAC) region and expanded their services to offer courier services to transport various goods outside the city.

Following its establishment in Kenya, the London-based company put up a stage along Ronald Ngala street - a spot that quickly grew in popularity and travellers associated it with the OTC brand name. It was, soon after, widely known as the OTC Bus Stage.

With other investors looking at the growth of OTC, there were other investments in the transport sector including the Tom Mboya Bus Company which was founded by former Labour Minister Tom Mboya.

OTC buses later transformed into the Kenya Bus Service (KBS) which also became popular among Kenyans and managed a fleet of 300 buses. KBS eventually collapsed around the 199Os and sold its fleet to other entities. 

Despite the bus company changing its name, the stage has maintained its name to date.

The area has, however, transformed over the years with various infrastructural development including the incomplete storey building which made headlines on Wednesday, February 1 after it was claimed that its construction was complete and the green safety net removed.

Those reports turned out to be fake (as Kenyans.co.ke found out here). The building which became a landmark in the last 10 years is in its final stages.

An image of the Kenya Bus Express plying the Nairobi road

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HistoryKe

Former President Uhuru Kenyatta's security was scaled down by the Inspector General of Police Japhet Koome, who stated that the changes were procedural amid criticism from Azimio leaders claiming a witch-hunt.

However, what does that law say about the number of officers Uhuru (or any other retired President) is entitled to as a former president? 

According to the Presidential Retirement Act of 2003, former heads of state ought to be given a maximum of six officers for their escort to protect them daily.

The responsibility for the deployments befalls the Ministry of Interior even as the police IG takes control of the security of VIPs in the country.

Inspector General of Police Japhet Koome

File

"Such number of guards for personal and escort unit use as may from time to time be certified by the Minister responsible for national security in consultation with the retired President.

"Provided that there shall be a maximum of six security guards," reads the Act in part.

On the other hand, the government is required to provide an additional six officers to safeguard Uhuru's residences. Per the law, security must be provided for their homes in urban and rural areas.

"Adequate security at the retired President’s urban and rural residences as may from time to time be certified by the Minister responsible for national security in consultation with the retired President.

"Provided that there shall be a maximum of six security guards," Reads the Act in part.

According to reports, Uhuru's security detail was reportedly scaled down by over 50 officers. He was left with 25 officers. However, while addressing the matter on Friday, February 3, Koome hesitated to address the number of officers Uhuru was left with, citing security reasons.

"If I come to your house, will you tell me the number of Pangas you have? You never talk about numbers. They are all safe and secure," he stated.

On the other hand, he clarified that a superintendent now heads Uhuru's security team in accordance with the law.

"An officer who was of the rank of an assistant Inspector General was with the retired president. So how do you expect an assistant Inspector General to report to another assistant Inspector General." 

Former President Uhuru Kenyatta surrounded by his security detail at a past national holiday event.

File

Apart from security, Uhuru is entitled to have two personal assistants, four secretaries, four messengers, and four drivers, among others.

Other aides to be provided are two cooks, housekeepers, gardeners, laundry, and four house cleaners.

The government is also expected to maintain and finance the running of the vehicles.

A photo shared widely on various social media platforms indicating that the landmark building at Overseas Trading Company (OTC) along Ronald Ngala street had been opened were misleading.

A fact check done by Kenyans.co.ke on Wednesday, February 1, indicated that the building had not been opened.

A spot check by Kenyans.co.ke showed that the building was still partly covered by the safety net, contrary to reports that it had been completely removed.

Further, It was observed that the construction process was at an advanced stage which included paint works and internal finishings.

The photo of the OTC building along Ronald Ngala street in Nairobi captured on Friday, February 24, 2023.

Ken Aseka/ Kenyans.co.ke

With the partial removal of the safety net, the developers of the building had even started running adverts to attract traders.

"They have finally removed the net on the famous OTC building," one social media user stated.

"When I return to Nairobi, I would get lost easily," another social media user wrote.

However, the photo of the widely circulated building was taken in Kampala, Uganda. The building in the said photo was set up at a location that Pioneer Mall previously occupied.

Just like the OTC building, which is yet to be opened, the new building in Uganda has shops and restaurants changing Kampala's face.

The striking similarities between the two buildings are their location inside Central Business District and a safety net that also covered Uganda's building.

The two buildings also have similar architectural designs confusing most Nairobi residents.

According to Afrosam TV, a travel Ugandan vlog, the new building with striking similarities to OTC building, changed the face of Kampala.

"If you are looking for a shopping spree in Kampala,then you should definitely check out the new Pioneer Mall. This mall has completely changed the face of the city," Afrosam TV stated on their youtube channel.

The building turned out to be a landmark in Nairobi for taking over 10 years to complete the construction process. It is synonymous with Eastlands residents and those travelling upcountry using the Machakos Bus terminal.

Despite attracting mixed reactions for its delayed construction period, the landmark building stands out as a centre of direction for newcomers in the city.

It was approved after the iconic Jack and Jill Supermarket was demolished.

The photo of the OTC building along Ronald Ngala street in Nairobi captured on Friday, February 24, 2023.

Ken Aseka/ Kenyans.co.ke

Building a dream house can start with much excitement and unbridled optimism but quickly turn into a nightmare.

This usually happens when the costs start spiraling out of control and you spend more than you had envisioned.

Kenyans.co.ke compile five tips to help you save cost when building your dream house.

A house stock plan

Pinterest

Roofing System

Deciding on the kind of roofing system before you start construction can save you a lot of money in the long run.

The National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) cautions people against choosing a fancy and complicated roofing system if they aim to save on finances.

“The roof is one of the most expensive material and labour line items when constructing a house.

“Choosing a simpler roofing system will save you a lot of money,” NAHB advises.

Most Kenyans prefer hips and valleys with a steeper pitch type of roofing system as they are considered fashionable and trendy.

If you want to save cash, you can opt for a single ridgeline with a shallow-pitch roofing system.

Reduce square footage

Many Kenyans choose a building plan that takes a huge outward space.

However, reducing the square footage of your home can dramatically reduce costs.

“Think small and cozy if you want to slash costs.

“You can also decide to build upward with a story design,” NAHB advises.

Source Materials on Your Own

Many home builders opt to buy building materials in bulk which can end up costing more money.

Home Build Concierge (HBC) explains individual sourcing of material gives you more room for bargaining.

“For items that are not purchased in bulk, you may be able to get a better deal by shopping around and asking for quotes,” HBC explains.

Use Standard Sizes

Some builders buy custom size items like windows and doors because they have been offered at cheap prices.

Family Handyman journal warns that getting custom sizes for various items can turn out to be costly.

“Oddly-sized or shaped windows and doors require customization that can drive up the overall cost of purchase and installation,” the journal highlights.

Use Certified General Contractor

One of the ways Kenyans end up using a lot of money while the building is going for cheap uncertified contractors.

Uncertified contractors will in many cases give you a wrong quotation requiring revision of the budget halfway through construction.

They can also build a faulty house which will require more costs in repair.

A luxurious mansion in Kenya

Planet of Hotels

Cases of heart attack in Kenya are on the rise, especially among the elderly and Kenyans with pre-existing health conditions.

According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), coronary heart disease deaths in Kenya account for 4.54 per cent of total deaths.

Coronary heart diseases include heart attacks and cardiac arrest.

A file image of a branded ambulance ready for operations.

File

While many Kenyans use cardiac arrest and heart attack interchangeably, Dr Kelvin Mwendwa, a Diagnostic and Cardiac Radiographer, explained that they are different.

“A heart attack happens when blood flow to the heart is blocked but a cardiac arrest happens when the heart suddenly stops beating,” he explained during an exclusive interview with Kenyans.co.ke.

 Symptoms of heart attack

Mayo Clinic lists the symptoms of a heart attack and notes that someone can experience some of the symptoms or all of them.

They include;

Chest pain,

During a heart attack or cardiac arrest, you can feel pressure or tightness in your chest, characterized by a squeezing or aching sensation in the center of your chest.

Breathing difficulties

During the attack, patients experience difficulty in breathing.

“The difficulty in breathing can happen in two ways; the heart can beat fast or low and in the other instance, the person can experience uncontrollable breathing,” Mwendwa revealed.

Body pain

Mayo Clinic details that a patient will experience body pains during a heart attack.

The pain can also be in form of discomfort that spreads to the shoulder, back, jaw, teeth, and upper abdomen.

Other symptoms of heart attack/cardiac arrest include; nausea, indigestion, heartburn, abdominal pain, light-headedness, dizziness, fainting, and sweating.

First Aid in Case of Health Attack

Mwendwa remarked that it is sad that many Kenyans continue to lose their lives due to heart attacks when it is preventable in some cases.

“Many Kenyans especially in the rural areas do not know what to do in case of a heart attack.

“With quick response, it is possible to save the life of a person suffering a heart attack or cardiac arrest,” he told Kenyans.co.ke.

Mwendwa warns that First Aid measures should not be used as a substitute to medical attention.

“Immediately a person has a heart attack, you should call for ambulance service before proceeding to offer First Aid care,” he advises Kenyans.

Mwendwa’s remarks were echoed by Dr Ahmed Kalebi, a renowned consultant pathologist.

Dr Kalebi while commenting on the passing on of former Education Cabinet Secretary George Magoha, lamented why an ambulance was not called immediately.

“I actually found it quite disturbing when I heard the narration of the sequence of events leading to George Magoha’s death.

“I wondered why an ambulance was not called immediately instead of calling his friend Prof Mwanda at (Kenyatta National Hospital (KNH),” Kalebi stated on Wednesday, January 25.

Kalebi further explained when such an incident happens, there is a momentary lack of awareness to call for an emergency ambulance.

“During such emergency situations, an ambulance is inherently quicker/faster than any attempts at self-driving a patient to the hospital.

“This is because the ambulance is better placed to navigate traffic and better equipped to provide emergency care en route as they have well-trained EMT medical staff who are well-equipped to provide advanced resuscitation,” Kalebi added.

After calling for an ambulance, Mwendwa advised that you make sure the patient is in a comfortable position and in light clothing.

“After making sure the patient is comfortable, monitor their breathing, and if unconscious immediately perform Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) to enhance blood circulation,” Mwenda advised.

On how to perform CPR, Medline Plus instructs, “Push hard and fast on the center of the person's chest in a fairly rapid rhythm.”

When the person regains consciousness, Mwendwa explaind that you have to ask them about any medication they take.

“This helps you know how to handle the victim and also where to seek help.

“If any medication related to hypertension or Asthma or underlying chest or heart disease and the victim had not taken medication help them take it immediately,” he advises.

A graphical representation of how to perform CPR.

File

The dream of every car buyer is that the vehicle would last them a while, not just the engine but the general body parts too.

However, a recent 'disease' affecting cars threatens the peace of car owners with most dreading visiting a paint shop owing to the high cost of getting a paint job.

Kenyans.co.ke on Wednesday, January 18 spoke to car expert Miller Kyalo to understand causes of car patches and water spots and how to prevent them.

An image of a car with an oxidation patch.

Car patches

Kyalo explained that patches occur when the paint appears to be faded or lighter often surrounded by a white border. 

He intimated that it is a condition experienced in regions with high-intensity sunlight.

"The sun contains ultra-violet rays which breaks down the chemical composition of paint when the car is overexposed. This causes weakness in the various layers of paint thus the peeling," the expert pointed out.

The rays from the sun are known as catalysts for the oxidation of paint, which breaks down the oil component of paint, hence the dull appearance.

Moreover, car patches may be as a result of a poor paint job. Kyalo argued that most Kenyans opt for more affordable painting shops, which end up costing them.

"Professional painters know that after any paint job, the car takes about a week to get back to the intended final colour. A majority of mechanics cave into demands by car owners who do not understand this concept" he posed.

However, he pointed out that some painters deliberately buy low quality paint which easily fade. The water used in car washes is also a major cause of paint fades in cars.

"Majority of car washes use borehole water that has high saline content. This can damage the paintwork over time," he posed.

A research by the Monitor established that vehicles in humid areas are also likely to have car patches.

"When a car is parked outside in the cold on a daily basis, the dew that forms on the car body penetrates the car paint overtime and causes it to develop patches,” the publication wrote.

Water Spots

Water spots resemble patches but are smaller. They cause stains especially in areas which experience acidic rain.

Oftentimes, the droplets settle on the car trunk or bonnet. Under sunny conditions, the water evaporates leaving the salt behind.

If not wiped off, it gradually causes corrosion. The wearing out of paint can also be accelerated by the acid content of bird droppings or decomposing animals left on the car surface for long.

Solutions

Kyalo argued that since washing out of paint boils down to the oil component of the pain, regular waxing of vehicles is recommended.

In addition, avoid car washes which use borehole water, avoid exposing their cars to direct sunlight for a long period of time. 

A picture of cars in auction sale

File

More often than not, Kenyans change various official business particulars such as names and addresses among others for various reasons.

Unknown to many, there are laid down procedures one is expected to follow in order to legally make the changes

According to the Business Registration Services (BRS), business owners can also change the names of officials following the resignation of an individual among others.

Notably, the review and approval of changes take five days.

A photo of the e-citizen platform

File

How to Change a Business Name

1. Upon logging into the eCitizen platform, one is required to select the BRS and view the business name under my business category.

2. Click maintain company and select the make application option. 

3. One will then be provided with the change particulars option.

4. Choose the changed name and insert the list of preferred names. One is charged Ksh150 for each name search.

"Once the name is reserved, access the application through the same process -as highlighted above. The system will select the reserved name. Highlight the name, click view and proceed with the change," BRS stated.

5. Immediately after a form BN4 will be auto-generated with one required to print the document.

6. Write the changes you want to effect in the business name. For Example, I am changing the business name from A to B. Afterwards, write your name and ID number, sign scan the document and upload it.

"The Business Name registration certificate must be uploaded in its respective window," BRS stated.

7. Upon completion one is charged Ksh850 pending review and approval by the government agency.

File image of Kenyan banknotes

File

Before modern-day technology, agriculture was being done organically, such that whatever was used on the farm - be it fertilizers or pesticides - was natural and not genetically modified.



This way agricultural produce from organic farming had the essential nutrients and consumers did not have to worry about the effects it could cause.



Organic farming is an alternative agricultural system used in the production of both livestock and crops which do not in any way encourage or involve the use of genetically modified organisms, fertilizers, growth hormones, and even antibiotics in order to keep the crop and the soil in a healthy condition always.



Organic agriculture or ecologically-based farming is basically the use of green manure, compost, biological agriculture, and biological fertilizers derived from animal waste.

Harvested dragon fruits on display

Kilimo Kenya

It is through this method of farming that a Kenyan farmer, Andrew Kinoti, rakes in millions through his organic dragon fruit farming.



Speaking to Kenyans.co.ke, Kinoti highlighted the potential that the Dragon Fruit has as a new crop for Kenyan growers since it adapts well to the local climate with high temperatures and consumes little water.



"The fruit of this crop is appreciated worldwide as a super fruit for its positive health benefits, high nutritional value, and other nutraceutical benefits," he revealed.



Moreover, Kinoti argued that the local and global market trends show an ever-increasing demand for new, healthy exotic fruits.

The dragon fruit can be made into a range of industrial products such as juices, jam, sherbets, wines, syrup, flavorings, and medicine.



"It makes a very fragrant and refreshing tea which is made from its flowers and roots. Like many other fruits, the dragon fruit has great medicinal benefits and a lot of people have grown to trust and depend on it," he observed in an interview with Kenyans.co.ke.



"The flower buds and fruit peels are used to make soups too," he added. 

Economics in Dragon Fruit Farming reveals that the fruits are sold in the market at a retail price of between Ksh1000 and Ksh2,500 per kg, and go for as much as Ksh950 per fruit!

The general farm gate price is approximately between Ksh 500 to 800 per kg.



A general calculation of annual income for a 1-acre plot may be calculated as follows: One Acre x 450 poles x 10 kg (least) x Ksh500 (minimum) = Ksh2.25 million per acre per year.



Kinoti encouraged entrepreneurs and especially those taking up farming to start dragon fruit farming as a new cash crop that is very profitable.

Decide on what kind of farming or agriculture you want to engage in, and make sure you have gained enough capital and knowledge so that you can be able to understand the challenges you can encounter.



Consider how to make your own manure, natural pest, insect, and weed control, and how to make animal feeds among other considerations depending on your agricultural practice which will help to reduce the cost.



It is very likely that you cannot produce all the feeds as there are those that have to be done by professionals in the field. It is therefore advisable to purchase their essential needs and do the best you can to complement the ones you buy.

An image of a well-sliced and served dragon fruit.