This week the UK announced that an anti-inflammatory drug called dexamethasone has proven to be significantly effective in treating seriously ill COVID -19 patients. This comes as several research teams continue burning the midnight oil to get a cure for the pandemic.

In their research, they found that dexamethasone, a cheap and widely available steroid, cut deaths by one-third among patients critically ill with COVID-19. The NHS said they will make dexamethasone available to patients.

PM Boris Johnson considered it a remarkable British scientific achievement and assured the UK had enough stock of the drug as they continue with the research. The research found that over a 28-day period – the death rate among patients requiring ventilation was 41%, and for those needing oxygen it was 25%. The figure was 13% among those not requiring respiratory intervention.

Read also: Marcus Rashford campaign forces PM Boris to change policy

However, the use of steroids to treat viral respiratory infections such as COVID-19 remains controversial. A few months ago, the US president used a press conference to promote the use of hydroxychloroquine, a common anti-malaria drug, to treat Covid-19. There was a lot of backlash from several quarters as masses rushed to purchase the drug even though it needed medical prescription.

What is dexamethasone?

Dexamethasone is an oral tablet/oral solution. It’s also available as an injectable solution or an intraocular solution given after surgery.

What is it used to treat?

Dexamethasone is used to treat conditions such as arthritis, blood/hormone/immune system disorders, allergic reactions, certain skin and eye conditions, breathing problems, certain bowel disorders, and certain cancers.

What are the side effects of the medicine?

Stomach upset, headache, dizziness, menstrual changes, trouble sleeping, increased appetite, weight gain etc

Kitenge is a Swahili word meaning African wax print fabric. Also known as Chitenge, this is a colorful and vibrant fabric that was only worn in African countries. However, as time went by, it gained many lovers from around the world. It was commonly worn by African women as headscarves and wrapped around the waist when doing chores. Others used them as baby slings, and towels when showering. Gradually, the women and some men began sewing clothes out of this fabric to make African statement outfits. In no time, men became lovers of kitenge as well.

There is nothing that looks better than an African man in a stylish modern kitenge outfit. Everything about this look screams masculinity and appreciation of African heritage. There are numerous ways for men to style the kitenge print without looking too traditional or rather old-fashioned. Thanks to the vast diversity in Africa, one can never have enough kitenge clothes. So many designs and prints have been created to suit different occasions. Read on to see some of the top tier men kitenge designs.

1. Kitenge Strips

If you have been to any African event or social gathering, then you must have seen this statement piece. This is a subtle yet attractive and stylish way to wear kitenge print. These are best for the days when you want to look good but without much effort. Strips can be sewn on the collar, button line, chest, pocket, cuffs, or all of the above.

John Rogan (8 feet 9 inches)

• Collar, cuffs, and pocket

• Chest

• Button line

• Kitenge Suit

We are talking about weddings, formal parties, engagement parties; you name it. Kitenge suits with minimal patterns can never go wrong. Especially when styled with a nice pair of loafers and classy sunglasses, simply amazing! The suit can be the regular blazer and a pair of trousers or a trendy long shirt and matching pants (known as the Ebi African suit). If you want to be a little extra, you can add a hat to make it a complete look.

The suit can also consist of a shirt and a pair of shorts.

• Ebi African suit

• Blazer suit

• Short suit

• Kitenge Longline Shirt

Longline shirts are one of the young men’s favorites. They are very simple and casual yet smart and fashionable. If you are a fan of longline shirts, then why don’t you spice things up a bit by adding a kitenge print? This look will best suit you on days where you want to adhere to a theme, maybe but don’t want to be formal. Also, it is very simple to style.

John Rogan (8 feet 9 inches)

• Kitenge Bowtie

This is a bonafide menswear staple. It is highly recommended for when you want to look sophisticated and dapper. Just throw in a good pair of plain pants, blazer or stylish coat, and formal shoes. Not so complicated, is it?

• Kitenge Shawl

Picture this, there is an event coming up, and the theme is African print. This is a last-minute notice. However, you do not have enough time or money to get or sew an outfit. What would you do? Two words, kitenge shawl. The ability of a simple kitenge piece of cloth to change the look of an outfit is simply breathtaking.

• Kitenge Shorts and Pants

Kitenge shorts and pants paired with a plain shirt, matching kitenge bowtie, and suspenders. This is a look that merges both African and Western cultures. It gives a vintage vibe that is suitable for any occasion. A hat and loafers would blend well with this outfit. This brings us to our next piece.

• Shorts

• Pants with hat

• Pants with suspenders

• Bowties

No need to waste that extra fabric that remains after sewing, make a bowtie instead. A bowtie works the same way as the shawl. They both act as great accessories for a rather plain outfit and are very efficient when it comes to last-minute decisions.

Kitenge Bomber Jackets

This seems to be everyone’s favorite since they can be worn anywhere. Whether it is to work, or the club, you can never go wrong with a kitenge bomber jacket.

• Sleeves and pocket

Full kitenge

Take a look at these styles if you want to upgrade your closet and look fashionable while embracing your culture. Some of the outfits listed above can be worn to formal places, which is a plus side.

Although investigations are still ongoing, it is now almost certain Mr. Derek Chauvin is responsible for George Floyd’s death. An autopsy confirmed that the late 46-year-old died by homicide caused by asphyxia due to neck and back compression that led to lack of blood flow to the brain. This is according to Dr. Michael Baden and Dr. Allecia Wilson.

Moreover, George’s family attorney, Benjamin Crump, said that asphyxiation from sustained pressure was the cause of the death.

A few moments after Benjamin’s statement, though, a medical examination report was also released stating, Cardiopulmonary arrest complicating the whole story.

These results differ from the prior medical examination’s report, which indicated that underlying heart conditions and potential intoxicants in the deceased’s body caused his death.

Lab results had shown that these factors did not contribute to Floyd’s death. A pathologist stated that George did not have a pulse after approximately four minutes and did not regain any pulse.

READ ALSO : George Floyd murder; the inside story

The medics involved with the case also stated that had there not been any pressure exerted on George’s neck and back, he would have been alive. In addition to this, they said that the weight on the back, handcuffs, and positioning were contributing factors because they impaired Mr. Floyd’s diaphragm’s ability to function.

This serves as proof that it was a homicide.

The murder of George Floyd has left many people in pain as they remember his last moments when the police knelt on his neck for about eight minutes. Protests and cries for justice are ongoing, and police officers from some states have shown their remorse by peacefully responding to the protests. Many people, including public figures and celebrities, have contributed some money to George’s family.

It has been a bitter-sweet moment mostly for African Americans in the United States as the police officer, Derek Chauvin, who was responsible for the death of George Floyd, was detained on 29th May 2020. Derek Chauvin has been charged with murder and manslaughter, but many people seem unsatisfied with this sentence. The angry citizens are making demands that the other officers present during this inhuman act be arrested.

What exactly killed Mr. George Floyd?

No results of traumatic asphyxia or strangulation were found after the medical examination was done. It was, however, discovered that there were potential toxic substances present in his body. This might have contributed to the forty-six-year old’s death. This, however, does not calm the angry and hurt protestors.

A former club owner claims that both Chauvin and George worked as bouncers in the club though it is not clear whether they knew each other.

Have George’s killers been arrested?  

Derek Chauvin has been charged with third-degree murder and second-degree manslaughter of the late George Floyd. His family and lawyer say that the sentence was overdue and that they wanted him to be charged with first-degree murder alongside the officers involved.

Moreover, Chauvin’s wife has filed for divorce, raising the question, “Does she know something that we don’t?”

Stop Killing us, black lives matter!

The murder of George Floyd has sparked protests all over the United States, calling for equal treatment among all races. Phrases like “Black lives matter” and “Stop killing us” are now trending as protesters reminisce about all the racist occurrences in the past. 

The protests are a brave way of the African-American community to project their exasperation over the deep wounds that have been reopened by perceived racist authorities. The White House underwent a temporary lockdown as protestors gathered outside it chanting, “I can’t breathe” and “Don’t kill me,” Floyd’s last words.

Involved police officers claim that George Floyd physically resisted co-operating, which forced them to cuff him. Floyd was suspected of having used a counterfeit twenty-dollar-bill prompting his arrest.

Wanton destruction

According to Minnesota’s Governor , what started as a fight for equality, seems to have become wanton destruction.

Buildings have been vandalized, and a police vehicle set ablaze near the CNN offices in Atlanta, Georgia.

Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms has pleaded with the protestors saying,

This is not a protest. This is not in the spirit of Martin Luther King, Jr. You are disgracing our city. You are disgracing the life of George Floyd.”

Meanwhile, in New York, many police officers have been injured by protesters who have vandalized buildings, destroyed vehicles, and thrown projectiles. Many of these protestors have been arrested and they will cooling their heels in the cells over this weekend.

Being a celebrity has never been as easy as it currently is with the internet and, most importantly, social media. Of course, it is not a walk in the park, but compared to the past, when getting a multitude’s attention was like rocket science, it surely is quite a simple task. With Instagram, one can become famous in the comfort of their own homes by being an Instagram influencer.

Who are Instagram Influencers?

If you are active in Social media, then you must have come across at least one influencer. These are social media (mostly Instagram) users who have built a large number of following and highly engaging profile. They achieve this by posting quality and relevant photos and interacting with their followers as much as possible. This is an actual career as different brands approach the influencers on Instagram and offer the paid sponsorships on agreed terms.

Top 10 Kenyan Instagram Influencers

Influencers have to identify a niche and their Instagram aesthetic that they will be comfortable with. This is why there are many types of Instagram influencers (in case you don’t know why; it is because there are many niches). In this article, only the best ten influencers will be highlighted though this does not mean that they are the only ones with good content. 

10. Timothy “Njugush” Kimani

If you are a lover of comedy or you’re having a bad day and need a good laugh, treat yourself by visiting Timothy Kimani’s feed. Njugush is among the most popular influencers in the country who graces timelines with his hilarious posts. He is the kind of person who will get you laughing even before knowing what the joke is all about. Yes, Tim, is that funny! It is no surprise that he won the Taji Humour Recognition Award.

Instagram user name: blessednjugush

Average likes: 8,082

Profile engagement: 0.50%

Instagram followers 1,465,670

9.Willy Paul

Dance moves and swagger! Sure, some people like this musician because of his hits, but the reasons his Instagram has that many followers are because of his dancing styles and taste in fashion. Willy Paul first became famous as a gospel artist but later changed his course to secular. This drew some attention but not as much as Instagram has. Despite being in some scandals, Willy has managed to remain to be a top tier influencer.

Instagram user name: willy.paul.msafi

Average likes: 13,398

Profile engagement: 0.91%

Instagram followers 1,505,000

8. Daniel “Churchill” Ndambuki

This is simply a man with a good heart. Churchill has walked so that most Kenyan comedians could run. Even though Daniel started his journey by being a comedian, he is currently best known for providing a platform where other small comedians can nurture their talents. It is not only this that makes him seem generous as he is known to participate in giving back to the community actively.

Instagram user name: mwalimchurchill

Average likes: 5,567

Profile engagement: 0.30%

Instagram followers: 1,715,078

7.Jalang’o

Known for his green suit and leopard print shirt, Jalang’o is yet another Kenyan who cracks people’s ribs. He first debuted in the TV show “Papa Shirandula,” a role that opened many doors.

Instagram user name: jalangoo

Average likes: 6,238

Profile engagement: 0.38%

Instagram followers: 1,730,698

6. Sauti Sol

Kenyan afro-pop band, Sauti Sol, is one of the few bands recognized internationally. This is a band consisting of four talented young men whose songs are always hits. Sauti Sol has won both national and international awards, some of them being BET awards and Kisima Music Awards. The best thing about Sauti Sol’s music is the relevance of the lyrics. All their songs meet the intended purpose and, at the same time, are pleasing to the ears. 

Instagram user name: sautisol

Average likes: 4,698

Profile engagement: 0.27%

Instagram followers: 1,765,332

5. Vera Sidika

A beauty mogul and successful businesswoman is the right way to describe the iconic Vera Sidika. She is an influencer who flaunts her lavish lifestyle and curvaceous body on Instagram. Vera also does not leave her detox and beauty parlor business out as each has its separate Instagram account. Talk about being business-oriented! She is a strong independent woman who has hustled her way up, and that is precisely what the world needs. 

Instagram user name: queenveebosset

Average likes: 38,468

Profile engagement: 2.14%

Instagram followers: 1,835,000

4. Huddah Monroe

This is a stunningly gorgeous model and founder of the renowned Huddah Cosmetics. She uses her Instagram feed to showcase her makeup and different ways of wearing it, as well as photos of her posing like the professional model. Huddah also has a luxurious lifestyle and is not afraid of showing it all! She serves as a role model for many Kenyans.

Instagram user name: huddahthebosschick

Average likes 27,274

Profile engagement: 1.38%

Instagram followers: 2,000,866

3. Esther “Akothee” Akoth

She is the most popular carefree yet strict mother and entertainer in the country. Nobody’s opinions matter to her unless they are relevant. Also, her self-confidence is at the top of the charts. Family, giving back, fitness, music, and dancing are her top priorities. Akothee is very talented and is never afraid to speak her mind.

Instagram user name: akotheekenya

Average likes: 10,983

Profile engagement: 0.55%

Instagram followers: 2,033,575

2. Betty Kyallo

The well known and loved news anchor cannot and businesswoman miss in the list of top ten influencers in Kenya. Betty is a charming lady who knows how to separate fun and business. She manages to entertain her fans via Instagram stories and videos and still keep it professional while reading the news. The mother of one is known for her love of music, bubbly personality, beauty, and independence.

Instagram user name: bettymuteikyallo

Average likes: 16,534

Profile engagement: 0.81%

Instagram followers: 2,070,989

1.  Tanasha Donna

The Kenyan, with the most followers on Instagram, is none other than Tanasha Donna, the fastest rising female artist in Kenya. Apart from her good looks and musical talent, Tanasha is known to be fluent in English, which secured her a job in NRG Radio. 

Instagram user name: tanashadona

Average likes: 68,021

Profile engagement: 3.16%

Instagram followers: 2,194,479

Have you checked out these influencers’ pages yet, if not, be sure to do so in case you need to be entertained. Their interesting feeds may also serve as inspiration for those who would like to begin the influencing journey.

Are you on any social media platform? I bet the answer is a resounding YES! We live in an era when social media has become unavoidable, if not an absolute necessity. Our social lives, businesses, and, for some, their self-worth revolve around it. Facebook, Instagram, Snapchat, Vine are examples of such social media platforms.

However, there is one app that presently seems to have taken over the world by storm.

The TikTok app is relatively new to the market and quite entertaining.  

Here are a few facts about TikTok:

TikTok is a social media application created in September 2016 in China by a company called Bytedance. Originally named Douyin, TikTok is a video sharing app used to share short dance or comedy videos and has gained millions of users globally.

Since its creation, the App has gained such popularity that in 2019 it ranked fourth as the most downloaded app. Sensor Tower reported that TikTok had surpassed the 1.5 billion downloads mark. This is an amazing fete, especially if one compares it to Facebook, which was established in 2006 and now has slightly over 2.6 billion users. This only serves to show that TikTok is a fast-growing application. It is available for download from Google playstore for Android and App Store for IoS.

Read also: Addison Rae biography: Age, TikTok, family, and more

So who exactly are the consumers of TikTok?

Remember how, when Facebook and Instagram first came out, they were meant for the younger generation but were quickly ‘infiltrated’ by a much older generation? Well, this is what makes TikTok the favourite hang out for the young people. The older folk may find the app a bit complex probably because of the assumption that TikTok is only for sharing music videos and dance moves.

Another reason why TikTok is well-liked is that it does not have so much clout or fakeness, unlike Instagram. Instagram, or the Gram, is associated with a highly polished aesthetic, which is not always the reality. The influencers are usually prominent people, unlike TikTok influencers, mostly just teenagers who rely on being funny or engaging to their audience.

Although it is an app used globally, the content is localized. This means that the trends, videos, and celebrities to follow are focused on the user’s geographic location. But there is also the option of exploring other content trending all over the world.

The million-dollar question is, can one make money from TikTok?

Yes, you can. Many celebrities and influencers have used TikTok as a platform for marketing purposes. Manufacturers and producers who have products that target the youth have seen the opportunity that this app brings, and it has worked.

There are also other ways of making money:

• Amass a great following
• Create content that will go viral
• Sell products through TikTok live.
• Collecting donations which eventually translates to cash
• Manage influencer accounts

The bottom line is that TikTok is a rising star, and all the clamour is not about to stop anytime soon. If you do not get what the fuss is all about, download it, and you will quickly learn. Maybe you will also get to understand why it is so addictive amongst the youth.

A while ago, the term socialite was almost a taboo in Kenya. Not many people liked to be associated with this word because it was directly linked to horrendous behavior. This is not the case as the term is nowadays used to describe famous people mostly rich and successful. This article will highlight the top five socialites in Kenya. Read on to know more.

Esther “Akothee” Akoth

Esther Akoth, popularly known as Akothee, is a Kenyan singer, songwriter, and businesswoman. She is a mother of five- three daughters and two sons and a founder of a couple of organizations. Akothee is a woman viewed as carefree and independent. She is also known as a disciplinarian to her children who have to participate in house chores and have full respect for her and everyone else. 

Akothee made the headlines in 2019 when she marshaled trucks of food and water to Turkana’s hunger-stricken communities. This act drew so much attention that many Kenyans advised her to vie for a cabinet secretary seat in the next election. 

Esther Akoth has two million followers on Instagram.

Huddah Monroe

Alhuda Sonie Njoroge, also known as Huddah, has maintained her position as one of the most successful socialites in Kenya for approximately six years. She is the founder of Huddah Cosmetics, a makeup line known worldwide for its quality products. Huddah Monroe started out as a video vixen and featured in some commercials. It is then that she decided to invest in her cosmetics company.

Monroe has 1.9 million followers on Instagram.

Vera Sidika 

Vera Sidika Mung’asia made the headlines as the first known woman to go through a surgical procedure, which enhances her curves and general physical appearance. Vera also caused a stir amongst Kenyans in 2014 when she claimed that she had done a Ksh. 15,000,000 skin lightening procedure. 

She made her first public appearance when she featured in P-Unit’s song “You guy.” Vera is now a businesswoman, as she is the CEO of Veetox detox and Vera Sidika Beauty Parlor.

She has 1.9 million Instagram followers.

Pascal Tokodi

Pasqualino Lpesinoi Lenguro Tokodi is a Kenyan singer, comedian, and actor known for his talent and good looks. He is known for his role as “Nelson” in the TV show “Selina,” though he has acted in many other movies and TV programs. He has won several awards and emerged the best actor three years in a row.

Tokodi has 648,000 followers on Instagram.

Sean Andrew

Sean Andrew Kibaki is an internet sensation known for modeling and good looks. He sagged the internet after he eulogized his grandmother, Lucy Kibaki, in 2016. Sean does not have a large following on Instagram, probably because he is not as consistent on social media as the other socialites.

Despite having only 122,000 followers on Instagram, Sean is very popular and seems to be loved by many Kenyans, which makes him qualify to be in the top five.

It is now clear that the term socialite does not refer to famous ladies only since there are male socialites as well.

Kenya is known for several things, and among them is her delicious cuisine. This cuisine is amazingly rich as it is a fusion of tradition and ethnicity. So, what is it about the tradition that informs Kenya’s food choice, thus making it so diverse? There are 47 tribes in Kenya. This means 47 staple foods and 47 different ways of preparing the same.

With this diversity comes the challenge of defining Kenyan’s favorite cuisines. What complicates the matter further is the fact there are is a new generation; the Millenials and Generation Z, who lean more towards the diet of the West. Pizzas, burgers, French fries, and fried chicken are common among youth who find these more palatable and perhaps less burdensome as they are just a phone call away.

However, all said and done, there are some meals that hardly a week passes before they are served in every average home. Here are some of them;

1. Ugali

Ugali is the most popular food in Kenya. It is a starch made from maize, millet, sorghum or cassava flour. The flour is mixed with hot water and stirred until it becomes hard and firm. It takes a maximum of 30 minutes to prepare and is best served hot with vegetables, milk, or meat. Although bland on its own, the taste of ugali is enhanced by its accompaniments.

2. Nyama Choma

Nyama Choma is a Swahili word that loosely translates to roasted meat. In almost every joint and what seems like every street corner, it is common to find a barbeque set up, and different aromas fill the air the aroma of meat being charcoal grilled. This smell is tantalizing, so it is not uncommon to find large crowds surrounding a small table next to the flame, enjoying pieces of grilled meat. Goat meat, chicken, pork, beef, and sometimes game meat make for very good nyama uchoma. Kenyans love their meat served with ugali or French fries and kachumbari (salsa).

3. Chapati

Chapati is a type of flatbread made from wheat flour. The dough is made by mixing wheat flour, water, salt, and oil. It is then cut into small pieces, flattened using a rolling pin, and cooked on a flat pan. Chapati is a versatile dish as it can be eaten for breakfast with tea or as a complete meal with vegetables, beef, or beans stew.

4. Githeri

Githeri is a meal that consists of maize and beans. These are boiled separately and then mixed and fried. It is a highly nutritious meal. One of the reasons why githeri is loved is because it is very filling. Once you eat it, you can go for extended periods without feeling hungry. Potatoes, peas, and carrots or a preferred vegetable can be added to make it more appealing

5. Pilau

Although it is a famous dish in almost all parts of the country, pilau is originally an Arabian meal. It is the result of Arabian influence on Kenyans in the Coastal region during trade relations. Pilau consists of rice, special spices, and meat. It is quite flavourful and considered a special dish served on special occasions.

Other delicacies that are common are fish, especially tilapia and mukimo, which consists of mashed potatoes, green vegetables, peas, and green maize.