SPREADING RISKS

A means of spreading an individual’s risks across a number of people to make it bearable for individuals exposed to the risk: It’s called Insurance. Humans are terrified of the unpredictable or inevitable happening. We work so hard to make ends meet, satisfy our needs and upgrade our standards. The thought of loosing your life, business assets and personal belongings could fracture your state of being.

Why do you need insurance?           

·         Provides benefits to family members in case of death, temporary disability or total permanent disability.

·         To cover for re*structuring} in case of loss and damage of property and goods due to fire.

·          Cater for lost income or earnings due to poor health

·         Maintain independence at old age or while retired

·         Save money on tax

·         Provides peace of mind

                Overall we need insurance to satisfy our conscious, subconscious, practical or emotional needs. Anyone can have insurance, the young to the old.

However people do not get insurance because           

·         They are simply ignorant

·         They think they are too young/procrastination

·         They believe in their strict healthy diets

·         Lack of proper advice

·         Lack of money

·         Dedication to their employment/Company benefit or group pension schemes

·         Saving through the bank or putting up business

·         Ageing people thinks it is too late

Mostly individuals are repelled by the professional persuaders. These are the insurance companies’ ambassadors. You should take them as your personal financial advisor, accountant or consultant. Most of them love their job, to find out people’s needs and show them how to meet them. They undergo vigorous training to learn how to do it well.  They love people and are interested in their happiness. They ask lots of personal questions to determine which products you need. A small group of conmen has come up confusing the unsuspecting public, spoilers. Others have irritating features like color clashing or wrinkled clothes, unpolished shoes or gum chewing. They rush from idea to another, talk too much not giving you time to think or formulate a response.

A sales person success depends on the number of clients he has. Sources of names are: Newspapers, Business pictorials, New clients, old clients, Members of organizations or associates, Friends, family or acquaintances. Prospecting is the first step to get names of potential customers. They then call them and set appointments. Once agreed to meet them they sit down face to face for a presentation.  The products and benefits should fit the client’s needs. If all goes well they agree on the terms of the policy one signs a contract called a Policy Document; sealing the deal. Do not rush in signing the documents yet if you are not ready at that moment. The basic rule of getting into contracts; do it legally. An insurance contract is legally binding between an individual and an insurance company. First confirm that the agent really works on behalf/for the company. Ask for a quotation of the product you want. Carefully read through the form/s, understand everything in it. You may make copies of the original forms with the agent’s signature. Or have your spouse or lawyer present if that makes you fill more comfortable. Insurance is not something to scare you; on the contrary, you will live a stress free life being covered. When trust is proved write down and sign the check. Take caution if you are paying in cash or half payments. Never write a check in the sales person’s name or personal account. Make payments to a business account not personal but always confirm the applicable methods. Be a testimony of the product; tell people in your circles about it if you are satisfied. Give your sales person names of referrals.   The sales person should promise and give good service. They should maintain communication, give new updates and bring gifts to clients. Remember the importance of paying your premiums; it benefits both you and the agent.

WATER FOR MANDERA

Mandera is an example of the arid lands in Kenya found on the northern parts, where there is an abundance of sand, which if extracted can build sky scrapers in the whole country. This area gets very hot and dry, however there are areas where farming is practiced by irrigation and very nice onions are produced. With regards to this topic, water tends to be scarce in drylands, you already know that the demand for water is usually not corresponding to the supply. Most of the local Mandera community are pastoralists who move their huge herds in search of water and pasture although some herders build ponds where they graze communally. When it rains in Mandera, like may deserts, it is usually after long drought periods, the water flows freely over the ground since there lacks sufficient vegetation to hold the water. This extreme rainfall causes flashflooding in some areas and collection of flood waters in burrows. River Daua/Daawa/ Dawa which is seasonal cuts between Mandera in Kenya and Ethiopia and Ethiopia and Somalia borders, during heavy rains on the Ethiopian hills making the river passable by dhow due to high water currents: during dry seasons, the floor of the river is quite sandy and travelers walk on foot between the countries. Some farmers have tapped water from the river to use it for irrigation producing vegetables and fruits while a few have embraced drilling of wells. The water used by residential and commercial buildings are from wells. During dry periods, the wells, just as the river or ponds dry up remaining with mud forcing the locals to go over long distances in search of water. Though those who have storage tanks and have harvested rain water do not feel the brunt.The water in Mandera is saline and fit for most domestic chores but water purification measures can be advocated for. If a desert can be transformed into a forest, then I would like to bet on Mandera. It is not impossible, if the relevant authorities backed up by the local communities can work together without conflicts of interest, then Mandera can have water all year round regardless of the seasons. A lot of water is stored underground and if drilling of deep wells or boreholes is done, then the issue of lack of or insufficient water can be completely eradicated. Other than creating awareness on rainwater harvesting at the household levels, excavation of water pans can be encouraged to tap rainwater on a larger surface to serve a big community. The water can be used in production of a variety of farm produce to reduce outsourcing of farms in neighboring counties. Availability of water in the marginalized community will eradicate poverty and help children remain in school. Water for Mandera will reduce risks associated with droughts, famines or flashfloods and conflicts over the water resources. Water should not just be in large quantity but also available in good quality to alleviate water related diseases and aid in maintaining proper sanitation. Let the young generation be taught ways of improving the natural resources to enable sustainable utilization while promoting development.

WHEN THE KIDS ARE INVOLVED

Parenting is hard, it gets harder if a single parent is involved. It raises eyebrows if you are raising children without the help of a partner. There are various reasons that lead to single parenting: widow-ship, hit and run or divorce. Guys don’t be ashamed to disclose that you are a single parent; it’s the story of your life.  A man gets extra points if he is taking care of his children, well, without a woman by his side. Most are men known not to multi task, but good at being players. The game is complicated by kids who change the rules. As much as children would enjoy playing with big boys they need to be supervised. Supervising children games is not like conducting professional football. This can be a technical problem, since you can’t look the other way but on the child’s activities. Playing with children is too demanding, too much work taking care of their every need. Kids need too much attention and time. Getting married to somebody already with children is uncomfortable to some people. Even while the young are very little it can be hard for them to take in a stranger.

The big issue is how you fit in the family portrait. A boy child is at times a dark cloud since he is expected to automatically inherit land. As much as girls may inherit land, they are expected to get married, maybe live away from the family land. What surnames are the kids supposed to keep or lose? If a step parent is introduced, the whole family undergoes change which they have to adapt to. The stories of the wicked step-mother and fathers scare off possibilities of marrying step parents. You are expected to love the parent and the child/ children. Sometimes you really like someone and want to be their better half, but children depending on their age or level of manipulation will not let that happen. At times the children are territorial and may feel you are a threat to their inheritance. Take careful steps to bring the children on your side, make it plain and simple friendship. Appreciate those kids since they are not yours. Do not bribe them, they are clever than you think. Make sure everyone feels loved avoid jealous fits. As an adult take a wise stand, do not play favorites, do not take sides and do not lead to over-expectations.

Try as much as you can to earn respect and trust from your new family. Your schedule as you knew it would change; it is not your place to change your new mates. The honeymoon may not be in paradise so make sure you make the best time out of every moment. Going to dates in the evening or having romantic nights would reduce to assisting in homework. Ladies it may take time to adjust from being single to taking up motherhood just pray your motherly instincts kick in.  Please avoid getting married due to desperation.

LET'S TALK ABOUT SEX

A new software Application called Tinder has been invented to connect mutually interested users. The users of iphone or Android may access it. This is useful for those who are not in committed relationships, do not want dates but want to hook up (with strangers).This is going to be the next big thing in thing that was long awaited. You simple download the App and you will be able to know who likes you, then you meet and finish your business. You need it; you get it from all types, ages, shapes, sizes, experienced and not experienced. It would bring folks together, eradicate relationship dramas, minimize rape cases (maybe) and save a lot of time and money for some individuals. Maybe on the down side it will increase unfaithfulness, divorce rates, kick out sexting, stop pornography, hopefully end self pleasing.  For those who have big appetites or are self proclaimed addicts will enjoy it. Just imagine; you have an urge but can not extinguish it, but you have a phone that can connect you to an object of desire. Facebook will be a safer place without those pages promoting adult content. Do not act modest I know you are thinking of the possibilities. No strings attached, no payment after services, no babies to expect and no court cases to deal with: That is part of the good life.  To have sex when you feel like it.

Let us face it people have stopped carrying sex in a pedestal. Partners no longer value their relationships. Spouses do not appreciate and satisfy their spouses enough. Sex is art; and like any art it gets better with lots of practice and perfection. Initially, sex was meant for the married and procreation purposes.  The wiser generation knew how to work magic. Headaches were not discovered then. No matter how hard the women worked they still gave their men what belonged to them.  When aunties advised a maiden before her wedding, they always tell the importance of properly feeding the husband without complaining. If a woman went crying to her mother if she was overworked, she would be sent back to her husband. She was encouraged that all women go through it until they get used to it, and eventually love it. No one should put up with bad sexual practices. That is why everyone should free and open up to discuss their desires. It is awkward when strangers have sex. People who have been friends are in a better position to talk about their sexual issues together. People should understand one another and talk about what they want during sex. Both parties should benefit from the act. Sex should not be used as ransom to manipulate or punish anyone. Make merry and enjoy it. But do it in a proper manner. Find someone you respect and who is suitable for you. Make time to build a good relationship. There are STDs and HIV threatening our existence. Take caution with whom you cleave to.       

HOMOPHOBIAN #DON'TJUDGE

Sexuality has been a complex topic of discussion for a very long time. The world as our forefathers knew it is long gone. African ancestors made it clear that mothers talk to girls about it while fathers talk to boys. Centuries later, books have been published which everybody read. Magazines, internet, other forms of media are openly airing matters of intimacy. Professionals have come up in response to assist those with inadequacy. Public debates, forums and seminars offer platforms for everyone to input their opinions. The airwaves are full of topics on bedroom matters every hour of the day. People used to keep their private business hidden behind close doors.

Lately the outrage has been about doing away with same sex unions. Are you tired of hearing/talking about it? Please read on am not partisan at all: Just my two cents. Same gender relationships have been their not only in Sodom and Gomorra but even in other societies. At one time some antichrists insinuated that Jesus Christ and His disciples practiced it- God forbid others came up saying he secretly had a child with Mary Magdalene. It’s a shame the preachers and ‘prophets’ can’t be trusted. I am not soiling the most powerful history lesson let us leave religion out. If you are a thinker you would take this on:

1.    Soldiers have been men for a long time and they used to leave their wives or girlfriends back home. If they got an urge some would masturbate or go for a colleague when women, mostly prostitutes were not available.

2.    Girls raised in strict homes were told to remain pure until marriage. When a girl came of age she would get a suitor and get married but for those who had to wait longer they practiced with fellow girls.

3.    Modern boarding schools have been experimental grounds and produced people of impeccable qualities. Parents and teachers do not always know what goes on after books are closed.  Most youths are shy to freely express themselves and shut their desires. The scare of heartbreaks, unplanned pregnancies and bringing shame to families drives them to undesirable partnerships.

The society has become unbearable and stressful. Not an excuse but the pressure to measure up to someone is too much. Families have been disintegrated to one parent or both working parents no one to rely on. Self control has been left for the dogs. People have stopped using their brains and thrown away their will power. Too much emotional, psychological some point physical confusion. Tabloids and some extent preachers are telling people to emulate a lifestyle, have that weight, dress like so. It’s easier to blame it on parenting, schools, churches or neighborhoods but at the end of the day its up to an individual to evaluate himself.  It’s not helpful to follow blindly another person’s way of life. Meditate; fill your thoughts with pure data think of the outcome in every situation. Curiosity does not make you awesome while wisdom makes you a master of your own soul. Seek guidance and make connections with the right spirit. It starts with desire then porn, lust, masturbation, fornication, beastly maybe adopting adultery. Just like this group rape is sinning like cheating, killing and stealing. We have all sinned and fallen short of God’s glory. Before you cast a stone to another sinner, repent. Take the log out of your eyes. Do not get into temptation; forgive your brother and support those struggling. God is the ultimate Judge!