Top 5 of Today: KQ Donates An Aircraft to Mang’u High and Other Headlines
The national carrier Kenya Airways (KQ) has handed a Boeing 737-700 plane to Mang’u High School. Mang’u High is one of the few schools in Kenya offering aviation studies.
The ceremony was held at the school and attended by prominent figures, including: Archbishop Rev. Philip Anyolo, Mang’u High Chief Principal John Kuria, Dr. Wilfred Kiboro, Nation Media Group Chairman, and KQ Chief Strategy & Innovation Officer, Hellen Mathuka.
KQ issued says the move is to inspire the next generation of aviation workers. “This aircraft is going to promote aviation studies, and we are going to train these young people about the Kenyan and global market in aviation,” the school’s chief principal, John Kuria said as he officially welcomed the aircraft at the school.
According to Kuria, the process of obtaining the aircraft started over three years ago. The handover of the decommissioned KQ aircraft was done last year by then Roads and Transport CS, Kipchumba Murkomen.
Los Angeles Fires Continue Causing Displacement and Damages
At least 10 people have so far been confirmed dead following the untamed fires that broke out 4 days ago in Los Angeles, Palasides. Despite frantic efforts by fire department and well wishers to contain the spread, the success is only a small percentage.
There are about six active fires currently in California: Palisades fire (21,596 acres), Eaton fire (14,117 acres), Kenneth fire (1,052 acres), Hurst fire (771 acres), Lidia fire (395 acres) and Archer fire (19 acres).
Fire fighters are working round the clock to contain the fires that have caused damage running into billions.
A little progress has been made over the last 24 hours, and new evacuation orders and road closures have been issued, signifying the magnitude of the crisis.
Pope Francis Honored With Presidential Medal of Freedom
Pope Francis becomes the third pope to receive the Presidential Medal of Freedom. The award ceremony, held at the White House, by President Joe Biden, was done on Saturday, 11th January. The award is the highest civilian honour by the United States of America government.
Pope John XXIII was posthumously recognized by President Lyndon Johnson in 1963, and Pope John Paul II was honored by President George W. Bush in 2004.
19 icons drawn from civil rights movement, athletes, actors and political powers that be were honored. They include: the late Fannie Lou Hamer, former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, billionaire Democratic fundraiser George Soros.
Also honored were actors Michael J. Fox, Denzel Washington, Argentine soccer star Lionel Messi and Earvin “Magic” Johnson, the retired LA Lakers basketball star. Ralph Lauren, a fashion designer who has also helped influence pop culture, and Bono – the U2 rock band frontman.
Hawkers to Protest Sakaja’s New Nairobi CBD Directive
Hawkers through their association, have expressed concerns over the new guidelines put in place by Nairobi County government. They threatened to march to City Hall to demand freedom to conduct business in CBD.
Nairobi County on Monday, issued a new directive banning hawking along the walkways. The traders were allocated designated backstreets and lanes where they will operating from. New operational hours are Monday to Saturday. from 4pm to 10pm.
The hawkers have raised issues with the poor state of the designated areas and that they will be congested, hindering their way of doing business.
How To Reduce High Blood Pressure
High blood pressure (hypertension) , is a condition that affects about half out of every 10 people above 40 years. Its quickly becoming a global concern.
Combating hypertension involves a combination of strategies and medication only plays a part. Here are effective ways to lower high blood pressure naturally:
1. Adopt a Healthy Diet
– Reduce salt intake
– Eat more potassium-rich foods like bananas, spinach, sweet potatoes, and avocados. Fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and low-fat dairy.
– Limit processed foods.
2. Exercise Regularly
– Aim for 2 hours of moderate exercise weekly: activities like brisk walking, swimming, cycling, or dancing.
3. Maintain a Healthy Weight
– Losing about 5–10% of body weight can significantly lower blood pressure.
– Watch your waist: Men: <40 inches, women <35 inches.
4. Limit caffeine, alcohol and quit smoking
5. Manage Stress
– Practice relaxation techniques such as deep breathing, meditation & yoga. Aim for an average of 8 hours each night.
6. Monitor your BP regularly to get an early diagnosis incase of a spike.
7. Take Prescribed Medications
– Drugs like ACE inhibitors, diuretics, or beta-blockers may be necessary. Always follow your doctor’s advice.
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