Hike In Hostel Charges A Thorn In The Flesh

Those of us who stay in hostels must surely feel a pinch by the hike in hostel charges. In the first place, there was no prior notification that the charges would appreciate. All and sundry were taken by surprise by the new 'illegitimate' policy of the hostel lords and ladies to increase the charges. They took advantage of the short break, courtesy of the lecturer's industrial action, to hike the charges as soon as we resumed studies. To most of them, everything was starting afresh. It's like the first semester had long ended and we had come back for a fresh start.

Moreover, no specific and convincing motive was given for the increase in hostel charges. Some custodians claimed that electricity bills had skyrocketed, hence the need to cost share the lofty bills with the tenants. Others claimed that the five weeks we had come to exhaust needed to be accounted for. Still, others simply increased the charges because others had done so. There are those who gave no reason at all. They laboured to advice the tenants to seek for places elsewhere if they felt uncomfortable with the new charges. What tomfoolery!!

Despite the dramatic mushrooming of of new hostels, it's sometimes too tasking to locate one where one can find the convenience they require. Some friends have decided to go for the rentals and advised me to follow suit. The idea is worth acknowledgeable.

All along, the hostel owner had been pestering me to book a room in advance. Every time I passed around his presence, he would holla at me that I might regret if I don't take his advice. Still, I could not buy his impotent advice or intimidation, whatever you can call it.

My patience and regard for a better alternative gave him the impression that I wouldn't keep around. He wouldn't get more tenants to help feed his over-sized paunch. I couldn't simply tolerate his constant nagging that I register with him since that is the only place where he is the boss, security personnel and the head of his family within the same hostel. Not a bad argument, but some little time is what I need to figure out the next step. But for his acute impatience, anger and promise to lock me out if I came late, I could have kept my resolve. His own palaver; not mine. To add insult to his already irate mood, I dropped the bombshell. I would also move out. This humbled him a little while. He no longer kept his angry face.

I'm sure matters won't be any better for new comers. They'll have to dig deeper into their pockets in order to quell mzee's temper. I know how he'll do it. He will tell them there is no place like his. Even if they pay more, his 'dormitory' is worth the cost.

Joshua Masinde-Makerere University.

The Allure Of Inexistent Jobs

I have been mailed a very attractive job package by the Hotel Canada. This is not the first time I have received their offer. They come in very different forms and their offers are usually very handsome. With the attractive pay package on their listing, I have been spurred into contemplation. Should I resign my payless job as student and take up the attractive offer?

I am sure; many of those who traverse the land every day in search of jobs that are hard to come by will bless their fate and kiss this sweet devil. Others might hold their breath for a moment and ask; "Is it a genuine offer?" They will contemplate on the possibility of some sinister strings attached to the impromptu offer. Irrational, impulsive and adamant folks will automatically fall prey to the curse in disguise. They will simply compile their papers, pack their bags and leave for the abattoir.

In effect, someone who has the potential to use his rational conscience or use a little of his genuine friends' reasoning might well thank heavens for not allowing him to be taken up by this slavery of the modern age.

More often, this is just one of the numerous pipelines through which human trafficking is executed. The fact that no actual experience is required but some elementary education is an impetus to falling prey easily to their cunning scheme. Another incentive comes in handy with the offer of a visa, travel, accommodation at the expense of the Hotel or the 'prospective' employer.

Their offer elevated my thought to a new dimension. I asked them to give me the job description of some of the jobs on offer but a reply has been long overdue. Instead, I received another job mailing: "Wanna be a football star??" So, I was required to apply for a job as a soccer player in a certain 1st Division Football Club in case I am seventeen and above.

I read a certain article about some two Egyptians who fell prey to an offer of this kind. After all arrangements had been exhausted, departure time came of age. They left for the expected destination of greener pastures. But before they would have the jobs, they were required to undergo medical diagnosis as a prerequisite to landing the alluring jobs. Then, their fate dawned on them. The Dr. told them they were under siege of a very serious complication and they needed a minor operation to level the path for them. Their desperation and resilience to get the jobs, coupled with the Dr.'s conviction sufficed to appease them to accept the operation, which would be done at no cost.

They were extracted of their kidneys and some other vital body parts and left to nurse their agony. The illegal traffickers could be nowhere to be seen. With the advancement in medical technology, the transplant of such body organs is not impossible and the patients always pay heavily for it. The short changers, posing as employers or employers' agents are the real traders in human body parts. There are many other cases where the victims can be used in sexual slavery and/or trafficking of drugs. They can also be used as the beasts of burden, where they do demeaning work with little or no pay.

It doesn't call for concerted intellectual contemplation to figure out that the lie is at our disposal. Better be wise and stay safe.

Joshua Masinde.