job position

Job Positions at Development Bank of Rwanda (BRD): (Deadline 19 July 2024) Date: July 08, 2024in: JobLeave a comment4,044 Views share 0 0 2 Job Positions at Development Bank of Rwanda (BRD): (Deadline 19 July 2024) 2 Job Positions at Development Bank of Rwanda ( BRD): (Deadline 19 July 2024) Information Security Analyst at Development Bank of Rwanda ( BRD): (Deadline 19 July 2024) Vacancy Announcement The Development Bank of Rwanda (BRD) Plc is Rwanda’s only National Development Bank mandated to support Rwanda’s Vision 2050 development agenda. Over the past five years, the bank has registered exponential growth contributing to socio-economic development, strengthening institutional and human capacity, fostering corporate governance and risk management practices. The Bank is implementing the revised strategic plan for 2024-2028 which is appropriately aligned to the country’s strategic direction enabling the Bank to unlock better value creation for its stakeholders by supporting entrepreneurs, addressing market failures, and impactful socioeconomic development. To deliver on its bold vision and impactful objectives, the Bank’s expanded and refocused mandate is underpinned on four strategic focus areas: Availing transformational finance. Increasing green financing for a resilient future. Driving scale and impact. Fostering innovation and technology. To achieve its strategic mandate, BRD recognizes the importance of strengthening its human and institutional capital to drive sustainable development, and ensure the Bank remains a center of excellence in the financial sector. BRD is committed to respecting gender equality and disability norms. We promote gender responsive practices. Qualified candidates particularly females and persons living with disabilities are encouraged to apply. To help accomplish this ambitious and exciting vision, the Development Bank of Rwanda (BRD) would like to recruit suitable qualified candidates to fill the following position: INFORMATION SECURITY ANALYST (1) Background Information Job Title: Information Security Analyst Job Grade: 6 Department: CEO’s Office Reports to: Senior Manager Information Security and Risk Contract Terms: Open-ended Purpose of the Job: The Information Security Analyst Job function will more into performing penetration tests, manual and automated vulnerability assessment scans on applications and IT infrastructure, risk assessments and code reviews. S/he will also be responsible for implementing remediation of the identified vulnerabilities in applications and supporting infrastructure. will conduct research on threats and attack vectors that impact web applications, bank’s IT infrastructure and mobile applications. Key Responsibilities: Provide security guidance to the application development team on various areas including secure coding techniques, process and tools, security testing support and release. Drive and perform application security training, requirements & standards, static & dynamic security testing Lead the application security design reviews for new applications to be developed and services. Providing DevOps security solution integration with various security test tools Conduct effective vulnerability management through VAPTs for all bank’s applications whether newly acquired and existing to ensure vulnerabilities are timely detected and managed. Perform source-code reviews and threat modelling the SDLC of the applications Assessing application security solutions proof of value through conducting proof of concept Participate in the architecture of mobile and web applications including interface and database design, process and API flows, networking, cloud infrastructure, protocol communication, security and appropriate technology use. Support the operationalization of the Security Operation Center (SOC) and implementation of ISO 27001:2022 ISMS Simulating an attack on the system and IT infrastructure to find exploitable weaknesses Establish and manage relations with vendors and related equipment suppliers Develop and communicate the Security Service catalogue Administer network and system monitoring tools and report attempted attacks to inform recommendations on further mitigation measures Perform detailed analysis of incidents and implement recommended mitigation Conduct monitoring controls on the Applications and Databases to ensure access management is based on the least privilege principle. Perform security reviews for access management of core banking and applications hosted on cloud Develop and review policies and procedures for applications/software development Performance Indicators Advanced knowledge in using VAPT tools like Kali Linux tools and other Web Vulnerability and security scanning tools Experience working with Web Applications, Web Services, and Service Oriented Architectures Experience with multiple programming languages (such as, Java, C++, Ruby, Python, Perl, etc.) Familiarity with the OWASP framework and application security best practices Strong understanding of SDLC principles. Strong analytical, documentation, and interpersonal skills Knowledge of encryption technologies (web, database, and file). Knowledge of identity and access management and its application in an enterprise Understanding of information security risks in financial services. Professional, academic qualifications and experience Bachelor’s degree in computer science, computer engineering, information systems or any other relevant degree. Master’s degree in information security field is an added value Information security certifications is an added advantage like ISO Lead Implementer, Lead Auditor, CEH or any other related professional recognized certifications At least 1 years of experience in conducting VAPT Other Competencies Good communication & analytical skills Good time management & team player High level of ownership of the assignments Flexible to work under changing environment Application Guidelines: Interested candidate should apply online (https://www.brd.rw/careers/) and upload application documents including Curriculum Vitae, copies of degree certificates and professional certificates, motivation letter, names of three previous supervisors (as one document) as well as their emails and telephone. Please be informed that you will receive a notification pop up message after successfully uploading your application. Only online applications shall be considered. Email only for inquiries (not application): recruitment@brd.rw Address all applications to the Head, Human Capital, and Corporate Services of the Development Bank of Rwanda. Deadline for application: 19th July 2024 The employment package is highly competitive/attractive. Due to expected high volume of applications, ONLY shortlisted applicants will be contacted. Done in Kigali, Friday 5th July 2024 CLICK HERE TO MORE AND APPLY Export Credit Guarantee Facility Senior Manager at Development Bank of Rwanda ( BRD): (Deadline 19 July 2024) Vacancy Announcement The Government of the Federal Republic of Germany supported the Government of Rwanda by providing a EUR 14.108 million grant for the establishment, capitalization, and operation of a new partial credit guarantee facility (PCG) in Rwanda. The Project will be implemented within the Development Bank of Rwanda ( BRD). The project envisages both growing and exporting MSMEs and is called Export Credit Guarantee Facility (ECGF). The purpose of the Project is to strengthen the private sector and especially MSMEs in order to accelerate economic growth and job creation. The project will furnish the Participating Financial Intermediaries (PFI) with guaranteed products, incentivizing them to provide higher financing volumes and longer tenures to MSMEs, enhancing their access to finance and other financial Services. The Project shall establish a credit guarantee facility developed by and hosted at BRD. The mandate, vision, and mission of BRD will therefore apply to the ECGF. The rationale for this is to enable its quick operationalization in order to start meeting market needs. KfW will provide the initial seed funding of € 14.1 million, through the Government of Rwanda. The facility will collaborate with PFIs, mainly local banks, that extend loans to SMEs. Through the guarantee facility, PFIs shall be enabled to increase their loan portfolio to growing and export-oriented SMEs, who shall invest in new economic activities, expand production capacities and through this create new job opportunities. EXPORT CREDIT GUARANTEE FACILITY SENIOR MANAGER (1) Background Information Job Title: Export Credit Guarantee Facility Senior Manager Job Grade: 4 Department: Strategy Reports to: Chief Executive Officer Contract Terms: 5 years renewable Purpose of the Job: The Senior Manager will be responsible for coordinating and overseeing the implementation of the Export Credit Guarantee Facility (ECGF) within BRD. This role involves managing all aspects related to the ECGF program, ensuring its effective operation, and supporting exporters in accessing credit guarantees. Key Responsibilities: Develop and implement strategies for the successful execution of the ECGF project. Build up and manage the new team internally set up by BRD which will be responsible for the implementation of the ECGF; this includes a lead role in the internal recruitment and coaching of other ECGF staff. Collaborate with internal teams to integrate ECGF processes into existing operations. Collaborate with the team of the external Implementation Consultant (IC) which will support the build-up and operation of the ECGF (including the drafting and continual review of the ECGF Operations Manual). Lead the acquisition of PFIs and the negotiation of framework agreements with interested PFIs which meet the ECGF’s criteria. Evaluate applications for credit guarantees and make informed decisions on their approval (in accordance with the decision-making rights defined in the ECGF Operations Manual). Monitor and assess the performance of the ECGF identifying areas for improvement. Maintain relationships with stakeholders, including government agencies, the National Bank of Rwanda (with respect to the regulatory treatment of the guarantees issued by the ECGF) and participating financial institutions. Performance Indicators Performance as a Senior Manager coordinating the ECGF implementation will be assessed based on key performance indicators related to program effectiveness, stakeholder satisfaction, risk management, and financial outcomes. Professional, academic qualifications and experience A bachelor’s or master’s degree in finance, economics, business administration, or a related field. Extensive experience in banking, finance, or trade finance, with a focus on credit guarantee programs. In-depth and up-to-date knowledge of the Rwandan banking and (M)SME finance sector including Rwandan banking regulations. Strong knowledge of export financing mechanisms and international trade practices is desirable. Excellent analytical skills and the ability to make sound judgments on credit applications. Effective communication skills to engage with diverse stakeholders. Application Guidelines: Interested candidate should apply online (https://www.brd.rw/careers/) and upload application documents including Curriculum Vitae, copies of degree certificates and professional certificates, motivation letter, names of three previous supervisors (as one document) as well as their emails and telephone. Please be informed that you will receive a notification pop up message after successfully uploading your application. Only online applications shall be considered. Email only for inquiries (not application): recruitment@brd.rw Address all applications to the Head, Human Capital, and Corporate Services of the Development Bank of Rwanda. Deadline for application: 8th July 2024 The employment package is highly competitive/attractive. Due to expected high volume of applications, ONLY shortlisted applicants will be contacted. Done in Kigali, Monday 24th June 2024 CLICK HERE TO MORE AND APPLY WELCOME TO OUR WHATSAPP GROUP share 0 0 Previous : Export Credit Guarantee Facility Senior Manager at Development Bank of Rwanda (BRD): (Deadline 19 July 2024) Next : 3 Job Positions of Driver at Rusizi District: (Deadline 16 July 2024) Related posts Consultant Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) Survey Coordinator at World Health Organization: (Deadline 23 July 2024) Consultant Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) Survey Coordinator at World Health Organization: (Deadline 23 July 2024) July 11, 2024 Senior Network Administrator at AB Rwanda Plc: (Deadline 26 July 2024) Senior Network Administrator at AB Rwanda Plc: (Deadline 26 July

What does a beast in revelation 17 signify?

Many people around the world wonder what or who is this beast? One of my favorite lines from the Lone Ranger was when people would ask, "Who was that masked man?" In the book of Revelation, chapter 17, we do not have a masked man, but a "masked" beast. Who or what is the beast? Commentators have identified the beast variously as Rome, the Antichrist, evil, successive empires, etc. Most interpretations can be categorized as either a person or an institution. This paper seeks to find an answer to this age-old question. To determine the beast's identity I will exegete important verses in Revelation 13 and 17. In addition I will interact with the various viewpoints offered by the scholars of Revelation. While not the primary purpose of this paper, I will also explore the identity of the woman riding the beast to the extent that this is pertinent to determining the identity of the beast. My conclusion will be based on an interaction with the scholars and with the text itself, insofar as such a conclusion is possible in light of the weighty arguments advanced for both the "person" and "institution" positions. Revelation 17 in the Context of the Book Revelation 17 is broken up into three sections: 1. Introduction to the vision (1-2); 2. The vision (3-6); 3. An interpretation of the vision (7-18). Within the flow of the book the vision of the beast follows on the heels of the seven bowls (15-16). It seems to be an appendix to the seventh bowl, expounding on the destruction of Babylon named in the seventh bowl judgment (16:19), and aforementioned in 14:8. The time of the judgment is at the end of the tribulation period, just before the Lord's return (19:11-21). This is evidenced by the fact that the seven bowl judgments are said to be the final plagues that will complete God's wrath on the earth-dwellers (15:1), the judgment of Babylon taking place in the seventh of these final plagues. A Comparison of Beasts The Dragon The first beast of Rev 13 has the same number of heads and horns as does the dragon in the previous chapter (Revelation 12:3; 13:1). The only difference between the dragon and the beast is the crowns. The dragon has crowns on his heads whereas the beast has crowns on his horns (Revelation 13:1). The beast cannot be the dragon, however, because the dragon is clearly distinguished from the beast. The dragon is said to give the beast his ruling authority (Revelation 13:4). For there to be one who gives ruling authority and one to receive the same requires that the dragon and beast be distinct from one another. The dragon and beast so closely resemble each other (with the same number of heads and horns) because the beast is the "reflection" of the dragon; i.e. everything the beast is and does directly flows from the ability given it by the dragon (Revelation 13:4-5, 7). Because of the satanic power operating behind the beast, the beast directly resembles the dragon, much like a glove directly resembles the hand it covers. Daniel 7 The first beast of Revelation 13 also has the same number of horns as does the beast of Daniel 7, although that beast is not said to have multiple heads (Daniel 7:8). Furthermore, the beast of Revelation 13 displays all the characteristics of Daniel's beasts. It is said to be like a leopard (third beast), have feet like a bear (second beast), and a mouth like a lion (first beast; compare Revelation 13:2 with Daniel 7:4-7). There is a clear affinity between Daniel's fourth beast and the beast of Revelation 13. Revelation 13 First Beast When we get to Revelation 17 we find a beast who is described as scarlet, having seven heads and ten horns. While there is no mention of any crowns on its heads or horns, it seems to be the same beast as that of Revelation 13. The fact that this beast is said to be scarlet, whereas the beast of Revelation 13 is not, does not appear to be of such significance to indicate that two different beasts are in view. Scarlet (kokkinon) is closely associated with red (purros), which is the color of the dragon, and symbolic of evil throughout the book (Revelation 6:4; 12:3; 17:3-4).1 While the context gives us reason to see the dragon and beast as two different characters even though they share the same number of heads and horns, we are not given any literary clues to consider the first beast of Revelation 13 and the beast of Revelation 17 as two different characters. The burden of proof rests on those who wish to make such a distinction. Seeing that the beast of Revelation 13 and 17 is identified as the same beast, an examination of the details of the former will assist in determining the identity of the latter. The beast in Revelation 13 is said to have recovered from a deadly wound causing the world to wonder after him (13:3), received worship (13:4, 8), is unique and invincible (13:4), spoke blasphemies against God (13:5-6), had power over the nations, and had power to make war with the saints (13:7). Each of these are clues to the beast's identity. While the beast's invincibility and power over the nations and saints could indicate that he is symbolic of some sort of political institution, the same cannot be said of speaking blasphemies against God and receiving worship. Institutions do not speak, and it makes little sense to assert that people will worship a political entity. They may worship an individual who represents such an entity, but not an abstract entity itself. There are good arguments on both sides for the nature of the deadly wound one of the beast's heads received and subsequently recovered from. Some, such as Mounce, believe the beast is non-personal, referring to evil spiritual forces. The death-wound and recovery refers to the reestablishment of political order under Emperor Vespasian, or maybe even to emphasize the vitality of the beast. Others, such as Walvoord, see the beast as the revived Roman Empire. It is believed that the ten-toed iron and clay kingdom of Daniel 2:41-43 is a latter-day revival of the old Roman Empire. It is clear in Daniel that the iron kingdom is the fourth and final kingdom, and yet this iron kingdom is distinguished literarily from the iron and clay kingdom (see how they are treated distinctly in Daniel 2:40, 41-3). Since both are part of the fourth kingdom, sharing in the iron, it is clear that both refer to Rome. Seeing that the iron kingdom will be in existence when the Lord sets up His own everlasting kingdom (Daniel 2:44; See also 7:13-14, 21-27), it is believed that the Roman Empire must be in existence at Christ's return.2 Since the Roman Empire fell in the seventh century AD this would require a revival of that empire just before the coming of Christ. Against such a position is the fact that the fourth kingdom will not be the only kingdom in existence when the Lord sets up His kingdom; all the kingdom-beasts will be in existence. Notice that Daniel said, "And in the days of these kings…" (Daniel 2:44, italics mine). "These kings" refer to the four kingdoms of the great image. Not only would the Roman Empire have to exist at the time of Christ's return according to such interpretation, but so would the Babylonian, Medo-Persian, and Grecian Empires. The same can be said of the beasts of Daniel 7. Within the context of the Lord's return and establishment of the everlasting kingdom it is said of the four beasts: "I beheld even till the [fourth] beast was slain, and his body destroyed, and given to the burning flame. As concerning the rest of the beasts, they had their dominion taken away: yet their lives were prolonged for a season and time" (Daniel 7:11b-12 within the context of 7:7-27). Not only is the revived Roman Empire view exegetically shaky, it does not fit the response of those who witnessed the resurrection of the beast. It is said that they were amazed at the beast who recovered from such a deadly wound, and such amazement prompted world-wide followership and worship of the beast (Revelation 13:3-4). The healing of the beast led them to believe that the beast was militarily invincible (and by implication, invincible to death), and unlike any other (13:4). While a revived Roman Empire would be a wonder indeed, it is difficult to see how a political re-uniting of the old Roman Empire could illicit such amazement and worship from the earth-dwellers. A recovery from a genuine death-wound to a real human being would better explain the world's amazement and worship. The text supports the view that the death-wound and subsequent healing was received by a human, not an institution. The Greek says the beast was w`j evsfagme,non ("as if slain"). The exact same wording is used of Christ the Lamb in Revelation 5:6. If we are to argue for the reality of the physical death of Christ we must also argue for the reality of the physical death of the beast because the same construction is used of each. Furthermore, Christ's resurrection is described as e;zhsen (2:8). The same word is used of the beast's recovery from the deadly wound (13:14). Just as Christ was raised from the dead, so will the beast (Antichrist). It is the ultimate parody of the Antichrist that he would even imitate Christ's death and resurrection in his rivalry of Christ.3 The only serious objection to this view is that Satan does not have the power to raise one from the dead. It should be pointed out that the text never says who raised the beast from his deadly wound. It is not beyond the realm of possibility that it was God who caused him to raise from the dead, possibly to magnify the beast's deception of the earth-dwellers. Regardless, the issue of who raised the Antichrist from the dead is not a question of exegesis, but of theological speculation.4 In summation, while the deadly wound the beast received and recovered from could be taken in a figurative sense to refer to a non-personal entity such as evil, or a political kingdom, an exegesis of the text argues in favor of the view that it is a literal wound and recovery of a human being. Second Beast A further clue to the identity of the first beast of Revelation 13 is found in the second beast of Revelation 13. It is clear that this second beast is a human person, and not an institution. He is identified as "the false prophet" (Revelation 16:13; 19:20; 20:10), a designation clearly depicting that of a human person. He, as well as the beast, is said to be cast into the Lake of Fire at the Lord's return (19:20). Surely an institution, kingdom, or city cannot be thrown into the Lake of Fire; people are thrown into the Lake of Fire.5 This argues strongly that the beasts of Revelation 13 are specific human individuals. The second beast is also said to cause the earth dwellers to worship the first beast, and even compel them to make an image of him (13:12, 14). The second beast was able to give life to this image so that it could speak and kill (13:15). Unless this image is that of a man, it makes little sense for it to be able to speak. It seems the first beast, which the image resembles, is a man, not an institution. The Beast of Revelation 17 While the first beast of Revelation 13 appears to be a human individual, the details of the beast in Revelation 17 are not so clear. John saw a vision of a woman sitting on a scarlet beast with seven heads and ten horns. The vision may allude to a coin minted in AD 71 in the province of Asia during Vespasian's reign (AD 69-79). The coin has a picture of Vespasian on the front and the goddess Roma sitting on the seven hills of Rome on the back.6 The goddess personified Rome to those living in these parts, although the goddess was not officially introduced to the city of Rome until the second century AD. Whether this was the backdrop of John's vision cannot be determined with certainty, but it is an interesting parallel to John's vision nonetheless. 17:8 When the angel began to interpret John's vision of the beast and woman he said the beast "was, and is not, but is about to come up from the abyss…." Johnson sees this description as reminiscent of the deadly wound and healing of the beast spoken of in Revelation 13:3, 14. The fact that he "is not" refers to his defeat by the Lamb at Calvary.7 He would come back to life again at the end time, however. David Aune agrees with Johnson that the description is reminiscent of the deadly wound and healing, but understands this in a literal sense, referring to a human person.8 He specifically connects this with the Nero Redivivus theory wherein Nero was expected to be revived from the dead. Many saw such a resurrection in Emperor Domitian. Robert Mounce interprets the beast as the persecution of Christians by the hand of imperial government. He understands the "was, and is not, but is about to come up from the abyss" to refer to the fact that persecution had existed but had stopped for the moment. Soon, however, it would come out of the abyss once again.9 Caird, a preterist, has much the same interpretation. He says, "The fact that he [John] can say it is not is the clearest possible indication that there was no open and organized persecution at the time when he was writing."10 These interpretations fit with their overall understanding of the theme of Revelation, but do not seem to be derived from an exegesis of this particular text. There is nothing in the context that indicates the beast is persecuting anyone. The beast is only said to destroy the woman that rides him. The only mention of opposition towards the godly is the war he will make against the Lamb, a reference to the battle of Armageddon at the very end of Daniel's 70th week (17:14). To say the beast was, and is not, and will ascend from the abyss is reminiscent of the thrice repeated statement concerning Christ as the one "who is, who was, and who is to come" (Revelation 1:4, 8; 4:8). It seems to be a parallel expression, communicating once again the ways in which the Antichrist attempts to parallel the true Christ. I would have to agree with Aune that the description of the beast is a reference to the wounding and healing of the beast in chapter 13. The response is the same in both chapters. In both 13:3 and 17:8 the world "wondered" (qauma,zw) after the beast. If the reference is the same, and the beast is a person in Revelation 13, it would argue for a personal beast in Revelation 17. 17:9 In the interpretation of the beast's seven heads we are told that they are both seven mountains, and seven kings. This is the only place in apocalyptic literature in which one symbol is given two interpretations, making this very unique. Johnson understands the seven mountains/kings to refer to completeness, not literally, and thus rejects the view that the beast is Rome, or seven particular Roman emperors. He points out, as do many other commentators, that if the seven kings refer to seven literal emperors we are at a loss to know which emperors John was referring to. We must ask Which emperor are we to begin with? Is it Julius Caesar? Augustus Caesar? Which emperors do we include and exclude? Those who wish to find seven emperors not only arbitrarily start with a particular emperor, but also arbitrarily exclude the short reigning emperors Galba, Otho, and Vitellius. If John wrote his apocalypse under Nero we are left with too few emperors; if under Domitian too many. No reconstruction of the identity of the seven kings is without its mark of speculation, arbitrariness, and difficulty. Writter: Nzayisenga Adrien

Ese u Rwanda ruzasubiza amafaranga yari yaratanzwe n'ubwongereza yo gufasha impunzi?

Nta nshingano dufite zo kugira amafaranga ayo ari yo yose dusubiza.' Doris Picard, Umujyanama wa Minisitiri w'Ubutabera, yakuriye inzira ku murima umunyamakuru wa BBC wari amusabye kugira icyo avuga byo kuba 'Guverinoma ya UK yatangaje ko hari amafaranga u Rwanda rugomba gusubiza. Hashize iminsi mike uwari minisitiri w'intebe w'ubwongereza bwana rish sunak atsinzwe amatora yahanganyemo n'umukandida wo mu ishyaka riharanira uburenganzira bw'abakozi bwana keir starmer, sunak yari ashyigikiye ko abimukira bageze mu bwongereza bidakurikije amategeko bakoherezwa mu Rwanda, ku munsi wa mbere bwana Keir starmer akimara gutorwa yahise ahagarika amasezerano leta yicyo gihugu yari yaragiranye na leta y'u Rwanda. Igikomeje kwibazwa ni ese leta y'ubwongereza izishyuza aya mafaranga?ese leta y'uRwanda yo yiteguye kuyatanga. Umwanditsi: Nzayisenga Adrien

Earn scholarship with Unicaf

Unicaf is celebrating Africa Month with $5 million worth of scholarships to study online for British Master's degreeshttps://apply.unicaf.org/unicaf/africa-month?p=uk&utm_source=twitter&utm_medium=tweet&utm_campaign=TW-UNICAF-AfricaMonth-Rwanda-NoTargeting-30-04-2024&utm_content=AfricaMonth-NoTargeting&twclid=2-57ed0fgcevws4v7hr7d8qt5yc(nzayisenga Adrien)

More than 270 people arrested in antigovernment rallies in Kenya

Kenyan police have arrested more than 270 people who they said were masquerading as protesters and suspected of going on a criminal rampage during antigovernment rallies in the country. “Security forces across the country singled out suspects found engaging in criminal activities in the guise of protesting and took them to custody,” the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) said in a statement posted on X late on Tuesday. It said 204 suspects were arrested in Nairobi, the capital, and another 68 in other areas of the country. “The DCI has further deployed scrupulous investigators across the affected regions to pursue suspects captured on CCTV cameras and mobile phone recordings violently robbing, stealing and destroying properties and businesses of innocent citizens,” the statement added. Interior Cabinet Secretary Kithure Kindiki also condemned the protests, describing them as an “orgy of violence”, warning that the government would take action against anyone engaging in “anarchic chaos and cruel plunder”. “This reign of terror against the people of Kenya and the impunity of dangerous criminal gangs must end at whatever cost,” he said. Riot police used tear gas and charged at stone-throwing protesters in central Nairobi and across Kenya on Tuesday in widespread unrest since at least two dozen protesters died in clashes last week. The demonstrations began against a controversial finance bill that contained new taxes, adding to the hardships of people already suffering a cost-of-living crisis. While President William Ruto later abandoned the measure, protesters have since called for his resignation in a wider campaign against his rule, using the hashtag “RutoMustGo”. They have also rejected his calls for dialogue. The Kenya National Commission on Human Rights (KNCHR) said 39 people had been killed and 361 injured during two weeks of rallies, with the worst violence occurring in Nairobi on June 25. The KNCHR on Monday also condemned the use of force against demonstrators as “excessive and disproportionate”. In Mombasa, Milan Waudo told the Reuters news agency, “People are dying in the streets, and the only thing he can talk about is money. We are not money. We are people. We are human beings. “He [Ruto] needs to care about his people, because if he can’t care about his people then we don’t need him in that chair.” Reporting from Nairobi, Al Jazeera’s Zein Brasravi said the rallies are a “reflection” of the anger that people are feeling after the deaths of protesters. “Protesters here say that they feel that their voices are still not heard and the government still doesn’t understand why they’re coming out and protesting,” he said on Wednesday. Activists blamed Tuesday’s violence on infiltrators they said had been unleashed by the government to discredit their movement and said it was now time to disperse. Still, more demonstrations have been called for Thursday and Sunday.

improve your concentration

Why can’t I concentrate? This is a common question for many. If you find yourself trying to multitask too often or struggling to complete even the smallest of tasks, you’ve likely asked yourself this question. And often, the answer can be found in your daily activities and some areas you can control. These can include: Your bedtime routine and sleep hygiene Not getting enough sleep Not eating nutritious meals or sufficient calories throughout the day Having your phone and other electronics within your view Dependents or coworkers needing your attention Your day is structured out of sync with your ultradian rhythm You are overly stressed or burnt out You do not get enough physical activity throughout the day These are just a few examples of reasons you may not be able to concentrate. And they largely fall under five primary categories or factors. 5 common factors of poor concentration These are five common habits and factors that can impact your ability to concentrate: Distraction Insufficient sleep Insufficient physical activity Poor eating habits Environmental factors 1. Distraction We are bombarded by a constant flow of information, whether new or old, during the process of doing something. Researchers have found that our brains are so primed for this distraction that just seeing our smartphone impairs our ability to concentrate. We constantly assess whether the information is useful, sufficient, or meaningless. The sheer quantity coming in muddles our assessment of whether we actually need more information to make decisions. 2. Insufficient sleep Scientists have found that lack of sleep can lead to lower alertness, slower thought processes, and reduced concentration. You will have more difficulty focusing your attention and may become confused. As a result, your ability to perform tasks especially relating to reasoning or logic can be seriously affected. Chronically poor sleep further affects your concentration and memory. Dr. Allison T. Siebern from the Stanford University Sleep Medicine Centre notes that if you cannot concentrate on what is at hand, it is unlikely to make it to either your short- or long-term memory. 3. Insufficient physical activity Have you ever noticed how vigorous exercise leaves you feeling more relaxed and energetic throughout the day? When you don’t do physical activity, your muscles can become tense. You may feel tightness in your neck, shoulder, and chest and such persistent, low-level discomfort can affect your concentration. 4. Poor eating habits What we eat contributes to how we feel, including our mental sharpness and clarity, throughout the day. If we don’t fuel our brains with the proper nutrients, we start to experience symptoms like memory loss, fatigue, and lack of concentration. Low-fat diets can ruin focus because the brain needs certain essential fatty acids. Other restrictive diets may negatively affect concentration by not providing the nutrients the brain needs or by creating hunger, cravings, or feeling of unwellness in the body that are themselves distracting. 5. Environmental factors Depending on what you are doing, the environment can affect your focus. Obviously, a noise level that is too loud is a problem, but many people also have difficulty concentrating when it is too quiet. It isn’t just the overall noise level but the type of noise that matters: the high-energy, anonymous hum of a coffee shop might bring focus while the overheard conversation of two co-workers derails it. A favorite song quickly has you singing along, happily distracted, while less distinct instrumentals might keep you attuned to the task. Lighting that is too bright or too dim can affect your vision. A room that is too hot or too cold creates discomfort. All of these elements can affect your concentration. Happily, they are also all addressable. Conditions related to concentration If you frequently can’t focus your thoughts and are experiencing ongoing concentration difficulties, it may indicate a cognitive, medical, psychological, lifestyle, or environmental cause. Depending on the cause, you may have to temporarily accept that your concentration is low and learn a few tricks to reduce the impact or accept the dips as they come. If you need help with concentration and think your difficulties go beyond the list above, consult with a professional. Possible broader conditions include: Cognitive. Your concentration may decrease if you find yourself forgetting things easily. Your memory sometimes fails you, you misplace articles, and have difficulty remembering things that occurred a short time ago. Another way your concentration may be cognitively impaired is if you find that your mind is overactive, constantly thinking of multiple things due to concerns or important events. When thoughts and issues intrude into your mind, demanding attention, it prevents effective concentration. Psychological. When you are depressed and feeling down, it is difficult to focus. Similarly, when you are recovering from the loss of a loved one during bereavement or are experiencing anxiety, you may have difficulty focusing on a single task. Medical. Medical conditions like diabetes, hormonal imbalances, and low red blood cell count can affect our concentration. Some medication also makes you drowsy or bleary and severely impair concentration. Environmental. Poor working conditions, shared spaces, and intense or negative work dynamics may also contribute to a lack of concentration. When we are experiencing burnout or stress from work or personal life, we will find it difficult to concentrate due to emotional exhaustion. Similarly, the environment can create discomfort to our body with effects that we’re aware of (heat, light, noise) and others that don’t fully register (tension, negativity, monitoring). Lifestyle. Fatigue, hunger, and dehydration can derail concentration. Lifestyles that involve too many missed meals, rich foods, or excessive alcohol consumption can challenge our memory and ability to concentrate and focus. 15 Ways to improve your concentration Now you know why you need help with concentration. What can help you to focus better? There’s no one answer for how to improve focus, but the following tips can help. Eliminate distractions. How do we focus better if we are always bombarded with information? Make a practice blocking time in your schedule to do a specific task or activity. During this time, request that you be left alone or go to a place where others are unlikely to disturb you: a library, a coffee shop, a private room. Close social media and other apps, silence notifications, and keep your phone hidden from sight in a bag or backpack. As described in HBR, researchers found that cognitive capacity was significantly better when the phone was out of sight, not just turned off. Keep Your primary focus is to complete what you need to do. Shutting off both internal and external disturbances can help you to concentrate. Reduce multitasking. Attempting to perform multiple activities at the same time makes us feel productive. It’s also a recipe for lower focus, poor concentration, and lower productivity. And lower productivity can lead to burnout. Examples of multitasking include listening to a podcast while responding to an email or talking to someone over the phone while writing your report. Such multitasking not only hampers your ability to focus but compromises your work quality. Practice mindfulness and meditation. Meditating or practicing mindfulness activities can strengthen well-being and mental fitness and improve focus. During the meditation process, our brain becomes calmer and our whole body becomes more relaxed. We focus on our breath during the process so that we will not be distracted by our minds. With practice, we can learn to use our breath to bring our attention back to a particular task so that it can be done well even if we get interrupted. Get more sleep. Many factors affect your sleep. One of the most common is reading from an electronic device like a computer, phone, or tablet or watching your favorite movie or TV show on an LED TV just before bedtime. Research has shown that such devices emit light towards the blue end of the spectrum. Such light will stimulate your eye retina and prevent the secretion of melatonin that promotes sleep anticipation in the brain. Use a filter or "blue light" glasses to minimize such blue light or avoid all electronic devices before bed. Other ways to improve sleep include avoiding exercise late in the day, staying hydrated throughout the day, using journaling or breathing exercises to quiet the mind, and creating a predictable bedtime routine and schedule. Choose to focus on the moment. It might feel counterintuitive when you feel unable to concentrate, but remember that you choose where you focus. It's tough to concentrate when your mind is always in the past and worrying about the future. While it isn’t easy, make an effort to let go of past events. Acknowledge the impact, what you felt, and what you learned from it, then let it go. Similarly, acknowledge your concerns about the future, consider how you are experiencing that anxiety in your body, then choose to let it go. We want to train our mental resources to focus on the details of what matters at the moment. Our minds go in the direction we choose to focus. Take a short break. This also might seem counterintuitive, but when you focus on something for a long time, your focus may begin to die down. You may feel more and more difficulty devoting your attention to the task. Researchers have found that our brains tend to ignore sources of constant stimulation. Taking very small breaks by refocusing your attention elsewhere can dramatically improve mental concentration after that. The next time you are working on a project, take a break when you begin to feel stuck. Move around, talk to someone, or even switch to a different type of task. You will come back with a more focused mind to keep your performance high. Connect with nature. Research has found that even having plants in office spaces can help increase concentration and productivity, as well as workplace satisfaction and better air quality. Finding time to take a walk in the park or appreciating the plants or flowers in your garden can boost your concentration and help you feel refreshed. Train your brain. Scientific research is starting to amass evidence on the ability of brain training activities to enhance cognitive abilities, including concentration, in adults. Such brain training games for concentration can also help you develop your working and short-term memory, as well as your processing and problem-solving skills. Examples of such games include jigsaw puzzles, sudoku, chess, and brain-stimulating video games. Exercise. Start your day with simple exercise and get your body moving. According to the May 2013 issue of the Harvard Men's Health Watch, regular exercise releases chemicals key for memory, concentration, and mental sharpness. Other research found that exercise can boost the brain's dopamine, norepinephrine, and serotonin levels and all these will affect focus and attention. Individuals who do some form of exercise or sports perform better on cognitive tasks when compared with those who have poor physical health. Physical movement helps relax the muscles and relieve tension in the body. Since the body and mind are so closely linked, when your body feels better so, too, will your mind. Listen to music. Music has been shown to have therapeutic effects on our brains. Light music may help you to concentrate better, but some music may distract you. Experts generally agree that classical music and nature sounds, such as water flowing, are good choices for concentration while music with lyrics and human voices may be distracting. Multiple apps and services offer background music and soundscapes designed for different types of focus and work needs. Eat well. Choose foods that moderate blood sugar, maintain energy, and fuel the brain. Fruits, vegetables, and high-fiber foods can keep your blood sugar levels even. Reduce sugary foods and drinks that cause spikes and dips in your sugar levels make you feel dizzy or drowsy. Your brain needs lots of good fat to function properly. Nuts, berries, avocados, and coconut oil are all great ways to get healthy fats into your diet and help your brain run more smoothly. Research has found that foods like blueberries can boost concentration and memory for up to 5 hours after consumption due to an enzyme that stimulates the flow of oxygen and blood to the brain, helping with memory as well as our ability to focus and learn new information. Leafy green vegetables such as spinach contain potassium which accelerates the connections between neurons and can make our brain more responsive. Set a daily priority. Write down what you want to accomplish each day, ideally the night before, and identify a single priority that you commit to accomplishing. This will help focus your brain on what matters, tackling the big jobs first and leaving the small stuff till later. Break large tasks into smaller bytes so that you will not be overwhelmed. Identifying true priorities can help relieve distracting anxiety, and achieving small daily goals can wire your brain to achieve success. Create space for work. Create a calm dedicated space for work, if possible. Not everyone can have a well-appointed office, but desk organizers, noise-canceling headphones, an adjustable monitor, and adjustable lighting can help. Clear clutter out of sight, make it as ergonomic and comfortable as possible, and try to keep your space neat and ventilated. Use a timer. Train your brain to hyper-focus on a task by using a timer or phone alarm. First, decide what task you want to complete. Set your timer for 20 minutes (generally not more than 30 minutes) and concentrate on the task. When the alarm rings take a short break for 5 minutes. You can either take a walk and do some stretching exercise, then reset the timer and start again. This technique has shown to be effective to improve your concentration. Switch tasks. While we may want to concentrate on a particular task, sometimes we get stuck and our brain needs something fresh to focus on. Try switching to other tasks or something you love to do. Switching tasks can help you stay alert and productive for a longer pe

Biography

Paul Kagame is the President of the Republic of Rwanda. He served as Chair of the AU from 2018 to 2019 and chaired the East African Community from 2018-2021. President Kagame serves as the AU Champion for Domestic Health Financing. He also currently Chairs the Commonwealth. Beginning in 1990, as commander of the forces of the Rwandan Patriotic Front (RPF), he led the struggle to liberate Rwanda. The RPF halted the Genocide against the Tutsi in 1994, which claimed over a million victims. The hallmarks of President Kagame’s administration are peace and reconciliation, women’s empowerment, promotion of investment and entrepreneurship, and access to information technology, a cause he also champions as Co-Chair of the Broadband Commission for Sustainable Develoment.