Ndiba wa Ndûngi

The era of the traditional Public Switched Telephone Network (PSTN) is approaching its end as digital technology continues to replace the legacy system of wired telephony. In various jurisdictions, the PSTN shutdown, initially planned for December 2025, has now been rescheduled to take place in January 2027, marking a significant shift in telecommunications history. Since their inception in the 1880s, telephone exchanges—built on physical infrastructure—have formed the backbone of global communication by routing calls through switches and circuits. These exchanges have been essential to connecting homes and businesses for over a century. However, with advancements in digital technology, traditional landlines are giving way to modern communication solutions. The transition involves a move towards digital networks, including wireless and cloud-based systems that leverage Internet Protocol (IP) and Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) technologies. This shift promises more flexible and eff

Communication has been an essential part of human life since the beginning of civilization. The need to share information quickly and over long distances has led to remarkable innovations throughout history. Today, the telephone stands as one of the most pivotal inventions in human communication. But to truly understand the telephone's impact, we need to explore its evolution—from the first rudimentary methods of communication like smoke signals and messenger pigeons, to the sophisticated technologies of today, such as mobile phones, video calls, and satellite communication. Early Communication: From Smoke Signals to Horseback Riders Before the telephone, humans relied on a variety of methods to communicate over long distances. In ancient civilizations, signals such as smoke, drum beats, and horn blasts were used to convey simple messages, especially in military or tribal contexts. The Greeks and Romans, for example, used fires and smoke signals as early forms of communication. At

Communication is an essential part of human existence, evolving from the most basic methods of signaling to the advanced technologies that connect us across the globe today. The journey of communication technologies spans millennia, and each leap forward has brought societies closer, enabling complex relationships, trade, and collaboration on unprecedented scales. In this article, we trace the major milestones in the evolution of communication, from ancient methods to modern-day technology. 1. Primitive Communication: Smoke Signals and Drums In ancient times, when societies were small and tribal, communication across distances was rudimentary yet effective. Smoke signals, for example, were used by Native American tribes and other civilizations around the world as a means of sending messages over long distances. By creating puffs of smoke from a fire, the sender could convey basic messages, such as warnings of danger or signals for gathering. In a similar vein, drums played an essential

The marathon, as we know it today, is inspired by a legendary tale from ancient Greece, involving the hero Pheidippides. The story dates back to 490 BC, during the Battle of Marathon, where Pheidippides is said to have run the first marathon in history to deliver the news of the Athenian victory to Athens. Eliud Kipchoge; Kenyan Legend and Marathoner runs 1:59:40:2 in INEOS 1:59 Challenge The Legend of Pheidippides According to the legend, Pheidippides was an Athenian herald (a messenger). Before the famous marathon run, he had already completed a remarkable journey. The Persian Empire, led by King Darius, was advancing toward Greece, and the Athenians needed help. So, Pheidippides was sent on a grueling run from Athens to Sparta to request military assistance. The distance between the two cities was around 147 miles (235 km), and Pheidippides undertook the journey without the luxury of modern aids like horses or water packs. His only companions were the mountainous terrain, wild anima

  When you think of the African savannah, the iconic Acacia tree stands out as a powerful symbol. These remarkable trees not only define the continent’s landscapes but have also captured the hearts of nature lovers worldwide. Their striking appearance and unique qualities make them essential components of African ecosystems. From the Serengeti to the Kalahari, the Acacia tree embodies both nature's artistry and the resilience of one of the world's most captivating environments.   Learning Under the Acacia Tree Typically, the trunk of an Acacia tree is short and sturdy, branching out into a broad, umbrella-shaped crown. Its zigzag-patterned branches are adorned with sharp thorns, serving as a protective barrier against herbivores. The complex leaves, composed of numerous small leaflets, are designed to conserve water—an essential adaptation for survival in the dry savannah.   So, why am I talking about an Acacia tree? Many many years ago, (tene tene mûno-rî), there w