Those young and innocent people who complain that they scored well but were not invited to join KMTC should know by now that in this country, to get into a government college you need a good connection, unless you are extremely lucky, says Domi Gathuru who adds, "a sorry state indeed."

Just what is the point of the new police mini post on Kimathi Street, Nairobi opposite Corner House, wonders Pamela. She reports that when a young woman fell heavily in front of the police post two of the boys in blue manning the post were so unconcerned they did not even lift a finger to help her. "Does the slogan Service to All actually mean anything to those charged with upholding it?" Pamela asks.

Now, for beer lovers everywhere, an insight into the economics of brewing offered by a group of Maasai barley farmers from Narok. They say they noted with alarm that Tusker makers EAB made a profit of 200 per cent this year because they say they were told at the start of the season that barley growers would have to take a lower price because the breweries were suffering financial difficulties.

EAB finance the growers at normal bank interest rates, thus ensuring the loyalty of the farmers but also tying up the market. The farmers have to pay their own transport to Nairobi and this cuts Sh100-Sh150 off the price per bag. For wheat, farmers receive Sh1,700 per bag; for barley, about Sh1,000. Wheat growers can negotiate with various millers; barley farmers have only one outlet.

Growers spokesman Eric ole Mpesha adds: "A lot of farmers now feel it's just not worth growing barley and we would be better just putting in our cattle to graze." He adds: "It would be interesting to see what the breweries have to say about this."

And from one popular product to another: something has gone amiss with New Omo Powerfoam etc. this time, sneezes Jannette Juma. "Could they reconsider the choking smell that infects my sinuses and instead make it New Omo Odourless Powerfoam etc. etc." she begs. Atishoo!

Management at Psys Bar, Langata, want to thank Mitchie Kalibo for the honest comments about the state of their dance floor. They admit it was rough and say they've been waiting for tiles to arrive from the UK to repair the damage. However Mitchie's complaint made them think again - and so they've got on with the job. And to prove that actions speak louder than letters to us, Psys chief executive Don Smith is offering Mitchie a free bottle of wine, to be collected from the bar!

Have a responsive day, won't you!
Write to Watchman, PO Box 49010, Nairobi. Faxes: 214531, 213946.
E-mail: watchman@nationaudio.com