essay questions on fathers of nations pdf

Fathers of Nation Possible KCSE Excerpts Questions and Answers-Excerpts 1-5

Get Excerpts 6-10 Here

Compilation of Possible Excerpts Based Questions Likely to be Examined in English Paper 2.

Possible kcse excerpt 1, read the excerpt below and answer the questions that follow. (25 marks).

When all four were back at their seats, the Chair began to wrap up.”Excellencies, we’ve come to the end of our summit.” He smiled, and why not? Had The Trick not saved the day? Had it not eliminated the need for the consensus he could not achieve? “Go back home safely, Excellencies. As we say in my country, travel like lions, without fear of attack or worry about supper. And, speaking about supper, the Pinnacle informs me that, to cap our summit, it has organised a closing ceremony on the mezzanine floor. Things will start sizzling in thirty minutes. So we’ll meet there soon.” Gavel hit wood.Bang. “I now declare the summit itself formally closed.” Bang. Bang. President Dibonso sprang to hit feet at once. “Mr Chairman, don’t insult our intelligence withthat rubbish.” His voice was grating on all ears with tones of rage. “What rubbish are you referring to? President Dibonso?” asked the Chair. He was rising tothe challenge. “The Choice Matrix indeed! Do you really expect us to buy into that madness? Can’t you seethat some of us are not senile? We reject the matrix, lock, stock and barrel.” “I said the summit stands closed,” insisted the Chair. Bang. Bang.”And I say it is open again,” retorted President Dibonso.

“But, President Dibonso, you do not have the power to do so.” “Who says I do not have the power to do so? See this?” He pulled out a pistol, pocket-size.The other heads of state scrambled to hide under their desks. “President Dibonso, put that thing away!” demanded the Chair.”Make me!” retorted President Dibonso, The pistol clicked, It was ready to start spitting fire at the Chaire.

• Briefly explain what happens just before the excerpt.                                               (4 marks)
• Identify and illustrate two-character traits of the Summit Chair and one of PresidentDibonso.
• What two themes come out in the excerpt?                                                                 (4 marks)
• (i) We reject the matrix, lock, stock and barrel. (Write beginning with “Lock “) (1mark)
• Discuss two stylistic devices used in the excerpt.                                                      (4 marks)
• I said the summit is closed. ( Rewrite using a question tag)                                   (1 mark)

POSSIBLE KCSE EXCERPT 2

Professor Kimani joined the University of Nairobi directly as a senior lecturer. Even before taking off, he was already flying. There was a reason. Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda had justdismantled théir University of East Africa. Kenya’s part of the university, now renamed the University of Nairobi, found itself with a vacancy it had to fill immediately in its Institute of Development Studies.

Professor Kimani, who had just completed his studies at the University of Oxford, wrote from there to say he wanted to fill it. To ensure he came and filled it for sure, the University of Nairobi raised his entry point from that of a lecturer to that of a senior lecturer.

He came. Only a month after his arrival, he launched a noisy debate in which he demanded that the University of Nairobi henceforth strive for relevance to the society rather than simplyexcellence of its work. It was not clear exactly what he meant by relevance to the society rather than simply excellence of its work. It was not clear exactly what he meant by relevanceto the society. However, a short six months later, he prevailed. The university’s official mottobecame, ‘Relevance to the society’.

After winning this war, he started another war which was even noisier. Now he wanted the university to be an agent of change, not a mere spectator of it. This was when people still thought this view was too radical and ridiculed it as simple- minded. So, not surprising, someof his colleagues, puzzled by his refusal to see that it was simple-minded, did or said little, convinced that he would fall on his face before long and self-destruct on his own

without their help.

He did not care. After all, his antics in wars that he had started, and won, had also won him the heart of a campus beauty queen. Her name was Asiya Omondi. He married her on a rainy but approving Saturday, to claps of thunder and flashes of lightning. How marriage then accelerated academic success! A professorship soon followed. After that achievement, he feltfulfilled. His persona now was complete. Had anyone told him this happiness would one dayend as it did, he would have laughed himself upside down.

• After Kimani fills a vacancy in University of Nairobi’s Institute of Development Studies,he demands for two changes at the university in quick succession. What are these changes?
• Identify and illustrate three characters traits of Kimani brought out in this excerpt.  (6marks)
• Discuss three themes raised in the excerpt.                                                                  (6 marks)
• (i) To ensure he came and filled it for sure, the University of Nairobi raised his entry point from that of a lecturer to that of a senior lecturer. (Write beginning with the mainclause). (1 mark)

ii) His persona now was complete .                                                                                       (1 mark)

• Identify one stylistic device used in the excerpt.                                                         (4 marks)
• Explain the meaning of the following words used in the excerpt.                              (4 marks)
• The writer says, ‘Had anyone told him this happiness would one day end as it did, hewould have laughed himself upside down.” What later happened to Professor Kimaniin the text? (2 marks)

POSSIBLE KCSE EXCERPT 3

Read the excerpt below and answer the questions that follow (25 marks)

“Tad,” said the cranky passenger as he was settling down in economy class, in a seat next toDr Afolabi’s. “Tad Longway,” he added. His voice, deep, lingered on like the boom of a bigdrum. He held up a card. Dr Afolabi took it. It said the man was a Director of Special Projects at the Agency for Governance and Development in Africa. “Pleased to meet you, Mr Longway,” Dr Afolabisaid. “My name is Abiola Afolabi. I teach at the University of Ibadan, Nigeria. “

“You gave an excellent keynote the other day, Dr Afolabi,” said the cranky passenger. Sparksof earnestness were crossing his eyes, both crystal-green like toy marbles, confirming the compliment was sincere. “Your keynote address at the Foundation for Democratic Rule, I mean. It was brilliant.” “I’m glad you liked it, Mr Longway,” Dr Afolabi said. His voice had become warm. “Youwere there, then, Mr Longway?”

“Yes, but back in the last row. As a mere spectator, I did not want to be obtrusive. Anyway, you were superb, Dr Afolabi. If you don’t mind my adding this, I was more impressed by thepoints that the audience raised afterwards, during the question-and-answer period. “

Dr Afolabi felt the praise he had just heard turn into reproach. “So what were those points,Mr Longway?” he asked. His voice was less warm. “Remember the guy from Grassroots International: short fellow, round of body andoutspoken of manner? What was his name? It’s on the tip of my tongue.”

You must mean the fire-eater who kept accusing me of looking for answers where I shouldnot even look,” Dr Afolabi said. “Exactly, that’s our man. Yes, I thought he was right on point, Dr Afolabi. He too wasunhappy with the present state.”

“Wait, the present state of what?” “Africa.””I don ‘t understand. ” “No problem. I’ll spell it out for you. You see, Dr Afolabi, Africa, in its present state, has twonew arrivals: corruption and impunity. The first is a crime the Second protects from punishment, the second is another crime the first rewards with kickbacks. That is Africa in its presept state. Now can it change?”

“Tell me. Can it?””Well, let’s ask the Law of Will.” ‘”‘ What?” “Unless there is will to change, there will be no change.”

• Briefly explain what happens before the excerpt.                                                        (3 marks)
• Discuss one-character traits of Dr Afolabi and two of Mr Longway.                        (6 marks)
• Highlight two themes evident in the excerpt.                                                               (4 marks)
• (i) It’s on the tip of my tongue. (Add a question tag)                                                   (1 mark)

iii) Unless there is will to change, there will be no change. (Rewrite using “if “)           (1mark)

• Identify two stylistic devices used in the excerpt.                                                       (4 marks)
• (F) Explain the meaning of the following words and expressions used in the excerpt. (4 marks)

POSSIBLE KCSE EXCERPT 4

Cute as a button and sharp as a needle, he thought. Her eyes were wide and white like a pairof moons. She continued. “My natural parents were Gambian, but I will never see them. aredead. Oh, well.” She wriggled in her chair. “Goodness me, what am I doing? Dictating my autobiography?” She waved that idea away. “Let’s talk business now, shall we?” She pulledout of her handbag a small device then switched it on. “Mind if I start recording?”

“You’re a reporter?” He had not thought she was.”Yes, for the Gambian News.”

“I see. Now, how can I help you, Ms Mckenzie?””I’d like to ask you a few questions, if I may.” “Yes, you may. In fact, why don’t I start you off? My name is Abiola Afolabi, which you seem to

know already. But you can just call me Abiola, my first name. Take it from there.”

“I will: you studied at Harvard University in the USA. Now you teach at the University of Ibadan in Nigeria.” She smiled. “I got that from the cover of your book: Failure of States.” Heaverted his eyes to enjoy this fame in the correct manner— with humility, he hoped she would easily see through. This black Scotswoman surely knew her tread, he thought.

“when I heard you were heard at The Seamount Hotel, Dr Afolabi, I decided to come and seeyou. So

here I am. This is also funny.” “Funny?”

“Yes. I expected to see an academic scarecrow dressed in jeans. Instead, I see a well- dressedman who might well be a business person…”

• Explain what happens immediately g) Explain the meaning of the following before thisexcerpt.
• Identify and illustrate two aspects of style in this excerpt.                                         (4 marks)
• Discuss one theme evident in this excerpt.                                                                   (2 marks)
• Discuss two-character traits of Fiona in the excerpt.                                                   (4 marks)
• Briefly explain what happens what happens after this excerpt.                                  (2 marks)
• How are Afolabi’s thoughts in his book fulfilled later in the book? Briefly explain
• Autobiography

POSSIBLE KCSE EXCERPT 5

“Why do you want to steal my wife?””The word I used is ‘marry’. You prefer ‘steal’?””What good is she to you?” Kimani cursed himself for that wording: he had degraded notonly his wife but also himself, and in the same breath, upgraded his foe.”What good is she to me? Because she is much older than I am? — is that what you mean?Then hear my answer. Old is gold.”Mr Walomu’s opponents had a different answer: ‘ ‘When a cat gets into a pigeon coop,” theysaid, “it kills all the pigeons it finds there, not just those it will eat”.

Mr Walomu had already eaten three pigeons and now had in his paws a fourth: Asiya. Strewnalong his path, lay many others he had killed but not eaten. So who could say for sure that,months hence, Asiya would not become one of these?Mr Walomu’s opponents continued. “As for what you call ‘stealing’, a professor in Texassaysthat lots of people do it. He threw in a Swahili to support his claim.

“Na hivyo ndivyo ilivyo.” To help it along, he gave an appropriate English equivalent. “Andthat’s how the cookie crumbles.”That was mockery Professor Kimani felt had to reject. “You have three beautiful wives,” hebegan. This was a silly start, as even he realised. Had he not sounded like an envious loser?Nonetheless, he went on. “All of them are young.””And young they’ll still be the day I die,” Walomu added.”Karanja, you know the saying: ‘A real bull dies with green grass in its mouth’ .”

• Identify and illustrate two-character traits of Walomu in the excerpt .                       (4 marks)
• Then hear my answer. (Add a question tag )                                                                  (1 mark).
• Discuss two themes raised in the excerpt.                                                                    (4 marks)
• Identify and illustrate three stylistic devices used in the excerpt.                              (6 marks)
• To help it along, he gave an approximate English equivalent. (Rewrite beginning withthe main clause)                                                                                                                               (1 mark).

Download More Revision Questions and Answers in pdf:

• Excerpts 6-10 Fathers of Nation Possible KCSE…
• EXCERPTS FROM A DOLL’S HOUSE KCSE REVISION QUESTIONS…
• EXCERPTS FROM A DOLL’S HOUSE KCSE REVISION…
• KCSE Prediction Essays on Fathers of Nations Set Book
• IRE KCSE Questions and Answers
• CRE KCSE Prediction Questions and Answers-pp2

OR MPESA BuyGoods Till: 858 39 54

Contact 0726568677 || 0728407013

Clicking "Pay Now" is better and automatic

Fathers Of Nation Questions And Answers

1) Discuss the relevance of the Title ‘Fathers of Nations ‘by Paul B.Vitta (20 marks) 

2) Effective leadership guarantees its people security and equitable distribution of resources and opportunities, discuss the irony of this statement basing your arguments on the novel fathers of nation by Paul B, Vitta (20 marks) 

3) Change implies making either an essential difference often amounting to a loss of original identity or a substitution of one thing for another. Discuss the validity of this statement drawing examples from fathers of nation by Paul B Vitta (20 marks) 

4) Discuss the theme of Betrayal as brought out in the novel fathers of nations by Paul B. Vitta(20 marks) 

5) The novel ‘Fathers of nation’ by Paul B. vitta exposes a number of incidents of conflict or disagreement. Write a composition in  support of this statement (20 marks)   

6) Discuss the following themes as depicted in the novel   

a) Loss and Pain(20 marks)   

b) Marriage and Family(20 marks)   

c) Moral Decay/Decadence(20 marks)   

d) Corruption/Dishonesty (20 marks)   

e) Religion/Religiosity Piety(20 marks)   

f) Poverty/destitution (20 marks)   

7) "Change is inevitable in any society." Using illustrations from Fathers of Nations by Paul B. Vitta, write an essay to justify this statement. (20 marks) 

8) "Despite the obvious human weaknesses, Abiola is an adorable man." Making close reference to the novel, Fathers of Nations by Paul B. Vitta, write a composition to validate this statement. (20 marks) 

9) "Alienation is not only painful but also stigmatizing." Using Fathers of Nations by Paul B. Vitta for your illustrations, write an essay to show the truth of this assertion. (20marks) 

10) "Conflict and society are inseparable." Using Fathers of Nations by Paul B. Vitta for illustrations, write a composition to validate this statement. (20 marks) 

11) "Life is full of ironies." Using illustrations from Fathers of Nations by Paul B. Vitta, write an essay to justify this statement. (20 marks) 

12) "Betrayal pervades every level of the society." Basing your illustrations on Fathers of Nations by Paul B. Vitta, write a composition to show the truth of this assertion. (20 marks) 

13) The death of a beloved one can cause intense response. Basing your argument Paul Vita’s Fathers Nations, discuss this statement. (20 Marks) 

14) Write an essay on the disputes that arise in the novel Fathers of Nations and how each is resolved (20 marks) 

15) Identify and illustrate any stylistic devices Paul B. Vita has used to tell the story in Fathers of Nations. (20 marks) 

16) Write an essay on the disputes that arise in the novel Fathers of   Nations and how each is resolved. (20 marks) 

17) A person controlled by a desire for power has no sense of justice. Drawing your illustrations from Fathers of Nations by Paul B. Vitta write an essay supporting this statement. (20 marks) 

18) Money and desire can change an individual. Basing your illustrations on Paul Vitta's Fathers of Nations, write an essay to back up this statement. (20 marks)   

19) Betrayal causes pain and strain in society. Using illustrations from Paul B. Vitta's Fathers of Nations, write an essay to validate this statement. (20 marks) 

20) Professor Kimani and Dr. Afolabi are portrayed as voices of reason   in Fathers of Nations. Basing your illustrations on Paul B. Vitta's Fathers of Nations, write an essay to validate this assertion." (20 marks)   

21) Rejection can be a source of agony both to ourselves and society. Using illustrations from Fathers of Nations, write an essay in support of this statement. (20 marks) 

22) Cultures can disintegrate families. Using the marriage of Dr Afolabi and Pamela in Fathers of Nations, write an essay on how bad cultures are to marriages.(20 marks).   

23) Show how the author has brought out the theme of poverty and underdevelopment in Fathers of Nations by Paul B. Vitta. (20 marks) 

24) Discuss the character traits of each of the following as illustrated in Fathers of Nations by Paul B.Vitta. 

a) Karanja Kimani   

b) Comrade Ngobile Melusi 

c) Pastor Chineke Chiamaka 

d) Dr.Abiola Afolabi

R ead the excerpt below and answer the questions that follow. (25 marks)

When all four were back at their seats, the Chair began to wrap up."Excellencies, we've come to the  end of our summit." He smiled, and why not? Had The Trick not saved the day? Had it not  eliminated the need for the consensus he could not achieve? "Go back home safely, Excellencies.  

As we say in my country, travel like lions, without fear of attack or worry about supper. And,  

speaking about supper, the Pinnacle informs me that, to cap our summit, it has organised a closing ceremony on the mezzanine floor. Things will start sizzling in thirty minutes. So we'll meet there soon." Gavel hit wood.Bang. "I now declare the summit itself formally closed." Bang. Bang. President Dibonso sprang to hit feet at once. "Mr Chairman, don't insult our intelligence withthat rubbish." His voice was grating on all ears with tones of rage. "What rubbish are you referring to? President Dibonso?" asked the Chair. He was rising tothe challenge. "The Choice Matrix indeed! Do you really expect us to buy into that madness? Can't you seethat some of us are not senile? We reject the matrix, lock, stock and barrel." "I said the summit stands closed," insisted the Chair. Bang. Bang."And I say it is open again," retorted President Dibonso. 

"But, President Dibonso, you do not have the power to do so." "Who says I do not have the power to do so? See this?" He pulled out a pistol, pocket-size.The other heads of state scrambled to hide under their desks. "President Dibonso, put that thing away!" demanded the Chair."Make me!" retorted President Dibonso, The pistol clicked, It was ready to start spitting fire at the Chaire. 

QUESTIONS  

a)  Briefly explain what happens just before the excerpt.  (4 marks)  b)  Identify and illustrate two-character traits of the Summit Chair and one of PresidentDibonso.  (6 marks) 

c)  What two themes come out in the excerpt?  (4 marks)  d)  (i) We reject the matrix, lock, stock and barrel. (Write beginning with "Lock ") (1mark)  e)  Discuss two stylistic devices used in the excerpt.  (4 marks)  f)  I said the summit is closed. ( Rewrite using a question tag) (1 mark) 

g)  Explain the meaning of the following words as used in the excerpt.  (3 marks)  i.  Consensus 

ii.  cap 

iii.  sizzling 

R ead the excerpt below and answer the questions that follow. (25 marks)   Professor Kimani joined the University of Nairobi directly as a senior lecturer. Even before taking off, he was already flying. There was a reason. Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda had justdismantled théir University of East Africa. Kenya's part of the university, now renamed  the University of Nairobi, found itself with a vacancy it had to fill immediately in its  Institute of Development Studies. 

Professor Kimani, who had just completed his studies at the University of Oxford, wrote from there to say he wanted to fill it. To ensure he came and filled it for sure, the University of Nairobi raised his entry point from that of a lecturer to that of a senior lecturer. 

He came. Only a month after his arrival, he launched a noisy debate in which he demanded that the University of Nairobi henceforth strive for relevance to the society rather than simplyexcellence of its work. It was not clear exactly what he meant by relevance to the  society rather than simply excellence of its work. It was not clear exactly what he meant by relevanceto the society. However, a short six months later, he prevailed. The university's  official mottobecame, 'Relevance to the society'. 

After winning this war, he started another war which was even noisier. Now he wanted the university to be an agent of change, not a mere spectator of it. This was when people still thought this view was too radical and ridiculed it as simple- minded. So, not surprising, someof his colleagues, puzzled by his refusal to see that it was simple-minded, did or said  

little, convinced that he would fall on his face before long and self-destruct on his own  

without their help. 

He did not care. After all, his antics in wars that he had started, and won, had also won him the heart of a campus beauty queen. Her name was Asiya Omondi. He married her on a rainy but approving Saturday, to claps of thunder and flashes of lightning. How marriage then accelerated academic success! A professorship soon followed. After that achievement, he feltfulfilled. His persona now was complete. Had anyone told him this happiness would  CONTACT 0756710486 FOR ANSWER S

one dayend as it did, he would have laughed himself upside down. 

a)  After Kimani fills a vacancy in University of Nairobi's Institute of Development Studies,he  demands for two changes at the university in quick succession. What are these changes?  (2 marks) 

b)  Identify and illustrate three characters traits of Kimani brought out in this excerpt.  (6marks)  c)  Discuss three themes raised in the excerpt.  (6 marks)  d)  (i) To ensure he came and filled it for sure, the University of Nairobi raised his entry point from  

that of a lecturer to that of a senior lecturer. (Write beginning with the mainclause).  (1 mark)  ii) His persona now was complete . (1 mark)  e)  Identify one stylistic device used in the excerpt.  (4 marks)  f)  Explain the meaning of the following words used in the excerpt.  (4 marks)  g)  The writer says, 'Had anyone told him this happiness would one day end as it did, hewould have laughed himself upside down." What later happened to Professor Kimaniin the text?  (2 marks) 

R ead the excerpt below and answer the questions that follow (25 marks)  

"Tad," said the cranky passenger as he was settling down in economy class, in a seat next toDr  Afolabi's. "Tad Longway," he added. His voice, deep, lingered on like the boom of a bigdrum. He held up a card. Dr Afolabi took it. It said the man was a Director of Special Projects at the  

Agency for Governance and Development in Africa. "Pleased to meet you, Mr Longway," Dr  CONTACT 0756710486 FOR ANSWER S

Afolabisaid. "My name is Abiola Afolabi. I teach at the University of Ibadan, Nigeria. " "You gave an excellent keynote the other day, Dr Afolabi," said the cranky passenger. Sparksof  earnestness were crossing his eyes, both crystal-green like toy marbles, confirming the compliment was sincere. "Your keynote address at the Foundation for Democratic Rule, I mean. It was brilliant." "I'm glad you liked it, Mr Longway," Dr Afolabi said. His voice had become warm. "Youwere there, then, Mr Longway?" 

"Yes, but back in the last row. As a mere spectator, I did not want to be obtrusive. Anyway, you were superb, Dr Afolabi. If you don't mind my adding this, I was more impressed by thepoints that the audience raised afterwards, during the question-and-answer period. " 

Dr Afolabi felt the praise he had just heard turn into reproach. "So what were those points,Mr Longway?" he asked. His voice was less warm. "Remember the guy from Grassroots International: short fellow, round of body andoutspoken of manner? What was his name? It's on the tip of my tongue." 

You must mean the fire-eater who kept accusing me of looking for answers where I shouldnot even look," Dr Afolabi said. "Exactly, that's our man. Yes, I thought he was right on point, Dr Afolabi. He too wasunhappy with the present state." 

"Wait, the present state of what?" "Africa.""I don 't understand. " "No problem. I'll spell it out for you. You see, Dr Afolabi, Africa, in its present state, has twonew arrivals: corruption and  impunity. The first is a crime the Second protects from punishment, the second is another crime the first rewards with kickbacks. That is Africa in its presept state. Now can it change?" "Tell me. Can it?""Well, let's ask the Law of Will." '"' What?" 

"Unless there is will to change, there will be no change." 

(a) Briefly explain what happens before the excerpt.  (3 marks)  (b) Discuss one-character traits of Dr Afolabi and two of Mr Longway.  (6 marks)  (c)  Highlight two themes evident in the excerpt.  (4 marks) 

(d) (i) It's on the tip of my tongue. (Add a question tag)  (1 mark)  CONTACT 0756710 4 8 6   FOR ANSWER S

iii) Unless there is will to change, there will be no change. (Rewrite using "if ") (1mark)  (e)  Identify two stylistic devices used in the excerpt.  (4 marks)  (f)  (F) Explain the meaning of the following words and expressions used in the excerpt. (4 marks) 

R ead the excerpt below and answer the questions that follow (25 marks)   Cute as a button and sharp as a needle, he thought. Her eyes were wide and white like a pairof moons.  She continued. "My natural parents were Gambian, but I will never see them. aredead. Oh, well."  She wriggled in her chair. "Goodness me, what am I doing? Dictating my autobiography?" She  waved that idea away. "Let's talk business now, shall we?" She pulledout of her handbag a small device then switched it on. "Mind if I start recording?" 

"You're a reporter?" He had not thought she was."Yes, for the Gambian News." "I see. Now, how can I help you, Ms Mckenzie?""I'd like to ask you a few questions, if I may." "Yes, you may. In fact, why don't I start you off? My name is Abiola Afolabi, which you seem to 

know already. But you can just call me Abiola, my first name. Take it from there." "I will: you studied at Harvard University in the USA. Now you teach at the University of Ibadan in Nigeria." She smiled. "I got that from the cover of your book: Failure of States." Heaverted his  eyes to enjoy this fame in the correct manner— with humility, he hoped she would easily see through. This black Scotswoman surely knew her tread, he thought. 

"when I heard you were heard at The Seamount Hotel, Dr Afolabi, I decided to come and seeyou. So 

here I am. This is also funny." 

"Funny?" 

"Yes. I expected to see an academic scarecrow dressed in jeans. Instead, I see a well- dressedman who might well be a business person..." 

v)  Menacingly

a)  Explain what happens immediately g) Explain the meaning of the following before thisexcerpt.  (4 marks) 

b)  Identify and illustrate two aspects of style in this excerpt.  (4 marks)  c)  Discuss one theme evident in this excerpt.  (2 marks)  d)  Discuss two-character traits of Fiona in the excerpt.  (4 marks)  e)  Briefly explain what happens what happens after this excerpt.  (2 marks)  f)  How are Afolabi's thoughts in his book fulfilled later in the book? Briefly explain 

(4marks) 

g)  Explain the meaning of the following words as used in the excerpt.  (5 marks)  i)  Averted 

ii)  Autobiography 

iii)  Wriggled 

iv)  Tread 

Global site navigation

• Celebrity biographies
• Messages - Wishes - Quotes
• TV and Movies
• Fashion and style
• Music and singers
• Capital Market
• Celebrities
• Relationships

Local editions

• Habari za Kenya Swahili

Fathers of Nations summary, analysis, theme, and characters

Fathers of Nations (2013) is a satirical novel set in Africa. The author brings to date all that has gone wrong in Africa. He explores the frustrations that African experience under corrupt leadership. Fathers of Nations summary explains what the novel is about and points at the key themes.

Pay attention: Become TUKO.co.ke ambassador – get a branded T-shirt, hoodie or water bottle at our TUKO Shop!

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Fathers of nations setbook characters, fathers of nations novel summary, leadership crisis, about paul b vitta.

Fathers of Nations was written by Paul B. Vitta and printed in 2013 by Oxford University Press East Africa . The highlight of this book is a summit attended at the Gambia by African Heads of State. Its subject is the awakening of Africans to come out from their status quo. Here is the synopsis of Fathers of Nations, theme analysis, and characters.

Here are some of the main characters in the book.

• Karanja Kimani : Kimani is a Kenyan, 60 years old is a professor at the Institute of Development Studies at the University of Nairobi.
• Comrade Ngobile Melusi : Ngobile is from Zimbabwe and is aged 70 years old.
• Pastor Chineke Chiamaka : He is a male Nigerian clergyman based at the Lagos branch of the Church Inside Africa.
• Dr. Abiola Afolabi : He is a Nigerian academician and has an American wife.
• Engineer Seif Tahir : He is a Libyan formerly employed by Tripoli's Ministry of Defense.

The Last Alaskans cast: names, profiles, salary, other TV roles

Do you have a groundbreaking story you would like us to publish? Please reach us through [email protected] or WhatsApp: 0732482690.

Fathers of Nations is a satirical novel, and it is set in contemporary Africa. It is a story that brings to the readers all that has gone wrong in Africa, but in a humorous way. The continent is depicted as a valuable place that lacks a sense of direction. The majority of the leaders have made their people voices, rendering them silent as these leaders continuously destroy their livelihoods.

The plot revolves around the lives of four men from different parts of Africa. Amid their various misfortunes, the men get together to try and make a change. They want African heads of state to ratify a document that could transform the continent's economic fortunes.

These four men have suffered under unwieldy political systems in their respective countries. Each bears a grudge against the system and has a reason for wanting it to change. They represent the values of humanity, empathy, and vulnerability.

10 best books by African authors you should read right now

Prof Karanja Kimani has lost his wife to a former university colleague and now turned politician. His only daughter dies in a fatal accident in Nairobi. Pastor Chineke, on his part, is a fierce man. His insistence on government accountability earns him days in jail. He is also prohibited from preaching.

Dr. Abiola Afolabi is ditched by his American wife. He advises African heads of state but detests offering theoretical solutions. The last character, Ngobile Melusi, is projected as a failed politician. He finds himself on the wrong side of the political divide after independence. He goes through affliction for being Ndebele when the Shona president undertook to suppress his community.

Analysis of the themes in Fathers of Nations

The symbolism in this book is enough to make you sit back and marvel at how Africans have accepted the status quo. It's an enjoyable read, and above all, it speaks to the frustrations we still experience in Africa under corrupt leadership. Below are the themes in Fathers of Nations.

15 greatest African warriors who changed the continent's history

Poor leadership is one of the main themes in the novel. African leaders are portrayed as people who cannot give a sense of direction to their countries. Instead, they are shown as flawed human beings who cannot rise to the challenges of their times.

They are people experimenting with various ideological positions originating from different places. In the book, two groups develop two development agendas referred to as Path Alpha and Way Omega.

The book goes ahead to portray how dysfunctional most African countries are. They are readily buy anything from anywhere. Unfortunately, in their hopelessness, the citizens continue to entertain a leadership that is blind to their plights.

The novel also paints a devastating picture of people on a knifes' edge of daily survival. International imperialistic networks of control have captured and imprisoned the continent. African countries are sucked into meaningless loans with international financial institutions.

Te Doy La Vida cast and characters, episodes, full story

These development loans, though luring, have unrealistic demands. As a result, the continent continues to sink into the abyss of poverty.

Paul B Vitta also shares that corruption is endemic in Africa. The vice has disastrous effects on the continent's economies. It also affects the cohesion of communities and social contracts, which are vital pillars of building nations.

Wars and organised criminal networks distract the developments of some countries. The networks control all the political powers and economic opportunities.

The image readers also get of African leaders is that of a coalition of confused and manipulated people. They have suppressed the voices of the civilians, who are mere spectators as leaders destroy their sources of livelihood. The book is a bold portrayal of post-colonial African countries.

It is a continent where the most learned are impoverished because society doesn't value knowledge. Instead, it cherishes ignorance.

Love To Death telenovela cast, episodes, full story, how to watch

Who is Paul B Vitta? He is the author of Fathers of Nations. Vitta was born in Tanzania and received his Ph.D. in physics from Emory University of Dar es Salaam. He worked briefly for the African Regional Center for Technology in Senegal.

Later, he moved to the International Development Research Center in Canada. He also served as a Director of UNESCO'S Regional Office for Science and Technology in Africa before retiring.

Fathers of Nations summary and analysis above will undoubtedly give you a reason to read the book. As an African living in the continent, you will notice that the book captures everything you have seen. The book reminds you that some of the plights are of your own making because of the kind of leaders you elect.

Are you a young woman who needs inspiration? Tuko.co.ke published a list of the 15 empowering books for young Black women. Something supernatural can happen if you read a book. Therefore, the right books for young women go a long way in creating empowered, purposeful, and assertive ladies.

List of latest movies and series 2018

In a society full of gender, sexual, and religious discrimination are a reality, women need something to keep them focused. Appropriate books inspire young black women to work towards their goals. It will highlight that colour or gender has nothing to do with their potential.

PAY ATTENTION: Help us change more lives, join TUKO.co.ke’s Patreon programme.

Source: TUKO.co.ke

• Call: 0728842502
• [email protected]

Signup for our newsletter to get notified about sales and new products. Add any text here or remove it.

• Search for:
• PP1 Schemes of Work
• PP2 Schemes of Work
• Grade 1 Schemes of Work
• Grade 2 Schemes of Work
• Grade 3 Schemes of Work
• Grade 4 Scheme of Work
• Grade 5 Schemes of Work
• Grade 6 Schemes of Work
• Grade 7 Schemes of Work
• Grade 8 Schemes of Work
• Form 1 Schemes of Work
• Form 2 Schemes of Work
• Form 3 Schemes of Work
• Form 4 Schemes of Work
• Grade 1 Lesson Notes
• Grade 2 Lesson Notes
• Grade 3 Lesson Notes
• Grade 4 Lesson Notes
• Grade 5 Lesson Notes
• Grade 6 Lesson Notes
• Grade 8 Lesson Notes
• Grade 7 Lesson Notes
• Form 1 Topical Notes
• Form 2 Topical Notes
• Form 3 Topical Notes
• Form 4 Topical Notes
• Set Book Guide
• PP2 Exams and Homework
• Grade 1 Exams and Homework
• Grade 2 Exams and Homework
• Grade 3 Exams and Homework
• Grade 4 Exams and Homework
• Grade 5 Exams and Homework
• Grade 6 Exams and Homework
• Grade 7 Exams and Homework
• Standard 8 Exams and Homework
• KCPE/Mocks Revision Exams
• Form 2 Exams and Homework
• Form 3 Exams and Homework
• Form 4 Exams and Homework
• National School Exams
• KCSE Revision Exams
• Secondary – Revision Booklets
• CCP Past papers
• Social Work and Community Development Notes
• Human Resource Management
• Banking & Finance
• Business Management
• Sales and Marketing
• Supply Chain Management
• Primary Teacher Education(PTE) Notes
• College Schemes of Work
• KNEC Business Plan
• School of Education Arts
• School of Education Science
• School of Engineering and Technology
• School of Hospitality, Tourism and Leisure Studies
• School of Law
• School of Humanities and Social Sciences
• School of Architecture
• Motivational Books
• Religion Books

No products in the cart.

2024 Fathers of Nations Essay Questions and Answers

• Description

FILE PAGES: 20

FILE FORMAT:PDF

Related products

MWONGOZO WA MAPAMBAZUKO YA MACHWEO

Ghosts Analysis – A Silent Song and Other Stories Study Guide

MASWALI PEVU YA KCSE NA MAJIBU YA RIWAYA TEULE YA CHOZI LA HERI YA ASSUMPTA K. MATEI

FILE PAGES: 31

FILE FORMAT: PDF

Ninema Analysis – A Silent Song and Other Stories Study Guide

FATHERS OF NATIONS- SAMPLE EXCERPTS QUESTIONS WITH ANSWERS

Boyi Analysis – A Silent Song and Other Stories Study Guide

Study Guide to an Artist of the Floating World

Talking Money Analysis – A Silent Song and Other Stories Study Guide

Username or email address  *

Password  *

Remember me Log in

Lost your password?

Email address  *

A link to set a new password will be sent to your email address.

• Privacy Policy
• Terms and Conditions

• Oral Skills
• Literary Texts
• _Compulsory Texts
• __Fathers of Nations
• _Optional Texts
• __A Silent Song and Other Stories
• __An Artist of the Floating World

Fathers of Nations Excerpts With Answers

1.Red the excerpt below then answer the questions that follow

The door to the bathroom opened. Fiona emerged and started walking but stopped. Her eyes had not adjusted to the darkness in the living room. “Where are you?” she asked.

“Over here” he said. “I have taken a couch in the living room. Go take the bed in the bedroom.”

“You’re acting as if you might have a wife,” she said. “Do you?” “No, she divorced me last year.”

“Did she?”

“Yes”

“Let’s see now. You studied in America at a marriageable age.”

“Let me guess.” “Go ahead.” “She is American.”

“Who? Pamela?”

“Yes it is. And, yes, she is American. Enough about me now. Let’s turn to you. Shouldn’t your name still be Fiona McKenzie?”

“Who told you it might have changed?” She started walking to the bedroom. Her eyes had adjusted to the only light.

“Why was the Liberian Mauler calling you Joy instead?” “It’s local slang for streetwalker .”

“He was calling you a streetwalker?”

“Yes, do you want me to draw a picture for you? Where are you from anyway? Mars?” “No, Nigeria. Married?” “Me?”

The phone rang. He rose and answered the landline by the couch. When he ended the call, his mood had darkened.

“What’s the matter?” she asked him. “You seem upset all of a sudden. Who was on the phone?”

“One Chineke Chiamaka,” he said. “This man was claiming I chided him for being drunk, when all he had was a “Pepsi”. He wriggled in his improvised bed to protest his innocence against that claim. “It beats me how he got my suite phone number in the first place,” he added. “Anyway, I did not chide him. Why do people like to tell lies?”

i.    What happens immediately before this excerpt?                                 4 marks

ii.    Discuss two character traits of Abiola and one of Fiona McKenzie as brought out in the excerpt.                                                              6 marks

iii.   Why do people like telling lies? (Write in reported speech)                    1 mark

iv.    a. The phone rang. Add a question tag                                                     1 mark

      b. No, she divorced me last year. (Rewrite in the passive)  

v.   Highlight two themes raised in the excerpt.                                              4 marks

vi. Identify and illustrate two features of style used in the excerpt.          4 marks

vii. Explain the meaning of the following words as used in the excerpt.     3 marks

a.        Streetwalker  

b.       Wriggled

c.        Chided

Learn the right etiquette to observe when making and receiving calls, here

  Answers

  Abiola and Chiamaka had just met in Seamount hotel   They introduce themselves

ii.     Discuss two character traits of Abiola and one of Fiona McKenzie as brought out in the excerpt.                                                                6 marks

a.                  Abiola

ü   Open/ honest-“No, she divorced me last year.”

ü   Keen- “Why was the Liberian Mauler calling you Joy instead?”

ü   Respectful- . “I have taken a couch in the living room. Go take the bed in the bedroom.”

ü   Sacrificial- he sacrifices the bedroom for Fiona McKenzie- “I have taken a couch in the living room. Go take the bed in the bedroom.”

ü   Inquisitive- identify all the instances where Abiola asks a lot of questions

              (Plus any other relevant answer/trait and illustration)

b.       Fiona McKenzie

   Inquisitive- “You’re acting as if you might have a wife,” she said. “Do you?” “Did she?”

  Sarcastic-“Yes, do you want me to draw a picture for you? Where are you from anyway? Mars?”

iii.     Why do people like telling lies? (Report)                                               1 mark

Abiola wondered why people like telling lies

iv.      a. The phone rang. Add a question tag                                               1 mark

The phone rang, didn’t it  

b. No, she divorced me last year. (Rewrite in the passive)                    1 mark

I  was divorced the previous year.  

v.     Highlight two themes raised in the excerpt                                       4 marks     Sacrifice- . “I have taken a couch in the living room. Go take the bed in the bedroom.” Abiola sacrifices his pleasures of sleeping in the bedroom for Fiona McKenzie

     Honesty- Abiola admits he had a wife and that she divorced him last year.

vi.   Identify and illustrate two features of style used in the excerpt        4 marks

Ø              Direct Address-“Let’s see now. You studied in America at a marriageable age.” “Let me guess.” “Go ahead.” “She is American.”

“Who? Pamela ?”  (The dialogue must be written as it is in the excerpt)

Ø            Rhetorical questions- “Why do people like telling lies?”

Ø           Sarcasm- “Yes, do you want me to draw a picture for you? Where are you from anyway?        Mars?”

vii.   Explain the meaning of the following words as used in the excerpt  3 marks

a.        Streetwalker- prostitute

b.       Wriggled- moved

c.        Chided- reproached angrily

2. Read the excerpt below and answer the questions that follow. (20 marks)

Professor Kimani joined the University of Nairobi directly as a senior lecturer. Even before  taking off, he was already flying. There was a reason. Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda had just  dismantled their University of East Africa. Kenya's part of the university, now renamed the  University of Nairobi, found itself with a vacancy it had to fill immediately in its Institute of  Development Studies. Professor Kimani, who had just completed his studies at the University of  Oxford, wrote from there to say he wanted to fill it. To ensure he came and filled it for sure, the  University of Nairobi raised his entry point from that of a lecturer to that of a senior lecturer.

He came. Only a month after his arrival, he launched a noisy debate in which he demanded that  the University of Nairobi henceforth strive for relevance to the society rather than simply  excellence of its work. It was not clear exactly what he meant by relevance to the society.

However, a short six months later, he prevailed. The university's official motto became,  Relevance to the society.

After winning this war, he started another war which was even noisier. Now he wanted the  university to be an agent of change, not a mere spectator of it. This was when people still  thought this view was too radical and ridiculed it as simple- minded. So, not surprising, some of  his colleagues, puzzled by his refusal to see that it was simple-minded, did or said little,  convinced that he would fall on his face before long and self-destruct on his own without their  help.

He did not care. After all, his antics in wars that he had started, and won, had also won him the  heart of a campus beauty queen. Her name was Asiya Omondi. He married her on a rainy but  approving Saturday, to claps of thunder and flashes of lightning. How marriage then accelerated  academic success! A professorship soon followed. After that achievement, he felt fulfilled. His  persona now was complete. Had anyone told him this happiness would one day end as it did, he  would have laughed himself upside down.

i. After Kimani fills a vacancy in University of Nairobi's Institute of Development Studies,  he demands for two changes at the university in quick succession. What are these  changes? (2mks)

ii. Identify and illustrate two character traits of Kimani brought out in this excerpt. (4mks)

iii. Had anyone told him this happiness would one day end as it did, he would have laughed  himself upside down. (Supply a question tag) (1mk)

iv. Discuss two themes raised in the excerpt. (4mks)

v. To ensure he came and filled it for sure, the University of Nairobi raised his entry point  from that of a lecturer to that of a senior lecturer. (Write beginning with the main clause).  (1mk)

vi. The writer says, Had anyone told him this happiness would one day end as it did, he  would have laughed himself upside down. What later happened to Professor Kimani in  the text to bring his happiness to an end? (4mks)

vii. Explain the meaning of the following words as used in the excerpt. (4mks)

a. Dismantled

b. Launched

c. Spectator

d. fulfilled

i. After Kimani fills a vacancy in The University of Nairobi's Institute of Development  Studies, he demands for two changes at the university in quick succession. What are these  changes? (2mks)

He demanded that the University of Nairobi henceforth strive for relevance to the  society rather than simply excellence of its work.  He wanted the university to be an agent of change, not a mere spectator of it.

He is revolutionary – He fights for change in the university and achieves it

He is persistent – After he achieves his first demand, he starts another one which is  even noisier. (Any other)

Had anyone told him this happiness would one day end as it did, he would have  laughed himself upside down, wouldn’t he?

Rebellion – Kimani rebels against the university administration for change.

Ambition – Kimani is ambitious and scales high levels of education to earn

professorship. (Any other)

v. To ensure he came and filled it for sure, the University of Nairobi raised his entry point  from that of a lecturer to that of a senior lecturer. (Write beginning with the main clause).  (1 mark)

The University of Nairobi raised his entry point from that of a lecturer to that of a  senior lecturer, to ensure that he came and filled it for sure.

vi. The writer says, Had anyone told him this happiness would one day end as it did, he  would have laughed himself upside down." What later happened to Professor Kimani in  the text to bring his happiness to an end? (4 mks)

His daughter Tuni dies in a car crash.

His wife Asiya Omondi divorces him for his friend Newborn Walomu.

vii. Explain the meaning of the following words as used in the excerpt. (4 mks)

a. Dismantled - broke

b. Launched – began/started

c. Spectator - onlooker

d. Fulfilled - satisfied

3.Read the excerpt below and answer the questions that follow. (20 marks)

“What followed?”

“Disaffection is what followed.” Comrade Melusi had finished his sadza. He was washing his  hands in a basin, with water the waiter was pouring down from a pitcher.

“I went back into business.” Now he was washing his lips, over the basin, which the waiter had  raised to his chin.

The visitor reached for his coffee and took a sip. “More like it!” he said. “Nice and hot,” he  added. Then he turned to Comrade Melusi. “Your new business, how did it do?”

“I can’t say it did well. Inflation was eroding incomes faster than they could grow. But I  survived. I didn’t live and work in as clean a suburb as I did before. I just could not afford the  rent there anymore. No, I had relocated to a slum in a poor part of Harare. But, hey, I was alive.”

He laughed, falsely. Sorrow was in his eyes. “Then there came Murambatsvina.”

“Then there came what?” asked the visitor.

“Murambatsvina”. It is Shona, meaning expelling the trash.”

“Please go on.”

“Bulldozers went from slum to slum evicting residents by tearing their homes to the ground.  Murambatsvina expelled us, the trash, all right. We got no advance warning before or alternative  accommodation after. Nobody cared whether we lived or died. We had to go. It did not matter  where. Just go!

“Did anyone explain why you had to leave?”

a) Briefly explain what happens immediately before the excerpt. (3 marks)

b) From the excerpt, comment on any two character traits of Comrade Melusi. (4 marks)

c) Identify, illustrate and state the effectiveness of the features of style in the above excerpt.  (4 marks)

d) Comrade Melusi had finished his sadza. (Begin: His sadza…) (1 mark)

e) But I survived. (Add a question tag) (1 mark)

f) Identify and explain the major theme in the excerpt. (2 marks)

g) From elsewhere in the text, explain what Comrade Melusi says was the true aim of  Murambatsvina. (2 marks)

h) Explain the meaning of the following words as used in the excerpt.

i. Disaffection

ii. Inflation

iii. Suburb

a) Comrade Melusi tells the visitor that the political parties did not unite but each party went alone  as each candidate wanted to be the president. When the elections came, they all lost big time.  They then united as they declared that the elections were a sham.

b) Resilient/ enterprising - I went back to business

Optimistic - But, hey, I was alive But I survived

Sorrowful - sorrow was in his eyes

(Any other relevant)

c) Dialogue - Comrade Melusi and the visitor. The dialogue enhances the theme of oppression

Metaphor - the trash. Proves discrimination and oppression by those in power

Local dialect - Murambatsvina

Flashback - the excerpt is a flashback of Comrade Melusi’s life before joining AGDA. The  flashback advance the plot as it helps us to know about Comrade Melusi’s past life.

d) His sadza had been finished by Comrade Melusi.

e) But I survived, didn’t I?

f) Oppression- Bulldozers went from slum to slum evicting residents by tearing their homes to the

ground. Murambatsvina expelled us, the trash, all right.

g) Its true aim was to punish the urban poor for supporting opposition parties.

h) Disaffection- discontent

Inflation- increase in the cost of living, decline in the price of money

Suburb- residential area at the outskirts of a city or large town

4. Read the following excerpt and answer the questions that follows.

"What are your expectations? Please don't get me started ! 

I expect  the summit to be a historical moment. If adopted, Way Omega will change African politics dramatically. Just think: no more rigged elections; well, no more foul play, period."

"Dr Afolabi, not all the heads of state assembled here are fair players. In fact, a few are out - and - out foul players - they rose to power through military coups or rigged elections. Those  won't be walking along Way Omega any time soon, will they?"

"Change is always like that, Ms McKenzie.One side of it has defenders of existing arrangements. These, sure about their loss if those arrangements end, fight tooth and nail to keep them. The other side has challengers of existing arrangements. These not yet sure about their gain if new arrangements replace old arrangements, do not fight so hard to win them."

" Huh? What did you just say, Dr Afolabi?"

You are not listening to me anymore, are you, Ms McKenzie? Anyway, I was saying Way Omega will put Africa on a new course, free from the obstacles that have defeated it's past efforts. Imagine this, Ms McKenzie: Africa without coups, without civil wars, without..." He stopped himself. Look who is rambling on now, Ms McKenzie? Yet can you blame me? I told you not to get me started, remember?"

"Yes, I remember and yet we have your book : Failure of States. Dr Afolabi, may I ask you something? What makes you this optimistic about Africa's future now ,when in that book you were very pessimistic? Is it the content of Way Omega or the prestige of it's author?"

 1. Describe how the African leadership as portrayed in the excerpt   ( 2 marks )

2. Make notes on Dr. Afolabi's trait. ( 5 marks)

3. Is Dr. Afolabi justified to be optimistic at the summit? Support your answer. ( 2 marks)

4. Referring to elsewhere in the book, explain why there is irony in what Dr. Afolabi tells Fiona about the Way Omega.  ( 6 marks)

5. Comment on any two features of style used in the excerpt. ( 4 marks)

6.What events follow after this extract ( 3 marks)

7.Compare Fiona and Dr Afolabi's relationship now and later in the book. ( 3 marks )

5. Read the excerpt below and answer the questions that follow:                            (25 marks)

Forty-nine foreign heads of state were in Banjul for the summit. All looked happy, and why not? Had they not escaped from troublemakers in their home countries? They saw ahead of them a stay free from trouble here, in the Gambia, a country everyone kept calling 'the land of Kunta-kinteh'. All hoped to get from their stay as much rest as possible. Of course, at some point, they would each other take the floor and, as fans back home expected, address the summit, but this was something that they could do with little or no effort at all.  For Gambians, though, the presence of so many visiting dignitaries was not fun. True, forty-nine heads of state could give a hosting country good publicity, but heads of state are a huge inconvenience. So, this publicity comes at a high price. 

Nowhere is the price higher than it is in Africa. Here, before the dignitaries arrive, bulldozers dispatched at night in slum-clearance 'exercises' demolish roadside kiosks on which whole families depend for their livelihood. This way, the dignitaries will see that a few streets once had sidewalks. Roads get rare layers of tarmac at times of maximum traffic. This way, motorists come to a standstill when it really hurts. Checkpoints sprout everywhere. This way, guards get even more bases for extorting bribes from passers-by.  When the dignitaries finally arrive, water taps at which whole neighborhoods queue to get just buckets of water dry up because now all water has to go to new water fountains built to mesmerise the visitors. 

1.       Explain what happens immediately before this extract                  (4mks)  

2.       Identify and explain two styles used in the excerpt.                    (4 marks) 

3.       Identify and illustrate three thematic concerns evident in this extract           (4mks)

4.     What does the author mean when he says, "Had they not escaped from troublemakers in their home countries"?                                        (4 marks) 

5.   From your knowledge of the text, who were the four strangers who checked in at the Seamount Hotel in Banjul for the summit?                    (4 marks)

6.    Add a question tag: This way, motorists come to a standstill when it really hurts.                                                                                                               (1 mark)

7.    Explain the meanings of the following vocabulary used in the excerpt. (4 marks) 

a)       Mesmerise - 

b)       Demolish - 

c)       Extort - 

d)       Summit -

   1. Ms Mckenzie, a reporter for the Gambian News, is interviewing Dr Afolabi on the summit scheduled to take place at The Seamount Hotel in Banjul. Ms Mckenzie receives an urgent call from her boss and asks Afolabi to summarise his response so she can leave. She then asks to reschedule the meeting, but the interviewee declines, telling her to go and read well his book, Failure of States, before organising another interview. Forty-nine heads of state in Banjul means that Banjul was hosting a summit attended by forty-nine presidents of different countries in Africa. (3 marks)

All families depended on the kiosk for their livelihood. The streets did not have sidewalks. Most Gambians live in slums. There is a shortage of water for the neighbourhoods.

Traffic checkpoints sprout everywhere, creating an enabling ground for guards to extort bribes from passers-by. Poor governance

The author says that the forty-nine heads of state in Banjul all looked happy because they had escaped troublemakers from their home countries. This evidences poor leadership in African countries. There can only be trouble in a country with a leadership crisis.

The suffering of the people that they go through in the hands of the leaders is clearly brought out.

Poor governance.

The leaders are incompetent and leading their subjects poorly,no services like water,no jobs no wonder they resort to roadside kiosks e.t.c

The narrator says, forty-nine foreign heads of state were in Banjul for the summit. All looked happy, and why not? Had they not escaped from troublemakers in their home countries?

They saw ahead of them and stayed free from trouble here, in the Gambia. The irony of this statement is that the leaders are acting unaware that there are the creators of the problems they are running away from their own countries. It is ironic that the heads of state are happy to be in the Gambia, a country battling its problems, which apparently, are worse than their own.

Through this irony, the playwright highlights the pretentious nature of the heads of state and the theme of hypocrisy. Vivid description

The writer uses words to paint clear mental images in the reader's mind. This enables the audience to understand the text better. The scenery is vividly described as the country prepares to receive the heads of state. Bulldozers dispatched at night in slam clearance 'exercises' demolished roadside kiosks on which whole families depend for their livelihood. This description points out the rare atmosphere of the bitterness of the people of the rural Gambia that is characterized by hustles and bustles.

Rhetorical question

....had they not escaped from the trouble makers in their own countries?

The incompetency and inefficiency of the leaders are brought out as they are being satirized.

4. The author is showing the irony in the reason for the heads of states' happiness in visiting Banjul. This equally portrays the trouble the heads of state have left behind, escaping from the problems they have solely originated through their poor leadership practices.

5.   i. Professor Karanja Kimani

     ii. Pastor Chineke Chiamaka

    iii. Engineer Seif Tahir

    iv. Ngobile Melusi

6.  ,don’t they?         

7. i. Mesmerise: To make something or a place the most distinct and stunning to attract.

ii. Demolish: To tear down something or destroy it.

iii. Extort:To obtain something by force, intimidation or unlawful use of power.

iv. Summit: A gathering or an assembly of leaders.

6 . Read the extract below and then answer the questions that follow:

Professor Kimani joined the University of Nairobi directly as a senior lecturer. Even before taking off, he was already flying. There was a reason. Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda had just dismantled théir University of East Africa. Kenya's part of the university, now renamed the University of Nairobi, found itself with a vacancy it had to fill immediately in its Institute of Development Studies.

Professor Kimani, who had just completed his studies at the University of Oxford, wrote from there to say he wanted to fill it. To ensure he came and filled it for sure, the University of Nairobi raised his entry point from that of a lecturer to that of a senior lecturer.

He came. Only a month after his arrival, he launched a noisy debate in which he demanded that the University of Nairobi henceforth strive for relevance to the society rather than simply excellence of its work. It was not clear exactly what he meant by relevance to the society rather than simply excellence of its work. It was not clear exactly what he meant by relevance to the society. However, a short six months later, he prevailed. The university's official motto became, 'Relevance to the society'.

After winning this war, he started another war which was even noisier. Now he wanted the university to be an agent of change, not a mere spectator of it. This was when people still thought this view was too radical and ridiculed it as simple- minded. So, not surprising, some of his colleagues, puzzled by his refusal to see that it was simple-minded, did or said little, convinced that he would fall on his face before long and self-destruct on his own without their help.

He did not care. After all, his antics in wars that he had started, and won, had also won him the heart of a campus beauty queen. Her name was Asiya Omondi. He married her on a rainy but approving Saturday, to claps of thunder and flashes of lightning. How marriage then accelerated academic success! A professorship soon followed. After that achievement, he felt fulfilled. His persona now was complete. Had anyone told him this happiness would one day end as it did, he would have laughed himself upside down.

a)       After Kimani fills a vacancy in University of Nairobi's Institute of Development Studies, he demands for two changes at the university in quick succession. What are these changes? (2 marks)

b)       Identify and illustrate three characters traits of Kimani brought out in this excerpt. (6 marks)

c)       Discuss three themes raised in the excerpt. (6 marks)

d)       (i) To ensure he came and filled it for sure, the University of Nairobi raised his entry point from that of a lecturer to that of a senior lecturer. (Write beginning with the main clause). (1 mark)

e)       Identify two stylistic device s used in the excerpt. (4 marks) f)        The writer says, 'Had anyone told him this happiness would one day end as it did, he would have laughed himself upside down." What later happened to Professor Kimani in the text? (2 marks)

7.                   Read the Excerpt below and answer the Questions that follow.        (25marks)

“Ms McKenzie!” he said. “What a pleasant surprise!” He ushered her in. “Please come in.”

“I hope I’m not interrupting anything,” she said. He closed the door then steered her towards a chair.

“Feel at home,” he said.

“And I will.” She sat. “Mother has a question for her boy. How was your day, young one?”

“It was only so- so, “Mother,” he said. “Or, as we say back home, ‘Only small- small.”’

         Mother thinks that’s big-big enough. Are you ready for tomorrow?”

       As ready as I never will be, I guess, Mother.” He went and sat beside her.

   “And do you still think the summit will adopt Way Omega?” 

     Only twelve hours. We can wait.”

  “By the way, guess who I ran into downstairs? Someone by the name Longway. I was tracking down a man they call their guide and thought this fellow might be him. Do you know him?”

Dr Afolabi did not answer.

Well, do you know Mr Longway or not?”

“Yes, Ms McKenzie, I do. You might as well know this now: I am their guide.”

“What?”

“Promise you will keep that to yourself, Okay?”

“I promise.”

“Apart from Mr Longway , whom you now know, there are four other people I’m working with on the  periphery of the summit as their  guide.  Instead of adopting way Omega, this group wants the summit to adopt Path Alpha.”

         1.             What happens before this excerpt.(4mks)

       2.             Comment on any three styles in the excerpt. (6mks)

         3.             “Feel at home.” He said. (change to reported speech)                          (1mk)

         4.             “Are you ready for tomorrow?” what is to happen tomorrow from the rest of the text? (3mks)

         5.              Identify and explain two character traits each of: (4mks)

I)                    Dr. Afolabi-

                      Ms. Fiona mckenzie-            

         6.             What is, “this group” and why does it want the summit to adopt, “ Path Alpha” and not “Way Omega”. (4mks)

         7.             Give the meaning of these words: (3mks)

I)                    Steered-

II)                 Periphery-

III)                Summit-

        ANSWERS TO THE  EXCERPT.

i)        What happens before this excerpt? (4mks)

ü   Tad Longway convinces Ms. Mckenzie to have a drink with him.

ü   Ms. McKenzie accepts the offer after a persuasion to have a coke with a promise to leave soon.

ü   Dr. Afolabi ready to go over his notes on the presidents’ summit one more time.

ü   Dr. Afolabi is distracted by a knock at the door.

ü   He opens the door to usher Ms. Fiona in.

ü    

ii)      Comment on any three styles in the excerpt. (6mks)

ü   Dialogue – Dr. Afolabi talks to Ms. Fiona about the impending change on the switch of “Way Omega” for “Path Alpha”. He reveals his identity to Ms. Fiona.

ü     Rhetoric/Rhetorical questions – “.is it just me or has it gone colder over the past two days?” This makes the readers brain storm on Dr. Abiola Afolabi’s sudden change of stand.

ü   Direct Translation – Dr. Afolabi replys, “only small.” When asked how his day was

iii) “Feel at home.” He said. (Change to reported speech)(1mk)

ü   He told Ms. Mckenzie to feel at home. /He told Ms. McKenzie that she should feel at home.

iv)    “Are you ready for tomorrow?” what is to happen tomorrow from the rest of the text? (3mks)

ü   Dr. Afolabi is to attend the presidents’ debate the next day. He is to play the role of an advisor to the presidents on the ideas of Way Omega and to help them adopt it.

v)       Identify and explain two character traits each of: (4mks)

i)           Dr. Afolabi-

ü   Sociable/Frendly/Welcoming/affable – he behaves politely and in a friendly manner towards Ms. Mckenzie’s arrival. He recognizes her as Ms. Mckenzie and welcomes her to fell at home.

ü   Secretive – he asks Ms. Mckenzie to keep his identity (as the guide) a secret together with the other information on AGDA advocates. “Promise you will keep that to yourself.”

ii)          Ms. Fiona mckenzie-

ü   Concerned/Accommodating – she asks Dr. Afolabi how his day was. “How was your day young one?”

ü   Inquisitive – digs more information from Dr. Afolabi about Way Omega .

ü   Keen/ Observant/ Critical – She observes that Dr.Afolabi does not sound so upbeat as he did two days ago.

ü   Persistent - she presses on asking Dr. Afolabi whether he knew Mr. Longway.

vi)    What is, “this group” and why does it want the summit to adopt, “Path Alpha” and not “Way Omega”. (4mks)

ü   The group being referred to is AGDA- Agency for Governance and Development in Africa. Path Alpha is strong on implementation (a bird in hand) while Way Omega is strong on ideas but weak on implementation.

vii) Discuss two themes evident in this excerpt. (4 mks)

ü   Change/ Transition – AGDA wants the summit to adopt Path Alpha and not Way Omega.

ü     Deception/Deceit – Dr. Abiola has been hiding his identity all this while to Ms. Fiona and the other four advocates.

viii)                        Give the meaning of these words: (3mks)

i)           Steered- guided/directed

ii)          Periphery- side/edge

iii)           Summit- meeting/conference/discussion/talks