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By. Abigael Kirui

The first time you look in the Maasai Mara it doesn’t scream at you. Rather, it speaks quietly. The yellow grass moves and swirls in the breeze bringing its secret fragrance and the sky reaches out to infinity and it all makes you feel a little bit dizzy. Mara is not just somewhere to see-it has its own story to tell; you just have to take the time to listen.

I landed in late afternoon, as the kind where sunlight is heavy, and shadows stretch themselves across the terrain. Our vehicle bounced along a dirt road and then the plains opened up and there they were zebras at pasture in ordered lines, as if on the canvas of the earth.

Language of Stillness

As I spent my first morning in the Mara, it started with the sound of the safari jeep’s engine roaring and the crisp task of the frosty wind. The sky was pale, beginning to turn pink at the coming sunset. Our guide Samuel, drove carefully, checking carefully for any movement on the grass. “Find the little things,” he said. The Mara isn’t only about lions.

Moments You Can Not Breath

A few hours later, somewhere by the Mara River, I came to know that in this world beauty is not always what it supposedly is. The river had a peaceful appearance- its green water rippling gently in the sun-though under that surface lurked crocodiles, with their eyes just creeping above the water. Time after time might you see hippos lying on the banks like boulders, and their snortings sending ripples along the calm.

Then we saw a fish eagle dip down in a talon, slice into the water, and rise up with a writhing prey. It took a couple of seconds, but it was as good as a lesson in precision. And that was the Mara, -how life and survival take on their own beat, and stops your snatch.

It is the Place the People Who Call It Home

Visit to Maasai village was one of the best things about my visit. There was a wood smoke smell in the air and I could see the bright contrast of the maasai lessos of the Maasai people in red and bright blue were attractive against the dull color of the savannah.

One of the older ones by the name Lemayan informed me we belong to the land. We have the animals as our neighbours.” I never forgot what he said in the Mara, coexistence is not an ideal, it is day to day. It was not merely a form of cultural exhibition, but an insight into a way of life based on appreciation of nature.

Positives of Visiting Maasai Mara

1. Unrivalled Wildlife Diversity-The opportunity to cross the atom to mighty apex predators, and occasionally to do so in a single day.

2. Breathtaking Parts of Nature-Open skies, endless grassland, sunsets that are painted.

3. Cultural Interpretations Rich — Experiences with the Maasai where you can learn more about cultural practices that have been in place and tested throughout history.

4. Accessibility all Year-Round-Each time is different and has its own sights and experiences.

The downsides of visiting Maasai Mara

1. Accessibility Challenges

Adventure Playground is a little tricky to get to the Mara It is a long drive and it could take as long as five to six hours on a bumpy road when traveling to/from Nairobi. This can be exhausting to travelers who are on a tight schedule or sensitive traveling conditions. Alternatively, there are flights that are however expensive.

2. Crowded at times during peak season

You must consider the fact that this reserve is busy at the time of migration (July to October). Safari vans always tend to follow sightings of wildlife, reducing the personal nature of the wild.

3. Limited Connectivity

If you are among the rest in need of staying digitally connected, the Mara will disappoint you. The network coverage and internet access may be poor in some areas, which may also be regarded as a blessing to those in need of disconnection.

Travel Advice to the Future

 Make a Right Time of Visit: To have a less crowded trip, visit in November-March.

 Beyond the Big Five: Check out the birding and the small creatures; they are equally interesting.

 Stick with local operators: Because it benefits the community and, in many cases, is more personalised to the safari experience.

 Pack All Weather: early dawns are cold, afternoons are blistering.

My Advice

If you are going to visit the Maasai Mara, my recommendation is straightforward: be ready to accept its strengths and its anger. Visit between July to October to coincide with the migration, but you may prefer less congestion by visiting between January to March, which promises no less wildlife viewing. Be prepared to wear light, yet sharp, clothing. Essentials include sunscreen, insect repellent, a decent camera, and binoculars. If, by any luck, you can book a hot air balloon safari. This is quite costly, but a bird’s-eye perspective of the Mara is nothing short of enchanting. And probably, go with an open mind. The Mara is not all about trying to check a list of animals; it is about taking time, listening to the secrets of nature and reconnecting with nature. It makes you patient, it makes you awed and it makes you respect life in all its primal form.

By Shirley Mary Mzee.

Illustrative image: A young woman reflects on her choices, symbolizing the growing trend of child-free living among Kenyan women.

If you actively spend time on social media, you’ve likely encountered the term child-free, young women openly declaring their choice to never have children. While the topic often sparks heated debate, from solidarity and understanding to harsh criticism, it raises a vital question: what’s driving this shift in generational thinking?

On my late-night scrolls on TikTok, I encountered a video where a young woman stated one reason why she doesn’t want children: “Another reason why I don’t want kids is because of the trend of women not having kids and, after, that body transformation—I don’t want to alter my body physique.”

Her words were simple and personal, but the comment section was ablaze. Some women echoed her sentiment, sharing they too had no desire for children. Others dismissed her as “selfish” or “vain.” A few mothers chimed in with empathy, while some men and women hurled insults. This mixed reaction got me thinking, what’s behind this cultural shift?

Growing up in Kenya, I rarely saw women who were child-free by choice. If a woman didn’t have children, people whispered, questioned, or pitied her. Motherhood was not just expected; it was demanded. But now, things seem to be shifting. Women are making choices once unthinkable, openly saying, “I don’t want kids,” and standing by it. Could it be that we are entering a new age where women’s rights, voices, and autonomy are more respected than ever?

Many young women grew up as “second mothers” to siblings; cooking, cleaning, and caring from a young age. Could it be that after carrying that burden as children, some feel no desire to repeat the cycle?

Another factor could be the growing transparency around motherhood. For decades, it was wrapped in a veil of glamour, photos of glowing mothers and happy babies, with little mention of postpartum depression, financial struggles, or isolation. Today, social media has changed that. Women are more open about the highs and lows of motherhood, from pregnancy complications to permanent body changes. Could it be that this honesty is reshaping how young women perceive parenting?

Could it also be that some women simply don’t feel the so-called “maternal instinct” that society expects from them? Research shows nurturing tendencies aren’t universal, and lacking them is neither abnormal nor unnatural. In fact, a study of 75 young mothers (average age: 19) tracked their experiences over several months postpartum. The conclusion: there was no evidence of an innate maternal instinct. Instead, the mother–child bond strengthened gradually through caregiving, not genetics (PubMed, 2024). This challenges the belief that women are biologically destined to feel instant maternal love.

Meanwhile, others are simply acknowledging the weight of raising a child. Today’s generation is more financially conscious and realistic about the costs of parenting. According to the Kenya National Bureau of Statistics (KNBS, 2022), the average number of children per woman has dropped to 3.4, down from 6.7 in 1989.

Where does the church fall in this? Traditionally, the church has emphasized motherhood as a divine calling. Yet younger Christians are beginning to ask harder questions: must every woman be a mother to fulfill God’s purpose for her life? The debate reflects a broader shift, one where faith, personal fulfillment, and choice sometimes intersect and sometimes clash.

It is also worth asking: why does this trend seem more common among women than men? In my own experience, I encounter more young women choosing to remain childfree than men. Perhaps it is because men do not go through pregnancy, childbirth, or postpartum recovery, and so parenthood may appear less daunting to them. For women, the decision comes with higher stakes; physically, emotionally, and financially.

Ultimately, the rise in women choosing to remain childfree in Kenya and beyond cannot be pinned to a single reason. It may be parentification, greater transparency about struggles, lack of maternal instinct, or simply recognition that raising a child is a massive responsibility. Whatever the reason, the shift is that women now have a choice and they are exercising it.

 By Jemutai Too, 

Introduction 

In Nairobi’s bustling Central Business District, where thousands go about their daily lives, a young hawker known as Eli was shot by a police officer. He wasn’t protesting. He wasn’t violent. He was simply at work selling face masks near Moi Avenue. 

What happened next was captured on video and stunned the nation: a police officer aimed directly at Eli and fired. 

If this can happen in broad daylight, under the full gaze of the public, what happens when no one is watching? 

From Protest to Panic 

June 17, 2025, was a day of national unrest. Kenyans took to the streets to protest the suspicious death of blogger Albert Ojwang, who died while in police custody. Peaceful demonstrations quickly turned tense as officers in riot gear stormed the Nairobi CBD, determined to suppress the movement. 

Eli wasn’t among the protesters. He was simply caught in the crossfire. 

“He raised his hands and begged,” recalls Brian Mwangi, who captured the moment on his phone. “He didn’t pose any threat. But the officer shot him anyway.” 

Eli’s condition remains uncertain, but the moment has left an indelible scar on the nation. For many, it confirmed their worst fears about the unchecked power of the police. 

The Video That Shook the Country 

The footage that circulated online showed everything: an officer lifting his weapon, calmly aiming at an unarmed man, and pulling the trigger. Screams erupted. Onlookers scattered. The moment became a viral symbol of state brutality. 

If they can shoot someone like that with cameras rolling, imagine what happens where there are no phones, no witnesses? 

The video has sparked protests in other parts of the country, and the demand for police accountability has grown louder than ever. 

A Familiar Pattern 

Unfortunately, this isn’t a one-off incident. Over the past few years, Kenya has witnessed a disturbing pattern of police violence especially during public demonstrations. The deaths of protesters during the  2024 Gen Z-led protests remain fresh in the public memory. 

“Every time we raise our voices, the state responds with bullets,” says  a youth activist. “How many more must be shot before we see change?” 

Although the National Police Service often promises investigations, the outcomes rarely lead to meaningful reform. Suspensions are short-lived. Arrests are few. Convictions? Almost nonexistent. 

False Comfort in Familiar Statements 

Following Eli’s shooting, the Inspector General of Police released a statement condemning the officer’s actions. The officer involved has reportedly been arrested. However, many Kenyans have grown weary of such statements routine, vague, and lacking in transparency. 

For many citizens, especially the youth and the urban poor, trust in law enforcement is at an all-time low. They feel targeted, not protected. Controlled, not served. 

A Question That Haunts Us All 

Eli’s shooting has revived a painful conversation: What happens when there are no cameras? 

For every incident caught on video, how many are erased by silence, fear, and lack of evidence? How many mothers bury their sons with no explanation, no justice? 

We can’t keep treating these tragedies like accidents,They’re symptoms of a bigger problem a culture of impunity that lives inside our institutions.  

Conclusion 

We don’t know Eli’s fate. But we know what his shooting means for Kenya. It means our streets are not safe not for vendors, not for students, not for journalists, not for anyone. 

It means our systems are failing us not in secret, but in public. It means that unless we demand justice now, we will be mourning again tomorrow. 

Eli’s image wounded, unarmed, innocent is now etched in our national memory. The question is no longer if it will happen again. It’s when, and to whom. 

Because if they can shoot someone in full view of the country, then who’s next? 

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