Blog

By: JENTRICE MUNEI

1. Drought: The Silent Dropout Catalyst
~School one day, homebound the next

In 2022, a staggering 99% of school dropouts in Kajiado Central cited drought related reasons from fetching water, grazing livestock, to tending to dying herds according to CARE Kenya.

~Hollow classrooms and empty desks
By mid 2025, over 300 learners hadn’t returned to term three, especially in rural areas where livestock sales fund education. In some schools, only one third of students came back after the holidays.

2. Poverty: Fees, Food, and Forced Choices

~No livestock, no lunch
With herds decimated, parents can no longer pay fees nor feed their children. Many resort to picking up casual work or hawking a short term fix for survival.
~Hunger before homework
Around 84% of attending students suffer from hunger induced fatigue, showing short attention spans and even sleeping in class.

3. Wild & Wilderness: Learning at the Mercy of Giants

~Elephants at the gate
In 2025, eight schools shut for three weeks after elephant invasions when wild elephants raid compounds, teaching stalls, and safety erodes.

~Daily fear, delayed education
Children wait until mid morning to avoid wild encounters, disrupting learning routines.

4. Girls at Risk: Pregnancies and Displacement

~Alarming dropouts among girls
Teenage pregnancies have sidelined many girls by 2021, 25% of dropouts in Kajiado South were girls, largely citing early pregnancies and marriage.
~Re entry is not simple
Initiatives by FAWEK engage stakeholders in re entry programs. Safe hubs in Kitengela nurture teen moms before reintegration, yet the road is long and winding

.
>Rays of Hope: Community & NGO Solutions
~Feeding programs
Organizations like Light of Hope now feed 79,000 pupils across 210 schools, lifting enrollment from 84% to 97% (2022–2024).
~Door to door tracing missions
Chiefs, elders, and NGOs collaborate to trace and re enroll absent learners through mop up drives initiated after low transition rates.

~Parental empowerment workshops
Through engagements under shade at ECDE centers, parents are learning CBC curricula and actively participating in schooling buying books, attending meetings, and nurturing progress.
>Closing the Disparity Loop
Despite policies guaranteeing free basic education, structural dynamics drought, poverty, gender bias, and ecological hazards open cracks too wide for many children to cross. But Kajiado isn’t giving up. From feeding programs to parental empowerment, community patrol teams to wildlife fencing, a mosaic of interventions offers hope.

~Ending on a Dare: Can We Make Education Elastic?
Imagine a system so adaptable that no mattress less Maasai child, no hungry teenager, no rural outlier is left stranded. Education must stretch to meet them the drought stricken grazing lands, the elephant corridors. Because when the classroom becomes a mirage, chasing down every learner is not just a moral duty it’s the foundation of Kenya’s future.
Kajiado’s hard to reach children are knocking. Will we let them walk away?

By John Ilunga

Recent documentaries from DW News and International journalist Johnny Harris, stipulate that DRC is a land full of potential. Very wealthy; 24 trillion dollars to be exact. Gold, cobalt, Jewellery, copper and coltan for internal electronics.The Democratic Republic of Congo is said to be a rich country, full of minerals and natural resources that could feed the entire world for decades. If you could estimate what that means in practical terms it would mean the end of global humanitarian crises and a long period of peace and security across borders. Another perspective would be Egypt. Based on research, it once supplied food to many distant lands across the Nile in the Mesopotamian region. So why don’t we see this happening today in Africa?

The Fattened livestock, favorable climatic conditions and good soils for agriculture all indicate the richness of this magnificent country by the Equatorial belt. We are all strapped in the belt of famine and food shortages across the continent. Food prices in recent times have sky-rocketed due to the increased gas and fuel prices. The Civil wars and brutality amongst nations have taught us a valuable lesson. The increasing wars in Israel; the Russian assault on the Ukrainian people as well as terrors in the political zones are mostly the problem. Let’s not even mention pandemics and USAID.It is evident that the headship of most African countries needs revisions. The greatest issues surrounding the African continent today vastly stream to wars, territorial tribalism and internal insecurity. In one word;greed.

In the face of all these problems, what can big brother Africa do?
Something must surely be done. With good leadership and good policies, the pen still remains mightier than the sword. In this case, ballistic enemy missile forces.

Most policies are aimed at changing the status quo. Making a difference through government resolutions and planning. What if I told you that the solution could well lie within the resources that we have and not entirely upon the shoulders of our leaders. Leadership is critical but we need an educated and working population in Africa. So far, young people are thriving in many spaces in the African context. We have found a voice to air our issues and inform the world of our current financial, political and economical predicaments.

Africa is slowly but surely progressing towards a masterful; metropolitan, commercial and suburban continent, spanning among the world’s best of inventions and designs. This is the dream we all share of a united Africa. No more dependence on global powers for sustenance. We, however, 1qare still slaves of the past as the horrors done to us in past decades still haunt us. We have become more leaning towards decisions for survival than to thrive. Shall we ever arrive?

It starts at the heart. We need to deal with not only the social issues but the differences we have one with another so that we can build on new foundations of excellence and sophistication. We are smart but silenced by the systems that rule over us. We mustn’t try to fight but to thrive in outdoing our masters so that we can break free from the bondage they hold on us. As long as we remain veiled to the truths of our potentials, then we are left to reason like our masters and leaders. Our aim should not be war, but peace and union.

We need to talk these things together and workout how we can harness our own natural resources and produce excess over the surplus which we export and try to control and manage our own businesses. We can harness the power of digital and use it to end social injustices, Political manipulation and corruption. Africa needs to feel more rather than using brainpower all the time. Addressing issues from within through structured systems management can help maintain a good and healthy thriving society where all can become great and impactful. Africa, where do you stand?

By Joe Aura, aurajoe6@gmail.com

Imagine waking up one morning and deciding, “You know what? I’m giving away nearly all my money before I die.” That’s not your typical thought—unless you’re Bill Gates.

On May 8, 2025, the Microsoft co-founder announced plans to give away virtually all his remaining wealth—over $100 billion—within the next 20 years.

Yes, you read that right. By 2045, the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation will have closed its doors, having redistributed its massive endowment to causes around the globe.

This isn’t just a billionaire’s midlife crisis. It’s a major shift in how philanthropy operates. For decades, big foundations have worked on the principle of “give slowly, invest the rest.” Gates is flipping that script.

Expect a massive boost in funding for global health, education, clean energy, and efforts to tackle poverty. If you’re passionate about solving real-world problems, this is the kind of energy we need.

What Could This Change?

1. Global Health Will Get a Shot in the Arm

From malaria to maternal health, Gates’ money will go where the needs are greatest. This could mean faster eradication of deadly diseases and more resilient healthcare systems—especially in Africa.

2. The Philanthropy Game Just Changed

Other billionaires may start questioning whether sitting on giant endowments is ethical when the world is literally on fire—climate-wise, politically, and economically.

3. A Vacuum After 2045?

Here’s the catch: once the foundation closes, who keeps these projects alive? That’s where governments, communities, and young changemakers like you come in.

Why It Matters for Kenyan Youth

We live in an era where innovation meets inequality. Whether you’re in tech, media, education, or just trying to secure the bag, Gates’ decision indirectly affects you. Kenya, a rising hub for startups, climate action, and health innovation, stands to benefit from some of this funding—either directly or through partnerships.

By Joe Aura, aurajoe6@gmail.com

In 2024, Daystar University signaled a bold move toward digital transformation by initiating the distribution of KCB smart cards meant to automate cafeteria and transport payments. While the idea promised efficiency and modernization, the implementation remains incomplete—with several students still unaware of the cards’ status or future use.

This scenario is not unique to Daystar. Across the world, institutions aiming to digitize payment systems often encounter a range of structural and technological challenges that stall or limit their progress. These challenges cut across cybersecurity risks, evolving regulations, infrastructure gaps, and human-centered design flaws—all of which must be addressed to ensure a sustainable rollout.

One of the most significant concerns is cybersecurity and data protection. As digital systems become more integrated, they become more attractive to cybercriminals. Institutions must guard against data breaches, unauthorized transactions, and potential reputational damage. Fraud prevention mechanisms, including real-time alerts and multi-factor authentication, must be embedded into these systems from the outset.

Regulatory compliance also presents hurdles. Payment systems are governed by complex, often-changing regulations. Smaller institutions, such as private universities, may struggle with the costs and capacity needed to meet compliance standards—especially when juggling academic and administrative priorities.

A persistent barrier in such transitions is interoperability. Many digital systems start as closed loops, limiting compatibility with other platforms or banking systems. For a campus payment system to work seamlessly, it must interact with point-of-sale devices, transport platforms, and online service providers—ensuring students can use it beyond just one or two functions.

From a technology standpoint, outdated infrastructure and legacy systems can hold back progress. Many institutions operate on fragmented or outdated databases that are difficult to integrate into modern payment architectures. In some cases, even basic infrastructure—like stable Wi-Fi, updated hardware, or trained personnel—may be lacking or inconsistently available across campuses.

Customer experience is another overlooked but crucial element. Today’s students expect instant, intuitive, and secure platforms. If systems are introduced without adequate training, orientation, or user-friendly interfaces, adoption will be slow. Students unfamiliar with how or where to use their cards may opt to continue with manual processes, as seems to have happened at Daystar.

Interestingly, financial inclusion and digital literacy also play into the equation. While digital systems can empower students by making banking and access to services more inclusive, they can also marginalize those with low digital literacy or inconsistent access to mobile devices and banking networks.

Institutions must also confront the risk management dimension. Introducing new systems requires contingency plans—what happens when a system fails, a card is lost, or a transaction doesn’t go through? The lack of clear communication around such processes can erode trust and slow adoption.

All these factors combine to influence public perception. Without clear, consistent communication and trust-building, students may view digital payment systems as cumbersome or unnecessary. And in an environment where students already navigate tight academic schedules, changes need to be well-motivated and visibly useful.

That said, Daystar has demonstrated capability in implementing large-scale digital transitions before. During the COVID-19 pandemic, the university smoothly transitioned to online learning—enabling students to attend classes, submit assignments, and even defend theses from across the world. This experience underscores that with intentional planning, open communication, and responsive support systems, digital solutions can thrive.

Ultimately, the goal shouldn’t just be digitization for its own sake. For smart systems to succeed, especially in educational institutions, they must be people-centered, secure, accessible, and seamlessly integrated into the daily experience. With the right approach, Daystar and similar institutions have the potential not only to catch up—but to lead the way.

By Jacqueline Kitamba

Protests marking the first anniversary of last year’s anti-finance bill demonstrations took place across various regions in Kenya on June 25, 2025, resulting in extensive damage and significant financial losses for numerous business owners in the CBD area.

What began as a peaceful gathering rapidly turned into clashes between the police and the protestors, leaving behind massive destruction in key parts of the capital, including the CBD area, Khoja, River Road, Ngara, and Moi Avenue, among others.

Thursday morning, as the smoke cleared, shop owners arrived at the scene of shattered glass, burned-up buildings, and looted stalls, a reminder of how fast one’s livelihood can be taken away.

Caroline, who owns a shop at Mithoo House, River Road, said her store was turned upside down by the looters who made away with everything, including the roof of her shop.

“I was called yesterday, and I almost fainted. Everything in my shop is gone, and I do not know where to start,” said Caroline.

She additionally urged Nairobi Governor Sakaja, along with the entire administration, to make an effort to assist them. Caroline stated that the police observed as their stores were being robbed and did nothing to intervene

She does not know where to start and is asking for her landlord to be lenient with her as she gathers herself. Caroline is one of the many small business owners who do not have insurance to cover such losses.

Over 100 businesses across the nation were seriously affected, many to the point of non-recognition. Most of these businesses were small traders and street vendors who had taken up loans and are now left with the burden to bear as they try to figure out the way forward.

“I have lost stock worth Sh3.2 million, and because of a lack of insurance, I do not think I will be able to reopen anytime soon,” said Watencia Muthoni, a shop owner at Gatakaini One, Khoja.

Interior Cabinet Secretary Kithure Kindiki evaluated the businesses the next morning, assuring business owners that the government will investigate the damage and those responsible will be held accountable.

“Peaceful protest is a constitutional right, but what we witnessed was criminals disguised as protestors. We are working with the security agencies to track down those responsible,” Kindiki said at a press briefing Thursday morning.

Business owners are seeking compensation to help with the rebuild. Economists in the country are also concerned with this trend of demonstrations turning to violence, and they fear the long-term effect it will have on small and medium enterprises (SME’s), which are the backbone of the country’s economy.

Business owners, aided by kind-hearted individuals, are tidying up while advocating for discussions and improved planning for future protests, aiming to guarantee that freedom of expression does not negatively impact people’s livelihoods. For entrepreneurs like Caroline and Muthoni, restoring and launching again relies on assistance and additional financing.