Pupils of Nyamachaki Primary School in Nyeri during a Physical Education lesson, on July 19, 2023. [File, Standard] Last Thursday, I stood before a sea of outstanding graduating students at Zetech University’s campus in Ruiru, Kiambu County. It was their farewell dinner, just before they dispersed ahead of the official graduation scheduled for November 14. As I scanned the hall, packed to capacity, I saw something beautiful: hope. Their eyes sparkled with ambition, dreams, and the excitement of becoming. But as I concluded my keynote address, a sobering thought struck me: schools across the country are now closing for the…
Author: By Isaac Kalua Green
Woman working in the fields in a small African village. [Courtesy/GettyImages] Last Friday, I visited the farm of 86-year-old Mike Harris in Thika, Kiambu County with my prayer group. Before we saw him, a 75-year-old gatekeeper slowly got up to greet us, bent by age, but still happily working. Naturally, we asked Mr Haris about him. His reply was quiet, but unforgettable. “He was supposed to retire 20 years ago,” he said. “But every time we got close, he would ask to stay on. He still had children in school. He needed the salary.” That moment pierced my heart because it…
President William Ruto inspected the ongoing rehabilitation of Nairobi River on July 18, 2025. [PCS] While our nation is distracted by noise and political unrest, something quietly significant is unfolding; not on television or social media, but along the banks of Nairobi’s rivers, where trash once flowed more freely than clean water. There, a miracle is beginning to happen. During the early stages of this national project, I was invited by its supporters to share my advice. What I saw was more than just a cleanup effort. It was a plan to restore dignity, revitalise livelihoods, and reconnect a…
Chairperson of the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) Dr. Erastus Edung Ethekon during the swearing in of the commission at Supreme Court on July 11, 2025. [Kanyiri Wahito, Standard] Come, let’s sit down. This is July, the coldest month in Kenya. In my homeland of Ukambani, we call it Ng’athamba Uni. It means “I will shower tomorrow.” The cold was so intense that even bathing could be postponed. But even in that chill, life went on. Wisdom was shared around smoky fires. Choices were made carefully, not in haste. Today, around this fire, I welcome the seven of you. You…
Naironi Woman Representative Esther Passaris. [File, Standard] There are two times when wise people avoid making decisions: When they are too angry or too excited. Kenya has ignored both. In the wake of police shootings and rising national frustration, the introduction of a Bill to limit demonstrations is not only untimely but also dangerous. The proposed law by Nairobi Woman Representative, my friend Esther Passaris, aimed at regulating protests, arrives amid national grief. A young Kenyan has died in police custody, others have been abducted, and one was shot dead on the street. Now, with fresh wounds still bleeding, we are being…
A man in deep thought. [Getty Images] This past week, as I talked with a group of friends who are leaders, professionals and everyday citizens, I was struck by a truth more alarming than the current headlines. One by one, they admitted to quietly fighting mental health issues. Anxiety. Sleeplessness. Burnout. Depression. Some spoke with trembling honesty. Others, with the calm resignation of those who’ve carried this burden for too long. Of course, I’ve written about mental health before, but I choose to sound like a broken record this week because I believe this quiet national crisis could soon overwhelm us if we don’t sit up and…
Golden coins in soil with young plants. [Courtesy, iStockphoto] The nature of my work as an ecopreneur requires me to engage with farmers nearly every day. As a result, I’ve listened to their dreams, walked through their fields, witnessed their struggles, and celebrated their victories. One truth resonates throughout every corner of this country: Kenya will not be saved by politics; it will be transformed by empowering its people to thrive. This message resonates strongly in the May 2025 Agriculture Sector Survey recently released by the Central Bank of Kenya. It highlights a sector on the brink of renewal, with 89 per cent…
CBK Governor Dr Kamau Thugge during the launch of the Chora Plan financial literacy campaign. June 11, 2024. [File, Standard] As an ecopreneur for over 30 years, I have come to appreciate that understanding economic shifts is not solely the domain of financial experts. It’s about seeking credible information and connecting the dots to everyday life. This past week has been filled with financial updates, and like many Kenyans, I’ve been closely studying them, particularly the recently released PwC analysis of the 2025/26 national budget and the Central Bank of Kenya’s (CBK) latest decisions. While most headlines focus on taxation and deficits, I…
Rita Auma, sister to the former US President Barack Obama, holds a play card during demos against over-taxation in Nairobi on June 25, 2024. [File, Standard] This past week, we have had at least three moments of reflection. In the same short week, we have celebrated Madaraka Day, the day we attained the power to rule ourselves; the World Environment Day, set aside by the United Nations to inspire action to protect our climate; and Eid-al-Adha, the Muslim celebration honouring the spirit of sacrifice and obedience of Prophet Ibrahim (Abraham). Amid these commemorations, I have reflected deeply on what I see as the silent struggle sweeping…
Former NFL star and renowned American Motivational speaker Rickey Allen Bolden during the 22nd National Prayer Breakfast at Safari Park Hotel, Nairobi. May 28, 2025. [Elvis Ogina, Standard] At the 22nd National Prayer Breakfast in Nairobi, American preacher and former NFL player Rickey Bolden delivered words that brought the room to a hush and, momentarily, a nation to reflection. Bolden’s sermon focused largely on the Gen Z in the wake of their protests last year. It spoke to the moral and generational reckoning that Kenya can no longer ignore. But the sermon, delivered with energy and clarity, was more than anything, a wider call for national reconciliation and…
Medical Services PS Dr. Ouma Oluga addressing during the launch of the Kenya National Public Health Institute(KNPHI) at KICC Nairobi on May 8, 2025. [Boniface Okendo, Standard] “Kimbu kiendaa kavola ni kwaa muingi.” A chameleon moves slowly because no one is chasing it. However, touch its tail, and you’ll be shocked at how fast it bolts! This Kamba proverb reflects the story of Kenya’s public healthcare reform. For years, the National Health Insurance Fund (NHIF) crawled along, burdened by scandals, inefficiencies, and a growing trust deficit. Then came the call for change, and the government, like the startled chameleon, finally sprang into action. The result? The Social Health Authority…
NTSA Inspection centre at Industrial Area Nairobi. [File,Standard] Imagine a young boda boda rider named Wafula, stopped by the police on a bustling Nairobi street. His motorcycle lacks proper registration because the National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA) hasn’t issued number plates. Wafula, desperate and frustrated, is forced to pay a bribe to avoid losing his livelihood. This scene repeats daily across Kenya, undermining public trust and security. As the chairperson of the Motorcycle Assemblers Association of Kenya, I recently convened an urgent meeting. The assemblers voiced their anger and despair at persistent inefficiencies within NTSA. The frustrations were so intense that we nearly marched to NTSA offices…
A patient undergoes check-up at the eye unit in Kerugoya County Hospital. [File, Standard] On the eve of Labour Day, when most Kenyans were winding down in anticipation of rest and celebration, I underwent a delicate and intricate eye procedure. As I lay on the theatre’s operating table, anxiety briefly held me captive. Yet, reassurance soon replaced my apprehension as the gentle voice of Dr Catherine Kareko, a dedicated and compassionate ophthalmologist, calmed my nerves. During our pre-operative conversation, she shared insights that shocked and inspired me to research further. Dr Kareko mentioned, almost casually, that Kenya has fewer than…
Gold coins fall out of the golden tap. [Courtesy, iStock] I write this week’s Green Message column with immense joy and profound gratitude, still glowing from the honour of receiving prestigious awards at the Warriors for Good Awards held this past Friday evening, beautifully organised by Relinked Group. This special event highlights extraordinary leaders, innovators and organisations passionately dedicated to sustainability, climate action and social impact. It celebrates inspiring initiatives that uplift communities, drive sustainable practices, and encourage a regenerative future. Witnessing various lesser-known yet incredibly impactful organisations present innovative tech solutions in health services, payment systems and other vital sectors was heartwarming.…
EACC arrest five traffic police officers collecting bribes along Kakamega-Bungoma road on Thursday. [Benard Lusigi] On Good Friday morning, a disturbing event unfolded as I drove toward Citam Ngong to join the Men’s Chorale, the 28-year-old singing group I belong to. Barely 150m from the church entrance, a matatu in front abruptly stopped, blocking the road. Shamelessly, the conductor walked straight to a waiting police officer and handed him money – a blatant act of corruption in broad daylight. Deeply troubled, I hooted loudly, moved ahead of the matatu, and stopped firmly in protest. The police officer approached my car confidently, saluting respectfully, “Habari…