Young boy holding teddy bear while alone. [Courtesy/GettyImages] As the school holidays approach, many Kenyan families are preparing their sons for initiation rites. But what if these cultural milestones trigger hidden fears instead of strength? One boy’s quiet undoing opens a conversation about childhood trauma, mental health, and what it means to truly grow up. Uncover the stories others won’t tell. Subscribe now for exclusive access Subscribe Today & Save! Unlock Now Unlimited access to all premium content Uninterrupted ad-free browsing experience Mobile-optimized reading experience Weekly Newsletters MPesa, Airtel Money and Cards accepted Already a subscriber? Log in As the…
Author: By Jayne Rose Gacheri
From Isiolo to Nairobi, Kenyan parents are quietly teaching the art of calm, compassion and courage – one bedtime story, one difficult question, and one answered fear at a time. [Jayne Rose Gacheri, Standard] The sun had barely risen above the dry hills of Isiolo when a group of children gathered at the start line of the Peace Ultra Marathon Isiolo (PUMI). The children were not running, but cheering the marathoners running for peace. With hand-drawn peace signs, chants of amani, and hopeful eyes, one of them, 15-year-old Kevin Waqo, held up a drawing: a house, a heart, and two…
Mc Danson Mateya (right) dancing with Gen-z parents guests during dance competition the Safari festive splendor on Christmas day at Safari Park Hotel along thika road Nairobi on 25th December 2024. [David Gichuru, Standard] At the 22nd National Prayer Breakfast last month in Nairobi, former NFL star turned pastor Rickey Allen Bolden asked the participants to rethink their approach in dealing with the younger generation. His message was simple: Apologise to Gen Z for all the atrocities inflicted on them and build reconciliation bridges. This came at a time young people are increasingly at odds with leaders and openly questioning their decisions. But how do…
A father lifting his adorable daughter into the air while enjoying a day at the beach. [Courtesy] At an apartment in Mwendantu residential estate, Meru, the sun is dipping behind the flats, the air is filled with the familiar hum of evening routines. Inside one home, Eric Mugambi, a graphic designer and father to Abel Mugambi, is on his knees pretending to be a firefighter, roaring his way through a ‘burning’ living room – his son’s voice directing the chaos. “No, Daddy! The fridge is on fire too!” “Yes, Captain!” he replies, grabbing a cushion “hose.” Laughter fills the room.…
After 13 years, Gulf Air has returned to Nairobi, reigniting direct connectivity between Bahrain and Kenya. The airline’s decision to relaunch flights on 2 June 2025 signals more than just convenience. It marks a strategic move in the evolving aviation landscape of East Africa, unlocking economic, trade, and tourism opportunities between the Gulf region and Kenya. The Bahraini national carrier will operate five weekly flights to Jomo Kenyatta International Airport using its Airbus A320neo fleet, an aircraft designed for efficiency and passenger comfort. Gulf Air Group chief executive Jeffrey Goh, speaking at the launch event, emphasised the broader significance of…
Wildebeests in Maasai Mara National Reserve. [File, Standard] It is that time again in the Masai Mara – the season of thunderous hooves when millions of hooves thunder across the sweeping plains of the Masai Mara, heralding one of nature’s most breathtaking spectacles: The Great Migration. The Great Migration is a journey that never gets old. I have been to the Mara many times. Each visit unfolds a new chapter of nature’s grand narrative, and yet, the Great Migration always feels fresh, always electric, always soul-stirring. I have stood on the plains at dawn, watching the first waves of wildebeest…
The Embassy of Barbados, in collaboration with a visiting team from the Ministry of Tourism – Barbados, was on a mission to promote tourism and business partners with Kenya. [Jayne Rose Gacheri, Standard] Close your eyes. Feel the salt-kissed air clinging to your skin, hear the steel drums drifting through the breeze, and watch as the golden sunset dissolves into the horizon. Now, open them. This is not a dream, this is Barbados, the island where time slows, senses awaken, and every moment unfolds like a postcard come to life. For four days, I travelled – not by flight, but through…
The Embassy of Barbados, in collaboration with a visiting team from the Ministry of Tourism – Barbados, was on a mission to promote tourism and business partners with Kenya. [Jayne rose gacheri/Standard] Kenya and Barbados stand on the verge of a thriving tourism and trade partnership, driven by shared values, travel policies, and business opportunities. The two nations may differ in size, but their cultural richness, economic ambitions, and mutual openness to growth make them natural allies in a changing global landscape. This vision was brought to life during week-long engagements between Barbados’ top leaders and Kenyan media, government representatives, and stakeholders.…
A family of hippos play at the banks of Ewaso Ng’iro, at the Hippo Pool, Mpala Ranch at the site of the Mpala Live which broadcasts the images over the internet. [File, Standard] Naivasha does not whisper its presence, it roars into your senses the moment you arrive. One minute, you are winding through the Rift Valley’s dramatic escarpments, thinking deeply about life and the next, bam! A rally car shoots past, dust billowing, a reminder that Naivasha, leisure is a high-speed affair. Vasha is not just a place, it is a feeling, a rhythm, a story whispered by the…
Images from the past Ngemi Homecoming three festivals that were crowd pullers. Tickets for all the past festivals were sold out before the event. Ngemi Season four, dubbed “the mother of all Ngemi Festivals will be held in Naivasha between May 31st and June 1st. [Jayne Rose Gacheri /Standard] A youthful renaissance, spreading like a bushfire across Kenya, is bringing to life traditional songs once sung by elders, now carrying a youthful timbre. Ancient tales unfold anew, their rhythms infused with modern beats and styles. At cultural festivals like Ngemi Homecoming, a captivating transformation is happening – the younger generation is reshaping Kenya’s heritage, breathing life into traditions often associated with…
Screen grab showing President William Ruto flinch as a shoe hurtles towards him in Migori. [Courtesy] Once upon a rally, deep in the heart of Migori, the air crackled with tension. The sun blazed overhead as President Ruto stood tall, preparing to unveil his latest economic masterstroke— not a one-million-chapati machine this time, but a marvel at how he was focused on transforming households from the chains of high cost of living that would ensure no stomach ever rumbled in hunger again. The crowd, weary and skeptical, shifted uneasily. Their pockets were empty, their flour prices high, and their hopes…
The East Africa Tour Guides and Drivers Association officials during the launch of their magazine in Nairobi, on May 13, 2025. [Jayne Rose Gacheri, Standard] For decades, they have shaped journeys, translated cultures, and turned ordinary travels into unforgettable experiences. Today, tour guides across East Africa are stepping into the spotlight, demanding recognition for their irreplaceable role in the tourism economy. The first-ever East Africa Tour Guide Conference, themed “Storytellers of Africa: Tour Guides in Africa’s Tourism Economy, held in Nairobi, brought together Tourism industry players, policymakers, and guides who discussed critical issues facing the tourism industry. The gathering was…
Shot of a happy family having fun while moving house. [Courtesy] The assembly hall buzzed with anticipation—students fidgeting in their seats, teachers exchanging knowing glances, and parents waiting patiently in the back rows. Bernard Guantai, the youngest son of Sylvester and Lucia Guantai, adjusted his posture on the podium of St Paul’s High School, Kivote, Embu. Bernard inhaled sharply, scanning the sea of expectant faces. Then, his gaze landed on them—his unwavering anchors. His father’s steady nod, his mother’s warm smile. Their presence wasn’t loud or theatrical, but it was enough to bolster his confidence, to remind him that he…
Bespoke Soapstone’s Business Manager Mogusu Momanyi. [File, Standard] In a historic partnership with Muthaiga Golf Club, Bespoke Soapstone has launched a pioneering collection of handcrafted soapstone trophies—an innovative venture poised to transform corporate awards. The unveiling showcased several exquisitely sculpted pieces, crafted with precision by experienced artisans, both male and female. As guests admired the collection, Bespoke Soapstone’s Business Manager, Mogusu Momanyi, emphasized the craftsmanship behind the creations. “These pieces have been sculptured, chiseled, sandwashed, and polished by seasoned artisans. Each one reflects the highest quality of sculpting, now awarded to the winners of this week’s golf tournament,” said Momanyi.…
The launch of: Tsavo: A Moment in Time by Trevor Simon at the KWS offices in Nairobi, on April 9, 2025. [Jayne Rose Gacheri, Standard] At 86, Simon Trevor’s vitality and passion for conservation remain as vibrant as his early years in the field. And early last month, when he greeted the audience at the Kenya Wildlife Service headquarters with the words, “Homo Deus, Homo Sapiens, and all the wild creatures of our country—Jambo sana,” it wasn’t just an introduction—it was an invitation to pause and reflect on the delicate interplay between humanity and the wild. The room responded with…
Traveling with family can be an enriching experience, but it has its share of challenges. The following essential tips will ensure every member, big or small, can enjoy the journey and create lasting memories. Packing hacks Packing for a family trip doesn’t have to feel like assembling an army. Streamline the process with these practical hacks: Have age-specific grab bags. Create individual bags for each child, filled with snacks, games, and personal essentials like headphones or colouring books. These grab bags provide entertainment and independence during road trips or flights. When packing clothes, roll, don’t fold. Rolling clothes saves space…
From grit to glory – how Brian Kamandi danced into his destiny. [Jayne Rose Gacheri/ Standard] “The streets are always hiring,” says Brian Kamandi, because for him this is where he shaped a career and life. In the vibrant streets of Nairobi, where chaos collides with creativity, Kamandi’s story starts — a tale of dreams, daring, and unwavering determination. From the fourth-born in a family of six to the founder of TtHS Production House, Brian’s journey is proof that life’s stage is never too big for a bold heart. Picture this: a young Brian, sandwiched between five siblings, all vying for attention,…
Images for the launch of: Tsavo: A Moment in Time by Trevor Simon at the KWS offices in Nairobi on 9 April 2025. [Jayne Rose Gacheri, Standard] When Simon Trevor greeted the audience at the Kenya Wildlife Service headquarters with the words, “Homo Deus, Homo Sapiens, and all the wild creatures of our country—Jambo sana,” it wasn’t just an introduction—it was an invitation to pause and reflect on the delicate interplay between humanity and the wild. The room responded with laughter and curiosity, drawn into the magnetic charisma of a man who has spent over six decades championing Kenya’s wilderness.…
Muslims wait for the time of breaking their fast (Iftar) at Lamu Island’s Mukunguni square in Lamu county on Saturday,22nd, March,2025 during the ongoing fasting of the holy month of Ramadhan. The breaking of the fast (Iftar) attended by hundreds of the local Muslims was organized by the local Governor Timamy. [Maarufu Mohamed, Standard]. Every 33 years, the stars align — or rather, the calendars — to present a truly remarkable event: the sacred seasons of Lent and Ramadan overlap. It’s a time when two distinct faiths illuminate the country in a shared glow of devotion, charity, and reflection. Traveling…
Experts say parenting is a journey of endless firsts. From the first cry, first step, first day of school—but perhaps the most difficult first comes when it’s time to let go. For Mary Wanjiru, a single mother of three, letting go was like releasing a part of herself. She remembers the day her eldest son, Mwangi, boarded a matatu to Eldoret University vividly. “I never thought it would feel this way,” she admits, her voice tinged with a mix of pride and heartbreak. “The silence between us was deafening, but deep down, I knew my son was ready to fly.”…
A week ago, a video flooded Kenyan social media platforms, capturing a mother embracing her grown son tightly and kissing his lips. The clip elicited a storm of reactions. While some applauded the moment as an endearing display of maternal love, others criticized it as overly intimate. How close is too close for a parent and child? Parents find themselves walking a tightrope—balancing affection and discipline, emotional support and independence, all while navigating cultural and societal expectations. Wanjiku Njoroge, mother to a 14-year-old son says the bond between mothers and sons is unique, and there is something uniquely tender about…
Mrs Josphine Ngigi of House of Hope Girls Rescue Center feeding piece of cake to children living with disabilities at Mara Hope Church in Narok town to mark Valentines Day. [Robert Kiplagat,Standard] Mama Eloise Mutie, a casual worker at Isiolo Level 5 Hospital, is the mother of three differently abled children — two girls and one boy, aged between 9 and 19. She lost her second born daughter, also differently abled, to a fire incident. She says she lives with perpetual guilt of leaving her unattended on that fateful day because she had to go out to look for food. Bringing up her three children has been a…
Images of snorkeling at Kisite Mpunguti. [Jayne Rose Gacheri] I am back to Kisite Mpunguti for an adventure that combines the thrill of exploration with the serene beauty of marine life – swimming with the dolphins and snorkelling at Kisite Mpunguti! Kenya’s stunning coastline along the Indian Ocean with its azure waters, vibrant coral reefs, a treasure trove of eye-catching sceneries, coupled with myriad activities, is always a welcome adventure. I arrived at the base for the tour to Kisite Mpunguti at 6.30 am, as the sun cast its golden glow on the crystal-clear waters. My adrenaline was building up in anticipation of my newest adventure. We left for the marine park…