Launch of Polio, Nairobi (Jenipher Wachie, Standard) What began as a joyful Sunday School morning for 10-year-old Michelle Opondo, a time of singing, laughter, and shared memory verses, ended in confusion, fear, and a deep sense of betrayal. As she and her 16-year-old cousin Viola Owuor were leaving church, they encountered a group of women in yellow overcoats waiting by the gate, coolers in hand. “They said they were there to vaccinate children,” Viola recalls. “Other kids were lining up. So, I told Mitchel it was okay.” Without further explanation, Michelle was jabbed. But something did not sit right with…
Author: Jayne Rose Gacheri
Recently, I crisscrossed several counties — from Kajiado to Machakos, Nairobi to Eldoret, West Pokot to Isiolo — each stop offering fresh experiences, new faces, and stories pulsing with life. Countryside road trips are my favourite kind of escape. They allow me to soak in diverse landscapes, engage with different cultures, and build lasting memories. But nothing could have prepared me for the emotional and symbolic richness of my most recent journey across eight counties, six communities and the heart of the 2025 Peace Ultra Marathon Isiolo (PUMI). From pounding hooves in the Maasai Mara to pounding hearts in the…
Recently, I crisscrossed several counties — from Kajiado to Machakos, Nairobi to Eldoret, West Pokot to Isiolo — each stop offering fresh experiences, new faces, and stories pulsing with life. Countryside road trips are my favourite kind of escape. They allow me to soak in diverse landscapes, engage with different cultures, and build lasting memories. But nothing could have prepared me for the emotional and symbolic richness of my most recent journey across eight counties, six communities and the heart of the 2025 Peace Ultra Marathon Isiolo (PUMI). From pounding hooves in the Maasai Mara to pounding hearts in the…
Mukoma wa Ngugi (R) with the late Ngugi Wa Thiong’o [Courtesy] It began not with a funeral, but with a Facebook post. “Mukoma wa Ngugi learns of his father’s death online.” A jarring headline. A private heartbreak turned painfully public. For most Kenyans and the larger global community familiar with the celebrated author, Prof Ngugi wa Thiong’o’s passing, a literary giant and conscience of a nation, was a moment for solemn reflection. For his family, it became a flashpoint. A son left out. A cremation was carried out quietly. A country torn between celebrating a hero and questioning how he…
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. If you met 16-year-old Sean, a year ago, you would think he was a normal “happy-go-lucky teenager. He looked neat and polite, always wearing clean clothes, a soft smile, and an extended hand of greeting. However, these traits are just appearances – camouflaging an uncomfortable trait buried deep in his soul. On closer…
Christine Wangari is the unsung hero of Kenyan environmental conservation story [Courtesy] “Let’s take a tour of honour around Nairobi,” says the spirited woman beside me, her voice brimming with quiet pride. Christine Wangari, bubbly, bond, and benevolent, is not just any tour guide. She is the woman who helped replant Nairobi’s soul, one tree at a time. As we stroll past City Hall, Kenyatta Avenue, Koinange Street, Valley Road, and down Ngong Road, she stops often. To hug a tree. To scratch its bark gently. To stoop and pick fallen seeds. “These,” she whispers, “can change everything.” We end…
Mum, am I sick? The question hung in the air like Ngong Hills’ early morning fog. Twelve-year-old Lynet Wanja stood quietly by the door of their one-room house in Gichagi, Ngong, her eyes wide with confusion. Her school dress was tied around her waist, an old hoodie draped over her hips. Her mother, Beatrice Mwaniki, paused mid-stir as she prepared porridge over their single burner. She turned slowly to face her daughter, heart pounding, not with fear, but with a sense of urgency. The day had come.“No, my sweet girl,” she said gently, wiping her hands on a kitchen towel…
On this Father’s Day, we honour fathers who do more than provide – they show up, stay present and shape their daughters’ lives in ways that last a lifetime. Experts agree that a father’s presence is more than just physical. It is emotional security, guidance, and a blueprint for future relationships. “Daughters with engaged fathers tend to develop higher self-esteem, confidence, and emotional resilience,” says Catherine Ochieng, a psychologist and family counselor. She says that while past generations referred to fathers as distant providers, today’s fathers are more engaged, strengthening emotional connections through bonding activities such as play, biking, hiking,…
Exhibitors display Rhino Charge gear during the briefing of the 2025 Rhino Charge event at Braeburn School, Nairobi Baringo County has been unveiled as the host location for Rhino Charge 2025, marking the 36th edition of Kenya’s world-renowned off-road motorsport event, which raises funds for critical forest and wildlife conservation efforts. The announcement came during a pre-event briefing at Braeburn School, Nairobi, where Don White, Clerk of Course, addressed a gathering of competitors, sponsors, officials, checkpoint crews, camp operators, and media. “This event, which is now in its 36th edition, is a growing conservation legacy, the return of inclusivity initiatives,…
Participants in action during the 32nd edition of Rhino Charge at Sabor Village in Baringo County [File/Standard] In a bold step toward eco-friendly motorsport, EV Explorers has unveiled Kenya’s first-ever zero-emissions electric vehicle set to compete in the legendary Rhino Charge. The innovation represents a major milestone in sustainable mobility, pushing the boundaries of electric transport beyond city roads and into some of the country’s harshest off-road terrains. This effort also aligns with conservation efforts spearheaded by the Rhino Ark Charitable Trust. Speaking during the launch at the Carnivore Grounds in Nairobi, Africa Practice Partner and EV Explorers team leader Richard Kiplagat said:…
When children travel alone, their journey can be empowering and nerve-wracking. With guided preparation and safety measures, young travelers can confidently navigate their adventures while parents enjoy peace of mind. Here are essential tips to ensure a safe and memorable journey. Preparing for the trip Ensure your child has all necessary documents, including passports, visas, tickets, and any required consent letters. Store them in a secure, easy-to-access pouch that the child can carry. Include essentials like medications, snacks, and toiletries. A printed list of emergency contacts. This includes numbers for parents, guardians, and a trusted adult at their destination. Give…
When children travel alone, their journey can be empowering and nerve-wracking. With guided preparation and safety measures, young travelers can confidently navigate their adventures while parents enjoy peace of mind. Here are essential tips to ensure a safe and memorable journey. Preparing for the trip Ensure your child has all necessary documents, including passports, visas, tickets, and any required consent letters. Store them in a secure, easy-to-access pouch that the child can carry. Include essentials like medications, snacks, and toiletries. A printed list of emergency contacts. This includes numbers for parents, guardians, and a trusted adult at their destination. Give…
In the heart of Kwale County, a silent revolution is unfolding. Shimba Hills National Reserve, a once-thriving sanctuary for Kenya’s majestic wildlife, is on the brink of a grand resurgence. Thanks to an ambitious restocking initiative led by the Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS), the reserve is poised to reclaim its former glory. This bold conservation effort is more than just an ecological revival, it is a visionary blueprint for protecting biodiversity, revitalizing tourism, and empowering local communities. For years, Shimba Hills has faced a dwindling population of large mammals, disrupting the delicate balance of its ecosystem. Now, KWS is stepping…
In the heart of Kwale County, a silent revolution is unfolding. Shimba Hills National Reserve, a once-thriving sanctuary for Kenya’s majestic wildlife, is on the brink of a grand resurgence. Thanks to an ambitious restocking initiative led by the Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS), the reserve is poised to reclaim its former glory. This bold conservation effort is more than just an ecological revival, it is a visionary blueprint for protecting biodiversity, revitalizing tourism, and empowering local communities. For years, Shimba Hills has faced a dwindling population of large mammals, disrupting the delicate balance of its ecosystem. Now, KWS is stepping…
Snorkeling at Kisite Mpunguti. {Jayne Rose Gacheri, The Standard} I am back in 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…
Snorkeling at Kisite Mpunguti. {Jayne Rose Gacheri, The Standard} I am back in 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 the footsteps of the Obama family at the Naboisho Conservancy. {Jayne Rose Gacheri, The Standard} The thought of a road trip to Masai Mara is always irresistible, especially if it comes with a dreamy offer, like a recent one that left me humming to myself in anticipation – in the footsteps of the Obama family in Naboisho Conservancy. This is a journey that put the now globally popular sustainable tourism destination (Naboisho Conservancy) on the map. The Conservancy has been praised for its eco-system conservation efforts. On D-Day, Brian Kimandi, an enthusiastic photographer/videographer and I were at our pick-up…
Courtesy. [email protected] Imagine a thrilling overland escapade across seven East, Central, and South African countries – Kenya, Tanzania, Zanzibar, Malawi, Zambia, Zimbabwe, and South Africa is explosive! Having been to these countries by air, I can vouch that such a trip is a winner for travel lovers. This epic journey will leave you questioning why you have not tried it yet! The thrill of taking such an adventurous trip in 22 is astounding and a worthwhile investment for lovers of ultimate adventure. Many tour operators are offering such road trips over the festive season at a pocket-friendly budget (approximately Ksh165,000)…
Toya Njeri Chege while her “me time” with a horse. (Jayne Rose Gacheri, The Standard) This year, Christmas and New Year will be a long holiday. Christmas Day falls on a Wednesday. This means employers will give their staff a break-off on the last Friday before Christmas, with the holiday rolling over to the New Year. Many parents will be sending off their children on solo travel. This may be for short or long distances, and for parents of teenagers and young adults, the travel may be out of the country. While parents of older children are used to letting…
A woman travelling. (Courtesy) Did you know that despite expert advice on always looking for breakthrough to help you minimise of your travel expenses, like the saying goes, cheap is expensive, so does being cheap while travelling can turn out to be expensive? According to Janet Kagina, an ardent, she learnt through the hard way that cheap can be expensive, especially during taking a vacation during the Christmas holidays. “It took me travelling on budget travel for a long time before I realised that some parts of travel are worth the splurge, because although when I saved a little cash…
Kenya’s magical destinations. (Courtesy) The festive season is upon us. The great time of the year – that time of ‘cheer’ when many let their hair down in celebration. It is a time for travel, both inbound and outbound. In anticipation of this festive mood, the hospitality industry is a beehive of activity, putting its best foot forward to capture this once-in-a-year season and make the best business out of it. According to travel experts, the festive season is the most expensive time to travel, which is why they advise travellers and holiday lovers to travel at any time outside…
A baobab tree. (Courtesy) Adventure comes to those who seek it. Some people are born with an adventurous streak and an insatiable curiosity, only quelled through discovery. Others seek out adventures to conquer the demons within fear, boredom, stagnation, a sort of dry rot of the soul. I am in the former group. Being adventurous means having the courage to try new things, and learn new things, myths, and cultures. My interest was recently stimulated by the sudden interest and demand for the baobab tree by the West and other countries. So much so that we saw the giant trees chopped…
Giraffe Centre in Karen, Nairobi. (DavidNjaaga/Standard} I had a heated discussion with a tour guide on how to best experience the highlights of Nairobi in just 12 hours. listening to Moreen Chelegat of QatKen Travel and Tours describe the thrill of “squeezing your one-day holiday or weekend” into a 12-hour experience in Nairobi (and other places) had me thinking. “Just imagine this, if you have a day to while away (layover for visitors) in Nairobi you have an extra day after your business visit, you have a holiday or one weekend day (for city residents), would you rather let your…
Rock stacking (Courtesy.) If you are an ardent traveller and adventure lover and have done hiking, visited parks reserves, and other remote-like destinations, you will have noticed piles of stones, placed in strategic places. Most probably you have dismissed them as a human-made pile of stones raised for a purpose – a marker or a burial mound. Allan Thuranira, a seasoned travel guide, says the pile of stones is called a stack or cairn. This is a human-made pile of stones built to communicate a message such as a direction marker or a burial site. The word cairn is derived…
Elephants wallow in the mud at Aberdare National Park. (Photo/Peter Muiruri) I thought I had a wealth of adventure experience sky diving, bungee jumping, snorkelling, swimming with dolphins, hiking, forest-bathing and cultural interactions. But never a live elephant translocation! That changed on Sunday in October. Destination? Mwea where elephants were being moved to Aberdare. Our ten-seater Caravan flight left Wilson Airport a few minutes after 7pm. 30 minutes later we landed at the Masinga Air strip, ready for an onward transfer by helicopter to the Mwea National Reserve KWS base camp. Here, we found a beehive of activities. During the briefing,…