Ian's Blog

  The state of Kenya’s economy does not need a complex explanation; it is visible to anyone willing to look at the lives of everyday Kenyans and the challenges facing businesses. Despite repeated assurances from government leaders about economic growth and improvement, the harsh reality for many is a stark contrast. While officials tout statistical growth and policy achievements, millions of Kenyans continue to struggle with rising costs, stagnant wages, and job insecurity. The government’s optimistic reports on the economy often feel detached from the lived experience of most citizens, whose circumstances appear to be worsening rather than improving. For many, the idea that the economy is on an upward trajectory is not just hard to believe—it seems completely out of touch with reality. This year has seen a particularly troubling trend: tens of large, established corporations have either closed down entirely or significantly reduced their operations, resulting in widespread job los...

In a world where success is often equated with outward accomplishments—like a high-paying job, owning property, or achieving personal milestones—many young people find themselves struggling to measure up. Social media feeds are flooded with success stories that often highlight rapid growth, luxury lifestyles, and quick accomplishments. It’s easy to feel like you’re falling behind when your life doesn’t seem to follow the same trajectory. However, there is power and strength in survival. Sometimes, simply being able to meet your basic needs—like having food on the table or being able to pay rent—is a victory in itself. Survival, especially in today’s fast-paced world, can be the first and most important form of success. While it’s natural to desire big achievements, it’s also essential to recognize that getting through difficult times, handling daily responsibilities, and persevering, even when life seems stagnant, are no small feats. For many, surviving these struggles is, in fact, win...

Leadership in any society, particularly in Kenya, has often been portrayed as a noble pursuit, driven by the desire to serve the public good. Politicians and leaders across the globe frequently claim to be working for the betterment of society, vowing to prioritize the well-being of their constituents above all else. However, the political landscape often reveals a stark contrast between these promises and the reality of leadership. The truth is, public good or public interest rarely causes division among leaders—what divides them is their personal ambitions, agendas, and financial gains. Kenya’s political scene is a prime example of this. For years, Kenyans have witnessed their leaders argue vehemently over policies, programs, and reforms that, on the surface, seem aimed at promoting the welfare of the people. Yet, upon closer inspection, it becomes evident that the underlying motivations are not about public service, but rather personal gain, power struggles, and financial interests....

  This year, Kenya has witnessed an unsettling trend: a growing disconnect between the decisions made by Parliament and the voices of its citizens. From the controversial Finance Bill to the Agriculture Bill, public outcry has often been met with legislative indifference, leaving many Kenyans frustrated with their leaders’ disregard for public sentiment. Widespread protests, such as those under the #RejectFinanceBill movement, have highlighted a pressing issue: despite clear public resistance, Parliament continues to push through policies that significantly impact Kenyans' lives without genuinely listening to their concerns. This disconnect has fueled public anger and eroded trust in the government, highlighting the need for a more structured and inclusive approach to public participation. The Constitutional Basis for Public Participation Kenya’s Constitution, adopted in 2010, explicitly mandates public participation as a key principle of governance. Article 10 of the Constitution ...

  When I reflect on the purpose of education, I am reminded that true education should be a journey of discovery and empowerment, not a simple transaction of information. Too often, we find ourselves trapped in a system where learning is equated with memorization and regurgitation. This “banking model” of education, as Paulo Freire famously called it, reduces students to passive recipients, stifling their ability to think critically and creatively. It places the teacher as the authority figure who “deposits” knowledge, while the student is expected to accept and memorize, rather than engage, question, and expand upon what they’re taught. If we are to reshape education to better meet the needs of our evolving world, we need to shift away from this model. We must replace the hierarchical teacher-student relationship with one that is built on dialogue, mutual respect, and shared inquiry. Only then can we unlock the full potential of each learner and cultivate a system where creativity...

  Fellow Kenyans, as we strive toward Vision 2030, I believe the most important qualification for anyone in public office is integrity. It’s not grades, tribe, money, or tailored suits that will push us forward; it’s the moral backbone to serve honestly, transparently, and responsibly. Without integrity, no amount of academic excellence, wealth, or charisma can create the genuine progress Kenya needs. We’ve seen the effects of placing the wrong priorities in leadership time and time again, with resources misused, promises broken, and an endless cycle of corruption that drains both the economy and our collective spirit. When I look at the state of our nation, it becomes clear that without integrity, the ideals of Vision 2030 are in jeopardy. Public office is a role of trust, where leaders are supposed to protect our resources and make decisions that benefit all Kenyans. But how often has this trust been betrayed? How often have leaders put their personal interests above the nation’s...

The chasm between government officials and ordinary citizens has never been more apparent. Our leaders often seem removed from the daily challenges faced by millions of Kenyans, seemingly shielded in a bubble of privilege that prevents them from experiencing the realities of life in Kenya. This disconnection isn’t just a symbolic issue—it has profound implications on how policies are crafted and implemented, leading to decisions that feel foreign and irrelevant to the people. One striking example is the travel experience of government officials. While the average Kenyan endures long waits, crowded terminals, and substandard facilities at the airport, government officials are driven directly to and from planes, escorted to VIP lounges, and handled with special treatment that most Kenyans never see. These leaders are shielded from the realities of our airports—delayed flights, frustrating security checks, and a lack of essential services. In their separate world, they don’t encounter the...

  As a young Kenyan, I’ve grown increasingly aware of the pivotal role that government communication and citizen engagement play in our lives. Reflecting on our country’s handling of the COVID-19 pandemic, I realized how essential effective, transparent communication is, especially in moments of crisis. The term “fellow Kenyans” has become an almost iconic phrase, reminiscent of the pandemic updates that informed us about health guidelines and case numbers. Those updates, often delivered by high-ranking officials, became part of our daily routines, calming our anxieties and keeping us grounded. I remember feeling both comforted and empowered by knowing what was happening and what was expected of us as citizens. That experience underscored the importance of having leaders who communicate clearly and honestly, especially when lives are at stake. But beyond crisis management, it became evident that effective communication should be a continuous part of governance. The pandemic showed ...

In Kenya, professionalism is slowly deteriorating, leaving a trail of societal issues in its wake. Corruption, one of the country’s most significant challenges, is fundamentally fueled by the involvement of professionals—those who, by virtue of their expertise, are expected to uphold standards of integrity. At nearly every juncture of corruption, a professional is often involved: lawyers, accountants, procurement officers, bankers, clerks, and even members of the clergy are sometimes complicit. This unfortunate reality is contributing to the normalization of unethical behavior, high levels of inefficiency, and a toxic work culture that erodes the country’s moral and professional standards. The Role of Professionals in Facilitating Corruption Corruption in Kenya is often seen as the exclusive domain of politicians. However, the influence and support of professionals are instrumental in making corruption both widespread and entrenched. Every significant scandal or case of embezzlement ha...

In Kenya, a peculiar phenomenon has emerged within the political elite—a dazzling display of wealth juxtaposed with an alarming absence of class and wisdom. This disconnect is not merely a reflection of individual failings but rather a pervasive issue that undermines the very fabric of our society. The Kenyan political class has, for far too long, acquired its wealth through dubious means: corruption, manipulation, theft, and, in the most grotesque instances, the brutal silencing of dissenting voices, including the innocent lives of citizens. This raises the poignant question: can one truly possess wealth without embodying the class and responsibility that should accompany it? The manner in which many Kenyan politicians accumulate their riches is deeply troubling. Corruption runs rampant, often disguised as public service, while these leaders engage in practices that benefit themselves at the expense of their constituents. They manipulate the systems designed to uplift the populace, si...

  During a recent conversation, I asked my partner if she had ever wished to be a man. Her answer was simple yet profound: she said she had come to enjoy being a woman, embracing both the beauty and the challenges that come with it. This sentiment struck me as powerful, revealing an appreciation for femininity that went beyond societal expectations or stereotypes. Her words inspired me to explore what it means to fully embrace femininity, to accept the duality of strength and vulnerability, and to navigate the unique challenges of womanhood in a patriarchal society. For many women, femininity is a layered experience. Society has often tried to shape femininity, defining it through rigid roles, appearances, and behaviors. Yet, as my partner reminded me, femininity is not merely about conforming to external expectations. It is about finding power in one’s true self, embracing the complexities of womanhood, and walking a path that is both unique and deeply meaningful. The Duality of F...