Ian's Blog

  In recent decades, the term “business ethics” has become increasingly prominent in conversations surrounding corporate behavior. Some view it skeptically, questioning if ethics and business are compatible, especially in highly competitive industries where profit motives seem to dominate. But dismissing ethics in business as an oxymoron overlooks the essential role ethical practices play in sustaining trust, promoting accountability, and building sustainable success. In fact, business ethics is not only viable; it’s essential to a company’s resilience, reputation, and long-term profitability. Understanding Business Ethics At its core, business ethics refers to the principles and standards that govern how a company conducts its business. This includes a commitment to fairness, honesty, integrity, and respect for all stakeholders, including employees, customers, suppliers, and the broader community. Ethical businesses prioritize transparency, ensuring their decisions reflect their v...

  As Kenyans, we often find ourselves grappling with the disappointing reality of our political landscape. Corruption, nepotism, and unethical conduct have become commonplace, leaving us disillusioned with our elected leaders. Despite our collective frustrations, we continue to elect questionable leaders, expecting them to bring about positive change. This paradox lies at the heart of our national malaise, and it’s time we confronted the uncomfortable truth: our downfall stems from both the bad behavior of our leaders and our acceptance of such conduct as a society. The Cycle of Bad Behavior Bad behavior among our leaders is not merely an issue of individual misconduct; it reflects a broader cultural problem. When we elect leaders known for corruption or questionable ethics, we send a message that such behavior is acceptable. This cycle perpetuates a political environment where integrity takes a backseat to personal interests. We often prioritize tribal loyalty and political affili...

  In Kenya, the Constitution is hailed as the bedrock of democracy, a framework designed to ensure justice, equality, and the protection of citizens’ rights. However, the effectiveness of this legal document is contingent upon the vigilance and active participation of the citizenry. Recent political events, including the controversial ousting of the Deputy President, underscore the vital necessity of vigilance in safeguarding the Constitution and ensuring that it is upheld as the supreme law of the land. The Role of the Constitution in Safeguarding Democracy Kenya’s Constitution, promulgated in 2010, was a significant milestone aimed at rectifying historical injustices, promoting accountability, and fostering inclusivity in governance. It established clear checks and balances, delineating the powers of the executive, legislature, and judiciary. However, the mere existence of a Constitution does not guarantee its observance or enforcement. As the saying goes, “eternal vigilance is t...

  In Kenya, politics underpins nearly every aspect of life, from healthcare to the economy, directly impacting citizens’ quality of life. However, despite repeated failures by our leaders to deliver on promises, the majority of the electorate consistently rallies behind them. This paradox can be seen as a form of Stockholm syndrome , where the Kenyan public, much like captives, display irrational loyalty to their captors—our political leaders—despite clear evidence of harm. This syndrome not only stalls national progress but also breeds a culture of unaccountability, where leaders are emboldened to make decisions that further deepen the plight of ordinary Kenyans. The Nature of Stockholm Syndrome in Kenyan Politics Stockholm syndrome is often associated with a psychological phenomenon where hostages develop positive feelings towards their captors, viewing them as protectors instead of adversaries. In Kenya, this syndrome manifests in the public’s support for politicians who routine...

In today’s world, opinions often take center stage in shaping how we perceive the world and interact with others. We are constantly surrounded by individual viewpoints, personal preferences, and subjective takes on every aspect of life. Yet, opinions are not always factual or true, even though we often treat them as such. This habit of mistaking opinions for truths can lead to significant misunderstandings, polarizing debates, and unnecessary challenges in life. The reality is that opinions are shaped by personal experiences and individual biases, and while they can hold value, they are not universal truths that should guide everyone. Understanding this distinction is crucial for fostering better communication, empathy, and societal harmony. The Subjectivity Trap At the core of most opinions is subjectivity. Each person’s opinion is influenced by their unique background, experiences, and environment. Personal history plays a significant role in shaping how we view the world. For instan...

  Healthcare is often perceived as a noble profession grounded in principles of compassion, ethics, and the oath of providing quality care to patients. However, an alarming trend in Kenya's healthcare system has emerged, where doctors are not only tasked with saving lives but are also given financial targets to meet. This unfortunate practice, common in both public and private health institutions, distorts the core purpose of healthcare and leads to compromised medical care. After engaging with a doctor recently, I came to understand how these financial goals affect healthcare delivery and why this practice must be legally and morally condemned. The Rise of Financial Targets in Healthcare Financial targets, once primarily associated with corporate sectors like sales and marketing, have increasingly made their way into healthcare settings. Hospitals and clinics, both public and private, now often impose monthly revenue targets on doctors. The objectives can include maximizing patien...

  Moral law, often seen as a compass guiding human behavior, holds a superior position over statutory law in many ways. In a society governed by moral principles, there is an inherent understanding of right and wrong, which transcends the written codes of law. The importance of moral law, especially in a country like Kenya, cannot be overstated. Despite the legal framework in place, Kenya continues to grapple with challenges like corruption, violence, and social decay. This article explores why moral law is vital for Kenya and how its adoption could address the predicaments the nation faces today. Moral Law: The Bedrock of Justice At its core, moral law is about doing what is right, even when no one is watching. It requires individuals to act with integrity, honesty, and a sense of responsibility. Unlike statutory laws, which can be bent or exploited, moral law guarantees that individuals not only abide by the law but also refrain from exploiting loopholes in the system. It is an i...