Why is Generation Z resistant to becoming parents?

On October 11, 2022 By nouveaubigmjoeIn opinionLeave a comment

Some weeks ago, The Associated Press (AP) published an article about Gen-Z and millennials’ reluctance on becoming parents where both cohorts cited reasons such as overwhelming student debts, climate crisis, and low salaries as some of the main reasons why they are not looking to have children.

Generation Z, colloquially known as zoomers, is the demographic group succeeding millennials and preceding generation Alpha. Researchers and popular media use the mid-to-late 1990s as starting birth years and the early 2010s as the ending birth years.

Generation Z is the most popular with 18,378, 493 inhabitants representing 33.42 percent. Millennials are 12, 123, and 453 representing 22.05 percent.

Both generations make up 55.47 percent. 81.06 percent of Kenyans are aged 39 years and below. Birth rates and fertility have been steadily lessening for the last few years. Presently, people of childbearing ages, many of whom fall in this demographic — that is, millennials and gen-z are delaying childbearing thus showing reluctance in starting a family.

Kenya has not been spared either thus being put in line with the rest of the world where young women have delayed motherhood.

This is a worrying trend that has raised concerns for years now on why this up-and-coming generation including the Millenials, has shown reluctance in childbirth.

Notably, childbirth is a significant phase in the life of women of reproductive age which is always unpredictable and not well elucidated both theoretically and in the available literature.

Motherhood is often hyped as an experience that is bound to bring joy, fulfillment, and purpose to a woman’s life.

However, some Gen Z individuals deliberately choose not to start a family attributing they value their freedom and they are not ready to dedicate 18 or more years of their lives to taking care of children and others desire to take life on their terms and excel in their career supersedes the desire of becoming parents.

New data in the latest economic survey report shows that Kenya’s fertility rate has gone down, particularly in urban areas.

The total fertility rate for 2019 was 3.4 births which marks a drop of about one birth from 4.8 births in 2009. On lifetime fertility, the results revealed that the proportion of female teenagers aged 15-19 with no child had increased from 77pc in 2009 to 90pc in 2019.

At the same time, women aged 20-24 with no child increased since 2009 up from 35 pc in 2009 to 46 pc in 2019. According to the Associated Press, this trend can be attributed to several factors.

Chief among them is an expensive economy, which was riddled by the pandemic and lacks affordable childcare, coinciding with decades of progress for professional women as choosing to be child-free becomes less of a taboo.

Many women in the world today also have so many opportunities, which has prompted them to seek other paths to fulfillment.

Women have more options than ever when it comes to how to spend their time, energy, and money. Worth noting, that the declining birthrate is about when having access to education and employment.

Empowerment and other life-sustaining opportunities have prompted them to postpone having children until their 30s or 40s.

Climate change is another factor. It adds more uncertainty, making gen-z and some millennials wary of bringing a child into an environment increasingly shaped by global warming.

Climate change has influenced their reproductive decisions. Uncertainty about the future is making zoomers worry about overpopulation and overconsumption.

In the country, for example, climate change has unceasingly impacted the lives of many people plus the environment. It has led to more frequent extreme weather events like droughts which last longer than usual, irregular and unpredictable rainfall, flooding, and increasing temperatures.

Others just aren’t interested in having kids, a sentiment that has become a lot more socially acceptable in recent years. Students in colleges and those who have recently graduated are overwhelmed by debts.

Photo by Karolina Grabowska on Pexels.com

They are focusing on how they will clear them. With over 13 million Kenyans blacklisted at Credit Reference Bureau (CRB) and huge HELB loans to repay, this trend shouldn’t come as a surprise to anyone.

Zoomers are facing immense pressure from their family members to start a family. What they fail to understand is that unwelcoming changes in the economy, overwhelming debts, changes in climate, and scarcity of gainful employment opportunities are the main reasons for their reluctance.

Many people today have not realized those are the factors that are making zoomers and some millennials reluctant in starting a family. They have argued that it is a personal choice attributed to many factors and their decisions should be given due respect.

With the foregoing, it is clear that if these causes are addressed early, the fear, unwillingness, and reluctance will be lessened thus prompting them to change this mindset. As time goes by, we might witness an unprecedented increase in the birth rate in the country.

The blue star insider.

By; Jackson Ngari and Maxwell kamau.

Social media is helping Gen Z make business unique

On September 17, 2022September 17, 2022 By nouveaubigmjoeIn opinionLeave a comment

Generation Z is rapidly adopting a unique approach to entrepreneurship.

Born between 1997 and 2010, Gen Z succeeds millennials, and while they are similar in some ways, their approach to entrepreneurship is unique.

They are the internet generation and their innovative minds have guided them to walk a different route in terms of entrepreneurship.

They are rapidly harnessing the entrepreneurial spirit, and soon they will become the most entrepreneurial generation the world has ever seen.

Photo by Polina Tankilevitch on Pexels.com

According to the 2021 entrepreneurial spirit index published by IPSOS, 29 per cent of Gen Z were ranked as having a very high entrepreneurial spirit compared to 36 per cent of millennials, 33 per cent of generation Z, and 25 per cent of baby boomers.

Notably, this up-and-coming generation is the most optimistic and purpose-driven.

They are dreaming to become bosses in the future, and this influenced them to spring at a startling rate.

Brought up in a competitive environment where almost everyone is burning the candle at both ends, no one wants to be left behind.

After harnessing enough skills and resources, these youngsters are thinking of starting either a company or businesses that will generate profits.

Zoomers were raised as digital natives, they grew up in a world of smartphones, social media, e-commerce, and on-demand services.

They are confident that if they create a product, they can skillfully turn it into a business by tapping the talents of a smart group of determined peers, and without massive capital investment.

Itai Matalon, CEO, and co-founder of UpNext company asserts that ‘generation create’ usually doesn’t worry about risking their financial stability by acting on entrepreneurship opportunities.

Generation Z is taking risks that are enabling them in finding widespread success with their entrepreneurial exploits, from apps and Youtube channels they have created to other considerable products they are inventing.

The unique qualities and traits of this generation are giving them an edge in business. They seem to outsmart the millennials.

They have the world at their fingertips. Instant and real-time social connection has exposed them to a broad range of influencers, ideas, perspectives, and opportunities.

Since generation Z is tech savvy, they are comfortable with the latest tools and channels, they innately understand the value of branding and self-promotion.

The real-time social connection enables them to embrace collaboration and exclusivity, they adequately use their internet skills to prove — whether their ideas can work or not.

These young founders are innovative enough and through this, they build an audience and find ways to monetize it, whether through ads, paid promotion, or production.

Zoomers are curious and highly value learning. Long ago, those who were aspiring to be successful entrepreneurs believed that having a business degree was the only way of succeeding in business.

But today zoomers think differently. With the development of so many learning tools, they can easily take their lessons wherever they can get them.

Google has become their reference source where they can harness their entrepreneurial spirit and skills.

Many reports have also indicated that Millenials and Gen Z will power higher consumption.

It is now evident that huge demands from family and friends are leading this generation to e-commerce platforms like Shopify.

For those who are rapidly building their audience, they are utilising audience-building communities like TikTok to brand and convince more buyers through the tutorials they create almost daily.

When you examine our youths today, apart from making profits, they are driven to make a difference.

Everyone wants to solve problems like climate change and social justice issues.

As they struggle to be successful entrepreneurs, they want to ensure that their business is environmentally-friendly and does not cause pollution.

These educated minds know that polluting the environment will make it hard for human survival.

The world should expect a high degree of Independence and autonomy in whatever environment generation Z is in.

They think of themselves as creators of change. They are passionate and curious and they deploy creative forces to find innovative solutions to current challenges.

BY MAXWELL KAMAU

The blue star insider

Nelson Mandela International Day 2022: Significance, theme, and how to celebrate it

On July 18, 2022July 18, 2022 By nouveaubigmjoeIn opinion, UncategorizedLeave a comment

Photo by Minenhle Shelembe on Pexels.com

On 18th July every year, communities and individuals from every corner of the world usually assemble to commemorate Nelson Mandela International Day. Inspired by how the former late South African President consecrated his life to the service of humanity, and his concerted efforts to the breeding of culture of peace and freedom, the UN General Assembly in November 2009, singled out this special day to recognize his contributions to race relations; conflict resolutions; promotion and protection of human rights; gender equality and the rights of children and other vulnerable groups; eradication of poverty; the promotion of social justice. The first UN Mandela Day was held on 18 July 2010.

According to the UN General Assembly, resolution A/RES/64/13 acknowledges his contributions to the struggle for democracy internationally and the promotion of a culture of peace throughout the world. This year’s theme centers around, “Do what you can, with what you have, where you are.”

Noteworthy, United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) in December 2015 opted to extend the spectrum of Nelson Mandela International Day to be also used to heighten humane conditions of imprisonment, raise robust awareness about prisoners being a continuous part of society, and appreciate the work of prison staff as a social service of particular importance. It adopted (A/RES/70/175) the revised United Nations Standard Minimum Rules for the Treatment of Prisoners and ratified that they should be known as the “Nelson Mandela Rules.”

Sticking to this year’s theme, it’s a great opportunity for communities in Kenya and the rest of the world, non-profit organizations, individuals, and other concerned stakeholders to intervene and celebrate this day by fighting poverty, social injustices as well as promoting peace because that’s what the late Nelson Mandela tirelessly advocated for. He ascertained that nothing is impossible, only determination is required to fulfill dreams. Citizens are encouraged to spend 67 minutes in service of others to promote peace and poverty which are classified as top factors reversing the country’s development keeping in mind that Kenya is expected to hold a general election in three weeks.

Poverty and social injustices have been a ticking bomb not only in Kenya but also in other developed countries. Sadly, no lasting solution has been established to curtail its worrying effects. Kenya for some months now has been facing a rise in the cost of living pushing a good number of people to the undesirable edge. We are all encouraged to highlight the plight of food security and even climate change in harmony with this year’s theme.

The next government of Kenya should make enough efforts to eradicate poverty, high cost of living, violence against women, genocide, crimes, and other factors that deteriorates human societal values. Individuals in the society commemorating this day should volunteer and help their less privileged neighbors by donating food and other basic needs. Most importantly, they should be at the forefront of advocating for peace and social justice.

People around the world should dedicate 67 minutes to serving the needy in community services as a tribute to the late President and his legacy. Let’s engage in tasks that serve to offer fair and equal life opportunities, especially to the less privileged in society. Government and security agencies should take prompt measures to ensure the country is at peace and warn those who affect the peace, security, and wellbeing of the nation. Above all, sustainable development goals cannot be achieved by Vision 2030 if we will not eradicate all forms that are meant to reverse the country’s economic, social and political development.

Rodgers Otiso and Maxwell Kamau

The bluestar insider

How to write an article that will engage your readers

On June 16, 2022 By nouveaubigmjoeIn opinionLeave a comment

Believe it or not, there is a science of writing articles that will keep your readers engaged until the very end. It’s not difficult, but there are a few things you can do to make sure your writing is as effective as possible.In this post, we’ll share some tips on how to write an article that will keep your readers hooked.

Follow these guidelines and you’ll be churning out engaging content in no time!

Start with a catchy title

When writing an article, the most important thing is to grab your reader’s attention right from the start. One way to do this is with a catchy title.

Think about what your readers want to know and what will interest them. Then, create a headline that will entice them to read more. Make sure you keep it relevant to the topic of your article. A good headline will help engage your readers and get them interested in learning more about what you have to say. Write a big plus that attracts readers. You’ve heard it before: you only have a few seconds to make a good impression. The same goes for articles. If you want readers to stick around, you need to start strong. So how do you write a lead that will engage readers? It’s about grabbing their attention and making them want to read more. You can do this by using a strong statement, a provocative question, or an interesting fact. Whatever you choose, make sure it’s relevant to your topic and grabs the attention of your readers.

Use short paragraphs and sentences

One of the best ways to engage your readers is to use short paragraphs and sentences. This not only makes your article easier to read, it also helps you pack a lot of information into a small space. When writing, try to focus on one main point per paragraph and use clear, concise language. This will help you keep your readers attention and make sure they don’t get lost along the way.

Write to your audience.

When writing an article, it’s important to keep your audience in mind. You have to think about what they want to know and what will interest them.

It is also vital to stay true to your voice and style. Don’t try to write like someone else and don’t use terminology your readers won’t understand. Be yourself and let your personality shine through. The best way to connect with your readers is to be genuine and helpful. Don’t be afraid to show your human side – after all, we’re just people trying to figure things out.

Use strong verbs

When it comes to writing, the use of strong verbs is the key. They help paint a clear picture in the reader’s mind and make your writing more engaging. For example, if you talk about someone going for a run, you might say “she sprinted to the finish”. This phrase is more engaging than “she ran to the finish”.When writing, try to use action verbs as much as possible. They will help keep your readers interested in what you have to say.

Engage the five senses.

A great way to engage your readers is to appeal to their five senses. When you can get them to photograph and hear what you’re writing about, they’ll be more likely to stay there until the end. Start by describing what the reader is seeing. Paint a picture with your words and help them visualize the scene in front of them. Next, describe what the reader feels. Use adjectives to create the sense of touch, smell and sound. Finally, provide a conclusion that ties everything together and leave the reader with a takeaway message. If you are stuck, try to come up with a list of sensory words that you can use as inspiration. Some examples are: visual, auditory, gustatory, olfactory and tactile.

Photo by SHVETS production on Pexels.com

Your conclusion

Write from the heart. When you write from the heart, your passion for the topic will shine and engage your readers. Make it interesting.

When your readers finish reading your article, they should feel like they’ve learned something new and interesting. Be clear and concise. Don’t stuff your article with lint just to make it long enough. Keep your points clear and concise so your readers can understand them. Be specific. Check your facts and make sure your information is correct before posting it.

Be conversational, yet avoid trite, filler language. Use phrasing that is memorable and helps create a picture in the reader’s mind. Provide meaningful insights and perspectives in an article that increase the value of the article and the likelihood of its pick-up by media. Opinion is fine, but hype is counterproductive.

The blue star insider

By JOE MWANGI

Politicians Should Promote Peace And Unity In Churches

On February 19, 2022 By nouveaubigmjoeIn opinion3 Comments

It’s now six months to the general election and politicians have started their campaigns with different manifestos. At this time, you will find them not only in the streets but also in churches. For decades, churches have been used by our aspiring leaders as one of the places where robust campaigns take place.

With the escalation of competition from different politicians eyeing different positions, they are now paying abrupt visits to churches to lure the congregation to vote for them. Sadly, these churches have also become an arena for them to cause divisions by speaking ill of their colleagues.

Whether you are a Christian or a Muslim, we all gather as a community consisting of different tribes to worship in unity and peace.

During these sessions, and when given opportunities, politicians hardly respect the pulpit. They cause mayhem and ignore the church guidelines. This they do by indirectly insulting communities that are against them or those siding with other leaders other than them.

Others will shamelessly look down upon their colleagues and accuse them of being unable to develop their constituencies. This then starts causing divisions among people who were once good friends.

If politicians intend to give out money to these churches, let them do it equally for everyone to benefit or rather channel it to the church projects to avoid divisions and blame games. Those that seem to cause chaos should be banned from attending church services.

Bluestar Insider

By MAXWELL KAMAU.

Gender Equality Is Paramount, Promote Both Gender In Society

On February 18, 2022October 10, 2023 By nouveaubigmjoeIn opinion1 Comment

As much as people nowadays are advocating for the empowerment of the girl child, I believe we should also advocate similarly for the boy child. Gender equity is paramount. No gender is more superior than the other. Both women and men should acquire equal chances in the current society, be it workplaces or rank in positions. A lady can still work in a firm or organization where it is perceived that only men accomplish the tasks. This is listed among the women rights and freedoms act.

The existence of these rights have placed women a higher notch in society and their effort is now recognizable. This was after the still ongoing campaign for the empowerment of women. Gender equality involves advocacy and amplification to gain the full participation from all members of society. Since society has all-eyes on the girl child due to many reported cases of neglect, the boy child is slowly getting forgotten. Forgotten in that, no one is getting concerned on why most gents are indulging in drug and substance abuse. Statistical data also shows that most depression and mental health issues are mainly affecting the male gender. The bigger question becomes, why?

Ladies are acquiring high ranks in the offices while men are being left out due to low qualifications. It is the high time we advocate for equal gender rights. None is more superior than the other. Having empowered the girl child to levels considered equal or even higher to that of the boy child, it is time now that the society promotes both genders for them to join the same lead of empowerment. Gender equality is achieved when women, men, girls and boys have equal rights, conditions and opportunities, and the power to shape their own lives and contribute to the development of society. It is a matter of equitable distribution of power, influence and resources in society.

Society plays a great role in this. Having promoted both genders, the society will get revived and everything will run smoothly without fear that any of the genders is neglected. Gender equality advocates for impartiality and fairness contrary to gender inequality where everyone is affected be it women, men, trans and gender diverse people, children and families. It impacts people of all ages and backgrounds.

Bluestar Insider

By JOSEPH MWANGI

Celebrate writers, honour them for their roles

On January 13, 2022 By nouveaubigmjoeIn opinionLeave a comment

Edward Bulwer-Lytton, an English author, once said, “The pen is mightier than the sword.”

Try to imagine how the world would have looked like now if intellectuals with sharp writing skills and ideas didn’t exist.

The state of the world, of course, would have been dire.

Records of events that once unfolded some years back would not have existed.

News stories, books, novels, magazines, newspapers, poems and many things that we enjoy reading every day wouldn’t have been there too. But all these exist because of the well-informed, educated and talented writers we have in the world. Many have been equipped with requisite skills which help them serve readers with trusted content. Their happiness and goal is to inform and get readers attention, emotions, opinions, feelings and resolutions towards what has been written.

Having prolific writers in this world has served us good. Kenya, being one of the countries in the world with blessed writers, has gained massive benefits from the roles played by them. After independence, Kenyans were fully guaranteed freedom. They were allowed to do whatever best suited them. Through letters, documentaries, books and superb news stories they published in newspapers, magazines and the internet, helped in identifying and solving societal problems.

They acted as torchbearers by illuminating all the dark areas of concern. Not only did they address disturbing issues in society but also presented possible solutions or recommendations. Up to date, the undying spirit found within writers is still active. They play another greater role in educating society.

This starts from health matters, politics, revision of the constitution and laws of a particular country, status of the economy and so on. Most readers in Kenya usually get an insight into all these through newspapers, magazines, books and news websites. Writers also tame and mend society, through controversial issues discussed by well-educated and dedicated writers, a responsible society is being raised. Readers are in a position to comprehend what undermines unity, peace, development and mutual understanding among them and what best they need to do to restore peaceful coexistence in society.

The split parts are professionally mended into. Some Kenyans have been zombified by social ills they earlier topped in. We have been hearing corruption cases, rape and child molestation cases. Writers have been using their cleaning agents which is their pen and ink to clean up all these. This means that their existence comes with benefits. Any words from a writer serve as a final verdict. What they preach through written pieces, is what readers will follow. They have the power to manipulate the thinking and actions of people in the right direction.

We need to celebrate, honour and most importantly, accord them the respect they deserve. By doing that, they are going to be more productive.

The blue star insider

The star newspaper , Kenya

By MAXWELL KAMAU

Embracing faith, hardwork and discipline will mark a step to success for every Kenyan

On January 9, 2022 By nouveaubigmjoeIn opinionLeave a comment

2021 was one of the most tiresome, stressful and dreadful year to almost every Kenyan. This was due to some of challenges demonstrated by COVID-19 pandemic. There were strict measures implemented by the ministry of health to help curb virus infections. Lockdown and curfew ruled the entire breath of the nation. Cessation of movement was the goal which saw a number of citizens being affected either financially, physically or emotionally. Companies and organizations were forced to shut down due rapid spread of deadly Corona Virus. It was a huge blow to our economy. The status of our economy had deteriorated beyond recognition. It was deplorable. Dismay filled out hearts and we were perturbed who will save our country from jaws of that ‘monster’.

Parents on the other side had a rough time catering for the needs of their children. Schools were also shut down for almost a year affecting education calendar. However, everything was resolved and restored back to normal though with new changes. In one way or another we all faced the wrath side of the pandemic. Multiple of challenges erupted from every corner. It was another hell on earth.

2022 is another year yet to unleash its own new realities and changes. And it’s the dream of every Kenyan to see light at the end of their dark tunnel. During the time of distress and regrets, back in 2021, we all strived to soldier on. We lived by faith knowing that normalcy would be attained again. Despite the fact that we lost our loved ones through death, we kept on believing in better times ahead. Hope and greatness enthroned the heart and mind of many. Every Kenyan embraced hardwork and discipline in the name of changing their lives statuses despite the pandemic. And that’s what defined our undying spirit.

Although Corona virus still haunts our lives, 2022 should be a year of change to everyone. We should shed off the old version of us. Anticipating for a change and better tommorow should be the drive force. After independence, Kenya was and still is a free country. we had more time and chance to change our visions and missions in life. So faith, discipline and hardwork applies in the realm of life. A discpline and loyal citizen will always shun away from anything evil or unholy that will harm others. Moreover, an individual with faith believes in turning the impossible into possible. But remember it would be difficult to survive with faith only. Hardwork now dives in. Faith and hardwork goes hand in hand with each other. You can confidently anticipate for an outcome when you have invested your time and energy in those two productive qualities that defines a better future and version of you.

Usher the new year in style. Recharge your self esteem with faith, discipline and hardwork. As we pertake different activities, the three should be our daily life theme. The government together with the ministry of health is grappling with the virus for the betterment our lives. On the hand, we shouldn’t sleep. Let’s pray and fight for hope. We still don’t know for how long will it exist. So the rules implemented earlier are still in effect. Don’t permit ignorance disease to kill you. Abide by all rules. By embracing faith, discipline and hardwork it will foster the development of our economy, social, religion and political life. We can reach at the pinnacle of everything. The new year has kicked off and it’s time to secure even more the future of our country, Kenya.

Communication and media student student at Rongo University.

By Maxwell Kamau,

It Calls for action in curbing cases of road carnage.

On January 7, 2022 By nouveaubigmjoeIn opinion1 Comment

Road accidents have become more rampant especially during the post Christmas and new year seasons as majority are travelling back to their various workplace mainly in urban areas. This is the period that schools are also reopening and students across the country are traveling back. Drivers and pedestrians are advised to be vigilant now that cases of road accident have escalated at high rate. I mostly spend my time listening and watching news over the radio and television everyday. A day won’t pass without me hearing the lives of innocent Kenyans which have been claimed because careless drivers and passengers we have. This is saddening indeed.

Time has come to stand up and say enough to the road accidents claiming residents’ lives by the score. It is heart rending to be confronted everyday by pictures of mangled vehicles and horrifying images of mangled corpses on the roads or bandaged survivors in hospitals. Nevertheless, the rampant bribery endorsed and practiced by the road traffic officers must come to a halt. It has been defined as one of the thing putting our dear lives in danger while traveling. Without a thought, they have allowed the free reign of unroadworthy vehicles and incompetent drivers on the highways. For instance, today if you travel to most Kenyan highways such as Thika highway, Mombasa road among others, you will be shocked to see matatu operators not only flouting traffic rules but also overloading their vehicles. Passengers for a long time have been on their tears due to higher prices they are overcharged by these matatu operators. Over speeding has also become a taboo to most drivers especially along the narrow streets which has jeopardize the lives of young school- going children.

Surprisingly, all these barbaric practices do happen at the watchful eyes of traffic police officers even on a broad day light. Instead of ensuring safety among travelers, majority have ventured into bribe- taking. Their minds have been corrupted by those small cents inhibiting them from playing their roles as required. There is also incessant hooting by matatus in search of pedestrians. It has caused noise pollution posing health risks not only to town dwellers but also to students in classrooms. They have found it difficult to maintain their concentration in class.

According to the National Transport Safety Authority (NTSA) statistics, it shows that road accidents has led to great lose of lives each and every year. For instance, there were 3063 death tolls due to road accident in the year 2020. This number increased upto 4012 death tolls in the just completed previous year. Knowledge brought about by this statistics teaches us that we need be more responsible in order to curb the menace. The traffic police officers in collaboration with the other concerned authorities must take quick measures to control the situation.

It is now a call for action if we are to curb road carnage. The responsibility lies upon all of us. Therefore, we should also stop the habit of blaming our traffic police officers for all the death traps on our roads. The road users at all time must also be keen. Traffic lights are meant for our own good purpose. So let’s us utilize it properly. If we ignore them, we are dragging ourselves to the death-line. Pedestrians should also avoid putting on earphones while walking down the road. The same applies to boda boda operators who are fond of putting on loud music. This should stop henceforth. In addition to that, know whether to keep left or right and always maintain your lane.

Communication and media student at Rongo University.

Ken Austin.