The explosion of millions of thoughts in the mind, often ignited by the stream of our emotions. The soul is tied up and immersed in a particular state, breathtaking feeling— that feels more of mind imprisonment. Like you’re a prisoner. Tamed. Caged. Hopeless and helpless. Locked down in a room saturated with pessimism and sadness, fatigue now riding you with those stirring thoughts ruthlessly ruling your mind and taking away every ounce of your energy. Tears blinding your eyes—emotions are running wild because you’re rooted now in reflection, in unclear state of the mind, in sadness, and you’re limited to experience or even glimpse at happiness that exist beyond the cage your mind is in. Conceivably, nothing here is promising and nothing there is right. Indeed you’re a prisoner. The world feeling more of a void, silence ruling, and you’re a Lone Ranger.
In the compulsion to search for choice that would sire liberation of you from those indistinct streams of emotions, you realize that you have no single choice, because you’re a prisoner, of your own. What about condemnation? They said it doesn’t liberate. Maybe acceptance will, uncuff your mind, and unlock all gates of self-discovery, freedom of the mind to seeking happiness and love. But being a prisoner feels much heavier. Heavier when emotions build up and begin to haunt you. Despite your swirling emotions, there’s a glimmer of hope that persists even when things feel dark. It’s like a small flame refusing to go out. As you struggle with acceptance, it’s similar to reconnecting with a friend you’ve been avoiding—awkward yet comforting. It’s not about letting your feelings control you, but acknowledging them.
In this process, emotions become like companions on life’s journey rather than jailers. They carry stories, your history, and your desires. Gradually, you start to release the grip of intense emotions, like opening a long-locked door. These moments provide relief, much like sunlight breaking through clouds, revealing an emotional landscape beyond sadness. But let’s be real—the journey to emotional freedom isn’t straightforward. It’s a dance between feeling lost and finding yourself again. While navigating through this emotional symphony, you might stumble and feel overwhelmed, but there will also be moments of rising and appreciating your resilience. You’ll feel the warmth of light gradually reaching the corners of your heart and mind.
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.
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.
Climate change has been an indispensable subject of discussion across generations.
For Generation Z and Millenials, climate change is one of the most pressing issues that has traumatised them.
As climate change tops the list at the world level, they are increasingly engaging with it.
They are discussing more the need for action on climate change; among social media users, they are seeing more climate change content online; and they have opted to get involved with the issue through activities such as attending rallies and peaceful protests.
Notably, 32 per cent of Gen Z and 28 per cent of Millenials are taking further actions such as contributing funds, volunteering, or attending rallies to help address climate change according to Pew Research Center.
Anxiety about the future has been devouring them as the climate crisis keeps on escalating every minute.
Industrialisation and other human activities like environmental pollution and ecological destruction have largely affected the well-being of our planet.
Generation Z, dubbed as social media natives, have reported feeling disturbed and angry the moment they encounter climate change content online.
Shocking reports about the climate change crisis and ecological destruction have been found to have a profound impact on teenagers, that is, a heavy emotional burden.
Failure by world leaders to address climate change has made them believe that humanity is doomed.
Brit way, the author of Generation dread: finding purpose in an age of climate crisis during an interview with Yale Environment 360 revealed that teenagers who are bombarded with an array of climate change disasters news online always feel betrayed by government inaction and dismayed when told that they are overreacting to what they see as an existential threat.
And because they strongly believe that the future is bleak, many are reluctant to start a family.
Climate change has triggered global political instability and rendered parts of the planet uninhabitable.
Young people believe that those who are fighting tooth and nail including companies and legislators to curb the climate change crisis are not doing enough thus why they are stepping up to save our environment from destruction.
Gen Z and Millennials have entered the global movement to tackle climate change.
With such a huge crisis facing the entire planet, world governments all argued that the core of all climate change solutions is reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
In Paris in 2015, world leaders from 197 countries pledged to put the lives of people first and their country’s greenhouse gas emissions.
The Paris agreement has the aim of capping global warming to well below 2°C and ideally to 1.5 °C.
Other solutions that were laid out to defend our climate include investing in renewable energy, keeping fossil fuels such as coal, oil, and gas underground, restoring nature to absorb more carbon, protecting forests like the Amazon and oceans, and reducing plastic.
Gen Z and millennials have taken to the streets demanding a solution to the climate emergency.
They want to see each of those solutions taking effect fast because efforts by the world’s governments have been achingly slow.
Commitments to combat carbon emissions are already set but few are binding and targets are often missed.
Consequently, young people are joining and forming organizations and activities they are protesting peacefully to demand urgent action to tackle climate change disasters.
They are also signing petitions and with the aid of technology, they share them on social media.
For over years now, Gen Z (tech natives) have been using social media to create awareness about climate change thus pushing for a big change.
As climate conscious both Gen Z and Millenials are using their time, utilizing their resources, and energy to protect green spaces from destruction.
Following the footsteps of the late Nobel Laureate Dr Wangari, this generation is doing all that it can to ensure the world is sustainable by protecting the environment.
Moreover, Gen Z is also using art to inspire action. Through music and painting, they are still advocating for a sustainable world.
Since there is still hope, we can all drive a change and prevent the worst consequences of climate change if we wholeheartedly implement all the solutions needed to change our planet.
Let us care about the well-being of our planet. If we continue to destroy our ecosystem then we should be guaranteed that survival will be hard in future times.
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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
Inspired by A.H Mohammed, the author of “The Last Days at Forcados High School”, Ayodeji Ajagbe popularly known as Timmy Turner are an award-winning author, creative writer, and romance novelist. Born in Ibadan, Oyo State, Nigeria, he began his professional career in 2016 and he has written eight books since his debut as an author. His celebrated works include What Happened to Helen, Reflection: Rulers and Prey, High School Lovers, Sad Love Story, Meant To Be, Memories, and Reasons To Live.
He’s also the founder of DailyPress Bookstore, an affiliate of DailyPress PLC. An online bookstore that helps people read books, stories, and research work for students and lecturers. His book Meant To Be has served as the foundation for many of his books.
Colin Luther Powell who was an American politician, statesman, and diplomat opined that a dream does not become reality through magic; it takes sweat, determination, and hard work. Here’s an exclusive interview with our young, and multi-talented author, who is burning the candle at both ends.9
1. As an award-winning author, how did your writing journey begin?
Coming to think about it, the start of my writing journey has to do with my introverted tendencies. As a kid, I hid behind the facade of this funny, humorous, crazy person but at the same time, I rarely felt comfortable enough to portray my real emotions or thoughts and not only because they were so different from people around me but also I had a better outlet.
That outlet is pouring my heart out through writing and do you know the best part, no one gets to judge you nor do you have to justify the way you feel.
And maybe I got into writing because I have always loved reading.
And if you are asking how I got into writing professionally, well let’s just say I don’t know how to do anything else.
2. Gaining publicity as a young youth with a positive impact on society is among what many people aspire for. What inspired you to become an author?
I have always loved the sound of the language. I think the music of the human voice is beautiful, and writing feels like a magic technology that can carry a voice across great distances, cultural divides, and generations. I get satisfaction from writing and I feel compelled to do it the way one feels compelled to shower and eat breakfast in the morning. Writing feels nice.
3. Afollow-up on all your socials gives two books a higher standing: “WHAT HAPPENED TO HELEN” and “REFLECTION; RULERS AND PREY”. Give a scope of both books.
For Reflection: Rulers and Preys, I let my readers explore the challenges of student politics in the world of 24-hour news and social media as well as the conflict between political ambition and staying true to who you are.
The main character, Comrade Oluwatimileyin Turner, Chief Whip, is a cynical, manipulative politician determined to become President. He is willing to use every secret he knows, every pressure point he can find, and every dirty trick in the book to secure his rise to power—and in the process confirms just about every dark and terrible thing you thought you knew about politics.
I wrote about my extensive real-life experience in student politics for the book, and the result is an electrifying vision of how exceedingly violent governing can be behind closed doors.
What Happened to Helen, there are many stories in the world, but only a few are heard. So I wrote a book to be the voice of all those stories. What Happened To Helen is a book of anecdotes published as a work of fiction. It includes the stories of love, pain, and betrayal. Every one of us has different stories in our lives but most of them are unheard, unspoken, or ignored. So I wrote What Happened To Helen to introduce the lives of common people and their untold stories. We all are somewhere broken inside and lost in darkness, but it is our willpower and the hope of a better tomorrow that gives us the strength to fight that darkness and makes our life beautiful. What Happened To Helen is not just my book, it’s the book of millions of people who live with hope.
4. What was the inspiration behind the two books and others that you write?
My first book, Reflection: Rulers and Preys, was born during the lockdown in 2020.
Over the years, I enjoyed writing articles and short stories. Publishing them on Facebook and Wattpad was a thrill. Yet I did not have the skills and confidence to write a whole fully fledged novel. The task appeared daunting.
Finally, one fine day in 2020, I decided I better try writing a novel. The plot was swimming around in my head. I knew I had to write that book. A flimsy, lean book was no answer for this big burst of energy.
I honestly did not know at the time I could write a full book.
It happened in Ibadan, Oyo state during the ASUU strike. After several hours of talks with Kehinde Irhodia, I settled on a bench overlooking the sky-blue canvas before me and dreamed up how this bristling story would unravel.
Those days, I was filled with awe. Imagine holding a printed book in your hand. Imagine readers lining up to get your autograph. Imagine traveling all over the world and lecturing about my book. Imagine fame and fortune.
Nothing happened that way. It was a slog. Paragraph by paragraph I grappled with the story and the writing schedule. The plots thickened.
After five months, the book was ready. All 50,000 words in a row and I was feeling the pressure of publishing now.
5. You have been a full-time Vice Chairman of the National Association of Writers, Kwara Estate. How has been the experience, and mostly, the role played in such a position?
I thoroughly enjoyed working with different writers in Kwara State’s writing community as the Vice Chairman for the past year.
As the Vice Chairman, I was responsible for the coordination of the activities of the Association. I presided at general or executive meetings and act as The Chairman, in the absence of the Chairman or when the Chairman is unable to act in that role. I also acted as the official spokesperson in conjunction with the Chairman.
It is true to say that nothing under the sun is swift but with effort and commitment, everything is possible. What have been the ups and downs of your writing career/ challenges?
As a published author, when I post on social media, I typically share my positive news. Sometimes it feels weird like I’m bragging. But many of my social media followers who are not writers may not understand that I need to share the good news because there is so much in publishing that is disheartening: the rejection, the lack of control over traditionally published authors, and the waiting. There is so much behind the negative scenes, that my psyche must share any good news with the world to tilt the scales. I’m teetering on a slippery slope.
Being an author has innumerable joys, but so many disappointments as well. Contracts that never materialized, non-responding editors, lack of sales, less than perfect reviews, and the years it can take from manuscript to published book.
5. Book marketing requires specialist skills that many authors haven’t had the chance to develop. What marketing strategies do you usually employ when promoting your books? And has your marketing journey been enjoyable?
Difficulty varies by individual ability. There are a lot of people writing nowadays, in the days of self-publishing, that would have been weeded out by the old, traditional methods of attracting interest in a manuscript by being skilled.
But the real difficulty as time goes on is selling books.
People don’t read like they used to. Even the movie industry is suffering because high-quality authors are finding it difficult to sell enough to call their efforts financially worthwhile.
Between the glut of terrible writing and the lack of readers, authorship must necessarily become an exercise in masochism.
My marketing journey has been enjoyable. Thanks to the social media marketing courses I took back then. I pay for sponsors on Facebook and Instagram and they give my book a mind-blowing reach and audience. Scribd also advertises my books on Google quite often, and I’ve been able to get more sales from those advertisements.
6. How much does it take to be a renowned writer?
Good heavens, if I knew the answer to that, I’d have Steven King’s fame and fortune.
7. some ambitious readers and readers would wish to have a hold of your written copies. Where can we find your books?
My books are available in major bookstores worldwide. You can get a copy from wherever you are.
8. What would be your word of advice to upcoming and aspiring writers?
Research publishing and how book selling works. Most authors are clueless about this and end up having unrealistic expectations. Learn everything you can about this, then move on to learning about the genre your books are in. Learn about what readers expect to see on covers, what they expect from storylines, etc. Go back to your books and see if they meet the criteria you’ve discovered.
Have your books been professionally edited? If not, then this should be your next step. No book should be published without being professionally edited — this does not mean you have the English teacher down the street read through the manuscripts. You need to hire a professional who understands what is expected from the genre you’re writing for.
While the editor is toiling away, you need to research how book marketing works and then make a business and marketing plan based on what you’ve learned. Being an author, especially a self-published one, also means you’re a businessperson. You must treat your book(s) like a business or you’ll never get anywhere.
When creating your marketing plan, be as specific as possible so that you will have a step-by-step plan set in place. It’s easy to get lost in all the marketing possibilities out there, so you need a definite plan to keep you on track. You should also establish a budget — free marketing options only take you so far.
Next, research how social media works and set up accounts for you as an author (do not just use your accounts -that’s unprofessional and none of your readers want to know what Timmy Turner did on Sunday!).
When the first round of edits has come back to you, and you’re sure of the direction the book is taking, you can start looking for a cover designer and/or illustrator. Again, you need a professional so your book covers don’t look like they were made by a kindergartner.
I could go on and on, but you get the idea. Educate yourself about every step involved in the process and then when you’ve got everything done and published, then constantly and consistently market your little butt off!
9. Your hobbies?
I enjoy listening to music, I like reading and I love evening walks.
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.
For the avoidance of doubt, who is Anthony Achayo?
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Anthony Odhiambo Achayo is a 22-year-old lad from Rarieda constituency, Siaya county. He’s a third-year student from Rongo University currently pursuing an undergraduate degree in Communication and Media Studies.
What was growing up like?
Life was tolerable. I can’t whine or complain because my parents played their responsibilities well by demonstrating to me their unconditional love and support. My smile today is a reflection of their nice work!
You are now the acting General Representative in the school of Information, Communication, and Media Studies (INFOCOMS) at Rongo University. What inspired you to venture into such a lucrative position?
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(Laughs). Having been in the school of INFOCOMS for the last year, I spotted some gaps that needed to be filled with someone who had a great passion for what the school majored in, that is, journalism. I felt that if the students got a chance to be led by such an individual then their welfare shall be well catered for. And without fear, I want to create and seal permanently my legacy.
What are some of your main roles?
As a general representative, my fundamental role is to make sure that our student’s welfare is well catered for. I also act as the intermediary between the students and the administration. My other role is to represent my school in the RUSA congress.
Describe your leadership style.
I enjoy sitting down with my fellow students whom I represent to get their opinions after which we discuss vividly how solutions can be reached.
What common challenges are leaders likely to encounter while in the line of duty? And how best can one overcome them?
Well, misunderstanding between the leaders and students is one of the major challenges that we experience. Therefore, we need to create ample time and understand one another for successful leadership.
You are also an incredible scribbler with several bylines in politics, business, lifestyle, and education. Tell us more about your writing journey.
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Writing has been my passion since primary school. In my first year at the university, I experienced a greater transformation as far as writing is concerned when I met Mr. Jackson Ngari — a fellow communication student and a freelancer. Jack as most of the students calls him, mentored me in article writing for both online and print media. In the beginning, we joined hands with other three prolific writers to produce our first ever article which was published on one of the leading websites. That motivated me and today I am a renowned writer for major mainstream publications under the sun.
Larry McEnerney, a former program director at the University of Chicago’s Writing Program once said that writing is not all about conveying your ideas to the readers; it is about changing their ideas. How do you achieve that as a writer?
I always achieve this through writing on matters that I am very conversant with hence this enables me to write without limit and through this, I easily change my reader’s perception of the world.
Writing has indeed introduced you to innumerable opportunities. Share with us your latest grab.
Writing has unlocked for me uncountable doors. An essay competition that was organized by Kenya Institute for Public Policy Research and Analysis (KIPPRA) offered me the chance to attend a four-day seminar at The Kenya School of Government, Nairobi. It was an honor and I felt motivated to pursue more and more.
On 11th June 2021 your article titled, “A free press means a more society; let media freedom reign” was published in the Daily Nation newspaper, and you were defending the freedom of journalists. How has the freedom of the press been undermined in the country? And what needs to be done to ensure that media freedom reigns forever?
Press freedom has been majorly undermined by those in power and even the general public has on several occasions been denying our journalists access to news sources. Journalists face violence and intimidation for exercising their fundamental rights to freedom of expression. The range of threats they are confronted to include murder, kidnapping, hostage-taking, offline and online harassment, intimidation, enforced disappearance, arbitrary detention, and torture. A free press benefits all of us because it informs citizens, contributing to a people’s pool of knowledge. It also provides citizens with a means of calling attention to violations of their rights. So journalists should be left free to do their job as long as they abide by the code of conduct for the practice of journalism.
As a leader and an avid writer, who has been your source of strength and inspiration?
Whoever has always been there to motivate me to keep on pressing stands to be my source of strength and inspiration to me.
Tell us the happiest day in your life so far.
The day my first article; ” How radio Maisha fired up my interest in journalism” was published in the Standard newspaper.
What about your most embarrassing moments?
(Laughs). Not really, I have never experienced any embarrassing moments because I am always keen on all my moves.
How do you spend your weekends?
Since I am a writer, I normally spend most of my weekends reading books and doing research for any of my upcoming feature stories. I am also an ingrained melophile, meaning the music is the soundtrack of my life.
Any advice to your fellow youths outta there?
Do whatever you are doing with a lot of passion when the opportunity shows up.
Photo by Miguel u00c1. Padriu00f1u00e1n on Pexels.com
Kenya’s Vision 2030 is a development programme that was introduced by the former President Mwai Kibaki.
He had an objective of transforming Kenya into a newly industrialising, middle-income country providing a high quality of life to all its citizens by 2030 in a clean and secure environment.
One of the definitive ways that the government was going to provide a high quality of life to all its citizens is through the provision of universal health care without fear and discrimination.
Access to quality health care is a constitutional right.
Different health facilities equipped with medical equipment have been established to ensure every citizen enjoys high-quality health services.
Sadly, the vulnerable and marginalised groups have, for a long time, been encountering challenges when it comes to accessing their health needs.
Vulnerable populations most often include children, women, displaced people, ethnic minorities, the aged, people with disabilities, or those suffering some disease.
Their experience with health inequities is rooted in a lack of political, social, and economic power.
According to Africa Policy Journal, health inequities occur often on a socioeconomic scale, whereby there is an increased health gap between the poorest and the remainder of the population.
This has prompted the unfair distribution of service delivery that doesn’t meet the specific needs of vulnerable and marginalised groups.
Discrimination has taken the lead placing the no voice group with limited resources at a very high relative risk for morbidity and premature mortality.
Research conducted by International Journal For Equity in Health reveals that while the incidence of catastrophic healthcare expenditure is two per cent among individuals in the richest quintile, those in the poorest quintile have a catastrophic health expenditure incidence of 10 per cent.
A study exploring patients’ experiences during delivery after the introduction of free maternity services showed that women reported being neglected during delivery or labour and being physically and verbally abused.
In terms of health insurance coverage, 39 per cent of Kenyans in the richest quintile have health insurance compared to three per cent for those in the poorest quintile.
In pursuit of seeking their standard health rights, the poor are, however, experiencing countless setbacks, especially those residing in far-flung areas.
They have to travel long distances to access their health needs.
Lack of public transport, poor condition of the roads, and high costs are some of the contributing factors limiting access to health facilities.
Informal fees have also exposed the poor to out-of-pocket payments pushing them further down the poverty line.
They fear visiting the facilities since they might incur expenses that are beyond their capacities.
The vulnerable and marginalised groups are subjects of discrimination by health workers.
They are neglected and most health services are being offered to the rich families first.
Continued strikes, lack of sufficient medical equipment, shortage of medical workers, and embezzlement of public resources are among the leading barriers that hamper access to care.
To expand service coverage for this particular group of people and strengthen the effectiveness of financial health reforms, let the government establish more easily-accessible health facilities.
Good governance can also help in the restoration of equity among communities.
The state should also ensure there are enough medical personnel who can execute their duties responsibly.
Photo by Miguel u00c1. Padriu00f1u00e1n on Pexels.com
Health facilities should also have improved medical equipment, and sufficient drugs and issues of occasional strikes must end.
The rapid growth of social media as a new medium of communication has enhanced and promoted connectivity between communities, not only in Kenya but also in other parts of the world.
Online platforms like Instagram, Twitter, Snapchat, Facebook, TikTok, and others provide a virtual interactive environment where communities around the world can connect and share, get news and information and even meet new people every day.
This has even prompted the proliferation of new social media users every year. According to Kepios special report, the analysis reveals that social media users in Kenya increased by 750 thousand (+6.8 percent) between 2021 and 2022.
Just to mention, social media has been used to increase awareness of mental health because of its rapid use and growth globally. However, despite evidence of a growing trend in social media use in sub-Saharan Africa and particular Kenya, little has been reported or done on tapping the potential of social media within a mental health practice to not only increase awareness but also, how its users – be it adults or teenagers can help or prevent themselves from falling to the jaws of mental ill-health online whilst surfing through their social media platforms.
For a decade, these popular social networking sites have presented to us so many benefits, the main one being enhanced connectivity that facilitates easier communication between communities. But despite all those positive ends, there have been downsides too; most victims being the college-aged young adults who have grown up in a world of screens.
Spending too much time engaging with social media can make you feel more lonely and isolated—and exacerbate mental health problems such as anxiety, depression, and suicidal thoughts.
Recent studies referenced by The Child Mind Institute and The National Center For Health Research suggest people who frequently use social media feel more depressed and less happy with life than those who spend more time on non-screen-related activities.
Notably, most active users of Twitter, Facebook, and TikTok usually pay more attention to the content they share. People post either videos or pictures of themselves to get more likes or comments (engagements) from their online friends. If they don’t get the feedback they desire, they feel disappointed or invalidated.
Worth noting, that comparing your posts to those other people who receive a lot of reactions from their online family can cause a feeling of disappointment, low self-esteem, a distraction from other tasks, and even feelings of anxiety or depression.
If one is exposed to such a life online and their real-life does not match those expectations, they are likely to lose their self-esteem and view themselves as losers; sinking into a state of worthlessness, helplessness, and desperation.
For some years now, several studies have found a relationship between the use of social media and some mental disorders. Findings have even led to the suggestion that a new mental disorder is recognized and be given the name, Internet Addiction Disorder.
Exposure and excessive use of social media apps and websites have also led to cyberbullying which has dire consequences on our mental health. 10 percent of teens report being bullied on social media and many other users are subjected to scurrilous comments.
Social media platforms such as Twitter are hotspots for spreading hurtful rumors, tribalism, body shaming, lies, and abuse which damages our mental health by causing lasting emotional scars.
Unfortunately, it is impossible to notice and recognize a person suffering from any mental health condition just from their social media.
Other users experience the so-called “Fear of missing out” (FOMO). They keep on returning to social media every time. Many fear that they might miss either a conversation, discussion, latest news, gossip, or invitation. So to remain updated, social media remains the only option that can quench their thirst.
Furthermore, social media addiction has resulted in the disruption of normal sleeping patterns. Lights from your phone can disrupt your sleep, which in turn can have a serious impact on your mental health.
There are an estimated 3.9 billion users of social media in the world today. Facebook, YouTube, and Instagram each claim more than two billion subscribers! Kenyans have not been left behind and an estimated nine million subscribe to various media platforms.
In conclusion, It is ironic that while social network platforms were meant to enhance relationships, on the contrary, overuse of these sites normally corrodes our interactions with others. Mental health today continues to manifest itself as one of the biggest challenges we face. Increasingly, social media is revealing more and more cases of people doing and saying questionable things.
Conclusively, if those near you complain of neglect as you spend time on your gadgets, take note and do something about it before it is too late. Individually, it is advisable to make a habit of a self-regulation mechanism whereby one decides that they will only check their social media at certain given times during the day — and stick to the routine. Likewise, an individual can also see a therapist, who is capable of diagnosing any underlying psychological issues that might be making them spend hours searching for solace on social media.
By Maxwell Kamau and Jackson Ngari Email address: maxwellkamau685@gmail.com
As human beings, life as a habit usually presents to us the good, bad, and ugly sides. Nonetheless, it all depends on how we approach these formidable hurdles. At times, the challenges that life brings forth to us are too elephantine such that it pushes one to the verge of abandoning his or her dreams. It is in these tiring moments that a person is left with double bind druthers; to either drop like a hot potato or soldier on.
Noteworthy, it hugely depends on how bold or weak an individual is. All of us have different and unique storylines of how life has treated us. For instance, you may find that some people have the requisite in-built expertise to face different storms whilst others are not great when it comes to dealing with overwhelming storms. Irrespective of this, we must keep in mind that despite how wrenching certain circumstances are, at the end of every struggle, hope is guaranteed.
Maxwell’s Note: With regards to this, allow me to shed some light on how I managed to remain unshakable despite the twists and turns that life offered to me in my early high school olden days. During that time, my life was so destitute that my parents couldn’t even afford to raise my requisite fees, together with that of my other two siblings.
Life then was so unbearable that we occasionally slept hungrily, and missing my classes had become a shameful routine. We were in the jaws of poverty. Our lives had taken another dire dramatic twist and our life status, of course, was deplorable. Those ugly experiences made me become a worrywart. I was posting good grades, yes, but why was poverty massaging me like that?
My dreams were too important and even just a thought of letting them fade away, sent a trickling sensation down my throat but I recalled that life is a process, and every living soul must taste the sweet and sour part of every stage. It is battle after battle until we come out clean and as winning agents. Down on my knees, I forwarded my sincere prayers to God and asked Him for wisdom and strength to soldier on.
I was well aware that those temptations were ephemeral and no matter what challenge I was facing, I had to keep braving on. I dedicated my whole time and energy to books. Temporary barriers couldn’t deter me from making a milestone. Albeit, I was a young and feeble man, I had chosen the road to tread because I knew that in the end, my son was shining from there.
I struggled until I posted an excellent performance. Out of nowhere, a good Samaritan recognized my efforts and agreed to help me clear my fees balance so that I could access my form four certificates. Right now as I am typing this, I am currently at the University Pursuing my dream course.
Conclusively, just like S. L Jennings, the author of “Fear of Falling” said in her book, “…just remember, the storm doesn’t last forever. It can scare you; it can shake you to the core. But it never lasts. The rain subsides, the thunder dies, and the winds calm to a whisper. And that moment after the storm clouds pass, when all is silent and still, you find peace. Quiet, gentle peace.”
Lastly, till the cows come home, learn to toughen your inner self as you put your shoulders high since you never know what lies ahead.
THE BLUESTAR INSIDER 