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Time for Affordable Commercial Space to Boost Employment

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By Billy Mijungu

Kenya is long overdue for a comprehensive rethink of its approach to commercial rental space.

Small businesses are suffocating under the weight of exorbitant rental prices, unlawful goodwill demands, and exploitative lease terms, all in a space that remains largely unregulated.

If we are serious about empowering entrepreneurs, growing tax revenues, and building an inclusive economy, then zoning and regulating commercial rental spaces must become a national priority.

Let us begin with the obvious contradiction.

Why is commercial rent per square foot often higher than residential rent, yet residential spaces demand more comfort, security, and amenities?

It makes little sense that someone running a small cybercafé or tailoring shop pays more rent than what they spend to live with their family.

This inversion subverts common sense and exposes the chaos in our urban planning and rental economy. Regulation must begin by restoring logic and fairness in pricing models.

We need to criminalise goodwill demands.

These upfront, often unofficial payments demanded by landlords, sometimes running into millions, are nothing short of commercial extortion.

They are not based on any service, infrastructure improvement, or even contractual obligation.

They punish ambition.

This practice locks out young, energetic entrepreneurs who could otherwise contribute to the economy.

Every commercial space should be registered and audited.

This is not just about regulation.

It is about equity and tax justice.

The Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) must be able to map every business premise, track compliance, and collect rightful taxes.

County governments should take charge of enforcing authentic rental contracts, and every county should automate the licensing process to ensure real time data sharing with KRA.

The informal rental economy cannot remain invisible while businesses struggle under its weight.

The State Department for MSMEs must also step up and champion a national policy on rental business, one rooted in people’s real experiences, one that prioritises affordability, transparency, and fairness.

This policy should cover both physical and digital business spaces.

Online trade and e commerce are growing at unprecedented speed.

Instagram sellers, TikTok vendors, and Jumia storefronts are no longer side hustles.

They are full scale enterprises.

Regulation should protect them, not punish them.

Integration into the national economy should come with support structures and fair taxation.

More radically, the Government of Kenya must shift its investment approach in housing.

It is time we admit the truth. Government has no business investing in market rate housing.

That space is well served by private developers.

Instead, the Government should focus on building social housing and affordable commercial and industrial spaces.

In fact, commercial spaces tied to affordable housing developments would be taken up even faster than the houses themselves.

Markets, workshops, offices, and warehouses are in higher demand across counties than overpriced gated units.

Let government supply where the market has failed.

Doing so would ultimately reduce the problem of perennial hawking in towns and cities.

When cheap and accessible commercial space is available, people move away from pavements and street corners.

The result is not only increased returns to KRA and higher compliance with business permit payments, but also cleaner, more organized, and more predictable inner cities.

This is how we begin to solve our social problems by planning around the needs of our people and their businesses.

And what an easy way to bring the informal sector into the tax bracket, just create affordable, accessible, and officially recognized business spaces.

With a proper address, formal rental agreement, and access to utilities, even the smallest trader feels seen, supported, and responsible. Compliance naturally follows inclusion.

Regulations and urban laws should promote quality of life, not just economic survival.

When small businesses pay more for their shops than their homes, we have a social misalignment.

When dreamers are locked out of economic participation by rent structures, we are stifling national growth.

It is the point at which we clearly must rethink not only our business environment, but our broader living strategies.

If the Government can regulate passenger fares, fuel prices, and even the cost of unga, surely it can regulate commercial rental space.

The survival of small businesses, and by extension, the dreams of millions, depends on it.

BEYOND POLITICS: HOW SENATOR LEDAMA OLE KINA’S ENKANASA EMPIRE IS BREWING JOBS AND HOPE IN NAROK

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By Remmy Butta

In the heart of Kenya’s Maasai lands, where vast savannahs meet burgeoning enterprise, a different kind of legacy is being woven by Senator Ledama Ole Kina.

While known nationally for his fiery political rhetoric and advocacy, within Narok County, a quieter, yet profoundly impactful revolution is unfolding through his ambitious business venture: the ENKANASA Group.

Far from the halls of parliament, ENKANASA is rapidly becoming a synonym for local economic empowerment, job creation, and a diversified future for hundreds of Narok residents.

From Humble Beginnings to a Multi-Pronged Empire

ENKANASA didn’t emerge as a fully formed giant. Its roots are firmly planted in the rich agricultural potential of Narok.

The journey began with ENKANASA Milk, a direct response to the needs of local dairy farmers.

By establishing a reliable processing and marketing channel, Ole Kina provided an essential lifeline. Farmers, often at the mercy of middlemen or fluctuating prices, gained a stable, premium outlet for their milk.

This wasn’t just business; it was building a foundation of trust and tangible benefit for the pastoralist community he hails from.

But Ole Kina’s vision extended beyond dairy.

In a surprising and innovative leap, ENKANASA Perfumes was born.

This venture showcased a unique blend of tradition and modernity.

Leveraging the deep cultural connection to scents within Maasai heritage (think the distinctive aroma of ochre and herbs), the brand aimed to create high-quality, uniquely Kenyan fragrances.

More importantly, it opened doors in manufacturing, packaging, and marketing – sectors previously underdeveloped in the region.

The perfume line became a symbol of local ingenuity and a source of specialized employment.

The latest chapter in this unfolding story is ENKANASA Beans. Recognizing both the agricultural potential and the need for diversified food production and income streams, this initiative focuses on high-quality bean farming and processing.

It taps into Narok’s fertile soils and provides farmers with an alternative cash crop, reducing reliance on single commodities and enhancing food security for the county.

The Ripple Effect: Hundreds of Lives Transformed

The true power of ENKANASA lies not just in its product diversity, but in its cascading impact on the local economy:

Direct Employment: Across its dairy processing plant, perfume manufacturing unit, bean farming and processing operations, and administrative hubs, ENKANASA directly employs hundreds of Narok residents.

These range from skilled technicians and managers to factory workers, drivers, security personnel, and agricultural laborers.

Indirect Employment & Supplier Networks: The empire creates a vast ecosystem.

Local farmers supplying milk and beans gain stable, predictable income.

Transporters are engaged for logistics.

Packaging suppliers, retailers stocking ENKANASA products, and service providers all benefit.

This multiplier effect significantly broadens the economic footprint.

Skills Development: ENKANASA isn’t just providing jobs; it’s building capacity.

Workers receive training in modern dairy processing, fragrance manufacturing, quality control, agricultural best practices, and business management.

These are transferable skills uplifting the entire workforce potential of Narok.

Market Access & Value Addition: By processing raw milk and beans locally, ENKANASA captures more value within Narok.

Farmers get better prices for their raw materials than they would selling unprocessed goods externally. Products like premium packaged milk, unique perfumes, and graded beans reach wider markets under a trusted local brand.

Pride & Inspiration: Seeing a homegrown brand succeed instills immense local pride.

ENKANASA stands as a beacon, proving that large-scale, sophisticated enterprise can thrive in Narok, inspiring other local entrepreneurs and changing the narrative about the county’s economic potential.

More Than a Business, a Catalyst

Senator Ledama Ole Kina’s ENKANASA is far more than a personal business portfolio.

It represents a deliberate, multifaceted strategy to drive sustainable economic development from within Narok County.

By starting with core local strengths (dairy) and boldly branching into innovative (perfumes) and essential (beans) sectors, he is creating a diversified economic engine.

The hundreds of jobs created directly and indirectly are tangible proof of impact.

Lives are being changed – farmers have secure income, youth find employment beyond traditional pastoralism, and skilled professionals see opportunities at home.

While politics remains his national platform, in Narok, Ledama Ole Kina is increasingly defined by ENKANASA – a growing empire built on local resources, employing local people, and brewing a future of greater self-reliance and prosperity for his community.

The ENKANASA model demonstrates that investing ambitiously in local enterprise is perhaps one of the most potent forms of representation and service a leader can offer.

The milk is flowing, the scent of success is in the air, and the beans are sowing the seeds for an even brighter Narok harvest.

The MOOD Last Evening, Matatu Culture ” Lusts “

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By Billy Mijungu

On an otherwise calm evening in the heart of Nairobi’s Central Business District, something electric buzzed through the air.

The usual chaos of downtown traffic was disrupted not by protests or presidential convoys, but by something uniquely Kenyan.

The launch of a new matatu, not just any matatu, but one called “MOOD”, driven, quite literally and symbolically, by President William Ruto’s son, George Ruto.

Packed at the Kenyatta International Conference Centre, the crowd roared with appreciation, flashlights danced in the night air, and music pulsated from the decked-out machine, which resembled a spaceship more than a commuter van.

For a generation often misunderstood, it was a moment.

Unapologetic, vibrant, defiant, and altogether authentic.

Critics were quick to question the event’s legality, with some motorists expressing concern over traffic disruptions and NTSA’s alleged leniency.

But the crowd was unbothered. What stood out was not the traffic jam, but the statement being made.

Gen Z had entered the stage, and they had their own matatu.

To many outsiders, matatus are just loud, graffiti covered buses.

But to Kenyans, especially Nairobians, they are cultural artifacts.

Each matatu is a rolling statement of style, rebellion, aspiration, and identity.

They blare Gengetone or trap music, flaunt neon lights, WiFi, flatscreens, and artwork that speaks the language of the street.

Matatu culture, particularly in urban areas, has always reflected the voice of the youth.

It is where fashion meets hustle, where politics meets art, and where music meets resistance.

The drivers and touts, often drawn from the very neighborhoods where unemployment is rife, have created a micro economy rooted in hustle, speed, and attitude.

In essence, matatus are more than vehicles.

They are movements.

If you know your Nairobi history, you know that Mike Sonko rode the matatu wave into Parliament, then to the Senate, and finally to City Hall as Governor.

His appeal to the youth was direct. He looked like them, talked like them, and moved in the same rhythm.

He wore matatu culture like a badge, complete with bling, lingo, and defiance.

It is no surprise then that politicians are once again peeking into the matatu scene, hoping to connect with a restless generation that has little time for traditional politics.

George Ruto’s entry into this space is not just a personal project.

It is a political signal. Whether intentional or not, MOOD is a flag planted in youth territory.

But the question now is who will mobilize better, the opposition or the government?

The Ministry of Cooperatives and MSMEs may have stumbled upon a goldmine.

Imagine organizing matatu saccos tailored for Gen Z.

Youth run, tech integrated, with financing models that give them ownership rather than just labor.

It could be the entry point into formalizing a culture that already runs on its own rules.

Such a move would not just create jobs.

It would also build a base, a generation that feels seen, invested in, and empowered.

From repair garages to paint shops, music content to digital platforms, the ecosystem around matatus is expansive.

Tapping into it could turn into a serious socio-political win.

But if the government fumbles, this door remains wide open for the opposition.

With the right messaging, a savvy opposition could fund youth matatus, offer digital training, and mobilize around transport hubs.

Just like that, a matatu becomes a campaign bus, a rallying point, and a message carrier.

Imagine matatus painted not just in graffiti but in manifesto points, cruising through estates playing campaign tunes and livestreaming debates.

That is not just politics.

That is performance art.

The Gen Z protests of 2024 proved that this generation is not apolitical.

They are simply allergic to stale politics.

They prefer authenticity, creativity, and ownership. Matatu culture gives them all three.

It is loud, unapologetic, rebellious, and proudly Kenyan. MOOD was more than a matatu launch.

It was a statement of belonging, a symbol of generational presence, even defiance. Whether George Ruto realizes it or not, he has stepped into a powerful arena.

One that politicians, on all sides, would be foolish to ignore.

Because in Kenya, when matatus move, the people move.

And right now, the mood lusts.

My times, moments with Mama Asiyo: The Mentor, Girl child Advocate, Mother and visit to President Obama

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By Dr Ida Odinga

When I grow up, I want to be like Mama Phoebe Asiyo

“I have known Mama Phoebe Muga Asiyo when I was a little girl in secondary school and that time she was working with the Kenya prisons.

I first saw her when she was in the prison’s uniform, and she looked very smartly dressed and I told myself; I want to be like Mama Phoebe Asiyo.

Mama Asiyo when she was chairperson of Maendeleo ya Wanawake,  and as young girls, we admired her work and how she was handling herself and we used to say when I grow up, I want to be like Mama Phoebe Asiyo.

Later on, when I joined University of Nairobi, Mama Asiyo presence in the national arena became our inspiration and I looked forward to meeting her one day in my life.

First Encounter with Mama Asiyo

In 1991 during the political agitation for the repeal of section 2a of the constitution and introduction of the multi-party politics, my father-in-law, the late Jaramogi Oginga Odinga walked to my office and asked me to inform Nyagoro that he wanted to see her.

That time, I had been sacked and reinstated by the government as a teacher, I used to work a lot with Jaramogi during that time.

I worked as the office manager and also doubled as Jaramogi assistant, so when he asked to get Nyagoro, I didn’t even know who Nyagoro was.

Jaramogi would tell you what he wants done and the rest was up to you to figure out and have it accomplished.

I went to Luke Obok and asked him, who is Nyagoro?

He smiled and calmly responded that is Mama Phoebe Asiyo, I didn’t have her contacts, and I didn’t know where she worked.

Luke volunteered to get me her telephone contact the following day.

By then, Mama Asiyo was running her ceramic business that made cups, plates and other products.

I called, introduced myself and politely requested her that Mzee wanted to meet her and if she could kindly find time to pass by.

Mama came, I received her, and we exchanged pleasantries before I ushered her in to meet Mzee.

From that moment, our friendship blossomed.

Karachuonyo Parliamentary Election of 1992

Mama Asiyo and I developed a friendship thereafter beyond the boundaries and during the Karachuonyo 1992, first multi-party elections, I accompanied her to the constituency several times.

We would traverse the constituency seeking for votes talking to women and men alike.

It was a fiercely contested election, high voltage but at the end we succeeded.

That moment was a shared experience for our common agenda for the girl child and the promotion of women in leadership and especially in the parliament.

Mama Asiyo opened the gates for women to be elected to the parliament and that is why Homa Bay county have several women elected to the parliament and governor positions.

The League of  Kenya Women Voters

When I founded the League of Kenya Women Voters, a non-partisan organization dedicated to empowering women in the political sphere and promoting their participation in leadership roles.

I requested Mama Asiyo and Mama Jael Mbogo to be the Council members and gladly accepted.

We were able to tap from their knowledge, experience and social networks to be the voice for women, with a focus on training women for political office and the constitutional review process. 

Purpose:

The League’s core mission is to empower women to participate more effectively in Kenya’s political landscape, ensuring they have a voice in decision-making processes. 

  • Activities:

They engage in various activities, including:

  • Training: Preparing women for political office and the constitutional review process. 
  • Advocacy: Taking positions on broad national issues, policies, and the political process as a whole. 
  • Awareness: Raising public awareness about the importance of women’s political participation. 
  • Lobbying: Working to influence policy and legislation that affects women. 
  • Non-Partisan Approach:

While taking positions on critical issues, the League maintains a non-partisan stance. 

  • Key Focus:

The organization is particularly concerned about the challenges faced by girls and women in Kenya and actively advocates for issues like sex education and addressing the root causes of early pregnancies. 

  • Impact:

The League has played a significant role in Kenya’s political landscape, contributing to constitutional reforms and advocating for women’s representation in government. 

Through Mama Asiyo we were able to achieve the above objects and activities.

Making of Mama Asiyo as first woman member of Luo Council of Elders

I was concerned with the composition of the Luo Council of Elders, I kept asking myself, why can’t we have Mama Asiyo to represent us in the council.

I took it upon myself to approach the then Ker  Mzee Koyo Opien.

We had a discussion, and I requested him to consider having a woman and more specifically Mama Asiyo to be at the Council.

He obliged and that is how we installed Mama Asiyo as an elder.

A fete I am happy to have accomplished.

The meeting with President Barrack Obama

Mama Asiyo and I attended countless number of international meetings in the USA and other parts of the world.

We became lock and key.

She would tag me along and I would also do the same.

We became more like sisters and never left one another side.

When Barrack Obama was the senator, we were able to visit him and shared our dream, experiences.

And when he became the president, Mama Asiyo and I also visited him at the White House, some of the cherished moment, I shared with my elder sister, mentor, trainer and mother.

The Joka Odinga  

The late Jaramogi Oginga Odinga had soft spot for Nyar Agoro.

In 1982, when Jaramogi’s family faced a lot of problems with the government and he couldn’t go to campaign for Nyar Agoro during the general elections.

He went to the Kisumu bus stop and told people in the matatus heading to Hoam bay through  Karachuonyo, that when they arrive, to pass his greetings to Nya Agoro and Jo Karachuonyo. 

That is how he endorsed Nyar Agoro who won the seat against Kanu’s maestro the late David Okiki Amayo.

A mother  and a woman of dignity 

Mama Asiyo cherished her family above everything. 

She remained dedicated to her family and offered the best to the family.

She handled herself with dignity and remains a mentor to all women.

Mama Asiyo understood what it meant to be a mother and a wife and upheld the dignity of her family.

She often reminded women in politics that family was supreme and that they should uphold the dignity of their family and marriages.

Kenya’s Presidential Race Shifts: Fresh Faces, Sharp Turns, and a New Political Order

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By Billy Mijungu

Kenya is rewriting its political playbook, and this time it is tossing out the old rule that longevity in public office is a prerequisite for presidential ambition.

The 2027 race is already shaping up to be a referendum on performance, not political history.

The game has changed. The faces are new. And the momentum is unmistakably fresh.

From a judiciary stalwart to executive technocrats, and from single term legislators to second term senators, the next generation of presidential contenders are not necessarily products of lifelong political machinery.

They are symbols of Kenya’s evolving political taste. Short. Sharp. Shock.

Top among those redefining this new norm is former Chief Justice David Maraga.

With over 35 years of judicial experience and zero ties to political baggage, Maraga is positioning himself on a bold platform focused on the restoration of the rule of law.

His quiet dignity, reputation for integrity, and apolitical track record may just offer the kind of judicial credibility Kenyans are yearning for.

Then there is Dr Fred Matiang’i.

Ten years of uninterrupted executive service, no elected office, and no party allegiance.

What he brings is disciplined administration, a no-nonsense approach to governance, and a deep familiarity with the machinery of state.

If he throws his hat into the ring, he is likely to run on an economic transformation agenda built on structure, not slogans.

Even within the current regime, the trend is evident. Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has had just six and a half years in elected politics, a single term as Member of Parliament before rising to the second highest office.

His story proves that the fast lane to the top is no longer a fantasy.

It is the new route.

His likely successor, Deputy President designate Kithure Kindiki, served just ten years in the Senate before climbing the political ladder.

The takeaway?

Time in office is no longer the measure of political muscle.

This is not just about individuals.

It is about a system that works.

The 2010 Constitution has in many ways leveled the field.

It has rebalanced power, shortened political lifespans, and allowed new blood to compete without waiting decades.

This new Kenya rewards competence, not comradeship.

It demands results, not rhetoric.

The public, especially the youth and urban voters, is less concerned about the number of years served and more interested in the impact made.

The appetite is no longer for career politicians, but for result driven professionals.

Those who promise to fix and deliver, not just campaign and survive.

The narrative that you must stay long in public service to lead is losing steam.

The idea that Kenya’s presidency is the culmination of a lifetime in politics is being dismantled, one newcomer at a time.

As 2027 draws closer, Kenya is set to witness a thrilling contest, not just of personalities, but of philosophies.

The future is no longer reserved for the long serving.

It belongs to the doers, the disruptors, and the determined.

New book on connecting with Generation Z offers insightful lessons

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By Correspondent

Renowned public speaker and mentor Nixon Nyadiero Sekoh had at one point developed a strained relationship between him and his Generation Z children.

After figuring out how to solve the matter of his deteriorated relationships in his own household, he decided to pen a book for everyone on how to understand a generation considered rebellious.

His book, ” The Gen Z Parent: From Confusion to Connection” offers fresh entry into ideas on how to connect to Generation Z, who are currently the talk of governance spaces, parenting and workspaces.

Nyadiero’s book stands out as a manual that will enable every parent to understand generational battles and issues that cripple the mindset of a young person.

He suggests three perspectives in handling the Generation Z; a candid focus on where the young people are coming from, where they are going and the world that they live in.

Despite the book solving bigger societal challenges that other generations have with Generation Z like in politics and governance, Nyadiero chooses to view solving the deterioration of relationship between Generation Z and the status quo through his writing on parenting.

“In light of the foregoing, most of us tend to learn the hard way insofar as parenting Gen Z and Gen Alpha is concerned.

Albeit gradually, we realize issuing marching orders often amounts to nothing but an exercise in futility,” Nyadiero notes in the book’s introduction.

The 10-chapter book is easy to navigate as it tackles each aspect of connection with Gen Zs with precision. For instance, in Chapter titled, ” Background Factor and a Parent’s Excesses,” Nyadiero recounts how his own parents passed away when he was 17 years old. He narrates the experience as excruciatingly painful and devastating.

To those who are married, Nyadiero cautions that a man’s relationship with his wife is crucial if he’s looking for a cordial relationship with his children.

“I lost some grounds in my relationship with my children every time I permitted them to witness any form of antagonism in the way I related with their mother,” admits Nyadiero.

The author’s love for mentorship is easy to note in his work.

When writing about networks and net worths, he encourages the younger generation to unrelentingly pursue their passion every time he talks with them.

He equally in such talks insists on the need to nurture their networks in pursuit of their dreams.

Perhaps his biggest and most significant chapter is about the art of listening that according to him is lacking in many people, including the government today.

He remembers the events of June 2024 protests against the Finance Bill that led to the torching of Parliament.

He narrates that there are hard lessons that parents, and those in power together, ought to learn from the episode.

” It is sad to own up to the fact that failure to listen to our children could easily plunge us into a worse situation than what we witnessed in June) July 2024.”

Nyadiero talks too about character, values and the age of technology.

He notes here that there is more to life than providing for your children and facilitating a comfortable lifestyle.

Ensuring all the needs of your children are met is commendable but this is not all there is in life.

Nyadiero also explores the subjects of drugs and substance abuse and dealing with addictions.

In the chapter that exhaustively deals with sex and sexuality, he comfortably confronts a topic most parents get shy to discuss with their youthful children.

He wonders how the society has reached a place where sex as a topic became a taboo that could not be canvassed between parents and children.

Because of the existence of a vacuum, Nyadiero reveals that children have been left to their own devices, often soliciting such information from very suspect sources.

Nyadiero unsurprisingly draws most of his lessons and observations from the Bible and his own real life experiences, hence making reading the book not only exciting but confounding and timely.

The writer’s decision to pen the book is not a surprise to people who have interacted with his mentorship passion that is grounded in strong belief of good morals.

He is the founding chairman of Africa’s Promise; an international NGO focused on empowering the youth.

He is a public speaker, mentor, and serves on the boards of multiple organizations.

The book is currently available at Amazon and Nuria Bookstore.

Government Must Look, Smell, and Sound Fresh

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By Billy Mijungu

In the age of digital revolutions and corporate reinventions, our government still walks with a limp, burdened by tired buildings, obsolete equipment, and outdated human resource culture.

The need for a facelift, not just cosmetic but structural, has never been more urgent.

It begins with the basics: buildings.

Many Government offices, from County headquarters to regional commissioner outposts, project a grim and uninspiring image. Peeling walls, broken furniture, dusty corridors, and aging signage are the norm.

For a citizen seeking services, the experience is underwhelming.

For a first-time visitor or investor, it can be outright discouraging.

Renovation must start with the physical: repainting walls, repairing plumbing, replacing broken doors, and updating signage.

But it must quickly move to the symbolic: transparency.

Imagine open plan offices with glass walls that reflect accountability, welcome scrutiny, and project openness.

That is the Government we should aim for.

Our hardware systems, office equipment, IT infrastructure, transport fleets, equally need urgent repair and modernization. Why should a senior Government official be using a squeaky typewriter in 2025?

Why do citizens still encounter “system down” notices in Government offices when they have been promised automation?

Efficiency is not just about promises; it is about functionality.

It is about having well-oiled systems that deliver quickly and accurately.

Commendably, Kenya has made significant strides in digital payments and e-services, particularly through the eCitizen platform.

Today, most payments for Government services are cashless and paperless.

That is a milestone worth celebrating.

But we must go further.

We must align our digital intentions with physical reality.

A true modernization must involve upgrading the Government’s software, its people.

Human resource practices must evolve.

Civil servants must be retooled, retrained, and reenergized.

The era of clock watching, file hoarding, and bureaucratic lethargy should be left behind.

Instead, let us have agile teams, KPIs, digital dashboards, and open workspaces where productivity can be measured and celebrated.

Even the vehicles that ferry officials should reflect efficiency and value for money.

Modern, ecofriendly fleets that project a responsible and responsive Government, not fuel guzzling guzzlers stuck in Nairobi traffic, chasing escorts and burning taxpayer money.

It is time to reimagine Government as a corporate brand, vibrant, responsive, clean, and trustworthy.

A Government that does not just serve but inspires. One that does not just function but leads by example.

If citizens are expected to respect the Government, the Government must first respect itself in how it looks, sounds, and operates.

Fresh is not just a smell, it is a standard.

Kenya’s matriarch and freedom fighter, Mama Phoebe Asiyo is dead

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By Anderson Ojwang                          

Kenya’s Matriarch and Freedom Fighter, Mama Pheobe Muga Asiyo is dead.

In a communique from the family read “With heavy hearts, the Asiyo family shares profound loss of our cherished mother, Hon Mama Dr Phoebe Muga Asiyo who has peacefully passed away in North Carolina, USA. Her presence and love will be deeply missed by all who knew her.

We kindly ask for your understanding and patience as we navigate that difficult time.

Details regarding the memorial services and funeral arrangements will be communicated soon.”

Mama Asiyo was born in September 12, 1932, former MP for Karachuonyo, Founder member of Maendeleo ya Wanawake, ambassador to the United Nations Development Fund for Women (UNIFEM), mother, and grandmother.

She was UNIFEM’s ambassador from 1988 to 1992.

She joined the Maendeleo Ya Wanawake Organization in 1953 and was elected president of the same in 1958.

She was the first woman elevated to the position of Luo elder for her efforts to promote education for girls, women’s rights, and gender equality in Kenya.

 Fondly called Mama Asiyo, she has dedicated her life to improving the political arena in Kenya, the role of women and girls, and those affected by HIV/Aids epidemic.

Notable memberships

  1. Member of parliamentarians of Global Action
  2. Goodwill ambassador for united Nations Development Fund for Women of AFRICA
  3. Commissioner in the Constitution of Kenya Review Commission (CKRC)
  4. Delegate to the UN General Assembly and the UN Commission on the Status of Women.
  5. Consultant for the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa.
  6. Chairperson of the Kenya National Council of Women.
  7. Caucus for Women’s Leadership.

Honors and awards

  1. Order of the Golden Warrior: 1st class chief of the burning spear.
  2. Doctor of Humane Letters from Lehigh University
  3. Honorary Doctorate Law Degree from the University of York (2002

Tributes for Mama Asiyo have started flowing with leaders describing her as an icon of hope, mentor, selfless and a loving mother.

Former Karachuonyo MP Eng James Rege, said the death of the matriarch was shocking and a big blow not only to the people of Karachuonyo but nationally and globally.

“Mama was a great family friend to the Rege family.

She was my mentor and inspiration when I was the MP and after.

We shared a lot, and we pray God to give rest her in peace,” he said.

Kisumu Governor Prof Peter Anyang Nyong’o wrote “Deepest Condolences to the Asiyo Family.

It is with profound shock and disbelief that Dorothy and I received the sad news of the passing on of Mama Phoebe Asiyo.

Mama Phoebe was a constant source of inspiration and a trusted advisor to both of us.

Her immense contributions to Kenya’s politics and development are etched into our nation’s history and will undoubtedly be recounted to future generations.

We extend our heartfelt condolences to Caesar and all members of the Asiyo family.

Please know that we stand in solidarity with you during this incredibly difficult time.

May God bring comfort to Mama Phoebe as she rests in eternal peace.

Internal Permanent Secretary Dr Raymond Omollo wrote” We convey our heartfelt condolences to the family, friends and the people of Karachuonyo following the passing of an incredible trailblazer, Mama Phoebe Asiyo.

Mama Asiyo broke barriers at a time when few dared to speak, paving the way for generations of women leaders in Kenya and beyond.

Her wisdom, grace and unyielding commitment to equity will forever be etched in our collective memory. Rest in peace, Nyar Agoro.”

Homa Bay Governor Gladys Wanga wrote “Nyar nam ma ratego.

My heart is heavy as we mourn the loss of a beacon, a mentor to many, a trailblazer whose light guided so many of us.

Mama Phoebe Asiyo was not just a leader, she was the steady hand that lifted others, the voice that spoke for the voiceless, and the unwavering spirit that refused to accept injustice.

Today, Kenya has lost a matriarch.

To her family, my deepest sympathies.

To Homa Bay County, the institutions she served, and the countless lives she touched, I share in your grief.

We have not just lost a leader we have lost a mother, a teacher, a defender of what is right.

Her life was a testament to courage.

As the first African chairperson of Maendeleo Ya Wanawake, as Karachuonyo’s MP, as a champion for women’s rights at UNIFEM, Mama Phoebe didn’t just break barriers – she dismantled them so others could follow.

The Order of the Golden Warrior and Chief of the Burning Spear were not mere honors – they were acknowledgements of a life lived in service.

Yet beyond titles, she was Nyar nam ma ratego – a woman of the people and a dear daughter of the Lake.

Her wisdom was a gift, her strength an inspiration, and her absence now leaves a silence that echoes.

May her family find comfort in knowing her legacy lives on in every woman who stands taller because of her, in every voice that speaks louder because she taught us how.

Sleep well, Mama.

Your fire burns on in all you’ve left behind”.

Members of Lakeland Development Community also sent her condolences and said her demise was a big blow to the group and the community.

Empowering Gen Z Kenyans with Artificial Intelligence: Your Roadmap to Future Jobs

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By Eng James Rege

Africa today stands at the doorstep of an unprecedented digital revolution, and you are perfectly positioned to lead it.

Artificial Intelligence (AI) isn’t just a buzzword—it’s your generation’s gateway to creating sustainable job opportunities, driving innovation, and transforming lives across the continent. 

Here’s how you can leverage AI right now.

Immerse yourself in virtual sites such as Coursera, Udacity, and edX, or nearby tech hubs and universities teaching.

AI and machine learning.

Certifications not only give you the necessary skills but also increase your credibility for a global market that is craving for talent.

Identify everyday African challenges in healthcare, education, agriculture, or finance, and design AI-driven solutions. 

Precision farming apps, AI-powered diagnostic healthcare tools, or personalized educational platforms can turn you into tomorrow’s entrepreneurial success stories.

There are no borders for AI.

Sell your skills to the rest of the world via freelance websites such as Upwork, Fiverr, and Freelancer.

Your AI skills are demanded globally—exploit these websites to work from anywhere and draw globally competitive salaries.

Participate in or create local tech and AI communities, including Google Developer Groups, Zindi communities, or Data Science Africa. 

They are wonderful places where you can network, collaborate, learn, and expand your ideas with peers of similar interest.

Seek collaborations between your universities, governments, and private enterprise.

Collaborations can spread your reach, source funding, and provide access to mentorship from working professionals.

Explore open-source AI platforms like TensorFlow, PyTorch, and Hugging Face.

Customize these tools to address unique African challenges, such as localizing language models or building predictive models for agriculture and health.

Join the active discussions on ethical issues of AI, data privacy, and policy development.

Your voice matters significantly to create responsible AI practices that are aligned with the values and priorities of your communities.

Share your journey and knowledge through blogs, podcasts, YouTube videos, or social media content.

Educating your peers not only elevates your personal brand but also inspires and equips others to join the AI revolution. 

Take advantage of international funding programs and startup grants that are geared towards early-stage AI innovators, such as Google’s AI Impact 

Challenge, Microsoft’s AI for Good, or AWS Activate.

Gen Z, your generation’s superpower is now AI—accept it, lead with it, and redefine Africa’s social and economic landscape.

Your continent’s jobs of the future are powered by AI, and that future starts now.

Eng Rege is an IT expert, Former Permanent Secretary Information and Technology and former MP for Karachuonyo.

Cyber Bullies’ Misuse of Virtual Freedom Will Earn Them a Jail Sentence

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By Billy Mijungu

The internet is no longer the ungoverned space it once was.

With the recent signing of the Cyber Crimes Bill into law, Kenya has entered a new era of accountability in the digital space.

The Cyber Crimes Act, now fully enforceable, brings with it a clear message: online behavior has real world consequences, and misuse of virtual freedom will attract jail sentences.

Under the new law, several digital offenses now carry heavy penalties, ranging from two years to life imprisonment.

Unauthorized access to another person’s phone or computer, for example, can land an offender in jail for five years.

Deleting, modifying, or interfering with someone’s data without permission carries a similar penalty.

The law goes even further to classify the mere possession or transmission of classified or critical information without proper authorization as a criminal offense punishable by up to fifteen years in prison.

In an effort to curb the spread of falsehoods and maintain public order, the Act also criminalizes the publication of misleading or deceptive content, with offenders facing up to two years behind bars.

Recording private conversations, even when one is a participant, is also illegal and punishable by a two year sentence.

In a move to protect public officials and investigations, the Act prohibits the disclosure of police summons or official communication related to cybercrime investigations. Such disclosures attract a five year prison term.

The law also targets online harassment and character assassination.

It is now a crime to use vulgar, indecent, or humiliating language on digital platforms with the intent to shame or injure someone’s dignity.

Perhaps most seriously, the Act classifies online incitement of ethnic hatred or division as an act of domestic terrorism, an offense punishable by life imprisonment.

Bloggers who reigned in the absence of a legal framework now have a reason to worry.

What was once a free for all arena is rapidly becoming a governed space where facts, respect, and responsibility will rule.

The days of hiding behind fake usernames to launch attacks, share unverified information, and incite public unrest are numbered.

With this law in place, authorities now have the legal muscle to hold digital offenders to account.

Administrators of WhatsApp groups and other online forums are now under special obligation to moderate content and ensure their platforms are not being used to break the law. Group admins may be held accountable for illegal activities that take place under their watch if they fail to act or report appropriately.

The situation is further complicated by emerging concerns around artificial intelligence surveillance.

According to cybersecurity experts, even private chats and one on one messages on platforms like WhatsApp may be subject to AI monitoring unless users enable advanced privacy settings.

Digital users are therefore urged to exercise caution and responsibility in all online interactions.

The age of digital impunity is ending. Every tweet, text, post, and voice note now carries weight under the law.

What was once dismissed as harmless online banter could now carry the full force of the law, including years in prison.

Welcome to the era of digital hygiene. Kenya’s Cyber Crimes Act is a turning point.

It recognizes that while the internet offers freedom, that freedom is not limitless.

With stricter laws and improved enforcement, the country is taking a bold step to restore dignity, protect privacy, and promote respectful digital citizenship.

The message is clear: those who use cyberspace to harm others will face the law.

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