Dr. Edris N.Omondi (Advocate)

attorneyedris@ywcg.org

In the course of our lives, we encounter countless paths and possibilities, yet not all of us are destined to walk the same journey. It’s easy to fall into the trap of believing that everyone should follow the same blueprint — particularly in a society like ours, where many are conditioned to pursue a career based on academic qualifications or chase financial success as the ultimate measure of purpose. But the truth is, we all carry unique graces and gifts, and discovering our true purpose lies in embracing what makes us different.

The Fallacy of a One-Size-Fits-All Purpose

The world has witnessed individuals like Michael Jackson, Whitney Houston, Steve Jobs, Jack Ma, or even Oprah Winfrey among many — each one exceptional in their own way. Michael Jackson’s voice wasn’t just trained; it was a gift that spoke to millions. Personally, I grew up moonwalking believing I had his gifting, Similarly, Whitney Houston’s vocal prowess reached heights that many could only dream of. These icons didn’t become who they were through sheer effort alone; they tapped into unique gifts that set them apart. But how many of us truly recognize that we, too, carry unique gifts, different from those around us? We have been in the same plane, but destined differently. Too often, we overlook the reality that education is not the gift itself, but the tool that sharpens our potential. We go through school systems, acquire qualifications, but still wrestle with the question, “What is my purpose in life?”

The Struggle with Purpose

This confusion is not an isolated truth — it’s universal. Across the globe, many of us struggle to pinpoint why we are here and what we are meant to contribute. In our societies, this struggle is magnified by societal expectations, where success is often equated with wealth and power. Politicians and those in positions of authority are frequently revered as the epitome of success, creating the desire of become one too. But this mentality is limiting. The pressure to follow a particular career path, driven by money and status, creates a disconnect from our true purpose, which is often not tied to wealth but to fulfillment through service, passion, and authenticity.

The case of the Albanian decent Agnes Gonxha Bojaxhiu-Mother Teresa who settled miles away in Calcutta India, to serve in a strange community and found deep satisfaction in community service is an excellent example of how purpose isn’t always defined by the title or degree we hold. She discovered a fulfilling life in serving others — much like the story told in the book The Monk Who Sold His Ferrari, where the main character shifts from a materialistic, high-powered lifestyle to one of service and spiritual fulfilment. It’s a reminder that many of us, despite our academic accolades or social positions, are still searching for deeper meaning in our lives.

The Dangers of Living Without Purpose

The unfortunate reality is that many people live without ever discovering their true calling. They may go through the motions of life, achieving academic success or climbing the corporate ladder, only to feel a gnawing emptiness inside. As the saying goes, “The grave is the richest treasure chest” — so many pass away without ever having understood what their true purpose was. Tragically, this happens because people are distracted by the allure of material comforts, never questioning whether they are living in alignment with their inner calling.

In contrast, individuals like Tom Mboya, the remarkable Kenyan politician, exemplify the idea that purpose doesn’t always require formal education. Mboya, a leading figure in Kenya’s struggle for independence, did not hold a secondary certificate or a university degree, yet he was driven by a profound sense of purpose. Similarly, in Luo culture, there’s a concept of “Juogi ili,” which refers to the belief that one’s path in life is guided by ancestral spirits, pushing you toward your destiny — a metaphorical reminder that purpose is often deeper than academic or material success.

Finding Your Purpose: How to Rediscover Your Factory Setting

So, how can we find our purpose? How can we get back to our “factory setting,” as some would say, to rediscover why we are here?

1. Embrace Your Unique Gifts, acknowledge that you are not meant to be anyone else. Just as Michael Jackson couldn’t replicate someone else’s dance moves, you cannot follow someone else’s path to fulfilment. Instead of trying to meet the expectations of others, reflect on what excites you, what feels effortless, and what you naturally excel at. Your unique gifts may not always be obvious — they often emerge when you start following your passion.

2. Let Go of Societal Expectations, while it’s important to have ambition, do not fall into the trap of thinking that your purpose is simply tied to financial success or prestige. Many people who’ve achieved great wealth or status often report feeling unfulfilled because they neglected their true purpose in the process. Take the example of Oprah Winfrey, who struggled early in life but ultimately found purpose in her role as a storyteller and motivator. She chose to follow her own path rather than conform to external pressures.

3. Serve Others and Reflect on Your Impact Often, purpose is revealed when we step outside of our own desires and focus on making a positive impact on others. Community service, helping others, or simply being present in someone’s life can provide immense clarity. Much like the mother Teresa,-turned-community volunteer mentioned earlier, we must ask ourselves: How can I be of service to others? What legacy do I want to leave behind?

4. Trust the Process, It’s important to recognize that purpose doesn’t always come easily, and it often requires patience. As seen in the stories of Steve Jobs and Jack Ma, they did not know their exact path at the start but discovered it through trial and error. Life is an ongoing journey, and sometimes, you only uncover your purpose when you are actively pursuing something with passion and dedication.

5. Look Inward for Guidance, whether you connect to spirituality, religion, or meditation, looking inward for guidance can be incredibly powerful. The quiet moments of reflection can help you listen to your heart and soul, revealing the path that is uniquely meant for you.

Conclusion: The Importance of Embracing Your Purpose

Rediscovering your purpose in life is not about following the crowds or chasing societal ideals. It is about looking inward, recognizing your unique gifts, and following the path that resonates with your true self. Society may encourage certain careers or ways of life, but fulfilment comes from aligning your work and life with your innermost passions and desires.

By rediscovering our purpose, we honour the uniqueness within us all and embrace the fulfilment that comes from contributing to the world in our own special way. It’s never too late to find your purpose, and for those who have yet to do so, remember — the richest treasures are not found in gold or titles but in the peace and satisfaction that comes from living a life aligned with your true calling.

By Remmy Butia

As the calendar turns to March, the North Rift region of Kenya eagerly anticipates the arrival of the long-awaited March-April-May (MAM) rainfall season. This period, often referred to as the “long rains,” is a critical time for the region, which relies heavily on agriculture for livelihoods and food security. For farmers, pastoralists, and communities across the North Rift, the onset of these rains brings renewed hope and the promise of a bountiful season.

The North Rift, encompassing counties such as Uasin Gishu, Nandi, Elgeyo Marakwet, and Trans Nzoia, is known as Kenya’s breadbasket due to its fertile soils and favorable climate for crop production. However, the region has faced challenges in recent years, including erratic weather patterns and prolonged dry spells, which have disrupted farming cycles and threatened food supplies. The MAM rains, therefore, are not just a weather phenomenon but a lifeline for millions.

As the first rains begin to fall, the landscape transforms almost overnight. Dry, cracked earth gives way to lush green fields, and the air is filled with the scent of fresh soil. Farmers rush to prepare their land, planting staple crops such as maize, beans, and wheat. For pastoralists, the rains rejuvenate grazing lands, ensuring their livestock have access to water and pasture.

The MAM season is also a time of community and collaboration. Neighbours come together to help each other plant, and local markets buzz with activity as farmers purchase seeds, fertilizers, and tools. The sound of children playing in the rain and the sight of livestock grazing in revitalized fields are reminders of the resilience and adaptability of the North Rift communities.

However, the season is not without its challenges. Heavy rains can sometimes lead to flooding, soil erosion, and the spread of waterborne diseases. Local authorities and organizations are working to mitigate these risks by promoting sustainable farming practices, improving water management systems, and providing early warning systems for extreme weather events.

As the North Rift region embraces the March-April-May rainfall season, there is a palpable sense of optimism. The rains are a reminder of nature’s cycles and the enduring connection between the land and its people. For the farmers, pastoralists, and families who call this region home, the MAM season is not just about rain – it’s about hope, renewal, and the promise of a brighter future.

By Sandra Blessing

For aeons, despite Kisumu City and its surrounding areas sitting next to the world’s second-largest freshwater lake, Lake Victoria, water supply and connectivity have been low for both domestic and commercial users.

However, the recent and ongoing multibillion-shilling infrastructural investments are rewriting the water story in the county and making the city water-secure. The water infrastructural investment is opening Kisumu City to investors due to the availability of the commodity, which is a key component and driver of investment.

The Sh 7.5 billion infrastructural development, supported and financed by the French Development Agency, the European Development Bank, the European Union, and the Government of Kenya, is radically transforming the water and sewerage facilities in the region and opening the city to economic growth and investment opportunities.

Chief Executive Officer of Lake Victoria South Water Works Development Agency (LVSWWDA), Ms Jackline Kemunto, said the Lake Victoria Water & Sanitation (LVWATSAN) Programme financial agreement was signed in 2020, and construction works began in December 2022.

She said the programme has three components, namely last-mile connectivity, expansion and construction of sewerage facilities, and expansion and rehabilitation of the Dunga Water Intake.

“We are committed to making Kisumu City and its environs water-secure to promote investment opportunities and ensure a healthy community through access to clean, potable water in all households.

We cannot realise economic growth and investment in a city that suffers from water insecurity. That is why Kisumu is emerging as the next economic and investment hub.

Our work as LVSWWDA is to ensure we have infrastructure that responds to the ever-increasing water and sewer demand in the region.

We are up to the task, and our commitment to the above is in line with the government’s Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda (BETA) of President William Ruto and the Kenya Kwanza Government,” she said.

Mr Paul Agwanda, Senior Manager of Water Works, said the three components of the programme will address water security, pollution, and sewerage in the city.

He said that under Component 1, the last-mile connectivity will witness 16,000 homes connected in Kisumu City and Maseno Municipality, increasing connectivity from the current 70 per cent to 95 per cent in water supply.

“Through this, we will be able to tackle the outbreak of waterborne diseases such as cholera because residents will have access to clean water supply at their disposal,” he said.

In Component II, Agwanda said the project involves the expansion, rehabilitation, and augmentation of the Dunga Water Treatment Plant, increasing production from 18,000m³ per day to 45,000m³ per day.

“This is to ensure that during the dry period, when the flow of River Kajulu reduces from 3,600m³ during the rainy season to 8,000m³ during the dry spell, water from the lake will be able to cushion residents from drought.

This is part of the adaptation to climate change affecting all rivers within Kisumu County. We hope to tender in September this year, and by June 2027, the works will be completed,” he said.

Similarly, Agwanda said that Component III includes the extension of sewerage and the construction of the Otonglo Wastewater Plant, which will increase sewerage connectivity from the current 17 per cent to 40 per cent.

“This will drastically reduce pollution of Lake Victoria, which has resulted in algae bloom, water hyacinth, and devastating mass fish deaths in the lake. We want to make the lake clean and habitable for fish.

Fish in the lake usually breed on the Kenyan side of Lake Victoria, and the project will ensure that the fish ecosystem is not contaminated,” he said.

Chairman of the Agency, Odoyo Owidi, said that as a result, the project will go a long way in supporting the ongoing construction of affordable housing by the government in Kisumu and transforming the city’s fortunes.

“Currently, we have ongoing housing constructions in Makasembo, Ondiek, Lumumba, and the ultra-modern El Marina, which was launched a month ago. The infrastructure will be able to respond to the water and sewer demands of these facilities,” he said.

Odoyo spoke as the Victoria South Water Works Development Agency handed over eight double-cabin vehicles and an exhauster to six Water Service Providers.

Two double-cabin pick-ups each were given to Migori Water and Sanitation Company, Siaya Bondo Water and Sanitation Company, Homa Bay Water and Sanitation Company, and Bomet Water and Sanitation Company. The exhauster, on the other hand, was issued to Gusii Water and Sanitation Company (Kisii & Nyamira).

The chairman urged the water companies to ensure the vehicles were properly managed and only utilised for their intended purposes.

The CEO said the Agency was committed to developing infrastructure for various water service providers to ensure the region was water-secure and had a healthy society.

“We undertake the development of infrastructure, and we challenge you to ensure prudent service delivery to residents,” Kemunto said.

By Billy Mijungu

Why aren’t people signing up for SHIF/SHA, or the so-called Taifa Care? The answer is simple: It’s not working, and therefore, it does not inspire confidence.

The best way to market a public healthcare scheme isn’t through slogans or government directives. It’s by proving, beyond doubt, that it delivers. People need to see bills being paid efficiently, hospitals accepting Taifa Care without drama, and complaints being resolved swiftly. Until that happens, the uptake will remain low. No one is willing to sign up for a program that appears stillborn.

The government must change the narrative—not by force or propaganda, but through action. It must prove that Taifa Care is functional, effective, and reliable. A good place to start is by ensuring that every government employee, from top officials to civil servants, is exclusively covered by Taifa Care. Retiring all private medical insurers in government institutions would not only inspire public confidence but also save the exchequer nearly Ksh 150 billion annually.

If Taifa Care is truly meant to be the solution for all Kenyans, then let those running the country lead by example. Until then, skepticism will remain, and sign-ups will be sluggish.

By Erick Otieno

Nyanza Regional Commander of Prisons, Patrick Nyaachi, has asked Migori inmates to reflect on their time in prison and decide who they want to be in the future.

Nyaachi, who celebrated International Women’s Day with women inmates at Migori Main Prison, urged the inmates to accept and embrace the change offered at the prison facilities to self-reflect on their lives after their jail term for a better future.

He told the inmates to think about the virtues of freedom and reflect on their time before their jail term to change and become responsible citizens.

He also reminded men of their obligations by pointing out that a home and a society that lacks men’s leadership is not a strong society.

“I am urging men to play their part and be responsible citizens in taking care of their families rather than being in jail for crimes that they could have prevented,” noted Nyaachi.

The official also called upon women who falsely accuse their men of various crimes to desist from the behaviour that jeopardises family unity.

“Sometimes men are accused falsely and end up in jail for crimes that they did not commit,” explained Nyaachi.

He emphasised that the criminal system will continue to play its part to ensure that those who deserve to be in prison are genuine cases.

The official also added that the correction department will continue to take good care of inmates to ensure they become responsible citizens when they finish their jail terms.

Chief Officer in Charge of Gender and Inclusivity, Prof Rose Odhiambo, explained that culture was still the biggest hindrance to gender equality.

Odhiambo said a section of male and female inmates have been jailed because of Gender-Based Violence (GBV) and Female Genital Mutilation (FGM), cases that she said could be easily avoided.

On her part, Migori Resident Judge Anne Onginjo urged the inmates to be good ambassadors in prison as well as outside after their jail term.

Onginjo, however, called upon Kenyan citizens to be truthful to the court to get justice, adding that being truthful can open doors to an alternative justice system like mediation that can help individuals avoid prison.

Dr.Edris NOmondi  (Advocate)

Attorneyedris@ywcg.org

In a poignant personal experience, I recall a time when I took my mother, suffering from an amoebic dysentery infection, to a hospital here in Kisumu. After her condition deteriorated and she lost a significant amount of water, she was admitted to receive drip medication. The next morning, we were horrified to discover that her active hand, had turned pale black, and had lost all feeling. It was a traumatic experience for the family, especially compounded by the realization that hospital negligence had indeed led to the loss of her fingers. This first-hand encounter with medical negligence deeply underscored the vulnerability we all can be susceptible to.

Anyone can be disabled:

The 2024 road carnage statistics have shown that approximately 4500 people lost their lives last year, thousands more suffered a form of disability-a reality check- that any of us can suddenly become a disability victim.

The tabling of the Bill:

This personal story resonates well, with the ongoing fight for the rights and welfare of people with disabilities. One notable champion of this cause is a Kenyan nominated Senator, one Crystal Asige, who has achieved a monumental stride for this nation, especially the country’s disabled community.

Allow me to paint an imaginary journey from Senator Asige’s perspective-she first tabled the Persons with Disabilities Bill on 22^nd March 2023, before the Senate, got drowned into the august house debate that convinced the Senate to pass the Bill in February of 2024. A year later, the march awaited news rang her door bell-January 16^th 2025, and yes, The National Assembly had approved the Bill into Law. With tears of joys that filled her eyes, her sojourn had finally culminated a journey worth the senate. Today, Kenyans of all walk of life, alive to her efforts- celebrate her. Her nomination is worth her representation-a significant historic memoir, that has aligned the rights of persons with disabilities within the constitutional guarantees, especially under Article 54 of our Constitution.

Progressive Constitutional Gains for Persons with Disabilities

It is significant to note that, The Persons with Disabilities Bill, 2023, did outdate, The Person with Disabilities Act, 2003, which had since been in place from June 16, 2004. The take away here is that, the amendments did realign with the 2010 Constitution of Kenya. There is no doubt that the amendments introduced several progressive measures aimed at improving the lives of disabled individuals across Kenya, particularly through greater accessibility, healthcare provisions, and employment protections.

One of the core provisions of the amendments was the reorganization of the National Council for Persons with Disabilities (NCPWD). This restructuring focuses on decentralizing the Council’s operations to enable it, better serve individuals at the grassroots level, specifically by involving county governments as the key implementors of National Government policies on disability and disability programs. This move is crucial for ensuring that disabled persons are not left behind, especially those in remote areas who have previously struggled with limited access to services.

International Win-Comparisons and Benefits

When comparing the Amendments with international standards, the law holds up well in many ways. Countries like the United States have long had legal frameworks, such as the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), which ensures accessibility and inclusion for persons with disabilities. Similarly, the United Kingdom’s Equality Act of 2010 provides comprehensive protections for individuals with disabilities, including workplace accommodations and public service access. The Kenyan law draws from these international frameworks, making strides to align with global standards for the protection and inclusion of persons with disabilities.

Additionally, the World Health Organization (WHO) and the United Nations (UN) have long advocated for the rights of persons with disabilities, pushing for laws and policies that promote their social inclusion and equitable participation in society. Kenya’s legislation aligns with these global standards by emphasizing accessibility, healthcare, and education are now within the required parameters on the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD) and the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.

Some Key Features and Benefits of the Law:

Free Medical Care

Persons with disabilities will be entitled to free medical care and treatment at public health institutions. This provision is particularly significant as it addresses the financial burden that many disabled persons face in accessing necessary healthcare. Section 24(5) of the legislation guarantees this fundamental right.

Family Unity

The law also stresses the importance of family unity, with Section 8(3) ensuring that no person with a disability will be separated from their child on the grounds of their disability. This provision helps challenge outdated stereotypes and highlights that disability should never be a barrier to family cohesion.

Retirement Age

Another important feature of the legislation is that employees with disabilities will now be allowed to retire at the age of 65, as outlined in Section 21(6). This opportunity creates economic participation and stability.

Healthcare Accessibility

Section 24 requires hospitals to establish accessible disability desks, ensuring that persons with disabilities can easily access the services they need, with healthcare professionals undergoing specialized training to provide adequate care for individuals with disabilities, and staff trained in sign language will be available to assist deaf patients.

Improved Accessibility Standards

One of the most important measures in the legislation is the registration of accessibility auditors, who will be tasked with ensuring that buildings, transport systems, and public services are accessible. This will ensure that people with disabilities are not excluded from participating in everyday societal activities, as outlined in Section 35(A)

Tax deductions

1. For every private employer who engages a person with a disability as a regular employee shall be entitled to apply for a deduction from its taxable income equivalent to 25% of the total amount paid as salary to such employee. (Section 23(1)

1. For Every improvement made by a private employer to a physical facility, they shall be entitled to apply for additional deductions from its net taxable income equivalent to 50% of the direct costs of the improvements, modifications or special services. Section 23(2)

Conclusion:

The benefits above is but a mention of only many great provisions. The passage of this law marks, a significant leap towards inclusivity and equality for people living with disabilities in Kenya. The law provides new opportunities for County Governments to realign their county disability legislations with the new developments. Of significance at this moment and time, is the incorporation of relevant bodies like the Council of Governors, the Kenya Law Reforms and other relevant government agencies to work together towards coming up with implementable formidable, practical regulations, that will operationalize the letters of the legislation into law.