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Showing posts with the label #EoKOpinions

VISION 2030: ARE WE ON TRACK?

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By Franklin Mrata, Student | KCA University On 10th June 2008, Vision 2030 was unveiled by then-President Mwai Kibaki. Built on the success of the Economic Recovery Strategy for Wealth and Employment Creation (2003–2007), it aimed to accelerate growth, reduce poverty, and transform Kenya into an industrialized, middle-income country by the year 2030. With only five years left on the clock, it’s time to assess how far we’ve come, what lies ahead, and what we should be looking forward to. Vision 2030 is anchored on three key pillars: the Economic Pillar, the Social Pillar, and the Political Pillar. Having gone through a rollercoaster of achievements and setbacks, the Vision is fast approaching its final hour. So, where do we stand? The Wins Let’s begin with the wins. The completion of the Standard Gauge Railway (SGR) in 2017 marked a major milestone. As a flagship project of Vision 2030, its implementation provided a sense of hope that the Vision was on course. Other notable achiev...

Parenting a Generation Z. (Gen Z)

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Opinion by Karen Ndabari | Student, KCA University  A Generation Z child, is one born between 1997 and 2012, parenting one is like guiding a ship through both familiar and uncharted waters. As of 2025, Gen Z teenagers are digital natives, optimistic dreamers, and vocal participants in a world shaped by smartphones, social media, and rapid global change. Raising them demands adaptability, authenticity, and a willingness to learn. Gen Z has grown up in an era of unprecedented technological saturation. Their daily lives revolve around digital tools, with smartphones and platforms like Instagram and X (formerly Twitter) being more than just conveniences, they are integral to their identity. Unlike previous generations, Gen Z does not simply use technology; they live in it. This reality presents both opportunities and challenges for parents. Open and honest communication is key to building trust with Gen Z. Parents must take time to listen, validate their child’s feelings, and create a ...

Youth and Mental Health: Breaking the Stigma

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Opinion By Maryann Wairimu | Student, KCA University  Image Illustration: Desn-Maryann Wairimu//EoK// The youth today have increasingly begun to identify mental health as a significant concern. Many face rising levels of anxiety, depression, and stress conditions that, for years, have been left unspoken or misunderstood. While awareness has gained momentum through campaigns and conversations, stigma remains a powerful barrier that prevents many young people from seeking help when it’s needed most. Often, fear of judgment or being misunderstood leads young people to remain silent about their struggles. What starts as a small challenge becomes a heavy burden when one is afraid to reach out. This silence can turn into a dangerous spiral, pushing them deeper into isolation. The unspoken truth is that many suffer quietly, not because they want to, but because the environment around them doesn’t feel safe for vulnerability. Stigma presents itself in various ways. From making jokes about ...

OPEN LETTER TO PRESIDENT RUTO, KENYANS NEED ANSWERS.

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By Muthoni Shallom, Student, KCAU  Photo: President William Ruto Dear Mr. President, Kenyans Need Answers, Not Empty Promises. Dear Mr. President, A journalist as per say is the light of the community, I choose to be one to convey the message herewith.  To start with, when you launched the Hustler Fund, you promised to empower ordinary Kenyans, the famous mama mbogas and the boda boda riders, the jobless youth with big dreams but limited means. You spoke with conviction. You painted a picture of a government that understood the struggles of its people and was ready to walk with them. But fast forward to today, and that promise feels distant. Many of the people you spoke for are still hungry, still unemployed, still drowning in hopelessness. What’s even more puzzling is the recent revelation that the famous Hustler fund has allocated money and has savings for unborn children, billions of shillings for those born between July 2024 to 2073, really Mr. President? How did they regi...

SOCIAL MEDIA CHEFS ARE MAKING GOOD FOOD AFFORDABLE, IT’S TIME TO RECOGNIZE THEIR IMPACT

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Opinion By Shallom Muthoni- Student KCAU Image Illustration// Growing up, I loved watching cooking shows on TV. From the well-curated recipes to the meticulous presentation of meals, these programs were both entertaining and educational. But they had one major flaw, most of the dishes featured were far from affordable for the average Kenyan. Today, thanks to social media, cooking content has evolved. Food creators on platforms like TikTok, Instagram, and YouTube are bringing practical, budget-friendly meal ideas straight to our phones, making it easier for households to cook delicious, nutritious meals without breaking the bank. Digital chefs like Tik-Toks Rasta Chef have become household names, demonstrating how simple, locally available ingredients can be transformed into exciting meals. By focusing on affordability and creativity, they help Kenyans maximize their food budgets while still enjoying variety. Whether it’s using indigenous vegetables, repurposing leftovers, or finding al...

FIX SHA & THE BROKEN HEALTHCARE SYSTEM BEFORE IT’S TOO LATE

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Opinion By Tislam Ali, Journalism Student, KCA University. Image: Health CS, Dr. Deborah Barasa merged (SHA) Kenya's transition from the National Health Insurance Fund (NHIF) to the Social Health Authority (SHA) was intended to enhance healthcare delivery. However, the rollout has encountered significant challenges, leading to confusion and frustration among citizens. Many Kenyans are experiencing increased deductions from their payslips for SHA contributions, yet the coverage provided often falls short of actual medical expenses. For instance, there have been reports of patients requiring substantial medical funds, with SHA covering only a minimal portion, leaving families in distress. Compounding the issue, over 600 private hospitals under the Rural and Urban Private Hospitals Association of Kenya (RUPHA) have suspended services to SHA patients, citing unpaid claims and financial constraints. This suspension has left many patients, including civil servants like teachers and polic...

Youth at the Crossroads: A Generation's Fight for Leadership and Accountability

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  Photo Courtesy: Sebastian Karani, DMCP - Facebook  As Kenya grapples with a political landscape marred by corruption and unfulfilled promises, a new wave of activism is brewing among the country’s young population. This generation, often referred to as Generation Z is stepping up, not just in protest, but in action. For many, the goal is clear: reshape the nation’s future through leadership, education, and empowerment. Following the protests that echoed across the nation, youths are now shifting their focus from the streets to strategy. Conversations are sprouting across different circles, from urban hubs to rural communities, where young people are determined to hold leaders accountable, starting with educating themselves and their peers on leadership and governance. The sentiment is unanimous: the success of any civic education efforts will ultimately be measured at the ballot box come 2027. Learning from 2022: The Cost of Missed Opportunities The 2022 general elections pa...

Empowering Youth: Saying No to Political Manipulation

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  In today's dynamic political landscape, young people are increasingly targeted for political manipulation. Whether through misinformation campaigns, polarizing rhetoric, or manipulation of social media, the youth are often seen as easy targets. However, it's crucial for the younger generation to recognize the importance of saying no to political manipulation and taking control of their own narrative. Firstly, succumbing to political manipulation undermines the very essence of democracy. Youth engagement in politics is vital for the health of any democracy, but when that engagement is tainted by manipulation, it distorts the democratic process. By resisting manipulation, young people uphold the principles of transparency, accountability, and fairness in governance. Secondly, succumbing to manipulation perpetuates the cycle of division and polarization. Political manipulators thrive on creating rifts within society, pitting one group against another for their own gain. By rejec...

The Intersection of Politics and the Church: Navigating a Complex Relationship

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  The local Sweet Potatoes, popularly known as "Libwoni" in the Luhya land In the labyrinth of modern society, the intertwining of politics and religion has become a constant source of debate and contention. Nowhere is this more evident than in the relationship between politics and the church. While some argue for a clear separation between the two, others advocate for a more collaborative approach. At the heart of this debate lies the question of where the boundaries between church and state should lie. On one hand, there are those who believe that religion should have no place in politics, arguing that a secular government is essential for ensuring equality and safeguarding individual freedoms. They argue that the state should remain neutral on matters of religion, allowing citizens to practice their faith freely without interference. On the other hand, there are those who argue that the church has a moral obligation to engage in political issues, particularly those that al...

OPINION: PREPARE FOR BARASA'S GOVERNORSHIP EVEN IF THE SYSTEM MIGHT DECIDE TO BETRAY HIM IN THE FUTURE!

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  Photo Courtesy: Hon. Didmus Barasa, Kimilili MP In Bungoma, amidst constant factors, the race for the county leadership is quietly being won, driven by evident factors. Furthermore, potential competitors to Kimilili MP Didmus Barasa are confident that the local system may undermine the vibrant MP, serving as a through pass, "TABA!" Following the 2017 general elections, the then Deputy President, now President, Dr. William Ruto, harbored ambitions of leading Kenya. Rumors suggest that the duo (UhuRuto) had signed an MOU prior, with President Uhuru Kenyatta supporting Ruto's ambitions. However, with the handshake and subsequent shifts, allegiances changed. William Ruto, a political master planner, wasted no time initiating his campaigns, preparing for an uncertain future. Despite calls to focus on his duties as DP, he proceeded cautiously. Eventually, the system attempted to thwart his ambitions, but it was too late. During this period, Kimilili MP Didmus Barasa was an at...